WESTFIELD – Crafter Donna King is promising a “relaxing, enjoyable” day during the first Crop, Crafts & Card Making Retreat, sponsored by the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum.
King, also secretary for the Friends group, is spearheading this fundraiser which she expects to generate a lot of interest among craft enthusiasts.
“I have led the card-making workshops at the Athenaeum and since they are always so well received, I thought an all-day retreat would also be popular,” she said.
With ongoing construction efforts at the Athenaeum, the Carriage House at the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center on Mill Street was chosen for the day’s festivities.
“Not only is the Carriage House beautiful, it is also handicap accessible and all workshops will be conducted on the first floor,” said King.
King noted that whether a person enjoys scrapbooking, card making, knitting, crocheting, painting, quilting, sewing or coloring, there will be something for everyone at the March 4 event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $50 per person which includes a light breakfast and buffet lunch with choices including salad, pizza, soup, burritos, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day.
“Please bring any project you are working on and join us for a day of creativity, fun, food, laughter and relaxation with friends old and new,” said King.
A host of vendors will be featured during the day including Stampin’ Up!, Kiwi Lane, Heritage Makers, Creative Memories, LuLaRoe, Jafra, 2 Sisters Custom Made Pages, and GILTE Phyls baked goods.
“We will also have others with products, catalogues, and make and takes,” said King. “Various machines will be available, but you must bring your own mats and cartridges.”
King said that demonstrations will include cupcake decorating, repurposing old cards into new ones, calligraphy, and reupholstering a dining room chair seat.
“Experienced knitters will be available to help with projects, and a licensed massage therapist will offer chair massages for a nominal fee,” said King, adding that free hand massages using Jafra products will also be offered.
A raffle is also planned during the day, ranging from gifts from vendors to local donated restaurant gift cards and craft supplies.
“We welcome any raffle donation from a local business,” said King, adding the Friends group is a 501(c) 3 organization.
Pre-registration is required by Feb. 24 and checks for $50 can be made out to FOTWA, attn: Donna King, 51 Gladwin Dr., Westfield MA 01085-2511.
For questions or more information, contact King at (413) 262-4934 or via email to [email protected].
“This is a feel good event that also promises to bring in a nice profit for the Friends so that we can continue to support and fund free services and programs at the Athenaeum,” said King.
