For feel good bargain hunting in Lansing check out the Creation Station, 200 Museum Drive, Lansing, Michigan.The Creation Station is a non-profit volunteer group which takes donation of items from industry and individuals to be used by crafters, artists, teachers, scouts, churches and any other creative types. “A destination for people with imagination, a community outlet to reduce, reuse and recycle. ”
Creation Station shoppers recycle and reuse as they craft. The Creation Station shopper obtains great bargains while keeping items out of the landfill. One will routinely find many wonderful items at the Creation Station including beads, quilting fabric, yarns, paints and painting surfaces. Most items are priced by the bag. Selected assorted items stuffed in a standard paper grocery bag are $6.00.
Sadly the Creation Station is only open on Thursdays and Saturdays. It is staffed by volunteers so call ahead to double check the hours, call 517 371-2451. The Creation Station is definately worth the trip.
Brag about your art using a dollar store brag book. I converted these dollar store brag books into portable portfolios.
This is a simple project – just paint the cover of a brag book with your favorite simple design. Then fill the book with 4″ x 6″ pictures of your various projects. Carry these brag books in your purse or bag of crafting/painting supplies. Now you have a portable portfolio ready to show off your work!
I enrolled in a 10-week course for entrepreneurs offered through the local Small Business and Technology Development Center. For a reasonable cost, the course offers training in starting and running a business based on the FASTRAC – New Venture Program from the Kauffman Foundation. I found this class through my local community college.
I have learned a great deal. Cash flow, financing, legal structure, social networking and many other subjects were discussed by weekly presenters from the local business community. The goal of the course is for each participant to create a business plan. Private coaching is also available.
I have also learned a lot from my fellow participants which are all present or future entrepreneurs. This class has been great and has helped me create a solid business plan.
1. Use a #12 flat brush double loaded with dark brown and white to form the gingerbread man shape. Keep the brown to the outside and the white to the inside of the figure as you paint.
2. Use a small scruffy brush loaded with light brown and white to stipple the gingerbread man.
3. Stroke white for icing . Stroke brown under the white for shadows.
4. Add a red dot for a mouth. Highlight the mouth with a white dot and add a brown shadow under the mouth.
These little guys are fun to paint. Use them to decorate greeting cards or ornaments. Give them a try!
Brag about your art using a dollar store brag book. I converted these dollar store brag books into portable portfolios.
