Thursday, November 12, 2009

Winter Updates & Spring/Summer Lines for 2010!!

Greetings & hello!

Things have been very this year! Burning Man, 2 studio moves, Halloween costume sewing and now getting ready for the new year! Moving into 2010, there are lots of changes planned and exciting creativity is in the planning phase!

Regarding sewing classes, all classes are being moved out to a January start date and I will post the new schedule here in upcoming weeks.

I will be partnering with a few talented ladies (details to come on that later, so stay tuned) and we do have some exciting plans for new designs of Festival, Fairy, Dance and Tribal Wear for Men and the Ladies in 2010!

The plan is that we will be working on all sorts of things that have been requested over the last year such as, kilts and other skirts for men, funky vests and jackets, shirts, pants, cute dresses & tops, cloaks, etc. I will be making samples in the early part of 2010. Most everything will be styled in earthy tribal themes with sturdy and sensual fabrics, both knits and wovens. Part of the line will be simple but elegant, while some items will include interesting and unique embellishment. And of course, custom items will still be offered so if you have something particular in mind let me know and I can work on the design sketches between now and January! (Ssssshhhh, I'll be working on the beaches of Hawaii between Thanksgiving and Christmas!)

I always accept payment arrangements! 50% is usually required so I can source fabrics and other necessities. The remaining 50% can be paid over time prior to delivery! If you have a need for the upcoming year, now is the time to start the process as lead times will run 6-8 weeks! If you have your ideas ready, email them to me at: info@aprilenchanted.com and I will start sketching!

I am really looking forward providing you with amazing new things for your wardrobe this year! It's going to be great fun!

xoxo, April!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Fall Class Schedule

Ok, after much ado I have finalized the Fall Sewing Class Schedule! Yay! I know that many of you have been asking and the dates are finally here. So here is the class summary. Let me know if you are interested in registering and I will send you the registration information and a link. It will take me a day or two to update the website with the PayPal links for pre-registration. In addition, I will be offering some one day fun classes in the Spring through Colorado Free University and I will update you on that once that schedule is finalized! I look forward to seeing you all soon! Love and hugs, April!

Sewing Boot Camp!
This is the Level I class for beginner's and those getting re-acquainted with sewing. Covers all the things your Grandma never taught you!
Wednesday Nights, October 7 - November 25th, 6-9pm OR
Tuesday Nights, December 1st - January 19th
8 weeks, $250
Textbook, A Guide To Fashion Sewing' is very seriously recommended for students of this class. You can order it here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1563674505?tag=aprilenccreat-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1563674505&adid=1Z5K6FQ08N7TPVFP5TXP&

Level II Sewing Class - Pants and Skirts
Must have completed a Level I sewing class.
8 weeks, $250
Tuesday Nights, October 6-November 24th, 6-9pm OR
Wednesday Nights, December 2nd - January 20th

Corset Making Class
Must have completed at least Level I and preferably Level II class. Cost of class includes corset makers toolkit and pattern.
Monday Nights, November 2nd - 23rd, 6-9pm
Registration deadline is October 19th so that supplies may be ordered in advance. OR
Monday Nights, December 2nd - 28th, w/registration deadline on November 23rd.
4 weeks, $400

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Burning Man Projects Complete!

It's hard to believe but I have been working over at The Seed for the past 6weeks now. One of those weeks was spent up at Dragonfest, my annual retreat, which was revealing in many ways and I'm fairly sure it will be my last year there...but who knows what the future will bring.

I have spent 5 weeks at The Seed engineering and creating coverings and seating arrangements for the Infinite Love ArtCar and Mobile Lounge...a creation of great proportions that will likely end up traveling the world. I hear that after Burning Man, it may be going to the Love Parade in San Francisco. May it create Love in all of its' travels! I will be posting photos after Burning Man, so look for those!

I did get the opportunity to also create some really fun costume pieces that will be worn on the Playa this year and there will also be photos coming the Burn that I will be sure to post.

The Fall quarter sewing classes are being scheduled this week, so let me know if you are interested in signing up for any of these and I will add you to my email list and keep you informed on registration dates and prices.

Hope you all have had a great summer and I look forward to connecting with soon!

Friday, July 17, 2009

New Creative Energy at The Seed!

This week, the Aprilenchanted Design Studio moved into a new temporary location at The Seed. The Seed is a 20,000 square foot warehouse space where a huge Burning Man art car and encampment project is being built. There are some truly amazing and creative people there and I am really looking forward to the energy flow and the wonderful creative projects I will be a part of there. Those projects currently include the costuming of 4 people and building the lounge seating for the art car. Tomorrow, I will be traveling with Prometheus to some junk yards where we will be ripping out seat belts and their buckling hardware as part of a reuse of materials. We will be using the seat belts as strapping upon which the seating cushions will sit...kind of like giant outdoor furniture, only more circus like!

I am also working with my intern, Kelsie, to get ready for Dragonfest in a few weeks. We are building some fun wearables to sell in our merchant booth up there. Pics will precede our attendance at Dfest, so look for those. We are hoping to have some really fun and beautiful things to wear for all of you!

I will continue offering and holding classes for my sewing students at the new location, where the Studio will be housed until the end of September. The Seed is only the beginning, so look for more updates regarding the Studio and possible new location after September.

Here's hoping you are all living your dream and fulfilling your purpose for a beautiful life! Sending you all lots of love!

New

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Super Fun Denver Sewing Classes!

One Day Refresher/Beginner Sewing Workshop
Sunday, June 7th, Noon-6pm $80

Corset Making Class, start date June 10th.
4 weeks, Wednesday evenings, 6-9pm.
$400, includes tools and supplies except your fashion fabric.

Quick and Easy Tutu's!
Sunday, June 21st, Noon - 6pm
$125, includes materials.

CanCan Skirts!
Sunday, June 28, Noon - 6pm
$125, includes materials

Pre-registration required for all classes! Contact me directly to register at:
info@aprilenchanted.com

Monday, June 1, 2009

Sunrise T'ai Chi & Fitness Walks in City Park

Tuesday Mornings, June, July & August, 7:00 - 8:30 a.m.
West Side, Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Free and open to all!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Corset Class starts on June 10th! Register Now!

The much desired Corset Making Class starts next week on June 10th. Register now, so I can get your supplies ordered in time for the first class. This is going to be a great class that will provide you with a fitting sloper for all your future corsets, to make sure they will fit you properly. You will also receive all the tools necessary for future corset making projects and all the supplies, except your fashion fabric, is covered in the price of the class! So sign up now and learn a great skill! Then dress yourself and your friends in fanciness!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Gypsy Nomads tonight. 8pm at Witches Brew . 44th Avenue, half a block West of Sheridan. $6. Kids are free!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Gypsy Nomads tonight. 8pm at Metaphysical Research Society. Corner of 7th and Ogden. $10. Be there!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Gypsy Nomads-This Friday and Saturday!

The Gypsy Nomads are here in Denver for their concert weekend...finally! And how exciting for all of us! Here are the locations, so come on down and get ready to dance!

Friday, May 29th @ 8pm
Metaphysical Research Society
1001 E. 7th Avenue, Denver (corner of 7th and Ogden)
$10 - Full set show

Saturday May 30th @ 8pm
Witches Brew Cafe & Summerlands Community Center
5300 W 44th Ave , Denver (44th Ave, 1/2 block west of Sheridan)
$6 - Half set show

This Sunday! Beginner/Refresher One Day Sewing Workshop!

This is a one day event and I still have openings available! Email me if you would like to register at: info@aprilenchanted.com

Memorial to Officer Claire Connelly-My dear friend from high school.

I know that people die. And when you haven't seen or spoken to them in 15 years, it probably shouldn't feel so tragic. But this one hurt. She was someone I have always thought about over the years and I am struck hard today. I shall never forget you Claire.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Gypsy Nomads-2 SHOWS IN DENVER!!!!

The Gypsy Nomads do not play traditional music, rather a hybridized version of the gypsy sound laced with a cabaret, celtic and neo-medieval flavor rooted in punk, folk and the vineyards of southern France.

And they are coming back to Denver this May! Woot! For more details on this unbelievable acoustic duo and to buy tickets for the Denver shows, go here: http://www.aprilenchanted.com/DenverEvents.html

http://www.thegypsynomads.com/

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Supporting your local artisans!

In our current economy, it is understandable that one might think it highway robbery to ask $350 for a corset when you can buy a pre-made one online for about $50 or $60. But I want to explain the difference between that type of a corset and the one you will get from me...

*I do not have an assembly line of workers. I am a single 'artisan' who creates one of a kind garments to specially fit a woman and sometimes a man.

*The supplies for a proper corset cost me $90 a piece because I am not a big company that can buy them in bulk.
*The labor & fittings for a corset equals approximately 15 hours because a lot of the finish work is done by hand in couture style.

*And, I am asking for half down to start the work and the remainder at delivery...which makes this incredibly affordable.

I also feel that asking people to support their local artists right now is not out of line. Supporting enterprises that employ people outside of our own country right now is very defeatist and part of our current economic problem. We have to support each others work and stop buying into mass production thinking sold to us by the mega corporations. I will never engage in mass production work, only one of a kind, specialty work for my clients! It's what you deserve!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Corset Sale!

Hello Ladies, Friends of Ladies and anyone who likes wearing Corsets!

This is an announcement to let you all know that I am currently offering an unbelievable deal on CUSTOM MADE CORSETS, made to fit your measurements! Custom corsets usually start at $600 and go up from there. For the 1st 10 people that respond to this, I am offering a custom designed and constructed corset (up to a size 20) for only $350! Additional fees would apply for larger sizes due to fabric and boning requirement. Here are the corset features that will be included:
*Front busk closure - for easy in and out
*Back lacings w/ industrial strength grommets
*Fully boned for maximum stiffening
*Inner coutil lining for a very stable fit and comfortable next to the skin
*20 fashion fabric choices (or choose your own for a small additional fee)
*Lace or ribbon trims for an additional fee

If you are interested in this offer, I require a 50% down payment to acquire all the materials and supplies. I prefer to have 2 in-person fittings with the wearer, but I can make arrangements for those out of the Denver area. Corsets are labor intensive, so if all 10 spots are filled, it could take 8-10 weeks to get your completed corset, so be aware! I know that many of you have expressed an interest in having one made, so this is your chance to get a great deal!

Email me today if you are interested!
info@aprilenchanted.com

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Corset page is finally up!

The corset page, while needing a lot of things added, is finally up! I will be updating with new photos as the works in progress are completed. And, I've a new round of orders so I will have much more to add in the next 6 weeks or so! Have fun!
http://www.aprilenchanted.com/corsets.html

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

CanCan Skirts & Codpieces!

Hello Friends!

There are exciting new developments on the horizon! I am adding a whole series of REALLY FUN 1 day and 3 day workshops to the sewing class schedule! Read through this blog and then see the list below. If you are attending any of the summer festivals like Dreamtime or Burning Man, these workshops will be of great interest to you! Think Petticoats, CanCan Skirts & Codpieces!

New services are also being added. Check these out!
I am now offering Arts & Crafts facilitation for residential treatment facilities. These programs assist mid to low level functioning alzheimer's and dementia patients in exercising their motor functions and enrich their lives tremendously. If you are interested in receiving more information, please email me and I will send you an information packet.

I am also in the process of putting together teaching packets for homeschooler's (groups and individuals) that can also be used for scout troop projects and church youth groups. Each packet will contain a month's worth of weekly lesson plans that will end with a finished sewn project. Feel free to pass this information along to any interested parties.

I will be offering a significant discount on several classes this summer, including the Corset Class! And without further adieu, here is the new lineup of classes! Scheduling still in the works.

Fun & Easy Tutu's - 1 day workshop
Easy Petticoats & CanCan Skirts - 1 day workshop
Elaborate Headdresses - 1 day workshop
Horns, Beaks, Tails & Codpieces - 1 day workshop
Mask Making - 1 day workshop
Quick & Dirty Costuming on a Shoestring Budget
Make your own Handbag - 1 day workshop
Make Your Own Bathing Suit - 1 day workshop
Stretch & Sew - Working With Knits
The Real Tutu - Pancake Style - 3 day workshop
The Corset Class
Kids Couture Craft & Sewing (for the wee ones) - No sewing machine required

I am so looking forward to all the fun we are going to have this summer! I hope to see you soon!

Think! April
www.aprilenchanted.com

My method is different. I do not rush into actual work. When I get a new idea, I start at once building it up in my imagination, and make improvements and operate the device in my mind. When I have gone so far as to embody everything in my invention, every possible improvement I can think of, and when I see no fault anywhere, I put into concrete form the final product of my brain.
~Nikola Tesla

Friday, March 20, 2009

Kids Couture Craft & Sewing Class!

Here is my latest class offering, starting next week!

Kids Couture Craft & Sewing Class!
For kids 8-10 years old
No sewing machine required!
This class will run for 10 weeks, 2 hours each session. This is a class to get kids started on the joys of stitching and needlework. We will work on several small projects that will teach your young ones how to embellish their jeans and other old clothing with embroidery, ribbon and beadwork, sequins and other materials. There will be an applique project and a small handbag project as well! Hurry and sign up for this one as seats are going fast!
http://www.aprilenchanted.com/BegginerClasses.html

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Spring Fashion Market

Hello fabulous friends!

A little note to let you know about an upcoming event! I was hoping to be bringing several corsets and summer designs to sell, including some accessories and whatnot! I may not be attending now, but you should all still go! There are going to be some wonderful designers there, with lots of great stuff to see and buy! Here are the details!

Spring Fashion Market
Saturday, March 21st, 2009
1144 Broadway
Denver, CO 80204
Read all about it here:
http://www.westword.com/events/fresh-2009-1044362/

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Gypsy Nomads Returning to Denver!

Do you like Gypsies? Drums? Sweet singing guitars? Do you like to shake your hips? Well, I will tell you a little something. The amazing duo called the Gypsy Nomads formed by Scott Helland and Samantha Stephenson are coming back to Denver for another gig! We are working on confirming dates and location, but reserve the last weekend in May for this amazing show! I promise you will not be disappointed! Email me for updates and how to get your tickets! info@aprilenchanted.com

Also, go check out their site here: www.thegypsynomads.com
Live and be blessed!
April

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Sewing Camps for Kids (and Parent's) this summer!

Stay tuned! I am working out some details for several sewing camps this summer! I will be offering camps for kids as well as parent/child camps. This will be a great opportunity to have your child (and you!) learn some sewing skills and work on a simple and rewarding project! Email me if you are interested in learning more about these offerings!
info@aprilenchanted.com

Have a beautiful day!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Upcoming Fashion & Art Open House!

Hello everyone! I wanted to let you all know that I will be hosting an art and fashion open house at my new mansion in Downtown Denver! There will be a lovely jazz trio, hors d'ouvres, wine and lots of wonderful works of beauty. I am still working out the dates, but end of March or early April! Shoot me an email for more information or if you would like to display your works!

Love and blessings! April

Beltania!

There is a big 'ole Pagan musicfest happening here in Colorado very soon! Great music, camping, etc. Go here to get the scoop!
http://www.beltanefestival.com/

Spring Quarter Classes!

Hello! Just a friendly reminder to let you all know that the schedule for the Spring quarter sewing classes is done. You can check them out on my classes page, here:
http://www.aprilenchanted.com/Classes.html

Also, I went to a movie screening at a cool arts and crafts gallery here in Denver last night. You should check out their place as they have some amazing things there!
www.corkgallery.com

Have a fabulous day!
April

Saturday, February 21, 2009