All I can say is that this class was pure silly fun. The projects were Wool knitting needle flowers, Scented Drawer sachets & Tie on ice packs for first aid .
If I were Heidi Klume (we're like twins) and this were Project Runway they would all be... "IN" because each and every one played with the concepts and made them totally fun. Thank you to the 26 ladies who attended this class making this night the most successful craft night in Juniper history.

It's Back! this Wednesday night is our Lucky Dip Craft Night! I know I know I didn't post earlier to tell everyone about it this time. There are a few good reasons for that. 1. We booked out this class weeks ago. 2. I have been really busy. So apologies to those who are just finding out about it now. I promise to be more "with it" for the next one. This looks to be a goody. We have double the space. Can't wait to show you what the crafters do with their packs!*************************

The new Juniper shop is lovingly dedicated to Pauline Covey aka "Buddy"1928-2008 Beloved Grandmother.


It's been a emotional week my Buddy Grandma (as we called her) passed away at the beginning of the week and was laid to rest the day before yesterday. I have mentioned her on my blog before. She was 90 and lived a fantastic life and has an amazingly loving family. Pauline has a story that must be shared, as for all of us who are parents would see it's remarkable. She was a good loving wife and mother of 5 children. When she was pregnant with her 5th child the devastating event happened that would change her life. My Grandfather was killed walking home from work by an intoxicated driver. He was the love of her life and she never remarried. But she worked hard to provide for her 5 children and loved them all and taught them the morals that helped them bring up all 12 grandchildren with love and dignity. She was always there in the same house in the same town even after everyone moved on and out of state and country she kept a foundation of respect and love for us to all come back to when ever we needed her. She rarely "needed" anything from anyone. She was independent and proud. What she craved and lived for was social interaction and loved correspondence. Letters were so important to her. I love them too. We were pen pals. She wrote Poetry and often submitted to the Poetry Guild. This is a poem that my cousin Gayle found.

Look up and Smile

No one ever saw the rainbow
Who was always looking down.
So look up, and laugh, and reach my friend,
And never wear a frown.
You have a Friend up above
Who is looking down in love.
He doesn't like us to be downhearted and blue,
And he will strengthen us, if we follow through.
So launch out my friend, the harvest is white,
And gather the sheaves, before it is night.

- Pauline Covey

She loved going to Bingo, growing massive tomatoes and more than anything she loved the lord. When I left the church for personal reasons she just prayed for me. She didn't judge. I think she hoped I'd come back eventually. She gave me more than religion ever could. She gave my mother shelter in many storms and that taught me the gift of charity and forgiveness.
Juniper is so much a part of what I learned from her as a child. She made the coolest dish scrubbers in the most amazing colour combinations. And her love of flowers that my mum adopted & skilled herself in the art of floristry and then passed it to me. I try to carry on that tradition of craft and love of community. She told me often she would love to see the shop in person. I wish she could have. I will miss her. My friend and lovely Grandma. my Buddy.

We did it! And just to make it clear how hard we worked...here are some before shots and then the grand opening party.

Nearly there! We are working so hard to finish the shop for the big launch party this Saturday. If you haven't heard it's
5:30PM
14 Rintoul Street, Newtown.
I am so proud of it and it's not even finished. Even if no one likes it, I do! I didn't even want to leave it tonight. I just wanted to camp out in the middle of the floor with a sleeping bag and torch to look after it. Yes I love it that much:) see you Saturday.
remember 5:30 not 5:25 :)

We are moving these next two weeks. SALE SALE SALE!...more & more items are going on sale everyday. We have gorgeous greeting cards regularly $8 NOW $2! There are heaps of products that have been reduced down to wholesale price. Steven Shein jewelery is %50 off! ALL leaping frogs pegs and baskets are %50 off too! So please help us lighten our load.

Lucky Dip ROCKS!
What fun we had. This Wednesday was the first of our Luck Dip Craft nights here at Juniper.


Firstly I have to thank all the very brave and talented ladies & Gents (we had some boys on Tuesdays private booking!) that came out to take part in this crafty lottery. All of them impressed and inspired me with their creations. I am still buzzing.

The cost was $12 and they didn't know what they were going to make. It was so exciting when we all picked.

pack 1 ...Winter scarf from wool scraps
pack 2...Sushi magnets for the fridge made of felt
pack 3...keepsake scrapbook made from vintage books.

The first image is the samples of what I showed them and look what they DID with them! Apologies that the lovely ladies who did the vintage book scrap books as the pictures I took came out really fuzzy:( But they did an amazing job. I was ashamed of my prototype by the end of the class as theirs were so much cooler.

the NEXT CLASS IS Wednesday JUNE 18th. It will be at our new location too! So we can accommodate more people. Call 04 389 4058 to Sign up now. We are nearly full up so hurry!

We are so happy to announce the arrival of Artdivine jewellery to the shop.
Davina Ewing's work is beautiful and must be seen.







Wow! I mean W O W! The response has been amazing to our lucky dip nite. (see below) So much so we had to book a second nite. That alternate we have booked out. But there are still a few spots for the Wed 21st. If you or a friend would like to book. I say do it now. Because chances are you might miss the first and dare I say most exciting one. It won't come around till next Month so be quick.

There will be a very special prize draw too!

Lone Moose
clothing by Bonnie Degros

New in store this week is the largest selection of Lone Moose clothing you'll find anywhere. We have all the favorites (tapestry jackets for kids and hooded merino scarves for ladies) along with the extended childrens range which includes babies leggings merino hoodies and rain coats!

Our model this evening just happens to be the muse for his mummy. So cute.

In store this week

Annie Smits Sandano was born in Brazil and has lived between New Zealand and her home country for the past ten years. After finishing high school she spent a few months in the USA, where she attended Rhode Island School of Design and strengthened her skills in illustration, design and composition. Following this, Annie spent a semester in Florence, Italy, where she studied illustration, painting, Italian art history and textile design. more on Annie...


We have a full range of Annie's beautiful greeting cards instore now!
please check her website to view where and when you can see her work exhibited. just lovely!

Congratulations to Sue Mc Millan of seam
She had an amazing article on her business in this weeks Dominion Post.

Pictured is the new South island Robin cushion $52 NZD
her range is enormous and diverse so please come in and have a look.

Last Wednesday I was so lucky and honored to be invited to speak to the Wellington Embroiders Guild in Thorndon. I was to speak for 15-20 minutes on my craft background, how I came to NZ when I opened my shop and other crafty business related subjects. I must say I was very nervous but not because these ladies were scary but because the work they produce is so good it humbles one. I was there to let them know My plans for introducing new blood into the craft and thus helping them get new members. Firstly, these ladies floored me with the dedication and efficiency they showed. Not only was a huge meeting room set up within 10 minutes complete with roving craft library but secondhand haberdashery sales table, sound equipment, name tag table, and refreshments as well. By the time I got around to asking to help they were hot into making sales and pouring cups. The meeting swung into order with a swift smack of the gavel and away we went. I was invited to the podium after a few words from the president. Fighting the late stages of a cold with my raspy sexy cold voice on, I told of my business concept, the Sublime Stitching by jenny hart classes we put on and showed some of my Sewcherry products. But it was when I brought out my Great grandma Anne's sewing box that I got quite emotional. A tear came to my eye and I had to stop. I realized I was looking straight into the faces of someone else's Mothers and Grandmothers. I know it sounds corny, And I was SO EMBARRASSED how it took hold of me for a minute. I realised I miss my Gran and Great Gran more than I knew.
To be sitting around a table with them, Grandma Pinky, Great Grandma Anne with My Auntie Suzie, My Mum, sisters and I all laughing till it hurt and sewing something amazing, how I would love that. This was all flashing in my mind and it was so surreal. But I carried on. Finished my talk and ran to the corner of the room. When we broke for a break and discussion I was touched to see these lovely women all coming to look into my sewing box. Nodding with approval some smiling at it's contents others picking things up and inspecting for tag and names of old threads etc. (as the box still contains many on Great Grandma Anne's threads. Then a lovely woman came to me in the corner and said "that was very sweet how you spoke of the women in your family. They must be really proud." And you know what? I think they are.


*Thank you to the Wellington Embroiders Guild for their warm hospitality.

New this week
Polli jewelery of Australia. Just when you think they can't do it better...This is the 3rd season we've had these beautiful pieces and the range is bigger and better. Polli are to be tried on to be believed. Light and delicate but surprisingly strong.
They haven't left out the guys either, there are cuff links 4 styles. The new perspec stands that look like coral reef are stunning. All are in store now and ready to go home with you:)