However, the length of time it took me to get to it in no way reflects upon how awesome the get together was or how brilliant the projects were!
We met up at a dear crafter friend's house...
She has opened up her home to us more than once and we're forever appreciative of her and all the Ninjas that have been generous in allowing us to take over their space, raise hell, and have fun!In an exciting turn of events, Three Kings Tavern has graciously agreed to let the Denver Craft Ninjas use part of their space for our get downs!
Thanks Three Kings! We'll be seeing you very soon!
As per ujzhe, the spread was amazing. We love food and we love sharing food with each other!
Also, we having amazing taste. Just the way it is!
The always delightful Andrea, Miriam, and Stephanie were there!Lovely and hilarious as usual!
And Jen Wood too!Bless, she's a vision!
We had some new additions to the group this time around and what a pleasure to have these faces!Tina, Mariette, and Spencer's mom Linda!
We, of course, noshed, dished, and giggled before setting to work with Spencer's thorough, patient guidance!
He's got mad book making skills and offered to learn us! What a doll!
The supplies were plentiful and gorgeous.Papers of various textures, colors, and weights were piled on tables all around us.
And it was exciting to see all the components of what would aid us in creating beautiful handmade notebooks, emergency contact info toy books, and charming photo albums.
Spencer brought some examples of how the techniques he would be teaching us had been used in the past by tried and true artisan book makers.And he showed us his own book making efforts that can be found through his amazing small press Laughing Mouse!
Please take a look at the website and support the work of Spencer and the artists that trust his vision and talent!
The first group of book makers got settled...
Spencer set us to work on our first project.The toy book...
Here is an example of an antique toy book...
We would be using the same stitching technique to create our emergency contact toy book!
Spencer took the time to personalize our emergency contact toy books with the Denver Craft Ninja logo!How amazing is that?!
We listened very carefully to Spencer's instruction...and began folding...
We used the bone folder a lot on this project.There was no shortage of "bone folder" jokes.
Cute, right!?
Spencer is an amazing teacher.And his interest in the subject makes him all the more exuberant about sharing his knowledge with the rest of us!
Stephanie was particularly excited about this project!
She's all about accuracy!
Spencer and his Mama!
I even got in on the project.
Sarah wouldn't let me get away with not being in some of the pictures!
Can't believe anyone let me loose with an awl!
As we were finishing up our toy books, the second group came in...Shanda showed up! And thank heavens! It's always so fun when she makes an appearance!
The first group got to work on the photo albums...using the same fundamental technique as we used for the toy books.You'd be surprised how easy it is to make books!
You should be making one right now...a journal, a zine, a gift for a friend!
Don't know how? We'll show you!
It's unusual when you can get everyone's attention like this!
Usually, we are too unruly to really listen too closely...Spencer commands attention!
I picked a toile for my photo album, but Spencer had selected a colorfully beautiful variety of papers for the covers of these albums!
Everyone picked their favorite!
Sarah's was gorgeous...she even tricked it out with colored string!
Jen Wood showing off!
Tina! So glad you joined us! Please come back! 
Michelle! We love Michelle!SERIOUSLY...Hostess with the mostest.
Stephanie's fine handiwork!
Thanks for coming Linda! Would love to have you back!
Here's Miriam enjoying a piece of bread with a variety of spreads on it.Creative!
As we moved through each of the books, we had the opportunity to re-use the skills we learned and create something tangible from our new found skill!This is important stuff, people!
The second group was a far more wild bunch than the first group...
But we had Sarah...and she's the best!So effing hilarious!
Everyone we know has a talent - Expertise in something that they can contribute with.That's what makes these get togethers so awesome!
We're sharing knowledge and hanging heavy - also, mimosas make everything better!
Also, a crew of ladies can set you straight!Sometimes, you just need to join up, talk shit, and have some laughs!
All the better when there's something productive and creative involved!
At the end, we shared some cake, celebrated some birthdays...
and got down with some brownies and cookies!That's pretty typical!
Also, if you've never had cheese rolled in pistachios then wrapped in sun dried tomatoes and basil...Then I suggest you contact Jen Wood pronto.
She's sort of brilliant!
See! We have fun...
We'll be doing it again soon!
We want you to be there...so, drag yourself from your list of responsibilities (just for an afternoon) and join the Ninjas!
Seriously...
