Etsy Sneak Peek...Shhhhh.

Autumn Orange mono-print decoupage frame.

Underwater Fantasy mono-print decoupage frame.

The artists at Hope University are always making wonderful things for our boutique and Etsy shop.  They create faster than we can add it!  Here is a sneak peek at some new items coming soon to the Hope Handmade at Etsy.com.  Don't forget to start your holiday shopping early.

Etsy Updates for September

Napa Valley Purple Grape Felted Bead Barrettes.

Coastal Pine Green and Red Felted Bead Barrettes.

Hope U Student April makes a wonderful hand model for our wrist warmers. 

Robin's Egg Blue and Spring Green Hand Knit Wrist Warmers.

 
Hope University's very own Etsy shop has been busy!  We have sold 4 items, one pair of wrist warmers and 3 felted wool bead barrettes.  This week in Etsy class we updated some inventory and added another pair of wrist warmers and two new felted wool bead barrettes.  Above are some views of these new items and as you can see our product is selling well.  Now would be a great time to get in some early holiday shopping while our items are in stock!  So be sure to stop by the Hope Handmade Etsy shop to view the entire collection of items to make your selection. All of the proceeds from the sales at Hope Handmade on Etsy go directly to the students and their program. 

Spirit Week Staff Talent Show!

Rene Cortez singing opera.

Shelley RuggThorp singing with the students from our group The Hi-Hopes in accompaniment.

Vera plays the flute with Susie on piano.

SuzAnne singing opera.

Steven Noguera playing classical guitar.

Lisa brightening up the stage with comedy.

The Hope University students enjoying the staff talent show.

Michele V. & Vera O. sing karaoke for the students.

Our Spirit Week continued with a Staff Talent Show.  All of the staff at Hope University are artists in their own right.  Hope has visual artists, writers, singers, performers, musicians, painters and fiber artists.  On the day of the Staff Talent show, some of the performing artists were able to show off their craft.  The students were treated to a wonderful show of opera, classical guitar, flute, piano, and a comedy performances.  Shelley RuggThorp sang with some of the students from our performing group 'The Hi-Hopes' as accompaniment.  The students enjoyed seeing their instructors on stage and marveled at their amazing talents. 

Hope U Spirit Week!

Tom V. in his tropical shirt was a great DJ.

Rene S. shows off her island flair.

Gary A. is ready to play some smooth tropical rhythms.

Ben S. looks like he is ready for a day at the beach. 

Conga Line!

Cathy A. is a perfect tourist. 

Darren P. shows us a smile in front of a beachy backdrop. 

The week of August 20th we had Spirit Week here at Hope.  On Monday we had Red, White and Blue Day, everyone wore something that was red, white and blue, we had several  Angel's Baseball outfits!  On Tuesday it was Baby Picture Day, where everyone brought in a baby photo and we tried to guess who was who.  On Wednesday we had a Lu-Wow, complete with a DJ and hula dancers (several students learned a hula and performed for everyone).  On Thursday it was Staff Talent Show day.  There were opera singers, flutists, pianists, comedy performances and guitar playing.  Finally Friday 'topped it off' with Crazy Hat Day, with lots and lots of Crazy Hats! Summer may be on it's way out but the heat is still on here in Anaheim,  California so we may just need to plan few 'Popsicle Parties'. 

Exploring Art

Karen explores repetition and color.

Michelle likes to use acrylics and an easel. 

Joanna finds out how colors work on a dark background.

Tanette gets ready to work on her sewing project.

Hope University is a day program for adults with developmental disabilities.  We have an arts based curriculum centered on exploring each clients abilities.  There are many arts for the clients to choose from, painting, drawing, pen and ink, printmaking, knitting, weaving, sewing, felting, pastels, acrylics, even graphite.  Here we have some views of clients participating in the offerings.  Artwork created by the clients is often used in making items that we sell at our annual holiday boutique as well as on our Etsy shop.  Custom paintings and artwork are available for commission by our talented artists by request.  Please visit our website to view more. 

Felted Wool Barrettes!

'Autumn Sunset' hand felted wool Barrette.

'California Desert' hand felted wool barrette.

'Blueberry Summer' hand felted wool barrette.

We now have our colorful felted wool barrettes available for purchase in our Etsy shop!  They make wonderful gifts for your self or others.  Perfect for teachers, teens, girls or to tuck into a spa basket.  The students here at Hope make the felted wool beads  in the Boutique class with teacher Lisa LoRusso.  100% wool roving is formed into loose spheres and then submerged into warm, soapy water.  The students then rub them between their palms in a circular motion to 'felt' the wool into a solid bead.  After they have been left to dry for several days we use them to make broaches, barrettes, pins, earrings and ornaments.  We also have a few new uses for them in the works, so you can look forward to many new items created by the students. 
We can make the barrettes in a variety of colors to suit your color pallet, so if you want a custom item created, please send us an email or give us a call!
Remember that all of the proceeds from our Etsy shop and other sales go directly to enrich the students day program.  

New Etsy Item!

Our felting classes make the felted soaps that have become very popular gifts.  The felted soaps are now available for purchase on our Hope U Handmade Etsy Marketplace.  They are so colorful and useful too.  They make wonderful gifts for men or women, teens and even children.  The wool felt covering the soap gives it a gentle exfoliant, makes it easy to grip, which is great for those with special motor skill needs.  The soap inside a soothing oatmeal blend with a soft cinnamon scent. If you are interested in purchasing these for resale or personal use you can place your orders through Etsy or convo us through Etsy, send us an email or even just give us a call.   Always remember that purchases from Hope University are tax deductible and all of the proceeds go to the continuation of our progressive arts based day program.  Thank you.