Tuesday, December 30, 2008

tHe maGiC Of MoHonK moUnTaiN hoUsE



We recently spent a few days at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY to demonstrate a couple of holiday workshops for their guests and I have to share what a unique experience the Mohonk Mountain House offers people. The history, the spectacular views, the accommodations, the festivities and all of the interesting people make it one of the most relaxing, magical places I’ve visited recently. If you’re ever looking for a peaceful, nature-filled escape from technology and the hustle and bustle of the city, Mohonk should be one of your destinations of choice.



We arrived just in time for an ice storm, which made the views and the scenery all the more magical. We enjoyed afternoon teas, board games, and a spa visit that was unlike any other. There are no tv’s in the rooms, and each room is equipped with a wood burning fireplace, so the opportunities to unwind were even more plentiful. Due to the weather and the time of year, we didn’t get a chance to hike around the bluffs as we would have liked, but we can look forward to that experience during our next visit which we’ll be doing again in November. 2009 marks their 140th anniversary, so you can expect incredible events throughout the year. Sneak a peek here!

cheers!
michele.









Sunday, December 21, 2008

Good Morning America, DIY Style

For all of you that caught us on GMA today, a big thanks for your support! If you missed it, you can check out the videos on www.goodmorningamerica.com. For instructions on the game tables, scarves, pop art portrait, pub/pilsner glasses, and dollhouse, check out their respective links below. The Pop Art Portrait as well as many other fun to do paint projects is featured in the Courage to Create with Paint DVD, so be sure to check that out in our online store as well.


No-Knit Scarves *Note: if you do not have a sewing machine, you can tie knots in the bundle or section off strands using ribbon or string. To change up the style, try braiding the body of the scarf.




Pub/Pilsner Glasses 
*You will first want to clean the area of the glass with rubbing alcohol to ensure a tight seal with the paint and the glass.  Simply using Liquitex's Glossies Enamel Paints, paint on desired image and let dry.  Next, take the glass and place it into a cold oven, close the door and set to bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.  Let glasses cool to the touch and drink proudly.  (recommended to hand wash and dry)
*Note: for images that you would like to replicate, simply scale the image down and tape it to the inside of the glass and trace.

Cheers,
Michele

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Michele Beschen LIVE on Good Morning America

**Date Change**

Michele Beschen celebrates 'handmade' holiday gifts LIVE on Good Morning America.



"Simply Michele, Inc. & Good Morning America"...

ABC News: 'Good Morning America'
New York, New York -- Sunday, December 21st, 8am EST
Van Meter, Iowa (December 18, 2008) How-To Hipster Michele Beschen of DIY Network and HGTV's B. Original, will appear on ABC News: 'Good Morning America' Sunday, December 21st to help share cool handmade holiday gift ideas.

Watch as she helps a family do something special for their 8 year old daughter this holiday season. The family isn't able to afford the gift she wants this year, so Michele shows them how they can make it themselves instead. Michele will also share some other creative handmade gift ideas that can be tailored to suit everyone on your list.

"The essence of everything I do is about inspiring people to live and work creatively. And let's face it, a creative approach to some of the more challenging times we're all facing right now with jobs and the economy is what pulls us through. I look at the holidays as a wonderful occasion to exercise that. Creative handmade gifts are not only budget-friendly, but they also give you the opportunity to give a gift that is even more thoughtful, more personal and all the more special" says Michele Beschen.

This episode of Good Morning America Weekend airs 8am EST Sunday, Dec. 21st on your local ABC station.