Happy New Year

Good morning all,
2012 has gone by so fast it is truly hard for me to believe. Thanks to everyone for their patronage and we look forward to serving you for many years to come. We had a terrific year at the studio and have lots planned for 2013. The first event will be held January 5, 2013 featuring Big Oak Products. Calendars, cards and prints showing snaps shots of wildlife uncensored. Jim will be on hand to share his experiences and answer questions. FREE refreshments and fun! Arnst Zipper Studio, 923 Michigan Ave. in Sheboygan from 10-2. Hope to see many of you there. Happy, happy week, happy, happy New Year
and Go Pack!

Scarlet O'Hara

Good morning all,
Now that the rush of all the holiday obligations are nearly here and gone, it's time for me to get back to one of my favorite tasks. Making purses. A friend of Margaret's gave her this drape and she in turn gave it to me thinking I could surely do something with it. (She also gave me the belt). The front has a zipper pocket perfect for an iPad of tablet. Zipper top and 36" handle. $50. I'm also working on some dog items, but that is for another post, so stay tuned! A Blessed and Merry Christmas!

If you don't get the reference to the title, you'll have to watch Gone with the Wind to find out!

Faster than a Harley

Good morning all,
Another week has past filled with hard work and fun. When I fix Harley Davidson apparel I sometimes have to replace the broken hardware. When that happens, I save any pieces that bear the name. I then turn them into jewelry that never stay in the store long. On several occasions they sold the very day I made them! These were created yesterday afternoon and will move faster than a Harley, so be the first in line Monday morning to claim your one of a kind, official Harley Davidson set! M-F 10-5 Sat. 10-2. Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

Wool Waste

Good morning all,
Thanks to everyone who made it to Molly's and The Studio. Very fun and busy! We are already planning events for next year introducing some new vendors and great deals.

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a hard time throwing even scraps of fabric away and Margaret (one of the seamstresses at Arnst) feels the same way.  We always see a potential use in them and these wool pieces are no exception. We started making pins a couple weeks ago and they are selling very well. All are unique and some are embellished with antique buttons or...ZIPPERS! Use them as bows on a present, accent to scarves or even a pin for your hair. These make great stocking stuffers and are available at Arnst Zipper Studio. $4.50- $12.00. Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

Zippy the Santa

Good morning all,
Meet the new owner of Molly's Cobbler Shop  Kevin Hansen, Friday December 7, 2012 from 3-8pm. 1003 Michigan Ave. Sheboygan.

Another zipper creation produced at the hands of Arnst Zipper. He is about 20" high and his mustache and beard are made from yes you guessed it...zippers. He is a fine addition to our growing zipper mascot collection. To see him and all the unique products the studio carries, stop by Saturday December 8th for the reintroduction of Greenpurse  from 10-2. Enjoy free refreshments and fun. 923 Michigan Ave. Sheboygan.

Green Holiday

Good morning all,
Thanks to everyone how attended our Fun with Flowers event yesterday. It was a huge success and we were very busy. Thank you Kim! In addition to all Kim's beautiful creations, we have a few Christmas greens arrangements and swags. Thank you Margaret! Very pretty and less than half the price at other retailers. $10 - $22 each! Bring the pot and bow back next year and we'll create another arrangement for your enjoyment for a reduced price.
Next months event will be December 8, 2012 reintroducing Greenpurse with featured designer ME! As always FREE refreshments and fun. 10-2. Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

Zippy the Turkey

Good morning all,
A while back I decided it would be appropriate to make store decor from torn out zippers. We started out with Zippy the Chimp

and next came Zippy the Mummy

and now we have Zippy the Turkey!

A Blessed Thanksgiving to everyone and don't forget our event and sale November 23rd and 24th at Arnst Zipper Studio 923 Michigan Ave. 10-2. There will be refreshments and a demonstration by Kim Kuehl on flower arranging for the holidays. Items for sale include wool mittens and pins, zipper apparel, purses, T-shirts, holiday decor and so much more! Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

What is a T-shirt Skirt?

Good morning all,
The winner is...Arnst Zipper Studio! A $100 check was cut and dropped off at the Salvation Army this past Monday. Thanks to all who participated!

I'm not sure how the sale went yesterday at South High School, but one of the new items for sale are T-shirt skirts. Margaret (seamstress at Arnst) saw some at a craft fair and thought they were really cute. I mentioned it to the girls in my classes yesterday and there seemed to be quite an interest. We'll try them out in the store and see how it goes. We have lots of other unique gifts perfect for Christmas, so come in soon before they are all gone! Happy, happy week!

Uncle Shebs and Greenpurse Join Forces

Good morning all,
Uncle Shebs and Greenpurse will be sharing a booth at the Stepping Out Vendor Fair November 10, 2012 fro 9:00-2:00 at the South HIgh School Commons, located at 3128 S. 12th St. Admission is $1.00 and a free raffle ticket with a non-perishable food time. Food donations go to the Salvation Army and Campus Life. There will be more than 40 vendors with handmade items, baked goods and raffles.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Halloween window contest by casting your vote or just enjoying the displays. We're already planning next years and hope to get more store fronts to participate. Drum roll... and the winner is...we don't know yet! An official count will be made this week and we'll visit the Salvation Army with our donation. So stay tuned! Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

Designer Bags Have Nothing On Me!

Good morning all,
Perhaps the title of my post this week is not entirely true. Designer bags do have one thing I don't and that's a hefty price tag. I also stand by my products and services! I can't tell you how many expensive designer labeled items I get in the store every week to be repaired and they are less than a year old. Greenpurse products don't last forever but they are well made and right here in the US! Friday I finally got my purse lines displayed and in the store for purchase. Four of my best selling purses and one new. The Sakk™. I'm madly working on another so I can claim the one pictured for my own! Very sturdy and the handle slides through a slit in the opposite side of the sack to close it. Custom bags also available, so stop by soon and check out all the cool stuff Arnst Zipper Studio carries. Happy, happy week and Go Aaron and company!

Perskinality

Good morning all,
Saturday October 27, 2012 Arnst Zipper Studio will be hosting an event entitled Perskinality. Mirjam Lippuner will be on hand to answer questions about Rodan + Fields and help you understand what your skin is telling you. (mine is yelling!) Please join Mirjam and me anytime between 10am and 2pm for snacks and tea + more information on Rodan + Fields and their products. Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

May the Best Window Win!

Good afternoon all,
I'm late in blogging today because I was out of town and do not have an iPhone, iPad, laptop or any other mobile device for getting on the super highway. Tomorrow the contest begins and I wish my friend lots of luck. We've got something big planned and informally pronounce ourselves the winners! Please be sure to stop by and check out both before deciding and remember all donations will be sent to our Sheboygan Salvation Army. Until next time, happy, happy week and go Pack!!!

Tie One On

Good morning all,
I did have a chance last Saturday to continue making a few bags from the Greenpurse line. My focus was on the Tie One On bags. Pictured is a small clutch and once I get to the messenger bag, I'll have enough in this line to display. I'm in the need for more old ties, so if you have any you'd like to donate I'm grateful. Remember, 10% of all sales of Greenpurse items is donated to a charity for abused children. I'll be sharing the total early January once payment has been made. It will be a record year I'm certain and I have you to thank! THANK YOU!!! Yesterday was spent creating props for the window contest so be sure to stay tuned for details, it is going to be fun! Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

If the Shoe Fits, Repair It

Good morning all,

Today I want to blog about my good friend and former handy man the cobbler on the next block, Kevin Hansen. He recently acquired this from Mel (Molly) and like Arnst Zipper, is an old fashioned business we don't see much of today. We are working together to meet the repair and mending needs of our community, surrounding  area and maybe even the world!  We have something big planned for Halloween so stay tuned and stop in to meet Kev, 1005 Michigan Ave. Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

The Vest Gets All the Gravy

Good morning all,
Thanks to all who stopped by yesterday for Light up the Night. It was a good day and one of our busier Saturdays. Today's photo is a sample of how we saved a gentleman's vest (his favorite). As you can see at the left of the frame, the leather was somehow destroyed. We were able to find leather that matched and put a square on both sides to make it look like it was part of the original design. He was very pleased and we were happy to help. Bring us your challenge and we'll see what we can do. Happy, happy week and Go Pack Monday NIght!

Go Green (and gold)

Good morning all,
The Pack pulled it off and now the Packer gear will start flying off the shelves. I sold one scarf yesterday and finished another last night. Pictured is a clutch purse made from reflective and Illuminator Tape™. Certainly one of a kind!
Terry Grall Illuminator expert will be on hand Saturday September 22nd from 10-2 to answer your questions about his invention and Arnst will host and show uses for this fabulous product. Hope to see lots of you there. Happy, happy week!

New Life for an Old Friend

Good morning all,
I know I should be talking about the next purses in my line to be completed, but I spent most the late morning and afternoon getting a message and pedicure. Wonderful!

So for today I'd like to picture how we gave the life back to an oldie (can't find another one like it) but goodie. Very nice, warm wool coat. Fit perfect, and she loved the style. The lining was ripped in several places and the front and cuff were badly worn. I suggested we sew leather accents over the damaged areas and it worked out terrific!  She was very pleased as was I. Stay tuned next week, for a couple Tie One On bags and Packer paraphernalia. Happy, happy week and Go Pack!

That Old Ragtime

Good morning all,

Another Saturday at the store pays off! I've now got three of the old Ragtime Bags complete. Next week, I'll steer my efforts to Tie One On Bags. These bags have three different styles, Messenger, clutch and coin. But for now, I'm going to enjoy a two day weekend and spend the afternoon at the Sheboygan County Fair with hubby. Happy, happy week!

Anything's Possible

Good morning all,
While daughter Holly was reworking the front windows last week, she kindly reminded me one of the reasons I bought the store. It was so I would have a place to sell my wares. Tis true I have many items in the store, but not much from my purse line. Yesterday I began the process of stocking the front with three from each line. There are now three Possible Bags available for sale. Perfect size with one pocket and comfortable strap. Next Saturday, the Ragtime Bag. Happy, happy week!

I Got the Boot

Good morning all,
A couple weeks ago Kohler Stables came to me with a boot problem. Apparently the footman could not get the riding boots on so thinking he just needed a bit more room, cut the top few inches. The result was an even larger tear, rendering the boots unfit for duty. I repaired them by placing neoprene down the back of each. This material acts like elastic giving the boot flexibility, which allows for ease in wearing as well as putting them on and taking them off. Have a problem? Contact me at Arnst Zipper Studio, 920-457-4213. Happy, happy week!

Rock My World

Good morning all,
Our events have been so fun and successful, we've decided to hold them monthly and August is no exception. Saturday the 18th, Nicky Scheonike will be on hand to demonstrate and talk about the art of painting rocks and why we do it. I was fortunate to receive one for a gift a while back and love it! I hope she brings lots to sell because I will be purchasing several more! Regular store hours, 10-2 with FREE snack and beverage available while they last. Hope to see many of you there. Happy, happy week!

Jars

Good morning all,
Ever buy something in such a cool jar or bottle you just hate to throw it away? This is a great way to recycle and display them. I used leftover paint I had sitting in the basement, but any will do. Simply pour paint in the container and roll around to cover. Let dry (it takes days!) and display in groups or use as a vase for dried flowers. You can also stop by the store and pick one or several up and save yourself the trouble! Stay tuned, we'll be having another event August 18th from 10-2. Happy, happy week!

The Winds of Summer

Good morning all,
Thanks to everyone who attended the Uncle Shebs T-shirt kickoff yesterday. It was a great success and we sold lots of shirts! We are not sold out however, so be sure to stop by sometime soon to pick one up (or two, or three...).
Wind chimes for some reason are associated with summer and these in particular as they are made from terra cotta pots (also associated with summer). Here a two styles we carry in the store. They will also be a part of our Project Party repertoire. There is still plenty of summer left to enjoy so when you stop by for your shirt, check out these classic chimes. Happy, happy week!

July Event

Good morning all,

A reminder that Arnst Zipper Studio will be hosting Uncle Shebs T-shirt kickoff with card tricks performed by Slimsterman. Please stop by between 10am and 2pm on Saturday July 28th to pick up your T-shirts or just enjoy the show. Hope to see many of you then. Happy, happy week!

Project Parties

Good morning all,

We'd like to open up the store for project parties after hours weekdays and Saturdays. There are kids parties as well as parties for adults or a combination of the two. Kids parties include free popcorn and Kool-Aid® plus one project. Adult parties include the same. You also may BYO refreshments. These parties are great for birthdays and bridal gatherings. Projects include but not limited to: birdhouse creating, clay frogs, jewelry and frames. We can accommodate up to 8 individuals. One adult per every three kids required. Payment due at the time of the booking. For more information, pricing and samples of projects contact Tina at Arnst Zipper Studio LLC. 920-457-4213 or zipperstudio@att.net. Happy, happy week!

A Message from Zippy

Good morning all,
Now that summer is in full swing, Zippy says it's the perfect time to bring in your winter and hunting gear. New zippers, snaps, patch, we do it all! He also reminds us we live in Wisconsin and winter is never far away! Mention the blog and get 10% off your repair. Thanks Zippy and happy, happy week!

Safety 4th

Good morning all,

Keep your whole family safe this 4th of July with our illuminator and reflective wear. Bracelets, anklets and dog gear too! Only available at Arnst Zipper Studio, LLC. Happy, happy week!

For the Birds

Good morning all,
Here is a snapshot of the east side of the store featuring the newest in bird communities. My good friend and handy man Kev trimmed all the arborvitaes and mounted the birdhouses. A few new ones to install this week and hopefully the cedar siding as well. It will be fun to watch the progress and I'll keep you posted. Happy, happy week!

Home Sales on the Rise

Good morning all,
The housing market still may not be great for the two legged human variety, but it sure is for our two legged fury friends. These cozy stone cottages enhance your yard, garden, porch or patio. They look pretty cool just sitting on a shelf as well! Stop by and pick up one for your little birdies soon, they are flying! Thanks to everyone who came yesterday to try the jellies and granola and happy, happy week!

It's Alive!

Good morning all,
Zippy the Chimp and I would like to share with you our just live site! http://zipperstudio.net/ Here you will find basic information about the shop, specials and more. There is more to do (everything seems to be a  work in progress!), but I think it's lookin pretty good.
Saturday, June 16, 2012 we are hosting a sampling session during our regular store hours (10-2). Taste delicious jellies and jams from Jams, Jellies & More and chunky granola from Big Flavor. While your there you can take a look at all the wonderful one of a kind items we carry (like Zippy!). Hope to see many of you Saturday and don't forget to check out the site http://zipperstudio.net/! Happy, happy week!

Framed

Good morning all,
Here's another idea using rescued materials and broken zippers. Frames make great gifts for graduations, weddings, birthdays and hostess gifts just to name a few. Stop by the store and pick one up or place an order for your custom frame. Some really cool stuff planned for next week so stay tuned! Happy, happy week!

Light Bulb Moment

Good morning all,
In an effort to restore the building and help save electricity, my good friend and handy man opened up the glass block windows in the front of store. What a difference! It has indeed been like turning on a light bulb.
Incidentally, did you know it took Thomas Edison 1000 prototypes before he got the light bulb right!
We keep making improvements and continue to strive to satisfy every customer we have the pleasure of serving.

Thanks to all the men and women who have given up their lives to make the dreams and  lives of all of us a reality. THANK YOU!

Happy, happy Memorial Day and week!

Don't Let This Happen to You!

Good morning all,
The poor soul that tried to hem these pants was clearly not given the gift of hemming, but thankfully we were! We use traditional methods as well as our specialty, the fashion hem, where we take off the original hem, shorten and reattach. (I should have a picture of that but they turn out so beautiful, you'd never know they were hemmed!)  Happy, happy week!

Your Simply Glowing

Good morning all,

I've been introduced to a great product recently Illuminator Tape™. When exposed to light for about an hour it stays illuminated for approximately 10-20. It is sold to companies for safety reasons, steps, doorways, parking structures, etc. It naturally got me thinking. I always walk in the dark and I know sometimes (most times) cars do not see you. If this tape alerts people about a possible hazard, it could also alert people about people. Walking, running, biking, etc. Then it got me thinking about dogs and how they could benefit as well. I see joggers using crossing guard vests and the like. Being the fashionista I am, the vest just doesn't cut it, so I thought some more. My creative day being Saturday, I constructed a couple items using this tape. Pictured is my favorite. The light colored squares are the illuminator tape and the colored ones reflective tape. So you not only glow, you reflect! I've got a number of other items, dog collars and leases, people collar bracelets and anklets and fashion belts. We can also apply them to your jacket, hat or shoes. I'm pumped! Happy, happy week!

Button Bird

Good morning all,

Did  you know that buttons were first used as decorations for clothing? It wasn't until about  the 1200's that they were used as fasteners. 2012 they are used as an art medium. Some suggested I bring out the eye more, I like it that you have to study the piece to find the eye (and feet!). Just like all the zippers at the shop, there are plenty around so I like to use them where I can. I'm not done yet so stay tuned and have a happy, happy week!

Framed

Good morning all,

I actually did this project las year, but still think it's a winner. I got rid of our headboard years ago to save a few inches space. I had a bunch of frames from last remodel and started scanning photos of Dennis and me with which to fill the frames. I realized I didn't have enough so I bought a few at 50% off and kept scanning a printing. I eventually had enough and laid them out. When I was satisfied I started nailing them right to the wall. This way they wouldn't fall off if you hit them a night. I love the way it looks and I was able to use some old stuff and save some money and space. Love to hear your thoughts always! Happy, happy week!

And Then There Was Light

Good morning all,

I saw something like this on the internet the other week and just had to try if for myself. Quite time consuming, but worth it. I picked up the lamp at Sally's, cleaned it up and proceeded to glue pressed fabric folded side down onto the shade. Beautiful! It and many other Greenpurse creations are available at the store. Happy, happy week!

He is Risen

Good morning all,

Wishing everyone a Blessed Easter and happy, happy week!

Debut

Good  morning all,

Zippy the Chimp finally makes his way on the scene, just hangin' around the store relaxing on a crate and what perfect timing...April Fools Day! However, Zippy is no joke. He is a real sock money with a real working zipper mouth. Perfect for holding that first lost tooth, tissue or secret something. Stay tuned, Zippy will soon be getting a family, maybe with a dog or cat! Enjoy your Palm Sunday. Happy, happy week!

Has Spring Sprung?

Good morning all,

I don't remember a March this warm this many days ever! I see people every day in sandals, shorts, shirtsleeves, raking, walking and simply taking advantage of the mild weather. I keep thinking "it's a little early for that folks", but this morning found myself thinking of planting. That made me think of the two gourds I stored in the basement for drying. The one doesn't look any different than the day I put it down there. The other has molded and seeds are practically dry. The tiny ones I saved only made it a short time before they became soft. So... it looks like I'll have only one gourd for a project this spring. Naturally, I'll post a blog about the outcome and can't wait to see results. Happy, happy week!

Twist on an Old Favorite

Good morning all,

It has been great to witness how many people do want to repair their old favorites and in many cases brand new ones. I'm certain a good number of my customers would not consider themselves to be "green", but having the repairs made instead of buying new is just that. My plan was to take Saturday mornings as a time to create, but we've been so busy (thankfully) I've not had a great deal of time to stick to the plan. Pictured is a modified version of a clutch I did for Kohler Co. It is currently at a shop in California for review with a few other zipper items. My hope is to start using all the broken zippers we take out daily and every Saturday morning produce some fun and funky products. I appreciate your feedback and support and hope to see many of you for our grand reopening Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 10am-5pm. Happy, happy week!

More with Zippers

Good morning all,

I haven't had a lot of time to create these days but did manage to create the frame you see for my grand-daughters elephant art. Now that I've done one, I have more ideas and would like to keep creating as time allows. We are super busy at the studio but hope to set aside some time each Saturday for just that. Grand opening happens March 15, 2012 during regular store hours (10-5). Happy, happy week!

We made it!

Good morning all,
The time has arrived for me to post some pictures of the store. There are a few tweeks to be made but all will be ready for our grand reopening March 15th. Feel free to stop by and check out all the handmade products in the store front and get a free zipper exam! A huge thank you to all the people that helped and supported me with a special thank you to Kevin my good friend. See you soon. Happy, happy week!

                        

Average Opening

Good morning all,

Arnst Zipper Studio, LLC reopened for business Friday, February 10, 2012 at 10:00. I'm not ready to post pictures, as the renovations are not yet complete, but the store looks great and we are in the full sewing swing! The word is spreading and people are both picking up their items and dropping off new ones. We have a variety of gifts and wares perfect for the upcoming occasion or just because. Stop and see us soon! Happy, happy week!