I never gave much thought about making dolls or embellishing them with beads for that matter. And then I was blessed with the birth of Nohra and everything changed. A favorite customer we all fondly call ‘Auntie Joan’ bestowed upon us a fabulous new book detailing the art of cloth doll making and inspiration for embellishing them with beads. We all poured over it….Funky staff and grandmothers alike. We oohed and aaahed, plotted collaborations, and as I gazed down at my newborn daughter comfortably snoozing in my arms it all came together: The magic of the bead. In that split second I envisioned all the amazing things I’ll get to show her and the incredible people that will be a part of her life as she grows up within the place we all fondly call Funky’s. Beading is a simple, solitary, intuitive process, but one that is infinitely grander, sillier and more spontaneous when carried out within a community….of friends or strangers. Whether in a class or on a shopping outing with bead pals, we look forward to seeing you!

~ Funky Amanda (and Nohra!)

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Open Bead Night
Join us the first Tuesday of every month for this open studio!  Started twelve years ago when the store opened as a way to guarantee I had at least one night a month dedicated for ME to bead!  Now I’m joined by a group of at least a dozen wonderful women every month.  Lively conversation & laughter guaranteed.  No reservations required.  New beaders welcome!

Please note that this is not a class – it is an open studio night for folks to work independently on their latest project or finish up something from a class.   We are a helpful bunch though and the store is open for shopping until 9pm. Shop Late at Funky’s during these fun nights downtown!

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The Next Gallery Night is July 17th
The next gallery night is set for July 17th. Its focus is Wind and Water: Paintings of Marj Lacock and blown glass of Amanda Paffrath. The two artists have been friends for over a decade, admiring each other's work and  often commenting how each other's creations really work together!  This show features a collaboration of paintings and glass which reflect the artists’ inspiration and use of wind and water in their creations!

Ongoing work in the gallery includes paintings by Chicagoan Rick Smith, local sculptor Bill Reid and beaded jewelry designed by the creative team at Funky Hannah’s.

For more info on all the events happening at galleries in downtown Racine, WI, visit: http://www.racinegallerynight.com

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First Fridays
Discover the shops, galleries & museums in downtown Racine during the popular First Friday event – held the first Friday of every month.  Over 45 merchants collaborate to bring you this fun filled evening of shopping, dining, music and more. Wander our charming historic shopping district or treat yourself to a horse drawn carriage ride.  With live local music at three locations you’ll want to explore all that downtown Racine has to offer.  Visit  www.firstfridaysracine.com for information about the latest happenings, in store specials and links to your favorite spots downtown.

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Racine Art Museum
This gem is only a block from Funky’s!  They have amazing Master classes, one of the most renowned collections of Craft in the country. 

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General information about downtown Racine can be found at: www.racinedowntown.com