Home. Fashion. DIY. lIFESTYLE. VintageKC WINTER 2018 | Vol. 7 Issue 4
p. 09
Festive mason jars
p. 30
Old Movie Theatres
p. 32
Bargain Mansions
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^ from the publisher
staff
I sn’t this photo just mesmerizing? A friend of VintageKC , Brenda Kilgore, shared this photo; it’s one of many that were taken just steps from her home in rural Missouri last season. Through a large picture window, her view is enjoyable and relaxing in the mornings, it’s a time to recharge and plan the day while soaking in the beauty before her. The day is anew. Speaking of anew, just around the corner is The New Year – 2019,
In our cover story, Sandra Wheeler is a one- of-a-kind lady, pursuing her passion. Not to disappoint, VintageKC staff was on hand to tour the now-completed house from our Fall 2018 feature. Tamara Day of DIY Network’s “Bargain Mansions” had just begun the remodeling process when we met Tamara on location several months ago. From an ugly duckling, the house has taken on a metamorphosis, exiting from
Advertising Ellen Leinwetter, marketing manager & sales ellen@vintagekcmag.com
Design Consultants Rivet | wearerivet.com
Art Direction Emily Bowers emily@wearerivet.com Design Emma Willcockson emma@wearerivet.com Emily Smith emilyzahringer@gmail.com Jacque Flanagan Jacque.flanagan619@gmail.com Editorial Bruce Rodgers, consulting editor bruce@vintagekcmag.com Publisher Cheri Nations, publisher & sales publisher@vintagekcmag.com 816-398-4046
an undesirable state into a grand mansion again. Gleam the many ideas Tamara has introduced into her design of this grand lady. Old Man Winter will certainly arrive soon and our maker feature, Smitten for Mittens, will have you taking stock of your own glove & mitten inventory plus the Gourmet Glamping recipes will fill your bellies to the point of nodding off to a relaxing afternoon nap on a chilly day. Plan some time
a time of year when people
seem to be most inspired to reset – reset their lives in the best way. Listen and you will hear people planning their reset; everything from improving one’s health, relationships, homes and jobs – it’s all good. So, let’s add this into the mix and think about our way of doing business.
contributors Denise Elam Greg Grisolano Lisa Beery Lauren Hedenkamp Adison Bella Rayne Michelle Michael RIVET
Locally-owned businesses often provide services and inspire us in some way each day. This holiday season and throughout 2019, I encourage you to reset and support locally-owned businesses throughout KC and beyond. As Publisher of VintageKC magazine , I’m blown away by the talented souls I have the honor of meeting each day. The Kansas City region is a bustling community of individuals pushing forward to fulfill their dreams and passions. One lady has earned merit through her determination to succeed at what makes her happy – making shoes.
this season, whether you take in a movie (pg. 32) and just live in the moment or start a tradition this holiday season (pg. 48) to be passed on through generations, whatever you choose, it’s sure to instill pleasant memories in the coming weeks, months or years. From the VintageKC family to yours, may you be blessed with all of life’s best offerings this holiday season and throughout the New Year.
photo graphy Sarah Terranova Denise Elam Bernadette Emerson Steve Sanders Kansas City, MO Mayor’s office Melissa Kyle Photography Rio Theatre Screenland Theatre
VINTAGEKC VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY VINTAGE MEDIA, LLC, IN KANSAS CITY, MO, AFFILIATED WITH AFFINITY ENTERPRISE GROUP, COPYRIGHT 2018, VINTAGE MEDIA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN PART OR IN WHOLE WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
Cheri Nations Publisher
V
vintagekcmag.com vintagekc vintagekcmag vintagekcmagazine
Cover photo by Denise Elam
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Contents WINTER 2018| VOL. 7 ISSUE 4
18
09
learn 26 CREATIVE COOKING
Kearney Culinary Academy
do 30 DIY
community 07 MAKERS Mittens 18 MAKERS Shoemaking 37 VINTAGE DINING Café Verona 48 CELEBRATION Q & A: Kansas City Community Figures inspiration 42 VINTAGE FASHION Jacket Layers 16 VINTAGE DECOR Double Take 09 VINTAGE HOME “ Bargain Mansions” Mason Jars 52 VINTAGE RECIPES Gourmet Glamping 32 LIFESTYLE Old Movie Theatres
26
37
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^ makers
Karen Sullivan keeps a keen eye on stitching to ensure the highest quality mittens possible.
Smitten for Mittens
Sully’s Softies: Premium Sweater Mittens & Other Recycled Wool Creations
Words and Photos by ELLEN LEINWETTER
T he saying “Mittens warm the hands, family warms the heart” speaks true to Shawnee, Kansas mother Karen Sullivan. It was not long after Sullivan moved with her husband and son to Kansas City from San Francisco in 1998 when she realized although she was still a California girl at heart, Kansas City winters require extra warmth, which is exactly what she created. “When we moved to Kansas from California, my son at the time was a one year old and he’s 22 years old now but all through the years of him being in school he was in sports whether it was football or track. Being out in the freezing cold watching my son play sports, I couldn’t stand that my hands were freezing,” Sullivan said. “I couldn’t find any gloves or mittens that would keep my hands warm so I started making them for myself and then the other moms saw how warm they were and they wanted them and then it just kept growing from there.” A hobby, Sullivan says, quickly turned into a
part-time gig and the birth of her brand Sully’s Softies. “I work full time at The Kansas City Country Club in the fitness business so I just wanted to get to the creative side of my brain. I did a lot of sewing when I was younger and in 2012, I started selling items as part of a creative outlet,” Sullivan said. “The word Sully’s comes from my last name and softies is a term in England for stuffed animals. I used to make stuffed animals before discovering my passion for sweater mittens.” As we continue talking, Sullivan insisted that I try on a pair for myself to experience how warm they are as she wants to see my genuine reaction. “Sully’s Softies mittens are made of no less than 80% wool and they’re felted. The insides are one layer of anti-pill fleece, and one layer of that really soft Sherpa-type fleece, that’s what you feel when your hands go inside. I usually try to find vintage buttons or thrift store buttons at flea markets and garage sales for my
mittens,” Sullivan said. Sullivan has turned an upstairs room of her home, overlooking her backyard, into a crafter’s heaven, complete with a sewing machine, embroidery machine, and a fitting sign that says “Keep Calm And Craft On.” She makes sure that every pair of mittens is unique to each customer by doing a lot of small, detailed techniques by rounding out the edges and adding embroidery and embellishments. “I’ve had some sweaters given to me and several times I’ve had people give me sweaters from people that have passed away and they want to treasure their memory. I’ve also had people just give me some of their favorite sweaters and I like to call those ‘Memory Mittens’. I’ve had friends and neighbors drop bags of sweaters on my front porch and I like to call them my sweater fairies,” Sullivan said. Although sweater mittens are Sullivan’s signature product, she also makes pincushions, potholders, scarves, headbands and more, no matter what each season brings.
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^ makers
Sullivan loves thrift store treasure hunting and repurposing material to make her mittens stand out, which she displays in a vintage suitcase.
“Mittens warm the hands, family warms the heart .”
“I’ve been in Kansas for twenty years now and moving from California was hard at first but I love the changing seasons and it’s exciting to have something different to look forward to,” Sullivan said. “Some of my mittens are Kansas City-related and that supports the whole thought of our community as makers. I like being part of the makers that are in Kansas City and that whole vibe. We put our heart and love into what we do, it’s not something that’s mass-market produced. I’m thinking of the person while I’m making the mittens and I’m thinking of the person that wore the sweater as well. I like the circle of recycling but also the circle of community,” Sullivan said. To view all of Karen’s latest creations, be sure to follow Sully’s Softies on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: @sullyssofties Instagram: @sullyssofties ^ Top Left: Although Sullivan has a full-time job, her passion for creating mittens is something that no one can take away from her.
Sullivan hard at work making sure each pair of mittens are unique in design.
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^ bargain mansions
The beautiful Calcutta quartz on the counter is continued on the wall as the back splash makes a strong statement and the commercial 6-burner gas stove is a gourmet chef’s dream.
D E S I G N I N G t h e f i n a l t o u c h e s
“BARGAIN MANSIONS” SEASON 2 WITH DIY NETWORK’S HOST AND DESIGNER TAMARA DAY
Words by ELLEN LEINWETTER & MICHELLE MICHAEL Photos by BERNADETTE EMERSON
W hen VintageKC first brought you into the behind-the-scenes world of “Bargain Mansions” in our previous Fall issue, we didn’t know just how fabulous this Kansas City home would turn out. We knew the 1920’s framework spoke for itself when it came to its architecture, but when we returned for an exclusive look weeks before our Winter issue deadline, everyone was in awe of how this house even completely redone, fit together again like a familiar puzzle and how thoughtfully preserving its past made its future even brighter. To view more photos of Tamara Day’s renovation, visit VintageKC on Facebook.
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The hottest trend in metal design now is gold; as seen here with the mirror, ice bucket and butler cart.
Q: What was your inspiration to change the basic floor design on the main level? (Removing a wall to open up the front bedroom to create a dining room and moving the kitchen upstairs to the main level.) A: Basically, it was just an awkward layout to begin with. Something had to change. I feel like the kitchen is the heart of the home and that big, beautiful fireplace room just screams kitchen to me and was the obvious placement for it. It turned out beautiful. Q: We noticed the amazing copper hanging light fixture in the dining room and other light fixtures throughout the house don’t match. similar color, finish and a common likeness. Why do you stray from that mainstream design with your lighting? A: I think that my personal style has evolved over the years in my own home and what makes a house feel like a home, is that it doesn’t match and that we didn’t buy an entire room out of a box. We make it feel like somebody has lived here for a really long time and that the house has evolved as the people living there evolve. Each room is like its own space. Most homes feature a maker’s collection of lights that all have
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The original carved wooden mantle and framing of the fireplace adds additional warmth and character to the living area in the lower level.
that island and I felt like everything in the kitchen needed to have some sort of symmetry. When you walk into the room, to the left you have a big fireplace and to the right you have the beautiful French doors and windows, both ends are just stunning. They balance each other well because of their size and scale, even though they are completely different things. I felt like the rest of the kitchen needed that same balance. From the stove, everything is symmetrical from left to right. I thought the island needed to have a clean line so that even though it’s so massive and so big, it’s actually very simple. It’s also super functional with drawers on the seated side. It’s so big you could fit four-to-six bar stools depending on the size of the bar stools and still have that drawer space and the cabinets below. It’s the hangout spot of the kitchen - it needed to be massive.
I don’t think there are rules anymore of what you have to do design-wise. I think that’s what makes our homes more personal and more lived-in is that every piece is specifically thought out and specifically for that room and that not everything has to match. I like the eclectic feeling of collected and curated instead of “we just went out and bought it all.” Q: The home has two original fireplaces with handcrafted woodwork. In the all-new modern kitchen, we see you painted the ornate woodwork on the fireplace a flat black. Why is that? A: That fireplace surround is not wood, it was concrete that had been faux painted to look like wood and it was really poorly done. When you looked at it from a distance, it looked like it possibly could have been a wood carving but
once you got closer you could see that it was concrete, and it was just a bad 80’s faux finish. Q: The home’s designer and builder seem to have taken great care when planning the home’s design into the hillside, many design details were well thought out in the early stages of building the home back in the turn of the 20th century. The new kitchen is close to tree- top level, with easy access to the large flowing concrete patio through the beautiful original double doors. We see why you moved the kitchen from the lower level to the main level. Let’s talk about the kitchen. It’s big, it’s beautiful and the view is so inspiring! You envisioned a huge center island in the kitchen almost from day one. What led to the design of the island? A: It is a massive island with three slabs of Calcutta quartz with a waterfall edge. I love
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Q: We love the black, embossed farm sink that you chose to go with in the kitchen. Tell us about it. A: The whole kitchen accent color is black, and you’ve got the beautiful walnut woodwork, the Calcutta quartz with black as the anchoring piece to the whole dynamic. When we bought the house, those beams in the kitchen were painted white and they just kind of disappeared into the ceiling but I wasn’t going to do a faux finish and I didn’t want take them down, so the obvious choice was to paint them a darker color to make them stand out so we went with black and tied that in with the black on the fireplace. The black accents on the windows were also a big inspiration and the sink is really the one thing on the island that is the accent point. They’re touches of black throughout that make it not so heavy. Q: When we were on location and behind-the-scenes a few months ago, you had discovered an old wine cellar in what is now the kitchen in which you decided to build a banquette in that nook. Why build the nook in that area? A: Budget always plays a part in everything we do, unfortunately, I wish that it didn’t.
The mammoth island in the kitchen leads your eye to the original French doors and arched windows with a stained-glass crest.
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Above: The original kitchen was in the lower level. Now in its place is a modern wet bar area, complete with a wine cooler and kegerator ready for entertaining.
Above: A rich mustard-colored leather chair brings focus to the corner of the master bedroom.
fixture, I think it’s fantastic and makes it cozy and warm for the room. It is such a large room with so much great light pouring in that it could handle the darker wall and with that barreled ceiling, being white and grey with the chandelier, it wouldn’t make it too closed in to make the walls so dark. It’s a little bit more masculine than I usually do but at the same time, the colors, the colors in the artwork, the bedding and the pillows give it that feminine touch that I love so much. Q: In the original floor plan, the kitchen was on the lower level. We see you have installed a nice, contemporary bar area. Let’s talk about this space. What was your vision for this? A: Taking the kitchen out, it felt like the obvious place for a bar because you already have two living spaces downstairs and added bedrooms. A bar felt like it would be the future homeowners’ social space and then flow out onto that awesome backyard. Having it really be the heart of the basement and having fun with the tile, we wanted to make it feel
The room that we found down below, that we named the old wine cellar, would make an awesome wine cellar and it’s something that I think could be done later on very easily. But there wasn’t space to really access it well from the kitchen. Not knowing who was going to live in this house, I wanted to make sure there was a seated space in the kitchen where they could eat a meal. I felt like the use of the space was much better suited for the banquette. I love banquettes. I think that they’re very charming and cozy, and much more cost-effective which adds value to the house. Q: The master bedroom and on-suite are amazing. The two features that stand out for us are the barreled-ceiling and the huge shower. Share with us the bedroom design. A: The barreled ceiling was already there. We didn’t want to touch that plaster ceiling. We wanted to leave the texture and keep it original the best we could, but it also needed lighting, so we were able to wire in the one ceiling fixture that we have. I love that light
more interesting, usable and accessible but not too stuffy. Q: In the lower level, you have removed the dark middle-century wall paneling. It brightens up the entire space. What is your favorite thing about the lower level space? A: The fireplace room and the fireplace itself. The coziness and the warmth of that room in general is awesome. The wallpaper adds so much dimension with a navy undertone that has a little bit of a silver, metallic feel as well. I think that adds to the warmth of the space but keeps it glamorous and even though it’s a little darker and moodier, it’s still glamorous in my opinion. Q: The original windows in the home add an extra layer of design to the property and lend to the overall appeal. What can you share about the windows? A: Those windows are original to the house and honestly, they just don’t make windows like that anymore, at all.
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In the Fall issue of VintageKC , Tamara discovered an old wine cellar in the corner of the room. The room is now the grand kitchen. Here she has made thoughtful use of the corner space and included a cozy banquette.
A: I think that more than anything, the influence of design comes from each house instead of each season. The houses themselves have their own flair and I feel like the houses in Season 2 have been more fantastic than last season. I’m kind of obsessed with several of these new houses. Last year’s houses were awesome but some of these new houses are just so over-the-top amazing. It’s a completely different ballgame. When I watch episodes from last season, the things that pop out to me are things like the artwork and how much that adds to the finish of the houses. I personally love artwork and, in another life, I will own an art gallery. I appreciate the creativeness that people put into their art and I have such an affinity for original art. In my personal home, we only have originals. With that said, it doesn’t mean they have to be expensive. There are tons of great artwork that’s affordable. I felt like the artwork is the thing that stands out. It makes it feel more colorful and alive versus some other architectural element. I also think plants make each house come alive. I use a lot
They’re all steel and leaded glass and they were in rough shape, but we were able to clean them up and salvage every window in the house. They inspired a lot of what we did with the dark, moody tone with the diamond pattern makes it a great compliment of both masculine and feminine. I feel like it really works well together, and that black element adds a touch of charm that the house needed. Q: We notice tiny round brass numbered plates attached to the window sills, very unique and interesting. What are those and their purpose? A: Those were original to the house some hundred years ago and every actual window has its own number in front of it and my guesstimate is that they were used to coincide with placement. Each window was probably numbered, and the installers would know where each window went. These were probably made at the factory and needed a system to keep them straight. Q: What is different design-wise in Season 1 of “Bargain Mansions” from Season 2?
Tamara Day of DIY Network’s “Bargain Mansions”.
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of real-life plants instead of faux and I think it translates well. Q: Did you run into any issues in Season 1 that you were able to avoid with Season 2 homes? A: With everything in life, there are things that you learn and change. Last season we did two houses at a time throughout the year and in Season 2, the houses were just so much larger, and we couldn’t complete them as fast. We did all of the houses consecutively and the times that we completed two houses we did them really fast. Doing seven at a time has been good in a sense that we get more time with each house but we have seven at a time so it’s just a little bit of one versus the other, none is better or worse. Q: What is your favorite room on the first level and why? A: The kitchen, hands down. It’s one of my favorite kitchens I’ve ever done and how the house has such an old-world charm. I can’t compete with that historic feeling and so I
went the opposite direction. I said we’re going to embrace this beautiful house and put some modern elements with it. Q: Specifically, what can viewers expect in Season 2 of “Bargain Mansions” that is different from Season 1? A: I would say bigger houses. I think that the Season 1 houses had awesome spaces and were great, old houses. In Season 2 we are more spread out across Kansas City than last season. That’s just a piece of finding the right house at the right time. I don’t stay in only one area. I have favorite areas that I like to work in, but it’s about finding the right houses at the right time,
The brass number 33 button is embedded in the window sill. The windows have the original diamond design adding distinct charm.
right price and right place. Q: Will there be a Season 3? A: I hope so! Time will tell. ^
To view more photos of Tamara Day’s renovation, visit VintageKC on Facebook.
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^ double take
Double Take: Thrifted Vintage
Words by CHERI NATIONS Photos by MELISSA KYLE PHOTOGRAPHY Design by LISA BEERY
I t’s been spoken and printed a million times over the years: accessories transform. The repurposed blue dresser, vintage yellow chair, new multicolored rug and new hanging light
pieces, change the entire look and feel of this entryway while offering a sense of joy and comfort in the home.
fixture are the anchors in this space. Thrifted vintage is the best way to add a unique flair to any space. Here’s an excellent example of how thrifted vintage finds, mixed with modern
Everyday A large, framed oil painting of lilies notably hangs above the yellow-painted fabric thrift chair as it takes center stage. The lily painting is a beloved heirloom, created by a late aunt. The green floral-stitched vintage pillow, which sits upright in the chair, was grabbed at a hospital fundraising tag sale for a dollar. And what’s so great about the pillow is that it has a zipper for easy laundering. The three small complementary floral oil paintings are thrift finds, all with a price tag of under five dollars, and carry out the theme of an indoor flower garden on the wall. A vintage wooden dresser finds a new purpose and home against the wall. The blue dresser with its missing drawer, previously painted several colors, is now equipped with sturdy woven baskets to catch overflow. A variety of simple vintage milk glass vases and a vintage floral tin reinforce the garden feel inviting guests inside with a sense of comfort in the home. Holiday A large, green chalk board was saved from a school and is now ready for the holidays with its prominent starry night theme artfully drawn on by the owner. The vintage yellow chair is now draped with a rich, dark blue throw, reminiscent of the long dark nights of winter and is accented with a modern white fluffy pillow; a reminder of the snow to come. The new print of two deer keeps watch in a simple thrifted wooden frame, which now has new life with a fresh coat of paint. The tall milk glass vases have been swapped out for a variety of vintage milk glass-footed vessels, now proudly cradling vintage miniature trees and glass ornaments. Lastly, the simple lettering and graphics on the vintage cardboard ornament boxes are a reminder of treasured holidays past, lending to a sense of joy in the home. ^
EVERYDAY
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Lisa Beery is in love with decorating her home, making it warm and inviting with plenty of stories to tell using meaningful things, thrifted finds and new items. We love her creativity! Check out her Instagram account for more decoration inspiration at @mylittlecraftyhome.
HOLIDAY
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^ shoe maker
Words and Photos by DENISE ELAM
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S andra Wheeler has always been obsessed with shoes. When she played Monopoly as a kid, she always had to be the shoe token. When she dressed up for work, she paid close attention to the shoes she picked to stand in all day. One day, fed up with the lack of comfortable high-heeled shoe options, she decided to start making them herself. “If you go to the store, you can get an old lady shoe, or you can get a stripper shoe. Not really a lot in the middle, and while both are fine in different settings, it’s nothing that I want to try to build an outfit around,” Wheeler said. “So, since I couldn’t find anything that I wanted to buy, I did have a lightning bolt of inspiration to go ahead and figure out how to do it myself.” In 2010, Wheeler began to research shoemaking and that’s when she came across Bonney & Wills School of Shoemaking and
Design in Ashland, Oregon where she studied in 2012. “It was an eight-day course and it was a full nine-hour day,” she said. When she returned from her studies, Wheeler felt confident in her dreams of being a shoemaker. “If anything, it showed me that I could move forward,” she said. Wheeler then practiced shoemaking from her home in Kansas City, working to master the art of pattern making and sewing leather. She returned to Bonney & Wills School of Shoemaking and Design in 2014 and again in 2015 to assist her instructor. She said the school taught her the entire process of shoemaking. To make shoes, Wheeler first orders the last - a foot-shaped device the material is shaped around - and other materials like kangaroo and goat skin. Then she works to create a custom insole board with three layers
Wheeler uses many different tools during the shoe making process. Here she stretches leather on a shoe form.
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of materials and a reinforcement shank and allows the material to sit on the last for at least 24 hours. Wheeler reinforces that each shoe type is made a bit differently. After she gets the supplies, it takes about 18 days to fully make a shoe. “Initially, finding suppliers was a hurdle,” Wheeler said. Something she had to conquer before moving forward with her shoe making business. “Every heel height, every size, every half size, every toe shape has to have its own last,” Wheeler said. “My supplier is in Finland and he does the design work but the machine shop that actually makes these out of a high resin material is in Portugal and then there are some components that I have to learn how to make myself because I’ll never be able to get them from overseas.” To officially begin her business, Wheeler recently purchased a shop in historic downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She plans to open Shelby’s Stiletto Factory in mid- January. Her shop is named after her dad’s classic 1970 Shelby Mustang.
An extremely sharp knife and steady hand is needed when trimming the leather’s edge.
Wheeler relaxes in what is to be her new studio complete with exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors.
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“The ‘S’ in the cobra was just always something that stuck in my head and when I first started doing a logo for my business, the heel was always an ‘S’ and I was like, ‘Man, I gotta make it an ‘S’ like the Shelby cobra’ and then it just became Shelby’s,” she said. She said she plans to make Shelby’s Stiletto Factory a safe space for people to create without worrying about what others think. She plans to host shoemaking and tutu-creating classes and even install dancing poles. “Make your tutu, bring your own wine - I can’t provide wine but I’ll be able to pour it for you and then make your tutu and then go twirl,” Wheeler giggles. “Sounds like fun to me!” Aside from shoemaking classes, Wheeler plans on making custom and handmade shoes. Handmade shoes start at $650. Custom-made shoes - where the leather, toe shape and heel height are all decided upon by the customer - start at $1,000. “The price of your leather is going to drive the price,” she said. “So, if you want a really exotic eel skin on the front with ostrich on the back, you’re looking at another $400 to $500 in leather.” Wheeler said someone who’s going to pay good money for a good shoe has a different mindset than most people. “If somebody said, ‘Oh that’s a great top,’ I’ll go, ‘Yeah, it was on the clearance rack at Macy’s, originally 60 bucks and I got it for 18,’” she said. “Those who shop for custom shoes have the opposite mindset. They want to say, ‘I had this custom-made for my foot and I picked out everything about it. That’s my favorite color and it took me sixth months to get it,’” she said. Wheeler said one of her slogans is “She doesn’t have everything. Women who would receive a gift of a diamond tennis bracelet at $1,200 probably have a diamond tennis bracelet already. She doesn’t have this (custom heels),” she gleamed as she held her foot up to show off her high-heel. Wheeler adds she wants to make shoes that are stylish and comfortable - more than something that’s just trendy on a runway. “I want to make something that’s as high as can be and as sexy as can be but you’d still be able to wear it,” she said. She adds she’s interested in making both men’s and women’s shoes. “I’m doing just what I call a fashion shoe because I’ve found I can’t really say this is (just) for women because anybody can wear it,” she said.
Wheeler holds up a shoe form in the beginning stages to display the layers of material.
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if anything, it showed me that i could move forward sandra wheeler | shoe maker
Wheeler is most satisfied and proud to see the finished product after hours of tedious labor.
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Wheeler stands next to her father’s classic 1970 Shelby Mustang, which gave her inspiration to name her new business Shelby’s Stiletto Factory.
Wheeler worked to prove to many that her love of shoemaking was more than just an expensive hobby. She said she had a coworker who heard what she was doing and called her a dreamer. “No, actually, I’m not a dreamer,” she said. “Dreams happen when you’re asleep. I’m doing this while I’m wide awake and I work
at it every single day.” Her only advice to others with big dreams would be to do it now and then talk about it later. “Because I did way too much talking early on when I first started this,” she said. “It took me a long time, but everything I said that I wanted - I wanted a building. I
wanted to be able to live upstairs. I wanted to either have a rooftop garden or some type of outdoor living space. I wanted to be able to support myself with my business. And I wanted it to be something creative and unique - and here it is.” ^
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AT THE KEARNEY CULINARY ACADEMY
Words by DENISE ELAM Photos by DENISE ELAM & RIVET
I n a fast-paced, fast food-filled world, the Kearney Culinary Academy provides a space for people to take it slow, learn how to make the food they love to eat, and interact with experienced chefs. Kearney Culinary Academy, located in historic downtown Kearney, Missouri, hosts cooking classes for children and adults alike. Chef and class coordinator Ashley Foy-Price said the classes at KCA are often themed and typically last two-and-a-half to three hours. She said the classes for kids are her favorite. “They’re so fun. Each one is different,” Foy-Price said. “One of my favorites is a pasta and pizza party. We make pasta dough from scratch and I make them do it by hand on the table so it’s messy and it’s hilarious. It’s incredible to watch them.” Foy-Price created a new health and wellness series at KCA called “Embrace Your Health, Embrace Your Life” with instructor Gwyneth Jones, a holistic counselor. As someone who struggles with autoimmune issues herself, Foy-Price said she is passionate about helping others learn how to cook to better their lives and health. She said she knows how overwhelming it can be to change your diet. “We’re trying to make it less overwhelming and less intimidating, like this is how you can change just a couple little things to better your diet and this is how you do it, so that’s mainly what the whole series is about - saying it’s not that hard if you just make a couple
A skilled hand trims off the outer edges of a batch of freshly frosted made-from- scratch brownies.
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^ kearney culinary
The bake staff makes these pumpkin mini cakes with cream cheese frosting exclusively for The Reserve on Jefferson in Kearney.
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changes here and there,” Foy-Price said. The cost of each class depends on the ingredients needed, but ranges from $45 to $55. KCA offers children’s birthday party packages and team-building packages. At KCA, it’s about much more than food - it’s about genuine conversations and community enrichment. “It’s neat, I’ll sit back and just watch Ashley and she actually sits down and breaks the bread with the people and talks,” said Amanda Harris, general manager of the Old Church Plaza in Kearney. “‘What’s going on with life? What do you like to see?’ And so it’s not just ‘Ok, it’s done.’ - It’s sitting down and talking with them.” Foy-Price said the French macarons class for kids is always a hit. “Some of the boys have taken a bunch of classes. They’re really sweet. Their mom just sent me a picture that they made the macarons at home- they did so good,” Foy-Price said. “I love it.” The academy also boasts The Market, a shop filled with home-baked goods cooked by chefs in the Production Kitchen. The Market’s menu changes often, but shoppers can always find sweet treats from Pastry Chef
Chef and Class Coordinator, Ashley Foy-Price and Executive Chef Sean Price combine their talents, and love of food, to create a dynamic, successful business.
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Claire Nichols and fresh bread from Joanna Bayer, the bread baker. Harris said The Market has a variety of food, microwavable meals for those on the go and take-and-bake options to enjoy at home. “We’re always looking for new ideas and we’re always looking for comments from the public,” Harris said. The KCA chefs are currently in the process of creating tasty food options for those who have dietary restrictions. Aside from the classes and to-go cuisine, KCA also offers a full-scale catering service for any special event including weddings. In addition, KCA spends time investing in the surrounding community by giving students from nearby high schools the chance to be interns. Student interns spend 14 hours a week at KCA honing their skills and learning from experienced chefs, learning basic knife safety and sanitation before moving on to work in different areas of the kitchen. Interns also learn about catering and even get to spend time at The Reserve on Jefferson with Executive Chef Sean Price. “Our intern this year, her name is Chuck, gets an aspect of the whole facility which
is very cool because we do so much in this building,” Foy-Price said. “She’ll go work with Sean some days over at The Reserve, she’ll work with Kyle in this Production Kitchen, she’ll work with Claire, our pastry chef, so she’ll just bounce around and then we’ll record the hours in a log book so we know she’s getting the right amount of hours that she needs in each department.” KCA also offers “Bulldog Bucks” for the 2018-2019 school year. Ten percent of purchases made with a Bulldog Bucks card at Kearney Culinary Academy, The Reserve on Jefferson, or Piece by Piece Furniture & More, go to the Kearney School District of choice. “It’s been really neat to see people interested in the classes and be appreciative that we are trying to bring something really cool to this town and create a place for community to gather is kind of what we’re going for,” Foy- Price said. “We want it to be the spot - the whole Old Church Plaza. When you come here, that’s what you get, you get experience, skills, plus creativity. And just delicious food because that’s what we’re all about.” ^
The archway welcomes customers into The Market where they offer an array of foods and services.
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^ DIY
Diy FESTIVE MASON JARS
Words and Photos by ELLEN LEINWETTER
W hen the weather starts getting colder, that’s when your decorations indoors have all the spotlight. Whether you are inviting family and friends over for a delicious holiday meal, playing board games by the fireplace or cozying up with your pet while watching your favorite holiday movies,
make sure your home looks festive and fun, no matter the occasion. Growing up, Ball Mason jars were always a fun way to bring nostalgia and modern style together. They are timeless and useful for just about anything with their appealing rustic look. Use them as flower
vases, kitchen utensil holders or even candle decorations. Whatever design you choose to decorate your jars, it’s sure to be a hit, no matter the season! ^
Supplies Ball Mason jars (in the size of your choice)
•
•
1 can of spray paint (per color that you use)
• • • •
Scissors
Twine
Assorted greenery Large sheet of plastic or cardboard Lettered stickers (to spell out saying) Burlap and/or ribbon Glue gun & wax stick
•
• •
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Directions: 1. Lay the plastic or cardboard down in a well-ventilated area, then place the jars on the plastic or cardboard. 2. Paint the outside of the Mason jar(s) per the paint instructions and let dry completely. A second coat of paint can be applied if needed, just repeat step #2 again. 3. Plug in the glue gun (follow safety instructions). 4. Cut and wrap burlap and/or ribbon around the jar as desired and secure with a thin line of hot glue at the seam. 5. Add the lettered stickers to the burlap and/ or ribbon to spell out your special message (I chose Joy). 6. Wrap twine around the top of the jar for the look you desire. 7. Place assorted greenery in the jar.
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^ movie theatres
Your Neighborhood Theatre Historic, Locally-Owned Theatres Offer Unforgettable Nights at the Movies
The neon lights of the Rio Theatre beckon movie goers with their flashy, spellbinding colors.
Words by GREG GRISOLANO Photos by RIO THEATRE & SCREENLAND THEATRE
A night out at the movies doesn’t have to mean trekking to the multiplex and fighting a crowd to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster. There are still local, independent theatres in the metro area catering to a wide variety of tastes, and recapturing some of the classic glamour and charm of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The spotlight is on local theatres where the venues combine truly historic settings with
the latest in contemporary audio and visual technologies for a one-of-a-kind experience. The Hidden Treasure Brian Mossman still remembers the first film he ever saw in theatres - Disney’s The Jungle Book . “We had a black and white TV, we only had three channels,” he said. “We went to go see The Jungle Book because the color was so
vivid. That was pretty magical.” That magical moment instilled in him a lifelong passion for films, which he’s cultivated by owning and operating several theatres in the Kansas City metro area, including the Glenwood Arts Theatre and its neighbor, the historic Rio Theatre, both in Overland Park, Kansas. Nestled amongst the bustling new construction at 7204 W. 80th, just off Metcalf
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Inside the Rio, guests will get a sense of nostalgia with the fabric curtains and up lights on stage.
Avenue in historic downtown Overland Park, Mossman says the location makes the Rio feel like a “hidden treasure.” “It’s more of a neighborhood theatre,” he said. “People know my staff. We want it to feel like home.” Originally built by Dickinson Theatres in 1946, the building was first known as the Overland Theatre. It went by several names, including the Kimo South, the Park Cinema – and was even converted to a venue for live stage performances, before Mossman and his brother Ben bought the Rio building in 1993 from Theatre of Young America. The Rio was designed by brothers Carl and Robert Boller, whose Boller Bros. architectural firm in Kansas City is credited with constructing more than 100 theaters nationwide, including The Granada Theatre in Kansas City, Kan., and the Midland Theatre in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The theatre was reopened in 2000, following a total renovation to convert the building back to a movie theatre from a stage theatre and the building was added to
National Register of Historic Places in 2005. “It’s old-school,” Mossman said, noting the effort made to preserve the original look and feel of the theatre. “We don’t have stadium seating.” Probably the most striking feature of the building’s exterior is the neon wrapping around the marquee, the front façade and the windows on each side. The lobby and the screening room are likewise bathed in vivid red and green hues, capturing the “retro- modern” look of the motion picture palaces of the 30’s and 40’s. Many of the interior accents and décor, including the chandeliers, side lights and wall dishes, were salvaged from the historic Isis Theatre that once stood at 31st and Troost in Kansas City. The 1949 Manley Popcorn Popper and lobby door trim are relics from the Plaza Theatre in Abilene, Kansas. Perhaps most impressive is the painstaking recreation of the original glass block box office and poster cases. “We had to prove to the city that it had
an exterior box office,” Mossman said. “We found a picture from a Box Office Magazine from the early 50’s, showing the “Overland Theatre” box office.” The typical fare on offer at the Rio is unlike practically anything else to be found at other local cinemas. During this past summer and fall, the theater screened documentaries about Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RGB), a contemporary French romance called “Let The Sunshine In”, a British period drama called “The Bookshop” and a biopic of Parisian author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (“Collette”). The single-screen theatre auditorium boasts seating for 280. Mossman says the focus on rare, offbeat and unusual feature films is by design. “We have an older clientele, so we play films for those that like the arts, that like the museums, they’re higher educated,” he said. “So they’re going to want those types of films. There’s no reason to play the commercial products, because everybody and their brother is playing it on multiple screens.”
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Screenland Armour Theatre’s exterior sports the vintage brick architecture and marquee of days gone by.
The Classic with a Contemporary Style
firm’s properties to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1928 version of what was then the Armour Theatre boasted 650 seats. It reopened as the Center Theatre in 1963, before becoming a live venue (known as “The Paradise Theatre” in the 1980’s). It later served as a live venue for country music when it was known as The Northland Opry. Current owners and operators of the theatre are Adam Roberts and Brent Miller, who also just happen to own Tapcade, a popular tap room and arcade located in the Crossroads. They envisioned a different movie experience for the Screenland Theatre. An assortment of arcade games and adult beverages were introduced as an additional draw for patrons. The full-service bar boasts a wide variety of craft beers, wines and
cocktails. An expansion in the summer of 2018 added two additional screens, extra lobby space and more amenities. First-run features play side-by-side with films that wouldn’t be out of place in the arthouse. There’s also plenty of grindhouse fare in the rotation, if your tastes run more “Evil Dead” than “Touch of Evil.” In fact, the Screenland Armour is maybe the one place in the metro where you could see both films. Additionally, their website has a handy calendar featuring several recurring series and special screenings – from “movies that rock” to “midnight madness” and from cult classics to classic-classics. Whether it’s an arthouse special or a vintage masterpiece or the latest blockbuster, an evening at one of these historic theatres is your ticket to a red carpet affair. ^
The Screenland Armour theatre is one of the anchors of the vibrant downtown scene in North Kansas City, Mo. Built in 1928, it’s the oldest theater in the metro area, but don’t let the building’s age fool you. Building owner Butch Rigby has invested plenty of money and effort into making the theatre a cutting-edge destination. Rigby purchased the Spanish Renaissance building in 2008. The Kansas City-based architectural firm of Keene and Simpson is credited with the design and construction of the theatre. The same firm also built the Truman Courthouse in Independence, Mo., and the downtown courthouse in Kansas City, Mo. The Screenland is one of about a dozen of the
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The inside of the Screenland Armour Theatre #1 has beautiful murals, lighting and other Spanish Renaissance touches.
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A CULINARY EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Exquisite food. Excellent Service. Passion for educating. Kearney Culinary Academy is a state-of-the-art culinary facility located just north of Kansas City in Kearney, MO. With a variety of options to expand and indulge in each individual’s culinary desire, the chefs and experts at Kearney Culinary Academy have a deep-rooted passion for all things food and provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for each guest who walks through the door. Utilize one of the many services that make Kearney Culinary Academy a one-of-a-kind experience:
THE MARKET
CAKES
CATERING
EVENTS AND CLASSES
that are elegant and planned with meticulous detail and rich flavor
to take care of your group gatherings, holiday parties and special events
for fresh bread, pastries, sweet desserts, and take home dinners for the family
for all ages and levels of experience, we have something for everyone
Stop by today and see first-hand all that Kearney Culinary Academy has to offer.
105 S . J EFFERSON | KEARNEY, MO 64060 | 8 16 . 63 5 . 2479 | Kea rneyCu l i na r yAcademy.com
Dining and Shopping Elegance Located in Downtown Kearney, MO, The Reserve on Jefferson is a unique shopping and dining experience under one roof. Enjoy a beautifully crafted meal before or after you have uncovered the timeless pieces of jewelry, decor and so much more! A fine dining experience with modest menu prices, each delectable dish is made fresh and to order with our guests in mind.
Explore the elegant dining and shopping opportunities at The Reserve on Jefferson and stop by today.
103 S. Jefferson Street Kearney, MO 64060 | 816-635-2335 | ReserveOnJefferson.com
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^ vintage dining
Locally-Owned with a Taste of Italy
Words and Photos by ADISON BELLA RAYNE
I f you’re looking for an escape, whether romantic or historic, look no further. Café Verona is tucked away, around the corner from the Jackson County Missouri courthouse, in historic downtown Independence, Missouri. The owners of Café Verona, Ken and Cindy McClain, are proud to be a part of the Independence square which has seen a great revival of small, locally-owned businesses come together in recent years. According to their website ‘Café Verona’s menu will whisk you from the Midwest to the romance of Italy’. As one enters through an enchanted, massive iron gate, laden with padlocks, one does seem to be stepping into a different world. Not from the past time of our 33rd President Truman, in which Independence is so richly
known for, but strategically-placed art that hints of a European feel. Moving through the small courtyard complete with a fountain, planters and figures reminiscent of Rome, Italy, you reach a regal set of metal doors that escort you into a pocket of rooms outlined with deep, rich woodwork. Glancing to the right, is a bar with a mirrored wall of liquor bottles and a grand mural that must stretch to 15 feet in height. The dining room, just to the left, is filled with tables and booths ready to accommodate large groups, families or couples. It’s a place to easily sit and engage in quiet conversation and unwind from a hectic day over a savory meal and cocktails. A quick study of the menu reveals a thoughtful chef at work, Executive Chef Bobby
Salmon Portofino is one of many fine dishes to select from at Café Verona.
The stately double doors are as unique as the restaurant itself.
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