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October 24, 2011 at 2:03 pm

Endless Summer…

Posted by Jodi Jefferson

I never said I was a blogger, really I didn’t! Why do I have this cloud of guilt about not blogging all season? I tweeted, I facebooked (urban dictionary?), I engaged, I lived and loved my summer! Now that it’s officially ended, I realize I was in constant motion. I didn’t slow down enough to enjoy the simplicity behind the emotions I felt when I was in Montauk. My lunch this week with Britt from byBritt.com reminded me of how simple things and new connections should be celebrated. It’s exactly why I started Surf Craft in this very town. It’s really quite simple.

Once I hit Amagansett the windows go all the way down, the air fills my car, and the sensation of being surrounded by water sets in. My kids get excited when we see Montauk beach from the high point on 27E when entering into town, like they’re at the top of a rollercoaster and the fun’s about to begin. “We’re here!!” The beauty of the cliffs at ditch, the hip way the surfers ride around town with boards thrown in their open jeeps, people choosing to bike rather then drive, the sunsets, the sense of community even if we all don’t live there year round. We all escape here. We all identify with this feeling.

Summer is a mindset to me that I carry throughout the year; it’s endless until it begins again. I enjoyed every minute of Summer 2011 and left every weekend thinking about the next. The Ruschmeyer’s family festival kicked off the Surf Craft season, and continued to host amazing families Wednesdays at the Surf Lodge while Nancy Atlas performed. Navy beach hosted us Thursdays, and the Montauk Yacht Club had Surf Craft Babysitters all summer long. Tony from Squid Ink printed our amazing tee’s which sold at the Surf Bazaar, and my crew of fun, creative Surf Craft Sitters buzzed around with art supplies looking after little ones day and night.

Love to Navy Beach, King and Grove for hosting, Heather at KidMontauk.com, The Montauk Yacht Club and Fresh and Clean Media for promotion and continued support, Bethanny at the Surf Bazaar for taking a chance at my retail endeavor, the local joints that let me leave my Surf Craft cards, and to every parent who trusted us with their kids then went and told a friend about Surf Craft. Thank you.

To my team of incredible girls that made Surf Craft possible this summer, thank you. It’s not only about the arts and crafts; it’s about the simple gift of accomplishment and creativity you give to every child. It’s the feeling a parent gets when they take time for themselves knowing their child is in good hands. It’s real simple…it’s Montauk.

Till next year,

Jodi

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July 10, 2011 at 4:30 am

Hold the Chicken Fingers, This Beats the Adults Table

Posted by Jodi Jefferson

After an amazing week in Montauk, I am trying to convince myself that I’ll somehow survive my next week of work back in the city. It’s SO hard to leave once I’m in the summer groove. Waking up to the nearby crash of the ocean at Ditch, morning coffee while watching the surfers catch early waves, hiking on the cliffs, lunch at Joni’s, paddle boarding at Navy Beach, shopping at Surf Bazaar and Summer Guest, live music and sunsets. Sigh… give me 5 days and I’ll be right back!

This week we held our arts and crafts program at Ruschmeyers, the Surf Lodge and Navy Beach at sunset. Our babysitting service is in full swing and seems to be filling a void for parents that otherwise might not have known who to call. Our sitters come out at anytime, so your night out doesn’t always have to include chicken fingers and fries! But DO bring the kids to the Surf Lodge n Wednesdays, as we provide a kid-friendly option to sitting at the adults table. You chill, kids come to us to do an awesome arts and crafts project!

Last week, we made Djembe African Drums as Nancy Atlas Performed. Thursday kids joined us at Navy Beach for lady bug rock painting, created flags in honor of the Holiday week and beaded bracelets. Wed July 13th, we are running a locals promotion where kids can come and get their craft on for $15! I’m dreaming of seascapes… horizon lines, warm and cool colors, under / above the sea…. bring the kids for an awesome project they’ll get to take home just as Nancy sings her last tune of the night. 6pm till sunset.

While at the Surf Lodge, stop into the Surf Bazaar. Local mom and shop owner Bethany Mayer has a dreamy collection of summer clothes and goodies. Check out her amazing line and hand picked global selections as well as the new Alternative Apparel Surf Craft T’s for kids (and racer back tanks for moms) printed by local printer Tony Dooley from Squid Ink. You can find him under the new Montauk Shop the Salt Box. Check out pics of Tony’s madness… this place just exudes creativity! I love, love, love my new T’s!

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June 28, 2011 at 3:39 am

Happy First Birthday Surf Craft

Posted by admin

After tossing around the concept for Surf Craft back in 2008, getting caught with one too many rainy days in 2009, in 2010 Surf Craft was born. I can’t believe a year has gone by so fast, but in this case I’m happy it did! We’ve got a great crew for our program and part of our Sitter Squad. They are armed with art supplies, beads, books and bandaids….

Registration is open for out first 5 day drop off camp starting on Monday July 4th at 10am. We have a different art project planned for each day, along with a mini fundraiser to engage kids in the art of helping others. Projects and jewelry will be on display on Friday July 8th. On Wednesday night we return for our drop in dine at the Surf Lodge and Thursday you can find us at Navy Beach.

My right hand Kate Montella spread the word all over town with our beautiful new postcards made by Carlcreates.com. He is an awesome artist and runs breakyourself.org, a Non-profit organization that brings the arts, dance, music and culture back into inner city communities.

Looking forward to this 4th of July weekend where you can find us at Ruschmeyers on Sunday and Monday from noon – 4 as part of their family festival. Check out facebook page for updates on our craft menu TBA!

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June 13, 2011 at 4:28 am

Can I Get An Encore? Do You Want More…

Posted by admin

We’re back! We’ve been burning the midnight oil to churn out some fresh program additions based on all the amazing feedback from last year. Im stoked to tell you that YES moms and dads, I DO KNOW A BABYSITTER! I now know many, dozens thanks to you.

Last summer I had the joy of having Jack at Surf Craft at the Surf Lodge, the son of my beautiful friend and talented writer, Julie Earle-Levine. While her and her husband had brunch, Jack created a Superman stained glass window hanging from driftwood. Lunch became that much more tasty once Jack was creatively engaged and entertained nearby. She was the first person to suggest taking my program to peoples hotels and vacation homes. I thought it was a brilliant idea as more parents would ask me if I knew a babysitter. So know I do! Plans for a night out? Want to make that morning yoga class? Hit the spa? Just need a break? I’m a mom, I get it…Surf Craft Sitters is an exclusive sitter program that offers educational, creative, interactive babysitting. Hand picked award-winning toys, books and age appropriate projects geared towards your child’s interests, age and gender. Our crafty babysitters engage your kids at a time and place that works best for you. Check back soon for my meet the team update – they are awesome, local artists, child education majors, teachers, musicians, hula hoopers & surfers

In addition to Surf Craft Sitters, we are running two Arts & Crafts morning drop off camps at The Montauk Yacht Club offered to both guests and non-guests. Program will culminate on the last day with a mini art exhibit and fundraiser for parents and guests. Kids will take pride in displaying their work and managing a fundraiser for a special cause! Drop off 10am; Pick Up 11:30 (90 minutes) Call or view Registration page to enroll online. Session 1 – Monday July 4th – Friday July 8th Session 2 Monday August 22 – Friday August 26

Some of my favorite nights last year were those listening to Nancy Atlas at the Surf Lodge Sundays and watching the sunset at Navy Beach. Therefore, we are happy to be back at both locations this season! Drop-in or register in advance for our casual surf side ‘drop-in’ craft sessions located at Navy Beach and the Surf Lodge. We offer an innovative, organized opportunity for children to engage their fine motor skills while jamming by the beach. Enjoy the best food, cocktails, live music and sunsets in Montauk! The Surf Lodge – Every Wednesday starting in July 5pm, last call at 7pm. Navy Beach – Thursday July 7th and Thursday August 25th 5:30, last call at 7:30

My amazing design team have created beautiful postcards that you’re about to see all over town and our Alternative Apparel Kids T’s and onsies will be sold exclusively at the Surf Bazzar at the Surf Lodge in July.

Thanks for the support from my family, friends, my daughters Jada and Zoey for being the best bosses ever, my amazing staff including Kate Montella – Ditch Plains native, artist, teacher, and my talented right hand, Heather from Kid Montauk, Lloyd and the team at The Montauk Yacht Club, Carol from OnMontauk, Navy Beach, The Surf Lodge and Ruschmeyers crew, South Edison and Sole East, The Surf Bazaar, all the local businesses that let me put my flyers and postcards out and at last, the moms and dads who trust me with their little ones.

I’m excited to be back, it’s been one crazy year…

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December 13, 2010 at 3:31 pm

Looking forward to Montauk Summer 2011…

Posted by Jodi Jefferson
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August 25, 2010 at 2:21 am

CHECK SURF CRAFT OUT IN THIS WEEK HAMPTONS MAGAZINE! PAGE 84 “COOL KIDS”… WORD UP!!!

Posted by Jodi Jefferson

http://surfcraftny.com/blog/?page_id=97

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August 19, 2010 at 3:31 pm

Montauk Staycation

Posted by Jodi Jefferson

After commuting back and forth for many weeks, I decided to “soak up the sun” (as Cheryl Crow would say) and stay in Montauk during the week. Surf Craft added a few weekday evening drop in craft classes that were a hit with locals, vacationers, and my very own kids. Happy kids = happy parents, so we’ve decided to hang around during the week for the rest of the summer and keep Wed nights at the Surf Lodge and Thursday nights at Navy Beach, in addition to our normal weekday schedule. Surf Craft has also launched its t-shirt line with our first fan being Chef Sam Talbot at the Surf Lodge!

I finally can cross of my list a few of my “Summer To Do’s” including eating at the Montaco at Ditch, Mastering the Stand Up Paddle, going to Rita’s Stables and eating lobster at Cyrils. Done, done and done! My afternoon at Cyrils somehow transported me mentally to the beaches in Negril!I didn’t want to step off that little patio back on to reality aka rte 27 to head home.

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August 10, 2010 at 7:46 pm

Surf Craft Summer Part Deux

Posted by Jodi Jefferson

August is upon us! By popular demand, Surf Craft has added mid week drop ins! Starting this week bring your little ones to Surf Craft Wednesdays at the Surf Lodge from 5 – 7pm and to Navy Beach Thursdays from 6 – 8pm. Many of my local friends seem to go into hiding on the weekends  due to the crowds, so we’ve lowered our price and are coming to meet you! Create your own musical insect shakers, lady bug rock painting and more!

Finally having more time in Montauk, I took on my life long dream of learning how to surf. It’s a work in progress, but I am happy to be out riding the waves (or at least trying). I love all things surf. Just looking at a surf board is therapeutic to me in some strange way! My next adventure is to try stand up paddle, which is on tap for this week.

Last weekend Surf Craft joined Dan’s Paper at the 38th Annual Kite Fly event at Sagg Main beach. What a beautiful evening we had with over 100 kites in the sky! Surf Craft set up on the sand and had kids come over to paint their very own Koinobori Fish Kites! It was an arts and crafts frenzi at the table but all the kids had fun and the kites came out amazing.

Flattered by Chef Sam Talbots request for a Surf Craft Logo T-Shirt, I decided to get a few on order for some more of our fans. The T – shirt stand is officially open for business!

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July 20, 2010 at 4:56 am

Balancing Work, Family and Arts and Crafts :)

Posted by Jodi Jefferson

This past weekend my lovely assistant, critical Surf Craft student (and loving 5 year old daughter) Jada joinedme at all my classes. She totally gets a kick out of coming to work with mommy, as do I! After years of going into the city in a suit… to now going to “work” barefoot and in a beach cover up with my 5 year old is quite a change for the whole family. She tells it like it is and her raw input helps mold the Surf Craft curriculum. The best part is I get to pay her with hugs, kisses and a trip to the beach in between classes.

Speaking with more and more parents living or visiting Montauk reconfirms the void I sought to fulfill by bringing something creative and short term to the scene. Surf Craft is for the kids looking to come and create something fun for a few hours when they are in Montauk; and for the parent looking to enrich their kids while on summer break and gain a few hours of downtime in the process.

Jada became instant besties with an adorable, kind hearted little girl who was in town for the weekend. The girls had a blast and attended two classes together including “make your own pizza and art night”. The weekend wrapped up with a jam packed sunset at navy beach and an easy going Sunday Brunch drop n dine at Surf Lodge. Until next weekend…

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July 14, 2010 at 9:00 pm

Surf Craft West Kicks Off, Painted Soccer Balls, Mojitos and Nature Masks OH MY!

Posted by Jodi Jefferson

Another fun filled weekend behind us! Jenna has officially arrived in Westhampton and the Inn at Quogue has officially begun offering Surf Craft classes. The patio outside the Inn is a beautiful spot for arts and crafts, and Jenna whipped together the most adorable art classroom! Anyone can drop by, but registration is required for the Inn. And now heading East on 27 East…

My gracious friends Judy & Jenn joined me in Montauk this weekend for a mixture of work and play. My good friend Damon Johnson donated the coolest graffiti painted soccer balls ever to a fundraiser for Brazilian Child Healthcare at the Surf Lodge Saturday. Writing this on the LIRR heading into Manhattan today, I miss Montauk already. One of the best parts of working in Montauk is that it feels like I’m on an endless summer vacation (even when I am at work)! While bummed to get rained out of Sunset Saturdays at Navy Beach, we did have fantastic kids all weekend long. While visiting “his” Yacht Club, MYC, Mr. Andrew Farkas hired Surf Craft to take kids from his private group for arts and crafts. We made Djembe African drums and nature masks! The masks came out so cool

we decided to pop up Sunday night at the Surf Lodge for an impromptu A&C session. While the DJ played, the band set up, parents sipped mojitos… kids came over to bead necklaces and be create their very own nature inspired mask. Till next week  - J

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