A tremendous treehouse provided by Butscher Construction at NorthPark Center.

Guest blogger Lydia Regalado writes about people who gather to make things.

The Parade of Playhouses is on display throughout NorthPark Center beginning today through August 17th. This year’s parade boasts 11 one-of-a-kind, custom creations, designed, built and donated by local craftsmen and corporations benefiting Dallas CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates). The playhouses are functional works of art; showing amazing craftsmanship and design. Playhouse designs are inspired by a Tiffany Box, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, a spaceship, a racetrack, and a “green” house, to name a few. For an opportunity to own a featured playhouse, you may purchase a raffle ticket for $5.00 (or 5 for $20). All proceeds raised in this event will help Dallas CASA expand their services. Dallas CASA is a non-profit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in protective care, helping them find safe, permanent homes.

Next Up: Paper Source Grand Opening at NorthPark Center

Don’t miss the grand opening celebration of Paper Source in Dallas, a boutique devoted to the creative possibilities that paper can offer. The mission of Paper Source is “Do Something Creative Every Day,” and the stock and store inspire one to do just that. A delight to the senses, Paper Source offers beautifully crafted paper, stationery, book binding tools and an extensive array of rubber stamps, books and gift items. The Paper Source website has insightful how-to videos and will be offering in-store workshops. This Saturday the NorthPark store will offer free demonstrations to inspire and get those creative juices flowing. Here is the schedule and a description of the demos, please call 214.696.4400 for more information.

Creative Correspondence, 11 am – 12 noon. Learn to make enhance letters by creating envelope liners and using fun hole punches.

Rookie Rubberstamping, 12:15 – 1:15 pm. Get creative with rubber stamps! Learn to emboss using colorful embossing powders and a special embossing heat tool.

Party Accents, Favors and More, 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Add more pizazz to your party with decorative details (ribbons, labels, glitter).

Pretty Paper Flowers, 2:45 – 3:45 pm. Create an everlasting decorative element for your space.