I was glad to have the chance to attend a group activity with Nicole. The craft we worked on together was a fun way to repurpose materials, and the dynamic of crafting with friends was uplifting too. I liked how the planned handprint activity sparked attendees to share stories about their loved ones — I took my art in a different direction with a leaf design & that worked out too! Nicole provided clear guidance, brought the perfect supplies, and was a positive, encouraging leader for our event!

Nicole W.

I did a workshop yesterday with Nicole Ensmenger at Tinker'N where we worked through my life goals to develop a vision board, identifying where I eventually want to be, what I want my life to look like, and what I hope to achieve. It was very eye-opening and I discovered some areas of my life that I definitely need to nurture a little more. I made a very pretty vision board to reflect on regularly, to keep those goals at the forefront of my mind and provide clarity and guidance.

Part of the workshop also involved choosing a "word of the year," to inspire and guide me going forward. After quite a bit of thought, I selected INTENTIONAL.

If you've known me awhile, you're likely aware that my actions and decisions have not historically been very intentional - often quite impulsive and poorly thought-out, without any clear purpose. Over the past few years - and largely due to Matt's arrival in my life - I have become much more thoughtful and purposeful with my decisions. This is even more so now that we have a high-profile business with a wide social media reach.

I put a lot of thought into what we put online, how we present ourselves, what values we want to amplify, and what role we hope to have within our greater community. We are careful and strategic, and everything has a purpose. I've noticed this has spread into my personal life as well, and I want to continue to develop this.

Clearly knowing and visualizing my goals gives me the ability to make intentional steps towards achieving them. I can be more intentional about the things I choose to bring into my life and the things I choose to eliminate. I'm very interested to see how this new mindset moves me forward

Lauren McChesney

I have had 3 experiences with Tinker’N so far. I don’t normally post reviews, but I am so impressed by Nicole’s versatility and professionalism that I had to. The first was a brilliant on-site short group workshop for a group of 30 businesswomen in which we all made our own little box of “pocket pauses”, which is a self-care tool. I loved it and had to book something with her after that. The second, was the small group team building event I hosted for my team at Nicole’s studio in Easton called “New Greatest Hits”. This is a personal development workshop interwoven with crafting and literally “breaking records” that was both empowering and an absolute blast. My team loved it and it created both positive connections and much needed shifts within my team. The third was an impromptu “make and take” for my daughter during Nicole’s open Tinker Time on a Saturday. My girl is generally very uncomfortable with new people and instantly took to Nicole. My daughter made a beautiful and very magical wand, and asks to go back every other day now. This is one of my new favorite crafting spots and recommend it for all ages, groups, solo, family events, or professional events. To top it off, Tinker’N is a creative reuse ♻️ center so all of her materials are repurposed. I am a little jealous that I didn’t think of blending self-care, personal growth, and sustainability into a crafting experience, but I am so glad someone did. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommended.

Maria S. (Google Review)

I recently had the privilege of attending one of Nicole's Tinker'N workshops with friends old and new. When we arrived, Nicole welcomed us warmly and enthusiastically, and we were soon selecting our materials from a wide array of options, with just enough guidance from Nicole.

She provided excellent step-by-step directions for the activity (a framed doodling piece) and effectively addressed any questions from any of us who needed them as we went along. She also had step-by-step written directions (with plenty of doodling examples) available for those who wanted them. It wasn't long before everyone was engaged and clearly enjoying themselves and each other -- even those who were perhaps initially a little insecure about their "artistic abilities." Nicole put everyone at ease!

As we neared the end of the activity, Nicole's buoyant and caring personality particularly shone through as she led a discussion about participants' experiences in the activity and lessons learned. She shared her observations and provided great insights, particularly as they relate to health and wellness.

It really was a fantastic, fun afternoon. If you and/or a group of others are thinking about calling/contacting Tinker'N, my advice is to stop thinking and go for it!

Suzanne W (Google Review)

I have been fortunate to attend two different workshops with Tinker'N. Nicole does an excellent job of creating a safe and engaging space for her participants. I love that the projects are reusing items that would otherwise end up in a landfill, and have been amazed by some of the creativity of the items she has designed and produced. The projects themselves were more fun than I thought they would be, but the way Nicole facilitates the events is what makes them special. I don't know which I enjoyed more, the actual project, or the interactions with the other people at the workshops. I believe that Nicole's Occupational Therapy background has given her more insights into the process than a typical crafting workshop, and gives her the ability to create more meaningful, holistic, events, which gives them a more therapeutic value than a typical 'crafting session.' Highly recommended!

Pam Bartlett (Google review)

Hi. I attended the workshop you did this year for the PA Key. I was supposed to attend last year, but my husband passed away right before that meeting and I missed it. So glad I got a second chance! And because I'm in a new phase of life, the timing was perfect. Just thought I'd share my results with you.

The packet you provided and the time that you gave us during the workshop got me started. Actually inspired me to take a short retreat. This was my project for this time and it was very healing.

Thanks again!

Cyndi McAleer

I have attended several of Nicole from Tinker'N's workshops, and I am not the most creative person so many made me nervous to start! Nicole always showed great patience and encouragement, supporting me through every step along the way, and it always ended in a very positive experience and good feelings. My favorites were the Dreamcatcher creations and setting painted tiles on fire! I will gladly attend more workshops in the future!

Rhonda Bastian

Owner

Sail Away Events and Travel

Nicole,

Just a short note to thank you for your presentation at last Friday's LVP Meeting. I have heard numerous presentations on this or similar topics over the years and yours was truly the best. I know that you are going in other directions but you are an accomplished public speaker and should do well in this environment. You are the best.

In fact, maybe this should be a recurring presentation at LVP. Let's remind each other of this later in the year.

…. Your great help last Friday is very much appreciated.

Tom Emmerth

I met Nicole at a networking event where she was a presenter. I had NO IDEA of the depth and breadth of Tinker’N until that day! I thought is was simply up-cycling to make fun art. I was extremely impressed with her use of art as a therapeutic tool and on a personal level, the timing was perfect for me. I went to the event thinking I would meet other local professional women. I left the event having had a therapeutic art session that helped me better communicate with special people in my life!

When I first took Nicole’s Vision Board Workshop I was skeptical. Not anymore! I have put my hopes and dreams out into the Universe and almost everything has come true. I wanted to change my life and it has. I’m living life to the fullest manifesting my dreams and living the life I’ve never thought I’d have. The one thing on my vision board that hasn’t happened yet is I still haven’t gotten on a plane without a seatbelt extension, but that will happen in October 2022 when I leave with my husband on a plane to Florida for our Cruise on the Disney Wish ! The sky’s the limit. Just put your dreams on a Vision Board and with some hard work anything can happen. Thanks Nicole for helping this skeptic to become a believer 🤗

Amy Steinberg

“Nicole is an incredible out of the box thinker! She also will do some group events with teams to help them clear their mind and to get in touch with their creative side!”

– Mary Ann L

“So Much Fun!”

“It was a lot of fun! Hoping for an in person event soon!”

“Absolutely Enjoyed the evening! Thank you!”

“What a fun intensely exciting afternoon of wine tasting AND Tinker'N. We tasted wines and made wine tags out of recycled items.”

~ Donna L. Dunn

“I have a problem. If you have ever been in a meeting with me you probably know what it is. Nicole Ensmenger solved it! Tinker’N is amazing!”

~ Steve Manz

November 28, 2020

“I cannot rave enough about Nicole Ensmenger and Tinker'N LV! We bought these dreamcatcher-esque kits a few months ago, and finally got a chance to do them. With the exception of the tie-dye effect on the doilies (yes - those are old-school handmade repurposed tea doilies!), EVERYTHING was included - INCLUDING THE DEMO VIDEO! We spent the morning wrapping and knotting and hot gluing to make these unique pieces that are now lovingly hanging near the kids' beds.

The girls are so proud of what they made, clean up was a breeze, and I didn't have to acquire ANYTHING- it was all in the bags!

Highly recommend!”

~ Alicia Shumaker

“Thank you to LBB Lehigh Valley for having Nicole of @tinkern.lv lead us this morning in her Mindset Activity.

Even being on this journey for over 4 years and feeling AMAZING I still have these thoughts and struggles try to win my focus. I had a Seinfeld "worlds colliding" moment this morning because I know Nicole has been running this broken record activity for at least 2 years and having just finished @jonacuff newest book from spring 2021 "Soundtracks" for the 2nd time it all ALIGNED...the worlds of Jen are colliding in a spectacularly helpful way.

If you loved Jon's book you should check out Tinker'N's record activity and if you found benefit in the activity I recommend giving a listen or read to Soundtracks to keep moving forward with your NEW Greatest Hits!!

So glad to be on this journey and know I'm not alone!!!

Thank you both for sharing your gifts for the world and not letting your broken records hold you back!!”

~Jennifer Hernandez

Nicole refinished a dresser I purchased off of Facebook market place. The piece had much potential though it needed work done to it. Her and her husband fixed the top and the draws, refinished the veneer and then up scaled it by painting out trip and stenciling. It made my move so comforting that I'd have this great piece to use when I couldn't afford new. Frankly this is 100% better than a new piece. She listened well to my needs and strived for perfection. I very much so appreciate all she's done for me! I will always cherish this dresser.
~Becky Schmick

The experience was very fun! Me and my mom made dreamcatchers online with some other ladies and it was a great bonding experience for us both. The session was informative, gave examples, and also gave alternative ways to do the dreamcatchers. We received little packages with needed materials, and they truly turned out very nicely! I'm not a expert dreamcatcher maker by any means, but the host gave step by step directions which was easy to follow! It's a fun crafty opportunity, a nice way to spend time doing something interactive with friends or family, and you get to take home an art piece to hang up or use! I definitely recommend.
~McKenna Naylor

July 22, 2020

“I'd like to share something with you that my friend Nicole Ensmenger made for my family...she owns an up-cycle business and I asked her if she could do something special with my Dads teddy bear, the picture of my dad when he was a toddler holding said teddy bear, and the picture of Aidan when he was a baby (he's now 14) holding the bear and pointing to the picture!

She made and created this beautiful shadow box, and presented it to me last night! I am thrilled with the turnout and can't wait for my Dad and family to see it!

She put her heart and soul into this project and it means the world to me and now our family will cherish this piece for a very long time.

Please check out her page and see what she does, truly an artist.”

~ Carol Roach

“This was really fun to do! I think I’m going to add some flowers . Thank you& Happy Valentines Day!” ~ Anonymous

“I enjoyed doing the craft and meeting others going through the same thing. As for my heart, it’s cute! I’m keeping it for myself as it will be a memory next year of the very beginning of my journey. I appreciate all that CSC has to offer.” ~J.

"Nicole is brilliant at helping you get your creative juices flowing! She has amazing talent for repurposing items into wonderful pieces. Her vision board class was so inspiring and helped me to set goals!"

Gina Badalaty, Pure. Haven

Nicole is such an inspiration to know and network with that I have gotten so many ideas on repurposing old jewelry parts to create new. In addition, I created wine glass tags and modifying eyeglass holders to make mask holders. My mask holders are pretty enough to be necklaces or easily modifiable for eyeglass holders, when we are no longer requiring masks. These new products saved my holiday business. (2020)

Carol Mack, BeadsbyCarol.com

Nicole is very passionate about upcycling.

She and her husband have been upcycling for years and have furnished their home with very special upcycled pieces.

Nicole works with clients through in person and Zoom workshops to create one of a kind pieces.

It is a fun and relaxing experience. “Don't worry about the end product just relax and have fun,” says Nicole.
~Karen Joseph

Nicole is very passionate about her work although she does not consider it work which sets her apart. She truly loves what she does by helping others. I love the idea of her helping others who are grieving to create a loving memory for them! Excellent work Nicole! (Ref. Teddy Bear Shadow Box)