Fox Forest Retreat Center

 

Fox Forest is a large home that neighbors Firefly Farm . We purchased this property in the spring of 2021 and have been busy renovating the space (about half of it was unfinished) for a retreat center. Phase 1 will open this fall and consists of a private rental above the 6-car garage. This space has a private stairway and a lift that leads to a newly renovated space - complete with 5 beds, a bathroom, extra vanity, a small kitchen, large bright windows, and most importantly a crafting space complete with plenty of table and counter space, ample outlets and lights. The main level will also be opening this fall and is complete with 4 bedrooms (16 beds), 4.5 bathrooms, ample crafting space, a private kitchen, patio, relaxation room, and more.

Both Firefly Farm and Fox Forest are situated in quiet wooded areas, but easily accessible from Hwy 52, the main road between Minneapolis/St.Paul and Rochester, Minnesota.  We are an hour's drive from the MSP airport.

So much is happening this fall and we hope you are able to join us for an experience (or two!).



It's our very first event at Fox Forest Retreat Center!
October 7th-9th, 2022- only 1 spot available as of 9/1!

Fall Frolic is a jam-packed weekend that includes oodles of paper-crafting classes, a Fall Frolic Swag Bag, lodging at the brand new Fox Forest Retreat Center, meals, and so much more! All events, classes, and meals will be hosted in the Fox Forest Retreat Center.  You can find more details about the classes in the next section.

 

Friday, October 7th

6:00-9:00 PM

Fall Frolic Welcome Social features 3 exclusive layouts designed just for attendees by Joey, Layle, and Trisha (owner of Fox Forest). Plus enjoy cocktails, dinner, and a crafty game or two!

 Saturday, October 8th

8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00-11:00 AM

Family Mini-Album Brag Book with Joey Otlo features the new Thankful collection by Photoplay Paper

11:00-12:30 PM

Interactive Waterfall Fall Layout with Joey Otlo features the new Thankful collection by Photoplay Paper

12:30-2:45 PM Lunch & Free Time
2:45-5:45 PM

Simple Vintage Lakeside Album with Layle Koncar features a Designer Snap Album and the Simple Vintage Lakeside collection by Simple Stories

5:45-6:30 PM Dinner
6:30-8:30 PM

Fall Fever Fall Layouts with Layle Koncar includes two double-page layouts featuring the Fall Fever collection by Echo Park.

8:30-9:30 PM Popcorn & Rootbeer Floats 

Sunday, October 9th

8:30-10:30 AM Fall Interactive Card Class with Joey Otlo features the new Thankful collection by Photoplay Paper
10:30-11:30 AM Farewell Brunch
1:00 PM Check-out

 

 

Fall Frolic at Fox Forest is $599* per person. 
*Half due at registration.  The other half due by September 15th.

Your experience includes:

  • 3 exclusive make and take layouts with Joey, Layle & Trisha during the Welcome Social
  • 2 classes from Layle Koncar | $115 value
  • 3 classes from Joey Otlo | $115 value
  • 2 nights lodging at Fox Forest
  • 5 meals, snacks, and treats 
  • Fall Frolic swag bag
  • Exclusive event t-shirt
  • Small group size of 19 guests means lots of interactions with our guest teachers

 

Would you like to make your experience last even longer?
The following upgrades will be available:

  • Thursday night lodging w/ Friday morning breakfast
    • Check-in anytime after 12:00 PM on Thursday, 10/6 | $60
  • Friday, 10/7 11:30am to 2:30pm | December Documented | Layle Koncar  | $89
    • includes lunch 11:00-11:30 am &  time to work on personal projects in the morning
  • Friday, 10/7 3:00 to 5:00 pm | Christmas Interactive Card Class | Joey Otlo | $35
  • Sunday, 10/9 | lunch and use of space until 6:00 pm | $25
  • Sunday, 10/9 | dinner, overnight stay, Monday breakfast (check out by 12:00 PM) | $89

 

All classes will take place in the Fox Forest classroom located on the main level.

Fox Forest's capacity can welcome 19 guests to this Fall Frolic. We have 19 brand new twin and full-sized beds. Please don't delay in registering!

Lodging will be assigned in one of the following arrangements:

  • Main Level Bedroom - sleeps 5 and has 2 ensuite bathrooms
  • First Floor Bedroom - sleeps 3 and shares the hallway bathroom
  • First Floor Bedroom - sleeps 2 and shares the hallway bathroom
  • First Floor Bedroom - sleeps 4 and has an ensuite bathroom
  • Bonus Room above the garage that sleeps 5 and has a private bathroom with a second vanity outside of the bathroom

Registered guests can request room assignments, and we will do our best to accommodate all.


 Please email [email protected] for more infomation.



Can't join us for Fall Frolic? You still have the opportunity to join our Fall Frolic Guest Designers for a-la-carte classes at Firefly Farm! Classes take place in the lower level of Firefly Farm and can comfortably fit 18 students.


Friday, October 7th

9:00-11:00 AM | Fall Interactive Card Class featuring Photoplay Paper | $35

11:00-11:30 AM | lunch break


11:30-1:30 PM | Christmas Interactive Card Class featuring Photoplay Paper | $35

Joey will show you how to easily add an element of surprise to cards! All levels are welcome.

11:30AM-2:30PM | December Documented | $75

Whether you're documenting your December day by day or you're just looking for a fun album to quickly & easily document your holiday memories, this class from Layle Koncar is for you! With a merry mash-up from THREE brand new holiday collections from Simple Stories - Mix & A Mingle, Baking Spirits Bright, and Hearth & Holiday - you'll have everything you need to capture your holiday photos and memories this year when December arrives, in a 6x8 pocket page album that you’ll treasure for years to come!   


Saturday, October 8th

8:30-11:30 AM | Simple Stories Snap Album with Simple Vintage Lakeside | $70

Trisha looked at dozens of new paper collections in the last 6 months and the one she is most excited about for her Firefly Farm customers is the soon-to-be-released Simple Stories collection Simple Vintage Lakeside. The colors are gorgeous! Layle can't wait to design a Snap Album with it and it's sure to be perfect for showcasing your outdoor pictures. 

11:30-12:00 PM | lunch break


12:00-2:00 PM | Fall layouts (2 double-page) with Echo Park Fall Fever | $45

We can not wait for you to get your crafty hands on this soon-to-be-released Echo Park collection Fall Fever and we know you will love creating gorgeous layouts with Layle.


3:00-4:30 PM | Fall Layout w/ interactive waterfall featuring Photoplay Thankful | $35

Joey Otlo designed an adorable layout featuring a Photoplay Paper waterfall for our last Creative Crate and it was amazing! If you are a scrapbooker, this is a class you do not want to miss. Not to mention the Thankful collection from Photoplay Paper has so many reasons to be thankful.


5:00-7:00 PM | Family Mini-Album Brag Book featuring Photoplay Paper Thankful | $45

If you want to see how Photoplay Paper Maker Series items can make crafting easy, then this is the class for you. Join Joey as she shows you how to create a mini-album that would be perfect for gift giving. You will be bragging to all of your friends about the album you created!


Registration for a-la-carte classes can be found here.



We are thrilled to welcome Jenn Shurkus back to Firefly Farm, in person, for the first time since February 2020! We will be offering Jenn's classes at the lower level classroom of Firefly Farm - just like we did six times from September 2017-February 2020. We are also offering an all-inclusive Lawn Fawn Soiree weekend at Fox Forest Retreat Center that will include Jenn's classes and some exclusive events - not to mention lodging, meals, and so much more (the Soiree is sold out).
 
 Jenn Shurkus has taught virtually dozens of times in the last two years, including at all 6 of our Creative Crate events, and found that her students are enjoying and benefitting from her Copic Marker coloring techniques. For her in-person classes at Firefly Farm and Fox Forest Retreat Center, Jenn will be focusing on teaching these techniques while students make three detailed cards in each class featuring the newest Lawn Fawn release. Students will also receive coloring guides in each class - a fantastic resource!

Both classes feature the latest products from Lawn Fawn - stamps, dies, papers, and inks. You will create with artist-grade Copic markers and other fun supplies. Jenn will share suggestions and secrets to cardmaking throughout the class to help you craft!

Due to the prepping done ahead of time, these classes are suitable for all levels! You may register for one or both classes. PSA - most students like to take both, and those who register for just one are usually disappointed that they didn't register for both.   

Wickedly Cute Fall and Halloween Cards

Wickedly Delightful Winter and Holiday Cards

We highly recommend that students have the Copic Markers that Jenn will be using. We will send a class supply list to all registered students in September, and students will have the option of ordering any of these supplies at a fantastic promotion! If students choose to bring another brand of markers, Jenn will do her best to help them, but please be aware that to keep the class moving, she cannot dedicate much time to this.
 
Students will receive a supply list (the middle of September) of essential items they must bring for class (Copic Markers, adhesive, scissors, etc.).  All paper, die cuts, and stamped images are included in your class kit.


Friday, October 21st {2 spots left as of 9/1}
 
9:00-12:00 PM Wickedly Cute Fall & Halloween Cards
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
1:00-4:00 PM Wickedly Delightful Winter & Holiday Cards
 
Saturday, October 22nd {2 spots left as of 9/1}
 
10:00-1:00 PM Wickedly Cute Fall & Halloween Cards
1:00-2:00 PM Lunch
2:00-5:00 PM Wickedly Delightful Winter & Holiday Cards
 
Sunday, October 23rd {8 spots left as of 9/1}
 
10:00-1:00 PM Wickedly Cute Fall & Halloween Cards
1:00-2:00 PM Lunch
2:00-5:00 PM Wickedly Delightful Winter & Holiday Cards
 

 
$40 per class

$89 for both classes - Includes Olive Garden soup, salad, and breadsticks lunch between classes.

  • Each class is 3 hours long.
  • Class participants will receive a special discount on all Lawn Fawn products on the day of their class as well as on a pre-order for class supplies.
  • Each class is limited to 18 participants.
  • Feel free to email any questions our way | [email protected]


This event is Sold Out.
 
Friday, October 21st
 
5:00-6:00 PM Social Hour with drinks and appetizers (enough options for a light dinner)
6:00-9:00 PM Wickedly Cute Fall and Halloween Cards with Jenn Shukus
9:00-10:00 PM Desserts + Exclusive Card Project with Jenn
 
Saturday, October 22nd
 
8:30-9:30 AM Breakfast
10:00-1:00 PM Exclusive Lawn Fawn Class with Lyndsay
1:00 PM Lunch - Olive Garden Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks
Free Time Guests are welcome to use their table space to work on projects, take a walk around the property, shop at Firefly Farm, and/or relax
5:00-6:30 PM Dinner + Exclusive Card Project Firefly Farm staff
6:30-9:30 PM Wickedly Delightful Winter and Holiday Cards with Jenn
 
 
Sunday, October 23rd
 
8:30 to 9:30am Farewell Brunch
12:00 PM Check-out
 
 

Lawn Fawn Soiree at Fox Forest is $475* per person. 
*Two installment payment option is available. 

Your experience includes:

  • Surprise!  We can now tell you that Kelly Marie (one of the Lawn Fawn owners) will be joining us via zoom for a personal tour of Lawn Fawn and a fun game (with prizes!)
  • 2 exclusive card make and take projects | 1 by Jenn Shurkus and 1 by Firefly Farm Staff
  • 2 classes from Jenn Shurkus | $80 value
  • 1 exclusive Lawn Fawn card class from Lyndsay Breid | 5 cards that will be for all occasions (thank you, thinking of you, just because)
  • 2 nights lodging at Fox Forest 
  • 5 meals, snacks, and treats 
  • Lawn Fawn Soiree swag bag
  • Exclusive event t-shirt
  • Small group size of 19 guests means lots of interactions with our guest teachers

 

Would you like to make your experience last even longer?
The following upgrades will be available:

  • Thursday night lodging w/ Friday morning breakfast and lunch
    • Check-in anytime after 12:00 PM on Thursday, 10/20 | $89
    • Feel free to use your table space to work on projects on Friday
  • Sunday, 10/23 | lunch and use of space until 6:00 pm | $25
  • Sunday, 10/23 | dinner, overnight stay, Monday breakfast (check out by 12:00 PM) | $89

 

All classes will take place in the Fox Forest classroom located on the main level.

Fox Forest's capacity can welcome 19 guests to this Fall Frolic. We have 19 brand new twin and full-sized beds. Please don't delay in registering!

Lodging will be assigned in one of the following arrangements:

  • Main Level Bedroom - sleeps 5 and has 2 ensuite bathrooms
  • First Floor Bedroom - sleeps 3 and shares the hallway bathroom
  • First Floor Bedroom - sleeps 2 and shares the hallway bathroom
  • First Floor Bedroom - sleeps 4 and has an ensuite bathroom
  • Bonus Room above the garage that sleeps 5 and has a private bathroom with a second vanity outside of the bathroom

Registered guests can request room assignments, and we will do our best to accommodate all.


Registration is open!

You can register online at our website www.visitfireflyfarm.com on the class/event tab OR by calling Firefly Farm during business hours.



Firefly Farm opened in June 2017. We have a beautiful 12 acres that includes a house and two sheds. The house (retail location) is filled with hundreds of brand new scrapbooking and card-making products, fun DIY projects, oodles of unique gifts, and so much more! There's something for everyone at Firefly Farm!

51525 210th Avenue | Pine Island, Minnesota

Firefly Farm is conveniently located off of (and visible from) Highway 52, approximately 10 minutes north of Rochester and 60 minutes south of the Twin Cities. It is easily accessed from White Pines Road - the frontage road visible from Highway 52, as you get close to Pine Island.

Coming from the south on Hwy 52: Take the first Pine Island exit (Cty 11) at mile marker 71. At the top of the exit make a sharp right onto White Pines Rd SE (sharp right is before you get to the round-about). Follow this frontage road for 1 mile and take a left on 210th Avenue. Firefly Farm will be the red house on your left (first driveway).

Coming from the north on Hwy 52: Take the second Pine Island exit and at the top of the exit turn left (you will cross over Hwy 52). At the round-about take your first right to enter White Pines Rd SE (you will be on the round-about for a very short time). Follow this frontage road for 1 mile and take a left on 210th Avenue. Firefly Farm will be the red house on your left (first driveway).


Firefly Farm | 51525 210th Avenue | Pine Island, MN 55963

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