When I returned from Sacramento, I found this fabu art doll in one of the classroom cubbies. It’s made by Julie Reifel and she had told me that she was working on something from April’s Categorically Creative Challenge, April Showers. She wanted to have it done for entry in the contest, but when she knew she wouldn’t make the deadline, she took time to enjoy the process and made something really cool.

April/May is a split personality, as you turn her over to show the different faces. I love how she’s hinged with jump rings so sometimes the April side mixes with the May side. Julie used some of the white chipboard from Technique Tuesday as she loves how the colors stay true on it. I gotta agree with her on that one! She also used Distress Inks and some of the techniques she’s learned from Christy Wood during classes here. BasicGrey papers, bling and misc. chipboard make up the rest.

Isn’t she just wonderful? Be sure to come by the store and check her out.

See ya!

Howdy!

I can’t believe it. I think I’ve found someone more anal retentive than I am! For all the piles of stuff that I have, I do often obsess over minor details and have been called Lana from time to time.

Imagine how tickled I was when I opened an order from Stampotique and found this:

I absolutely love the packing beans all perfectly arranged on end!

Isn’t it amazing the things that make me smile?

I know you’re clamoring for some of the stamps you see there. They’re part of our May Catalog of the Month. Just wait until the 1st!

See ya!

Howdy!

Mary Ann made us all happy with her simple and colorful Make & Take yesterday. She was inspired by Tim Holtz and his grungeboard, so we found a way to incorporate it. Everyone enjoyed the chance to play with this mysterious paper product, learn a few tips from Mary Ann and see some of the other class samples from our adventures.

It’s the Simple Things Supplies:
Tiny Wise Words, Wordsworth
Grungeboard Shapes, Dots
Cherry Posies Sorbet paper, Paper Salon
White A2 note card
Country Heart punch, Uchida
Worn Lipstick Distress Ink Pad
Crimson Lake Marvy Matchable Ink Pad
Pearl Paint Dabber
Glossy Accents
Ink Blending Tool
Acrylic Block
Glue Stick, Brayer

How To:
Apply Worn Lipstick to Grungeboard circle using the Ink Blending Tool. Apply Pearl Paint over the Worn Lipstick. Set aside to dry. Punch 7 or more hearts from Cherry Posies paper. Edge with Crimson Lake. Apply Glossy Accents to the back of the Grungeboard circle, then place the tips of the hearts in the glue around the circle to form a flower. Apply a 1″x5.5″ strip of the back side of Cherry Posies to white A2 note card with glue stick. Adhere the flower to the card with Glossy Accents. Stamp phrase and edge card with Crimson Lake. Enjoy! Designed by Mary Ann Jones.

Simple and clever. Ya gotta love these!

I have returned from two days of classes, one day of shopping and traveling. Denver was doing it’s usual weather thing. There was snow on the ground on Thursday morning. Quite the mess, but we were staying in the host hotel so we had no worries. The weather was clear the rest of the stay, but cold; especially for it being Spring!

Mary Ann & I started out with a class by Tim Holtz, Generation Grunge. We used Grungeboard, Crackle Paint, Distress Inks, Fragments and lots of cool tools to decorate a square framed mirror. Grungeboard is a lot of fun, but then I’m sure you know that.

Some of the things I learned that really surprised me:
• You can wash your non-stick craft sheet in the dishwasher.
• Glossy Accents also make a good “band-aid” when you get a paper cut and don’t want to leave the creative energy of your studio to get a band-aid. It also stings less than Super Glue. (As a former Kinko’s employee, I know Super Glue stings!)
• Grungeboard can be washed and dried. Embellish clothes with it by sewing it on. It’ll wash and wear just fine.
• The Cuttlebug Embossing Folders work great on Grungeboard. Don’t like the pattern you have? Just emboss it! Cuttlebug dies are one of the die cuts that work also.
• Distress Crackle Paint is washable!
• The Paint Dabbers work on any surface, even fabric. It doesn’t need to be heat set on fabric and will be permanent.
• The foam in the Ink Blending Tool doesn’t make the ink dry, so you can go back with the same Tool and do more inking until it’s all gone.
• Blending Tool foams can also be washed in a mesh bag in the washing machine.

We also took a class with Creative Impressions and used their wonderful flowers, ribbons and brads.

We also decorated the front of a 7 Gypsies ring bound book with Far East papers and embellishments by Die Cuts with a View. That was fun and creative! I made a Heidi Swapp clock while Mary Ann was introduced to the generosity of My Sentiments Exactly. We ended our classes with the Glimmering Nature Book by Tattered Angels. They have cool stuff! I love their die cut chipboard and stencils! And the colors of their Glimmering Mists! Yummy!

We had a great time meeting new folks, learning new tips and techniques and about new products. Keep your eyes peeled for more goodies to hit the shelves soon!
See ya!

Howdy!

Mr. Brown has been verrrry good to us the last few days. I got everything in the computer, tagged and out on the sales floor yesterday, so it’s ready for your shopping pleasures today! Here’s some of the goodies that you will find new on the sales floor to tempt you:

• Flowers & Leaves from Creative Impressions in Sheer Pastel and Bright, Iridescent Pastel and Bright, butterfly and dragonfly brads, colorful mini paper clips, more ribbons and other stuff.
• Fiskars punches! Four fabu border & corner punches. Two border punches. Corner rounders and corner notch punch. Eyelet Rain Dots, too. (ok, those need to find space on the sales floor yet)
• 7 Gypsies! ATC sleeves for the ATC Holders, ATC Transparancies, a cool 8×8 paper pack, two clear stamp design sets, two textured rub-on designs, paper fasteners and drawer pulls.
• 8×8 and 4×4 acrylic sheets as featured at What’s New Pussycat?
• ATC sized collage stamps designed by Tim Holtz.

And expected to hit the decks in the next few days
• More washi paper from Hanko
• Glitter and metallic paper by the sheet
• Memory Glass & Frames from Ranger (yes, after production problems, they are coming back!)

You may have noticed that we’re getting a little more settled in our new digs. My dad & I got a lot done down here on Sunday, including hanging the open sign! It’s now glowing in the office window, to the left of our doors. Much better than by the entrance to the mall, don’t you think? Next project: running speaker wires above the ceiling tiles so music can be heard in the classroom and on the sales floor. And of course mounting the speakers in their new music spreading places. We even moved the stereo into the office. I cannot stand hissy radio stations and that’s all I got from the stereo when it was by the printer. Hmmm. Try the office, by the window for better reception. Bingo! Let the speaker wires run amuck and music infuse the store!

See ya!

Howdy!

Yesterday was Make & Take Monday and a good time was had with Mary Ann and Bev. I was out galavanting, enjoying the sunshine and running errands. A day full of things checked off the list. Yes!

So, here it is. What we did followed by how we did it…

Spring Daffodil Supplies:
Daffodil, P3342, Art Impressions
Watercolor Paper
White & Yellow Ruche Card Stock
Luscious Lime DoubleMates
#11 Light Green Marvy Matchable
Marvy Brush Markers: #11, 127, 130, 131
White Iridescent String
Water Brush
Green Gem Flowers
Clear Stardust Gelly Roll pen
Glue Stick, Brayer, Tape
Glue Dots or Ultimate Glue

How To:
Ink Daffodil with Brush Markers and stamp on 2×5” watercolor paper. Soften and blend colors using Water Brush. Wrap Iridescent String around the bottom half of flower, holding in place with tape. Apply #11 Marvy Matchable direct-to-paper on 2.25×5.25” White Ruche, using a light touch. Glue flower image to White Ruche. Glue 1×4.25” Yellow Ruche to A2 Luscious Lime notecard, placing the yellow to go behind the flowers. Glue the flower layers on top. Embellish with Gem Flowers, held with Glue Dots or Ultimate Glue. Add some glitter detail to the flowers with a Clear Stardust Gelly Roll pen.

And now about dinner. Specifically Easter Dinner. It was great! It was all on the table at one time, hot and yummy. Ham, garlic mashed potatoes, corn and some artisan garlic bread. So good. Dad and I, both being single and rarely cooking anymore, enjoyed a real meal at home. And for all you goof-balls who thought I was home sick yesterday with food poisoning, ha! I wasn’t. I’m not that lost in the kitchen. Besides, Dad is the one who bases his eating decisions based on the amount of green on things. Yech! Ok, I think that was too much for this morning. Either way, we had a fabu day together and dinner was great.

See ya!

Howdy!

First things first, we will be closed on Sunday, March 23 for Easter. I’m spending the day with my dad. I’m even going to try my hand at making something other than popcorn in my kitchen. I don’t think I can screw up heating ham, instant garlic mashed potatoes and some other veggie, but then my kitchen just came with the house. I’m sure we’ll have fun, even if we end up calling for pizza. No, I’m not really that much of an idiot when it comes to cooking. I’m just never home and I really prefer baking. Sweets don’t make for a good dinner however.

I have the official information on the calendar for Terry Medaris’ classes on Sunday, May 25. He is teaching three classes that focus on Prismacolor pencils. These are classes that focus on different coloring techniques, methods and mediums. Each class is 3-hours long and $43. Terry travels here from Tuscon, Arizona bringing along his stamps, greeting cards and other items to sell the day of class. Check out his website http://www.terrymedarisartstamps.net/ for more information and inspiration. When you’re ready to sign up, remember that cash or check pre-payment reserves your seat in class.

Now for the stuff portion of this tour. Yes, more stuff has come in.
Stamps from Invoke Arts, Paula Best, JudiKins
Books about glitter and stamping
ScorIt Boards are back
Magic Mesh now is joined by Dotty Anns.
Stamp sets from A Stamp in the Hand
DG3 from JudiKins. What is this? It’s thicker than Diamond Glaze. Dries clear. I haven’t played with it yet, but it’s on my list of things to do tonight.

The entries for Categorically Creative Challenge are up! There are 11 wonderful entries this time! You guys out did yourselves this time! Stop by and vote before the end of the month. Someone will win a $10 in-store merchandise credit.

Monday is Make & Take Monday. Mary Ann will be leading you with some fabu spring card. $1 per kit from 10am to 6pm.

See ya! And have a wonderful Sunday.

Howdy!

Monday we enjoyed another Make & Take. Here’s what we did!

You Are the Best Supplies:
Best Kit, Fancy Scrolls: Hero Arts
Imperial Purple VersaFine
Lemonade Adirondack Lights
Medium Luscious Lime, White, and Light Sunshine Yellow cardstock
Strathmore Cold Press Watercolor Paper
Stardust Pens, Sequins from Hero Arts
Pastel Felt Blossoms (sm & med) & Pastel Brads
Lyra Watercolor Crayons, Paintbrush
Grid Curly Ribbon, Butterfly Punch
Tape Adhesive, Diamond Glaze

On 3”x4” watercolor paper, lightly scribble yellow watercolor crayon. Blend color with a wet paintbrush. Color pink and blue on a pallet, make a Kool-Aid consistancy with water, then add spots of color to yellow card. Heat set to dry. Stamp Best with Imperial Purple and trim to edge of design. Color butterfly with Stardust pens. Stamp butterfly portion of image on white cardstock and punch out. Color with Stardust pens. Attach Celery, White and Soft Pink Grid Curly Ribbon to the back of watercolor image. Embellish with a felt flower and brad. Attach to 3”x4” Luscious Lime. On Sunshine Yellow A2 notecard, stamp Fancy Scroll on the bottom using Lemonade. Attach decorated panel and embellish with sequins and punched butterfly. Designed by Lisa Taylor

See ya!

Howdy!

I’ve been home since Monday, but as many of you know the main computer went down while I was gone, so I’ve been putting things back together since my return. I want to thank all of you who were so patient and helpful while we were hand writing receipts. Our world is back up and running so I have put all sorts of new goodies in the computer and out onto the sales floor.

How was the show, you’re wondering? Fabulous! I ordered a lot of really cool things. Paper, embellishments, stamps, stencils, stickers, punches, books and more. We already have a new paper rack up, ready for the new 8 1/2″x11″ cardstock I ordered. We saw wonderful inspiring artwork and took a lot of pictures. I’m planning on having many of the pictures displayed in the store so you can share in the inspiration. Perhaps on a new 7 Gypsies Revolving Photo Carousel.

On the first day of the show, Christy and I were soaking up all the inspiration at Advantus’ Tim Holtz booth. Soooo many cool things. Including a photo op!

I emailed him before the show to find out about him coming to Salem and teaching classes here. We are on the list for 2009. No dates, but on the list of possible stores for the tour.

I found some new stamp companies that we’ll be featuring as Catalog of the Month in the future. I found so many fabu embellishments and surfaces that I’m going to have to pace myself, not break the bank and bring as much to you as I can. Maya Road has out done themselves again. Prima has some great flowers, bling, collage images, felt borders… sigh. Stamp-It Australia. OMG. I need to order some of this stuff soon! Stamps, paper, film strip images. And many more.

I’m sitting here revisiting some of the catalogs I shipped home. There is some cool stuff out there! I’m sure I’ll never be at a loss for what to order for a long time.

Monday is Make & Take time! I will be playing with a Hero Arts stamp in fresh spring colors. Now I gotta go and get it designed!

See ya!

It’s time! I’m leaving to go find all sorts of cool stuff that I know you can’t live without! I’m heading to Anaheim with Christy Wood to attend CHA, the mongo-huge industry trade show. The show is Jan. 9-13 and we’ll be taking some classes, meeting with some reps, power shopping and collapsing at the end of each day.

Oh, I know many of you would love to carry my bags at CHA, but I’m telling you, it ain’t easy! Schleping catalogs, samples, water and snacks and more catalogs all day on a hard floor is not easy work! But it sure is fun, especially when you run into old friends, inspiring artists and meet new folks all along the way.

Gee, can you tell I’m excited? And that doesn’t even start the talk of Disneyland and their super fabu Rice Crispy Treats. Mmmm. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Yes, Downtown Disney is one of the first stops on Friday night so I can get my RCT.

So, when the cat’s away, the mice will play. The Mice Sale is Fri., Feb. 8 through Sun., Feb. 17. Goodness! 10 days of sale! Woo hoo for you! Of course I hope to see lots of empty shelves, pegs and paper trays when I come back as I can’t order too much more unless we make room for it.

Some of the deals that hopefully will help entice you to help clear some space:
Magazine Back Issues 50% Off
All 12×12 Paper 20% Off
All Reinkers 50% Off
Select 7 Gypsies Product 50% Off
7 Gypsies Rub-ons 20% Off
Oriental 12×12 Papers 50% Off
and more!

Be sure to come and see what the mice are up to while I’m gone.

Of course I have some new stuff to entice you with also. We have many of the new Technique Tuesday clear stamp sets and Technique Tiles (white chipboard) out now. We also have a bunch of new double-sided paper that are glittery. Romance, St. Patricks and Easter designs and there are new stickers too! Peel-offs and more. And I finally have some of the Fingertip Craft Knives from Fiskars! I haven’t tried it yet, but I hear great things about them. They’re only $5.50 each.

Friday, Feb. 8 from 6-11pm is Inking the Night Away. Shellye, our newest employee, will be hosting the evening. It’s only $5, so if you want to join us, please call ahead to reserve some space.

Make & Take Monday is on the 11th. Mary Ann is designing something wonderful for you again this time. I’m not quite sure what yet, but you know her. It’ll be good.

There are some classes coming up that I don’t want you to miss out on.

A class focusing on rub-ons is Sat., Feb. 16. There are so many different brands and some work easier than others. There are also many surfaces to rub-onto. Join Dianne and make a sample book and a decorated frame. Come see how incredibly cool rub-ons are!

She’s also offering a fun decor project of a cube that can open and flip and turn, featuring several stamped images or pictures. Perhaps you need to think ahead to Mom’s Day or perhaps a birthday gift.

We have the Outlines Rubber Stamp catalog out for your shopping pleasure. Pre-paid orders and in stock stamps are 10% off and we’re taking orders through Wed., Feb. 20. There are a bunch of samples here to be inspired by from Outlines and by Christy Wood.

Convention time is coming again! We will be selling tickets to Heirloom’s Convention, being held at the Portland Expo Center. Tickets are $6 and good for both Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. Tickets are are now available.

See ya!