Classic Hobbies Projects

Post party ...

2012-02-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it was a great time here last week !! Lots of you showed up, many of you made FAB rings, we all ate cake & popcorn, and sipped fluffy pink punch. Prizes were won, gifts were given, and laughter was constant. It was wonderful !! Thank you all !!!
Here are last week's winners :
Bead Organizer : Sara Bates
Paper Organizer : Shelley Kingston
Congratulations !!!
When I came in to work Saturday morning, it looked like poor Classic Hobbies had a hangover ... popcorn on the floor, pink goo on the counters, hanging-down helium balloons, cake crumbs, overflowing garbage can ... but boy did it look like it had been fun !! lol !!
So let's get on with the new week ...
Kit(s) of the Week :
There are actually 2 kits this week ...

Card kit ... Valentine's ... these cards are "non-mushy" for the most part and could be used for friends or co-workers, family or the milkman. (heehee) The owl card would be cute for kids. You get the supplies for all three cards for $5.

Ornament Kit ... this kit makes two cute little ornaments ... pop them in an envelope for a 3D valentine or hang them up at home. Fun & fast ! All the supplies for 2 for just $5.
Paper :
There is lots of new paper, some new stamps, lots of Valentine paper & embellishments, Valentine stamps, new trims from Maya Road, cute embellishments from Maya Road (i.e. the adorable owl in the card kit), new Sizzix dies and folders from Tim Holtz, I Rock Jewel Setter from Imaginisce and all the beautiful sparklies to go with the tool, Library drawers from 7 Gypsies, and more !!
BEADS :
Well the wire wrapped rings were a huge success ... and I am ordering more wire today !! So watch for more supplies in a week or two. Also the Kumihimo braiding was popular and I will have more of the square forms in stock with that wire. They make a flat braid. Watch for more cords in various sizes and colours. And I will soon have another fun new bead project ... it involves a hammer, an anvil, and eye protection ... oh, the big time !!
I am going to try to do the following ... ( I promise to do my best ) ... in the weeks to come
* Kit of the Week Card Kit ( I do that now so that's not too much of a stretch ...lol)
* Jewelry Kit of the Week ... most weeks will be earrings or a small project but I will try for one bigger piece each month.
* Mini Album of the month
Last week's event was such a success that I will also try to do something similar (maybe not quite as big... don't want to get you too excited ..lol ) once a month. Treats & a demo of some kind. It was great fun and it is wonderful to be able to try things ... so watch for updates !!

FRIDAY Feb 3 ...

2012-02-02T15:49:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the specials today (Friday)!!
*20% off Nestabilities & Suzzix
*20% off stamps
*20% off bulk (500pc) packages of jewelry findings
(off regular prices, does not include lay aways & special orders)
*gift with purchase
*another gift with purchases over $25 before taxes
* buy a package of Tim Holtz product & get a free TH note card !!
(one per customer)
Hope to see you !!!!

PARTY WEEK !!!

2012-01-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone !!
Well the week has finally arrived !! This Friday is the party here at the store. I am busy busy busy getting things ready !
So let's see what's new, shall we ?

KIT OF THE WEEK :
Valentines !! And before I get the comment "I hate Valentine's Day" (I hear that a lot actually) .... Valentine's doesn't have to be all about big romantic love . I think it's a great time to tell family & friends that you care. Now, if you give a big frou frou valentine to the garbage man, he may get the wrong idea but neighbours , friends, and family would love a nice little card or a bag of fun candies !

So here is this week's kit ... it is made using Valentine paper from My Mind's Eye, Echo Park, and lily bee. You get all the supplies - precut, prescored & folded, ready to go - for all 3 cards for $5.

I also have some kits from last year that are for giving treats. They too are $5.

PAPER :
* Valentine paper : lily bee, Echo Park, and My Mind's Eye ... all $1 sheet (going fast !!) . There are also nice packages form My Mind's Eye as well as some cute index cards from lily bee.

* Carolina Breeze from Teresa Collins : very pretty grey, white, yellow, and charcoal. And if you know TC's paper, you know it is super heavy and great quality. Actually it is heavy enough to use as mini album pages on it's own.

* Maya Road kraft owls & calendars, sweet button pins, wonderful ecru vintage style crochet trims.
* lots of new embellishments - valentine's, winter, matching the paper lines that are in stock ... all fun !!
* stamps from Flourishes, Kaiser Craft, CC Designs, Art Impressions, Penny Black
** Just added : Basic Grey "Picadilly" and "Little Black Dress"
BEADS :
* lots & lots of new rattail ... gorgeous colours !! Colours like espresso, strawberry, ... You'll need it for the new ...

* KUMIHIMO braiding ! This is a Japanese braiding technique that is really really easy !! I am adding a link to a YouTube video - you'll be amazed at how easy it is. It works really well with rattail cord. The kits even come with some to use. I have kits for $3.99 and the tools themselves for $2.99. Inexpensive to start !! I hope to have a few samples on Friday and be able to show you how simple it is.

(Here's an update ... my very first Kumihimo braind ... took 10 to 15 minutes and was super easy. I love it !!)

* more semi precious beads ... 6mm round green breciated jasper, dragon's blood, and carnelian as well as larger pieces of other stones.
* LOTS of strands of 6mm fire polished for only $1.99 each. these are great for the "urban wrap" bracelets. I will add a link for that too !! You can also see how these are made on Friday.

* wire wrapped rings ... make one on Friday for just $2 !!! I'm hooked on these !!

And here they are on the wrinkly hand ...lol !!

* more feathers
* restocked on glues .. Goop and others !!
* some nice storage containers.

PARTY :
* all day Friday
* I will have someone (Crystal !) here to help from 11ish on , helping with the wire rings and demos.
* cake
* food
* fun
* laughter
* prizes
* sales
* gifts with purchase
It's going to be fun !!!! Please come !!!

Great Stuff !!

2012-01-24T11:09:00.001-08:00

Hey there ! I have some great stuff for you this week ... and even more next week !!
Let's get started ...
All Christmas 12x12 patterned paper ... now ONLY 50 cents per sheet !!! All packaged Christmas embellishments, rub-ons, stickers ... now 50% off regular prices !!!! This week only .... next week it will be packed away !! Get it this week !!!
KIT of the WEEK : "Birthday Cards for Men & Boys"

... this week's kit is for the guys. The cards are made using the new paper form Echo park "Times & Seasons" and works really well for guys as well as for vintage projects. I kept the cards simple and "frou frou free" ... no big bows or flowers ! And they will also mail really well ... not thick or lumpy. You get all the precut prefolded prestamped supplies for all 3 cards for $5. That's not bad !! lol
PAPER :
* Echo Park "Times & Seasons" ...

that's the paper in the kit. I love it ! Some of it looks like beautiful vintage fabrics, some of it is funny ... like the moustache paper. It really is great for many projects and styles. $1 sheet.
* Valentine's Day ...

paper kits and 6x6 pads from My Mind's Eye "Love Me".... beautiful valentine themed papers. I also have individual sheets for $1 each. Watch for this paper next week in the Kit of the Week .... but if you want some, better get it this week. It won't last long !!
BEADS : I am still working on those "urban wrap bracelets" in the Chan Luu style. I love making them ... and so do many of you !! I am also trying a new earring and a ring ... hopefully there will be demos next week !! As well as some Japanese braiding and metal work ... exciting stuff !! Stop in this week for help starting a wrap bracelet !!

Kickin' the Blues Away !! ... Friday February 3 10 am to 5 pm ... here at the store. A chance for us all to get together, try new things, laugh, find our creativity, cheer up, eat a little cake, etc ... I will have prizes, sales, grab bags, demos, "try-it" projects, treats, even lunch !! If you are coming on your lunch hour, lunch is taken care of !! I will have a pot of chili on and will be serving it up. Please come ! Bring your friends !!!

Mid January ...

2012-01-18T07:36:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe that it is already the middle of January !! Time flies by.
This week I got back on track a bit - thankfully !! So there is a Kit of the Week once again as well as a bracelet project. Pretty darned pleased with myself ... lol.
It has been a sad week though. I am sure that many of you have felt grief for the several tragic deaths in our communities. My goodness, the year has been off to a sad start. As I have been talking to many of you the last few weeks, you have had many sad stories to share - of death , illness, troubles. It has been overwhelming. And it falls at that time of year when many find that the days are a bit gloomy to start with. I think we need to have a little celebration ... I know it won't change the sadness some people are experiencing but it would just put a bit more cheerful spin on the days. Just a chance to gather, share some talk & laughter, cake , crafting tales ... anything to chase away the gloom. So I am on it !! I will put on my thinking cap and come up with some sort of "Cheer Us Up " event. Watch here for details ...
In the meantime , here are a few projects.
KIT OF THE WEEK :

This kit uses kraft paper and patterned kraft paper form My Mind's Eye . (Psst ... I ♥ kraft paper !!) All the supplies are included (pre-cut, pre-stamped, pre-folded ...) for all 3 cards for just $5. Let me know if you want one saved.
* Oh ! And see that nice little stitched row of circles on the card ?? Think you need a sewing machine ??? Nope ! IT COMES THAT WAY !!! How awesome is that ?!! Just stick it on !
BEADS :

Have you heard of Chan Luu bracelets ? I hadn't but I had been seeing all these fun wrap bracelets on people on TV and in videos. Well they are made in Vietnam and start at $200 .... hmmm ... not really in my budget. But I did find some You Tube tutorials to make similar bracelets . So I gave it a try. Now it was a bit tricky because I had the help of 2 kittens but once they found something else to play with, it was a breeze !! You only need cord of some kind, strong beading thread, beads, and a shank button. An hour or so will have you sporting a wonderful new bracelet !! I can't wait to try other colour combinations !! Drop in and I'll show you how to make them !!
I am continuing the sales from last week ... check last week's post for info !!
I will be packing up all that is Christmas at then end of the month, so stop in soon if you need any paper or accessories. (and they are still on sale !!)
So ... pop in to see the new bracelet, check out the sales, or browse the new paper. Or just stop in for a chat & a laugh. See you !!!!

Second Week of January ...

2012-01-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

Hi !
It's the second week of January ... and I am still lagging behind ... *sheesh*. I have had a whopper of a stomach flu, an eye infection, a cold, a sore throat, ... I am waiting for a plague or grasshoppers ... LOL. Anyway, I am feeling much better & just waiting for the last bits to go away. What a start to 2012 !!
BUT ... I did get a kit done for this week and a bunch of new stuff unpacked !! Here goes !
*KIT OF THE WEEK : This week's kit is a little mini album to tuck all your Christmas memories into. It is very simple and can be completed in an afternoon if you want to keep it simple. It folds out of the box and can be attached into the box or kept as a removable album. Assemble, add your photos & journaling, decorate, pop in the box, and tie up Christmas 2011 with a bow. You could do these every year and keep them all on a shelf with the date along the edge of the box. Your kit includes the pre-scored fold up pages, pockets, pre-stamped tags, ribbon & trims, the box with trim, "tie up ribbon" and instructions. All for $5 !!! This would be a cute kit to make & keep or to make as a gift .

* PAPER :
- My Mind's Eye ... FUNDAY !! ... There are 2 versions of this line. All of it is done on kraft paper though. "Everyday Fun " is done in black, cream, and grey on kraft.I have it in 12x12 paper as well as 6x6 pads.

"Happy Days" is done in brighter colours on kraft. I have it in the 6x6x pads.
Both are excellent !! The graphics include polka dots, numbers, banners, chevrons, scallops and other shapes, tickets, etc... Really great designs - I love this paper. And with it are a ton of great accessories ... 6x6 pads, strands of paper garlands, twine, stickers, tags, etc...

Check it out !!
-Jenni Bowlin Red Black Extension IV ... I really like this paper. It has such a nostalgic feel about it. It would be awesome with black & white photos.

- Jilli Bean Soup ... 2 lines from this company. "Homemade Six Bean Soup" is a sewing/quilting/ friendship themed line. Beautiful colours and graphics. The little journaling cards would be cute on cards.

The other line is "Sweet & Sour Soup" and it showcases letters, word, typewriters, all things typographical. Again, great colours & graphics. Fun !!

- Fancy Pants "Off to School" ... bold fun colours with great images. It would be great, of course, for a school themed album but it will also work well for almost anything.

And I love this sheet of calendar pages ... cut apart to use on scrapbook pages or birthday/event cards.

- Imaginisce "Bon Voyage" ... very nice travel themed paper. Great for masculine themed pages & cards. Planes, nautical, travel. This paper is also varnished so you get a nice shine.

BEADS :
I have unpacked all sorts of things ( things that don't photograph too well !!) .... lots of new findings, new tools, more spacers & metal beads, charms, more pearls from Swarovski, more crystals, .... and I have some big ideas brewing in my head !! I just need to get all this yucky sickness to move on and I'll get on them !! Watch for some fun necklaces soon.
SPECIALS :
- Christmas paper is still 60 cents per sheet ... it will be *poof* gone by the end of the month though so don't wait too long !!
- 40% off packages of Christmas embellishments, rub ons, and stickers.
- 25% off Tim Holtz cases , purses, notebooks, journals and canvases.
- 25% off 6x6 paper pads.
- 25% off Kaiser wooden Christmas items.
- 25% off Christmas Crystal earring kits .... again just until month's end. Then they too will disappear !!
*** Sales are on regular prices & instock items only. Does not apply to lay aways or special orders. ******

Here'a a thought ...

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling better today and feeling like clearing out more "stuff" ... so
CRYSTAL CHRISTMAS EARRING KITS ... 25% off
CHRISTMAS 12X12 PATTERNED PAPER ... 60 cents per sheet
Come on in and save !!

What a Week !!

2012-01-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

Okay ... I am way behind !! The Christmas stuff was supposed to be packed up & gone, new kits were to be ready, and all sorts of wonderful new things would be displayed. NOT SO MUCH !!! A few appointments this week and then a wonderful(ugh) visit from the flu ruined those plans !! So the kits aren't ready for this week and the Christmas stuff is still lurking around. But on the bright side, I did get some beautiful new papers put out from Imaginisce, Jilli Bean Soup, and Fancy Pants. And there are new beading supplies that have been put out in the last week or so.
But I am here and open... ( and serving flat ginger ale ...lol) and will do much better next week !! Hope to see you !!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

2011-12-31T06:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone !!!
Here are a few resolutions for you ...
* Craft more !!
* Finish up projects !!
* Craft more !
and * Craft more !!
LOL !!
Have a safe and happy New Years !!!

SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE !!!

2011-12-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

A Christmas sale !!! THIS WEEK ONLY !!! Don't wait too long !!
PAPER :
All 12x12 Christmas Patterned paper .... 60 cents per sheet
Packaged Christmas Embellishments .... 40% off
Christmas Sizzix & Nestabilities .... 30% off
Christmas Stamps .... 25% off
Christmas Countdown Calendars and Advents .... 25% off
Kaiser Craft Wooden Christmas items ... 25% off
BEADS :
Crystal Christmas Earring kits .... 25% off
Christmas Charms .... 25% off

* These sale prices are off regular prices only and do not apply to special orders or lay aways !

Working on some cute projects to capture your Christmas memories .... maybe take a few pictures of special ornaments before you take down your tree ... next week !!

HOURS : Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-5, Saturday (New Year's Eve) closing at noon.

Almost here ...

2011-12-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well here it is, the week before Christmas ... take a deep breath. It will all be fine. It will come & it will go and it will all be okay. No one will know that you meant to make 6 kinds of cookies or cute little stocking stuffers. Cut yourself some slack, pour a cup of tea (or a glass of Bailey's), and start dreaming about your craft projects after Christmas....
Here are a few last minute things to consider ...
PAPER :
Here is a sample of another Inkadinkado stamp set. You get 3 silhouette stamps for $9.99. I love this stamp ...

And see that wreath on the card ?
Here's a close up.

This is the garland that Tim Holtz uses on his tags and projects. I have some here at the store. Actually I have 3 different styles. 25' rolls for $5.99. You could make a TON of wreaths with a roll. Just twist a loop, add some red crystals or beads, and TA DA !

And here is a quick card made with Maya Road Kraft Snowflakes. Make it in mere minutes !! The snowflakes come in black on kraft as well as white on kraft. I am selling them individually as well as in packages.
BEADS :
Unpacked a whole collection of vintage metal beads studded with crystals & rhinestones.

I cannot wait to make something with these !! This afternoon I will be unpacking a selection of semi-precious chips and beads as well as some new crystals. Lots of sparkly new things for gifts !!
Remember, I have GIFT CERTIFICATES ... perfect gift for crafters as they can pick out whatever they want !!
Here are the holiday hours ... not much of a change ..
Thursday & Friday ... 10-5
Saturday ... 10-12 (closing an hour early on Christmas eve)
Have a good Christmas & I will see you back here next week !!!

A quick update ...

2011-12-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

I just unpacked a box of Tim Holtz Christmas dies and Ranger products (Perfect Pearls, Picket Fence Distress Stain, Rock Candy ... ) for the 12 Days of Christmas Tags.

A Quick Post ...

2011-12-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone !
A quick post this week ... some new paper, a cute ornament, and a ring ... let's go !
PAPER : This is absolutely the last Christmas paper line that will be arriving this season ... "Holiday Style" by October Afternoon. But it was worth the wait !! So stinkin' cute !!
It is retro, vintage, cute, quirky ... just plain fun !!

Look at that music paper !! And the fun buildings !!

And Santa's list !!

Love the holly ... and the skaters... and the little wreaths ... and ...
Santa !!

How cute is that ??!!

And it comes with some wonderful accessories ...
Shape Stickers ... houses, stamps, candies, all sorts of Christmas icons ... super !!
Chip'n'Stick ... chipboard stickers, again in every cute iconic design you can think of !!
Red & Cream Sticky Keys ... round red letter keys that look like vintage typewriter keys.
Miscellany ... a variety of die cut cards and shapes, buttons, ribbon, and raw chipboard. LOTS of pieces !!
Journal Cards ... 11 journal cards that would make spectacular cards !!
Flower Sack ... "a variety of fun die cut shapes" ... they aren't kidding !! They are adorable !! 30+ pieces.
BEADS : There is a lot of new stuff ... and more arrived this week !! More feathers, more rings & bracelets, more crystals ... just plain MORE !!!
Here's is a really nice project !

This ring was made with a ring finding (handmade - not by me !!) that comes in several different metals and a Swarovski flatback Chess crystal ... just glue it in !! I also have bracelet findings as well as a variety of crystal colours. Really fabulous ... the photo doesn't do it justice !!
KIT of the Week : SORRY ! I didn't get one made this week. But I did make up an ornament and I have all the bits here to make it ... give it a try !! Kits will get back on track after the holidays.

This ornament was made using a Maya Road bottle cap (the largest of three sizes), some Melissa Frances paper, a scrap of other paper, some left over letters that I painted & inked to match, a Maya Road chipboard snowflake that I pimped up with Stickles, and some leaves, bells, and ribbon as well as a crystal. Super easy and cute !!

2 More Weekends !

2011-12-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Wow ... 2 more weekends before Christmas ! I was shocked to realize that - we had to quickly do some Christmas shopping last Friday night. I somehow thought we had lots of time !!
But you do have 2 more weekends to craft some gifts ... or just craft to give yourself a break from some of the crazy shopping !!
I have lots of new things this week and some suggestions for gifts and stocking stuffers. Or things YOU could ask Santa for !!
And speaking of crafting ... are you following Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas ? I have been but I am too busy with projects for the store to make them now. So I have decided to wait until the New Year and make the whole series. I am excited about it !! That will also give me the chance to see all the supplies that are needed and order them all in. I'll start mid January , once I get an order in, and make a few each week ... want to play along with me ?
I am also signed up for a Spellbinder's Sparkly Christmas course (on-line) and a 12 Ornaments of Christmas class (also on-line) ... I probably won't get to those projects until after the 25th but that's okay. I'll enjoy them more then !! I'll share what I make here on the blog so you too can get some inspiration !!
So ... without further ado ... let's see what's new !! ( poetic !!)
KIT OF THE WEEK !!
This week's kit uses Pink Paislee's Snow Day paper ... cute & fun ! Bright colours are perfect for the happy snowmen & mittens ! You get all the supplies for 3 cards for $5.

PAPER :
* Stamps - nice greetings for inside Christmas cards, more of the popular Inkadinkado stamps - snowglobe, tag set, etc ..., cottage scene, vintage style Christmas/winter stamps, birds, more of the little square stamps used in the ornament kits ( and I have a few of those left !!), "Cattus Librum" - reading cat !!, gnomes, and more.
* Birthday and Sympathy stamp assortments for inside & outside cards
* Basic Grey 6x6 Picadilly paper pads
* K&Co "Glad Tidings" embellishments ... these are GORGEOUS !! They are layered and are just fabulous. They would be perfect on cards, tags, or pages. wow.
* Stufftainers ... clear large containers to store all your "stuff" in ... great Christmas gifts.
* GLITTER KITS from C Thru Art... these are soooo beautiful. The package contains 3 beautiful little bottles filled with matching glitters. Each bottle is tagged and decorated and they are packed in a sweet little box ... this would be a great stocking stuffer or little gift. They are exquisite !!
* restocked with Distress Ink pads, more 8.5x11 cardstock, 12x12 cardstock, Stazon inkpads
* pearlized & metalized 8.5x1 paper, glitter paper ... oh so glittery !
* C Thru Art ATC sized canvas paper, vintage floral background papers, watercolour paper, and oatmeal paper
* FAUX SNOW !!! Sooo pretty !!!
* I thought that I had received all the Christmas paper I had ordered but there is still one more line to come ... October Afternoon's "Holiday Style" ... that's the last one !! So be sure to get your Christmas scrapping papers before too long ... the piles are getting down !!
BEADS :
I have a lot of new things in "bead World" ... charms, findings, focal pieces, toggles, .... I spent the last 2 days cleaning the trays out & refilling them ... they look pretty good !

* Here are just a few of the new items ...

Check out these cats !! MEOW !!

Or how about a big Eiffel Tower charm ? Imagine this at the end of a chinky bead/chain necklace ... yum !!

* Chain Link bracelets ... all assembled with loops for adding charms and dangles ... a fun quick gift you could make or just give as a project ! Only $2.99 each and they come in 5 different colours.
That's the bracelet ... imagine how easy it would be to add charms to the links !! Or make a necklace like the one on the right ... a large ring with charms attached with a nice suede cord. Easy peasy !!
* restocked : Beadalon crimp tubes in various sizes, stringing wire, chain extenders, Beadalon earwire hoops, crimp covers in 3mm and 4mm, wire guardians, sterling silver clasps and earwires
* gold filled ear wires for those who have metal sensitivity
* STRANDS & STRANDS of beautiful fire polished beads ... many are only $1.99 strand !! The suggested retail price is $3.99 but I am putting them on for a great price so you can do your Christmas projects or fill stockings !!
* TOOLS - all price points, bead design boards, mandrels in plastic & aluminum, cleaning cloths, multi shaped mandrels (4 pk), jars, jars in a box, aluminum cases with jars ... all great gifts !
* cones, magnetic fasteners, toggles, caps

* charms : more Christmas charms as well as guitars, motorcycles, dogs, cats, hummingbirds, teddy bears, ... and more !!
Tierra Cast charms ... these charms are wonderful quality and are doublesided. $1 each. There is also an adorable little gingerbreadman who is currently sold out but his replacements will be arriving at the end of the week !!
More really cute charms .. these range from 50 cents to $1. Check out the "Let it Snow" ... how cute is that ? Or how about the dancing snowman ? Or the little tiny "JOY" ? Cute cute cute !!
**SPECIAL** bags of decorative earwires ... regular price 30 cents each ... buy a bag of 20 for $3 ... only 15 cents each !! (wings, flowers, ladybugs, etc...) They have been discontinued so I have about 30 bags ... and then they will be gone forever !!
GIFT IDEA ... why not make a bookmark with a charm that speaks of the recipients interests, hobbies, or personality ? I have everything from fisherman to guitars to measuring spoons. Something for everyone !!
Or what about the cases of little organizer jars ... buy a set and add a few crystals to each jar ... a great starter set for a beader. Or fill them with flatback glue-on crystals ... great gift for paper or fabric artists !
Well ... I better get back to unpacking & putting stuff out ... hope to see you this week !!

And a 3rd update this week ...

2011-12-01T08:11:00.001-08:00

Lots of updates this week ... be sure to scroll down to see them all !
Last night I unpacked the following ...
*Simple Stories "Year-o-graphy" ... that should be the whole line now.
* POGO adhesive dot dispenser
* Bazzill Marathon Adhesive runner & refills (100')
* Spellbinder's dies & folders including the Layered Poinsettia
* Annie's Attic Copic Guide and Nestabilities Book
* Crafter's Workshop 6x6 stencils
* glitter glitter glitter paper

tim holtz - 12 Tags of Christmas 2011

2011-11-30T08:28:00.000-08:00

Here's the trailer for Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas !! Why not craft along with him ?

And it is December !!

2011-11-29T07:37:00.001-08:00

Well here we are ... December is a day away . Where has the time gone ? Guess it doesn't matter - it's gone ! Time to get down to serious Christmas crafting & shopping !
So ... what's new this week ? Let's see !

KITS :

* card kit ... this week's kit uses "Twinkle" by Making Memories for 2 of the cards and the last is vintage style paper from Kaiser and Echo park. The third card will vary in the kits but they are all nice. Each one includes hand dyed ribbon and an embossed snowflake. All the supplies for all three cards, ready to assemble ... $5.

* ornaments ... set of 2. Kit $3.

* wall hanging ... $6.99 kit
The kit includes all the supplies you need including a glittered banner tag AND pre-applied eyelets ! That's right - you don't need to have eyelet tools, I'll apply them for you !
* I still have some Christmas Countdown Kits, December Daily Kits, Ornament Kits and a few card kits from last week ... ( I made lots !!). Let me know if you want any set aside !!

PAPER :
* Pink Paislee "Snow Day" ... super cute winter/snowman paper. Pinks & blues. Fun!
And Pink Paislee's blog will be featuring this paper from Dec 01-12 with a project every day and free printables. BONUS !!
* lots of 12x12 and 8.5x11 paper ... boxes will be refilled. Lots of Christmas colours.

* Tim Holtz Cargo and Trinket Cases are on their way . I would guess that they will be here by Friday. THEY ARE HERE !!! Let me know if you want any saved ... they will go quickly and will probably be hard to get more before Christmas. The Cargo case will be $52.99 and the Trinket Case will be $35.99.
Oooooh ... they are so much nicer in person !! Wow !

* Tim Holtz Seasonal Distress Ink is here !! 18.99 for a 3 pack.It is a limited production so when it's gone ... it's gone !! Three beautiful colours of ink for your holiday projects.
And you can join in on Tim's blog to make his 12 Tags of Christmas. Starting December 1st. I am sure he will be using the inks !! watch the trailer below !!
* The Christmas paper is really getting down ... if you are going to be scrapbooking your Christmas pictures, I would suggest you get the paper before the holidays ... there may not be any left after !!
AND in the spirit of the season ... for the month of December ...ALL patterned Christmas paper is $1 !!! All of it (unless it was less...).
* Stamps ... last week I showed you samples of the Inkadinkado stamps for this year ... here are a few more stamped images ( I didn't have time to get them made into anything yet ... LOL)...
This set is $4.99 and includes 2 stamps ... perfect for cards or tags.

This set is $6.99 for 4 stamps. I love the cardinal !! I added a little Stickles to the snowman ...
* Melissa Frances stickers ...

they range from 50 cents to 75 cents each ... all vintage style ads. They are great on cards or gift bags but also will work on jars ... maybe a nice jar of candy ?

Here is a card I made using one of the stickers ...
BEADS :
Still unpacking those never ending boxes !!
* gorgeous Cosmic Rings and Ovals from Swarovski. Just pop them on a chain or earring for instant *WOW* !!!
* more long bracelet boxes for your gift giving. Also square boxes, small earring boxes, earring cards ... etc .
* Snowman Parts !! Yes, the snowman earring body parts (crystal or pearl) as well as the sparkly red scarves and black crystal hat pieces. Make your own earrings or pendants. Also really cute on a bookmark !!
* CRYSTALS ... at *GREAT* prices !!! I have strands of Preciosa bicones for only $2.99 strand

... lots of lovely Christmas colours too !!

Also, new ... 4mm rondelles. these are so cute ! Just tiny & sparkly !! I have them in Chakra colours individually for 10 cents each but also in many colours in strands of 65 beads for $3.99. They would be amazing in bracelets or earrings !!
* I also have some cool link bracelets ... just add charms. I will try to get them unpacked this AFTERNOON !!
And there is more to be unpacked ... so I am off !!
Drop in !!!

Snowy Day ...

2011-11-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

EDIT !!!!! Added the December Daily photos !!!
And another edit !!! I have a bunch of the December Daily kits made up & ready to go !!!
KIT(S) of the WEEK !!
I have several kits this week ...
1. Card Kit of the Week ... it's all about diecuts this week. Get all the supplies to make 3 cards for $5.

2. More Card of the Week kits ... from 2 weeks ago !! As you may remember, I ran out of the glitter ribbon and couldn't finish all my kits. Well, I have more now so I have another dozen kits available. $5

3. Ornament Kit ! This is something a little bit different. You will get the supplies to make 3 ornaments plus a stamp of your choosing to make them with. These are just a few of the stamps available ... 15 different ones. I simply stamped my image and then coloured in small areas with markers. I added a bit of Stickles for sparkle and then assembled my ornaments. They would make nice little casual gifts or tie-ons for parcels. There are also other stamps available for $1.99 if you want more designs. Or buy several kits and get several stamps !! Fun for kids to make too !!

4. This one I LOVE !!! Christmas Countdown Kit. This kit comes with the frame, paper supplies, chalkboard, and chalk. Simply mark each day how many days there are left until the big day !! The frames were made here and vary from kit to kit but all are lovely and "holidayish" !! I only have a dozen of these kits so let me know if you want one !! $15 per kit.

5. December Daily Kits . Do you all know about "December Daily Albums" ? Let me tell you, if you don't ... this has been a big sensation on line. I think the idea comes from Ali Edwards originally. Christmas is more than one day really ... it's a whole season. We all have things that we do throughout the month that add up to "the holidays". The idea is to chronicle those very things and keep a little album of your month. Be it making cookies, shopping, wrapping gifts, hot chocolate with family, etc... Each day you are supposed to snap a photo and write a little bit about the day. Each year you will complete a little album of traditions and holiday happenings. BUT ! The problem is that many people just don't have time to get their December Daily albums ready ... there is just TOO MUCH going on !! So I have made the albums for you !! They are ready to start on December 1st ! The books are bound together with finished covers. You will get a stack of number tags to put on the days as well as journaling cards & tags. Just snap your photo, turn to the first page, add your number tag, choose your journaling tag and write. There will be some ribbon & bits that you can add at the end or when you have time. December Daily Kit : $20 Starting your DD on Dec 1st with no pressure ? PRICELESS !!!
Here is the first kit ... Simple Stories. A vintage style kit.

You get everything you see here including the assembled album for $20. Pieces in each kit will vary but they are all great !! Includes handmade grommeted tags, stamped tags, ribbon, stickers, journalling cards, decorative papers, embellishments.
Here's a look inside ...

And here's the ribbon ... misssed it in the first photo !

And here's the other version .... Teresa Collins. More of a contemporary style. Bright & modern.

And inside ...

I just have a sample of each made right now ... if you want one, let me know by 5pm and I will make it up for the next morning. I am going to try to get a few extra done up tonight (Thursday)... so many things to do , so few hours ...LOL !!6. More Wooden Stocking kits ... a few more in various patterns ...

PAPER :
* Simple Stories "Year-o-graphy" has arrived ! This is an amazing concept that allows you to easily scrapbook and have gorgeous pages. It also works well for paper crafting projects & cards. The paper contains images & icons for the whole year, season after season.
Yearography
And here is a link to see how you can use their wonderful collections !! Check it out !!
* Inkadinkado Cling Stamps ... I love the stamps they put out this year so I decided to make a few samples so you could see just how nice they are ...
This is their "Holiday Expressions" set .. you get 5 stamps for $3.49 and they are really cute !! Great for on cards or IN cards ... on tags, on scrapbook pages ...

And as a bonus, the new Swarovski flatback crystal snowflakes fit perfectly in the Winter Wonderland stamp !! They are only 40 cents and add real *bling* !!

And this is the "Snow globe" stamp. I like really simple cards so my samples are just that - simple. The first one I stamped in a sepia ink and just added tulle. The next I stamped & embossed CROOKEDLY on a card so I cut it out and mounted it on a card with a simple ribbon. So many possibilities !!

The next is "Folk Wreath" ... I love this on just plain kraft in sepia ink ... but then I got thinking about Stickles , especially my new favourite colour "holly". I just roughly applied it to the branches and then added dots on the berries. Add plaid and it's done !! Both the snow globe and the wreath stamp are only $4.99. There are many others in this series ... great additions to your seasonal stamp collection.
BEADS :

* How about a Christmas necklace ? Here is a sparkly (in real life !! I find the photos so hard to do !) Christmas necklace made with Swarovski crystals. This would make a nice gift !! I have emerald and siam (red) cubes available. They are 8mm and I have 10mm crystal AB cubes too ... for more *bling* !!

* Bookmarks ... here is a crystal bookmark. Lovely cascades of *bling*. I have several colours too ! Or why not make a winter bookmark using snowflake charms ?

Soooo ... that's it for now ! I am trying to get more unpacked and will do my best to have lots for you to see this week !!

And Christmas Approaches even though it is 16 degrees !!

2011-11-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hi !

Hard to believe that there are only 4 full crafting weeks before Christmas ... especially when it seems like spring outside ! But it's true ! I have been burning the midnight oil trying to get out all my Christmas creativity in time ... always seem to still have lots of ideas in January ... a little too late !

So this week I have several paper kits, have a bunch of beading ideas, and more Christmas product. Come on, let's see !

KIT(S) OF THE WEEK :

The first kit is a card kit for bright & cheery holiday greetings. I took advantage of the cute little journaling cards that come with the line from Little Yellow Bicycle and used them for the stamped sentiments. I really feel that all these products make crafting so much easier. And they can be used for more than just their original intent. So your kit will contain all the supplies to make 3 cards similar to those pictured. Each kit is different because of the variety of tags but the concept is the same. The kit makes the 3 cards for $5.

The second kit is vintage in style. I love this paper from Fancy Pants and Kaiser Craft. And the diecuts from Fancy pants are amazing ... such wonderful vintage images. And ..., check out that embossed paper !! That is the new Kraft Core form coredinations and Tim Holtz. I ♥ it !! I ran the paper through the Tim Holtz Vagabond with a Sizzix embossing folder and loved the effect. then I gently sanded the tops of the embossing ... oh my. The kraft colour shows through - it is magnificent !! I have so many plans for this in the future !! You will get supplies for 3 cards for $5. Again, they will differ in colour or die cuts but they are all the same style and beautiful !!

The third kit is for the Wooden Stocking. You will get the stocking pieces, the papers, ribbon, tag, and trims as well as instructions/hints for $5.95. You will need adhesive and a sanding block or emery board. It makes a great decoration to hang. I have packages of the stockings ... why not make one for each family member ? This is also a great way to try the Kaiser wooden products ... it is very simple and you will see just how easy the others could be !! They also make sleighs, reindeer, Advent calendars, family trees, etc ... Wonderful decor items.

PAPER : Okay ... lots new this week !!
* Fancy Pants "St Nick" ... this is a beautiful line of paper & accessories (not that you can tell from my photo ...sorry !)

(Check out that page that looks like a leather album cover ... imagine your kids' Santa picture on that . Or maybe they would be better on the Naughty or Nice list ...????)
The colours are beautiful vintage olive greens, cranberry, caramel, grey blues. Beautiful !! I used their journaling cards and die cuts in the vintage card kit. They also produce chalk board label die cuts to match.

Super cute !! I would really suggest you look at the die cuts - there are 2 different packages - one is more stylized designs while the other is very much like vintage ephemera. You could 16 and 22 pieces in the packages for $4.99. They make wonderful cards ... you get a lot of bang for your buck !!
* UTEE platinum
* Martha Stewart punches including deep edge punches
* more Distress stains
* nice Fiskars 5" microtip scissors ... no packaging so they are AN AMAZING $2.99 !!!
* snowflake inchies set from last year ... they have been discontinued so these are the last sets I can get !
* We R Memory Keepers glitter brads ... DROOL !!
* more Copics, especially in colours for Christmas .
* Tim Holtz is restocked.

*speaking of advent calendars ... working on one for next week ... just in time for the December Countdown ...* Stay tuned !!

BEADS : I unpacked tons of beads & charms this week. The charms are from Tierra Cast and are beautiful. I think they would make great earrings on their own or with a little crystal addition. Most of them sell for $1 each so they would make an inexpensive pair of festive earrings. I also put them together on a necklace. ... hmmm ... imagine a charm bracelet ... or added to a bookmark or cellphone charm .... ENDLESS !!

I also ordered in some materials for a bracelet that I saw. I eagerly assembled the bracelet only to hate it !! It was too clunky and .. yuck. So I grouped the crystals in a much smaller design and thought ... "Awesome necklace !!". There is always another possibility !!

There are a few more angel earrings this year too . These crystal cuties have tiny little metal wings instead of the crystal wings. I think it makes them much more delicate ... they would even be small enough for children. Inexpensive too ! only $3.50 or $4 , depending on which wing style you choose !!

I am restocked on lots of supplies ... wire, earwires, headpins, findings, and more. Lots of Preciosa Crystal strands in Christmas colours for only $2.99 strand. Feathers. Charm rings & charms. Crystals in the new Swarovski colours for winter ... antique pink and denim blue. Wire guardians in all colours. Cellphone charms. Leverbacks. Lobster claws in all sizes. Sterling silver earwires and GOLD FILLED earwires. Split rings. FOLD OVER ENDS for leather !! Yes, I finally found some other styles to replace those that have been out of stock FOREVER !!

Another great week !!

2011-11-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone !

Can you believe this amazing weather ?? Wow ! It's hard to wrap your mind around Christmas when it is so warm ... but it's coming and I have projects for you !
This is a tiny week because of Remembrance Day ... I am closed that day of course. But let's pack in what we can anyway !

KIT OF THE WEEK :

This week's kit is all about elegant simplicity. The cards depend mostly on beautiful embellishments. Bling motifs, glittered lace, and a bit of a cheat for the last card ...*wink*. As you can see, the cards are very simple , easy, but really elegant. The kit contains all the precut, pre-stamped supplies you need for all 3 cards for just $5. I didn't have as much of the material as I thought so I don't have as many kits done as I would like but I have more product ordered so I will have more in a few weeks. Leave a comment if you want any saved. Please note that the centre card's Bling motif will vary from kit to kit ... snowman, reindeer, presents, various snowflakes. All pretty though !!

PAPER :

Here are a few fun projects from Kaiser Craft. They make a wide range of wooden products made to be covered. I have reindeer, sleighs, advent calendars, stockings, and more ! Here are a few samples I made this week ...
They are very easy to make ... simply apply a glue ( I used Ranger's Glue & Seal) with a brush, smooth on the paper, let dry. Then trim with an exacto and sand the edges. I used a sponge sanding block and an emery board for the smaller areas. Then decorate !! I added a layer of the glue over the paper so it would seal it and be more durable. Next week I will have kits for the stockings.
... okay ... here's a tip ... you might want to PAINT the reindeer's antlers ... they were a bit of work to sand up ... but actually, even now I think I would still cover them. I love the print !...

And also new this week ...
* We R Memory Keepers "Peppermint Twist" ...$1 sheet ... lots of great additions too ! Tags, stickers, small pads of paper, 12x12 cardstock, advent calendar kit !

* My Mind's Eye "12 Days of Christmas"...$1 sheet

* Making Memories "Twinkle" .... always beautiful. Glittered & embossed paper.... $1.20 sheet. Also available in an 8x8 package.

* Canvas Corp ... fun Christmas paper, very heavy, and also recipe cards & cooking paper !! AND ... only 65 cents per sheet !!! Can you believe it ?!!

* lily bee designs "Jingle" and "Memorandum". Jingle is in such pretty colours ... soft bluish green, olive, and deep burgundy. Beautiful vintage tones. Memorandum isn't Christmas paper but it sure would work ... reds, greens, and creams !!

BEADS :

They're back !! The Christmas earrings and pendants. I have some of them out but will still need a week or so to get them all ready ... still waiting for a few pieces. And I have a few new ideas that I hope to work on this weekend. Great gifts !!
I also received Christmas Charms with more to come. They are from Tierra Cast which means quality ... and lovely too !! Watch for some fun projects with those too !

And my order has arrived with earwires, headpins, wire, ... all the items I have been waiting for. YAY !! I will get them priced and out today.
I am working on a new type of jewelry line ... metal punching. This is really exciting and has so many possibilities. The metal discs have arrived but I am waiting for the tools and various accessories. You will be able to make your own pendants and charms as well as having a great cross over with the stamping products because you can use your stamps to ETCH the metal pieces !!!! Like I said the possibilities are endless ... hope to have more news next week !!

Well I am off to unpack beading supplies and put out all the new products and kits. Hope to see you this week !!

And now it's November ... seriously ?

2011-11-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that it is already November. October is my FAVOURITE month and it went by in a flash ... I don't think I even had time to enjoy it. I must do better with November !!

Anyway, this has been a bit of a whirlwind week because of appointments in the city so I am a bit behind. (Hate when I lose a day !!) So I am in here doing my best to unpack and get things organized. We'll see what I get done !!

KIT OF THE WEEK : This week it is Christmas cards made with the lovely, bright, refreshing paper from Little Yellow Bicycle called Wonder Wishes. I love this stuff !! The colours are bright and true. Beautiful !! I loved it so much I made another kit for a later date using it. Just too nice to use once !! So ... you know the drill ... you get all the supplies pre-cut, folded, stamped ... for all 3 cards for $5. Leave a comment here or on Facebook if you want any saved for you (the Christmas ones sell out quickly. I have made more this week but don't wait too long !!)

PAPER :
The paper Wonder Wishes is also available as well as a bunch of really nice embellishments.

There are some great little journalling tags ... which may show up in a kit *hint hint* ... as well as some wonderful pins, tapes, stickers, mini papers & albums, and card stickers. You will find one of the card stickers in your kit. It is a clear backed sticker with a greeting or sentiment appropriate for a card. This is a great way to make cards if you don't have a lot of stamps ... and the colours match perfectly !!

There are 24 stickers in the package for $3.99 - a very economical way to make cards !!
SIXXIZ :

lots of new dies & embossing plates. Some of the embossing packs ($12.99) have 5 plates in them !! And the dies are beautiful ... snowmen, reindeer, music notes, Santa, etc... There is a long thin die of Santa & his sleigh and reindeer that didn't make the picture for some reason ...but it is really cute !! The large Bigz dies are only $21.99. And that little snowman ? He is only $5.99 !! Can't you picture him on all your cards ?!

OH ! And there is a 40% off sale on the Hallowe'en stock ... paper, stamps, embellishments, etc... That's 40% off regular priced items. Stock up !! Then it's .... booooo .... gone !!

Don't forget ... the 40% off table is still there ... new things added all the time !!
BEADS : And this month I tackle the beads !!! There will be a major reorganization and revamp... and I am excited !!
Here are a few bead updates ...
* more mermaid bookmarks in stock
* Christmas charms are coming !!
* had a call this morning that my order is being shipped with the earwires so PLEASE cross your fingers with me that they will arrive THIS WEEK !!
* Christmas Earring kits ... I have a few and will try to get them out today. More coming week after next !!
* great little containers !
* some really great ideas coming up ... one bracelet in particular that I am realllllly excited about !!
UPDATE !!!!!! Tim Holtz District market product has arrived !!! It is amazing and would make great Christmas gifts !! Note cards, spiral notebooks, tissue wrap, matchbook notebooks (only $2.99 ... stocking stuffers !!) , wall canvases, and ... PURSES !!!!!
The purses are $34.99 and are worth every penny ! Well made, great grommets, magnetic closure, metal feet, pockets, good lining ... 3 styles in stock ... not sure how hard it will be to get more !! I have the Butterflies, Amusements, and Tickets.

Hello !!!

2011-10-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !
I am finishing the last of the scrapbook/paper renovation and am happy to see the end. In November I will start re-organizing the beads & supplies . Looking forward to that too !

SALE !!! So in the process of rearranging & sorting, I have found "stuff" ... "stuff" that needs to find a new home so I have a 40% off table.

There are Melissa Frances chipboard books starting at $2.50 (so that would be only $1.50 ... do them up to make great little gifts !!) , stickers, rub ons, chipboard shapes & letters, flowers, kits, ... and whatever else gets added before Thursday !!! A 7 Gypsies Binderie Punch ... I love mine !! And remember, chipboard letters can be inked, sprayed, painted, glittered, or covered to be whatever colours you wish, so if they are cheap enough - buy them !!

So now all the rub ons, stickers, die cuts, etc... are sorted into bins. I could not stand those spinners !!! They always bumped into things on the table so they are gone !! I think it is easier to leaf through bins. I hope you think so too !! There are just too many to peg and hang.

All the 12x12 cardstock is now in boxes in the first room by the patterned paper so you can match it up. It is all in boxes and sorted by colour. And it is still 65 cents a sheet or 50 cents if you purchase 20+. I would love to have it all in racks but racks are sooooo expensive and I would rather buy more paper ...;) !!! ( the 8.5 x 11 is also sorted in a rack in that room ... 50 cents a sheet or 40 cents if you purchase 20+) And yes, the 20+ price can be assorted colours.
All the mini albums are together, all the albums are together, and the refill pages have all congregated on a shelf too !!
Brads, Bling, and Buttons all in cozy little baskets, hanging out together in one spot !!!

All the little odds'n'ends ... bits'n'bobs ... that make projects so fun are stretched out flea market style at the back. Browse the little bowls, tins, and trays, picking up lots of little treasures !! No need to buy a whole package if you just want a few !!

All the packaging products together in one spot ... tags, jewelry boxes, gift bags, Chinese boxes, Pouches ...
Ribbon, wire, cords, hemp ... in the same spot. Soon all the stringing supplies will also be in that same area. Soon !

KIT OF THE WEEK !! I didn't think I would have time to get one done this week ... but I really wanted one so I put together a fairly easy Christmas kit this week ... 3 cards with everything pre-cut , pre-stamped, and ready to assemble ... and this time it includes as a BONUS the dimensionals needed to assemble the cards. Just in case some of you don't use them ... I really want you to see the difference. Yes, it's true ... I ♥ dimensionals ... !!!

BEADS : I am in the process of getting all the parts for the Christmas earrings & pendants ... watch for them in the next few weeks. Swarovski Crystal Christmas trees, pearl snowmen, crystal angels ... and maybe something else (I am trying !!) . They all make great gifts !! And all well under $10 per kit !!

I have some great little organizational containers for beaders.

SILVER PLATED EAR WIRES : I am out of stock and so is my supplier !! YIKES !! But they are expecting more at the end of this week and will ship them out to me first thing next week. So sorry for the delay !!
PAPER :

* organizational items ... ribbon holders, and unmounted stamp baskets with refills. (love these !)

*
* Echo park "Season's Greetings" .... I used it in this week's kits. The photo doesn't do it justice ... the colours are rich and very vintage. Gorgeous !!

More Hallowe'en Goodies ... have to get them out of my system !!

2011-10-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !!
I have more Hallowe'en goodies ... I just love Hallowe'en so much and I can't stop !!! But next week I promise I will be on to Christmas projects ... and I have some super cute ones lined up !!
So ... let's get started !!
KIT OF THE WEEK ... okay, there are 4 !!! I told you I love Hallowe'en !
1. Candy Tubes ... $5 ... supplies (except candy !!) to make 3 candy tubes ... paper, labels, ribbon, and tubes. I think this has potential as a Christmas project too !

*** Candy Tubes are SOLD OUT ***
2. Treat Bags ... I put mine out from last year & had lots of requests so .... here they are !! Every kit will be different - I raided my stash of Hallowe'en goodies ! So you will get paper, stamped tags, tag backers, and bags for 6 little treat bags for $5. You supply the candy corn !

3. Gift Bag/Treat bags ... $5 ... you will get all the supplies to make a big gift bag as well as a large treat bag. And as a bonus, you'll get 2 small embossed treat bags, ready to fill !!

4. NO FRILLS CARD KIT ... this is a quick project that is quick for me to assemble, quick for you to make, and inexpensive ! You get all the supplies but no photo or directions BUT they are super easy cards. AND you get SIX cards for $6 !! You'll get 6 cards, 6 background papers, 6 cardstock mats, and 6 stamped focal images. Just mat the images, adhere the background paper to the card, and attach the focal image ... I would suggest you use dimensionals for the best effect !! Ta Da !

Some of the kits are in limited supply so let me know if you want any saved !!
And now for other news ...
BEADS : I have been unpacking a BIG box of beads and just received another today. So far I have lots of beautiful Dragon's Blood Jasper, Red Creek Jasper, African Map Jasper, and Labradorite in varying shapes and sizes ... small beads to pendant size !!
I am restocked on non-tarnish silver wire as well as stringing wire.
Lots of 8"strands of new firepolished and glass beads ... beautiful !!
And here are a few more things ... wire guardians, crimp covers, crimp tubes, neckchains, freshwater pearls, glass letter beads, containers. And more to come !!
PAPER : Today I re-do the ribbon section and the "Let's Get Messy" section !! Look for new Ranger products and fun glitters, embossing powders, and more.
And speaking of Ranger products ... here's a quick little project I did using the large Ranger manilla tags , Distress Inks, a few stamps, and some torn fabric strips. It was a lot of fun !!

I made up a few tags of the fabric strips as well as a beautiful brad, a Tim Holtz paper clip, and glass letters to spell BOO ... all to embellish your Hallowe'en projects !! $2.50 per card.

And I have a few of the embossed black tags left over from the kits. These are the Ranger black tags run through an embossing folder ... make your own or buy them already made. $1.99 for a bundle of 4.

I am also constantly adding new products to the paper/scrapping sections ... and I think a box of Tim Holtz products just arrived .... hopefully I will have time to get it unpacked !! oooohhh ... I just peeked ... Grunge Books, more Adornments (good since I sold out of the Hallowe'en ones), Tissue Wrap and more. I also know that a box of his District Market product has also been shipped !!!! That means tote bags, note cards, journals ... yay !!
Well ... that's it for now ... I'll add as I get things unpacked & finished up. Stop in this week and see all the fun stuff !!

Almost there .....

2011-10-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

UPDATE : Just unpacked 12x12 Christmas paper pads form DCWV ... special price $19.99 ... cost per sheet ? Depending on which pad you choose anywhere from 11 cents per sheet for the lighter paper to 38 cents for the heavy foiled paper. A great bargain. Excellent for Christmas cards & crafts.
Also Christmas cameos from Webster's ... only $1 each. Pretty !!!

Hi !
Hope everyone had a good long weekend and enjoyed a little turkey or pie ... or whatever makes you say "yum".

I spent the weekend working on the store and I am pleased ... a lot was accomplished !! I have added 6 sheets of pegboard and 5oo peg hooks in the last two weeks !! And I have now officially run out of peg hooks so that's all I can do until I get more !! (But ... don't tell anyone ... I also ran out of energy so I wasn't all that sad to reach the bottom of the box !!)
So ... there is still a week or two of work left and then the scrapbooking part will be done !! I'll start the beads in November ... I need a weekend in between !!

I have finished the following sections ...
1. Sizziz & Cuttlebug wall
2. 8.5x11 paper rack
3. all patterned paper in the same room
4. stamp wall ... all stamps together except for a few baskets of little ones.
5. Christmas stamp wall ... and the counter below is where you will find all the inks, markers, cleaners, and stamp blocks.
6. "Creativity Wall" ... this is where you will find all the products from 7 Gypsies, Tim Holtz, Pink Paislee/House of Three, Maya Road, Canvas Corp, Ranger, and Heidi Swapp. There is also a "Mistables" section with all the new Pink Paislee products that can be inked and misted. Next week I will have a shelving unit of all the Ranger, Tattered Angels, and other products that you need to get messy, right beside all the Ranger papers, tags, foils, and canvas.

The Canvas Corp products are new ... actually the company is new to me anyway. They carry wonderful Chalkstock ... yep, chalkboard paper !! ... in sheets as well as tags. I also have their cork, corrugated products, tags, tissuestock, mini envelopes, mini bags, clothespins, and hemp & twine. Lots of fun products !!

7. Adhesives and Punches ... all organized and together !

So I am pretty happy ! I have an embellishment area to do as well as the "Flea Market" of goodies and a scrapbooking/jewelry cross over section. And organizing the 12x12 cardstock. Then a big sigh of relief and I will start revamping the beads. Exciting !!

BEADS : the silver non tarnish wire has arrived ... I'll dig it out this afternoon. And I promise I'll be back on "bead track" in a week or so. New products and projects then. In the meantime, don't forget to pick up a few skull beads for some Hallowe'en earrings !!

PAPER : I also have some new paper products this week ... actually quite a few ! There are new items from Tim Holtz, 7 Gypsies, Maya Road, Pink Paislee Mistables, Tim Holtz Kraftcore cardstock, and new stamps. New embellishments in the paper room. New Sizzix. hmmm .... I can't even remember it all.

I just put out Jillibean Soup's new Christmas Eve Chowder line. This is a really fun whimsical Christmas series ... pinks, reds, greens ... penguins, flowers, trees, words ... loads of giggles !! Unity Stamp Co even has a matching penguin stamp.

More Hallowe'en paper ...Retro style paper from Karen Foster as well as gorgeous flocked black on kraft from My Mind's Eye.

KIT OF THE WEEK : And , speaking of flocked Hallowe'en paper .. that's what I used in this week's kit. The kit is 3 cards ... all the materials precut, stamped, and ready to use ... for $5. I know some of you are not fans of Hallowe'en ... bear with me ... there will probably be a few more kits and then back to Christmas !! I just can't resist ... Hallowe'en is my FAVOURITE !!!

( I just realized that one of the cards is like the one I did last year ... OOPS ... just give it to someone else this year !! )
And here are a few banners for you before I go ... the top banner is made with a Pink Paislee kit ... just $5.99 ... and I added black cardstock, tulle, and a few crystals and sparkly bits. The second is a kit I designed last year and I have a few kits left. Banner Kits are SOLD OUT.

Well, that's it ... I must go clean up the boxes and debris ... have a good week and hope to see you !!!

Another Week & More Changes ...

2011-10-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hi !! Well here we are at the Thanksgiving weekend ... hard to believe it's here already !!
So by then end of today ... whenever that happens !! ... I will have filled a wall in the first room with accessories to the paper that is in the racks ... stickers, brads, die cuts, embellishments. So you can choose your paper & then see what is available to go with it. The stamps are being moved - all of them - to a bigger space at the back of the store . They will all be in one place ... and by next weekend the ink & all the stamping supplies will be there too. For this week , there will be boxes in the back ... Maya Road ... waiting to move to a new spot. Sorry ... can only get so much done each week. I am looking forward to an extra day this weekend to borrow someone a little stronger than I am to help me move the shelves and tables. Next week it should all come together !!!
Here is the Kit of the Week !! It's a gift bag and 4 gift tags.

There are 4 different gift bags ... if you want a kit saved, let me know which one you would prefer.

Sepia Family
Green Family
Red Family
Blue Family
The supplies - precut & prestamped- for the bag & tags are the usual $5. Maybe you should collect all four ? !!

And here's a few quick Hallowe'en projects ... they are made using the Tim Holtz Hallowe'en Words stamp (he also has a Christmas one) . The first is on a decorated gift bag while the second is stamped right on a plain paper lunch bag. Both would be pretty great filled with treats !!

I am working on a Hallowe'en banner and will post pictures as soon as I finish it ... it's really cute and quick. The basis of it is a Pink Paislee kit for $5.99 and I just added some black cardstock, tulle, and a few crystals. I like it !!
Well ... that's it for this week . I need to get those two walls done and package up this week's kit. By next week the paper renos will be done and I will start on renovating the bead area. I also have a few great projects up my sleeve for the beaders !!!
Hope you all have a good long weekend and a great turkey dinner ... enjoy a piece of pumpkin pie too !!!

Changes !!

2011-09-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !!
Well it has been a busy and loooooong month !! But I am starting to see the "fruits of my labours" ... and no I don't mean the bruises, cuts, hives, and bumps I seem to have accumulated !!! I am a bad mover and it seems every shelf I move, every box I carry , I end up with a bruise, a smashed knuckle, whatever !! Klutz !! But the changes are now starting to be visible and I am thrilled !!
So here is a quick peek and a preview of what is to come.
All the patterned paper is now in the first room ... cardstock will soon be moved in there too. Here are the racks ... waiting for NEW paper ! Yes, over 150 new papers will be put in today & tonight. I am also hoping to get the accessories out as well but I am not sure .. we'll see !!

Stamps ... new Christmas stamps ... wood mounted & cling stamps. Really beautiful !! Adorable little $1.99 stamps from Inkadinkadoo ... dogs, deer, kittens, birds ... sooooo cute !!
Sizzix & Cuttlebug ... now finally all on display !! The "Wall of Embossing & Die Cutting" !!! I am just waiting for a delivery this afternoon of peg hooks so I can finish !! And there are plenty of new ones too ... lots of embossing plates for Christmas !

6x6 Paper Pads ... lots of new ones ... My Mind's Eye, Jilli Bean Soup, Simple Stories, and We R Memeory Keepers. Themes ? Christmas, baby, Hallowe'en, pets, everyday !!
The back area of the store will have a new enlarged section for Tim Holtz/7 Gypsies/Maya Road/ and Heidi Swapp. There will also be an adhesives section, a tool section, and then a lot of fun embellishments, available in pkgs and individually flea market style. There will also be a paint & ink section with all the products you need to GET MESSY !!!
And then the beads ... they will be rearranged with an area for all chain/cord/wire as well as ribbon. The bead area will be revamped & rearranged as well as added to ... I have BOXES of beads & findings to get packaged and put out. The crystal Christmas earrings & pendants will soon be out for sale as well. All this should happen by the end of October !!!
But ... the one thing I could not squeeze in this week was a kit ... there was no time. Next week I will still have more renovating to do (it's a bit never ending now that I have started!!) but I will have a day to make kits - so back on schedule next week !! And I hope to be able to come up with another workshop soon ...
But in the meantime, drop in to see ALL THE NEW product !!
*** Just unpacked Simple Stories "25 Days of Christmas" ... it is amazing !!! You will wan tthis paper ... in a bad way !! (I am trying so hard not to take it all home ...lol!!)

What was I thinking ????

2011-09-26T11:59:00.001-07:00

here is a picture Monday afternoon of the boxes I have unpacked so far ...

More boxes to go !!!

And Progress is being Made !!

2011-09-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hi!
I have been moving, lugging, dumpster-ing, unpacking ... all week & weekend ... and I am getting there !! You won't see much change this week ... it's all "behind the scenes" but hopefully next week there will be an expanded room and a new wall display of Cuttlebug & Spellbinders. "All in the fullness of time" ... as an old friend used to say !! Anyway, I am excited to be this close to change happening !
So ... I haven't had much time for samples or putting out new product but I will see what I can do today. Fingers crossed !! But I do have this for you ...
KIT OF THE WEEK !

Christmas Cards II ... more cards using that wonderful Graphic 45 paper (I can't get away from it !!). So the usual ... supplies for 3 cards for $5. Last week I sold out in a day so let me know if you want a kit saved. Check out the cute little vintage style jingle bells !!
PAPER :
* Stamps from Hampton House to match the Graphic 45 paper ... both Christmas Emporium & ABC Primer.

These stamp sets are a great deal ... Only $9.99 a set and each package contains between 6 and 8 stamps ... see, a deal !! The designs are really cute and offer lots of opportunity for colouring or not. They can be combined or used singly. Really great sets !!
Here are a few cards I made with the Christmas sets ...

* Spellbinders ... Nestabilities (butterfly circles, picot edge circles, star circles, tear drop circles, flower pots, postage stamp)... Shapeabilities (nested butterflies, spiral blossom 1 and 2, create a flake, holiday tags, daisy flower topper, holly motifs & accents, ironworks motifs & accents, lace doily motifs & accents) ... Edgeabilities (petal, ric rac, scallop, triple scallop) ... Labels 22 & 23 ... Boxes (square bracket). There is also a big box of embossing plates and more dies on its way in the next few days !! I don't have room to put them out until next week but you are welcome to rummage in the box !!
* Stampavie Christmas Stamps ... super cute !! (Tina Wenke & Penny Johnson)
* more Hallowe'en paper being put out today
* and possibly more Christmas paper ... hopefully !!
BEADS :
* Still unpacking the boxes from last week. As the week goes on I should have more weighed & bagged up ... there are lots of new metal beads, some new clasps, more cellphone charms, and more wire. Did you see the great colours of aluminum wire that I put out last week ?! Lots of possibilities there.
* I came upon a stash of odds'n'ends when I was rearranging shelves ... I will do up some bargain bags this week. Also, there seems to be a bunch of wooden beads in the box ... I'll let you know what I dig out !!

I have a stack of CAPS Cookbooks for sale ... they are a great little recipe books of submitted ( tried & true) recipes and they are selling for only $5 !!! All proceeds go to the Companion Animal Protection Society. I am adding them to Christmas gifts this year !! Pick yours up here.

Hope to see you all this week !!

Fresh Start !!

2011-09-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody !!
Well my groove is back (yay !!) & I am ready for a wonderful fall season !! There are going to be changes here ... starting this week ... more new product, better organization, different displays, and hopefully lots of new samples !! Some of my new shelving has arrived and I have started the L-O-N-G process of rearranging the store ... (chanting to myself "A voyage of 1000 miles starts with a single step" - I think it translates roughly to " A complete renovation starts with moving one shelf ..." ). So many boxes of great things have arrived ... I am working like crazy to get it all out for you !! So let's get started !!!
KIT OF THE WEEK : Yes ! It's back ! And this time it is Christmas cards.
The cards are made with Graphic 45's Christmas Emporium paper ... the cards are really simple because I couldn't bring myself to cover up much of the paper - it's too nice !! One of the cards is absolutely plain - just the paper on the front, so I decorated the inside with a liner & trim.

You'll get all that in your kit. The images in the kits vary but they are all wonderful ! Kit makes 3 cards and includes all the supplies for $5.
PAPER :
While I was using the paper for the cards, I decided to use it to make one of the Graphic 45 Kraftboard Alterable Art Boxes ... this was a really fun project and actually quite simple ... just measure a flap, cut the paper, adhere, and move on to the next part. I am already planning my next one - the smaller square version - using ABC Primer also from Graphic 45. Then something Hallowe'en ... hmmm ...

Here's the outside of the box ...

... open the flap ...

... and inside is a mini accordian album ...

... take the album out ...

... lots of room for photos & journalling . But what's that behind the album ??

Why, Santa of course !!
Oh ! And I was able to get more of the Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium paper as well as their ABC Primer. It sold out the first time in 2 days !! Don't wait too long !!
* also new ...
Bo Bunny - Father Christmas, Blitzen, and etcetera
Teresa Collins - Christmas Home
Authentique - Wonder
Basic Grey - Nordic Holiday
... and I am still unpacking !!

BEADS :
* Beautiful new aluminum wire in 16 fun colours. 30' of 18 gauge for $1.99.

* New hemp - also in great colours - 10lb, 20lb, all the way up to 48lb. Available in cones as well as in mini tri-packs and carded assortments. Also some amazing variegated hemp.

* new tools ... collapsible eye needles, beeswax, needle cases, threaders ... all at great prices. (Think "stocking stuffers" !!)
* Nymo Thread in various sizes and in big & small spools.
* Lots more beautiful Delica beads.
* Swarovski Astral Pink crystals ... a gorgeous pinky orange ... or is it orangey pink ...??
* Swarovski pearls in packages in sizes from 3mm to 10mm.
* Sterling Silver findings ... lobster claws, long shepherd hooks, ballhead pins, bails in lots of sizes and styles, jumprings.
* Jingle bells ... silver, gold, vintage.
* a whole other box yet to be unpacked !!!
RIBBON :
oodles of satin double faced ribbon ... by the yard & by the spool.

Where is my groove ??? And when will I get it back ???

2011-09-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hi folks !!
Boy, another week of falling behind ... what is going on ?? Last week was a disaster, this week had a "holiday" that is actually a wood piling day (wahoo !! ) , and then I'm not sure what happened ... but I am waaaaaay behind and looking at a stack of boxes that could reach the moon. So here goes ...
PAPER :
This week I am featuring the Christmas paper from Imaginisce again as I was hardly open last week !! It is really cute & comes with some really sweet accessories and mini stamps.

I also have a mini album made from the paper ... and did get some kitted !! The kit is $14.95 .

Good news about Graphic 45 ... next week I will have a whole bunch more of the Christmas Emporium & ABC Primer paper lines ... the first order sold out in less than 3 days !! And it may be featured in an upcoming kit ... just sayin' ...

I also have 5 boxes to unpack so you can be sure there will be "new stuff" this week !!

KITS : ... like I said, I have a few of the Imaginisce Christmas Mini Albums kits ... $14.95.
BEADS : ... not sure what I have !! I have a BIG box to unpack this afternoon and then a "mega-order" on the way !! Exciting !!

And I am working on the next workshop as well as a redo of the store ... so many things, so little time ... that's life I guess !! Better embrace it !
Have a great week & hope to see you !!

Helloooooo !!

2011-09-02T06:13:00.001-07:00

I'm back & open for business !!! See you !

CLOSED for the Day ... September 01

2011-08-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

SO SORRY FOLKS !!!
My emergency visit grew into an emergency specialist visit in the city tomorrow so I won't be open Thursday. I WILL be open Friday as usual. So sorry for the inconvenience.
SEE YOU FRIDAY !!

More Christmas !

2011-08-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !
This is just a quick note ... I am really having a bad day & am off to an emergency doctor's appointment in a few minutes.
The biggest thing this week is the new Christmas Paper from Imaginisce ... really cute !!

I have an album almost finished & some kits ready to be packaged using this sweet paper but I think they may have to wait a few days. But I will have the paper & accessories out on Thursday ... stop by !!
Here's a quick photo of the hall all ready for the card class ... it was a fun evening ... 22 attendees. Watch for another in late September !

Have a great long weekend everyone !! See you back on schedule in good old September !!

SWOON

2011-08-24T08:06:00.001-07:00

*SWOON* ... That's what I did when I saw the new Graphic 45 papers ... oh my... I thought they looked pretty great when I pre-ordered them but to see them in person is a whole other story !! They are amazing !! My mind is racing with projects ... I hope I can get some done before the paper sells out !! Actually it is so nice that I have already re-ordered most of it !! The pictures I took don't do it justice ... you should come see it in person. Also check out Graphic 45s blog ... www.g45papers.typepad.com for some breathtaking samples !
*( I just had someone stop in to ask a question ... her eyes were immediately drawn to the paper ... she loved it ... believe me, you will too !!)
The first line is ABC PRIMER ...

I am planning on making a black paper bag album kit ... probably in a few weeks.
Then there is Christmas Emporium ... wow. The papers are beautiful - thick paper, gorgeous rich colours, great designs ... classic.

My mind is spinning with Christmas project ideas ... !
They also have these really cute little kraft boxes with accordion fold albums inside. The boxes have a magnetic clasp and are all ready for altering ! The other album they have comes in a little film canister. Super cute ! I have a few of the albums but I have quite a few pre-ordered elsewhere. They should be here soon.

This is a short post ... I have been out straight getting ready for this week's card class and working on some renovations. I have just placed an order for a bunch of shelving so ... bear with me ... organization is on it's way !!! Things will be changing in the next few weeks ... I am excited about the changes !

In order to get some samples done up, renovations done, beads organized and sampled, orders placed, and kits assembled ...I am taking a few weeks off from the Kit of The Week . I have a few left from last week if anyone missed them. The Kit of the Week will be back in September ... and I am thinking Christmas !!!

So keep stopping in ... lots of new things ... and keep watching the blog for news on kits, classes, and just plan old ideas !!

photos for Card Class August 24th ...

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

10 Cards ... one night ... here they are !!

August 24th ... Wedenesday ... 6:30-10 pm ... Port Geroge Community Hall ... bring scissors & your fave adhesive ... MUST PRE-REGISTER before 1pm on Saturday Aug 20th.
Cost ... $20 + tax ... includes all supplies & a homemade treat !!

It's a Tim Holtz Fest !!!!

2011-08-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !!!
As you know, I have been gathering {hoarding} Tim Holtz and Ranger products. They have been arriving in dribs and drabs since December. I wanted to wait til I had EVERYTHING and I may now ... but even if I don't ... it is going out there for you all to see, touch, use, and enjoy !! The products are soooooo fun and really allow you to find your inner artist !! I had so much fun experimenting this week ... my table was covered in projects !! I told Charlie (aka Feedman) that I FINALLY felt like I had accomplished what I had hoped to this week ... mind you I worked Saturday night, all day Sunday, Sunday night, Monday, Monday night, Tuesday, Tuesday night, and then today ... all to be ready to open tomorrow and have samples. (BUT there still are tons of samples I want to do !!!) But that seems like a bit of a tough schedule to follow ... not sure I like that aspect of it !! ;) But it was fun !! Last night at 10pm I was baking ... tiny little clocks out of Shrink film !! ( had forgotten about them !!) Anyone hoping for cookies was disappointed !! lol !!
So without further ado ... here are a few projects !!

KIT OF THE WEEK ...
This was really fun !! You will get to use the 7 Gypsies collage tissue, Tim Holtz film strip ribbon & hanger, Grunge paper flowers, Maya Road trinkets ... fun stuff !! And I made a little clock for each kit with Shrink Film which I also have for sale . It's amazing !! Stamp, punch/cut, bake ... and voila !!
** NOTE : the card does not come pre-stamped so you can add whatever quote you like. I will have my stamp here though if you do want that particular quote. **
Here are a few details ... I added Distress Stickles to my flower ... even distress needs to sparkle a bit ... !

So this kit is in limited numbers ... let me know if you want a kit saved. I haven't saved any this week as the regulars are usually card people . It will be the first who ask who will get them. I think you will really enjoy playing with this kit. It sells for $7.50.

Products ... think Tim Holtz, 7 Gypsies, Ranger , Maya Road ... fun & fabulous !! Everything form paper to glues & paints to tons of little "bits" that make projects so unique. I will have all the items in packages but also opened up and selling the pieces individually Flea Market Style !! Maybe you only want one book plate and a few hangers ... that's fine !! It's a great way to try new things. I will also be selling the Tim Holtz papers - card stock (distress & Adirondack) , patterned paper, grunge paper, kraft resist paper, and glassine paper - by the sheet as well as by the package. ... only 80 cents persheet !! If you love a product , buy the whole package ... I'm offering 20% of all whole packages of products from Tim Holtz, Maya Road, and 7 Gypsies.

Samples ...
WORK IN PROGRESS !!!
A 7 Gypsies album ... still have more to do but it has been quick & fun !! I may do up packages for this in the next few weeks if anyone is interested. (Once I get this one finished !!)

Claudine Hellmuth ... she has some great products out through Ranger ... her stamps are a lot of fun. Each design comes in 2 forms - foam & clear acrylic. You can use them individually if you want. But TOGETHER they are awesome !! You stamp with the foam first using either paint or ink ( I tried both) . Let the image dry. Then stamp over it with the acrylic stamp to add the outlining. I love them because they have a slightly offset registration so it looks like old printing from the 50s. The designs are bold and very graphic ... and just plain fun.
Here are some cards and tags I made using the stamps and her great paints.

I also used her paints, Multi Medium, stamps and Sticky Back Canvas to make this collaged wall hanging. It was a lot of fun !! I may do this as a workshop if anyone is interested. I hope to make a few smaller ones in the next few weeks.

Here is the Glassine Paper ... after it has been run through my machine in an embossing folder ... nice ... and then made into flowers. ♥ I'll try a few other ideas for next week ...

A card using the Kraft Resist paper and a few Tim Holtz trinkets and Maya Road bits... a manly card !!

And the adhesive backed foil ... oh my !! Be still my heart !! Run that through in an embossing folder ... can I do enough it to make a ceiling in the kitchen ??? Imagine a snowflake folder ???? wow. It can also be coloured with alcohol inks ... but I was so in love with it, I left it as is. Again, I'll try inks next week.

Ranger Memory Frames ... these have jewelry potential as well. Just pop open the frame, make a little collage or sandwich special paper between 2 pieces of glass, close it up and you are ready to roll !! I also have thin metal tape so you can make them with just the little pieces of glass ... I see pendants, Christmas tree decorations ... so much !! More future projects ... I told you I still had lots more I wanted to try ...

Maya Road ... loads of fun chipboard pieces ... butterflies (I coloured one using the Tim Holtz Distress Stains - so easy - and then glittered with some Stickles) , cameos, garden pieces, weather ... canvas banners & pieces, wooden spools & buttons. acrylic dangles ... soooo much !!

Well ... I've talked enough ... trust me, there is lots to see this week !! Drop in !!

** Just a reminder ... if you want to put pictures of your beloved pets in the CAPS calendar, the deadline for photos is August 31st !!**

Think Pink !!

2011-08-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hi !
Somehow - completely accidentally - this update is all about pink !! Pink albums, pink cards, pink paper, pink beads ... crazy !

KIT OF THE WEEK : three cards ... all pink ... a "birthday wishes" card, a "you're so sweet" card, and a "whatever you want" card !! All the supplies, cut & ready to go, for all 3 cards for $5.

PINK WHIMSY MINI ALBUM KIT : They are ready !!

I had no idea how much cutting, stamping, punching there would be ! YIKES !! But they are ready ... and I had help !!

(yep, lots of help !!) The kit is $19.95 and is full of great stuff. Here is what you get in the kit...

all sorts of paper, borders, hand dyed ribbons, tags, labels, 3 complete alphabets in stickers, and lots of fun goodies !! I only have 13 and half of them are already spoken for ... let me know if you want one !! It is made from this week's featured paper from The Girls' Paperie. Here's what it makes if you need a reminder .

PAPER : This week's selected paper is from The Girls' Paperie ... a company no longer in business which is too bad. I love their papers. You may remember Tinsel & Twig from last Christmas ... also theirs. The owner has started a new company Authentique but it is a bit different from her previous designs. Anyway ... 3 lines this week from them
Kitsch

Vintage Whimsy and Jubilee

And look at all the great accessories

... rosettes, metal pins, paper pennant pins, resin flowers, cameos, buttons, cameo buttons, ribbon & lace ... so much !!

I will be selling them by the package but also individually, flea market style !! But if you buy 6 sheets of paper from that company, you will be able to get 25% off any packages of accessories !!

BEADS : I have just unpacked some new metal spacer beads from Tierra Cast ... wonderful metal beads in great colours like black and antique brass to name a few ... excellent quality and really beautiful shapes.
I have also been kitting like a mad woman !! I have more of the kyanite earring kits made ... this is the end of the kyanite beads so get them now. I have more of the olive green bracelet/earring sets ready and am working on the Chinese crystal bracelets as well as the soft mauve sets.
And here's the NEW kit ...

Pink & Grey Sparkler Bracelet !! I have the kits & instructions done ... I just need to get photos printed. I have an appointment in Halifax tomorrow so may not get that done but will do it as soon as I can. The kits are $9.99.
I am also working on a FAB Swarovski crystal ring ... it is going to be amazing !! And so simple !! Next week !!!

CARD CLASS : 2 weeks from today ... August 24th. Here are the last 2 cards of the 10. Reserve your spot now !!

COMING UP : TIM HOLTZ FEST !! Okay, here's a sad story ... I have boxes of Tim Holtz & Ranger product ... some of it has been here since Christmas ... but it arrived in dribs & drabs ... so I kept waiting for it all to get here so I could do a big TADA !! Anyway, I HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH !!! This is crazy !! SO next week , it will all be out and I will hopefully have a few samples made with it !! It is wonderful stuff !! I can't wait !! And as a special incentive , there will even be a discount !! Tune in next week !!

So, there's a quick rundown of what's in the shop this week. I am getting fall fever ... that means renovations & re-dos !! So don't be surprised if you come in soon & things are changed around ... I feel like re-organizing ( and some of it just plain needs to be organized the first time !!) . A few more weeks and I will be starting ... don't worry ... hard hats are not required !! Have a great week !!

LOADS & LOADS !!!

2011-08-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

So much ... let's start !!

KIT OF THE WEEK :

This week's kit is all summer - bright yellows, hot pinks, ladybugs, lemons, and flowers. There is a "Happy Summer" card, a "Celebrate" card, and a "With Thanks" card ... of course, you know, you can make them whatever you want !! They are just bright & cheerful !! The paper used is Salt Spray from Cosmo Cricket and Sweet Summer Time by Little Yellow Bicycle. I have both lines available this week. As usual, the card kits contain the supplies for all 3 cards and cost $5. Leave a message here or on Facebook if you want any saved. Last week's kit was popular ... sold out by the end of the first day !!

PAPER:
* new 6x6 paper pads ... more than 50 !!! They include : Jillibean Soup - Blossom Soup & Watermelon Gazpacho ~ Fancy Pants - It's the Little Things, To the Moon, Beach Babe, Beach Bum, Baby Mine ~ Basic Grey - Hello Luscious, Sweet threads ~ Crate paper - Toy Box Collection, Emma's Shoppe, Portrait Collection, Neighbourhood Collection ~ Echo Park - Splash ~ Pink Paislee - Hometown Summer ~ Bo Bunny - Zoology Collection, Barefoot & Bliss ~ Cosmo Cricket - Salt Air, Upcycle, Odds'n'Ends, Circa 1934, Social Club ~ lily bee Designs - Happily Lost ~ Sassafras Lass - Broadcast ... phew ! That was a lot !!

* I was able to get more of the Graphic 45 Wicked paper for those looking for it.
* COPIC MARKERS ... yes, I have them !! I ordered Copic Ciao because they are a great marker at a better price. So they will be $4.99 each ... but some of the markers were substituted with the more expensive Sketch markers ... for a limited time they will ALL be $4.99. Start your collection today !!!
* Stamps - Maya Road, Hampton Art, Our Craft Lounge. One of the stamps from OCL is called "Granny's Support Team" and, you guessed it, it's all about underwear !! One of the quotes is "Don't forget to squish 'em" ... and don't !! Just a reminder that the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Van will be here at the hospital the end of August and early September. Book your mammogram soon !!

*12x12 papers

Cosmo Cricket "Salt Air" ... pretty colours, cute accessories ( Bling, Buttons, Butterflies & Doilies)

Little Yellow Bicycle "Sweet Summer Time" ... bright blues, yellows, reds ... watermelon, lemons, lemonade stands.

And look at all the fun stuff that goes with it ... chipboard shapes, stickers, felt ribbon sliders, spinners, canvas shapes, 10 Things Pockets, Flower Button Dots, ticket book, journalling cards, pop up stickers ... so fun !!

October Afternoon "Campfire" ... listen to a few of the paper names ... "Sleeping Bag", "Tent Trailer", "Stargazing", "Skipping Rocks", "Toasted Marshmallows" ... you just know it's going to be fun !! The images are great ... plaids, stars, pine trees, bears, fox, lodge check-in sheets, maps ... all part of the camping adventure !!! Great stickers too !!

Fancy Pants - "Beach Bum" and "Beach Babe" ... nice masculine paper - reds, blues, weathered colours ... flip flops, surf boards, waves, fish, Hawaiian shirts ... great vacation paper !!
*Bo Bunny - these albums match their Zoology and Barefoot & Bliss lines. They are shaped printed chipboard ... various animals for the first one and flip flops and other summer items for the second. Fun albums, especially for kids !! "Mini Edgy Albums".
* more Cuttlebug & Nestabilities
BEADS : I am just about to crack open a big box ... I will have the earring backs, lots of new jump rings in new sizes & colours, cellphone straps, more bookmarks, Econoflex wire, Dragon Blood Jasper semi precious stones, ... and more !!
* Just a note ... I have been having trouble getting Big Eye Needles ... I asked about them and the problem is that they come from Japan and are not available because of all the trouble there. My supplier mentioned there are several other products as well. Never even thought of that !!
Pink Whimsy Album Kits ... I tried ... I really did !! I worked on them yesterday but we kept losing our power and then my printer wouldn't work. I worked until 10:30 last night and finally realized that I wasn't going to be able to finish them ... I'm close !! They will definitely be ready next week. ..maybe sooner. I have had a lot of people interested ... remind me if you want a kit (or more) saved. $19.95 per kit ... and I only have enough for 13.

And ... 3 weeks from today is the Card Class !! I am hoping to have a good number registered ... it would certainly make me keen to do more !! Remember you must pre- register.

Thanks & have a super week ! Hope to see you !!!

Kits, Sale, Class ...

2011-07-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello !
Well here is all the news in point form !!

* KIT of the WEEK - this one is a bit different ... it is a gift box with paper & ribbon for embellishment as well as the supplies for 6 mini cards. Make the cards & use them yourself OR make them up , put them in the decorated box, tie on the ribbon and give the package as a cute little gift !! All the supplies for 6 cards and the box ... $5.

* SALES ... I have decided to leave the sales on for ONE MORE WEEK !! So that is
50% off all 12x12 sheets of patterned paper.
40% off all strands of semi precious beads
40% off the strands of beads on the spinner by the door. Great filler beads, chips, etc ..
BOGO bead table is now Buy 1 Get 2 Free*!! (*of equal or lesser value)

* Kit - I have another kit almost ready ... a bigger kit for a Pink Whimsy Album. It is full of great papers from The Girl's Paperie as well as awesome embellishments, ribbon, brads, buttons, etc ... The kit is $19.95 . Everything is precut & pre-eyeletted. (Is that a word ?? I doubt it !!) I hope to have it ready next week ... hope ... This is a great way to get a variety of the wonderful GP products without buying a full package of each !!

* BEADS : next week I will be restocked on lots of things including RUBBER EARRING BACKS !!
* PAPER : lots of new lines next week. And all the great things that go with them !!
* Something fun ... how about a zipper flower ? These are super easy to make and you can make 4 from 1 yard of zipper which is only $2.75 yard ... 69 cents each !! Stop in and ask me how they are made !!

* CARD CLASS ... Wednesday August 24th , 6:30 to 10pm ... we will make 10 cards using Lawn Fawn stamps ... cost is $20 + tax and that includes all supplies and a yummy treat ... I will be having the class at the Port George Community Hall. Please pre-register by August 20th (or sooner ... it is filling up) and pay when registering. All you need to bring is a pair of scissors and your favourite adhesive.

Cards #1 and 2 of the 10 we will be making ...

Cards #3,4,5...

Cards # 6, 7, 8 ...

and Cards # 9 and 10 ... "Mystery Cards" ...lol ... actually I just got a box of the NEW Lawn Fawn stamps so I decided to use those !! Pictures soon.

* Here's a little something I am working on for next week, combining scrapbooking supplies and beads.

Another Update for this week ...

2011-07-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

A quick update ... second of the week !! ... HONEY POPS paper & stamps have finally arrived !!! Stock up as they have been really hard to get !!!
And remember ...
50% off ALL 12x12 sheets of patterned paper !!
40% of ALL strands of semi-precious beads
40% of ALL strands of beads on the spinning rack by the entrance .
This week only !!! Don't miss it !!

* Check out the Kit of The Week ... sympathy cards
* Check out the Card Class in August.

Sale ... SAle ... SaLe ... SALE ... sAle ... SALE !!!

2011-07-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Okay ... here's my problem ... I have boxes & boxes of "stuff" that I have no room to put out !! Some of it has been in my little room for months ... TOO MUCH STUFF !!! So ... now I am pre-ordering for new releases arriving in August to October ... and I still haven't put out some of the last bunch of stuff ... SO I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP !!!! I am putting on a sale to MAKE SOME ROOM !!!!

Here goes ... July 21-23
PAPER : 12x12 patterned sheets of paper .... 50% off !!!
That's right !!! 1/2 price !!!!

That is all in stock regular priced paper.

And now for the beaders ...

BOGO table ... now buy ONE get TWO of equal or lesser value FREE !!!

Yes, TWO !!!

Semi precious strands .... 40% OFF strands !!!!

Strands on the spinner by the door ... 40% off !!!

So ... how's that for a sale ?!!

And now for the kits ... They are Sympathy Cards. As usual, all the precut, prestamped supplies for three cards for $5.

The cards are simple and dignified ... I don't like sympathy cards to be too frou frou.

(I find sympathy cards much easier to make ahead of time instead of when you need one. That way there is no emotional connection and it is not a sad process.)

**Card Class ... check out the info over there to the right ...

Hope to see you !!!!
(and you know that this means lots of room week after next for new, new new !!!)

2011-07-15T06:24:00.001-07:00

BIG SALE NEXT WEEK !!!!
Watch for details !!

Just passing through ....

2011-07-11T15:28:00.001-07:00

Hi Folks !
I'm afraid this is just a super quick post this week ... this is once again a week of thousands (literally) of baby chicks at the feed store so I will be out there "counting my chicks" !! I did get a kit done for you though ... and I will get some samples done for the card class I am planning in August so I can show you next week.
Here's the kit ... bright & cheerful !! There is a bright fun "Make a Wish" birthday card ... great for a child maybe ... a sewing themed birthday card complete with a button and a pin, and a Get Well Soon card with a happy cheerful flower. The supplies for all three cards are cut, hand stamped, , punched , and ready to assemble. All for $5. Leave a comment here or on Facebook if you want kits saved.

Have a great week !!
Oh ... almost forgot ... this week's sales !!
25% off all Embossing Folders (regular priced, in stock)
25% of all Beading Tools ( regular priced, in stock)
Thanks !! See you soon !!

Summer Heat is here ...

2011-07-06T08:11:00.001-07:00

Wow ... it's a hot one today !! Good day to stay inside & work on some cards .... wink, wink !!

And I just happen to have this week's kit right here ...

Click your heels because you are going to Oz this week !! The Graphic 45 "Magic of Oz Collection" arrived and I had to make something with this paper .... classic images !! The kit has everything to make all 3 cards for $5. Leave a comment here or on Facebook if you want any set aside for you. I also have the paper for sale ... and I think it will go quickly !!

Hmmm ...what else ? How about a SALE ??? I have just been pre-ordering Christmas paper so let's put all the Christmas stuff from last year on sale ... want to be sure we have room for the new stuff !! Sooooo .... 25% off all regular priced Christmas items ... stamps, stickers, paper,Kaiser Craft wooden pieces ... you get the idea. And for the beaders ... 25% off all strands of beads ... hey ! ... that's a good sale !!

So there are a few sales for you this week ... drop in !!

There will be lots of new little stamps out this week ... Inkadinkado, Imaginisce, Kaisercraft. Lots & lots !! There are also several new sets of "inchies" ... you know these don't you ? They are themed sets of 9 1x1 stamps that come complete with a stamping block. The price ? Only $7.99. This time the themes are anywhere from sewing to tropical prints to steam punk style to Paris ... lots of selection !!

Have a great week !!

CANADA !!! We love you ... !

2011-06-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone !!
This Friday is Canada Day and I will be closed ... which makes this a very short week ... and I say "thank goodness" as we just got back from a very intense weekend in Toronto going 20 hours a day at 100 miles an hour !! I am pooped !! But since it is such a short week, I'm not going to have a lot of new stuff out this week ... I'll wait til next week.
But I do have a kit ... Baby Cards !

These cards are perfect for new little people and their parents. The princess castle card also has a Birthday tag so it can be a birthday card for a little girl as well. The other two cards would work for a baby of either gender. Once again, the kits contain all the materials needed to make all three cards for $5. Leave a comment here or on the Facebook page if you want kits saved. And remember, you can still have them set aside if you can't get in for a few weeks ... I just put them in my file box.
And speaking of cards ... I am thinking about doing a card workshop later in July using the Lawn Fawn stamps ...you know, those super cute stamps that I love !! ... I will have more details soon but please let me know if any of you would be interested !!
Anyway, that's all I've got for you this week ... I'll try to get some things unpacked and put out ... a few fresh items.
Have a happy Canada Day !!!

First Week of Summer !

2011-06-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !
A nice sunny day ... and the first week of summer.
Here's what's new this week ...
KIT of the WEEK : The theme for this week's kit is Up Up and Away.

The paper is from the Lime Twist collection from My Mind's Eye. I'll have the rest of it out for sale next week ... really fun stuff !! Anyway, there are 2 birthday cards and one multi purpose card ... all precut, stamped tags, ready to roll ... supplies for all three cards for $5. These cards would work for children. men, or women. Multi-multi purpose !! Leave a comment here or on Facebook if you want kits saved.
PAPER :
In celebration of summer ... summer paper !! Beautiful glittered sand castle paper, bright happy glittery sea life, beachballs, and soccer paper.

* new Sizzix cutting dies, new Cuttlebug Embossing FOlders, gel pens, edge punches, Chalk Inks.
I have some of the paper left that was used in the kits the last few weeks ... lace patterned, fishing lures, cupcakes, ... just a few sheets of each so grab it now !!
BEADS : New beads called TILA beads from Miyuki, makers of delicas. These beads are flat and have 2 holes through them. I just played around a bit and put together (almost ... no clasps on it ...lol) this bracelet.

I used three strands, Tila beads, and Delicas. Pretty easy !
I also strung them on a 3 strand necklace, just randomly with delicas and crystals, as a floating necklace. They worked well there too but I couldn't get a photo without blurring. :(

Short & Sweet !

2011-06-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !!
This is going to be short & sweet this week ... I am soon heading out to the feedstore to box up 2000+ chicks so not as much will get done here this week !! But I am trying !!
KIT OF THE WEEK : This week's kit is birthday cards ... fun, bright, and cheerful !!

I used some of the new Lime Twist line from My Mind's Eye ... paper & diecuts as well as an older paper from Pink Paislee that I thought was really pretty and vintage looking . (I just see that I mushed the cards in my bag this morning ... grrrr...) Anyway, the Cupcake card just shouts out birthday - good for anyone !! The Happy Day card is very simple but I think it is beautiful - I love the combination of the diecut, bright colours, and embossed paper. And last but not least, the lacy vintage style card ... flowers, lace, and a wavy banner ... soft & pretty. You get all the supplies for all 3 cards for $5. Leave a comment here or on the Facebook page if you want any kits saved !!
PAPER : I have more of the fishing lure paper that I used in last weeks cards. And also some other fishing and Dad paper if you are looking for some for Father's Day or just for the guys in your life !! A few of the Father's Day/ Masculine Birthday card kits are left too.
I have started making a few kits with the Fine & Dandy paper that I showed you last week ... soooo cute. The colours in that paper are great. And someone pointed out how great the BACKS of the paper were for scrapbooking ... and she is right !! Nice small patterns and great background designs !!
I also still have some Grad paper & accessories left ... soon be time for those !!
I also unpacked some new ribbon, a few mini albums, some Maya Road stuff, and Kaiser.
BEADS : Still have some of those great Father's Day bookmark kits ... easy for the kids to make. If Dad isn't a reader or uses an e-reader, you could always make the charm into a zipper pull or cellphone charm.
I unpacked some strands of beads ... really pretty ... as well as a bunch of replenished findings - swirly earrings, clasps, etc... The swirly earrings are selling fast again !!
Hope to see you this week ... and I'll be back on track next week ...*peep peep* ...

Fine & Dandy ... "boy" cards ... magnets ... specials

2011-06-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hello !!
Lots to talk about !!

BEADS :
* more magnetic clasps - the nice strong ones everyone likes !!
* replenished on the beautiful Chinese crystal rondelles in the new colours - they sold out quickly the first time !
* and more of the beautiful silver swirly pinch earrings as well as the Beadalon pinch earrings. The "silver swirlys" sold out in one day the first time !!

PAPER :
* Fine & Dandy by My Mind's Eye. This paper is C.U.T.E. !!! It hits all the fun themes ... flags, banners, birds, hearts, stars, numbers, sun & fluffy clouds, cherries (love!!), flowers ... oh so adorable !! The colours are great too - pinks, blues, greens, aquas, yellows ... Sweet !!! The paper is $1 sheet and also has matching stamps and diecuts. There is also some new twine from the Lime Twist line that would match beautifully ... white/pink, white/lime , etc ... Fresh & Adorable !!

Kit of the Week ...

This week the kit is for the boys !! There are 5 cards and 2 different combination kits ... every kit has a fishing themed card that has a reversible tag so it can be Father's Day OR birthday - you choose which way you want the tag to go !!

Then there is a wildlife themed birthday card . Those cards are in every kit. The last card is crossword puzzle themed and some of them are for Dad's Day and some are birthday ... it's all marked on the kits. You choose whatever works best for you !! And of course, you can always add whatever tags you want to your cards ... they are yours !! Anyway, all the supplies for all 3 cards for $5.
* There's even a real fishing fly on the card ... barb & hook removed !!

And now a bookmark kit for Dad ... with a choice of charms ... fishing Dad, goalie dad, hockey dad, motorcycle Dad, golf Dad, curling Dad ... your choice ... bookmark, jumpring, charm all for $1.75 !!!
SPECIALS !!!!! This week only ...
25% off all regular priced stamps
50% off all Frippery Jewelry Kits
wowzas !!!
So drop in, see some great stuff, save some money, have fun !! See you !!

New Month, New Stuff !!

2011-06-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hello !
Here it is another month ... and there is lots of new stuff to talk about !!
PAPER :
First, here is the Kit of the Week ... wedding cards this week. All the pieces precut & hand stamped for 3 cards ... all for $5.

And there's more for weddings ... great new embellishments from Making Memories ... charms & glittered tags. The tags come in packs of 50, perfect for invitations or thank yous.
I also have some beautiful Bazzill cardstock that would make beautiful wedding cards . It is white embossed 12x12 cardstock in 3 different designs as well as a pearlized 8.5x11 cardstock embossed with butterflies. Beautiful !!

Also paper from Fancy pants ... "Happy Together" ... beautiful blues, greens, aquas, and browns. Perfect for a wedding or anniversary album.
And then there is Graduation ... paper, tags, stickers, diecuts... lots to choose from !!

Here is a little sample card using Stamping Bella's Sposabella stamp ... I think she's so cute !!
New stamps from Inkadinkadoo .

Watercolour pencils ... I LOVE THESE !!! I have never liked colouring stamped images ... but I am coming around thanks to these gems !! You stamp your image, colour with the pencils (easy peasy !!) and then using a small paintbrush, you apply a little water ... it looks like you PAINTED the images. Crazy about them !!

And my new favourite item ...

Craft Scrubbie from Ranger Ink ... this thing is amazing !! When I was stamping the tags for this week's cards, I managed to get my hands COVERED in black ink. I didn't want smudgy fingerprints on the white paper so i went to wash up. Ink doesn't always come off that well ... and it didn't this time. Then I remembered I had a craft Scrubbie so I opened up and tried it. INK WAS GONE IMMEDIATELY !! I was amazed !!! You will love this product !!

BEADS :
* 3.5mm suede lace in various colours ... even pink !!
* new cathedral beads, also in AB colours - so pretty !!
* more tiny peacock flats ... beautiful !!
* tricuts & pear shapes
* new bracelets & bezels - fill with whatever you wish !!

* coloured Beadalon
* restocked : non-tarnish silver wire, magnetic clasps, memory wire, tools
* Pinch Bail Pliers ... easily close those pinch bails.
* Beadalon earrings ... these are so easy !! Simply take drops that are drilled through the top, squeeze the bail, and VOILA !! A beautiful earring !!

(sorry the picture is so blurry ... you get the idea !!)
NOTE : there has been a BIG increase in sterling silver prices. The last bags of leverback earrings I unpacked were $10 more per bag !! So I have a few bags left at the old price ... if you use them often, this would be the time to snatch them up !!

And that's just some of the new stuff !!! Drop in !!

Sunny Days Ahead !!

2011-05-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hello !
Sunny days ahead ! That's the forecast ! That should put a little spring in everyone's step. Soooo ... what's new ??

Beads : a new kit this week ! This bracelet is made with the beautiful new multi tone crystals for lots of bling !!! The kit includes the crystals, tubes, spacers, crimps, wire, magnetic clasps, crimp covers, instructions, and photos. $10 per kit.

Magnetic clasps - restocked !!

Paper :
Kit of the Week : This week's kit uses Creative Imaginations paper by Samantha Walker. The paper is fun - florals & butterflies. The cards are for birthdays although one only says "Wishing you a lovely day" ... so it could be for another occasion !! All the pieces are included - precut & pre-stamped - for 3 cards for $5. Let me know if you want a kit set aside !!

Lots of great new tools this week ... they will make your crafting so much easier !!
* Spellbinders - new !!

* Sizzix Cardmaking & Embossing Machine - this is just what you need if you already have some kind of electronic cutting machine and just want something to EMBOSS using folders from Sizzix and Cuttlebug. This cute little machine embosses but does not cut. But it is only $35.99 !!!

* Tombow Stamp Runner - a new glue system. It works as a glue runner but it also dispenses glue in spots. Both a glue stamper & runner. Awesome !!
* Strong Arm ... this is a mechanism used to make punching easier. You set your punch inside it, then use the handle for extra leverage ... great for those large stamps that are so hard to use !!!
* Zutter Dream Cuts - this machine cuts paper ... the same every time !! 27 different possible sizes can be cut, no batteries, self sharpening blades... and pink !!

* Maya Road _ sewing machine albums !!

A Little Sunshine ...

2011-05-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hello ! Today there is some sunshine out there ... and it feels good ! It has been such a dull rainy month ... this sun is just what we needed !!

KIT OF THE WEEK : Also sunshiny !! I used bright colours ... guess I was craving a little brightness. Anyway, one of my favourite combinations is blue & orange (and they are complimentary colours I later learned) and to me they just say festive !! So I have some simple but festive birthday cards . I think they would be suitable for a woman, a man, or kids ... multi purpose !!It's funny but not one of them says "Happy Birthday" ... they say "Eat Cake", "Wish Big" and "It's Your Day" ... nice to have a little different greeting !! So you get all the pieces precut & prestamped to make the 3 cards ... all for $5.

Paper : I have a few more Lawn Fawn samples for you ... I really adore these stamps. They really are a style I like and I can't seem to stop making cards with them !!

And here are some fun new tools & products ...Spritz Screens and Spritz Boards by Hampton Art. They come in packages or I am selling them individually for 50 cents a piece. You would spray or sponge ink over the Screens to create a design on your paper. The Boards are embossed with a resist design that appears when ink is rubbed or sprayed on them ... much like the paper we used a few weeks ago. They would make a really cute addition to a card or page. Here is an example of a card background with the screen sponged over and a board that has been rubbed with ink.

** I have a basket of stamps marked down for quick sale ... up to 50% off !!!! **
Beads : More checker beads ... some would be great focal beads ... prngle shaped !! Still unpacking and putting out new charms and findings. I have some more new semi precious donut beads. And the seedbead rack is getting refilled !!!

Graduation Time ... and LAWN FAWN !!!!

2011-05-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

Hello !
Let's start with the Kit of the Week ... Graduation cards. I was recently at a department store looking through their cards ... thinking I could just buy a quick graduation card instead of making one ... YIKES !!! The simplest little card was almost $3 ... and that was the lowest price !!! I decided I would be making them from now on !!

So this week's kit will give you 3 cards for $5 ... definitely a deal !! The cards are all for graduation ... could be university or high school. The brads in the kits will vary - some have graduation caps, some have diplomas, and other designs, but all nice and theme appropriate !! Now, there is a very limited number of these kits so please let me know (either by leaving a comment here or on Facebook) if you want one set aside for you. I had limited supplies so there is only about half the regular number.

Now ... BEADS ... I have unpacked even more charms ... cats, dogs, soccer, boys & girls, fishing, sewing, angels, owls galore, koalas, cows, horses, zebras, castles, Mickey Mouse, moose, leaves, dog bones, and more !!! Also more of the crazy checkered beads !! I am also working on a kit using those beautiful new crystals but it may not get done this week ... something about 2000 chicks arriving today makes me think I may be busy elsewhere ... lol.

And PAPER ... LAWN FAWN STAMPS !!! I am officially in love with these stamps !! I sat down yesterday to make some samples and had a hard time stopping !!! The possibilities are limitless !!
Here are a few reasons why I love them ... and why I think you will too !!
1. they are ready to stamp straight from the package ... no conditioning.
2. Now this is clever ... they are stored on a hinged plastic sheet. No more losing the little sheet that you put them on ... All together in one tidy easily stored package !!
3. They are whimsical and simple ... and oh so charming !!
4. They look like the handwriting you WISH you had !!
5. The designs are simple so they are easily cut out or coloured ... so easy !!
6. Because all the sets are the same style of whimsical line drawings, they work together beautifully !! Mix & Match !!
7. This is the way I WOULD draw if I COULD draw !!
8. The designs make me smile !!
9. The sayings are easily cut apart for more flexibility.
10. Our dollar makes them the same price here in Canada as in the US ... YAY !!
11. I've spoken to the designer ... and she is super nice ... so it's great to support her !!
12. The possibilities are limitless ... you will get lost in all the fun combinations ...
13. The website is really excellent ... lots of samples to inspire you !! www.lawnfawn.com

Now ... here are a few cards I made ... some are my own designs and some are "scraplifted" from the website samples ... I had so much fun !! And I only used 3 sets so far ... can't wait to use the others !!

May ... already !

2011-05-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !
It's May ... already. Time for Mother's Day, Graduations, weddings, gardens ... all kinds of things !! Lots to cover in the next few weeks.

Kit of the Week : Mother's Day /Birthday Cards. This kit will make 3 cards ... everything is precut, hand stamped, and ready to assemble. There are reversible and alternate tags so the cards can be either for Mom or for a birthday. $5 per kit.

Next week will be graduation cards ... I won't have as many kits so let me know quickly if you want any saved.
PAPER : Beautiful floral paper ... only 75 cents per sheet !! Also available are tags and other embellishments. Limited Quantities.

There are also lots of stamps and new Spellbinders Dies.
Lots of 7 Gypsies new stuff ...paper, rub ons, tags, book covers, collage tissue, stickers and loads of interesting embellishments.
I am now selling the 7 Gypsies and Tim Holtz paper & tissue tapes BY THE ROLL. And I have a bowl of crinkled ribbon that I dyed, cut to length ( 1 yard pieces) ... 75 cents each ... just pull out the ones you want !!
BEADS : More charms & bead being unpacked as I type !!! And lots of beautiful semi-precious.

Here are some new earrings I have in stock ... just choose a bead, squeeze the prongs through the hole, add an ear hook , and ...voila ! A cute pair of spiral earrings !!
Here's a little peek at our Make'n'Takes last Saturday. I'll try again in another month with another workshop !!

Try-It-Saturday !!

2011-04-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !!
This is a fun week !!
This week will be our first "Try-It-Saturday" !! I am hoping lots of you come out and give the products a try. The Kit of the Week is set up to use the product, or there are instructions provided to do it at home. But why not come & use my stuff ?!! Try some new things !! Just pick up your kit of the week or comment that you want one saved. The kit is $5 and includes all the supplies for 2 cards as well as 2 yards of ribbon to be dyed and a fabric leaf. You can complete all of them here using Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. I'll have lots of colours to try and some fun tools to use. I will have extra card supplies available for $2 per card if you want to do more. Or if you want to bring a friend !! Hope to see you !!
PAPER : In honour of the Royal Wedding, I have all things London !! 7 Gypsies paper and accessories from their Lille, Camden, and Paddington lines.

There is paper, apothecary bottles & labels, metal jewelry pieces, collage tissue, stickers, tags, and various interesting pieces. Really fun stuff !!

I made a really quick little paper bag album with some of it ... it's still a work in progress but I have a few photos. It was really fun to do a project that was MESSY !! Lots of ink and paint. Tape. Collage bits. I really enjoyed it and plan to add more !!

BEADS: more beads have been unpacked. Kyanite earring kits. Also, check out the pieces from 7 Gypsies in the scrapbooking section ... there are many different jewelry elements - perfect for steam punk style jewelry.

Kit of The Week : This is the kit. You can still complete it at home using a stamp pad and the sponge included in the kit. The kit makes 2 cards and 2 yards of ribbon as well as a fabric leaf. The cards use Ink Resist paper form Pink Paislee and Hot Off The Press. The designs appear like magic !!

Bead Kit of the Week : This week I have a pair of Kyanite earrings. Kyanite is a beautiful blue silicate stone from Brazil. Really pretty. And quite pricey ... so I whined about the price until I got a great deal on a strand ... (shameless) ... and decided to share the deal with you. Each stone has a suggested price of $4 but I have all the materials for the pair of earrings for $5 ... that includes the kyanite, hooks, headpins, spacers, and crystals. A great deal !! I have a limited number of the stones so get them now if you like them !!

So ... in closing ... I hope to see you pop in for a "Try" on Saturday. It should be fun !! Stop in anytime this week though ... love to see you !!

Easter Week

2011-04-19T09:54:00.001-07:00

Hello !
This is a short little week ... but jammed full of great new things !!

I will be closed Friday the 22 (Good Friday) but open Thursday & Saturday as usual. Because it is such a short week, I decided not to do a kit ... but there will be a really fun one next week full of exciting products.

So here is a quick idea of what's new this week ...

Paper ...

*STAMPS !!! lots & lots of new stamps !!

Here are some of the companies : Purple Onion, Inky Antics, Stamping Bella, Unity Stamp Co., Kaiser, Maya Road, Your Next Stamp, Imaginisce, Inkadinkado, Technique Tuesday, Stampendous, Prima ... so far I have unpacked over 200 new stamps !!

Here are a few examples ...

I also have some great new acrylic blocks ... large ones from Stampendous and gridded sets from Tim Holtz.
* Spellbinders/Nestabilities ... new sets including Labels 18, 19, 21 and One Small, Nested Lacey Pennants, Heart Circles, Floral Doily Accents, Lacey Ovals, Banner Basics 2 and 3. There are still more to come in.
* New Punches ... EK Success, Martha Stewart

Beads ...
Oh where do I start ??? So much to share... and unpack !! I will unpack Tuesday & Wednesday but I probably won't finish it all ... you can count on new things appearing every week for a while !!
* Crystals ... I have the new Spring 2011 Swarovski colours. Beautiful !! They include Chrysolite Opal ( a lovely soft green), Topaz Blend, Bronze Shade Crystal, 2X Bronze Shade Crystal, Amethyst Blend. The new pearl is Vintage Gold. There are also new shapes for the crystal focal beads.
* Chinese Crystal ... oh my gosh !! Gorgeous new colours & finishes as well as wonderful new shapes. Teardrops, coins, wavy coins, ovals. You have to see them to believe them !!

* Semi Precious ...

agate, dandrite agate, fluorite, turquoise, snakeskin jasper, zolite, quartz with black tourmaline, amethyst, sodalite, ocean jasper, green garnet, hyperstene, sardonyx, coral, kababa jasper, citrine, fire agate, sun stone ... and more.
* more charms, findings, magnetic clasps
* fun gold edged seashells ... complete with jump rings . Just add to a chain or earhook - instant jewelry !! Only $1 each !! Three styles.

Hope to see you & have a happy Easter weekend !!

SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE

2011-04-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Sale time !! I am cleaning out the bins, clearing shelves, sorting through boxes ... time to make room for new stock !! So there are sales !! I have a stack of paper that is 50% off ... any of the 12x12 paper with a pink line through the bar code is HALF PRICE !!! There are also some stickers and other items ... pink line through the bar code ... And beads ... look for a green line through the price or on the sticker ... that means that if you buy one, you get another of equal or lesser value for FREE !!! Yes, free !!! A real BOGO !! So far I have a table FULL ... poke through. I'm sure you'll find some great filler beads or discontinued findings. I will continue to add to the piles ... I want to clear out a bunch of stuff. Why ? Because I have boxes of new beads and cartons of new paper & scrap booking supplies. SO MUCH NEW STUFF !!!! And I need to make room ... so please help me !!

Here is the kit of the week ...

continuing with the "clean it out" theme ... I have so much scrap from the card kits. I recently saw a card on a blog where the card maker used strips of several papers in order to use a variety ... hmmmm ... that got me to thinking about scrap. Why not use all the bits of scrap to make a large pieced embellishment for cards ? So that's what I did ! And I am happy to say that the only whole sheets of paper used were for the card bases. ALL the rest of it came out of my scrap drawer. So after you make the kit, search in your scrap bin ... and make some more !! It's economical, it's fun, and it's creative !!

So , I hope to see you all in here looking for bargains and helping me make room. I have a meeting on Wednesday with a supplier (beads) and I have a big carton of paper here to be unpacked ... along with about 8 partial boxes of beads,paper, stamps, and other goodies ... all I need is room !!!
See you !!

Inky Antics HoneyPOP Collection

2011-04-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a little video explaining Honey Pops !! Enjoy !

So Much !!

2011-04-06T10:56:00.001-07:00

There is so much to tell you about ...
1. Kit of the Week ...
card kit , all the parts to make 3 cards, $5. This week it is all about Easter and Spring.

2. Bracelet Kit ... I now have more of the matte pink beads so I'll have more of the kits from week before last.

3. New Beads :
TWO trays of the sterling silver plated beads. These beads are great !! They are acrylic so they are light and inexpensive ... but ! They are plated in sterling silver. They would be great in a chunky necklace or bracelet or in long chain style necklaces. Super for earrings because of the lightness !! I have lots more styles - from small spacers to big chunky focal beads, in 2 finishes - antique silver and shiny silver.

CHECKER Beads : these beads are really fun & funky !! They are lightweight and come in lots of fun colours & sizes. I have only unpacked a few so far but will get them all unpacked by tomorrow ! Great on chains in multi strand necklaces.
4. New Paper : * JilliBean Soup - 2 collections "Dutch Mustard Soup" and "Spotted Owl Soup" ...

the first collection is yellows, browns, greens, and oranges.
The second is blues & apple green. Both are fun & fresh !! There are also some really cute "Sugar Picks' (pins) and corrugated shapes to embellish.

* Honey POPS !! from Inky Antics. Now these are fun !! First, there are stamp sets ...

they have several stamps in each set - some that can just be stamped & coloured and some that are especially for the special honeycomb paper. Now, you can use these stamps just as regular stamps ... OR ... you can add the *pop* !!!

You use the special honeycomb paper, stamp the image, cut it out, add it inside the card, and VOILA ! The recipient will be surprised by the beautiful 3D surprise inside !! I made one & loved it !! (I learned a few things ... like, it would be better to stamp on the honeycomb paper with a tone-on-tone ink because you can see the dark line if it doesn't get cut off exactly ... oh well ... beginner's attempt !!) The paper goes quite far - I figured I could get 12 cupcakes out of one package if I cut carefully.

5. TRY-IT-SATURDAYS ... I am going to try to have one of these very 4-6 weeks. It will be a Saturday when you can come in and TRY new products - hands on !! See how you use things, see if you like them, make a little project !! The first one will be Saturday April 30th ... this one will tie in with the Kit of The Week. The kit will be one you can take home & do there or you can come & use some of the great inks & products I have in the store to complete it. It will feature Parisian Anthologie Paper from Pink Paislee and ribbon. You will be able to add inks & Glimmer Mist to the amazing embossed paper and then dye a few yards of crinkle ribbon to use on another project. So, mark it on your calendars. And remember to pick up or speak for a kit that week !!
6. I have a Big Kick for sale ... it is a wonderful machine.
It embosses and diecuts. It will cut paper, fabric, chipboard, and mat board. It hasn't been used too much ... (like most of my stuff, I hate to say ...) and will make someone very happy !! I am selling it because I have bought an electric version as I often need to cut 25 or 30 pieces at a time. The Big Kick is manual . Anyway, it includes a brand new set of cutting plates and is $65 ... less than a new Cuttlebug and more powerful !! Let me know if you are interested !! ( psst ... there may be a Cricut soon too ...)
So that's it for now ... hope to see you !!

End of march !

2011-03-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

EDIT ... Just unpacked 17 brand new just released sets of embossing folders from Sizzix ... and they are cuter than cute !!! Birds, flowers, swirls ... and more !! This month has flown by ... and I still haven't dug out all the sale items like I was planning to . So ! I just brought out more new product and kits ... next week maybe. LOL ! So here goes ... BEADS ... here's a new kit for this week. It is "Deep Blue Sea Bracelet" ... a mixture of crystals, cathedral beads, fire polished beads, rhinestone studded rondelles, and sparkly little spacers. I think it's quite pretty (if I do say so myself !!). The kit with all supplies is $8.50. And I have more kits made like last weeks ... just slight variations. One kit is matte glass like last week - looks like sea glass - and the other kit is shiny glass - bright and summery. I will have more of the matte pink beads in next week if you prefer the original version. There will be a big order of beads arriving in the next few weeks as well as a visit from my semi-precious supplier ... exciting !! I also have 2 kits ... more coming ... of this older favourite. The Olive Green Bracelet and earrings set. $12 for all the supplies. PAPER ... The card kit this week has something for all ages ! Airplanes & flowers, buttons & brads ! Get all the supplies for all 3 cards for $5. And what's new ? Well, * Graphic 45 ... "Once Upon a Springtime" ... fairies & bunnies ... really cute ! *Panorama : sepia coloured paper with all modes of transportation ... everything from balloons to cars ... great for masculine projects. *WeR Memory Keepers : "Peep" Easter Bunny ... adorable pink bunnies with FLOCKED TAILS !! A bit pricier than most paper because of the flocking but so worth a sheet for Easter cards & layouts. * Echo Park : "Little Girl" Betty Bird with cute little birds in happy colours ... great for spring. *My Mind's Eye : Alphabet Soup kits in boy and girl versions. Really cute ... animals and fun bright themes. Each kit is $9.99 and contains 9 sheets of double sided paper and a sheet of accessories. Great for kids !! * Luminarte : Twinkling H2O ...shimmering watercolour sets ... apply with a brush or sponge to paper, clay, canvas, papier mache, chipboard, stone, wood ... even EASTER EGGS !!! Hmmm ... So ... that's what's on tap this week . Drop in and check it out ! See you soon !!

Out with the Old ... in with the new !!

2011-03-23T12:03:00.001-07:00

Hello !
I am thinking spring cleaning ... time to clear stuff out ... and get more !! So in the next few weeks I will be going through the store , gathering things that have been here too long ... so watch for a sale !! Then when that stuff is gone ... NEW STUFF !!! I have lots of new product & no room for it as well as lots of pre-orders on their way ... so time to make room.
So what's new this week ?

Well ... in Beads ... how about a kit for a summer bracelet ?

This is the Easy Breezy Summer Bracelet ... the kit is $6.99 and includes everything you need - everything - beads, spacers, wire, crimps, findings, crimp covers, and instructions. An easy way to kick off your summer jewelry collection !!
And ... I will have some new strands of multi-size pearls as well as new metal spacer beads.
I also have a new line of metalized beads. That means they are acrylic coated with metal. Now why would this be good ? Well, the beads are actually coated with sterling silver ... excellent for people with allergies. They give you the look of sterling but are affordable . They are also light - very important as some of the beads are quite chunky- solid sterling silver would be very heavy and extremely expensive. They come in 2 finishes - bright silver and antique silver. The antique has a very good long lasting coating on them as well. They are really attractive beads and it is a line I will be expanding. Now to get something made with them !!

And in Paper ...

new stamps from Technique Tuesday, Impression Obsession , Maya Road, and We R Memory Keepers. Chipboard binders from Maya Road as well as ribbon, trinkets, zipper trim, and chipboard cameos. Punches. New Spellbinders Nestabilities. Ribbon - crepe, lace, roses, dotted ... More packages of staple colours of 8.5 x 11 Bazzill smooth cardstock - white, cream, kraft ... only $6.99 for packages of 25 sheets.
And TAPE !!! You know how you make a beautiful card only to see it a few days later ... and the front has fallen off ?!! So much of the scrapbooking tape is not sticky enough. Well I have a solution !!! ATG tape. Two sided tape that is VERY sticky !! I have it in 1/2 wide rolls in two sizes ... 36yards for $3.99 and 60 yards for $5.99. Good value, great tape !!
And here is this week's kit ... $5 for 3 cards ...

Well, that's it for me this week. Stop in !!

Happy St. Paddy's !!

2011-03-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello !
More new stuff ...
Paper : Little Boy from Echo Park - really cute cheerful paper. Airplanes, cars, buttons, sailboats and stars. All in great primary colours. There are even sheets of solid colours to match !! Stickers too !!

Family Keepsake from We R Memory Keepers. This paper is all about family and home. The colours are wonderful - olives, salmon/rust, yellow. The series includes 12 x 12 paper and some of that is divided in 6x6 squares. There are also stickers & stamps. The stamps are a great deal ... only $1.50 each.

Beads : more strands being unpacked, new cord, wire, tools.

Here is a bracelet & earrings that I made this past week. The bracelet is a memory wire bracelet but I used mostly lampwork beads , pearls, and crystals. The earrings are lampwork and crystals.
KIT OF THE WEEK : a card kit ... 3 cards ... 2 birthday and one any occasion. The prestamped, precut pieces are all there for all three cards for $5. This kit uses the shabby chic papers of Stella & Rose from My Mind's Eye .

Here it is March ...

2011-03-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

Hello !!
Here it is March ... already !!
So ... what's new this week ?? Only the most beautiful sparkly stuff on earth !!

New Stickles ... 9 new amazing colours .

And GORGEOUS sparkly paper from Best Creations. This paper is wonderful - it is super heavy, beautiful colours, and the glitter DOES NOT COME OFF !!! I used some in this week's kit - I couldn't resist. I'll be ordering more colours soon ...
And speaking of this week's kit - here it is !

A "Medley of Cards" ... a Thank You card, A Birthday card, and a Good Luck card. I wanted to do something for St. Patrick's day but that seemed quite limiting so I decided to use the sparkly green paper, the new FRINGE SCISSORS, and the sparkly shamrocks for a Good Luck card appropriate for any occasion calling for a little extra luck !! You get the pre-cut, hand stamped pieces to make all three cards for just $5.
I also have a whole stack of 8.5x11 cardstock in beautiful spring brights. Perfect for cards.
Ooohhh ... almost forgot ... little Easter stamps as well !!
In Bead World I am filling a tray with large metalized beads. These beads are great ... they are coated with sterling silver but are light ... perfect for long necklaces. They come in great shapes & sizes and would be beautiful mixed with chain sections and a few links of beads. Super project !!
And speaking of chain ... there's new chain ... great fancy designs.

Hope to see you this week !!

March is National Craft Month ??? Who Needs It ?!!

2011-03-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Seriously !! The month of March is National Craft Month in the US and Canada ... but I say who needs it ??!! A month for crafting ?? HA ! We are all hardcore crafters here ... a month will never do !! We celebrate the "art of craft" and the plain old joy that comes from it EVERY month. Heck. Every week. Every day !! I can't just celebrate crafting for one month - it's a part of who I am and what makes me happy ... every week !!! So let' s just go to it ... and craft !!

I have the Kit of the Week for you ... three lovely floral birthday cards. And I am sure you realize that you can replace the birthday tags with any occasion tags you want. You can flip the paper over, mix up the colours, whatever ... as long as it makes you happy !! SO you get all the materials precut for three cards for $5.
And I am actually getting ahead on the weekly kits ... I have ideas stacked up for several weeks ... so that means more samples, more projects, and jewelry kits in the month ahead !!
I am also planning a kit that involves a little experimenting ... and setting up a table with lots of inks, sprays, etc in the store on a Saturday morning so that you can come and experiment. More on that in the next few weeks.

(The papers are actually NOT blurry in real life ...!!)
This week I have a beautiful line of papers form My Mind's Eye called Stella and Rose. It has several different "families" so the papers are feminine, some are masculine, the colours are varied and gorgeous. The paper is very thick and good quality. There is something for everyone !! And there are some great add-ons - labels, tags, titles, journalling cards, etc... I can see lots of fun projects from this line !!

New stamps from Stampavie, Inkadinkadoo, and Stampendous ... birthday & sympathy sentiments, teddy bears, lighthouses, ...

Beads ... well I have 2 boxes of beads to open and price this week !! Exciting !!

So far there has been lots of vials of new beads, metalized beads, wire, findings galore, fire polished strands, and ... somewhere ... new chain !!
So I am going back to unpacking ... there are lots more new things to come out of the boxes. Drop in !!

"Manly Cards", Spring Scrapping Supplies ... and soon Beads !

2011-02-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

Hello !
NEWS!! I will be opening at 10:30am on Thursday instead of 10am because of an appointment. Sorry for the inconvenience but I couldn't get it at any other time. I will be back as quickly as possible but definitely by 10:30.

Let's get right to it !
KIT : This week's kit is "Manly Cards" ... I have a lot of people asking for cards for dads, brothers, sons, husbands , ... well, men. So this week I have 3 cards that will fill that bill but I also think they would be fine for anyone. The kit includes all the supplies for the 3 cards for $5.

PAPER :If you are wishing spring was here (not me !! I love this weather !) I have some floral paper that is just bursting with spring flavour. They are 12x12 and 6x6 pads from K&Co and they are FABULOUS !! There is also a really nice selection of accessories ... lots more flowers, birds, plants ... lovely !!

ALBUMS : Piles of albums ... 12x12, 8x8, 6x6, ... all colours and finishes.

BEADS : ... and I am waiting for my order. I have a big order of beads on its way ... hopefully I can update you soon on Facebook !! But I have a great selection of new vintage looking beads and wonderful large beads in stock . Coming soon ... new fancy chain !!!
That's just a quick update ... there are many new things to look at. Drop in !!
If you want a kit saved, leave a comment here or on the Facebook page. If you aren't on the Facebook page, join up today !! It's just Classic Hobbies.
Have a great week !!!

Life IS a Circus !!

2011-02-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

That's one of the rubber stamps I received this week ... no kidding !! I have been tearing around today trying to finish kits, get stock unpacked, do the updates, pay bills, ... and so on. The flu payed me a visit this week so I lost a day ... that really messes up my work plans !! But I am happy to say that I will finish the kits tonight, I have unpacked some new papers and stamps, and am doing a quick update here !! But ... I haven't unpacked other boxes, I didn't finish my bead order, and I did not get any jewelry samples made. Next week hopefully !! Maybe I'll catch up ... and then get ahead ... well, I can dream !!

So ... here is this week's kit.

It makes 3 cards and all the supplies are included for $5.

It uses the new paper line from Imaginisce "Animal Crackers".

This is such a bright cheerful colourful line ... great for birthdays, fun events and people, kids, or just plain crazy exuberant life. It is also a varnished paper so it has an awesome shine to it.

Along with the papers are some great stacked stickers and a half dozen really fun little stamps. Koalas, alligators, elephants, monkeys, tickets, and that "Life is a Circus" ... all only $1.49 each. Perfect !!!
I also have a few new stamps from Hero Arts and Hot Off the Press including a great retro typewriter with various messages. Great fun !

Well hope to see you this week ... I am germ free so don't be scared ... Drop in !!
Oh ! And join me on Facebook ... "Classic Hobbies".

Here's another use for your paper cutter ... apparently they are very comfy beds ...

Sunny Day !

2011-02-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hello !
As I write this, the sun is streaming in the window - this is what winter is all about !! I love these white frosty sunny winter days !
This week I have TWO Kits of the Week ...

Kit #1 : Valentine Treat Packaging. This kit includes all you need for Valentine treats ... supplies to make 2 decorated red Chinese take-out boxes (perfect for a few chocolates), 2 glassine bags (great for a cookie or two) , and one clear bag with a cute topper (fill with cinnamon hearts maybe !!). You will get all the supplies for all five projects - all you need to do is make a trip to the bulk store to fill them up ! $5

Kit #2 : Valentines OR Birthday Cards ... I know some people are not Valentines fans so I have made these kits so they could also be Birthday cards. There are multiple tags and some are reversible... you choose !! You will get all the supplies for the three cards . $5
*NOTE : here's a little tip ... the letters on the XO card are just random letters from my stash. I buy boxes of assorted chipboard letters regardless of the colour or pattern. When I need them I simply spray them with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. In this case I used SWAK, a dark pink. Then I cover the tops with Stickles ... there is no trace of what they used to be !!
I have some new stamps in this week as well as some Cuttlebug Embossing Folders (including Swiss Dot which some of you have been asking for). The stamps are from Hot Off the Press and are called Stamp & Punch. They are greetings & sentiments for cards and include borders but most importantly they are made to fit specific round, scalloped , and oval punches. Stamp the border, add the sentiment, then punch the whole thing out ... very professional looking ! I also have some cute blingy heart stickers, music note bling, and more Valentine themed paper.
In Bead World ... more findings & charms as well as more strands of beads. LOVE charms in case anyone is looking for a Valentines charm. I also have a few of the beautiful charm bracelet kits from Making Memories left ... these bracelets are beautiful , all pink and pretty !!
I also have some GORGEOUS big donut beads ... they come in various colours and would look amazing in a long chain necklace ... maybe with a few of the smaller donut beads and some crystals ... hmmm ... maybe I should make one ...

Next week ... out with the Valentines ... in with some fun new stuff !!! Have a great week !!!

Here it is February Already !!

2011-02-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

February ... wow ... where did January go ?? As I type this we are waiting for another big storm ... the usual Thursday event it seems !! So hopefully everyone will be plowed out tomorrow and able to get out !
I have 2 kits this week ... Valentine Kits. The first is a simple colourful kit that would be great for kids, teachers, family, and friends. Actually, I'm sure the kids could put them together with a little help ... maybe a fun project on a snowy afternoon.

The images vary from kit to kit but they are all really cute. Each kit includes all the precut supplies to make 3 cards for $5. All you need is adhesive !
The second kit are more traditional Valentines ... pink and pretty. But not mushy so they would still be fine for friends or family as well as your sweetheart !!
Again, everything precut, all the supplies you need to make the three cards shown for $5. If you don't want Valentines cards, I think these could easily be changed to birthday or thank you cards.

The second card kit uses the new paper from Making Memories "Je T'Adore" ... it is really pretty. Perfect for Valentines but also for a baby girl's album, a little princess, or a romantic shabby chic album. It would also be beautiful for a bridal shower layout or a birthday. There are some wonderful glittered shapes available as well as banners, labels, and muslin ribbon. Oh-la-la !!

Oh ! And for the beaders ... they have a Valentine Charm bracelet kit ... complete with rose, hearts, and cherub charms. Really nice !!
Bind-it-Alls : the special order Bind-it-Alls are here !!!
Well, that's all for now ... I have a lot to move around this afternoon so I'm out ...drive carefully & stay snug as a bug tonight !!

P.S. Join me on Facebook ... Classic Hobbies ... updates, specials, upcoming events.

What a week THAT was !!

2011-01-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

Last week was Cupcake Week and ... it didn't really go as planned ! It may have seemed okay to you but I wanted it to be spectacular ... and it didn't quite happen that way !! I started treatment for an ongoing problem with my hands and everything changed !! I had quite a severe allergic reaction and was really sick ... so my wonderful husband baked the cupcakes for me and helped me out. I didn't finished most of the projects I had planned, I totally lacked enthusiasm, and I wanted to claw my skin off ... so it didn't really end up being what I had hoped !! But *stuff* happens , doesn't it ?? Well today (Tuesday) I am finally feeling back on track and functioning like a human - that's pretty great !! Hopefully I can catch up a bit and get some things done !!

I still have some Valentine papers left, as well as the awesome cooking/domestic goddess type papers & accessories.

These papers are so fun - they would make great recipe books as well as cute cards & tags for food gifts. A parcel arrived today full of goodies so tomorrow I'll get unpacking !!

A recipe book made with the Yellow Bicycle "Savour".
There were lots of wonderful beads last week that I ... well, just plunked in a pile. (sorry - it was the best I could do !!lol!) This week I will be filling a tray with some of the BIG beautiful beads that came in as well as all sorts of wonderful sparkly treasures. I'll sort the strands - what's left of them !! - and display them a little better. I may even get a sample done if time permits !
Update : 3 TRAYS of new beads as well as some beautiful new metal links in antique bronze & black ... check the spinner !!
The kit of the week is ready ... this week it's all about butterflies ! Three birthday cards, each one featuring butterflies ... who doesn't like a pretty butterfly ? There are 2 versions of the kit ... limited supplies for some of the designs. Choose Version A or Version B. All the supplies are included for the three cards for $5.

Version "A"
Version "B"

It's CUPCAKE WEEK !!!!

2011-01-19T10:36:00.000-08:00

YAY ! It's Cupcake Week here at Classic Hobbies !
First ... come in and have a cupcake !! I am baking up a tray of treats tonight ... chocolate mini cupcakes I think. What's a cupcake party without cupcakes ?!
Okay now, Paper...
all things sweet, cupcakes, domestic goddess kind of thing !! I have "Modern Homemaker" from October Afternoon, "Domestic Bliss" from lilybee designs, Bon Appetit and Hometown from Doodlebug, "Kitschy Kitchen, from Melissa Frances, and various cupcake papers from My Yellow Bicycle among others. There are papers with cupcakes, papers with aprons, papers with retro mixers, fruit, houses, oven mitts ... it's all so cute !!! Not to mention the accessories ... stickers, canvas borders, recipe cards, brads in the shape of ...wait ... SPATULAS and OVEN MITTS (they are adorable !!) ... and so much more. I have wooden recipe boxes that can be covered with paper and Mod Podged. And check the sample recipe book ... not completed yet (busy week !!) ... you can buy the hardware & make one yourself or order a kit full of fun precut stuff for $25.

The Kit of the Week is a set of three cupcake themed Birthday Cards. Everything included (except glitter) ... $5. Cute felt cupcakes, glittery cupcakes, chipboard cupcakes. Cupcake heaven !!

Now beads ... oh, if you could see the beauties spread out in front of me. Strands and strands of gorgeous sparkling beads. BIG donut beads that would look fabulous in a long chain necklace. Strands of multicolour cathedral shaped beads ... on their own they would be a beautiful bracelet !!! Just imagine if you added other beads ! Anyway, I can't work on this post too long ... there are beads to be unpacked !!!

Hope to see you !!

MERRY JANUARY !!!

2011-01-12T10:34:00.001-08:00

... That's the paper line I have for sale this week !! It is beautiful - lots of bluey greens, browns, mustard... gorgeous !

It is from We R Memory Keepers and includes some great stickers , dimensional titles & embellishments, as well as flocked adhesive ribbon, tags, mini stamps and glittered brads. It has fun themes - winter, family, skating ... but it's not overtly winter. It would work for any time of the year. That's what I used to make this weeks kit !! And it all seems appropriate today because as I type this, it is snowing to beat the band !!

The kit this week is a bigger kit than normal. I was going to make a card kit as well but when I saw the weather, thought it might be a bit of a slow week so I would hold off on that for another week !! This week's kit is a mini album - made from scratch by me . I cut & covered the cover, cut pages and tab sheets, added envelopes & tags, and then bound the whole thing together with my handy dandy Bind-it-All. The kit includes the album, printed paper, card stock pieces, ribbon, buttons, a brad, flocked adhesive lace, button twine, tags, journalling cards, We R Memory Keepers tags & embellishment cards. The album is assembled - you just have to decorate the pages, add embellishments, photos, and journalling. The kit is $15 and I only have a few so let me know if you want one !

EDIT : The kits are sold out but I can take your name if you want one. It will be a few weeks before I get them made but I will ... I promise !!!

So now you know what is new in paper ... how about beads ? Well, I am unpacking some new glass drops today . They are really pretty !!

And there are new spacer beads - including those tiny bright silver star beads that I use so often ! , and corrugated UFO style ( also one of my favourites !!). I also have a bunch of glass pendants - just add a chain or ribbon necklace ... voila ! Instant Jewelry !! But wait until (hopefully!!) next week ... I have ordered some amazing new beads !!! Big beautiful donuts that will make amazing bracelets. Lantern beads. Strands of gorgeous firepolished. So many donuts ... you'll think you're in a Tim Hortons !! I am really really excited about these beads ... the pictures look amazing so I am sure they will be even more beautiful in person !!

Now ... next week !!! Next week will be fun !! There will be lots of new beads and some amazing new paper lines . The beads are big and colourful. The paper is all along the lines of cupcakes & recipes/baking. It's fun , it's bright, it's cheerful !!! I will have some really fun recipe box kits as well as fun fun paper !! (Melissa Frances, Doodlebug, Lilly Bee, October Afternoon, Little Yellow Bicycle) I hope to get a recipe book made up as well ... a fun thing to make for yourself, as a gift, or for a child. So to celebrate ( and to help you love January !!) I am baking up a pile of little cupcakes, putting on the coffee, and throwing a little cupcake party !! Drop in , have a little sweet treat, see all the new sparkly pretty stuff, and get inspired !! Hope to see you all !!!

New Year ... New Products .. New FUN !!

2011-01-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to 2011 ... this is going to be a great year !!
The Christmas stuff has been packed away to make room for new things ... and there will be lots in the next few weeks !!

KIT OF THE WEEK : Birthday Book

A friend gave me one of these last year and I love it. It is like a master list of birthdays, anniversaries, etc.. Simply write them all in this cute little folder and you'll never need to go searching through old calendars again !! Kit includes all the supplies, comes in 4 different paper patterns, and costs $5.

PAPER :

* Fancy Pants Love Birds Valentine paper - really cute papers, stickers, card kits. A great sheet of little valentines that kids could just cut apart and glue on folded cards. Really fun !!

* My Mind's Eye - State of the Heart valentine paper kit $9.99
* Damask Cardstock from American Crafts - beautiful colours with a softly embossed damask design. 65 cents per sheet.

* Teresa Collins - Celebrate - a great birthday line. Wonderful for an album about a special party or for making awesome birthday cards. There are even 12x12 sheets of invitations as well as banner letters to cut out. I also have some great Birthday party rubons from Kaiser Craft.

* Teresa Collins - Giving Thanks Calendar ... a 12x12 page with monthly mini pages - great for a scrapbook page or a mini journal.
* Bo Bunny - Valentines paper

* My Little Yellow Bicycle - Glitter cupcake paper as well as heart pins and doilies. REALLY cute !!

* We R Memory Keepers - stamps, stickers, tags for Valentines.
* FLOWERS ... so pretty from Prima.
* Inkadinkado Stamps - a great Inchie set for Valentines Day ... really retro style ... think of all the funny little valentines you got as kids ...
* Lots of new small stamps.
* Great glittered patterned paper.

Here are a few of the "themes" coming up in the next few weeks ..."Merry January", Cupcakes & Cookbooks, Resist Resist, Valentines ... lots to watch out for !!
BEADS
Well, I don't have much new this week as my supplier has been closed but I am working on an order this afternoon ... lots of new stuff to come !!!
Here are a few hints ... large angel pendants, bracelet kits, steampunk style jewelry, make your own pendants, .... more ....

*** I have been cleaning up in my workroom at home and have found a few things I don't use ... there are several Stampin' Up stamp sets for sale this week at the store for $15 set or $12 for a large block stamp. No tax. There may be a Big Kick coming soon !***

Have a great week !!!

** photos by MB Photography **

Getting ready for the New Year !!

2010-12-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

Hello !
Well Christmas is done ! And it is time to clear all this Christmas stuff out and bring in wonderful new things !!! Soooo ... all Christmas themed stock is 25% off this week only. Then it will be packed away. So get it this week !!
What does that include ? Well, stamps, patterned paper, embellishments, rub ons,borders, embossing plates, cutting dies, punches, Christmas bling appliques, Christmas beads & bells, accessories, kits (including crystal earring kits).
It doesn't include charms, glimmer paints/mists, "neutral" bling, plain cardstock, glitter, or ribbon. Nor does it apply to items already reduced or on lay away. Or anything that is just red or green !!! LOL ! But there is lots that will be on sale ! Drop in, stock up for next year, and then get ready for some WONDERFUL new product in the New Year !!!!

* Winner of the Card Challenge - Melissa. Congrats !!!

Open : Thursday 10 -5
Friday (New Year's Eve) 10-2
Closed Saturday January 1st.
Back to normal next week !!!

This is it !

2010-12-22T07:24:00.001-08:00

Hi Folks !

How could I forget ??! I have a whole bunch of brand new just released embossing folders and diecut forms from Sizzix/Basic Grey. Many are Christmas & winter. They have JUST arrived. I will unpack them today and get them out for this week . Better late then never !!!
They are REALLY cute ... maybe the cutest ones out this season ...
Embossing plates include : holly, ornaments, stripes, plaid, snowflakes, scallops, peppermint twists, poinsettias, reindeer and more !! The dies are "JOY", ornaments & NOEL, snowflakes, an adorable snowman with lots of detail, holly & berries, and a Christmas flower. Really cute !!! Priced from $6.49 to $14.99 for the dies and $13.99 for a set of 2 embossing plates. I think you'll love them !!!
Well, this is it ... the last few days before Christmas. I'll be glad to hit the New Year ... there are tons of great new things and a million ideas in my head so I can't wait to get all this holiday stuff out of the way and get on with it !!! (Can you tell I'm not a Christmas fan ?? lol !)
Anyway, I wish you all the best - enjoy whatever it is you do for the holidays, take time to count your blessings, and maybe try a little Random Act of Kindness. And whatever spirit of the season you feel, keep it going ! Let's spread joy year round !

I will be open Thursday as usual and Friday until 2pm. Closed Saturday - although that may not surprise you !!! And the same thing next week.
Drop in for some holiday chatter !!!

Have a great one !

Is Christmas REALLY next week ??

2010-12-14T09:27:00.001-08:00

Wow ... where did that come from ?? I was working on orders for Christmas products when I realized - HEY !!! It's next week !!! I can't believe it. So I seriously edited my orders ... won't need Christmas product week after next !!! So ... this week will be the last Christmas kit ... after this it could be ANYTHING (and I'm excited about that !!) ! The kits are $5 and include supplies to make all 3 cards.
Here is this week's kit ... 3 cards ... this would be a great stocking stuffer even for someone who has never made cards before. Buy them some adhesive, maybe a Stickles, and this kit and they will be on the road to card making !!

*Please note : some of the kits will have a different tag for the cream coloured card on kraft. I only received part of my order but I have substituted some lovely Winter tags. **
** I have 5 of the Christmas Planner kits ... found the folders in my workroom so I cut the papers and put the kits together ... let me know if anyone wants one. $5 each. See Week 5 (October 6th) for photo. These kits are all made with different papers so there is a good variety.
I will also have lots of new beads unpacked by Thursday ... and some mixes as well. I am in the store today because I can't make samples & kits at home IN THE DARK after the big wind storm so I am hopefully going to get some great bags of bead mixes done up for gift giving and future projects ! Any beader would be thrilled to get a beautiful themed assortment for Christmas !
I also have more of these wonderful modern style tree earrings...
... sorry about the blurry picture ... they aren't blurry in real life !!! AND , if the power is back on tonight, I will have some wonderful angels as well ... smaller versions of the crystal big angel pendants that sold out so quickly. Fingers crossed !!!
So, I guess I'm off for now - Christmas scrapbooking stock to be put out as well as bead mixes to be mixed !! Remember, this Saturday is the deadline for the card contest ... get your card in for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate.
I should also give you my hours for the next few weeks ...
Thursday December 23 ..... 10-5
Friday December 24 ( Christmas Eve) ........... 10-2
Saturday December 25 ........... closed
Thursday December 30 ....... 10-5
Friday December 31 (New Year's Eve) ....... 10-2
Saturday January 1 ........ closed
After that ... BACK TO NORMAL !!!! Thank goodness !!
Stop in this week to see what's new, pick up your kits, get a few stocking stuffers or gift certificates, and maybe enjoy a treat !!! See you !!

A Little Add-on to this Weeks post ...

2010-12-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a little add-on ... I've been unpacking stock so just thought I would let you know what I've added so far ...

* 7 Gypsies Christmas Wrap paper tape & matching stamps. Also the 12 Days of Christmas ATC cards.

* Inkadinkadoo stamp sets (friendship, dreams, trees, etc...) for $1.99 ... great stocking stuffers !

* Blender Pens from Inkadinkadoo.

* Tonic Cutters - in several different sizes & styles

* Cropadiles ... wonderful tool !!

* Fluorishes stamps - vintage Christmas postcard set, snowman set

* Ranger Perfect Pearls and Liquid Pearls

* Inks !! Ranger Distress Inks, Stazon in several colours, VersaFine Inks, Alcohol inks

* spools and spools of ribbon - perfect for cards !!

* Lady Bug beads

* tiny crystal angel earring kits with multiple choices for wing colours

* Ranger Matte Multi Medium, Glossy Accents and Crackle in small bottles.

* Maya Road Star Trinket pins as well as the brown & aqua leaf pins.

* Martha Stewart snowflake punches.

* Tim Holtz Facets, paper tapes - seasonal & hobgoblin, , Seasonal Paper Stash, Salvage Stickers - seasonal & others, Charm Clips

* Ranger red Wonder Tape

* stamp blocks in all sorts of sizes !!

* American Crafts This-to-That foam dots - packs of multiple sizes !

*Prima flowers - gorgeous holly & sparkly flowers, crystals & lace adhesive embellishments

* American Crafts - metallic & glittered paper

* and even more !!!!

Boxes Boxes Boxes !!

2010-12-08T07:14:00.001-08:00

Did Santa move his workshop to my back room ??!! I think he did - or is at least using it as a warehouse !! There has been so many parcels arrive here in the last few weeks it will be next year before I get them all unpacked (ha ha!!) !!

Anyway, that is good news for all of us ... that means that when the hubbub of Christmas is over, there won't be a big boring craft lull. No way ! There will be a full on onslaught of new products, new ideas, and fun techniques and projects !

Have you seen this ? This is my charm spinner and it is FULL of amazing things !! Check it out - beaders & scrapbookers ! There are charms, findings, odd bits, lots of little project pieces. And because I am now using this I was able to empty many many trays and make more space for more beads !! All good !

So let's see what's new this week ...

BEADS :

* more new Swaorvski Helios crystals in smaller sizes - the first batch sold out in no time !!

* lots of chain necklaces ... ready to be quickly made into wonderful gifts !

* Katiedids - these are great metal "frames" that you string beads into. Hard to explain but not hard to do !! They come in stick forms, donuts, and pendants. You simply insert a stringing wire or head/eyepin through the top hole, add beautiful beads, and then out the bottom hole. Ta Da ! A beautiful custom made bead filled piece !!

* ladybug beads

* beautiful strands of fire polished & machine cut crystal beads. Lovely !!

* more hemp ! Lots of colours & sizes !!

* findings : restocked on crimps, crimp covers (YAY!), head & eye pins, jump rings, earring pieces, lots more !!

* more charms and interesting findings

* earring cards are back in stock !!

* and so are jewelry boxes in various sizes ... earring size , bracelet, necklace or set size.

* more Beadalon pinch bails and earring forms. Lots of fun !!

* more tools, display pieces, bags.

No promises ... but ... tonight I am going to try to make a few Katiedids as well as a few rings/pendants for samples. Here's hoping !!

PAPER:

* Great news !! In my unpacking I found some more of the "Tinsel and Twig" series from the Paperie Girls. This has sold out twice and I now have another 100+ sheets !!! This is the series that has the music paper that everyone has been wanting !! Get it quickly !!
* One of my new favourite things ! "Design Adhesives" by Clearsnap. These things are awesome !! They are sheets of adhesive designs (hmm ... maybe that's where the name comes from !) that you simply apply to your card or page. Peel of the backing, press onto the paper, peel off the top paper, add glitter or embossing powder, shake off the extra - DONE !!! A beautiful sparkly - or fuzzy - design with very little effort ! You can even add part of the design, do it one colour, then add the next part and use another colour ! Magnificent !! They come in packs of 4 sheets of the same designs but I'll open them up so that you can have a variety . They also make foil sheets so that you can do the designs in foil. No end to the possibilities ! A simple card will really come to life with a little glittered snowflake or word. I also have other non holiday designs.
Here is a card that I made really quickly last night ... doesn't take much !!
(maybe a too quickly ... I missed a few spots !!)

(the snowflake and word "peace" on the sample card are done using the Design Adhesives)

* more little stamps

* refills on cardstock

* more inks

* Ranger alcohol inks

**I have some great cutters in stock as well as a Cuttlebug - all great Christmas gifts !! The Cuttlebug comes with a set of cutting dies and embossing plates for $74.99 ... the newly redesigned Cuttlebugs will be $120+ ... this would be a great deal !!!

KIT OF THE WEEK :

This week's kit is 5 little gift cards. They are fairly simple and would be easy to duplicate in quantity if you needed a whole bunch of gift tags. The aqua tag uses the Design Adhesives snowflakes that I described above. Quick fun little projects. The kit is $5 but I have a limited number so let me know if you want one & can't get in right away !

Clean up !!

2010-12-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

Hello !

This week has been all about clean up - and more clean up !!! Michelle & I have sorted through most of the bead trays, cleaned them out, washed them, and refilled them. And what a job !!! AT the end of this third day, I can almost see the end ... of the tables we have done !! But it looks great and is a great start. The findings have been moved to the counter by the window to try to alleviate the "gridlock'" that occurs at the back. The crystals are all on one table. The other big table has been completely cleaned up and all the odds have been bagged up and greatly reduced in price. It is looking good !!

So ... check the bins - there are some great bargains on the "last of a kind" beads !!

And check out the new things - like Christmas beads & bells - so cute !!! ( we had lots of oohs and aahs as we unpacked them !!) There are also lots of new charms, some new animal & theme beads, and more findings. The curved tube beads are back in stock - a reason to rejoice !!

There will be more beads and beautiful crystal studded spacers next week. I will also have the ordinary things restocked by then - crimps, covers, wire, etc... That will probably be my last order before Christmas ... it's coming quickly.

In "Paper World" it looks a lot like Christmas - the first room is full of holiday paper, stamps, and punches. This really is the last Christmas paper I will have in - I said that last week but I was surprised by another order !!! So, if you want Christmas supplies, get them now. When they are gone ... they're gone !!

The last kit of the Twelve Weeks of Christmas series is also ready this week. And, by popular choice, it is a card kit ! There are 3 cards in the package , one in a romantic style using Melissa Frances paper and two more using We R Memory Keepers in a more bright cheerful style. For those of you who bought kits 10 or more weeks, I will have a little free kit for you next week !

*Please note that the Melissa Frances card in the photo uses a rub-on while the card has a stamped image. I have MF rub-ons for sale if you prefer it.*

Also, if you are enjoying the kits , they will continue !! I will have a little kit every week ... cards, notebooks, mini album, jewelry ... anything !!

I have decided to leave the Sizzix & Cuttlebug sale on this week ... save 20% on the cutting dies and the multi packs of embossing plates. Great savings and lots of new stock !!

Coming in the next few weeks - loads of great new products from Ranger and Tim Holtz. Oh! The fun we will have with these things !!!

And now ... what about the back counter where the findings used to be ? It will soon be "The ARTIST'S FLEA MARKET". There will be all sorts of treasures that could be used by jewelry makers and scrapbookers ... as well as general crafters.
Right now you will find a whole series of new findings to make jewelry using PAPER and other goodies. There are FAB rings and pendants with deep openings - fill them with beautiful patterned papers, squeeze out some Glossy Accents on top and *voila* - a beautiful one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry !!! I will try to get some samples done in the next few weeks. They are going to be amazing !!! AND ... Glossy Accents now comes in small bottles for those who just wish to make a few pieces.

Well, I must go so I can finish cleaning up the tables and do up a jump ring tray ... have a great week and hope to see you !!!

And here's another week !!!

2010-11-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone !!

Well it's been another busy busy week ... and that sure makes time fly !! Hard to believe it will be December next week .

PAPER :

I spent Sunday unpacking boxes - 6 of them !! - and I felt like a kid at Christmas. I oohed and aahed, I squealed, I was thrilled at what was in those boxes !! Some of it will have to wait a few weeks - there is NO ROOM !!! But some of it was Christmas paper. Last week I said that there would be no more holiday paper BUT ... I was wrong !!! I completely forgot about the 2 lines that came in last week. SO I now have We R Memory Keepers "White Christmas" and Melissa Francis "Home for the Holidays". Both lines are really cute ... WRMK includes some really cute tags and the MF line has stickers, resin trees, candy canes, tiny little tags in envelopes, and great rub ons.

I also unpacked TONS of Sizzix and Cuttlebug ... and then yesterday I cut & embossed like a mad woman !! I have samples of 30+ embossing plates and cutting dies ... come in and see what they look like !!
I have also decided to open up some of the multi packs of plates and sell them individually. So buy just one if you want or buy the pack for an even better price. And to sweeten the deal, THIS WEEK ONLY, the multi packs will be 20% off !!! But only for this week and only on the multi packs. Great new designs for the holidays ... great deal on price ... get 'em now !!

Also new ... MORE mini Christmas stamps, new Stickles, small bottles of Ranger Glossy accents ( an excellent glue !!), and Crackle, more ink pads, more Stickles, more embossing, ribbon, punches, and just MORE of so much !!

The Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 11

This week's kit is another card trio ... I can take a hint - I know what you all like best !!

The cards use Pink Paislee and JilliBean Soup papers.
There is only one rectangular Santa card in the kit but it will have one of these two backgrounds ... just so you know ... !!

I have also made some samples using the Melissa Francis Christmas paper ...

and another one using the wonderful snowflake cling stamps from Hero Arts. I really like their seasonal tree stamps too ... may be my next project !

Here's a card using scraps of the Paperie Girls Christmas paper ... inspired by K Werner Design Blog.

** I have more of the Challenge kits. And I hope to have about 2o more Holiday Organizer kits available ... let me know if you want one !

BEADS :

Today I unpack beads. I have a whole huge bag of strands of 8mm round glass beads in gorgeous colours. There are strands of beautiful glass beads from India for only $1.99 ... semi precious beads, white heart beads, lots of new bead caps, new elastic cords, more bookmarks, ... just more !! And work continues on re-arranging and re-organizing the beads & findings to make everything neat, orderly, and easy to find !! It's going to be great !!

( And those VERY popular TUBE beads for the bracelets should be here next week ... FINALLY !!!)

Well, I guess that's all for now ... I need to get unpacking & pricing ... hope to see you all !!

P.S. Thursday & Friday will be Cookies for C.A.P.S. ... the last for this year ! Also I have CAPS calendars here for sale - just $10. They make a great gift for animal lovers !!

tim holtz - rosette ... a little video to explain how to ...

2010-11-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a video from Tim Holtz showing how to assemble his wonderful rosettes. They are in this week's kit ! I also have the dies for sale. Enjoy !!

EXTREME list !!

2010-11-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

okay ... my pictures are a little crazy ... here , there, big, small ... not sure what I was doing !!! But I am just trying to ...git' er done !!! Enjoy !!
Hello !

In order to give you a good idea of what's new I decided I would just list stuff as I put it out ... so here goes !!!

BEADS :
* hundreds of new ceramic beads - awesome colours - sizes from 8 mm round to GINORMOUS shapes.
* new charms including more Christmas Charms
(Check out our new Charm Display ... all grouped in like groups, clearly priced, and easy to see !!)
* CRYSTALS and MORE CRYSTALS ... beautiful AB2X Swarovski crystals in various colours, sizes, and shapes ... Helsinki crystals - a very inexpensive option ... more of the crystal studded drops ( make fabulous earrings !) ... Swarovski cubes, oats, and pears ...

Here is a necklace made with some of the new ABx2 crystals and a nice bronze chain. So sparkly !!!
* Swarovski new Fall 2010 colours - Sunflower and Silver Night
*Swarovski WILD HEARTS in 3 sizes . These are their new pendants & they are beautiful. They are really a casual crystal ( that sounds funny !!) and look amazing just strung on a cord or leather.

* Swarovski Helios ... a lovely long oval pendant
* Check the rack by the door ... I've added lots of strands of beads at great prices in beautiful colours - opal pink, cobalt blue, shimmery orange ...

* Funky Swarovski crystal tree earrings & pendants, and Large Angel pendants. Beautiful !! I love these new designs.
Her's a little photo of all the trees, angels, and snowmen available this year ... so much sparkle !!

* new prices on Tierra Cast Charms ... LOWER PRICES that is !!! These charms were $1.99 and are now from $1 to $1.50. A few of the newer bigger charms are $1.99 but they are amazing ... Buddha heads !!!

Week 10 Kit of the Twelve Weeks of Christmas !!

Please note : I only have 20 kits this week so let me know if you want one !! Thanks !

It's a banner !!! The kit is , as usual, $5 and includes all the supplies.The paper is from The Paperie Girls "Tinsel & Twig".

Here's a close up ..

PAPER :
* lots more ribbon and some flat back fused pearls
* 5" tape ... WHOA !!!! You could tape or glitter anything !!
* Martha Stewart Punches ... beautiful !!
* Paper - Lots of Christmas Paper !! -

"Tinsel & Twig" from the Paperie Girls ... country red, cream, and a shot of beautiful vibrant green. I love it !! There is a design for everyone !! Florals, sheet music, ledger paper, stripes, polka dots, patchwork ... you name it. All in a wonderful vintage style ! The collection also includes beautiful flowers - crepe & tinsel, velvet & sheer, and paper ... very vintage Christmas and so lovely !! (paper $1.25 sheet)

" Christmas Village" from TPC Studios ... fun designs. Glittery snow roofed houses, fat snowmen, and holiday words. The backs of the sheets are fun polka dots and plaids. A really cute accessory is the Snow globe Stickers ... they are 3D and you can shake the sparkly snow !! (Glittered paper $1.40 sheet, regular paper $1 per sheet)

" Father Christmas" from Pink Paislee ... very Victorian and very pictorial. This would be gorgeous for scrapbooking although the smaller images & backgrounds would be great for cards too. The line includes punch out tags and the 6x6 paper pads.

" Yuletide" and "Glad Tidings" from K&Co.... oh my. Beautiful lush paper in deep rich colours. There are 2 lines - "Yuletide" and "Glad Tidings". Each line has a 12x12 paper pad made up of 2 sided paper. The cost is $15.99 for a 36 page pad ... that's less than 45 cents per sheet. The other pad is specialty paper ... foiled, glittered, etc ... and that pad is $19.99 for 28 sheets ... an amazing 72 cents per sheet. Those papers are usually over $1.50 per sheet. And then ... the add ons ! There are several different packages of 3D stickers (they would MAKE a card !!) and they sell for $4.99 package. The designs include Santas, trees, birds, poinsettias, etc ... Lovely !!

"Jillibean Soup" ... this is a great casual paper that would be great for scrapping or cards. It is a Kraft background . There are 2 designs - one has mittens all over the page in reds, olives, pinks, whites, and browns. The other is snowflakes in reds, white, & browns. Really nice quality paper !
I think this may be the last of the Christmas papers this season ... so don't wait too long !! Many of the other lines have quickly sold out !!
Also ...
*magazines & books ... Holiday Cards Vol 5, Interactive Cards, Iris Folding for Christmas
* stamps : Impression Obsession and Penny Black
* Queen & Co. felt borders ... put them on your pages, cut them up for cards ... lots of uses !!
And tonight I will go home & make the challenge kits for November/December ... hmmm ... must think about that one !!

Little tiny Week !!

2010-11-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone !!

This week is really short because of being closed Remembrance Day so I have decided to leave the Week 10 Kit until next week . This week I am in here unpacking , unpacking, unpacking ... you get it , and at home working on samples & kits. I am also reorganizing the beads and hoping to gain space somewhere !!
I will also get the challenge ready for NEXT week.
So I will keep unpacking, moving, reorganizing, and hopefully I'll see you all Friday !!

Have a great week ... and get ready for lots of new eye candy !!

Here it is November !!! Wow!!

2010-11-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yep, November ... already !! And it is Week 9 in the Twelve Weeks of Christmas ...already !!

So let's get right to what's new !!

BEADS : once again ... three more boxes to add to the 2 from last week. So I will keep plugging. Next week I hope to get the "Bead Beast" under control !!!

** Sparkling Crystal Christmas Angel Earrings ... so pretty !! They come in clear, clear AB, clear with red wings, and clear with green wings. Small, sparkly, and so pretty !
( I tried to take a picture but none of them turned out ... you'll have to see them in person !)

The crystal parts for the clear trees and crystal snowmen haven't arrived yet ... I'm told tomorrow ... so they will be next week. And that is DEFINITE !!! And watch for some new "FuNKy TrEEs". I think they'll be great !

I have plenty of the green - various greens - trees and also some pearl snowmen. The prices are the same as last year OR LOWER in some cases. The angels are $5 per kit.

Now, I am being asked a lot if I sell the parts separately. (Some think it would be cheaper to buy individual pieces.) No. I don't. Here's why ...

1. They would not be cheaper ... I order just what I need in HUGE quantities to keep the kit prices lower . Because I can calculate exact quantities I can get what I need and not worry about extra stock. Keeps the price down. If I were to buy them to sell individually, I would buy smaller packages and they would cost more.

2. I don't need to worry about any missing beads, beads scooting around the floor, miscounted beads, mixed up beads, or broken pieces like I do the beads sold separately ... that all pushes the price up.

3. People would probably need help picking out all the pieces that they need for each project ... and sometimes its too busy and people would be disappointed. I don't like to disappoint people. This way, everything is ready and bagged up for each project. Quick !!

4. There are roughly 100 different parts ... I don't have the room !!!

5. Some pieces are too small so they would only be available in bags ... a bit of a drag if you only want two !!

6. I just find an average price for each part - all the various colours have different prices. It all averages out for me in the end. But individually they would all be different prices ... YIKES !!

7. I do give 10% off if you buy more than 10 packages, any assortment. That helps if you want to make them for sale.

Hope that helps !!

So keep watching ... there will be tons of new beads, findings, charms, etc... in the next week or two !! Also hoping to get more all inclusive bracelet kits done by the end of the month as well as bead mixes for memory wire bracelets and other projects. AND., I will get the seedbead rack filled up when I can get to the bead cupboard ... yep, it's that bad in there !!
(Confession Time : I took a photo of the 'unpacking room' but when I saw it on the screen , the chaos was even too embarrassing for me to post !! YIKES !!)

PAPER :

* STAMPS - wonderful Christmas stamps - Inkadinkadoo & Hero Arts

* Kaiser Craft - awesome wood cutouts to cover with paper - wonderful wreaths and stockings. I can't wait to make one myself !!

* TONS more Stickles, Glimmer Mist ( I have been Glimmer Misting ALL KINDS of things and I LOVE IT !!), Glim Glam

* Jewels, Bling, all sorts of sparkle for the holidays.

* Embossing Plates - holiday themes - for Cuttlebug, Sizzix

* ink, ink, and more ink

* more ribbon

* and , like the beads, so much stuff still in boxes !!

**I also have more of the Teresa Collins paper - music, diamonds, etc... that we used in the Week 1 gift bag & card. AND, I have 6 more of the Week 1 kits ... let me know if you want one !!!** Have you checked out the JOVIAL paper by Basic Grey - especially the snowmen ?? It is so cute !! ( I used it in this week's card) I have more in stock as well as felt snowmen and a wonderful BIG snowman stamp that goes with it ... it has everything including stick arms, birds, eye glasses, pipes, ... anything that you would need to make a snowman !!

This weeks kit is a card trio ... its usually a card trio but that seems to be what most of you want ... using paper from Basic Grey's Jovial and Kaiser Crafts Tis the Season Collection. The leaves in the kit have been Glimmer Misted ... toned down the too bright green of the leaves and made the white leaf a beautiful coppery colour. (Wait 'til you see the new leaves I am making ... oooo so pretty !!)

And here's something that never happens ... I already have next week's kit designed, sample made, and my cut lists ready ... ahead of the game ... WAHOO !!! Watch for a project using The Paperie Girls' "Tinsel & Twig"- super cute line !!

Coming soon : Tim Holtz's Configurations Shadow Boxes - these will be a blast !!

Next week I will be closed on Thursday for Remembrance Day . I am hoping an extra day to work will get me to the end of the tunnel !!! I really need to re-organize the beads and that takes so long, so - hopefully - this will do it !!! Watch for a "CHARMing Centre" as well as a full crystal table and MANY MORE individual beads, once I free up some trays.
There is also lots more paper & supplies to get unpacked and I think I can do it !!! Some of the new products are really fun !!

Fun things will be happening in beads & paper !!!

oh, and we are at Week 9 ... that means only 3 more weeks. I have had many of you tell me that you'll miss the kits ... SOOOOOO ... guess what ??? I am going to continue having a kit each week !!! It may be just one card or a little album, not sure really , but I will continue having a little project all cut & ready. You will never be without a card or little gift !!

The end of October ???!!!

2010-10-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

YIKES !! It's hard to believe that it is almost the end of October - where did it go ??
This week the post will be QUICK (you've heard that too often lately !!) because I would rather get more STUFF unpacked !! So here's a quick overview ...

BEADS : The crystal tree kits are ready !!! I have Erinite, Emerald, Vitrail, Peridot, and Fern ( a new colour !!). I think you will really like the Fern trees - it is just a really nice green. I have tree earrings and pendants. I am also picking up little crystal snowmen tonight . They are also super cute. Still to come are : pearl snowmen (small & large), clear and clear AB trees, funky trees, and beautiful angels.Update : the pearl snowmen are also ready !!! They will be done in the next week or two. There will be lots to choose from but they also sell quickly so get in soon or call !! (I just placed two more orders for more parts so I will have more materials to replenish the kits with !!) And here's a piece of good news ... the prices are the same as last year !! And , actually, if you buy 10 or more, I'll give you 10% off !! Just remind me !!

I have bookmarks in stock again as well as wire & Wildfire in green. There is lots more to come too ... just need to get it unpacked !!

PAPER :
* TONS of new Christmas stamps ... many of them under $3 ... and oh, so cute !!
* INCHIE stamps by Inkadinkadoo ... these are a great deal ... 9 little stamps and a stamp block for $6.99. Try stamping 3 designs, cutting the squares out , and mounting them on a card. Fab !
* Fancy Pants "Happy Together" paper & accessories
* Basic Grey "Jovial" Christmas Paper & Accessories
* lots of new impression plates - Sizzix, Cuttlebug, Tim Holtz ...
* adhesives, Glimmer Mists, Glim Glam, Inks, punches, so much ... and more as I unpack !!

Week 8 - The Twelve Weeks of Christmas
Another card kit ... $5 for 3 cards.

Challenge ... The winner is Annette S. Congratulations !!! Come & collect your gift certificate !!
New challenge in 2 weeks !

This week is Cookies for C.A.P.S ... not sure but I think there may be bags of chocolate brickle and something else ... need to decide tonight !!!
So have a happy week, stop in for your kits, and have a Happy Hallowe'en !!

Another crazy week , Another kit !!

2010-10-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hi !
Another crazy week, trying to get it all done !! Getting there !
Anyway, I have Week 7 in the Twelve Weeks of Christmas all kitted up and ready to go ... this week it is all about tags ... 8 tags and all the punched pieces, crystals, stamped bits, and ribbon to make them. And I will have blank tags for sale as well if you decide to make more .

I have put out new products ... Martha Stewart glitter ($1.99 per vial) , punches, stickers, as well as more ribbon ( scrunchy hand died beauties !!) and more paper from My Mind's Eye ... that gorgeous red & black glittery vintage Parisian style loveliness. And all sorts of little odds'n'ends.
Next week I am expecting Stickles (oodles of them !!), Distress Ink, Sizzix, Cuttlebug, Glimmer Mist and Glim Glam, Stazon Inks, Prima, and Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology (this stuff is pretty exciting ... watch for it !!) and new Tim Holtz.
And then the following week Kaiser Craft, Sizzix, Inkadinkadoo Christmas Stamps, Queen & Co felt borders and bling, The Paperie Girls Tinsel & Twig, Cuttlebug, Prima, WE R Memory Keepers, Tattered Angels, punches, and Hero Arts. Deep breath. That's a lot !!

And, on the bead front ... the crystals just arrived today so I am getting them ready to go off tonight to a HELPER (YAY!!) to be kitted up so the Christmas Swarovski kits will definitely be ready NEXT WEEK. And then I am going to ask this wonderful person to help me weigh and bag the POUNDS of metal beads I have in many boxes ... and I see a light at the end of the bead tunnel !!! I will also be unpacking a BIG box of beads & supplies this afternoon ... who knows what could be in there ?! I say that because I have completely forgotten what I ordered ...!)
I made a sample crystal & chain necklace last night and am working on another so I will work on getting those supplies out as well.
All in all, it will be a busy next few weeks and there should be lots more eye candy !!
Remember ... this Saturday is the card challenge deadline !
And next Thursday & Friday is Cookies for C.A.P.S.
Have a good week !!

Another Wonderful Fall Week !!

2010-10-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

Hello ! Another beautiful day out there ... The evenings are getting really short now so that means MORE CRAFTING TIME !!!! Here are a few things to tempt you !
The Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 6 !!
Here is the kit ... a trio of cards made using the new paper from Little Yellow Bicycle "Christmas Delight" .

(not the greatest photo ... every time I try to take a picture , my cat Earl jumps up and bumps his head on my arm !! I will have to try to sneak into my craft room to take the pictures...!)
This paper is super cute ... reindeer, presents, trees, snowmen ... everything you could possibly want !! AND the accessories and kits ... WOW !! Here is a little list of some of the items you can get to go with this boatload of cuteness ...
* Christmas Project pack - over 167 diecut pieces. Makes gift card holders, banners, money envelopes, gift tags, and gift bags. All for only $18.75 ! ADORABLE !!
* Countdown Calendar - includes the peek-a-boo window sheet and all the supplies to make this wonderful advent calendar. Only $12.49.
* Journal Tablet - great for scrapbooking or adding to cards.
* 3 pack of Christmas banners - ready to use !!
* Beautiful felt stickers ... cardinals, snowflakes, stars, tree ornaments
* Really cute epoxy buttons
* Cardmaking Clear Stickers ... 27 pieces - ready to use as greetings on your cards !
* 68 piece Cardstock Stickers
* 120 piece jewel stickers - in beautiful Christmas colours and assorted sizes.
* Little pockets with 10 Things I Love about Christmas
(also the same little pockets for Hallowe'en )
* How about a chipboard slider with an arrow to indicate Nice, (Fairly) Good, (Not so) Great, or Naughty ... so cute for a scrapbook page !!
* Cute Cute Cute Envelope Album Kit with all the supplies for only $9.99.
To see these items go to http://www.mylyb.com/

There are also new felties, stickers, and stamps from Dear Lizzie + American Crafts. I can just see the little felt cup of hot chocolate on a card now ...

CARDSTOCK - I have 2 cartons of cardstock. I haven't had time to put it away so I have just opened the boxes and left them out so you can pick out whatever you choose. There is one box of 12x12 ... great for scrapbookers and another of 8.5x11 ... perfect for cardmakers.
Let's have a little deal on it actually ... maybe there will be less for me to put away !
12x12 is regularly 65 cents a sheet . Buy 20 and get it for $11 ... that's only 55 cents.
8.5x11 is regularly 50 cents ... buy 20 for $8.50 ... that's less than 43 cents per sheet.

Hmm ... what else ... glitter by the vial, more embossing powders, new Cuttlebug & Sizzix plates, adhesives, ... and more.

RIBBON ... oh this will appeal to the cardmakers, quilters, jewelry makers or hoarders like myself !! It is GORGEOUS !!! It is hand dyed and scrunched up to be antique looking ... & beautiful. The bundles contain 5 yards and sell for $3.99. Limited quantities so get yours quickly !!! This ties beautifully and just a little piece tied on a card or tag makes it special !! I will also have some other solid colours by the yard. This stuff is ... yummy !

BEADS ... oh my, the most beautiful crystals - cubes, shapes, colours, ... I am practically drooling !! Watch faces. How about lockets ? I have those in several sizes. Also, I have more antique bronze findings and chain.
And ... I ordered the crystals for the Christmas Tree Earrings last week. They are due to arrive by week's end and should be all kitted up for next week. I will also have the snowmen and some tiny little sparkly angels ( yes ! NEW!!) . I also have a few sample snowflakes to play around with ... see what they look like !!
And there are tons of little tiny things in the boxes out back ... I am plugging away at getting them packaged up.
BRACELET KITS ... my, these have been popular !! I have sold out quickly every week so I am on an ordering binge right now to get a big box of supplies ... then it will be a kit making party at my place !! Watch for more kits and new designs in the next few weeks !!

Next Saturday is the deadline for the October Card Challenge ... don't forget !!

There is more coming ... I unpack stuff every day . AND , my head is PACKED with ideas ... its just to find the time to get those ideas out !!
Thanks and hope to see you this week !!

( and L.G. ... I have your 5 saved for you !)

Here it is ... the first full week of October !!

2010-10-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

HI !

This has been a busy week ... full of awesome stuff !! I spent Sunday & Monday unpacking boxes of paper & beads ... felt like Christmas !! Then Tuesday brought packages of ribbon and boxes of tags, boxes, and packaging. FUN !!

I spent Tuesday creating the next project in the Twelve Weeks of Christmas and then I measured, cut, folded, scored, stamped, and printed. Tonight I package !!!

Here is the Week 5 Project ... a handy dandy little Holiday Planner. This would be useful thrown in your purse or be a great little gift for friends. It is made with the new Fancy Pants "Traditions" paper.
(I am still working on the previous weeks kits for those who missed out ... probably later this week !!)

I have heard some great stories about the kits so far ... some people are buying (and making) all the cards and *voila* - their Christmas cards will be done for this year, no two the same !! Some are buying multiple kits and making LOTS of cards. A friend made the Christmas Card Holder for a family member in a seniors home ... a nice useful decoration for her room. Great ideas !!

I have already started next week's kit (a big step forward for me !!) and it will be 3 cards. That seems to be really popular so I will be mixing in card kits about every other week. By the way, thanks for all your enthusiastic support of the kits ... I am astounded every week how many I sell and how quickly they sell out !!! This leads me to believe that I need to make kits of some kind all year !

I do have some Hallowe'en Kits this week too. They are cards for your *spooky* loved ones.

The first set are elegant more adult style cards with gorgeous flocked paper , antiqued ribbon, and glittery accents. The kit is $4 and makes 2 cards. I also have this paper in a great kit from My Mind's Eye if you want to make a whole album.

The next kit is for all those cute "little monsters" in your family !! These are super quick, super cute, and fun to give . The kit makes 4 cards and is only $5. Can't beat that !! The paper is from BoBunny "Hooligans" and I have more of it by the sheet.

I have lots more new things ... Fancy Pants "Traditions" holiday paper & accessories, adorable new "Togetherness" paper & accessories from Cosmo Cricket, new adhesives, new Christmas Stamps, WOW flowers from Prima ... and sooooo much more. I have so much stuff, so little room, never enough time to finish it all up ... I am thinking I should just dump it out in a big pile in the middle of the floor ... what do you think ?!!!

And now ... beads ... more more more.
I am hoping to get the bracelet kits done up tonight as well ... there is lots to do but I am optimistic !!
I have lots of new chain Hallelujah !! ... and a fun idea to use some it ... watch hopefully next week for a picture !! I also have new watch faces, antique bronze jump rings, pearls, crystals, and spacers. So many pretty things !!
And a SALE !!! I got a great deal on strands of various beads so I am passing the sale on to you !! I have 16" strands of the following glass beads in various colours:
bicones $2
swirled $3.99
spotted $2.99
sugar coated $4.50
STOCK UP !!!
And this long weekend I am going to sit down and order all the parts for the Swarovski Christmas Earrings ... the time has come !!
But for now, I am off to unpack & put out the new items. Please stop in and have a look !!! ... oh, and Happy Thanksgiving !!!

Got the Bug ...

2010-09-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !
Sorry - I don't have much for you this week. I've had the flu all week and am way behind ... not to mention feeling crappy !! But I did come up with a kit for The 12 WEEKS OF CHRISTMAS - Week 4 . It is a kit for three cards and everything you need is in the kit except for adhesive. The price is $5. Add a comment if you can't get in and want any saved.
Here it is ...

I also received another order of the supplies that I used for the first kit ( gift bag & card) so I will have more of those ... next week !
I will have new paper from Fancy Pants, great beads, as well as a bunch of other things. But for now I am eating chicken soup and preparing to feel "all better" tomorrow when I am open.
Take care !!

Fall is Here !!!

2010-09-22T08:03:00.001-07:00

As of 11:09 tonight it will be fall ! I love fall - the colours, the smells, the tastes, the energy, the weather... all of it ! I always feel all fired up and ready to take on big projects ! Hope you feel the same way !

So what's new this week ... ?
More of last week's bounty has been unpacked !!

BEADS : I am unpacking crystals from Swarovski and Preciosa .. ooh the sparkle ... I have beautiful drops, pears, olive shapes, rice shape ... hey ! all food names !! ... and they are gorgeous. They will really mix it up from the regular bicone shapes. I am envisioning a necklace of somewhat fine chain with a medley of these various shaped crystals interspersed ... hmm ...

The drops and pears are also very earring friendly as the holes run from the point to the bottom ... pop in a headpin & you are ready to make fabulous sparkly earrings !!

I also have more shapes in some of those luscious AB colours that I ordered a few eeks ago by mistake ... happy mistake !! So Erinite, Lime, Black Diamond ... all in AB finish. Endless possibilities !! I also have some cubes in Christmas colours . The larger ones are a bit pricey but all you need is one to make a big impact. I'm working on a sample to show you.

I have a whole bunch more of the 8mm round glass beads ... vintage colours, bright/fun colours, delicate colours ... they are amazing combined with a few crystals and silver spacers.

And ... speaking of spacers ... I have a very heavy box of the little devils at home on my table. I hope to get the scale out tonight and get a bunch packaged up as well as more of the bracelet kits bagged up. Busy night !!

PAPER : I have a few sample cards made from that FABULOUS paper from My Mind's Eye ... ooh they are so glam !!

I loved making them. I used the stamps from their line as well as a Hero Arts stamp that I have. I pulled out my Distress Inks in all the pretty colours as well as Stickles and flatback crystals and beautiful crinkled ribbon ... ( I will have some of that amazing ribbon for sale in a few weeks !!). They were so fun to make!!
Next, I hope to get a wall hanging done ...

Week 3 of the Twelve Weeks of Christmas is a card holder. The complete kits are $5 and come in various patterned paper - traditional, modern, cheerful, etc ... You can sew around the edges or simply use 2 sided tape. I sewed mine but would recommend that you use a straight stitch instead of the zigzag ... urgh ... it seemed to undo itself when I backstitched. And I , personally, would have put the tag on the right but I had made such a mess with the sewing machine that I had to cover it up somehow !!! YIKES !! You could also eliminate the tag and simply put the letters directly on the bottom pocket. I used the tag so they would show up better on my paper. It would also be really nice to glitter the letters !!
For all those of you who missed out on the previous kits, I am in the process of making more. I am waiting for a few supplies and then I will have a stock of them available !

This is Cookies for C.A.P.S. week - already ! It seemed like it was just last week !! Anyway, in between weighing beads tonight I will also be baking . Stop by to have a sweet treat and help out a great cause !

So keep stopping in ... I have so many great new things arriving weekly that I can hardly stand it !!

WOW !!!

2010-09-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

WOW !! That is the best way to sum it up ...

Last Friday I had 7 boxes arrive at the store. SEVEN. YIKES !! Paper and beads. So we loaded them all up and took them home. I worked all weekend and Monday & Tuesday ... and still haven't finished !! Oh my. There is so much new stuff. I will have something new & exciting every week for WEEKS !!!

So I will be quick here as I really want to get a bunch of it put out for sale - obviously.

BEADS : Restocked on wire, findings, elastic, tools, and more. But also ... new things !! I loved the pale lavender 8mm round glass beads that I used in last weeks bracelet so much, that I ordered a few dozen more colours ! I have about 1/3 of them tagged so far. They are gorgeous ... some are vintage colours, some are neutrals, and some are vivid pops of colour. Beautiful !! My mind is spinning , thinking of all the new bracelets I can make ... These beads combine beautifully with crystals, pearls, other glass beads, ... little workhorses they are !!

I also have TONS ... okay POUNDS of new Swarovski and Preciosa crystals in new shapes, sizes , and colours. These will be out next week ... I am going to have to do a major reworking of trays & tables !!! They will make the most beautiful jewelry for Christmas gifts ... sparkly earrings, dainty bracelets & necklaces, ... oh my.

Last weeks kits SOLD OUT in no time. I will have more, I am just waiting for the tiny bright silver spacer beads. The good news is I have 10,000 of them coming ... should hold me for a while. ( not to mention the 50,000 in other colours ... boy, that will be a weighing job !!) . Anyway, I have a new bracelet that I will be kitting but I need those little spacers so it will be next week before I get them.

It also uses the 8mm round glass beads as well as crystal rondelle spacers, AB lime crystal bicones, and glass squares. Really pretty with a pair of sparkly little earrings. Once again, the kit will be complete ... wire, crimps, everything !

BEADALON has some awesome new findings that I got in a while ago but haven't had time to experiment with ... lovely earring findings that allow you to turn those drops with the hole going the wrong way into earrings. Exciting possibilities !!

I was supposed to be in Toronto today looking at the new Fall Colours Swarovski Launch as well as all the new things for Tierra Cast and Unicorn Beads. BUT ... way too much work here so I scrapped the plan. But , don't worry, I will be on the phone with my sales woman ordering up all the new things regardless. I'm sure they will be spectacular !!

So ... new beads, restocked on essentials, more samples, and kits coming soon.

PAPER : I don't know where to start ... well, how about Christmas ?

I have a several more lines of Christmas paper & accessories. Imaginisce ( bright & cheerful), My Mind's Eye ( packs in 2 different styles as well as lots of accessories and stamps), Cosmo Cricket mini decks "Mitten Weather", and more !!

Cosmo Cricket : mini decks - Mitten Weather, Pixie-Licious, Wanted, Matilda , and Togetherness. Accessories. Also 12x12 Pixie-Licious ... this paper is so cute !!!

Hallowe'en : if you know me, you know I can't let this go by !! I have some super cute kits from My Mind's Eye called Blackbird. Cute Hallowe'en - perfect for your kids Trick or Treat pictures. Matilda from Cosmo Cricket is also an adorable line for the spooky day. But, if like me, you like a more traditional Hallowe'en then Haunting from My Mind's Eye is for you. It is fabulous. The whole package is done on kraft colour and it is all flocked in black. It is so rich and decadent ... I love it. The images include witches, chandeliers, haunted house, bats, arched cats, skulls, etc ... . I was in Hallowe'en Heaven !!! These lines all include accessories, tags, brads, buttons, stamps, etc... Scarrrrryyyy stufffff !!!

Look how inky black that flocking is ... love it !!

Here are a few tags I made with the matching stamps ... REALLY QUICK tags ... just stamped them on the manilla tags, inked them up a bit, and added Stickles to some of them ... DONE !!
The tags are only $1.99 bundle so you could easily make them for all your treat bags.
Watch for more Hallowe'en samples in the upcoming weeks.

My Mind's Eye ... okay, I know I have said before that some paper is the most beautiful paper I have ever seen. I take it all back. I have NEVER seen anything like My Mind's Eye 's new line LOST & FOUND. It is amazing ! It is vintage, pretty, glittery, whimsical, girly, boyish, homespun, antique, ... EVERYTHING !!! It is spectacular and it will work for so many things. It would be amazing for a daughter, a baby, a wedding, a romantic vacation, an antiquing trip, an album about our treasures, families, anything. I am really wowed by this paper. There are 4 main themes - Madison Avenue , Portobello Road, Market Street, and Union Square. I have the first 3 out for sale. Union Square will have to wait for a week or so when I can find more room !! Portobello Road is soft bottle greeny blue, creams, and silver,. It features glitter, party pennants, birds, cowboys, vintage style images, as well as some really great boy images on the backs of sheets - vintage planes and spurs. The paper is very feminine but the backs are more masculine. Market Street is pink and pink and pink and glitter, green, cream. Luscious ! It is crowns and princesses and all things girly. Madison Avenue is pink, brown, cream, and features lots of glitter, dressmakers forms, ribbons, banners, etc... All the collections will mix well. There are also loads of accessories ... buttons, brads, stamps, 3D pieces, adorable albums, ribbon, tags, ... so much. When I unpacked this I was the Glitter Queen ... from head to toe ...

Anyway, you'll have to see it in person to just how beautiful it is !

( And I have an awesome project lined up for it ....)

The TWELVE WEEKS of CHRISTMAS ... WEEK 2 !!!

This week's kit is a card kit. The kit is $5 and will make 3 cards from Imaginisce's new paper. Everything you need is inside except for adhesive. Have fun !!!

** I was really surprised by the response to the Week 1 kit ... sold out by the second morning !! Many of you have reserved your kits which is great and if anyone else wants to do this, just let me know. But if I do sell out, I will be making more. So I expect to have more of the Week 1 kits in a week or two. Leave your name if you would like one.

(Remember, if you buy kits 10 of the 12 weeks, you will get a free special kit !!)

And, that wraps me up for this week. There is so much more but I know I won't get it all unpacked this week. But that's lots to enjoy ! Drop in !!

New challenge for September/October !!

Let the Holiday Crafting begin !!!

2010-09-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Sold out of the bracelet kits and almost sold out of the Christmas Week 1 kits ... let me know if you want any as I will make up more and can set them aside for you !!
(call or comment) Thanks !!

It is September and it is cooler & fresher ... so let's turn our thoughts to CRAFTING !!! This is a great time to start on some Christmas projects ... they'll still be fun in September.(I can't say the same about Christmas Eve when panic is setting in !!) So let's begin!!

PAPER :
I have new Christmas paper from Theresa Collins and I love it ! It is a deep dark red with black, mustardy gold, and cream. Very elegant !! There is a nice range of accessories with this line ... ribbon, "Blingage", chipboard ... and more to come next week. That's what I used for ...

WEEK 1 of THE 12 WEEKS of CHRISTMAS !!!
This kit is $5 and it has all the supplies (except adhesives & antiquing ink) for a gift bag and a card. Great way to start "getting your craft on". There will be a new kit every week for 12 weeks. You can buy one kit or all of them - it's up to you !!
When you buy a kit I will fill out a little passport for you ... each week you buy a kit, I'll check off that week. If you get 10 of the 12 weeks checked off, you'll get a special kit for free !!! Think of it as a little early Christmas gift !!
There is also a wonderful new line from Making Memories ... Christmas paper in soft antique colours. Ribbon. Rub-ons. 8x8 paper pads. Also very pretty !! This paper will probably make an appearance in a weekly kit soon !
OOPS !! I guess I better redo the display ... I forgot about the Christmas line from Imaginisce. If soft antique colours are not your thing, this may be what you want. Bright, cheerful, colourful, cute and fun !! I have a mini xxxxx made from this paper for a weekly kit. (You didn't think I was going to tell, did you ??!)Actually I am running out of time today so it may have to wait for next week. In the next 2 weeks I will have My Mind's Eye ... amazing stuff, as well as 7 Gypsies, more Theresa Collins, and ... more (I've forgotten !!).
Then, you can also check out the new stamps (Imaginisce, Basic Grey, WE R Memory Keepers, ... mostly small stamps under $1.99 each) There is a great series from Basic Grey that is a little stamp set for each month. They sell for $2.75 each but you can buy all 12 for $25 ... that's a savings of $8. They are really cute and would work well for cards and embellishing scrapbook pages.
Also new this week ...
Embossing plates ... a bunch more
Punches ... cupcakes, snowflakes, scallops, etc ...
Jenni Bowlin - butterflies galore !! Butterfly Banner Stickers and Embellished Butterflies
Maya Road - mini laundry day chipboard,awesome trinket pins in great colours for Christmas, and more.
Memo Pins from Tim Holtz ... I have a great project to try with these ... maybe next week !!

BEADS :
I have unpacked POUNDS of beads in the last week . There are lots more metal beads, beadcaps, and spacers bagged up ready to fly out the door - some already have !!
The seedbead rack has been refilled complete with some new seedbeads and flats in great colours. I have some beautiful new crystal studded rondelle spacers in gunmetal . They look so antique and ... well just lovely !! Here's a necklace I made with them ..

And here is a little bracelet/earring combo ... I've actually kitted this one up if you're interested in making the set !!
. The kit contains EVERYTHING even the crimps !!It's home on my work table so I can't tell you the price ... sorry ... I'll update tomorrow. $10
I have also added some strands of beads as well as individual beads.
Next on the agenda is the Crystal Christmas Jewelry as well as a BIG sale on crystals ... soon !
So come on in and start the crafing season !!

Oh almost forgot !! The Craft Challenge winners are ... BEADS - Wendy A.
PAPER - Rosetta. Thanks everyone !!! Too many things to get done in this short week so I didn't get the new Challenge done ... next week !!

HELLO September !!!

2010-09-01T06:18:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone !
This will be a busy week ... heat, heat, and more heat. A hurricane coming this way. Back to school. And a long weekend. So I am just going to keep unpacking and tell you that NEXT WEEK there will be new Christmas stock in the paper department, the Twelve Weeks of Christmas will start, there may be some sales & bargains, new challenges for September, and I have some great new pieces of jewelry made & kitted.
But for this week ... stay cool, drink plenty of water !, batten down the hatches, and enjoy the long weekend ! See you !!

HELP !!!! I'm buried in boxes of STUFF !!!!

2010-08-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am quickly becoming OVERWHELMED by all that needs to be unpacked, priced, weighed, sorted, counted, sampled, etc ... YIKES !!!! I have many boxes of beads ... with THOUSANDS of items in each box. There is paper & sparkles and stickers and rub ons ... and so much more ! So I have just put my head down and plowed through ... but I have only made tiny little inroads so far. Oh well ! That just means exciting new things EVERY DAY !!!

Monday I made a sweet little FALL banner out of the new Making Memories Apple Cider line ... this is a beautiful fall themed varnished paper ( shiny parts !) and it comes with lots of great accessories. I also have their Christmas line in there somewhere but haven't come across it yet !! ( One season at a time !!).

Tuesday I sorted through a big box of product & priced it. Then I sorted through another box and didn't price it ... next week. Then I made up kits for the banners.

(and it is much cuter than the photo shows ... I am not taking good pix these days !!)
Oh ! Here's a tip ... I wanted nice glittery letters so I took old letters that were patterned & all different colours. Then I put a piece of 2 sided ScorPal tape on each one, peeled off the backing paper , and dumped on the glitter. Perfect letters without all the mess of glue. Love it !!

And a few little tags using a cupcake punch. How easy are they ?? Punch the cupcakes, wipe on a little Stickles, stamp Happy Birthday and you're done !!

Wednesday ( today) I weighed & bagged THOUSANDS (and I am NOT exaggerating!) of metal beads, beadcaps, spacers, and lobster claws. I have the cutest little tiny gunmetal rondelles all studded with teeny tiny crystals ... oh my ... they make me want to make them into a vintage style bracelet !! I put out new Chinese crystals. I bagged up more crystal rondelle spacers. I am now heading to the seedbead cabinet to fill up that poor depleted raggedy looking seedbead rack.

So that's a quick glimpse of some of what is new ... I decided it would be better to actually get it out than to talk about it !! I'm off to keep unpacking ... please stop in to see what's new !!

P.S. I'm baking tonight ... tomorrow is Cookies for CAPS ... I am trying out a new recipe "Better than CRACK Brownies " ...

P.P.S. Its almost September (WAHOO !!) so get ready for a whole bunch of new products, new samples, kits, some great promotions, and the Twelve Weeks of Christmas. Fall is FUN !!!

On the Fly ... as usual ...

2010-08-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone !
Once again, this seems to be a quick post in between unpacking & ordering. Busy Busy these days !!
I have some great new items this week ... here they are !

PAPER :

Sassafras Lass ... I know ... usually REALLY bold & colourful, too colourful for some people. Well, this is a whole new direction for them. It's called Indie Girl and it is beautiful ! Think denim blues, apple green, a bit of brown & pink, turquoise, and mustard. Delicate patterns. Great accessories. This line is perfect ... except it has been selling out like crazy ! My first order I was unable to get any 12 x12 paper . I did get extra 6x6 pads but then I found some of the paper in 12 x 12. The larger sheets should be in next week. For now I have the 6x6 pads, the gorgeous little glittered letter stickers in turquoise, apple green, and pink, as well as the pennants & borders, and journaling stickers. Sitting at my work table, looking at all the beautiful colours & patterns, I had an idea ! The 6x6 paper would be the EASIEST mini album ever !! So I dug around, found some 6x6 page protectors, 2 6x6 pieces of chipboard, and then cut 2 1x6 pieces. From the initial idea to choosing all the photos to completion was 2 hours - Easy Peasy !!!

I used the sheets of paper - no cutting- as well as the adhesive letters & pennants. I also used some of the new Whimsies form Sassafras. Cute ! I used a little bit of 7 Gypsies masking tape to make the hinged cover & then tied it all together with some of their seam binding. The only paper I cut was to mat the photos. It was really quick & fun. The paper lends itself to older photos as well as current ones. I used black & whites and was really pleased. I bet that the album cost me less than $12 to make too. Can't beat that !!

Here are a few other (crummy) photos ... much prettier in person !!

I did get a few other things in ( that I didn't have time to play with ...). New from Cuttlebug is Winter Wonderland , a set of embossing folders. I also have restocked on some of their individual folders. From Cricut I have the 12x12 cutting mats as well as a NEW cartridge "Country Life" . This is a new full size cartridge ... my price is $64.99. Yep, you know how much they usually are - $100+ - but you can get it here for $64.99.

BEADS : oh, I have some beautiful new spacers ... tiny little silver & gunmetal spacers studded with black crystals. And speaking of crystals, more Chinese crystal has just arrived. I haven't opened the box yet but will be doing that as soon as I finish here.

I also have lots of new findings as well as more 10/0 seedbeads, large bugle beads, and Delicas - lots more colours !! I took home a bag of goodies to string up a few new projects but realized I had forgotten some of the parts so ... next week !

Also ... about those nice little crystal studded spacers ... they make me CRAZY !!! They are too small to keep track of & they always get all mixed up so I am changing the way I sell them ... they were 50 cents each but now they are in bags of 10 for $3.99. A better price and a much easier way to sell them & keep them all sorted by colour. This should be much better !!!

SEPTEMBER : I have done up a few more projects for the Twelve Weeks of Christmas ... I think it's going to be a lot of fun !! ( It has been for me so far !!) I have also preordered LOTS of the new scrapbooking stuff ... My Mind's Eye, Cricut, Sizzix, Theresa Collins, 7 Gypsies, Making Memories, Maya Road, Tim Holtz, Imaginiscence, Pink Paislee, Doodlebug, Cosmo Cricket, My Little Yellow Bicycle, Graphic 45, ... to name a few ... It's going to be exciting !!

And for beads , I am trying to get some new projects done and out on display ... a few things to get your creative juices flowing and some ideas for new products. I am also working on some Christmas jewelry for the fall. So many ideas, so little time !!!

This Saturday is the deadline for this month's challenge ... bring in your gift bag or charmed piece ... you could win a $10 gift certificate.

And next week is CAPS week ... more baked goodies !

Hello !

2010-08-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !
New things, sparkly things, Christmas-y things ...
**Just a quick reminder that the deadline for this month's paper & jewelry challenge is August 21st. You could win a $10 gift certificate ! There are some gift bags in already as well as a couple of beautiful charm pieces. Get your piece in soon !!**

BEADS : I am unpacking the box right now (it just came in last night !) but I can give you a quick run down on what's new . I have lots more of the Graphic crystals form Swarovski ... the first batch is almost sold out. There are also new colours !! Here are a few other items ...
* NEW - cut flat ovals with marble edge
* NEW - fire polished fuchsia in 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm.
* Preciosa flatbacks in Christmas colours - great for embellishing Christmas projects !
* round silver metal beads
* round silver filigree beads
* lots of size 10/0 seedbeads in vials ... 15 colours
* more Delicas size 11/0 ... 17 new colours !!
* RESTOCKED - Beadalon Wildfire .006" black
* NEW - bee's wax
* NEW - bead stoppers with coloured rubber tips ... another fun tool !!
* RESTOCKED - sterling silver "noodles"
* RESTOCKED - clasps,toggles, lobster claws, crimp tools, pliers

And ... September is coming !! That means the Swarovski snowmen & trees will be arriving as well as a few new projects !

PAPER :

NEW CHRISTMAS STAMPS from STAMPENDOUS !!!! These stamps are beautiful ... and cute ... and fun ... and affordable ... you'll love them !! I think they will sell quickly ... I have already ordered more but they may sell out from the supplier quickly too so don't wait too long !!

Also new
* more embossing powders & flocking

* heat guns for embossing
* Christmas foil stickers from Stampendous
* more mini ink pads
* Birthday mini stamps, perfect for cards !!
* Liquid Pearls
* Tim Holtz hardware bits & bobs !!
* Preciosa flatback crystals in Christmas colours - perfect for embellishing cards & other projects.

September will soon be here ... and with it will be the Twelve Weeks of Christmas !! I have been busy in my workshop (Santa's was busy !!) making kits for each week. It is going to be so fun !! When you purchase the first kit, you'll receive a little Christmas list to collect stamps on. A full list will get you a FREE kit at the end of the twelve weeks !!
I also just got news that the first of my Christmas paper pre-orders is being shipped ... and so it begins !! There will be lots of great new products in the next few months as well as all the new paper lines and Christmas goodies !!!
Let's go !!

Little Bit In Between ...

2010-08-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !!
This week I am a little bit in between ... between sending & receiving orders. So that means there is lots coming but it's not here this week !!! Even the Christmas stamps that have been travelling the country for the last 9 days are still MIA. sigh
Oh well !! There are still plenty of great things to look at & stock up on !! I have been filling up my new crystal display stand and it looks fabulous ... sparkly & pretty ! There are some nice new papers from Basic Grey - Oliver & Olivia. And all sorts of odds'n'ends ( beads & paper) that I put out as the days go on. So stop in !!

I have been sorting through my stuff at home and came upon a stack of Sizzix Originals Cutting Dies that I bought second hand ... and then ... never... used. So I have brought them in to sell. There are flowers, tags, bookplates, alphabets, etc... The small ones are $6, the larger sets are $10, and the large box of Lollipop Alphabet Cartridges Upper Case is $40. No tax.

And I sat down this week and started planning out the Twelve Weeks of Christmas ... one project each week starting in September. Here's a little sneak peek at one of them ...

Next week I'll get a few more done ... this is going to be a lot of fun !!!

Remember the deadline for this month's challenge is August 21st.
See you !!

a few projects for you ...

2010-07-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !!
I have a few projects for you this week ... and there are new items in stock as well in beads and paper. Edit : The TWELVE WEEKS OF CHRISTMAS will start in SEPTEMBER NOT December !!!
How about these earrings ?

They are made with the new Graphic Swarovski crystals ... they don't really need much more !!! GLAM !!
And here's a mini album using the Girls Paperie Travel paper ... quick & fun, all ready for your vacation pictures, ticket stubs, etc ...

Here are inside pages ...

You can make it with just a few sheets of paper & six pieces of 6x6 chipboard.And what do you do with your scraps ? Make cards of course !!
Here are just a few ideas for you ... I used some of the Sassafras Lass flowers that I got in last week ... love them !!
But if you don't want any scraps I will have kits with all the supplies ... precut & ready to assemble ... $16.50. Let me know if you want one . I just have to type up the directions !!

And now for something completely different ... CHRISTMAS !!! It will be here before we know it ... and if you want to make anything for the holiday, you need to start soon ! So , starting in SEPTEMBER I will have THE TWELVE WEEKS OF CHRISTMAS with a new paper project EVERY WEEK and a small kit for the project. I'll try to keep the kits at just a few dollars each so the whole series would be affordable. You can pick them up week by week if you want them or have a kit reserved for you each week. Just let me know ! It will be a great way to jump in and start getting all kinds of things made for Christmas !!

And for the beaders, I am starting to order in the components for the crystal Christmas Trees and Snowmen. ( I already have orders for 80+ kits !!) And I will have some new designs as well ... angels, snowflakes, etc ... Look for those in September & November.
This year Christmas will not surprise me when it arrives on the 25th of December !!!!
Have a great week. Drop in !!
This week is Cookies for CAPS week ... homemade Whoopie Pies and something not yet decided on ... !!
** the deadline for the Challenge is August 21st **

Oh More Lovelies ...

2010-07-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Every box that arrives holds the loveliest things ... I think I have new favourites every week !!! Here are some great ones this week ...

BEADS : 2 boxes of treasures ... some of the contents aren't really photogenic - you know headpins, eyepins, jumprings, etc... - but oh so necessary !! But there are a few really great things that are picture worthy !!

NEW BEADALON PRODUCTS : Beadalon has introduced a whole line of "Designer Series" products that will take your jewelry making to a whole new level !! There are some wonderful new findings for earrings and pendants as well as a really heavy jewelry cable that will make excellent necklaces for heavier larger stones. Some of the pendant & earring pieces are in the form of pinch bails that will leave beads suspended and twirling. Great for those tricky drop beads. Beautiful !! I hope to have some samples worked up for next week.
Beadalon has also introduced a multi pack of crimp beads ... 4 different colours , 150 pieces each, in size #1. A great kit for those who use different metals.

SWAROVSKI GRAPHIC CRYSTALS ...oh my ! ... these are gorgeous !! Like JEWELS !!! I have 2 sizes and 6 different colours in each. I can just imagine amazing earrings with the smaller sizes and beautiful bracelets with the larger ones ... can't wait to make something with these ... Just look at them

... aren't they amazing ?!!

PAPER : some really fun new products as well as some old favourites !

ADHESIVES & MARKERS :

more adhesives ... Terrifically Tacky Tape from Provo and Tombow's Tape Runner & refills. Also Metallic Markers from American Crafts - great for those Christmas cards that we should all be making ... SOON !

RIBBON :

this is THE MOST beautiful crepe ribbon !! It is 3/4" wide and soft as soft can be. It has a beautifully soft wrinkled texture and colours that will thrill you and get you inspired !! I can't wait to use it !!

TATTERED ANGELS CHALK LINE Mist :

This spray will give you a more solid chalky finish. Great for chipboard ... or, well, anything !! Beautiful colours and so much potential !!

EMBELLISHMENTS :

These have been out for a while but I couldn't resist them ... from Sassafras Lass ... these embellishments are so fun. Just one on a card or page would add so much !! The flowers are thick canvas like paper and the others are FELT !!! Too fun !! (Ignore the prices on them ... I priced them wrong !! The flowers are $4.99pk and the Felties are $5.99 pk.)

PUNCHES, TAGS, etc ...

A few fun punches ... a multi layered monkey (who doesn't love monkeys ??) and a lacy cut-away butterfly. There are also some new metal adhesive tags as well as some metal coin like pieces that would be great for scrapbooking or jewelry. Their verdigris finish is awesome !

And, lastly, here's a sample for the gift bag challenge ... Get creating !!! Kits are ready !!

And don't forget the charm challenge in the jewelry category. And the deadline is not until Aug 21st !!!
Have a great week & stop in !!

*** SALES from last week are still on !! Bead Spinners and Journalling Cards !!

camera ... WORKING !!!

2010-07-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today I can finally share some photos with you !!! All - well, most- of the camera glitches have been fixed !!
So ... new product this week, new projects, and some great techniques !! Let's get started !

BEADS :
I am unpacking a box today full of headpins, eyepins, jumprings, bails, chains, earrings, pearls, crystals, wire, and threads.
Among the crystals are a new shape called "Graphic" from Swarovski that I have decided to try. I have them in 12mm and 18mm ... they would be great as a focal bead in a bracelet or necklace. Nice and showy but not fussy. Awesome !
I also have long bugle beads - many of you have been asking for them for earrings and long chain necklaces. Well , they're here !!
And now ... charms ... I have awareness ribbons for breast cancer (restocked) , yellow ribbons for Hope (restocked) , as well as new ones for autism.

PROJECT :

How about making your own pendants ? It is super easy and really fun ! These pendants are made with glass tiles, glue, and paper of your choice. I made them with handmade Japanese paper but you can use anything - scrapbooking paper, book paper, collage, ... the sky is the limit !! I have the pendants, glue, bails, small pieces of Japanese paper, and ball chain in stock now. Drop in & I'll explain the steps to you !!! Easy. Fast. Fun.

** SPECIAL **
Buy 6 vials of seedbeads & get a free Bead Spinner. This little baby will string your seedebeads quickly & easily !! (needle not included.)

PAPER:
* Basic Grey : Oliver and Olivia paper. Nice colour combinations. Can be used for baby books without being too cutesy or for adult projects. Very versatile. Great for cards too. I have the sheets of letter stickers for each. I also have the 6x6 pads for each - another great card supply.
Olivia
Oliver
* CRICUT Cartridge "Winter Woodlands" ... I have 2 cartridges here at a great price ... only $59.99 !!! This is the cartridge that will cut out the 3D winter village, among other things. Get it quickly !!
* eyelets, pearl brads, jeweled brads, adhesive gems,
* stamps - mini stamps, card stamps, more Pure Innocence stamps, Inkadinkadoo Inchies sets. These are a great deal. You get 9 1" stamps plus a block that will hold three stamps all for $7.99. There are several different theme packages. Also more from Technique Tuesday including "Dog and Pony Show" ... all pet animal stamps !!! Hmmm ... I know one stamper who probably has almost all of these animals herself ... TC ... are you out there ???
* more Distress Ink, Stickles, ink blender pens
* Embossing Powder Kits - 14 jars of fabulous colour !!!
* Thickers alphabets in various colours and styles
* more Cuttlebug & Sizzix embossing folders
* metallic markers
* chipboard in 6x6 and 12x12
* Crepe ribbon ... oooo ... nice !
* Cosmo Cricket "Delovely" 6x6 pads
* punches
* buttons
* metal words & tags
* Sassafras Lass Felties & Flowers
* Clear Snap Design Adhesives - great product !! 4 sheets per package. Add glitter or flocking to the 2 sided adhesive designs. Great for borders, cards, etc ...
* Smooch - 2 new colours - Pink Sprinkles and Wineberry
* Heidi Swapp - Fastenation Folder & Add-ons
* Tattered Angels Chalkline - a new paintable product that gives you a deep chalklike coverage in wonderful bubblegum type colours. Awesome for chipboard !!!

**SPECIAL **
Buy 10 sheets of October Afternoon paper (Fly a Kite or Thrift Shop) and get a free sheet of matching journaling cards !!

PROJECT : EMBOSSING !!
I am in love with embossing right now - sit still too long & I will emboss you !!! Here are a few projects using embossing ...

Birthday Tag : I just embossed the image in clear then rubbed ink over it. Attach it to a tag & you have a fast and easy tag !!

Various Products : Light aqua - Stamp'N'Bond from Stampendous ... stamp with a slow drying ink like Versamark, sprinkle with the Stamp'n'Bond, Heat until clear. Then add glitter ... also from Stampendous.
Blue - same technique except I used flocking. A furry little butterfly !!
Pink - I used Distress Embossing Powder. Rub the heated embossing powder with your finger to knock off the loose particles and create an aged look.

Butterfly Card : embossed the text stamp with white embossing powder as well as the butterfly. Then I rubbed various Distress inks over the design until I got the colour I wanted.

LIVE Card : I used a chicken wire stamp from Prima for the background with the white embossing powder. More Distress ink on top. I stamped the Tim Holtz LIVE stamp on a tag that I had also inked up. Then I used Tim Holtz Tissue Tape to attach it to the card and added one of his metal flowers. A little strip of Bazzill's Just the Edge Half in brown made for a nice little accent. I also added some of the tape inside.

And here's another little card using the tissue tape ... I adhered it in layers on the front. The tape is so lovely and thin that you don't even get ridges. A very simple card !

**NOTE** I am extending the deadline for this month's challenge to August 21st because ... I have been TOO SLOW getting the kits ready. So you have a whole extra month !!!

ahhhhhhhhhhh ... this is not going well !!!

2010-07-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

Oh my ... the heat is unbearable today ( I haven't turned on the AC) ... and nothing is working !!! ( and I wish I wasn't either ... haha). My camera refuses to download the photos I took so I have set up the items again, rephotographed them all with another camera ... and ... it won't download either !!! So I have to find both discs at home & have the programs reinstalled. That means unfortunately - no photos this week. So I will save the embossing , pendants, & core'dinatins paper until next week ! Hopefully by then, I'll be back on track !!
There are more items that I have unpacked in both beads & paper. Thursday I will have the air conditioning on so why not drop in to poke around and see what's new ?? I may even have lemonade ... I'm working on it !!
For now, I can share with you that I have just pre-ordered a few lines from My Mind's Eye ... you can go to their website (www.mymindseye.com) and check them out if you wish ! I ordered the full line of papers from Lost & Found ...oh the projects I can imagine with this !! ... and will add embellishments next week when they are listed for ordering. I also ordered the paper kits for Alphabet Soup ( Boy and Girl), Blackbird, Haunted, Holly Jolly, and I Believe. The kits are almost all $9.99 except for Haunted ($16.99) because it is flocked papers and I Believe ($11.99) because it is glittered paper. If you want to reserve any, just let me know !!
Next week should be a more "normal" (what's that ??!!) week so I hope to get some samples & kits ready ... this week was bookwork, sorting, cleaning up the workroom, vet appointments, and just plain being too hot !!!
So right now I am crabby & hot, mad about my dumb cameras, and wanting a Popsicle ... so I will suck it up and get to work on the challenge bags. I hope to get them done up tonight & posted tomorrow morning ... with or without pictures !!!
So drop in for a visit ... I promise to be over being crabby by then !! ( And I may have lemonade ...)

Just a quickie ... It's Canada Day !!!

2010-06-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post ... Thursday is a holiday so the week seems really short ! So ... to match the week ... a really short post !! Next week I'll have photos of the winners of the Challenge, a new challenge for July, a new card kit, a little bit about embossing, and a few of my favourite can't-live-without'em tools.
But this week I do have some new things ...

BEADS :
I have unpacked more of the crystals & metal beads and findings. I also have some new products from Beadalon and new cord necklaces.
PAPER :
More Cuttlebug folders : Winter Borders, Holly Ribbons, Stars A2, Floral fantasy A2, Nature's Messenger A2, Pop Culture Borders, Ironworks, Organic Flourish Borders, Forest branches A2, Frills Borders, with Love Borders, Just My Type Borders, Caged Bird 12" border.
More Sizzix folders & dies : Fall Leaves Die, Fall Pumpkin Die, Fall Owl Die, Birthday Set Impressions
Tim Holtz Folders & Dies for Sizzix : Styled Labels die, Tattered Floral die, Checker Board & Cracked Set (embossing), Bingo & Patchwork Set (embossing), On the Edge Die Scallops, On the Edge Die Plaque & Postal, On the Edge Cutting plates.

So that's my QUICK post ... have a great Canada Day, stop in Friday or Saturday, and come back to the blog next week for MORE !!!

** The winners for this month are : jewelry - Natalie W
card - Rosetta M.