the über popular decorated cigar box

Honoré here. Hi there. 

I've decided I really need to be cloned: there are just so many creative things that I want to do and learn and I just can't seem to fit them all into my daily life. Yes, I know: make choices or schedules or, or, or...problem is, I am just no g-o-o-d at prioritizing. I want to do it all. And what is all you say? 

All is art journaling, altering books, making cigar boxes, knitting, quilting, regenerating my rusty embroidery skills ( I won't even begin to tell you how long ago I learned to embroider), blogging, reading, attending art classes, etc, etc, etc. 


Speaking of classes, at the end of March, I attended The Queen's  über  popular "decorated cigar box" class. Supposedly, that class was going to be the very last one for an undetermined amount of time...so, those of us in the class were thanking our lucky stars that we got into the last class. And then, during class, Patti announced that she'd had a change of heart and was going to continue offering the class. What prompted the change of heart? Well, she went to the  Craft and Hobby Association's semi-annual conference/exhibit and fell in love (that translates into ordered for the shop) with lots of really neat paper. Really neat. Some of it arrived a couple weeks ago and I can see why she was smitten. Quiet as it is kept: I have also been smitten.When I was last in the shop, I "managed" to buy just a few sheets...just a few. 


Anyway, a couple days ago, two new cigar box classes were announced for May and June. Sign up for one (or both). Don't delay. I can promise you, unequivocally, that you'll be so glad and you too, will be smitten. And if you haven't been to the shop recently and haven't seen the boxes on display, get thee there as soon as you can. Until then, here are a few photos of several that were made during the class I attended last month. And a few shots of some of that really neat paper The Queen ordered. I thoroughly enjoyed making the cigar box and have begun thinking about making more as gifts...if I can force myself to give them away. I think it'll be difficult....

a box made by a classmate for her husband's birthday... 

isn't this just the cutest? another creation by a classmate...

so bright and cheerful; begs to be opened...

this is the outside of my box...

...and this is the inside 

just a sampling of pretty new papers...

Hurry. Sign up today. Seats go quickly. Classes are limited to 10 students, so call the shop: 301-497-9449 to register. I promise you'll like it!


Cheers~

Postscript from Lolly....
I posted Sherry Cheever's fab June 9th-10th classes so check out the descriptions and photos, then call to reserve your spot!

from the Studio...

Hi, Honoré here: Several weeks ago, I was in The Queen's Ink and picked up the latest/newest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors' Studios magazine, intrigued and enticed by the cover callout "Inside: creative ideas for organizing small spaces." So, home I went with my magazine and after reading it, cover to cover, I decided it was time to rearrange my loft studios. (Once upon a time, when I lived in Ohio, I discovered that there was a blue law on the books that prevented women from rearranging furniture in their homes. I love to move and rearrange furniture; in fact, in my younger years, I'd spend many a Saturday rearranging the living room furniture - only sometimes winding up returning the room/furniture to its original state... A friend of mine was oft fond of saying: ''if you get up, hang onto your seat, 'cause Honoré is just likely to move it...") 

I don't really have a loft - just two of the three bedrooms on the upstairs floor that I've re-purposed as studio space. The smaller room (I have designated as Studio A) houses my sewing machine, fabrics, yarn, knitting and quilting supplies and PiPs (projects in progress) and books/magazines on quilting and knitting. Plus, there is a wicker chair that I use for knitting and reading or just for a little quiet. Three of the walls are covered with design boards - foam core boards covered with flannel. Great display space! There is a lot packed into this 72 square foot room.

Studio B is the larger space, approximately 10' x 12'. My computer, printer, files, more bookshelves and work space line two of the four walls...the other two walls house furniture for papers, stamping, paint, ink supplies and other paraphernalia: tools; more PiPs, rolling carts, etc. I have a book shelf and two cabinets that are counter height; both serve as work space and provide storage.

I don't know when I realized that I stand up when I'm making a scrapbook layout or an art journal page. I would probably stand up to sew if I had a sewing machine cabinet that was the correct height. A couple weeks ago I saw a table at IKEA that was bar counter height and I've really been toying with the idea of buying it...I might have done so when I saw it but it was out of stock and I really need to move the cabinet I use as my current work station 'cause I don't have enough room in the room to add another piece of paper or  the twelve bottles of Dyan Reaveley's Dylusions spray inks that I just picked up from The Queen's Ink...

Like The Queen's Ink (I think they probably rearrange furniture and displays every 6-8 weeks; it's a good thing they're not in Ohio!), I find that a periodic rearrangement/moving of things within my studios presents me with the opportunity to reunite with an abandoned/forgotten project or supply or tool and re-inspires me. I have all the issues of Studios, I think that maybe I'll revisit them again for the first time... if you are unfamiliar with the publication, on your next visit to The Queen's Ink, check it out. They have the current and several of the previous issues, for sale, still.

I'm curious: What are some of your creative ideas for organizing in small spaces? How often do you rearrange your studio, supplies, tools? Are you a sitter or a stander? Looking forward to reading what you have to say in the comments. Thanks and

Cheers~
Honoré

P.S. from Lolly: We are receiving phone calls and emails inquiring about T!m Holtz workshops, ever since he announced on his website that he was planning a visit to The Queen's Ink. T!m is a busy guy; that said, we don't know what he's teaching and likely will not know for another month or so. We plan to announce the classes with descriptions, times, and prices sometime in June, at which time we will tell you when registration will begin. Please make sure you're on our email list so you'll be alerted when the classes are listed on queensink.com.

Dyan Reaveley's altered books workshop

Honoré here: Hi. I can hardly believe that the month of March is only hours away ~ seems that February and Dyan Reaveley's three and a quarter days of workshops at The Queen's Ink were just about to happen. Where does the time go?

I attended the all-day Saturday (and Friday evening before) workshop on making altered books. We learned a lot of nifty techniques for creating niches and fun pages. But the best part was two-fold: one was listening to Dyan and laughing so much at her running dialogue and witty comments. She kept us in stitches. The other best part was the opportunity to try her new line of Dylusions products, made exclusively by Ranger. And of course, The Queen's Ink was/is privileged to have them first among the many shops in the country.

I had a great time, enjoyed every minute of this learning adventure and my only regret: I didn't sign up for all the workshops. Oh well, I'll know better next time. In the meantime, here are some photos from my session.

The Queen (Patti) introducing Dyan

Dyan demonstrating removing pages from the book. Just grip and rip!

One of my pages. Dyan shares her ghosting technique in this video 

She has lots of videos and other tutorials available; check them out from her blog

Tags made by Dyan featuring some of her whimsical characters. These are rubber stamps
that you can buy from The Queen's Ink.

Dyan's Dylusions line on is the wall just as you enter The Queen's Ink from inside the Mill. Lots of fun product here: her rubber stamps and stencils including samples of her tags. (Display also includes some Crafter's Workshops stencils). Watch the website for announcements about the arrival of Dyan's ink sprays.

I include this sample of part of a calendar page by Kate Crane, a member of Dyan's design team. I discovered Kate's  calendar pages in the Winter 2012  issue of  Art Journaling. Imagine my delight at seeing an actual, real-world calendar! You can learn more about Kate and her journal calendar here...and also join in the fun.

I am so glad that I had a chance to meet Dyan and partake in one of her workshops. I know that I'll definitely signup again next time she's here. Hope you'll be able to  do so, too!

Cheers~

Smashing Success...

What a fabulous whirlwind weekend we had with Guest Artist Dyan Reaveley. Our students created beautiful art, learned new techniques, and energized their creative spirits with three great workshops. A huge thank you to all who participated, shopped for all her new products, and made the weekend a huge success.

Dyan created two canvases to raffle off, with proceeds going to a dear family friend, Sadie Rose. It's time to pull out your raffle tickets and check the numbers. Please call the shoppe (301-497-9449) and let us know who you are! The first to confirm your win will get first choice (tough one since they're both fabu-licious!).

(Insert drumroll here)....

               Ticket #643229
               Ticket #643371
 
Watch for photos of the event (coming soon).

Way Too Much Fun!

Hi, Honoré here: I'm so looking forward to next week's workshops with Dyan Reaveley, but I just have to share the workshop Queen Patti created for us loyal subjects the weekend before last: Peeled Pages...

In the Peeled Pages workshop, we used the Gelli Arts Printing Plate (Patti introduced it in the Painted Pages workshop I wrote about here). And, we used tags for our pages (read this post and you'll know that my heart swooned.) The Gelli Plate is so versatile, easy to use and to clean, and best of all, it's a lot of fun! Your imagination can run rampant, limited only by the sky. Coupled with tags, you can create for days, weeks...forever.

In this series of photos, Patti is demonstrating the process for creating the tag page:

Step 1 - Prepare the gel plate with paints and pattern...

             Step 2 - Place tag on plate and rub to transfer the paint/design...

                          Step 3 - Peel the tag off the gel plate. I ask you: how easy can that be?!

Here are a couple of my classmates and a look at their Peeled Pages Tag Albums:

Alice (best known as Al)

Sue  (best known as Immie)

and  mine!

(Oops, I think my album is upside down!)

One of the best things about taking a class at The Queen's Ink is the access to products you have: inks for stamping and misting, paints, tools, very helpful staff and of course, the Queen, herself! I urge you to check out the class schedule and treat yourself to a fun and fantastic learning adventure. I guarantee you'll have way too much fun!

Cheers~

Dyan Reaveley Returns...

Dyan Reaveley is a mixed-media artist known for her unique, eclectic style which incorporates vibrant color combinations of inks and paints, using text as an insightful design element, and cleverly using imagery in her artwork. Last Fall, she was named a Signature Designer by Ranger, and is now developing a signature line of craft products called Dylusions. Dyan owns and operates a teaching and design studio, Art from the Heart, in Harrogate, in the north of England.

Dyan visited us in July, and we have the honor of saying that The Queen's Ink was her very first state-side teaching engagement. She offered great workshops, interesting and innovative surface techniques, and loads of fun and laughter! That weekend was definitely the "Hit of the Year" at The Queen's Ink! We are so thrilled to have her back again, and this year's workshop offerings are just as fabulous! Spaces are still available in two of her altered book and newspaper journal classes, so take a look and then call to register.

Patti has obtained a great rate at the Marriott for those of you who would like to make Dyan's workshops into a weekend retreat. Whether coming from out of the area or just wanting to get away from the daily routine and indulge yourself in an artful weekend, we can help you make that happen!

Tag...you're it!

Hi, Honoré here: Lately I've been smitten by tags... you know, those sundry shipping tags that come in a variety of sizes. Perhaps it's the season since tags are pretty much on most of our minds as we begin (anyone finished?) to wrap holiday presents and/or finish making cards. Or perhaps it's the fact that as I've visited blogs throughout this month, I'm seeing lots of clever ideas and tutorials for making tags for everything from creating shopping or to-do lists to fabric books to clever ways to package gift cards. Seems that the sky is the limit.

Tags are quite versatile; they can be used as:

1. gifts
2. shopping/to-do lists
3. substrate for practicing techniques ranging from masking, misting, stamping, and stenciling, to journaling or taking notes
4. embellishments on pages in a mini album or as pages on which to mount photos from your iPhone or camera phone.

You can write, paint, stitch, glue, type, stamp, cut, tear, crumble, or emboss tags. Don't like what you did? Not a problem; just paint over the tag and use it to try something else...or save it and cut it into shapes or strips or adhere it to a page in your art journal for use further down the road...

In the scheme of things, tags are really quite inexpensive and handy little things to have around. Being quite portable, you can carry them with you at all times for those unexpected free moments.

Over the next couple weeks, between the holidays' lull, why not play with some tags. Try out a technique or a supply that is new to you. A tag is small and definitely not as intimidating as a full sized piece of art paper or a blank page in an art journal. Have Fun. Play. Experiment. And remember, you don't need to throw the tag away...it can be used in your art journal or recycled as an embellishment or used to make a grocery, to-do, or don't forget list...

And while we're on the subject of tags, have you checked out the new class - Peeled Pages -coming in January that features tags as pages? Check out the description here and don't tarry about registering: seating is limited and spaces are filling up fast.

Happy Holidays!

PS: This tutorial by Tammy Tutterow is a great example of creating a tag in action. And of course, you can purchase most if not all of the supplies and tools, including some of the Crafter's Workshop stencils, right here at The Queen's Ink. How about a gift from you to you?

art makin' for all ages...

Honoré here: Yesterday, Sat Dec 4, there was lots of activity going on in the store to celebrate its 11th birthday: a toy drive, a class and a smorgasbord of tasty snacks and delightful, sinful desserts. As I wandered through the store, stopping to admire the growing collection of little houses sitting on the piano, I was thinking: this store has so much eye  candy and interesting things that children would love to get their hands on to explore and create.

Continuing my walkabout through the store, I peeped into the class in session; the group was learning to use Copic markers and microfine glitter from Elizabeth Crafts to make really cool embellishments.

In the class was a young lady, nine years old, who takes many classes at Queen's Ink and who, in her own words, "has been making art since she started walking, oh, when she was about 18 months old."

Hearing her words, memories from my childhood flooded over me. Next to reading, my absolute favorite activity was making art. I had one go-to book - whose title totally escapes me; all that I can remember is the book had all sorts of interesting things for me to do and learn. And, that is the same thought I have about The Queen's Ink... so many interesting things for me to do and learn!

The Queen's Ink is not only for adults - there are also treasures and discoveries for children, from A - Z (artist trading cards to Zentangles). So, might I suggest that you introduce a child (including your inner one) to the treasures and discoveries at The Queen's Ink: a class; a rubber stamp; a fun mixed media project like the houses currently on display, etc.  I think you'll both be delighted with your finds. Enjoy!

Cheers~

PS. You can start with a gift certificate in any denomination you want, and certificates are good for a entire year.

The Queen's Ink Holiday Challenge...

It takes a village… a Winter Holiday Village that is! This year we are planning a Holiday art challenge inspired by a recent issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors and our friends at Ink About It! in Massachusetts.  We we want to build a village of little houses to display around the shoppe this holiday season. We hope you’ll join us in this creative journey as we construct The Holiday Queendom. Individual houses are ready for pick-up now for a $2.00 fee, and can be returned beginning December 1 (just in time for the Queen's Ink Eleventh Birthday Bash), and up through December 15th. We will build the village as the participants bring in their decorated houses, and will display in the shoppe until January 15. (Your house will then be returned to you.)

First Prize: $25 Gift Certificate for The Queen’s Ink

Second Prize: $15 Gift Certificate for The Queen’s Ink

Third Prize: $10 Gift Certificate for The Queen’s Ink

gel printing fun...

Hi, it's Honoré here. If you remember, earlier in October, the Queen's Ink got a new product, a gel printing plate by Gelli Arts that makes it totally possible to monoprint without using gelatin! Clearly a 21st Century advancement. In my first/last post, I indicated that I had purchased a gel printing plate and that I'd share experiences and impressions. For starters, I had fun! Really super messy fun!

If you check out this post, you'll see a link to a video demonstration on how to use the gel plate. First, let me say it really is as easy as demonstrated, and clean up is a snap too. However, my workspace, hands and apron did not stay clean and neat as you'll see on the video. Or could it be that I'm just messy?!

I tried a variety of ways to make marks: rubber and foam stamps; stencils; and found items from the kitchen and various junk drawers. I used plastic forks, Q-tips, a meat tenderizer, a toothbrush, paintbrushes with different tips, my fingers and even a seashell I found. Stencils work least best as the paint always has a tendency to leak - it's better to dab paint on a stencil. I liked the impressions made by the rubber stamp better than those created with a foam stamp. The most fun were the "household found items." My suggestion: gather those items before you get started and just play. Here are a couple photos from my playtime:

The left, teal print was made with a stencil; the right, with stamps.

All the markings in this photo were made with the found household items; the yellow piece is also printed on muslin. I really like the texture and the clarity of the markings. Gonna have to try printing on fabrics, more.

Queen's Ink has both sizes of the gel plates: the 6 x 6 and the 8 x 10. I think if you like printing and want to try your hand at a simple, fun and creative way to print your art journal pages, tags and other mixed media pieces, you can't go wrong with this tool.
Let us know what you make.

Cheers~

PS. And it'll make a great gift too; even children,I'd say ages 8+, will take to it.

New Christmas dies....

Just a quick post to let you know that the long-anticipated Christmas dies... Bigz, Movers & Shapers, and Sizzlet strips are now available in the shoppe. Hurry... they'll go fast!!!

Wendy Vecchi Workshops...Great Success!

In last week's newsletter, I promised some photos of Wendy Vecchi's sample projects that graced our shoppe during her weekend workshops. I saw quite a few flashes going off... such great inspiration!

Our November class schedule is shaping up nicely... Judi and Rob, owners of JudiKins stamps, are visiting us the weekend before Thanksgiving when Savage Mill kicks off the holiday season with "Magic at the Mill". Judi is teaching three classes and doing some demos too. Check our November class schedule for details, then call to reserve your spot! We just received a shipment of the newest stamps from JudiKins... we are NEVER disappointed! Come see for yourself.

introducing ...

Oh Hi, didn't hear you come in. My name is Honoré. I am a career-graduate (think retired) public librarian and I've been a Queen's Ink customer since circa 2004.

One of the things I like most about being a career graduate is the fact that it reminds me so much of kindergarten. Everyday I wake up - well, most days - and say to myself: "Let's see, what shall I do/play with/learn today? The options are endless; for example, I can read, art journal, knit, quilt, go to a museum, treat myself to a long, leisurely lunch alone or with friends, or take a class either online or in person at places like the Queen's Ink.

Even if there isn't a class scheduled, I might just pop in to see what's new - I just love the displays of projects, papers, stamps and other supplies - and to spend a few minutes chatting with Patti, Lolly and Janet. Many times, I am there when a new shipment arrives - magazines, new stamps or a new goodie like the new Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate Lolly profiled here - are being inventoried.

A couple times a month, I'm going to post to this blog, sharing with you tips, tidbits, insights and news about the Queen's Ink from my point of view as a customer. In my next post, I'll share with you some of the pieces I made with the Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate. Yep, I bought one.

I'm looking forward to connecting with you via this blog. Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers~
Honoré

PS. My shirt reads: Queen of Unfinished Projects. I thought it was appropriate for this blog.

Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate... what fun!

Have you ever wanted to try gelatin printing, but didn't want to deal with the mess, the storage issues, or the mold that grows over time? I saw a demo and had a chance to play a little bit with a new product that makes it easy to do gelatin printing and couldn't wait to show it to Patti! GelliArts has created a fabulous gelatin-like surface, available in two sizes, that enables you to create monoprints using paint, stamps, stencils, fingers, and your imagination. Patti immediately placed an order, and we've already had to restock! You have to see this in action only once to want to join the fun.




Patti has many samples available using different kinds of paper... tissue paper, watercolor and printmaking paper, manila tag paper, fabric... endless opportunities using different surfaces! We would love to see what YOU create with your GelliArt plate, so send a photo to webjester@queensink.com.

SMASH ! has arrived...

So, what do you Smash? Well, it doesn’t have to be a life event, just the special little moments and mementos of your day—some of that stuff in your junk drawer, for example. A snapshot, a ticket stub from that movie you loved, a newspaper clipping, a magazine snippet, a cardboard coaster from a favorite restaurant, your child’s first crayon doodle…get the idea? Smash it, jot a note or add a caption sticker, and go! This video will show you everything you need to know.

The SMASH Book can travel around with you, on all of your adventures! It comes with a two-in-one pen and glue stick, so you can add movie tickets right after you see the movie AND write your review as soon as you walk out of the theater. The point of this amazing book is that it’s NOT perfect, but a place where you can jot down your ideas, glue in an idea you saw in a magazine, add bits of memorabilia – there are ENDLESS possibilities with this book!This video will help you get started, then a trip to the shoppe will get you all the supplies you need to SMASH your life.

I'm happy to report to you that the Queen has resumed her throne (often for full days), although she does have to sit and do the icepack routine after a few hours on her feet. She is working on a class schedule for July and August, including workshops with Dyan Reaveley on July 23rd and 24th. Those details are forthcoming and will be posted here as well as on our website when they're finalized. Kudos to our very own Ellen Vargo who couldn't wait to use Dyan's new "Dylusion" stamps, and created these fabulous tags for us:

The new Wizard of Oz Collection from Graphic 45 is now in stock. I never get tired of watching the movie, and I sure do love the Scarecrow... maybe because I'm often singing to myself "...if I only had a brain"! Three different collections of cling-mounted stamps are available in this collection--really cute!

New products since last blogpost:

• New wood and cling mounted images from Stampendous
• New cling mounted Wizard of Oz Collection images from Graphic 45
• Restock of "Dylusions" stamps by Dyan Reaveley from Stampers Anonymous
• New stamps from Lockhart Stamp Company
• New stamps and dies from Memory Box
• Restock of T!m Holtz Collection cling stamp sets from Stampers Anonymous
• New 12x12 and 8x8 Wizard of Oz Collection double-sided papers from Graphic 45
• New decorative specialty paper and chipboard accents from KanBan
• Tim Holtz Collection Mini Movers & Shapers - Flourish and Lock and Key from Sizzix
• New paper embellishments from Imaginisce
• New and restock of bottlecap paper images in a variety of themes, cabachons, pendants and chains from BottleCap Inc.
• New Archival Ink Pads in 24 colors from Ranger
• New Foil Tape Sheets from Ranger
• Restock of Adirondack Color Washes (redesigned) from Ranger
• Restock of Tim Holtz Collection Kraft Resist paper stash from Advantus
• New Tim Holtz Collection ring binders in two sizes from Advantus
• Restock of Tim Holtz Collection Distress Stains from Ranger
• Restock of Sketch Markers from Copic
• New embellishments, trims, chipboard, and papers from Melissa Frances
• Restock of metal multipacks, Humungo tape sheets, and tools from TENseconds Studio
• New 6x6 and 12x12 patterned paper from the "Valise" collection by Memory Box
• New Tim Holtz Collection dies: tree branch, mini labels, and valise from Sizzix
• Restock of tubes and wands from SRM Designs
• New handmade paper from Graphic Products
• Copic Coloring Guide from Auntie's Attic
• Spellbinders Nestabilities Basics & Beyond from Auntie's Attic
• Unfurling - a mixed-media workshop with Misty Mawn from Quarry Books
• Secrets of Rusty Things - transforming found objects into art by Michael de Meng from Northlight
• Belle Armoire Jewelry (Jun/Jul/Aug 2011)
• Sew Somerset (Summer 2011)
• Cloth, Paper, Scissors (May/June 2011)
• Studio by Cloth, Paper, Scissors (Summer 2011)
• Somerset Studio Gallery  (Summer 2011)
• The Stampers' Sampler (Jun/Jul 2011)

Shop happenings...

Susan Newton is teaching a fabulous all-day workshop this coming weekend called "Creativity - There Must Be 50 Ways to Use this Stamp", a class she originally taught over 8 years ago when The Queen's Ink was located in Crofton, MD. Over and over, we've heard from our loyal royals that this one class was pivotal for them in their stamping hobby as they understood just how much mileage could be gained from a single stamp and a few different techniques/chemicals. With so much change in the industry over the years, Susan delved into the new inks, papers, and processes, and updated the workshop to include even more great information. This will be a workshop to remember for all those fortunate enough to have secured a spot (both sessions offered are now full). A special Thanks to Susan for sharing her expertise with all of us!

Check out the new publications sure to inspire you from Somerset Studio:

• Take Ten
• The Stampers' Sampler
• Somerset Studio Gallery - Summer 2011
• Artful Blogging - Visually Inspiring Online Journals
• Art Doll Quarterly

Other products that just arrived:

• Alcohol Ink from Ranger
• Restock of T!m Holtz Collection cling stamp sets from Stampers Anonymous
• Restock of Wendy Vecchi's Art Parts and Clearly for Art Modeling Film
• Restock of double-sided tear-able tape in a variety of sizes from Rubber Stamp Concepts
• Inchie Squares in assorted colors from Inchie Arts LLC

Just in...

Impression Obsession never fails to impress us (ha ha, so punny). Mitra's new wood mounted stamps are always fabulous, and now she's offering very cool cling-mounted background stamps and a new acrylic handle called the "Mega Mount" which has a 6x6 surface area and makes working with the larger images much easier.

Also new from Impression Obsession, we now have the Shaker card overlays and plastic capsules that make creating a Shaker card much easier. No more struggling to build the card - how cool is that?!

Our Zentangle display is looking pretty robust this week, with a restock of all Design Originals Zentangle publications, including the newest ones, "Alpha Tangle" and "Zen Quilting Workbook". Pay us a visit and get your own copy before they fly off the shelf! Patti taught a Zentangle Basics on Tuesday, and an Intermediate Zentangle class is scheduled for early June. Take a look at our Class Schedule, then call us to reserve your spot!

Susan Newton is teaching "Creativity - There Must Be 50 Ways to Use This Stamp!" next weekend, offered both Saturday and Sunday to accommodate our customers' busy schedules. Class size for this all-day workshop is limited to ensure each student gets plenty of attention. The display board in the shop is awesome... come by and see for yourself! The stamp you're going to use is yours to keep at the end of the workshop - cool, huh?

I just updated the Products list on the web... more dies and texture fades from Sizzix Tim Holtz Collection, plus new and restock of stamps and papers from Hero Arts.

T!m's Stuff...

Our Royal Wedding Reception last Friday night was a resounding success. Patti reigned supreme in the classroom as customers created their own tiaras, plus she was the judge for the hat contest. You wouldn't know that her new knee is only 5 weeks old! She is moving around quite well, and was almost giddy just being back in her domain! She is very appreciative of all your well wishes as she continues to recover.

Susan Newton hosted a make-n-take and we had 30 takers - wow! She taught a card technique that will be repeated over and over by those who learned it.

 I'm in the middle of putting out lots of new stuff that has T!m's name on it... boy, is he prolific! In addition to re-orders of his new cling mounted stamps some very popular Sizzix Bigz dies (Jalopy, Tag, Tray), and his Configurations boxes, we now have the tissue tape dispensers, Kraft Glassine Envelopes in two sizes and the Glassine Stash, Grungeblocks, Pen Nibs, Fractured Dolls, and Crowded Attic paper stash. We have also restocked the Distress Ink wall, including re-inkers. Hurry in cuz this stuff won't last long!!!!

You're invited...

We all want to help the Royal Couple, William and Catherine, celebrate their special day. The Queen and her Court have been eagerly watching the mailbox for our invitation, but sadly, it was apparently lost. No worries...In true royal fashion, we will be hosting an evening soiree to toast the Royals, complete with wedding favors and door prizes and an appearance by our Queen (a.k.a. Patti with a new knee).

In honor of this momentous event, we are having our biggest sale EVER!!

Come dressed for the occasion, eat royal snacks, do a make-n-take project, and have a little retail therapy too! You will also have an opportunity to create your own tricked out tiara. Wear your favorite hat... prizes will be awarded for the best ascot appropriate hat!

Remember... the celebration begins at 5:00 p.m. (okay, so we're about 12 hours late, but Queens do NOT arise that early, so we've been told).