Doris' Blog

Issaquah Holiday Open House

Greetings Everyone!!  Can you belive that we are only 14 days away from Christmas.  I've been thinking that I should get some shopping done.  Where's that phone??  hee hee

The time has gone quickly this year and we are so looking forward to the start of a fresh new year.  2009 has proven to be a very challenging year for us here at the shop.  We hope that the year 2010 proves to be a year of renewal and growth.  The economy will undoubtedly need to help all of us out but we just need to stay as positive as possible to bring with it positive results.  Stay tuned!!

A reminder that our Issaquah Holiday Open House is this coming Sunday, 13 Dec, beginning at 12:00 noon.  Our featured guest is Dave Breatheur owner of Memeory Box.  He's got a demo planned from noon to 2:00 pm so be sure to stop in early.  We'll have some holiday treats as well.  All Memory Box products, including paper, are 25% off.  All Cricut cartridges will be a flat $35.00 also.  Should be fun so do stop in.  (In the event of snow, please call ahead to make sure we are able to open)

While you are there, it will be an opportunity to view the Artist's Village on display at the shop.  It is absolutely beautiful and the photos that follow do not do it justice at all.  It was designed and built by a group referred to as the Escape Artists whose names are all listed by the display.  This display, in itself, is worth the trip.  It will hopefully be displayed in West Seattle early in 2010.  It is georgeous and you can believe that we are very honored to have the opportunity to display this village.  It'll be there through the year so, please, stop in to see just what I mean.  Here are a handful of photos.

This view is at floor level.  Again, the photos do not do the display justice.  Our on site photographer, Kathy Fox, has done a wonderful job with the photos but seeing this display is worth the trip in.

Here is a wider view of the village.  When displayed, an acrylic protective siding surrounds the village.  We removed it for these photos.

 
 
Here is a top view of the village.  I'm telling you... you just gotta see it in person.  Your gonna love it.  Until later everyone.... hugs to all - Doris

 

December Has Arrived!!

Greetings Everyone!!  I did not realize that it'd been so long since my last blog.  I seem to get busy and buried in details with one thing after another.  What I really hate is being behind all the time.  I'm trying to catch up but time and money always seem to be a factor. 

Our recent 5:00 am escapade was not what we had expected but it clearly was a sign of the times.  I knew that the economy was in turmoil and we've been caught up in it but I had no idea until then just how bad it really is.  We are doing our best to hang tough but we do need your help in doing so.  If you have choices of where you make purchases, I would ask that a lot of consideration be given to purchasing locally versus say the internet.  It'll make a difference for us and also for you in the long run in that we will be able to remain a viable community service so..... please keep that in mind while shopping for the holidays.

Please consider purchasing our holiday punch card.  They are really cute and have a great return on them.  Both locations have them in stock so help us both by being a part of the punch card program. January 2010 will also kick off renewals for our passport program.  This has been an extremely effective program for everyone so if you are not a member, please consider joining.  We've picked a couple of Issaquah business which we think are a great start so do check it out.

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and it was all that you wanted it to be.  I spent the day napping and enjoyed a rice and bean frozen dinner.  It was absolutely all that I wanted it to be.  I'm hoping that this could become an annual for me but I might not be able to get away with it again as the family missed leftovers and since none of us cooked, there were none.  Until the next time on that one!

I don't have any current pics but hopefully by my next blog.  Our Wed demos in Issaquah continue to go strong and we so appreciate all of you who make it a point to come.  It is definitely fun and challenging so I think it has become a win win for everyone!!

This is probably enough babble for one blog.  I hope that with December just minutes away that you have a FANTASTIC month leading up to Christmas.  Be sure to keep in sight what it is all about and include lots of family and friends as the season evolves.  Take care!!  Until the next time.... hugs Doris

13 Annual Craft Show is Coming Soon!!

Hello Bloggers!!  I've had two individuals mention the blog to me this week so thought I would provide a short update of sorts.

I survived the Used Rubber Stamp Sale on Saturday.  I tried to include some pictures but for whatever reason, typepad was not cooperating or I did something wrong with the photos (imagine that!).  I will, therefore, give it another try in a later blog.  There were 9 individuals all selling their goods so we had fun but were surprised to see so few folks stop in.  The parking was great but we suspect that the wind and rain may have kept many folks tucked in.  I can't blame anyone so the stamps will have to live in closets until the next time.

Our 13th Annual Craft Show kicks off Friday morning at 10:00 so we hope many of you will be available to stop in anytime from then until Sunday, at 5:00 when the sale will wrap up for West Seattle.  We'll do it again in Issaquah the folowing Friday, 20 November, with a whole new lineup.  If you dare, stop in between 5 pm and 7 pm on Friday, the 13th, when the vendors will provide some crafty edibles and my famous eggnog punch will be available for your indulgence.  It should be a fun time so I hope to see you all soon.

Helene Metivier, owner of Magenta, will be here on the 17th of November.  There is still space in the 6:00 pm class in West Seattle.  Issaquah is now taking a waiting list.  Cards are of a general nature so they would be great to add to your shoebox.  Give us a call (206) 932-3891 to get registered.  The catalog is currently in Issaquah and is our featured catalog of the month so if you need/want anything, do let us know.  An order will go in shortly after her class.

OK folks, that's enough babble for one blog.  I'll see you all soon.  Have a HAPPY Week!

Hugs - Doris

The Party's Over!!

Greetings Everyone!! I've been wanting to post since Saturday but I've been swamped with "stuff".  These days there are just not enough hours in a single day.  Good news is that the newsletter has been released.  I hope you will find a class or two that you'll consider for keeping your creative spirit alive during the possible holiday frenzies!!

The Paper Connection has also been released with another terrific series of papers, goodies, and host of other things.  If you are not a member of the Paper Connection, please consider joining.  It's one of our ways for keeping the store afloat these days with the lovely economy and a great means for you in keeping your shoebox full of ready to go greetings cards.  It's almost like a class in a box with all the samples that are included each month.  A great gift just for you each month.

Lots is going on including the Used Rubber Stamp Sale on Saturday, 7 Nov 2009.  It starts at 8:00 am so that parking is readily available.  West Seattle is also hosting a HUGE paper sale on Fri, 6 Nov, Sat, 7 Nov, and Sun, 8 Nov.  This is a West Seattle event only!!  All paper in stock on the main floor is 30% off, or 40% off with a passport, or better yet, 50% off with a passport and member of the Paper Connection.  It's not quite a steal but it is close.

Many thanks to Diane Walter and Judy Burton who handed out our Tootsie Pops at the Halloween giveaway.  They handed out nearly 1,800 tootsie pops leaving one box for each of the stores.  Now that's a lot of kids.  The streets were a swarm of people.  Very fun with every costume imaginable.  I've posted a couple of pics below for your viewing pleasure. 

That's it for now bloggers.  More later but do check out the newsletter.  It is totally full, full, full with all that is going on.  By the way, we have reached the halfway mark for our Sweet Willey goal of $1.000.00.  We are confident that with all of your generosities we will get there!  Have a GREAT week and keep that creativity going.  Share it with us as we love to see what you are up to. 

Some of the empty boxes of Tootsie Pops along with all of the other debris.  Thousands of kids showed up.  I'm sure we even missed a few.

Somewhere in this crowd are Diane and Judy.  This is directly in front of the store.  This was one of the "mild" runs as I was able to take a photo.  Whew!!

Ahhhh... here is Diane.  Now just where has Judy gone??  Judy - where are you!!

Like I said "The party's over".  Diane and Judy did not melt away but the sweatshirts sure did come off early...........

......Until next time!!  Happy Hugs Everyone - Doris

 

A Tootsie Toast to Halloween

Hello bloggers!!  Just want to have a little fun here.  This is what 2.000 kids represent for us on Halloween.  Yep, that's correct - we've purchased 2,000 tootsie pops for this year's Trick or Treat in the Junction on Halloween Day, Saturday, 31 October 2009.  We usually do chocolate but with this year's anticipated increase in kids (from 1600 last year), we thought it prudent to do something less costly given the economic turmoil.  Yep, we feel the pinch too.  Anywy, here is what 2000 tootsie pops look like..... Have fun with it!!  Hugs to all - Doris

p.s.  this event takes place from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm.  If you have an inclination to participate, come on down.  You can hang out at the shop to see all the ghosts and goblins go by.  They really are cute!!

Trick or Treat!!

Greetings Everyone!!  Only treats here and no tricks!!  It's been incredibly busy especially with so much paperwork due at about the same time.  Quarterly taxes are due and I am working on the Nov/Dec newsletter which is nearly complete so be on the lookout for it.  As usual, we have fabulous classes that will help to fill those shoeboxes for all types of card giving.  Combine a few greeting cards and make a holiday gift with it to include a fancy box or some pretty ribbon.  You'll likely have some happy recipients!

Quite a bit of new "stuff" has arrived including a huge delivery from Peddler's Pack.  We recently conducted a demo using these background stamps and folks just loved them so here they are again.  These are like old standbys that you rely on all the time.  Take a look at the photo below to see just what I mean.

Pretty nice eh?  I have personally loved this line of rubber stamps for years.  They work really well with all sorts of media including bleach - yep plain old laundry bleach!  Here's another look.

This pumpkin background is just the greatest.  It reminds me so much of the feel of velvet.  It's a wonderful stamp which presents many opportunities for showcasing it.  We've got more....

 
Oh this fern is yummy also.  Using bleach, it results in many different colors depending upon the paper used.  Best to experiment with paper until you get a look that you like.  I thought this might be enough but I've got a couple more....

 

The Peddler's Pack Rubber Stamp Company made this sample.  It is really wonderful in person and is currently at the Issaquah location so stop in to take a look.  Here comes the last one.....

 
 
 This is just something for fun.  It looks really cool and spidery when you cut out the eyes, nose, and mouth and attach the spider web background to it.  Just in time for Halloween.

Both locations have lots of these rubber stamps on hand.  Samples are currently in Issaquah but we are hoping to see some in West Seattle soon. 

I think that I have taken up my blog time for one evening.  I hope you enjoy these pictures and samples.  They really are gotta see in person.  I'd like to thank Kathy Fox, one of our friendly Issaquah store managers, for taking the photos and making them available to us.  Gotta keep it fun and this is what these stamps are all about.  Hope to see many of you soon.  Hugs to everyone!!  Doris

It's Getting Frightful Out There!!

Greetings Everyone!!  It's getting frightful out there with all the wind and rain.  The last two days have been incredibly nice but I know the worse is yet to come.  It seems that Halloween is always wet.  A reminder that trick or treating is in the Junction from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Saturday, 31 October.  Tons of children and parents are out and about and it's a great way to celebrate Halloween with the kids in a safe, daytime environment.  Hope you stop by!!

It's been a few days since I've blogged.  It has been incredibly busy for me and somedays I am not sure if I am coming or going.  Somehow I even included teaching a Stampscapes class out in Issaquah.  It was very fun and rewarding and so now I am hoping to do more.   It does, however, consume a good chuck of time.  Oh well, my theory has always been that it will get done somehow.

There are quite a few new "things" at either location.  Northwoods, along with display boards, have arrived at each location.  B-line now consumes two full racks in Issaquah and Stampscapes is full in Issaquah and will be in West Seattle by Thursday.  Let's not forget the Graphic 45 yummy papers.  The holiday line along with two brand new lines, is fabulous!!  These are a must see.  Right now Issaquah houses them all but we are hoping to pick some up for West Seattle also.  If not, Issaquah is an easy 20 minute ride from West Seattle.  We'd love for you to come visit.

The Wesnesday demos are going strong in Issaquah.  A great 1:00 pm activity when you have nothing else to do (fat chance!!) and they are fun to boot.  Learn a new technique each week and add to your ring of techniques.  If you are new, you will be given a ring to house all your technique tags.  It's loads of fun watching them build.

That's it for one babbly blog!!  I'll try to include pictures in my next blog.  I think they are always fun to see and add to all that frivolity we so enjoy.  Have a GREAT week and make some fun art.  Hugs - Doris

It's Sunday Already

It's just after midnight and I really should be sleeping but a long evening nap precludes me from doing just that!!  Oh, how wonderful are those naps?  I am here to tell you that wonderful is putting it mildly.  As a result, however, I get very little done when I should be doing lots of other "stuff".  In any case, love those naps and can't (or won't) live without them.  It's a great time to just slow down.

No Sunday's pick this week and I think I'll just end it today since I am so late anyway.  Although I have enjoyed playing with Sunday's pick, it is obviously not what you would like for it to be and the response has not been what I want it to be so..... Please consider Sunday's Pick finished, done, completed, no more, the end, etc.  We'll need to come up with something new that will be of value to both of us so if you have any thoughts or ideas, I would love to hear from you.

Since it is already late, I will make this short.  If you are looking to play, the balcony in West Seattle is available as well as the training room in Issaquah for Monday's holiday.  Bring a project or two and settle in for the day.  Make it a creative and artful day just for yourself.

Have a GREAT week.  I expect to post some pictures in my next blog.  I'm waiting on some to come in just for fun so.... until then.... take care - Hugs - Doris

Happy October!!

Greetings Everyone!!  Can you believe that it is October already.  It is my favorite time of the year with all the vivid colors and crisp, fresh and clean air.  It's just wonderful to be outside while the sun is still squeaking in knowing that those days are numbered.  Although I have had to pull out my jacket, I really do not mind after the very hot summer we experienced.  All the splendor of autumn makes up for any cold days that we have been experiencing.

I've been busy between both shops and playing runner between the two.  I'd love to be in Issaquah more to participate in the weekly demo day but duty calls here in West Seattle.  The economy has finally caught up with us and now the West Seasttle staff is at a minimum so I am spending lots more time there.  I love being in West Seattle also so I feel fortunate when I can float back and forth.  Do visit each of the locations.  We have lots of new and different goods at each place so it's fun (even for me) to check it all out.  When new "stuff" is received in Issaquah, I have to check it out from the shelves also.  I love it though and just love seeing all the new goods.  Did I mention that Graphic45 papers have come in.  They are in one word "georgeous".  You can find these in Issaquah for the time being.  Take a look below at some of the Northwoods that just arrived including a simply georgeous board.  How fun is this??  These are at both locations so stop in to say hello and take a look.

  

That should be enough for one blog but for those of you who have asked for Kayla's address here tis.  I know that she would love some mail.  College can be a trying time as many of you know.  Here tis.

Kayla Stull

3307 3rd Avenue W Mailstop 1978

Seattle WA  98119-7911

Auntie will appreciate it also.  I love sending her cards and never tell her they are coming.  It's so fun to make it a surprise.  Have a Happy Week everyone - hugs - Doris
 

Sunday's Pick

Greetings Everyone!!  I have been wanting to blog all week long and one thing after another has taken precedence for whatever reason.  The liklihood of anyone reading the blog for Sunday's pick is slim but here we go anyway just in case.  I do apologize and I must tell you that I am in the process of rethinking Sunday's pick since it's not really generating much interest.  Anyone have any ideas for something interesting?  Please let me know and we'll see about giving it a whirl.  In the meantime, Sunday's pick for both locations is Tim Holtz "anything" including rubber stamps and accessories at 16% off the original price.  Let's see if we can't get some Tim action of our own since he does not seem to want to come to Seattle.

As I mentioned, its been a hugely busy week.  I took a day to help the family get Kayla situated into college.  That was very very fun and an experience and/or opportunity I wish I had been given at her age.  She is going to do very well.  Her dorm room is cute and I'm sure it'll be a work in progress.  Classes begin on Monday so I'll keep you posted for all of you who know Kayla. 

Demo's in Issaquah are now starting at 1:00 pm (versus 1:30) so, if you've been coming, be sure to note the new time.  We are also closing an hour earlier in Issaquah making the closing time 6:00 Monday through Friday.  Another thing to make note of.  At some point, we will likely get West Seattle in line with these hours but for the time being West Seattle closures on Monday through Friday will remain at 7:00 pm.  We are simply finding that there is no traffic, or very little, during the last hour.  Given the economic turmoil that we've been experiencing, it'll help with any payroll issues by helping to cut cuts.

An update e-mail will follow shortly with other "stuff" going on so be on the lookout for that (likely tomorrow).  Just to keep you engaged, here are a couple photos of Maria and Don's "Fashion Statement" workshop held last week.  It was a real winner and a very artful day for all participants. 

Have a GREAT week and please remain in touch.  Enjoy the photos. - Hugs - doris