Doris' Blog

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

Sunday's Pick

Greetings Everyone!!  Hey, its only Wesnesday and here I am already with Sunday's pick!!  I'm really not that efficient.  I just found a photo from one of Elaine Woodhouse's class and wanted to share it with you.  You can look for it later in this blog.  It's on altered playing cards.

But first, Sunday's pick. Ok, let's get ready for Halloween now instead of waiting for the last minute.  For both locations, anything Halloween is 19% off.  The pickings are still good so come in, mention this blog, and receive a huge 19% discount on anything Halloween that is regularly priced .  This is a real spooky deal so hurry on in before all the spooks are gone!!

Our food drives have begun for both locations.  On your next visit in, please remember to bring any amount of non-perishable food for the West Seattle and Issaquah food banks.  The needs are great so lets all pitch in to make it a brighter holiday for those less fortunate than us.  I thank you in advance for your consideration of this fund raiser.  Can't shop or just forget.  Make a donation and we'll shop for you.  My personal commitment is that every time I go to Costco (which is fairly often) I pick up something for the food bank.  It's very easy to do and painless to boot!!

OK - here is a tribute to Elaine Woodhouse and her fabulous altered playing card classes.  As you will see from this photo, Elaine provides the student with lots and lots of choices for creating these fabulous altered playing cards.  It's loads of fun and the technique is quite unique we think.  Way to go Elaine!!  Remember to have a great week everyone!!  Hugs - Doris

I'm Back!!

Greetings Everyone!!  I am so very sorry for the last couple of weeks and not being able to post.  I've missed being in touch and promise to work at this a tad harder.  Here is the latest:  Sunday's pick is the WOWZA wheel with a discount of up to 25% on regularly priced merchandise.  Just mention the blog at either location.  The WOWZA wheel is in West Seattle but Yvonne will call in for us to spin the wheel for you.  Sound like fun?  You bet it is.  See you all soon!

 

Hope to see many of you there!!  Hugs - Doris

A Quick Update from Friends

Greetings Everyone!!  Just a quick update on a couple of things and also to show you a couple of photos from this week's demo day on Wednesday.

First off, just want to remind everyone of the upcoming Customer Appreciation BBQ and demo day on Sunday, 23 August 2009.  We'll have several demos starting at 1:00 pm and running simultaneously until 3:00 pm.  Our grill specialist will start cooking at noon and food will be served until 2:00 pm or while supplies last.  Chef Debbie Royer is bringing her famous mac salad and will have other goodies as well.  Oh yes, I am offering 39% off on any rubber stamp or stamp set in honor of my 39th Birthday (hee hee).  Can't forget important details like that (please-no gifts!).

Sunday's pick:  West Seattle's pick is 20% off on any Lockhard Rubber Stamps and we have lots including most of the new ones.  Must mention the blog.

Sunday's pick:  Issaquah's pick is 20% off on any Memory Box Rubber Stamps and we have lots of those also.  Must mention the blog.

OK - now onto the photos.   In our first photo, some of the ladies attending the demo are busy working on their project.  Do you think they are having fun?  We suspect so......

 

In this next photo, it looks like Margaret is showing off her project.  Way to go Margaret!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

and lastly, here is the project that attendees completed.  It consists of wax resist using a single sunflower and masking that sunflower to create a full sheet of sunflowers. Great fun and fabulous projects completed by all!