I'm so excited to that Donna from Sparkle N Sprinkle is joining us on Saturday from 10am - noon during our Holiday Workshop. She's offering a free demo of some of their wonderful stamps and techniques as well as bringing holiday sets of their products to sell! You definitely won't want to miss her visit!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Holiday Workshop Preview #3
Here's another one of our Holiday Workshop projects. Make this adorable Christmas Stocking Card featuring paper from Cosmo Cricket for only $5. (Picture it with a candy cane...I refuse to by them until December) (Also, picture with a jingle bell attached....if I can find them in the back room from last year)
This is also a perfect for gift cards and other tiny presents!
This project will be available drop in style on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am - 4pm. You'll also receive a stocking pattern so you can recreate at home!
More previews to come!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Holiday Workshop Preview #2
Check out one of the FREE DEMOS during our Holiday Workshop on December 3rd. Learn how to turn ribbon and Glubers into beautiful flowers. These handmade accents will add something special to any of your holiday projects.
Gluber Demo will be hosted between Noon - 4pm.
Our Holiday workshop is drop in all day on the 3rd, but projects will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Check back soon for more workshop previews!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Holiday Workshop Preview #1
The holidays are rapidly approaching! Save the date to join us for our Holiday Workshop on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am - 4pm. Here's a sneak peak at one of our projects, an Envelope Mini Album featuring the Peppermint Collection from Crate Paper for only $10
This mini album can be stuffed with 6x6 mini pages or make an interactive card for the holidays. Fill the pockets with family photos, your favorite cookie recipe or craft idea and send it out with your Holiday greetings.
Kits will be available on a first come, first serve basis during our workshop, or you can reserve yours in advance for $10.
More previews to come!
Sonja
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Act Local
One of my favorite quotes is "Think Global, Act Local." It's been a business model for Coca Cola and has been inspirational to me throughout my years in non-profit work. Now as a business woman it takes on a whole new meaning, especially with the unique economy I've faced in my almost 4 years in business.
There are lots of easy, local ways you can help support your local economy and provide much needed stimulus to your favorite local businesses. Small acts of support have a tremendous impact on us and you really can make a big difference.
#1 Commit in a tangible way to buy local programs. Here are two of my favorites:
The 3/50 Project has been a tremendous grassroots movement emphasizing how support of local independents stimulates both the local & national economy. Their message is simple. Pick 3 local stores, restaurants, service providers that you can't live without and spend $50 a month among those stores. (You don't have to spend $50 at each store, just among the 3 stores). They even have an app for that!
I've got my personal 3 stores I support as well as 3 independent manufactures I support with my business.
American Express has jumped on the small business train by sponsoring Small Business Saturday, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. To encourage you to shop small, they're giving you a one time $25 credit on your AmEx statement when you spend $25 or more at an independent on November 26th. You will have to register your card in advance. Visit their website or facebook page for more details!
And there is this funny, friendly reminder from Rachel at Perfect Day Scapbooking in Huntington Beach:
#2 Pay with Cash or Check
I did so much research and strategic planning before opening the shop and forgot one teeny, tiny thing. Credit cards cost money! I was shocked at how much I was paying in fees every month for accepting credit card transactions. I pay per swipe, plus a percentage of the total sale. OUCH! You can help your favorite independent by paying with cash or check. Not only will that help us with our fees, but it improves our cash flow. Often it takes 5 days to receive the funds from credit card transactions. I know this is a tough one, I rarely carry cash myself so I know that this requires some advance planning. But if you can remember cash, especially for purchases under $20, you will really help your favorite indy.
#3 Occupy...the Workshop
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4BBZZGkX2VgY_NBKAnINa7neiEzjy8vf_SryddF1pHcIU6DKqSZFV1IuJS9pJQzM9dOh195up3W5LGO9BAAMWle1mJzmUWl8hKqLZ61Yr22YkTfZcoyYKg0lUUgVeCjNBbt4G2Ui2c4/s320/3+generations.jpg)
#4 Bring Your Own Bags
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4PjvhqmkPzaqH-1cCAuXB_QC3urWckbrB2UgIkttWUSR0RzC58pLyrr3pvL_3GpiQD-8UQMdJ52iJvXQRlvLn8PchH5foLLtyraDFleqbz_kLWpYniODeX_l0icEJc63XRg57nQBAyY/s200/shopping+bags.jpg)
#5 Spread the Word
An independents most powerful marketing tool is YOU!!! Spread the word and share your personal experience. Why are they so special to you. Share your heartfelt experience. Your personal recommendations go a long way towards promoting a local business!
Yelp is one of the best ways to review our shop. It's got a great reputation for business reviews. Whether you take the time to tell your friends, review us on Yelp, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, you are my most powerful marketing voice!
Thank you for all of your tremendous support! Love you!
Sonja
Christmas Cards with Alice
Last minute class just added for Tuesday, December 20th; 5-7pm!
***WARNING: If you take this class you probably won't want to send these cards out for the holidays....that's how much you love them!***
Alice Carman has been sharing her card making talents with us over the last year and we LOVE her! I'm sure it helps that she brings us freshly baked treats and passes our scrap goodies like candy!
These are her latest designs using the NEW Peppermint Collection from Crate Paper. This collection is adorable and we have already sold out of many of their items!
Alice is teaching 2 class sessions
Sunday, November 13th &
Sunday, December 4th
2-5pm; $35
Spots will go quickly so be sure to reserve soon with cash or a check payable to Alice Carman. Sorry, credit cards payments are not accepted for this class.
If you think you will be interested in additional class kits (so you'll have a set to send and a set to keep) please let us know prior to the class so we can have one ready for you!
SUPPLY LIST
3D foam tape or
dot
Fine tip
scissors
Tape
adhesive
Scor-tape/ high
tacky tape (red tape is ok)
White/Brown/Silver
chalk ink
White
Pen
Paper
poker
Sew Easy System
(optional)
Needle and white thread (optional if you plan to sew using the sew easy system)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Thankfulness Cubed
It sure does feel great to craft again! I whipped out this project on Saturday during our annual Costume Crop. (Here's the gang....we had soooooo much fun!)
So like I said, I have so much to be thankful for and it just so happens this is the season to have an attitude of gratitude. So I've designed this project to be a reflective, inspirational and creative piece. Set it on your coffee table at home or incorporate it as a centerpiece at Thanksgiving. This class is designed to be your own personal reflection so you'll be personalizing each side with your own photos, quotes, verses or anything at all!
Here's a better look!
This class features the family of Glimmer Mist paints, the Summer's End collection from Fancy Pants Designs and several other embellishments. I only have 6 kits available for the class ($25) or for purchase ($45 - includes all the paint products as well).
DATE CHANGE:
In the previous post I mentioned the date of November 20th. Due to scheduling difficulties I am changing the class time to November 17th. Drop in any time from 2-6pm or make arrangements to come in after hours. The project will take 2-3 hours.
SUPPLY LIST:
Bring your thankfulness items, wet adhesive such as Zip Dry, sanding tool, ink such as Chestnut Roan Cat Eye or Vintage Photo Distress Ink, 3d adhesive, scissors and paper trimmer.
See you soon!
Sonja
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