Sugar Hoarder?

Funny thing when you start packing to move.  You find all sorts of things.  Like the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of sweetener packets I found in the back room.  Four years of crops and coffee...and this is what you get.  I figure since I'm now unemployed, I'll use these to barter for next few cups of Starbucks.

Thankful

My decision to close the shop is still so surreal.  I really thought I'd be embarking an a new journey by moving the shop.  Still I am at peace with my decision.  As I look back over the last 4 years, I have so much to be thankful for!  Here are just a few of my musings...

  At the crazy age of 29, I got to follow a crazy 
dream of opening a scrapbook store.

I have been surrounded by the most loving
and supportive family and friends a girl could ask for.

  My faith in God assures me that this is not the end,

 but the beginning of something wonderful and new. 

  I've been privileged to meet some amazing and remarkable

 people at the shop and count some of them as my dearest friends! 

  I've learned so much and am so much

 stronger than I ever thought I could be.


Thanks,
Sonja

Love is in the Air

Join me for this lovely banner class 

Thursday, February 2nd; 6-8pm 

More details TBA

Sonja

The First 3 Hours....

Here's a couple snaps from the first layouts of our Done in 15 class.  This class starts a week from today and runs for 5 weeks!  During that time you'll complete and entire scrapbook and pick up lots of tips, tricks and new techniques along the way.  

Wednesday nights starting January 18th

7-10pm; $100/5 sessions

Call 310-410-7272 to register.  

Done in 15

Can you spare 15 hours over 5 weeks?  How about 3 hours every Wednesday?  I'm launching a new scrapbook class series with the aim of finishing an entire album in 15 hours!  Can it be done?  Yes, it can!

Join me for 5 Wednesdays as we work through an SEI album kit.  We'll complete 2 double page spreads during each class.  Plus, I'll be putting my own creative spin on each layout teaching you plenty of tips and tricks along the way.   This is a great class for those of you who have never scrapped before or veteran scrappers who are looking to finish a project!!!

Scrapbook Album Class $100/5 sessions

That's $20 a session!

Class series includes the Fresh Cut Scrapbook Album Kit from SEI a $35 value, 

with hundreds of items to work with.  

Plus, you'll learn how to personalize your layouts with handmade embellishments, stamping, stitching, antiquing and various layering techniques.  

Wednesday, January 18th; 7-10pm

Wednesday, January 25th; 7-10pm

Wednesday, February 1st; 7-10pm

Wednesday, February 8th;7-10pm

Wednesday, February 15th; 7-10pm

This first person to register for this class will receive 50 free 4x6"  photo prints!

This One Has Nothing To Do With the Holidays...

Just a quick class announcement!

Monika Thomas is coming to teach this nifty recipe book 

featuring materials from Canvas Corp!

Tuesday, January 17th; 6-8pm; $30*.  

Call to sign up

310-410-7272

*cash or check payable to Monika Thomas.  

Last Minute Treats

If you're needing last minute treats, check out the tubes from SRM Press.  Their popular tube now comes in two additional variations...the wand and the mini.  The wand is perfect for m & m's (yummy!) and the mini is actually perfect as a place card holder.  So here are some festive ideas featuring stickers from SRM, also!

The tube and the wand are $1 each  (sorry, candy and card not included) and the mini is 75 cents!

 

Merry Christmas

I did it!  I actually made Christmas Cards this year.  Now the trick is getting them addressed and posted in time.  I'd love to send each and every one of you a card, but this post will just have to do.  

I found the tree pattern in a craft book of my moms. Its basically a half circle folded on itself a couple times. I used prints from Crate Paper's Peppermint Collection!

I accented with red Pearl Pens from Viva Decor and tinsel from my stash of stuff!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Much love, 

Sonja

Happy Hanukkah!

Can I tell you a funny story?    This one has nothing to do with scrapbooking but it does involve the theme of today's layouts.  Yesterday I was at Trader Joe's and an older couple was arguing in the baked goods section about whether or not certain items were kosher.  It was getting to be a pretty heated discussion and everyone was backing away and giving them their space.  Finally the husband walks off in a huff and says, "Fine, let's just bring them a ham."  It was one of the funnier moments I've had at TJs!

Ok, back to scrapping....here's some Hanukkah inspiration for you for the first day of the Festival of Lights!  I loved layering the new Hanukkah paper from Karen Foster with other prints around the shop, including a navy houndstooth that is found on the reverse side of a My Mind's Eye print and a distressed solid from Crate Paper's Random collection.   The ruffle couldn't have been easier!  I added double stick tape along the perimeter of the paper and formed the ruffle by hand.  No sewing involved!  Love it!  Of course, you can't go wrong with torn or sanded edges.  

Be sure to set out some time to shop our Hanukkah selection, its the best one we've ever had! 

Sonja

Cousins' Christmas with Jingle from Lily Bee

Remember I said that I got to scrapbook with my own photos last weekend?  Well, here's another layout featuring the Jingle Collection from Lily Bee Design.  It's not quite done yet.  Need to journal a bit about our special cousins' Christmas gathering, but I think there's enough here so you get the idea.  

I combined the cardstock & alphabet stickers for the custom title banner.  The layout itself is a patchwork featuring the collection's Index Journaling Cards.  

Come on in and check out this collection...you'll love it!

Progressive Holiday Banner Class

Join us the weekend for our first joint class with Stampin' from the Heart.  For this progressive class you'll complete half of the banner at my shop and half at Karen's shop. 

We've designed two different banners so you can create one for $12 or both for $20.   You can also start either project at either store so the options are endless!

Winter Believe Banner featuring Winter Twig by Little Yellow Bicycle

Christmas Believe Banner featuring Wonder Wishes from Little Yellow Bicycle.  

I'll be matching my hours with Karen during this project

Friday 11am - 8pm

Saturday 10am - 6pm (or 10 pm if I have a crop)

This class is drop in style, anytime Friday & Saturday!

And, of course, yummy spiced cider and treats will be served, 

as well as an opportunity to save 15%, 25% or 35% storewide. 

Christmas Kitty with Canvas Corp

I hope you are sitting down, because not only did I scrapbook with real photos this weekend but I scrapbooked with my photos!  I actually made pages for my own scrapbook!  Once you have recovered from your dizzy spell take a look at "Christmas Kitty" with Canvas Corp papers.  

I accented the layout with canvas fringe ($2/yard) 

and a canvas star shape ($2/3)!  

The layout is also accented with Candy Cane twine from the Twinery and 

custom buttons from Epiphany Craft Studio! 

But wait, there's more.  I have another layout to show you.  You'll see later this week!  

Best, Sonja

Holiday Workshop Preview #5

I am always telling people that I am going to take up jewelry making in my spare time.  These people generally look at me with a giant question mark....what spare time?  But I am keeping the faith alive.  One day, jewelry making will be my hobby.  Too kick things off, I have our first Patera make 'n' take.  Patera combines two of my favorite things....paper and jewelry.  Choose to make either charm for only $5.  You can wear your creation, give as a gift or use it to embellish your favorite paper craft!  Supplies are limited for this project...I only have a total of 10 charms. 

If Patera looks like something you're interested in learning more about, let me know!  I'm looking in to starting regular Patera classes next year.  Let's learn together!

Sonja

Holiday Workshop Preview #4

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! 

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!

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!

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

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

So this is a big buzz word right now, but what I really mean is you can show your support by simply showing up for a crop, class or even our free workshop time.  A full shop is a happy shop!   Whenever people are working here, there is a natural draw.  People want to come in and find out what's going on.  Some people discover their own crafty passions.  So even if you're not in the mood to go shopping you can show your support by filling our workshop with the sounds of paper trimmers, scissors, eyelet setters and most importantly laughter!

#4  Bring Your Own Bags

We're scrapbookers so we never seem to be in shortage of bags.  Bringing your own bags when you shop with your favorite independent is not only good for our environment but helps a business owner with their bottom line.  Imagine how many cool scrapbook supplies I could buy for the shop if I didn't have to spend so much money on bags!

#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)