Friday, September 30, 2011

Introducing 6x6 papers

Check it out...Authentique just introduced 6x6 papers that are sold INDIVIDUALLY (instead of in a pad). Genius!

Come and see us...we've got 'em all in stock :)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Happy Hump Day


Hello beautiful :)

Aren't you glad the sun is shining?!? I'm thankful for a big dose of Vitamin D today :)

Today's Hump Day kit is brought to you by the lovely Nicole. It has a BEACH theme and is sure to go fast!

Still only $5, while supplies last...

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

New from LYB

Introducing two new, BEAUTIFUL collections by Little Yellow Bicycle. Meet HELLO FALL and WINTER WISHES :)


Saturday, September 24, 2011

Consignment Sale Recap

Our second annual Consignment Sale was a success!

It's always a fun event, for several reasons.

First, from a staff perspective, it's a LOT of hard work. BUT...it's fun because we rarely get to work with all the staff at once. In case you haven't noticed, we actually LIKE working together and have fun in the process. This is one of those events where we need all hands on deck.

One question that popped up over a dozen times was "Is this a going out of business sale?" Well...HELLO...if we WERE going out of business - which we are NOT - why would we be selling our customers' products? This is an event where we allow the CUSTOMERS the chance to sell their old stuff and upgrade it with NEW stuff. It's a win/win event...it's good for our customers and it's good for our store. (In all fairness, I will cut some slack to all the new people who wandered in after seeing the SALE banner.)

So...as customers bring in all their boxes, bags, laundry baskets, buckets and tubs full of products, we place them in the crop room.



Then, we start sorting the items, one by one, in categories. All the punches on one table, dies on another, totes over there, etc. etc. This is the step that requires many, many hours. And, it's constant process of sorting, resorting and sorting again. It's sorta like cleaning out your closet...it just never seems to end and always gets worse before it gets better :)



We work right up until opening time making sure the store is ready for extra traffic. The SALE banner goes up, the second register is opened, the air conditioner gets set a little lower and the staff is updated with the latest information so that we can best answer your questions and reduce your wait time at checkout. It was raining this year, so we let our customers form a line in the store. Who wants to wait in the rain?!? The OPEN sign gets turned on at 10 and the craziness begins! (The picture below was taken in the afternoon because I couldn't even get close to the crop room in the morning. It's always super packed in the morning as the early bird is trying to find her worm.)



The sale lasts from Saturday to Monday. The entire time you are buying, we are straightening up the products, rearranging them in their containers and spreading things out so that they can be seen better. And...when I say we...I am referring to our staff AND our wonderful set of volunteers. Our volunteers did a great job...THANK YOU!



When the sale ended Monday evening, our work was only half complete. We had a private crop coming in at 10 a.m. the next morning, so the room had to be emptied and cleaned. Early Tuesday morning, Anna, Michelle and I came in early and sorted every last item back into their original boxes. We were seriously busting butt!

In the end, the sale was a huge success. The average seller made $179.59 that they can now use to buy new products in our store through the end of the year. The items that the sellers did not want back will be donated to a local elementary school. The art department, teachers and after school program (run by the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation) will all benefit. (We've already made one trip with 8 boxes of supplies! The rest will be delivered next week.)

A special thanks to Anna and Michelle who worked many hours setting up and 'tearing down' and to our entire staff for making this event run smoothly.

For those who shopped the sale items, we know you found some incredible deals. Thank you for your continued support!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Hump Day


Happy HUMP day!

And...it's also SCRAP-A-GANZA alumni registration day :)

Hump Day kits are brought to you today by the lovely Michelle! Stop by and pick up a kit for only $5, while supplies last.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

2011 Consignment Sale

Starts Saturday at 10 a.m. and goes until close of business on Monday.

Get there early for the best selection.

(And...for even better prices...make sure you come back on HALF PRICE MONDAY!)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Happy Hump Day!

Happy Hump Day!  Today's Hump Day kit is brought to you by the fabulous Amy :)


Hump Day kits are one page layouts designed by our staff and kitted for you each Wednesday.  They come with color directions, so all you have to do is put it together and add your pictures. 

Still only $5, while supplies last.

Enjoy this sneak peek of today's layout!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Where were you on September 11th?

It's one of those defining moments in our lives that we'll never forget. Did you scrapbook a page about that historical day? If not, you should consider it. Even if you have no pictures. Write it down. Where were you...who where you with...what were you thinking...how you spent the rest of the day...how it changed your life...and how the memories are still so fresh even after 10 years.

To help with your page of remembrance, we are giving out a FREE 9/11/01 die cut with any purchase, while supplies last. 

 We honor the thousands of heros lost on September 11, 2001, who knowingly or not, gave up their lives for our freedom. We will always remember.

Two new collections from Simple Stories

Leave a legacy! Share your families' story and preserve your loved ones memories for generations to come in a simple, yet meaningful way.







Countdown to Christmas in style! It's the most wonderful time of the year. Capture all your magical memories as you countdown to that special day.






Friday, September 2, 2011

December 25th (are you counting down the days?!?)



Only 113 days 'til Christmas! Hey...don't shoot the messenger :) Check out this new collection, appropriately titled December 25th, by Kaiser (our Aussie friends).

I know the paper images are a bit small, but hopefully you get the jist. (click on the image to enlarge) The holly paper is beautiful and always in high demand!






















Here's something fun for you. Made out of wood, these storage boxes are perfect for Christmas or any other time of the year. Paint 'em, Mod Podge 'em, cover 'em in paper...WHATEVER works! First up is the 12 drawer storage box.



Kaiser printed this paper (part of the December 25th collection) so that the squares are a perfect fit on the 12 drawer storage box. (I love things like this that require less brain power!)



Here are a few other examples of the 12 drawer storage boxes...two are decorated for Christmas and the other has a sewing theme.











































































In addition to the 12 drawer storage box, Kaiser also introduced the 25 drawer storage box. It's perfect for Christmas Advent Calendars or storing small items like scrapbooking embellishments, hair accessories, sewing supplies, office supplies, etc. The possibilities are endless!













And...just like the paper made especially for the 12 drawers, Kaiser also printed paper with squares that fit the 25 drawers. Love it!



Here's an example of the finished 25 drawer storage box using the Hunt and Gather collection (which we also have in-stock).



























Happy crafting!