ON THE PERSONAL SIDE

In my last newsflash I mentioned that my step-daughter from London has been diagnosed with cancer. After tests, surgery and everything possible the outcome is not very positive. Carleen is an amazing woman and is being very positive about the entire thing. It has shaken the entire family of course and certainly puts everything into perspective. Life is to precious to let even one day go by without living it to the fullest. That is what we all must do and is certainly Carleen's intention, we are so very proud of her!

This is the stepdaughter who remarried last year, she has 11 and 13 year old daughters.

Keith and I decided to look for a new living room set a few weeks ago and things snow balled to changing the walls as well. So it meant stripping wallpaper off and now the entire house is in a turmoil. Keith has his hands full once again now that the kitchen is almost done. I know, you're saying "poor Keith" but it is keeping him out of trouble. While he plays at home we are busy deciding......

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE STORE

To say things have changed is making an understatement. Many people are coming out of hibernation and noticing the layout of the store has changed. That actually happened a couple months ago. After Brenda and I came home from our east coast convention and listened to some seminars while there, we came to the conclusion that certain areas of the store needed to be re-vamped. It is really just the back area where we currently do our demos on the Cuttlebug etc. Things look so much better now and even the back class area has taken on a new look...for the better.

It was a packed filled 4 days at the convention, attending classes by 8am and not finishing until at least 9pm. Oh but the projects we did, the new products we worked with, the talented people we met and the amazing techniques we learned made it all worthwhile. Brenda has taken down all the projects from the last convention and put all the new ones we completed in their place. We both still have at least 3 projects we still have to complete.

We are full of ideas for programs and new classes. You'll see a change to how we handle classes as they will be based on the new programs we implement and the time frame will be shorter in teaching these classes. We intend to plan, implement them for a couple months then go on to other new classes. We will no longer be offering them for an extended length of time.

Out with the old and in with the new. Once we get the new classes up on the site and on display in the store, if you are interested get your class booked sooner than later or you might be out of luck on us teaching the class a few months down the road.

We are on Facebook: ''LIKE'' our page and keep updated on what's happening at the store. You never know what we will be doing ...like giving away free product!!

ATC Club: we are going strong as each month a few more people join. We have artists from Texas, New York, and even Australia. So that is pretty cool!

Kids ATC Club...: we are starting to develop this program that will occur on Sat. mornings once a month. Stay tuned. If you think your child or children would be interested, please contact the store.

BLOG: for those that are not following our BLOG shame on you...for those that are we are in the process of getting a feed on it that you can subscribe to and this enables all new blog entries to be forwarded to your email so you know when something new is posted as postings will be on there much more regularly! And watch for our technique videos!

WHAT'S COMING IN THE FUTURE

Effective April 1st, which is the beginning of the second quarter, we will be introducing a new exciting line of papers and embellishments. We will be offering classes on card making, scrapping, making a mini album and another type of papercraft using all the products within the new line. As well, we will be bringing new stamps in to use. Product will come and go and we will probably decide not to reorder some of it again.

This decision was made to keep up to date on everything new that companies are constantly introducing. We will always offer the introductory classes such as Copic Makers, beginners Stamping and Scrapbooking, Pergamano, Cuttlebug, Cricut etc. Our classes will still continue to be offered on the requests of our customers. We feel it's no use setting up a class schedule based on our availability since we are here for you. If you want a class on something you see in the store or on our site get in touch with us... it's that easy. We''ll plan it according to your day and time.

I have decided to remain open on Thursday nights to allow people to come in to work on their projects, whatever that might be. This will work exactly the same as Monday nights and since Monday's are pretty full on a regular basis, it seemed only right to open another night. I would greatly appreciate if you plan on coming in you would call that day so I can plan for the number of people. If no one comes in by 8pm for the Thurs. evening I will probably decide to close at that time. We'll see how it goes.

Some of the new companies we will be pursing from the recent convention are: Ten Seconds Studio -Very different products for mainly card making but also for embellishing layouts and other papercrafting project; Elizabeth Craft Designs has some interesting techniques using glitter that we will be expanding on.

Between Brenda and I, 4 Tim Holtz classes were taken using their new products, Brenda is full of new ideas. Hero Arts was another class and workshop that we got some unique ideas from.

Between all our classes we worked on such products as, diecuts, distress inks, glitters and peel off stickers, stains, glossy accents, embossing powders, metal, acrylic paints, ultra thick enamel, radiant pearls, chalk inks, many of Tim Holtz''s embellishments and newest dies, tools such as the new sewing piercer and brad setter from We Are Memory Keepers, Viva Décor products, Copic markers, ribbons, chipboard and the list goes on and on. Papers such as Quick Quotes, Bo Bunny, My Little Yellow Bicycle were just a few of the lovely papers we made our projects with.

We have ordered Luminarte products such as the radiant pearls (had these in the store a few years ago) but with the new things we learned they have generated new ideas. What's old is new again they say. Wall décor is so very popular and Brenda is really into that, so expect to see spin offs to that as well in some classes. Stay tuned on our initiatives in the above areas.

We'll be saving some of our new ideas for our fall fling which we have set a date for September 10th and 11th. We are in the process of lining up a teacher who represents companies such as Hero Arts. Ten Second Studio, Hampton Arts, Elizabeth Craft, Outlines Stamps and at least 30 other companies including the top Scrapbooking Companies. Keep that weekend open and stay tuned for all the details of our yearly event. I''ll let you in on a secret...: the companies were very generous with the giveaways we were given to do whatever we want with. And for those that follow the BLOG and Facebook you know as many were given away as prizes just for leaving a comment!

We expect to receive many of Tim Holtz dies and most of the new Spellbinders by April 12th. We are quite excited. As well, we have many new Ecstasy Crafts products, such as 3D designs and oh the new peel off small ribbon, leaves and rose borders are amazing. These are used mainly for putting down the side of your cards and add a nice finishing touch.

With the Canadian dollar being so strong we have lowered our prices on most products in the store. Many of you will be glad to see the lower prices on the popular Spellbinders.

That's all the news for now....Happy Spring...:the Stamplicity Gang

 ON THE PERSONAL SIDE

 Well, the entire summer went way to fast, the store was very busy, Rosie and Grace are getting so big and it’s less than 90 days till Christmas!!  Yes, I know that’s just what you wanted to hear.  Grace is in grade 1 this year, so it’s nice to have Rosie for the day while Grace is in school.  Interesting, how good she is when her big sister isn’t there to fight with.  They love each other for sure, but holy smokes can they fight. 

Picture Rosie, (she was 2 on April 29th) who can talk quite clearly now, standing in front of me, telling me with her little finger pointing at me to “just stay here, I’ll be right back”.  So hard not to laugh as she’s so serious.  She told me just today when I wouldn’t let her have something, quote “don’t be so mean to me” unquote.

Gracie has a boyfriend but admits he doesn’t like her.  I asked her, then how can he be your boyfriend and her reply was simply quote “because I like him” unquote.  Grace can skip now and rides her 2 wheeler on the side of the road with her mom and dad.

On Tuesday, Oct 5th, I have to go in for minor surgery on my right hand.  It’s called Trigger thumb and the tendons get knotted so my thumb locks at the joint and hurts really bad.  Luckily, it’s not my dominant hand, so although I’ll be taped up for a couple weeks and will be a little clumsy in whatever I do, I’ll be fine. 

I have lots to share with you in regards to the store so get your favourite drink and get comfy in your favourite chair and let me tell you… 

WHAT’S NEW IN THE STORE

This summer has been an exciting one for us with many new customers, a new line of classes and new products coming in often.  It’s hard to keep up with the new products as we no sooner get some samples done and before the ink is dry the product is sold and has to be reordered again.  The sweet deals have been popular.  We just finished having Northwoods and still have some lovely Christmas stamps in the store with amazing samples to view and for October we are featuring “Endless Creations”.  You can enjoy a 25% discount on anything you order from their line.  Our site under “programs”, “sweet deals”, will show you some samples and will give you the address to view their catalog.

Our fall fling was a big success and with that weekend came a lot of excitement about the products Ecstasy Crafts and the teachers featured at our event. New embossing grids, 3D designs, Pergamano, embossing folders and punches were just some of the products that were a big hit.  Their poinsettia punches and light metal sheets are something you just have to see demoed to see their potential.  You can check them out on the site under new products but by all means when you come in ask for a demo.  As well, visit our site to view our fall fling pictures and read some stories about our event.  Check out the further down on the home page to find out how I broke Janice’s car on that same weekend.

WHAT’S COMING IN THE FUTURE

First, I have to tell you that Brenda and I just came back from a retailer convention in Orlando.  (Poor Sue had a prior commitment that she couldn’t get out of.)  For 4 days, we both took 9 different classes with companies such as Bo Bunny, Hero Arts, Layers of Colour, Robin’s Nest, Ranger (I got to have Tim Holtz as my teacher and now I’m smitten like Brenda) Paper Cut, Impression Obsession, Sizzix, My Little Yellow Bicycle, Hampton Arts, as well as some others I can’t remember at the moment.  We also had 3 workshops together and although they were all amazing, Creative Imagination was by far overwhelming with their projects and products.  We came home with some awesome ideas for new classes, exciting website ideas, new initiatives for all our customers and the store, as well as exciting new products to pursue. 

Check out Brenda’s Blog and our site to read more about our 5 crazy busy days.  We have some pictures there as well. 

Here’s a little information to encourage you to visit our store in the next couple weeks.   New UK embossing folders have arrived in the store, Christmas ones.  You can view them on the site under new products.

Our Christmas classes are now available for viewing on the site and in the store and remember you book the class when it’s convenient to you.  The 4 Christmas classes are, Christmas Stitched Cards, One Sheet Wonder Christmas, Winter Wonderland (using the Cuttlebug bundle that everyone is excited about) and also Red and Gold Christmas.

We ordered at least 300 new patterned scrapbook papers which is why we still have our 50% discount on all our existing 12 x 12 papers.

For Harry Potter and Star Wars fans we have Scrapbook paper and stickers packs coming in the near future.  Brenda and I went to the Ontario Science Centre this summer to see the Harry Potter exhibit so we have that to scrapbook.  Unfortunately we didn’t have time to go to Universal Studio while in Florida.

We also have some lovely new family tree papers coming in for those of you who do genealogy. These are distributed by Bazzill.  Bazzill also has amazing embossed 12 x 12 papers that I worked with in a class I took.

We have a new initiative we are setting up, if you refer a friend and she is a NEW customer to our store, both customers will benefit.  We will bring you up to date as things are settled.

How about having a card that you can present that entitles you to a free make and take whenever you come in?  Sounds interesting??  Stay tuned.

To peak your interest, for ATC enthusiasts, Brenda and I had a class in Orlando and got totally excited about all the possibilities to pursue this avenue.  Stayed tuned and keep an eye on the website for more information from Brenda on this, she’s got some great ideas.

We have some great ideas for classes that will give you more value for your money.  Stay tuned, for as we develop our initiatives we’ll be sending out informative newsflashes.

Brenda is working on a facebook for our website.  I am not very versed on this facebook thing and have no idea really how it works therefore Brenda has reassured me she will take care of it as well as her blog.  I will leave it in her very capable hands…stay tune for more news on this. 

All of the above will be worked on while I am home for a few days recuperating from my hand surgery. 

If you visit the store after the first October weekend you will see some changes.  We have Keith working on our class display wall to make it more exciting.  Wait till you see all the projects we’ll have on display from our Orlando weekend.

 The Stamplicity Gang!

ON THE PERSONAL SIDE

I'm quite happy that the cold weather has left us as I'm sure many of you do. In addition, it's great the little girls don't need their snow suits anymore. Those things just tire me out, putting them on and off and getting them into their car seats. We have them 2 days a week. Rosie is talking a blue streak, sticks up for herself pretty good and will certainly fight for what belongs to her. Gracie laughs when she sees Rosie get frustrated which I think riles her that much more. They do love each other though and when you see Rosie and Gracie hugging each other it just chokes you up. Keith has been busy pumping out water from our backyard. For some reason we have had more water in our yard this year than we have had in the 31 years I've been here. He has asked the city to come out to look at it as there is a ditch back there that we think is the culprit but they haven't visited us yet. Surprise!!

I have listened to many of my customers regarding the Spring Fling. What I'm hearing is that there are so many events happening in the spring that many have decided to attend our Autumn Fling instead of the spring. There are 2 big events this spring that people want to attend and that is Scrapfest in Kitchener, and the Creating Keepsake Convention in Buffalo. People just can't attend everything. Also many were disappointed when they found out Bryan Hann will not be attending. Bryan will be in Africa opening up a new station for the airline he works for; that news came very suddenly for the Hanns and us. That man is very popular with the ladies, for sure. I think everyone has just accepted that Autumn and Stamplicity just belong together since it has been 7 years since the first one and it has always been held in Sept. With all of this I have decided to just have the one event this year and that will take place Sept. 11th and 12th. I appreciate the support those of you gave me by signing up and I hope that you can attend our Sept. event.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORE

Seems there is always so much going on anymore at the store. New products coming in, amazing techniques we are working on, and we are in the process of changing a lot of our classes. We are still trying to decide what new companies to pursue and what to do for our monthly Sweet Deals. We think we have those figured out and then something new hits us and we have to decide what is more priority. Companies are contacting us all the time with possible events to highlight their products so there are many decisions to make on an ongoing basis.

Our shelves are filling up again with stamps and other products. We have recently received Hero Arts and another order is on its way. Impression Obsession, Stampabilities and Stampendous will be here shortly. We are impatiently waiting for Whipper Snapper, which was our Feb. Sweet Deal. I knew they would take awhile; hopefully they will be in soon. Magnolia stamps are here! Take the time to check out our site for our samples. We had a ball making cards with them.

If you are into the Magnolia line there are 2 products that make stamping a lot easier with this line as well as many others. Next time you are in the store ask about our Eclipse masking paper and our stamp positioner. Two great products you must add to your inventory.

It seems easiest to have a set day to offer special deals, so Stamplicity will be having Frugal Fridays. This might change in a few months as Dan, who takes care of my site, is in the process of creating a site completely different and up to date. Once this site is up and running I will be able to do so much more on a daily basis. It will be amazing and super easy for me to work with. (it will have to be, as many of you know how well I get along with my computer)

We are having a lot of fun with Sparkly Fluff now the 18 colours are here. It is a bit finer than fun flock therefore allowing you to lay it in smaller areas.

We are creating some really neat techniques with our smooch accent inks and smooch spritz.

Keep in mind we offer free make and takes every day.

Another new company we now have in the store is Harmonie. They are a Canadian Company and we have some of their patterned papers and their sticky shapes. Make a note to ask about sticky shapes the next time you are in, what a neat product and so versatile.

Martha Stewart designs amazing punches and we have some of her line at a great price. If you are, or become a 3 "S" member, keep in mind you receive a 10% discount on any product you purchase so it makes our prices that much sweeter.

Another product we now offer in the store is the I-Top from Imaginisce. This tool makes brads and is very easy to use. Brenda has fallen in love with this item. Check out www.imaginisce.com

We have 95% of the new Spellbinders in our store and will be filling up our empty spaces by March 24th. Some that I didn't think would be that popular have turned out to be flying off the shelf. For example, the Nested Eggs with our samples and the Easter class that Sue is teaching have been in big demand. Finally the crosses will be arriving with the order on the 27th.

We have all the new and existing Distress Inks in the store now. Some lovely new colours which the girls are working on.

If anyone is thinking about purchasing a die cut machine such as a Cricut, Slice or a Cuttlebug please remember we have these products in the store and are available for customers to use on a Monday night. We will show you how to use these machines and can help you make a decision if you want to purchase one.

Brenda has made up 2 double page scrapbook designs for those of you who would rather just purchase kits that have everything cut out and laid out for you. The kits include a coloured photo showing you how all the papers are layered together to complete the pages. All you have to do is glue the mats and add your pictures. Already, many kits have sold and once they are gone, they're gone as the specific paper she used is gone as well. They will be posted on our site under the "2010 Programs" page.

We continue to have a few sale areas in our store where you can get 50% discount on many items. We usually add products to these units weekly. Keep this in mind whenever you visit our store. Also don't forget to ask about our free make and takes. I know many of you don't have a lot of time when you come in the store but our make and takes only take a couple minutes.

WHAT'S COMING IN THE FUTURE

Copic classes continue to be popular and Sue is developing another class to teach ladies about the monochromatic colours of the C's and W's. Sue also is researching other ways to use your markers to get the most out of your investment. We will be carrying other "bundles" as Sue calls it and developing classes if you wish to work with different hair colours, skin colours, or clothing such as jeans etc.

Provo Craft has informed me the earliest I can expect their new folders and die cuts is April 15th with others not being shipped till after May1st.

You will see many more new 3D designs for cards coming in the store in the near future. I have been invited to attend the Ecstasy Retailer show in April and will attend four detailed classes on their most popular products. I am quite excited about this event as their products play a big part in my store.

Another new product that is in the store is the embossing grids from Ecstasy Crafts. Check the site or visit the store to see the samples I have done.

Basic Grey and Bo Bunny's new lines will be in the store by the last week of March.

The Sweet Deal for April will be a company we have had in the store before. Rubber Stamp Tapestry has designed new kits and many more new small single peg stamps so we thought it's time to offer their line again. A 25% discount will be offered on the regular Canadian priced stamps. Check out their site and browse their catalog, once you find something you want you can email me and I can quote you the Canadian price.

We also have their catalog in our store with their prices, so come in when you have some time to check it out.

I am impatiently waiting for the new quilling kits that were released in January to be available. Their new rose kits will be very popular. Check their site to view what I am talking about. www.quilledcreations.com

The ladies and I have decided it's time for new cards for our existing classes. We are also developing new classes with all the new products.

Well, here we are again...another year just flew by. I'm sitting at the computer killing some time while waiting for our friends, Bryan and Sandy, to fly in from New York. Going to spend, let's see, probably our 5th New Years Eve together. We are not really party goers so it will be a nice meal at home and then probably a game and some fun with the WII. We received Super Mario Cart for Christmas so that's the latest game we are having a blast with. I should have been a race car driver!! ON THE PERSONAL SIDE

Christmas was great just being with the girls and watching them through the magic of Santa. Had our Christmas with Keith's side up in London 2 weeks ago. A little more hectic with the bigger family and 7 kids but certainly nice to all get together. Had some exciting news from my parttimer Janice a couple of weeks ago. Her daughter won a million dollars in the Cancer lottery. I know, it's hard to imagine isn't it. Just thinking about it and all the family members you could help boggles your mind, let alone the comfort you would have for yourself. The month of December was busy like everyone else's getting ready for the holidays so not much other news. Time to let you know..

WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORE.

First, I want to thank all of you who took the time to bring in mittens, scarves, socks etc for our mitten tree. Thanks to your generosity we were able to donate over 150 warm items as well as $26.95 in cash to Port Cares in Port Colborne. Not alot new in the store as far as new earth shattering products. I'll probably have alot more to report on that subject after the Retailer show at the end of January. We do have the new "Smooch" spray metallics from Clearsnap in the store. They are great for backgrounds on your paper.

We have more colours of the glitter paper that has been so popular for cardmakers.

Ladies who have purchased Copic Markers are now starting to ask whether we will carry the refills for the markers. Rather than carry the refills to sell, in the near future we will be offering the service of refilling your marker for you at a price of $1.00 for each marker. Carrying all the refills to sell would not be cost effective to us and we feel customers would be just as pleased if we fill the marker for them rather than they spend $6.00 on each refill. Our goal in 2010 is to have refills for all the colours that we sell. Stay tuned for more information on this. On the same subject we now carry the White Copic paint in our store. See below for a great tip on one way to use this paint.

We have some very pretty Valentine paper in the store for those of you who make Valentine cards and like to use patterned paper.

Whenever you are in the store don't forget to check our 50% off centre. We are always adding products onto this area when new things arrive.

This is just a piece of information about the Slice Cartridges. They have a huge variety of cartridges out on the market now. We are getting some of the new ones in for the workshop area in the near future. Although I don't carry them in the store (due to the large selection) you can certainly order them from me.

This also applies to Cricut cartridges that you can't seem to get your hands on. I know Michaels carries many of them and very often has a sale, which is why I don't stock them, but if there is one you desperately need and can't get we are here for you. This applies to most items anyone is looking for, with alittle patience I most likely can get what you want.

WHAT'S COMING IN THE FUTURE

Beginning January 11th we will be starting a store wide 25% discount sale. The only exceptions to this sale are Spellbinders, Cuttlebug, Copic markers and Copic products. These products will not have a discount except to 3 "S" members who will receive their 10% discount as per usual. We have a full store of products and with the upcoming retailer show in California we need to make room for new products that I will be ordering. This sale does not apply to any special orders that are at the present time under our counter waiting for pickup. Our 3 "S" members have the preceding week (Jan. 4th to Jan 9th) to take advantage of the sale first. Due to their membership they will enjoy a 25% discount plus an extra 10% discount on their purchases.

I have recently found a distributor who ships Neenah Classic White Cardstock. I have had quite a few inquiries from ladies who use Copic Markers and wish to purchase this type of paper. As I have never ordered from this company before I am unsure when this order will arrive. I presume as it's from the states I probably won't see it until the second week of January. For those who are interested in this paper I have ordered a large amount so no worries that I will sell out of it quickly. You can try calling after Jan. 11th to inquire if it is in the store. I know many of you will be happy to hear I am now carrying this.

For January the Sweet Deal of the month will be Magnolia stamps. These stamps are a little different and have to be ordered from the United Kingdom so the time frame to receive these stamps is not something I can predict. As well, I have to order these stamps in quantities of 6 so I decided to use the Sweet Deal as an opportunity to find out how popular these stamps will be in my store. I have had a few customers who have these stamps already, bring me in a few of their cards they have made and all the staff are quite taken with them. With all of this in mind the following designs can be ordered during the month of January and you will receive a 25% discount on the price quoted on the site. Hope you like the ones we have picked for our sweet deal.

Check out the page Sweet Deals for 2010 to see which ones qualify for the discount. You might also want to check our "Customers Projects" on the site to see how Pat McLean and Sylvia Oliphant have coloured these adorable little girls with their Copic Markers.