Scrapbooking In The Pines Retreat Center

Pinch Me!

2012-01-13T18:34:00.004-06:00

Ron Kept texting me pictures of the progress while I was at work. I know he was trying to be helpful but all it did was make me want to run home! It's so exciting I sometimes have to pinch myself.

We have lived in our house 4+ years and this is the first it has really started to feel like home. Our old house held so many memories good and sad, but that is the house that felt like home. That was the house Ron built with his Dad...it was the house we lived in when we got married...it was the house Savannah grew into a beautiful woman...it was the house we lost two babies in...it was the house we brought Lauren and Ella home to ...it was the house that our parents came to for MANY birthdays and holidays...it was the house we lived in when my Dad died...it was the house that felt warm and cozy, like a great big hug when you walked in. I can't wait for this house to feel like that.

Seeing Progress!

2012-01-12T22:49:00.009-06:00

Thank goodness we did this redo while it was nice out. Who knew January in Minnesota would be in the mid 40's?! What a load of cardboard and instruction sheets we had to bring to the recycle. Next trip to Ikea will be for doors and shelves for the wardrobe.

I have been searching for just the right storage and driving myself crazy in the process! You would think I would have access to awesome scrapbook storage...no not really. I even shopped the big box stores and I'm still not satisfied. I plan on taking a trip to Hobby Lobby yet. I'm trying to do the organizing as cheap as possible to keep the remaining costs to a minimum. I did have to have a few splurges on some baskets from Bachman's! I'll know what more I'll need as I'm moving in...I want to move in now!

We Emptied the Room!

2012-01-11T23:50:00.004-06:00

On Monday January 2nd we went to Ikea with truck and trailer! We got home around 3:00 and Ron thought he was going to put his feet up and take a little nap. Oh no such thing as a nap when there is work to do. We tore the Christmas tree down in record time and I was lugging out my scrapbooking toys in no time!

Craft Room/Office Redo!

2012-01-11T22:51:00.009-06:00

First of all let me just say I am embarrassed I haven't blogged in so long! Wow!

Currently we are living in a mess while Ron (with my careful supervision, lol!) transforms our craft room/office. When we had the house built we knew the formal dining room would be a craft room/office. Knowing that one would think I would have thought out the outlets a little better but...

The space is 12'x13' with 9' ceilings I have two door ways and two very low windows, both sounded like such a great ideas until I stared designing the space! Get this I didn't want doors either so the space would be open and everyone could come and go while I worked, Ha! Now I wish I had deadbolts for a little peace and quiet!

It has taken me four years to come up with this design after a lot of research. I really tried hard to move Ron's office out of my space but I let him stay in a very small corner, lol! We have talked, driven a lot of miles, drawn, argued, cried, laughed and had a lot of aha moments along the way. It has been a fun and exciting journey...I can't wait to finish!

I will be posting along the way and when I have all the drawers, cabinets and wardrobes organized I will show you the insides too! I will also let you know what and where things came from in case you see something you might need!

So here are the before pics ... ps. this was super clean I had Ron move 4 very large tubs out before this picture was taken!

Happy To Announce....

2010-12-01T16:49:00.001-06:00

I am pleased to announce a Cupcake Crop! We will be holding our annual Cupcake Crop January 15, 2011 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. We will be serving soup, crackers, pop, water, goodies and don't forget the CUPCAKES! Our lovely croppers will be busy with a drawing or two, hopefully one of Lynn's cute games, as well as an exclusive make and take! Be prepared to be pampered! Cost will be $15.00 due at sign up to hold your spot. Call 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot!

We Are Decked Out!

2010-12-01T16:45:00.003-06:00

We are all decked out for the holidays! I just have a few finishing touches before Friday and I am all done for the Open House...except for my house. Maybe we should just have Christmas at the store!

Make sure you stop in Friday and Saturday to do your free make and takes, and grab some cookies and cider while you are at it!

Jessica's card class is Thursday at 10:30 and a repeat performance Saturday at 10:30 as well so if you are not busy and want to make 8 beautiful cards give us a call at 320-629-9960 or stop in! Jessica always has kits available for those of us who don't have time for the class!

New Newsletter

2010-11-11T21:47:00.002-06:00

Make sure you check out the website under newsletter tomorrow if you don't get our emails! I've got it all written Ron just has to go through and do a grammer check...tee hee! He must cringe when he reads my blog and facebook...unfiltered oh my!

The newsletter is full of information about upcoming events!

1. Free make and take on Saturday November 13th using Mcgill paper blossom punches.
2. Holiday Open House December 3rd and 4th with free refreshments and make and takes!
3. Jessica's card class December 2nd and 4th! Super cute as always!!!!!
4 Scrap and Stamp Rummage Sale December 11th at 10:00 a.m.

I think that was it!

Pioneer

2010-11-07T18:43:00.002-06:00

Check out the article that the Pine City Pioneer did on The Pine City Scrapbooking Co Inc at www.pinecitymn.com I am super excited about it! They got a couple of things incorrect...but for the most part they did a pretty great job!

If you don't find me here...

2010-11-07T18:42:00.001-06:00

If you find I am not posting on my blog check me out on facebook under The Pine City Scrapbooking Co. I am a facebook lover and I use it a lot! Sooooo if you are wondering where I am I'm usually there!

Watch...

2010-11-07T18:40:00.001-06:00

Just wait and see...soon you will see my new billboard! It took me forever to come up with the design. I had it in my head but getting the sign guy to get the look and the colors right took a little doing! But I think I'm going to love it, and I hope you will too!

Pine City Pioneer

2010-10-21T00:26:00.006-05:00

I'm sure I've told you this before but... my Dad worked at the Pine Poker for years, and it just happens to be right next to my store! (And oh how I wish I could have that building too...I have big plans!) Well yesterday Donna Heath, from the Pioneer, came over to the store and asked if she could interview me for the paper! I was honored, Donna has been retired for years and she wanted to do an article on the store! She had attended Jessica's last class and was so excited about all our store had to offer that she just wanted to share it with our community, wasn't that awesome?! I can't wait to see what she had to say.

Retreat

2010-10-20T23:58:00.002-05:00

Looking for a little getaway? How about a stay at our retreat center! Just think...you can shut off your cel phone, no laundry, no worries about what to make for supper, no kids trying to "help" you scrapbook and you can stay up as late as you want scrapping the night away!

Come by yourself or grab a bunch of friends! We have great dates available weekends as well as weekdays. Our weekday rates (Sunday-Thursday) are $35.00 per night. Our weekend rates are $55.00 per night. Just give us a call to reserve your spot!

Jessica's Card Class

2010-10-20T23:48:00.002-05:00

I love this time of the year when the garden is cleaned out, the leaves are almost raked and all I can think about is scrapbook season! I've been super busy ordering product for the store to inspire all of you. We've also been making new samples for the store to get your creative wheels turning.

If you want great inspiration check out Jessica's next class, it will be Thursday November 4th at 10:30 and the 2nd offering will be November 6th at 10:30 the cost is $15.00 and remember if you can not attend the class she always has class kits available to purchase at the store. You'll also find other kits at the store that are not offered as classes so you'll want to be sure to check them out. Be sure to remember your basic tool kit when you come to class!

If you are looking for a night out of the house to get some serious scrapping done don't forget about our Friday night crops. For $10.00 you get plenty of scrapping room, Pizza Hut dinner, pop, water, candy and chips. We hold them just about every Friday from 5-midnight as long as we have 3 people, just give the store a call at 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot.

Stop in and say HI!

My Mom

2010-10-20T23:34:00.002-05:00

Irma Jean Larson, better known as Jeanie, longtime resident of Pine City passed suddenly on Sept. 28, 2010 at the age of 78. She was wife of the late Clifford E. Larson. She recently survived major heart surgery and died later in rehabilitation.Irma Jean Larson was born in Alma, Wis. on May 11, 1932 to her parents Alfred & Alice Zittel. She grew up in Alma before moving to Pine City in 1946, where she met and married Clifford on June 13, 1949. They lived in Pine City for their entire 55 year marriage.Jeanie worked several jobs during her lifetime, such as a waitress at the 61 Way Café, where a dime was a big tip. She worked as a welder at the arsenal where she became one of their top welders. She laughed about the time she worked at The Pine City Mercantile where employees were not trusted with the money. They were required to send the money to the office via tin cup fashioned on a pulley and a string. Her youngest daughter now owns that building, and runs her own business there. She also worked at the town bakery before landing a job with Ma Bell.Her final career was working for Northwestern Bell and AT&T as a telephone operator for many years before retiring in 1990. When she started her job with Ma Bell, it was located on the second floor above the present day location of The Pizza Pub. Back then, she used an old fashioned (wired) telephone switch board. She always joked that they weren’t supposed to listen in on phone calls, but when an emergency call came in they couldn’t help but listen.Jeanie always had a smile on her face, and people loved being around her. If you were to stop in to visit, she would be sure to offer you something to eat. If you were lucky enough to stop on the day she baked cinnamon rolls, you would never forget it because they were the best in the world.She adored her family, and simply loved when we could all get together. Whether it was a holiday, family reunion, camping trip, or cruise vacation, she loved having us together. Irma Jean thrived on her grandchildren as well, and loved reading, movies and watching TV. She also loved viewing nature and the changing season’s right outside her home on the water’s edge.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Clifford (Butch), her husband Clifford Earl, her brother Dave, and her sister Marjorie.She will be lovingly remembered by her four sons and daughters-in-law, Kent and Darlene of Isanti; Dirk and Cathy of Roseville; Eric and Patti of Golden Valley; Peter and Cindy of Grand Forks, ND.; her two daughters and sons-in-law, Holly and Dirk Kienzle of Bismarck, ND.; Marni and Ron Steltz of Braham; her 17 grandchildren; her 11 great-grandchildren; her sister, Isabell Stuber of Shawano, WI; her brothers and sisters-in-law Alfred (Sonny) and Marvella of Alma, WI; Anthony and Marge of Winona, MN; her many nieces, nephews, and friends.At Irma’s request, it was her wish to be cremated, and there will be no services.

I wish I had better news...

2010-09-29T12:49:00.002-05:00

I wish I had better news for you, my Mother died yesterday at 4:40 a.m. We were all shocked, she had just been moved to rehab because she was doing so well. She took a turn for the worse late Sunday, but that was nothing new she would have one good day and one bad day. Unfortunately she didn't make it out of her bad day. I am devastated, my only saving grace at the moment is knowing that my Mom and Dad are back together again, she really did need him. I'm sad because we are going to miss her like crazy cats!

Hug the ones you love,
Marni

My Mom

2010-09-16T17:05:00.002-05:00

My Mom did just great going through the surgery, the healing process is very slow! They finally have her pain under control, that was horrible! Right now she is trying to fight off infection which is very scary! She's been very sleepy so we don't really get to talk to her much, but I still go down every day just so I can see with my own eyes how she is doing! So we're hanging in there full of hope!

They had told us she would be in the hospital for a week but I'm sure it will be much longer.

Thanks for all your well wishes and prayers it gives us all strength!

It's Funny...

2010-09-08T22:33:00.002-05:00

Wow I can't believe it's been since March! I have a long list of excuses why I have been away from my blog...I just might bore you with a few!

I lost my ability to think clearly when my oldest daughter called me at work to tell me she was pregnant! My oldest is 21, unmarried, at the time with a boy I really disliked and not working at a job I would like to see her at! So I took it VERY hard to say the least. Did I also mention I'm only 40 for crying out loud and I have a 5 year old at home...her sister along with her 8 year old sister...I'm not ready for any more babies!!!!!

So long story short creepy boyfriend dumped my daughter 2 weeks before she delivered her beautiful baby, and didn't even bother to show up for the delivery! Did I mention I dislike this boy?

In July my grandson was born perfectly perfect, and lets just say I'm adjusting. I love him to pieces...and I think I finally can say I'm moving into grandparent hood and stopped kicking and screaming!

Next thing thrown on my plate...just to see if I was still paying attention...My mother became very ill. My mom has suffered from heart trouble most of my life. She had her first open heart surgery 31 years ago. She has had many, many health issues since then. She will be having 2 valves replaced, as well as bypass. My mother is 78...I am very worried!

I have always lived close to my parents by design. Knowing at 10 years old that my mother was only supposed to live another 10 years scared me to death! I feel like I've had her on borrowed time all these years! My parents had me later in life, I was an afterthought, so I always knew I would loose them WAY before I was ready. but you know at 41 I'm still not ready to give Mom up. As you know I lost my Dad 5 years ago and still miss him everyday. The pain isn't as strong, but I still miss him like crazy!

I know that my Mother is ready to go...she lost her oldest son when he was 16 and wanted to go then...since her husband passed she has had a foot on both sides! I am not ready to have her go...she's my best friend...my biggest cheerleader...the one who kicks me in the ass when I take everyone for granted...the one who can always make me laugh when I really don't want to or shouldn't...I can't stand the thought of having to tell my girls grandma is gone because all the things that I said above she is for me she is to them too...so right now I'm just trying to keep myself busy so I don't think of what is to come because it is so painful.

So if you could all say a little extra prayer for my mom I would really appreciate it...her surgery is on Monday September 13th.

So if when you come into the store and you haven't seen my mug, or things seem a little low, or you haven't gotten an email back, the website hasn't been updated, or I didn't call you back, or my bills are late...please forgive me because for awhile I'm only going to be thinking about my family and just trying to get by day to day without collapsing from stress.

I'll be back, I promise!

Picture of Five for $5.00 cards

2010-03-01T11:50:00.003-06:00

2010-03-01T11:39:00.001-06:00

Five for $5.00

Each month The Pine City Scrapbooking Co has five for $5.00 from the 1st of each month ending on the 7th of each month. You can come in at your leisure from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to create these beautiful cards. No need to sign up, just stop in!

Stop up at the counter and buy your card kit for $5.00 Using your own adhesive assemble these five cards. Use them to give as gifts or send them to the loved ones in your lives!

Cupcake Crop!

2010-02-22T13:09:00.002-06:00

Yumo we are having a cupcake crop March 20th from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m! We will guarantee you a sugar high before you leave!
For $20.00 you will feast on yummy cupcakes, snacks, Subway lunch, goodie bags, games and a free make and take for all who attend this special crop!
Interested in extending your cropping fun? Sign up for the Friday Night Crop for $10.00 March 19th from 5:00 - midnight and leave your stuff overnight and jump into cropping on Saturday early!
Give us a call at 320-629-9960 to pay and to reserve your spot.

Hey Lynn!

2010-02-11T10:55:00.001-06:00

Thanks Lynn for the posts! We love the updates, keep up the good work!

Newsletter!

2010-02-11T10:54:00.001-06:00

It's that time of the year again! We're having our Scrap and Stamp Garage sale! It begins at 9:00 a.m. Saturday February 27 and ends March 7, 2010.
If you would like to sell your scrapbooking or stamping items at our garage sale we've made it super easy for you! All you need to do is call the store at 320-629-9960 to request a garage sale number, rummage through all those great supplies that you just don't need or want anymore price them with a REMOVABLE label and drop off your great "stuff" at the store before February 25th! At the end of the week we'll tally up your earnings and give you a gift certificate to use at The Pine City Scrapbooking Co Inc so you can buy more new great supplies!

So take a look at all those supplies you've accumulated and start cleaning out!

New product has been arriving almost daily at the store! We're gearing up for spring and it is so wonderful to see all the pastel colors, you can almost smell the spring in the air! As we are making room for the new out with the old, so our clearance area is spilling over with great bargains!

Jessica continues to surprise us with her monthly card classes. She is such a talented person, you always leave her class feeling so inspired! Remember if you can't make the class she always has her awesome class kits for sale so you won't miss out.

We have her beautiful perpetual calendars for sale in a limited supply. It is just beautiful! We have a gal that wrote a post on our blog about her calendar class, give it a read!

Beginning March we are offering a monthly card week! All you need to provide is your own adhesive, and you can come in anytime during our card week and make 5 cards for just $5.00! No need to sign up just show up when you can. Kits will also be available if that works better for you.

Dates for our Card Week:

March 1-7April 1-7May 1-7June 1-7July 1-7
August 1-7
September 1-7
October 1-7
November 1-7
December 1-7

Please join us when you can!

Friday night crops are so much fun and they give you time without kids and family to interrupt you! Here is a schedule of Friday night crops coming up:

February 19February 26
March 5March 19

We will be possibly adding more dates. If you have one in question give us a call some dates fill up super quick.

Great openings in March

We have some great weekend openings in 2010 for the Scrapbooking In The Pines Retreat! A weekend stay at the retreat center costs only $117.56 what a great retreat to gear up for spring!

Here are some dates:

March 12
March 26
April 2
April 16
April 23
April 30

Stop in and see us! You're going to love all the new products, they always inspire me!

Jessica's Card Class

2010-01-22T12:12:00.002-06:00

Here is the picture of the cards for Jessica's upcoming card class that is listed below!

Time to make the Valentines!!!

2010-01-22T09:33:00.002-06:00

The cold month of January is almost over and will so bring us into the month of LOVE-February! So therefore it is time to start thinking about making your Valentines for all those special people in your lives and the store is ready to help you do just that! We have a wonderful selection of Valentine papers ranging from vintage, lacie, traditional to the bright and bold. Along with a wide range of cardstock and specialty papers. Nestablities and Cuttlebug folders are also a great addition to a cardmakers stash along with the very popular Copic makers. Stop in to see how these great markers are used, we have a great variety of samples with them used. House Mouse stamps also have a great selection of love related stamps along with the stamp of the month using a romantic theme this month. Stop in to see us and we would love to help you create the perfect cards for you!

Jessica's Upcoming Classes

2010-01-21T11:10:00.002-06:00

Calendar Class-Pictured Above
Saturday, February 6th
10:30
$30.00
Class is limited to 15
Bring your basic tool kit & a snack
This class will be longer than normal.
Kits will be available.

February Card Class
Thursday, February 18th 10:30
Saturday, February 20th 10:30
$15.00

Friday Night Crops

2010-01-20T16:24:00.004-06:00

Our FUN FILLED FRIDAY night crops are in full swing. So here is the scoop, crop from 5-midnight, munch on pizza, pop/water, chips and some chocolate. Each cropper has a big table with a comfy chair, access to the crop room tools including a cricut machine and a full store to shop from for only $10! The evening ends with a wonderful prize drawing. The space is limited to 10 croppers so call the store at 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot!

2010-01-18T18:29:00.004-06:00

Hey, it's Lynn here! I decided that after working on Friday night and after Kris and I put out all kinds of new stuff that I needed to inform all of you scrappers about all the new goodies in at the store!

First off, here I am with only boys in my life and I found myself making a stash of all pink and frilly Valentine papers and embellishments by Making Memories. The line is called Love Struck and has all types of embelishments ranging from buttons to bling and glitter to triple layer crepe paper rosettes. There is also a wonderful book with jounal pages and some very fun word fetti stickers. Also there is a package of 79 mixed die-cuts ranging from traditional paper to acetate, felt and chipboard for only $4.99. And as usual Making Memories style, the papers are fun, whimsy and a bit even traditional. This whole collection is priced great starting out at only 99 cents. It is going fast so you better stop in quickly to nab some up. Also my mind can't recall the name of the other Valentine line that came in also, very fun and colorful!

A bunch of Basic Grey came in, some paper packs in the with Love theme in them, but not Valentiney in any way. A few more BG card kits came in that look very fun to do also, a great thing to do on these blaw winter days.

Everyone that knows me well, knows that I love the retro and fun look, but I fell in LOVE with these 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" ATC Collection paper pads by Memories In the Making. If I am correct 15 styles came in some are mixed holiday, 2 Christmas versions, men, women, fall, and some silhouette ones. I fell in love with the beautiful vintage images, the colors are great and the images are amazing. So 2 each of 20 papers, ONLY $2.99!!

I hear that a lot of new stuff is coming in so the clearance tables have been restocked frequently.

Bayfield Scrapbook Retreat Weekend

2010-01-18T15:45:00.003-06:00

Yes, it is that time again. Time to venture up to the beautiful, quiet little town of Bayfield, WI. Come and join us as we get together with a great bunch of people to do some scrapbooking and enjoy the bay. Read on to see all the details. We hope to see you there.

BAYFIELD SCRAPBOOK RETREAT
APRIL 16, 17, 18TH 2010
Lake Side Pavilion in Beautiful Bayfield, WI

Greetings to all the faithful scrappers and to the first timers that are thinking of coming this year in Bayfield WI Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 16th,17th,18th, 2010. Ok gals, it is time to tell all your really good friends and relatives about this wonderful week-end in " Beautiful Bayfield" at the lakeside pavilion on the greatest of the great lakes "LAKE SUPERIOR".
This year my goal is 30-50 gals. Can we do it??? Get your reservations in early.The Pine city scrapbooking store is coming back again with a lot of their inventory. I am really excited to include Creative memories gals from Duluth/Ashland here this year bringing along some of their inventory.
We are starting a little earlier on Friday the16th. Last year we opened at 1:00 and some of you wrote on the comment sheet that you would like to see it open a little earlier. We will be opening the pavilion at 11:00 A.M. to start setting up. Just to let the new comers know that we only have folding chairs in the pavilion, so if you want to bring a pad or even bring your own chair, like some of the scrapers do to be more comfortable. Like last year we are not having bottled water. We have wonderful water in Bayfield so please bring your own reusable container to put your water in. Our city is trying very hard to go GREEN. We will have cans of soda available, coffee and tea.

FYI, all lodging places should still have their off season rates so check around. If you can come early on Friday, ask them if you can have an early check-in.

Julie MacDonald
Cooper Hill House B&B
P. O. Box 969 Bayfield, WI 54814
Phone: 715-779-5060 *Cell phone: 715-209-4882
Email: Julie@cooperhillhouse.com

BAYFIELD SCRAPBOOK RETREAT
April 16, 17, 18th 2010
Lake Side Pavilion in Beautiful Bayfield, WI

On Site Vendors:
*Pine City Scrapbooking Company:
Huge Store of Supplies, Papers, Tools, Embellishments.
*Creative Memories from Ashland/Duluth with inventory.

*Lodging is up to each individual to book. Anywhere you choose. Remember that when you book B&B’s your breakfast is included. See list enclosed.
*Workshop fee is $75.00 (non refundable). Space is limited!
To reserve your workspace at the Pavilion;
**Contact Julie MacDonald
Phone: 715-779-5060 * Cell phone: 715-209-4882
Email: julie@cooperhillhouse.com.
Send a check ASAP, no later than March 15th (or call with VI/MC) to:
Cooper Hill House B&B
P.O. Box 969 Bayfield, WI 54814

**FRIDAY:
11:00 A.M. Doors Open (lunch on your own)
Break out sessions: Find out what’s new
3:00 pm Welcome from Mayor
Drawings for prizes all day
6:00 pm Dinner at Pavilion
8:00 pm special treat
Doors close???

**SATURDAY:
9:00 A.M. Doors Open
Drawings for prizes all day
Workshops or “make & takes”
10:00 -1:00 pm FREE chair massage (tips appreciated)
1:00 pm Lunch at pavilion
Dinner on your own: Maggie’s and Northern Edge will be open.
Work late: then unwind at your comfortable lodging

**SUNDAY:
9:00 A.M. Doors Open
Free time to: Complete projects, swap ideas, shop for supplies.
Explore Bayfield and/or “SHOP”
1:00 pm Lunch at pavilion and GRAND PRIZE DRAWIINGS
Pack up, 3pm Farewell, hope you had a GREAT time! SEE YOU NEXT APRIL !
Lodging in Bayfield

B&B’s: Artesian House 715-779-3338
www.artesianhouse.com

Apple Grove Inn 715-779-9558
www.applegroveinn.net

Cooper Hill House 715-779-5060 FULL
www.cooperhillhouse.com

Old Rittenhouse Inn 715-779-5111
www.rittenhouseinn.com

Pinehurst Inn 715-779-3676
www.pinehurstinn.com

Lucy’s Place 715-779-9770
www.lucysplace.com

Grey Oaks 715-779-3264
www.greyoaksguesthouse.com

Ole & Lena’s 715-779-3060
www.oleandlenasplace.com

Island View 715-779-5307
www.islandviewbandb.com

Motels

Bay Front Inn 715-779-3330
www.bayfrontinn.net

Bayfield Inn & Issac Wing House 715-779-3363
www.thebayfieldinn.com

Seagull Bay 715-779-5558
www.seagullbay.com

Superior Rentals 715-117-5123
www.superiorrentals.net

Winfield Inn 715-779-3252
www.winfieldinn.com

Jessica's December Card Class

2009-11-19T19:22:00.004-06:00

Jessica has announced her December card class. She will be holding a Thursday session as well as a Saturday session on December 10th and 12th. Stop in or call to make your reservation!

Jessica has another creation she would like to share with you all! She's thinking of doing a perpetual calendar sometime in January. I'll let you know the details as soon as I have them!

Holiday Open House

2009-11-19T19:15:00.002-06:00

December 5, 2009 9:00 - 5:00

Join us at The Pine City Scrapbooking Co Inc for our Holiday Open House!

Be one of the first 20 customers to make a purchase and receive a free gift!

Stop in for a free make and take and refreshments.

Drop off a toy for tots and receive 15% off your purchase that day (not to be used on crops, classes or gift certificates).

Stop in for a Demo on Copic markers by Kris our own certified Copic marker instructor!

The Pine City Scrapbooking Co and Scrapbooking In The Pines Retreat Center gift certificates make the best gifts. Stop in or give us a call and we can get you one for any amount!

Stop in to get inspired to make all your holiday creations!

Become a fan...

2009-10-23T16:06:00.003-05:00

Become a fan of our facebook and you will get all the updates on the new goodies at the store!

Watch for a new class in November! I'll be teaching an altered file folder class with BoBunny's Christmas line of paper.

Jessica's card class will be November 19th and 21st! She does such a fantastic job, if you haven't taken one of her classes you must you will be amazed at the details!

I don't even know if I should be writing this but...

2009-10-20T10:58:00.005-05:00

When Ron and I built the new store and retreat center we put our all into it. We built it thinking of what we would love to see if we were to stay at a place like this. We take care of it just as well if not better than we take care of our home.

We have met soooo many wonderful people with unique stories through our adventure. Heck I've made some of the best friends I've ever had in my entire life.

I do what I do at the retreat and store because I love it to my core, it is what keeps me going! I love to meet new people who have my same interests.

But it's always those few people that like to drag you down. We have had a few incidences lately with rude guests who just can't seem to get along with others, and excessive drinking.

Here is what MY thought was on coming to our retreat:

1. I can leave my troubles at home and enjoy my craft.

2. No kids and grown ups with like interests.

3. Scrapbookers are friendly, I'll meet new friends.

4. I'll treat the others like I want to be treated and we should get along fine because we are all grown ups!

5. Think and act happy and you will be happy.

Maybe I'm crazy and live in a fantasy world but I do live by numbers 4 & 5. It is what gets me out of bed each day.

So here is the scoop...

When coming to the retreat:

Leave your crap at the door and enter with an open mind, it will be freeing!

Let others into your world by being friendly you just never know when you are about to meet a life long friend.

This is a quote that I like to live by: "Drinking makes you loud and foolish it is stupid to get drunk." I like to enjoy a glass of wine or two myself, but when you are in mixed company moderation is the key.

Treat others how you would like to be treated. It always comes back to you tenfold!

Remember we are all human and make mistakes.

I have never met a mind reader. If you would like to change the channel, use the computer etc...speak up and let the others know. If you are having issues with others or there are things going on that shouldn't be don't be afraid to call the number on the board or let whomever is working know. We can't fix anything after the weekend is over.

Basically just be nice.

I have met some people in my life that are just unable to live by these rules so I do know that they exist. If you can not follow any of these guidelines then maybe our retreat is not for you.

From this day on excessive drinking will not be allowed at the retreat. You will be asked to leave, and you will not be able to come back. You will also not be eligible for a refund.

From this day on rudeness will not be tolerated. We will give you a warning if we need to speak with you on the same matter again you will be asked to leave and you will not be able to come back. You will also not be eligible for a refund.

We have such a few people who fall into the category above, but we do not want to ruin the stays of the many, many of you who have been just a joy to have at the retreat.

Thank you to all of you who are such good guests we love when you come and return! You are why we do this day after day. To those of you who have encountered those few bad eggs, I am so sorry and by changing our policy I will try and weed out those bad eggs for you so you never have to encounter them again!

Velma aka Ella

2009-10-08T18:52:00.002-05:00

Velma wearing her glasses because she can't see without them! Lauren and Ella are totally into Scooby Doo and have been for months. Lauren is Daphne and Ella is Velma! We have to ask Ella who she is so we know what to call her! You should see Ella's version of the Velma walk, she cracks me up!

Holiday Open House

2009-10-08T18:45:00.003-05:00

We are working on final details for the Holiday Open House November 6-8 and November 13-15! Watch the website for details to be posted soon!

If you haven't seen the new Sizzix Impression machine stop in the store for a demo. It is super cute! We also have new embossing folders as well.

I've been busy ordering again! I ordered a ton of Whipper Snapper stamps and all the new and not so new Webster's Pages! I used to order Webster's Pages years back but it was a little before it's time in the scrapbooking industry. But now it fits in just perfect!

I got the call that the new t-shirts are ready to be picked up at Lee's Pro Shop! You're going to love these! I can't wait to go pick them up tomorrow.

I've been wearing the new Creative Escape t-shirts to work everyday. Last night Lauren asked why I keep wearing the same shirts. I explained that I was promoting the Creative Escape tour, blah, blah, blah...And she looks at me and says, you mean like a uniform? Exactly Lauren, exactly! Just another example of too much info for a 7 year old!

Creative Escape October 1-31, 2009

2009-09-29T18:45:00.001-05:00

Don’t fall behind on seeing the newest and best in the scrapbooking and stamping industry. Join us during October for the Creative Escape. Tour participating
Independent Scrapbook
& Stamping stores throughout Minnesota

Join us during October for the Creative Escape. The Creative Escape is a chance for you to visit different independently owned scrapbook and stamping stores located throughout the state of Minnesota and enjoy some great benefits while doing so.
The benefits to YOU, our customers, are …
 Win the Grand Prize valued at $320. The grand prize consists of a $20 gift certificate from all the participating stores.
 For every $20* you spend at participating stores, you will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing.
*Before taxes, after discounts
 Each participating store will be having a drawing for a gift basket valued at $50. No purchase necessary.
 Buy a beautifully designed long sleeved t-shirt for $15. Wear it while visiting the different stores and receive a free gift (while supplies last).
 Progressive discount: the more stores you visit,* the bigger the discount.
 Visit 1-2 different stores, receive 15% off your total order
 Visit 3-5 different stores, receive 20% off your total order
 Visit 6+ different stores, receive 25% off your total order
*At each participating store, you will be given a business card. Your "collection" of business cards is used to determine your discount. More details in the participating stores.

Make sure to check out the October calendar on my website:
www.thepinecityscrapbookingco.com for up to date info on all the fun things happening at the scrapbook store!

New Products again...

2009-09-24T15:51:00.003-05:00

Here's the list of new products just in today!

Bo Bunny halloween and Kitchen Spice (it's my fav!)
WR Memory Keepers Hectic and Twirl
Imaginise Let's Roll and Perfectly Posh (lovin' all the new Snag 'em stamps for .99!)
New company for us: Scrap Within Reach Carnival Ride and Paper Boy
Basic Grey paper packs Eerie and Eskimo Kisses (embellishments too as well as the 6x6 packs!)
Bazzill Jewels and templates
Fancy Pants Christmas Magic and Rough and Tough
My Little Shoebox Little Ladies, Sky's the Limit and Imagine a Forest
Bella Blvd Camping Out
New Prima flowers
New Flower Soft color Polar White!
Fiskars new 12x12 Flourish template (I can't wait to use this! I'm always grabbing a scallop Bazzill paper to use as a template! Finally I'll have a real template!
New to us totes by All My Memories

Stop in and help Marge rearrange the store this weekend!!

New Tim Holtz

2009-09-22T20:36:00.001-05:00

Newsflash...we finally received a few things from Advantus today. We have in stock the new film strips and typewriter keys from the new collection! Why oh why do they torture us this way?

Making Memories

2009-09-21T18:52:00.003-05:00

The UPS guy was good to us! We received the new Making Memories Mistletoe line today! I absolutely love it!

We also got in:
Fancy Pants
Bella Blvd.
The new shape Nestabilities.
More of the Making Memories Spooky Alley line.

Stop in and check it all out, warning you will be inspired to make Christmas cards or scrap old Christmas photos!

New Project!

2009-09-19T19:49:00.002-05:00

I am a huge magazine junkie and saw these in one recently. See if you can guess what they used to be! What do you think you use them for now?

New Cards

2009-09-18T19:32:00.002-05:00

I finally used my new JustRite stamps today. I used them with my new BoBunny papers and Nesties! I scraplifted the card layout idea from Splitcoast Stampers! It took me longer on the website than it did to whip out these three cards! I'm thinking the let it snow one will be one of the make and takes in October.

Aaaahhhh more new stuff!

2009-09-17T14:09:00.002-05:00

I've been busy entering new product into the computer today!

I'm loving the new SEI Moravia and Winter Song line! The colors, the foil, the flock oh my!!!!

I finally got in the new Flower Soft card toppers. I love the new multi layer Christmas line I hope to try and work on a card tonight for a sample.

Another new shipment of Justrite stamps arrived.

We love our UPS guy!

Donna also dropped off her sample of the Spooky Wine Box. It is just amazing, I love the surprise inside!

Star Wars

2009-09-11T13:39:00.002-05:00

The new Star Wars papers have finally arrived! Marge is working hard trying to get them out. We also got in the new Disney Glitter papers from CI. The best part about these is that you won't be full of glitter because they are coated! Woohoo! The new CI travel papers are double sided! I love the covered bridge paper. We've been to Winterset Iowa a couple of times to see the bridges of Madison County, guess I'll have to redo those pages!

Have you tried the new stamps by Justrite? Oh my we are loving these! These layer in great with all of your Nestabilities. If you want to try them stop in at the store I have one open so you can get a feel for them.

Jessica has great card kits for sale at the store. She has been doing fill in kits that are Christmas and super cute. These kits will not be offered as a class, but she takes out all the work and writes great directions so they are a piece of cake to finish.

I got in more Share and Tell albums by Pebbles. If you haven't seen these stop in the store and check out my sample at the store. I did my Disney album of 300 photos this way and love the concept!

2009-09-05T17:49:00.002-05:00

I've been stamping today and loving the Fancy Pants Calendar stamps! I'm thinking this will be the first year I actually do one! My August layout I did with October Afternoon's paper line Cherry Hill. November's page I'm working with Cosmo Cricket's Earth Love

New Graphic45

2009-09-05T12:16:00.002-05:00

We finally got our new shipment of Graphic45. We absolutely love this company. It is so refreshing that when a company finds its niche it sticks with it without copying another. It makes it nice for us to offer our cardmakers and scrapbookers a line with its own unique look. And by the way it flys out the door when we get it in it seems you feel the same way!

Our gigantic order of Prima came in the other day. It was a flower explosion!

We received a huge order of odds and ends as well. I'll check out what all was in there and let you know.

We're working on a "shop hop" for October. Watch for the details coming soon. We will be holding it for the entire month of October!

Here is a sneak peek at what we're cooking up:

Kick off crops at participating stores.
Classes each week offered at a different store.
Make & Takes and demos at each store.
Drawings at each store. (I can guarantee you're going to love mine!)
A large grand prize. (You're gonna love this one!)
Special tshirts!
Progressive discounts!

So mark your calendars for this Oct 1 -31!

At my store we'll be having the kick off crop from 10 - 10 Saturday October 3 We'll be having Subway for lunch, with awesome drawings, a fabulous make and take as well as a game or two!

October 10th we'll be having a free make and take all day with refreshments!

October 17th we'll be having Jessica's card class starting at 10:30. ( This class will be offered Thursday October 15th as well.) Watch the dates on this one! I'll make the official announcement on my website I still have to clear the dates with Jessica.

October 24th we'll be having our Halloween crop from 10-10. Watch for details on this one coming soon. We'll also have a store demo all day as well.

October 31st the first 15 people making a purchase that day will receive a goody bag! We'll also be doing a make and take as well.

So as I brain storm this out things may change up a little bit, so watch the website for the official announcement!

New Distress Stickles

2009-08-26T20:28:00.002-05:00

I just received the brand new Distress Stickle colors in today! What fun colors to play with.

Our Sommerset Studio magazines came in as well. I love those magazines, I devoured them on my way to Iowa! I found a bunch of new ideas to scraplift!

Today was filled with yucky paper work and tying up loose ends, ewwww! But hey someone has to do it! I had to get that all out of the way so I can go to the State Fair!

Ron got a new door put in the retreat today. It has a window, we are no longer windowless in the retreat!

I sent in a HUGE new order today, we'll just keep the new stuff coming in!

We are trying to get some sort of routine started so my kids don't go into shock when school starts. I got them both bathed and read to all by 8:30! I'm really going to have to pick up the pace!

Maybe we'll see you at the fair....

Where in the world have I been!?

2009-08-22T18:11:00.003-05:00

I'm still here, just crazy busy with the kids and summer! I've been giving Ron a hand with his painting business since he has been such a prince and working hard for free for the last 5 years!

Things have been going great at the store. Tons of new stuff arriving every week! The latest fav is the new Jeni Bowlin it is just so cool! Ya have to love all the Cosmo Cricket, I can't get enough of it! We've added a ton of new hunty woodsy papers and stickers as well as sports! We've been getting new Halloween and, believe it or not, Christmas too! We have the new Cuttlebug folders in, we're still waiting on the Christmas ones! I've ordered all the new Nestabilites, can hardly wait to get them! If you haven't tried the color core paper you must. Stop in the store to check out our samples, once you try this you are going to love it!

Jessica has added a Thursday card class to her schedule, so if Saturday mornings are bad try for the Thursday. Kits are always available if you can not make the class, we can even mail them to you if you would like!

The newest stamp line at the store is Just Rite Stampers. Oh we just love these stamps with our Nestabilities! If I can get my order to go through we should be getting in Whipper Snapper stamps as well. I've been having issues with the website!

Our burger bash crop was today, and what fun we had! Sorry I had to bug out on you gals early I hope the hamburgers were good! We've got a new restaurant in the neighborhood called Wagonmasters and it was pretty good, you get tons of food and it was cheep! Gotta love that! Another great bonus they serve breakfast and booze if ya need it!

We're still undecided what day the next theme crop will be. We'll have it in September and it will be called The Circus of Summer Is Over! We'll be having this crop in the store so we will have limited seating of 15 people so keep your eyes and ears open for that one. We hope to decide by the end of this week.

Here is my bummer for the week...we had pouring rain and we had a little ceiling issue, we'll get to see how well our insurance coverage is!

Pine City Flea Market

2009-06-04T21:32:00.004-05:00

Here are some of my new finds from the flea market on Wednesday. My new collection is LuRay dishes these are the first in the collection, hey it has to start somewhere right? I just couldn't pass these beauties up! I bought them from a cute old lady for $25.00 Just a little over a buck a piece, not bad at all.

So I need more baseballs for my jar but hey it's a start!

Tami you really must come up for the flea market sometime it is so much fun!

After we went out for lunch with my Mom and my long lost brother Pete (ha, ha!).

Wanna see the bear?

2009-06-04T21:28:00.002-05:00

So we had another bear in the backyard. Yikes this one was big! I was completely freaked out that is why all my pictures are fuzzy! The girls had just been playing on the swing set not 2 hours before he came strolling through!

More Pics

2009-06-04T21:24:00.002-05:00

More Pics

2009-06-04T21:21:00.002-05:00

Anniversary Crop

2009-06-04T21:01:00.003-05:00

We had so much fun at the anniversary crop! You know I could become addicted to those crops. It felt so good to laugh and unload my brain! It really is the best therapy! And guess what? I even finished the projects I brought with to do. I was very proud of myself!

So our dear Lynn won everyones heart as employee of the year. She really took the cake when she fluffed Tami's pillow and made her bed.

Let's hear it for us ladies who tri-fold our underwear!!!!

Cheers to Linda for the great card idea she taught us all!

Thank you, thank you to Donna with sucker written all over her forehead. I do believe it was one of the best things you could have bought for $8.95! You little chippie you!

Oh Marge your little twitterpated sure got us laughing!

McDonald's coke anyone?

Thanks Janet and Marsha for putting up with us! Janet is ready to come back for more!

Our two Friday night girls really thought we were nuts!

Who won all the prizes? John Henry?

Aw Peggy you rock!

Kris even stayed up past her bedtime! Can anyone say who ate the last cookie without sharing?????

Poor Savannah missed all the cookies!

Poor Linda K tried to ignore us!

See you must join us for a crop, we have so much fun! Laughter is the best medicine and we have plenty to go around.

Here are a few photos of our fun fest!

Anniversary Crop

2009-05-18T15:52:00.003-05:00

The total price for the two days of cropping will be $35.00 and the Friday night stay is $42.60 including tax. I was going to email you Carol but I don't have your address handy!

Anniversary Crop

2009-05-13T14:33:00.002-05:00

Details, details...

We are having our one year anniversary and we would like you to join us for a two day Chick Flick Crop!

The party begins Friday May 29th at 5:00 p.m. until midnight. The cost of the Friday night Chick Flick Crop will be $15.00 We will be doing Pizza Pub pizza, snacks, beverage and a free make and take.

How about extending the fun?

Day two of the party begins May 30th at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m. The cost of Saturday's Chick Flick Crop will be $20.00 We will have morning muffins, snacks, beverages, and have Subway for supper, and another make and take! You'll be on your own for lunch.

This crop will be held in the retreat center so we will have room for 24 guests.

Maybe you would like to just crop and crash?! We are doing a one night special in the retreat center of $40.00 for that Friday night May 29th with a paid Chick Flick Crop weekend!

We are going to be super flexible with this crop, so if you can only come for one of the two days you are more than welcome to sign up for just a Friday or for just a Saturday!

If you've never been to one of our themed crops this would be a great opportunity to give it a try! We always add our special touch!

Call the store at 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot. With our themed crops we ask that you prepay as we have a lot of prep work ahead of time and we want to make sure we know who is coming!

I really need to decompress my brain!

2009-05-13T14:18:00.002-05:00

Okay so you know when your brain is overloaded and you need to rest it when...
I made 7 cute little quick birthday invites for Lauren's classmates at 11:00 p.m. the other night. I carefully typed them out on the computer and proofed them about 100 times. I knew I had one shot at it because my printer ink was low and Ron was gone so I couldn't run to Walmart to pick up more! So I read them one last time printed them, put them on the invites and put them in Lauren's backpack.
Okay so one mom called today wondering what the date was. I was absolutely sure I had put that helpful info on the card. I went to the garbage and looked at the first one I printed and low and behold I DID forget that info!!!!! Wow does that scream rookie Mom or what?
So I called the mom back and said I'm so sorry I forgot the date, and I was sure her daughter had told Lauren she couldn't come because they were going out of town.
BUT LISTEN TO THIS! I don't think I said Lauren in that sentence, I think I said Savannah! Okay so all you mom's who have more than one kid know that we get confused with names and we start at the beginning of birth order until we get to the correct kids name! I'm hoping she has more than one kid and doesn't think I'm completely crazy! She's probably sitting their thinking who the heck is Savannah!
Now after all that do you think you would send your kid off to that birthday party!?
Here's a little something that I've been pondering coming up dangerously close to my 40th birthday...
I always looked at women in their 40's at having there shit together. Like not looking like a fish out of water like I sometimes feel. Knowing just who they were, and what they want, being so confident in social situations. So this is what is so depressing about me turning 40 is that I still feel like that fish out of water, still struggling with who I am, what I want, who I want to be when I grow up, being responsible like remembering to put the date on the 7 year olds party invites! I think I better repeat my 30's I haven't learned enough yet to be 40!

I went shopping...

2009-05-09T21:53:00.002-05:00

Ron and the girls went Mother's day shopping today in St Cloud after our road trip to Brainard. So they dropped me off at Crafts Direct to nose around. Okay so keep me out of the fabric please. I've been under a rock for about 4 years! Now I'm ready to go quilt store shopping! But you better bring some serious cash because fabric has sure gone up! So now I have all these big plans rolling around in my head then I'll go to sleep and forget them all! I'll wake up tomorrow and they just won't seem so important anymore! Here is my little stash of goodies I found today!

I found a way...

2009-05-02T19:22:00.002-05:00

So I've finally found an easy way to post photos without the aide of my husband! He always gives me the sigh when I ask him for help so I found a way around him! I found the cord that goes from my camera to my computer! Yipee! Here are some layouts I did last week. I totally scraplifted them, why reinvent the wheel right?

2009-05-02T19:03:00.000-05:00

Just a very few of my "new" trinkets!

So Today

2009-05-02T18:41:00.003-05:00

So today Ron and I went to an Auction! We haven't been to an auction in sooooo long. We used to go all the time when Savannah was little but then along came Lauren and we put our lives on hold! My mom offered to watch the girls while we went.
Oh what fun I had! I got tons of new stuff for decorating at the store and retreat center. I think I now have enough side tables for the bedrooms!
Okay so I paid way to much for a jar, but I was caught up in the moment! I also now have a collection of bread boxes! Small, medium and large thank you very much! Ron and I have had the large one for years. I just had to have the cute small one today, which I paid to much for! And the medium one I didn't think I'd win the bid, but now I'm the proud owner of a fluorescent orange medium sized bread box!
So I've been on the hunt for a cheap enamel topped table to use out on my front porch but I've had no luck. Guess what? Today I bought two for $10.00 Yipee!
Oh I found numerous other treasures I couldn't live without!
Just you wait until I get old and have an auction of my own you'll all say where in the world did she get all this crap. I hope I'll remember all the fun I had collecting it all!

My dirt pile!

2009-05-02T15:16:00.000-05:00

My dirt pile errr garden!

So I've started gardening again...

2009-05-01T17:42:00.003-05:00

So I've started gardening again, I'd like to say I'm loving it instead I'll say I'm in pain! Wow pulling weeds uses a whole entire muscle group that I haven't used in years!
I thought it would be a great activity for the girls. They are being helpful Lauren more than Ella. Ella just keeps tramping through my lettuce along with the cat we are borrowing!
My yard is dirt, trees and weeds. It's very depressing. I love all the well groomed gardens in the magazines but I'm just not good at doing that in this enormous space I have. So this year I'm turning my front yard into my garden! We have a dirt pile in the middle of our driveway with a flag pole in the middle. It was going to be a beautiful butterfly garden, now it is my vegetable garden. I'm going to throw in sunflowers, marigolds and cosmos to go with it to liven it up. I think it might just turn out pretty cute! I'm going to plant corn next to the garage along with beans and cucumbers. I'm going to throw in some flower seeds with that as well. I don't get as much sun in the backyard so it wouldn't work for a garden anyway. We'll see how it turns out in the front yard. Who knows maybe I'll do it every year, or maybe not...

Zoo!

2009-04-29T21:14:00.002-05:00

We went to the zoo today for Ella's birthday. Oh what fun we had! If you haven't gone to the Minnesota Zoo lately I highly recommend it. They have this awesome new exhibit called Russia's Grizzly Coast and it is amazing. I loved it and got great pictures of the bears! I think I thought it was more fun than the kids!

The cake we got for Ella's birthday from the Rush City Bakery was FANTASTIC! Ella was very impressed with the light up Princess! Cake not so much it couldn't have been the pancakes she ate beforehand?!

I still can't believe it has been 4 years already since my Dad passed away. I did much better at the birthday thing this year than others. I still find myself on the brink of a nervous break down though. Don't push me!

New Class For May

2009-04-24T21:49:00.002-05:00

I just added a new class for May check out the website for details.

I am also working on my open house. It's been over a year since we opened! Can you believe it? It seems like only yesterday that Pat the builder guy was on my case to make decisions about one thing or another!

The plan right now is May 29th and 30th. We'll be doing a huge sale, a make and take, a chick flick crop starting May 29th anytime after 10:00 a.m. going until May 30th 5:00 p.m. We're thinking if you would like to stay overnight at the retreat we will be doing a special price for the overnight. So start talking it over with your cropping friends. We will be holding this crop in the retreat so we will be able to accommodate 24! I'll let you know food details and prices soon.

We are not...

2009-04-22T18:58:00.005-05:00

I know that there has been a little rumor going around that the Pine City store is closing. The store that is closing IS NOT THE PINE CITY SCRAPBOOKING CO INC!
I've had a few anxious phone calls wondering if it was our store and I can assure you it is not us. We have NO plans of closing! So make sure to pass that along for me if you happen to hear that rumor.

We're Back!

2009-04-20T14:53:00.002-05:00

Whew, we made it back! What a great time we had! We have met some of the nicest people up in Bayfield.

We had 20 croppers at the retreat and everyone seemed to have a great time. I almost finished my Disney pages, I was very excited about that. I don't usually scrapbook much away from home unless I'm doing a project so this was a bit challenging for me to use what I had. I longed for purple buttons all weekend, but I made due without them and used the dew drops from Robin's nest and that worked out just fine! I also missed my sewing machine. The one tool I almost didn't bring I used the most and that was my Slice. Okay at first I thought why do I need this, I don't scrapbook that way. If I need a title I invent something, or there are always letter stickers. But I used that little machine like crazy. It helped that Lisa B had two of the greatest cartridges, teen and noteworthy! So do you need a Slice? No probably not, but they sure are fun, compact, CORDLESS and they have great fonts! Do I recommend a Slice? YES!

So I'll be back to work tomorrow putting everything away and paying bills!

We are packing...

2009-04-16T20:15:00.002-05:00

I am all packed up for the retreat in Bayfield WI! Ron just has to load the trailer and then we are all set to go.
We are doing two cute make and takes, decorating our own name tags, a page contest, chocolate fountain, ice cream sundae bar, and TONS of drawings, besides food, drinks and snacks!
We are bringing a mini store with about $8000.00 worth of merchandise with tons of new products! It's going to be a super fun weekend!
So if you get the notion you can come and just crop for the day on Saturday if you would like!
If I get a few free moments I'm going to finish my Disney album. I am so close, I only have about 25 pages to complete. And if I happen to get those done I just got 180 pictures in the mail today from Walgreens!
Have a great weekend!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T09:13:00.002-05:00

I hope you are all enjoying your beautiful Easter! We can actually hunt for eggs outside this year we are very excited!
I've been busy updating the web adding crops and a new Cuttlebug class with Jessica make sure you check it out.
Watch for our 1 year celebration coming up mid May. We are going to do a super huge sale as well as a 10-10 chick flick crop in the retreat center. Keep your eyes peeled for details...

Crop With Us!

2009-03-16T20:12:00.003-05:00

We are going to be having a free, yep that is right I said FREE, Saturday 10 - 10 crop on March 21st. This is available to the first 10 people who call the store at 320-629-9960. We will not be providing any food or beverages but you are welcome to bring along what you need. Or maybe you'd like to try out Pine City's fine dining!

Make sure you check out Jessica's April card class. She has fabulous designs sure to please! If you can't make the class, we always have kits available to purchase.

Join us March 28th for a 10 - 10 Think Spring Crop! The cost will be $18.00 we will be serving Pub Pizza, beverages and goodies. We'll have a drawing and a free make and take for our croppers! Call 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot. Payment is due at the time of sign up to hold your spot.

If you are looking for a Friday night get away remember our Friday night crops! Crop from 5 - midnight every Friday for $10.00. We serve Pizza Hut pizza, beverages and goodies.

Saturday April 4th for our Morning muffin crop from 10 - 10 for $20.00. We will be doing a Subway lunch, beverages, muffins and goodies. All of our croppers will get to do a free make and take and a special drawing!

Saturday April 18th crop from 10 - 10 for free! You will be on your own for beverages and food, but we provide you with the space to crop for 12 hours!

Saturday April 25th for build your own Sundae crop from 10 - 10 for $20.00. We will be doing a Pizza Pub dinner, beverages and goodies. All of our croppers will get to do a free make and take and a special drawing!

Our crops are limited to 10 people each. Your spot is not reserved until payment is made.

Hello from the road!

2009-01-20T20:06:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone do you miss me yet?! Tee Hee!

We took a little drive to Eureka Springs today. Wow what a road trip! Man no wonder this place closes down during snow or ice. I was so scared driving up and down these mountains on these super narrow roads! The view was spectacular as long as you didn't look down into the bottomless ravines! Eureka Springs is beautiful Ron and I would like to go back but maybe without the girls! The Victorian houses were amazing to say the least! Lauren and Ella were unimpressed they did think running around at the look out stop was the most fun of the trip! All they have on their little minds is the POOL! So on the way back to the hotel we maybe got a little close to the center lane while meeting another man driver maybe getting a little close to his side of the center lane and I FREAKED out and yelled: "ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US? DRIVE WITH BOTH HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL!" So after that Lauren and Ella were sitting quietly in the back seat and Ella pipes up: "Ya, Daddy was trying to kill us!" So I had to explain that Daddy wasn't trying to kill us and tell her what I really meant! AHHH the kids my stories will tell the teachers about their trip to Arkansas!

So we're MAYBE toying with the idea of staying one more night so we can go on a cave tour and a drive through zoo. Is a drive through zoo really safe? Hummmm can the animals break window glass...I've never heard of someone being killed in a drive through zoo...I have to stop thinking about it or I will chicken out!

Tonight after supper I dropped Ron and the girls off to take a dip while I went to Hobby Lobby and bought what else? Yep scrapbooking supplies!

Hello From The Razorback State

2009-01-19T17:15:00.002-06:00

We finally made it to our final destination! Ahhhh unpack for a two night stay in one spot. I am sick of my mini van that is for sure! And need I mention my adorable two daughters? Yes they are driving me CRAZY!

I don't know if any of you heard about our first day on the road?! We obviously got a late start on Saturday seeing that I hadn't even started packing until Saturday! When we finally did leave on Saturday it was about Noon! We got through the Twin Cities fine then around Lakeville things got dicey! The roads turned into a huge mess. We started seeing cars in the ditch so we slowed down and just took our time, then we saw more cars in the ditch. Then cars turned into roll overs and SEMIS in the ditch! When we hit the north border of Iowa on it was treacherous to say the least. We saw so many cars, trucks, suvs, semis, campers, trucks with trailers in the ditch we couldn't even count them all! We figure there were between 50 - 90 vehicles in the ditch between Southern Minnesota to Des Monies! No joke! I prayed and prayed the entire way. The blowing and drifting snow was unreal. At one point things were looking up except for the 50 mph wind gusts when we happened on a huge drift in the snow. And sure enough just after the drift the ditches were littered with cars in the ditch. Everywhere you looked there would be more cars in the ditch, they looked like matchbox toys! One poor guy stopped to help another and got rear ended, yeah there was only HALF a car left after that one! They had caution tape on the cars that they had gotten people out of so no one would stop to help and get hurt.

So at this point I'm thinking winter car travel is not my thing! After my frightful trip to Bismarck and now our frightful trip to Arkansas!

The temps aren't bad after leaving the deep freeze. It's about 45-50 out. The girls can't comprehend that there is no need for polar fleece winter hats. So they look a little dorky wearing there polar fleece and parkas!

So I guess it's off to supper then we're hitting the pool. We're staying at my favorite hotel in Bentonville called Simmons Suites. The girls like it because the pool is full of pool toys! It's kinda like staying in Sam's club but fancier! Everything here is from Sam's club! They even leave you treats in your room and fridge! We're going to eat the ice cream after the kids go to bed, shhhh don't tell!

Pickle Classes

2008-12-31T00:05:00.002-06:00

Pickle Class Photos! Check out my newsletter on my website for class details. Don't look at the class listing because I haven't updated it yet. But the newsletter has all the details! They changed things again so I became confused when I tried to update my website so I have to call Troy for help!

Call the store at 320-629-9960 to sign up!

I Have To Tell You

2008-12-18T21:40:00.002-06:00

The other day Lauren was invited to a birthday party and Ella was disappointed she couldn't go. So we usually try and do something fun to keep her mind off of it. She picked supper at McDonald's in true Ella fashion. As we were going in to McDonald's she said to Ron: "I wish I had a different Dad." Ron said: "What?" Ella said: "A new Dad would get a happy meal." So I put two and two together that she wanted Dad to get a happy meal so she could have a boy toy and a Pony! So we sat down to eat and Ella was munching on a french fry and asked Ron: "What kinda meal did you get Daddy?" Ron replied "A double cheeseburger." Ella looked up at him and asked "Is that a sad meal Daddy?" Ohhhh that girl just cracks me up!

Lately we've been having trouble with our satellite company and I was mad because we didn't have TV again! Ella told me I should just spank their a_ _es! Now who uses language like that in our house?

Jessica's January Card Class

2008-12-18T21:36:00.003-06:00

Jessica droped off her cards for her January class yesterday. They are super cute I just absolutely love them! Each time she brings in samples I am simply in awe of her work! We haven't set a date yet, I'll let you know when the class will be held.

I am out on bail!

2008-12-18T21:19:00.002-06:00

So I did it, or should I say we did it? Thanks to all of you who came to my rescue today during my calling brigade! I really appreciate all of your donations today. There still is time to donate, the sooner the better, but you have up to a month to do so on the link below.

I'll confess, I did a lot of grumbling about having to go and put in my time today. Then I started thinking about how what if I was the parent of a child with MD or any other illness. Which person would I rather be the one helping with the fundraising or the one needing help? I have been blessed with three healthy children and know just how lucky I am. That's when I got off of my rusty nail and said I am going to do this with a smile on my face and my Marni optimism and make the best of it. And do you know what? I enjoyed myself in spite of the one naysayer I ran across today.

Okay

2008-12-16T19:31:00.001-06:00

So after about 10 attempts I finally have the MDA link working on the post below this one!

Hey I am pretty excited that I was able to finally do it!

Help Get Me Out Of Jail!!!

2008-12-16T19:15:00.006-06:00

Yes you read it right I'm going behind bars for "good"! Thursday December 18th I'm going to jail for MDA! I've never done this before but I have to say it's been kind of fun!

I'm pleading for the generosity of all of you to help me reach my goal of $1600 by this Friday! Any amount will be appreciated by me and the Muscular Dystrophy Association

Donating is super easy all you have to do is go to:

https://www.joinmda.org/pinecounty/steltz_5

The website walks you through the process which takes only a few minutes. They even send you an email receipt for tax purposes!

Thank you for all your support! Think of me Thursday while I'm sitting behind bars!

Jessica's December Card Class

2008-11-18T19:41:00.001-06:00

Check out the website for details on Jessica's new card class!

New Class Listed

2008-11-17T22:00:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to check out the new class listing on the web site. Tami Wood will be teaching another awesome card class. She's giving it to you at a special price with a door prize drawing!!!!

We Took A Little Day Trip

2008-11-17T21:36:00.002-06:00

Ahhhh a day off...What to do? Really I needed to stay home and do laundry but I also needed some quality parenting time with the girls. Ron had a great idea to go to Duluth to the Aquarium. Off we went. I was so excited to see the empty parking lot, I love to go to places like this at the off time. We practically had the whole place to ourselves, loved it! So yes it was a little pricey, but we had a ton of fun and it was worth it.

I, like a good parent, had fed my family cupcakes for lunch so we were starving at this point. We've been wanting to eat at Hell's Kitchen forever so today was the perfect day Sunday 4:00 no crowd, just my style. I am a huge fan of Gordan Ramsey so I had to eat at a restaurant with the name of one of my favorite tv shows. Believe me this had nothing to do with Gordan. The ambiance looked cool, at first. Then it just seemed not so, I don't know. It's hard to explain but I have this thing about ragged menus. I HATE ragged menus it makes the place just seem dirty. So we waited forever for this food that was bragged so about in the ragged menu I had read. As I'm reading at how wonderful the food was at this Establishment I couldn't help but worry that I was going to have icky food.

So lucky me here came the food carried out by tattoo girl. I was horrified by the sight. (Not of tattoo girl because my daughter is a tattoo freak, but by the food!) Everything was overdone, well with the exception of Ella's burger that was pink. Yes PINK for a three year old, were they trying to kill her?! The restaurant is poorly lit so I thought how bad can these incredibly brown french fries be? Oh yes they were so overdone they were inedible. So tattoo girl came back to see how everything was and I only complained about the french fries, not my burnt toast on my club or my burnt bacon or Ron's fishy overdone fish. I asked politely if the fries were always that color? She said yes with a tone like: are you a crazy woman or what fries are always burnt to a crisp you idiot! So she went back to the kitchen and interrupted the party they were having to make a new batch of french fries. She brings them out and sets them down. Ron and I looked at each other with such disbelief. They were WAY undercooked, raw in the middle. Okay you know what, I'm over it just give them our $55.00 and lets get out of here.

Ron says he would like to try it again. I'm thinking I'll keep my $55.00 and buy something cool with it!

We Had Soooo much fun!

2008-11-17T21:22:00.003-06:00

The cupcake crop was great! Thank you to all the croppers!

We had a group of 14 serious cupcake croppers! I loved the cupcakes that we got at the Rush City Bakery. But I have to say please do not ever frost cupcakes with brown frosting with a large tip in a swirl pattern. Imagine what that looked like...

Jodi was the winner of our special prize, and Peggy was Queen of the Cupcakes!

Everyone seemed to enjoy our cupcake card make and take.

I have decided to do a cupcake crop twice a year. Watch for other themed crops coming up. I've listed a few on the website already. We can take 15 croppers so sign up quick to reserve your spot. We do require payment at time of sign up due to the expenses for prizes, make and takes and other goodies.

Harvest Pumpkin Book

2008-11-05T10:53:00.001-06:00

Angie has made a fabulous mini book creation out of a foam pumpkin! This tabletop mini book is simply irresistible.
This class is just in time for our holiday season. These would make great gifts as well as great tabletop displays.
Join Angie on November 22 at 2:00 p.m. to learn how to make this awesome creation. Please bring your basic tool kit as well as 6-8 photos that you would like to include in your mini book.
All classes and crops must be paid at sign up. Call 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot.

Souper Saturday Crops

2008-11-05T10:52:00.001-06:00

Let us warm your tummy while you scrap all your memories! Crop with us from 10 – 10 on Saturday December 6th
Cost: $15.00 Eat from our wonderful soup bar while you try and get all of your holiday gifts ready. Pop, water and snacks will be provided. All of our croppers will also get to do a free make and take. Call the store to reserve your spot. All crops and classes must be prepaid.

Future Souper Saturday Crops will be:
January 17, 2009
February 21, 2009
More dates may be added.

I'm trying to line up...

2008-10-27T21:45:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to line up a special guest to do the make and take for the Holiday Open House on November 8th. If things work out okay I'll let you know ASAP. We've got our fingers crossed! Trust me if this goes through you won't want to miss this make and take!

We've also decided to extend out Holiday Open House over two Saturdays. We will also be entertaining you November 15th as well! We will be doing another free make and take all day. We also have our cupcake crop going on that same day.

I'm trying to line up a special guest for that day as well. If it goes through I'll let you know as soon as I know! Keep your eye on the blog for details.

Holiday Crop

2008-10-27T21:39:00.003-05:00

Join us November 8, 2008 for a Holiday Crop. We will be cropping from 10 - 10. All Holiday croppers will get to do a free Christmas make and take. Lunch will be Subway with a Pizza Pub dinner. Santa has left a gift for all of our holiday croppers come and see what he has left for you. The cost is $30.00 per person. Payment is due at time of sign up. Call 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot. Ho Ho Ho!

Whew!

2008-10-27T21:19:00.002-05:00

Wow did last weekend really happen or was that all a dream?!

The show at the River Center went great. We saw a lot of familiar faces and met a lot of great new people!

Savannah got lost both days trying to get there! I screamed both times I had to go down that parking ramp. You know I thought I was pretty cool as a teenager squealing my tires. It's not so much fun at 39! Miss Savannah also lost her car in the parking ramp. We were teasing Savannah about it while we were searching for her car and come to find out there was a guy wondering around looking for his car too!

So the stencil guy just about drove us crazy all weekend. If I ever do this again I will request a booth on the other side of the building. We totally memorized his spiel! That guy was quite the salesman.

On Saturday I headed up to Duluth to do my make and take for the crop up there. Wow, you guys really should check this crop out. It's for a great cause put on by the nicest women you could ever want to meet! The crop is in the lunchroom of this private school with a view that is simply breathtaking. They had an awesome silent auction with the coolest stuff! They feed you breakfast, Famous Dave's and Olive Garden! I think I should make their crop a mandatory employee meeting and get my girls up there to have fun! I was so happy to walk in and see familiar faces!

So I set off to head down to St Paul. I got a little lost so I ended up going down the hill. I heard what I thought was a jet airplane. I thought to myself, I didn't think Duluth had that big of an airport. Then a little while later I heard it again. I thought could that noise be me? No it must be a helicopter. Then I thought if it is my brakes they will cool off and be fine. I stopped in Hinckley to eat at Hardees before heading back to help pack up at the Rivercenter and I heard that same jet plane. Now I know Hinckley doesn't have an airport that can accommodate jet planes. IT IS ME! When I went to go through the light my van was making a horrible clunking noise. So when I safely got to Hardees I called my Mom to come and rescue me. So that put a stop to my drive down to St Paul at that point. So Ron when I complain about a noise in my van maybe you'll believe me next time! My van is back home and fixed. It was my brakes and they were completely shot. I guess after 163,000 miles I 'd be shot too.

I'm back to work tomorrow, it feels like I've been gone forever!

Excuse my mess

2008-10-21T22:24:00.002-05:00

If you happen to pop into the store tomorrow please forgive the mess I have created! Lynn and I tore apart the store to do a trial set up of the booth for CKC. By the time we were done we had a huge mess! I didn't bother doing anything with it since I just have to pack it all up on Wednesday night. So I'm pretty excited about exhibiting this weekend. I'm really just anxious to get this week behind me so maybe I can start thinking of Halloween!
One of the room mom's from 1st grade asked if I had received her message about helping with the Halloween party next Friday. I had the deer in the headlights look because I did notice a message but have been either running out of the house or dragging myself into the house so I haven't listened to it. But little Ella saved me! Yes my 3 year old is more responsible than good old mom! She pipes up: "Yes, it was about the games." And she was right! The mom goes: "Yes that is right it is about the games!" I'm not sure how Ella knew this but hey maybe I will have an assistant one day! And she's family so she has to work for free! Really I just wanted to disappear! I really need to stop and refocus. I make myself too busy, and I'm not sure how to stop doing it!
Ron has been in Iowa to make life worse so I've been playing single mom for a few days. Okay so the next time I say what does he do all day somebody slap me! The girls and I made Carmel apples on Sunday and the mess is still there! I left it for Ron to clean up. You know we made these for you now you have to clean up trick! Anyone know how to get the Carmel out of the bowl or should I just throw the mess away! Note to self buy Carmel apples next time. Oh yeah, I decided we needed M&M's on them. The next day all the M&M's slid off. I took a picture of the mess! When Lauren woke up Monday morning and saw that her creation had slid off the apple she started to cry! I forgot the put them in the fridge step, oops!

Busy...Busy...Busy

2008-10-20T19:49:00.002-05:00

Wow was I busy getting ready for CKC today! I've been checking in products like a crazy woman! Ron brought my display up to the store so we can get it all set up and looking cool for Friday. It's really going to look cool. Thank goodness for good friends and good junk. Just to let you know before you throw out anything that looks remotely cool call me first. A friend from WAY back stopped in the store and asked if I would like any doors. Wow, and they worked just perfect! I couldn't believe that someone hadn't told her I was looking for old doors! So if you get a chance Friday or Saturday stop down at the CKC event at the Rivercenter and check out my rockin' cool booth!

One Word

2008-10-13T22:58:00.003-05:00

One Word...Cuttlebug!

Okay, okay have you ever known me to say one word? Two of my teachers have been going on and on about Cuttlebug (JK)! So finally I did it. I ordered two machines and a bunch of embossing folders.

So if you would like a demo on the Cuttlebug just stop in the store and we will show you how it works! I haven't even taken the time to play with it yet, but I'm sure I'll be tearing into the box tomorrow.

The two machines that came in are both spoken for but I'll be putting them on reorder. If you would like to preorder and prepay for your machine I will give you a 15% discount on the machine. This offer will be good until November 13th. Give me a call at 320-629-9960 and we can get your machine ordered!

Hello Unity Groupies!

2008-10-13T22:51:00.002-05:00

Wow was I surprised with all the new visitors. I hope you all stop by often to check us out! Thanks for all of your kind words, I really needed it.

When I first saw Unity at CHA in Anaheim I was really impressed. It just took me awhile to jump on the bandwagon. But I am very happy I did! I have a great teacher at my store that really was the one who was behind the nudge to order the stamps. Jessica is super talented and has been using the stamps in the classes she teaches for me. One day we made a date to order the stamps. When she brought in her stamps and samples that was all it took I was in love with these stamps. What great designs and the value!

Jessica and I will do our best at spreading the word at how awesome Unity stamps are!

More New Product

2008-10-09T21:32:00.002-05:00

I forgot that I ordered the Basic Grey Dark Chocolate albums, and Chocolate Chip albums! They are pretty cool. I also got in the buttons that go with the paper collections. The granola paper packs came in today too. Yesterday I got in a surprise package from Prima. More flowers!

I'll be teaching book club on Saturday. But other than that I'll be hanging out at home for the weekend.

We're having a little change in our class schedule. Both A Muse stamp classes will be on Saturday. We still have room in the 'Tis The Season class and Fall Fun class. You'll be learning great techniques with the Copic markers. This is a great chance to see that they are much more than just a marker!

We are offering kits for the Vintage Photo class and transparency class. Stop in the store and pick one up. If you can't make it to the store we would be glad to send you one! Get one before you can't!

More New Product!

2008-10-07T20:53:00.002-05:00

Just when I think I'm done checking in new product Chris the UPS guy drops off another little box of fun!

Today I checked in new stamps by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. I love these peg stamps! The are awesome with flower soft. I ordered in a bunch of new Christmas stamps. Stop in and check them out.

Creative Imaginations sent me a box of Christmas fun. Ohhh I love the vintage Christmas. Hey even my husband thought it was pretty cool without even being prompted by me!

My reorder of stamp of the month came in today too. Wow these stamps are popular it's only the 7th and I already had to reorder!

I also got in a bunch of great baby papers as well.

So tomorrow I will be busy getting it all priced and put out on the shelves while dreaming of all the great projects I could do!

We still have space at the Friday night crop. Give the store a call or stop in to reserve yourself a spot. 320-629-9960

Fall is in the air

2008-10-06T22:34:00.002-05:00

What a fun day we had on Sunday! Every year we go up to Bayfield for the Apple Fest. Every year I say we should stop at this pumpkin farm we drive by. This year we stopped and what fun we had! This guy has tons of pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and more! The girls talked us in to going through the corn maze, twice! It was a beautiful day for it and who could resist? I have to say if you're in for a drive you must go here. There are no crowds, it's just a cute mom and pop kind of place perfect for great photos! I absolutely loved it! Next year we're going to go to Racheli's and get our gourmet deli sandwiches and have a picnic lunch. Racheli's has the most delicious sandwiches, crostinis and gorgonzola dip that you could ever eat! We've been stopping at Racheli's for about 2 years. The place is a work in progress, and the family is super nice. I have to say that the sons that work with the father are pretty hot Italian men. They leave me a little tongue tied! Both of these places are in Ashland WI about a 2 1/2 hour drive from my house but well worth it.

Oh and the Apple Fest it was great too! Tons and tons of people! It was another great parade and great apple pie. Too bad I spent all my money at the craft fair, pumpkin farm and deli I left without even one apple! Note to self, next time bring more cash!

By the way I'm trying to see if I can get Racheli's to cater one of the meals for the crop up in Bayfield for us in April. It will be under one condition, the hot Italian men must be the ones to bring the food!

Don's Berry & Pumpkin Patch
27190 US 2 West
Ashland WI 54806

Vikki Has A New Class

2008-10-06T22:28:00.001-05:00

Vikki has a new class for you, One sheet wonder! Make 15 cards from one sheet of pattern paper. This is a great way to get a lot of cards done in a short amount of time. Is this the year you are going to send out handmade cards? Or have you sent out a million handmade cards and dred making them again this year? This is the class for you!

Date: October
Time:
Cost:

Give us a call at 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot. Please bring your basic tool kit to class.

New Class To Add!

2008-10-06T21:05:00.003-05:00

Jessica was busy today and brought in her class for November!

She made 5 beautiful cards, an adorable paper clip and a super cute sleeve that holds a powdered drink packet.

Jessica always has such great cards. I love the colors and the stamps she has used.

Jessica's card class will be Saturday November 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. The cost will be $15.00. If you can not attend the class kits will be available for purchase. Call 320-629-9960 to reserve your spot. Remember to bring your basic tool kit.

Class pictures

2008-10-06T08:32:00.002-05:00

Fuzzy Dot Ribbon?

2008-10-03T00:06:00.002-05:00

Oh yes, you are going to love this! I had to do a special order for a customer, and how can you just order one spool of ribbon? I can't so I had to order some super cool stuff with it. I'm loving the fuzzy dot ribbon! Thanks to Tami for the heads up about it! I also got reindeer ribbon, bats and ghosts.

You must stop in and check out our new line of stamps at the store. I promise you haven't seen anything like them before! I'd tell you what the new line is but you must stop in and see them for yourself!

New Cosmo Cricket came in I love the new Christmas line! The new black board is super exciting.

Stamp of the month is super cute. Get the new snowmen while you can he has been flying out the door! I have already reordered 3 different stamps.

I have been a busy, busy girl. So busy in fact that I just found a container of yogurt in my bag that has been there for two days. Ewwww! Do you ever have days that you think you have just about every minute planned out and suddenly a monkey wrench is thrown in and your whole day has been put upside down and shaken? Ya, that has been my week! Ahhh there's always hope for next week!

New Poll!

2008-09-27T21:24:00.001-05:00

There is a new poll at the bottom of the page check it out and vote!

Exhausted!

2008-09-27T20:44:00.003-05:00

What a fun and exhausting day. It is so fun to do events at the store, but very exhausting. Linda K summed it up today when she said it's like company coming! When I have an event at the store I put my all into it. I like to have the store neat and tidy, brimming with new product and I agonize what to bring in new to surprise all of you! It's so much fun to entertain at the store it almost feels like when I have a gathering at my house. Isn't that strange?

I have to do a shout out to my fantastic friends (how many times have I said that word today Marge Brown?) Speaking of Marge Brown! Hey girl you rock! We make a pretty good team, thanks for all of your late, late nights. I love our pep talks, you have great insight! Kris my neighbor from across the street from the hardware store! You knocked my socks off! You helped me so much I could never repay your kindness. Lynn B my new Sis! Wow the fabulous cookies, that awesome dip, and did you see how cute the front of the store looked today? Ya that was all Lynn's decorations from outside her house! She loaned the entire thing to me! Linda R thanks for your patience on the balloon run today! You are so good with our customers helping them find product, teaching them how to do projects, demoing... Linda K, you have so much patience. Thanks for your help on the countless make and takes. You my dear are one in a million! Mr Glenn K and Nathan, thanks for the nourishment! You gave us the steam we needed to help the crowds! Mom, thanks for all the time you donate with my children. If it weren't for you I would not be doing my life's dream! My girls will have the fondest memories when they are my age of their Grandma. Thanks for your time, love and patience! Oh my dear husband Ron. You deserve a medal for putting up with crazy me. I know some days you have to wonder what planet I'm from. Thanks for believing in me, I could have never done any of this without your help, support and time!

I couldn't run this store with out the help of all of you and many more people that help me out.

So it is time to look forward to getting in new products for the upcoming classes, ordering for CKC and the Crop in Duluth!

Just a Reminder

2008-09-24T22:22:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder about classes. Make sure you sign up early for your favorite class coming up in October. We are going to accompany as many people we can so be the first to sign up to assure you have a seat or a kit!

Crops are filling fast. Make sure you get your friends together and pick your Friday soon! Keep your eye on the website for notification of Saturday 10-10 crops. We are now able to accommodate larger groups up to 16 for crops so if you have a large group that wants to come in for a Friday or Saturday crop just give us a call. 320-629-9960

Check Out The Website

2008-09-24T22:12:00.002-05:00

Make sure you check out the website I've been adding events to the calendar that you won't want to miss!

I was very busy today getting clearance items out. We have pattern paper, rubberstamps, embellishments, cardstock and stickers. We have savings of 50% - 75% off. Make sure you stop in for the deals on Saturday!

We got in new Somerset Studio magazines. That is always a happy day for me, they are my favorite publications. The artwork is amazing!

The Fed-Ex guy brought new Fiskars product. I kind of dug through the box and found a lot of Cloud 9 super cute rain dot titles!

Stop in and see us this weekend!

I Forgot To Tell You

2008-09-21T14:43:00.002-05:00

Did I forget to tell you that we will be doing a booth at the River Center for the CKC event? I'm pretty excited for it and I've started ordering for the event. I'm bringing hot new products that most people are unaware of., so stop in and check out the event, I'm sure you'll have a blast.