Proud Owners

We are celebrating tonight for sure. We are the proud owners of the Stahlke Building in Pine City Minnesota! We closed on the building today. Somebody pinch me, it still doesn't seem real. When I walked in there today and saw the store empty I got super scared. How am I going to fill this place up?
I've been ordering like a crazy woman! So far today I've faxed:
Fontwerks, May Arts, Two Chicks Designs (Pajamas!), Papers Best and Luxe. I still have a pile to fax yet.
Ron and I just booked our room for CHA in February. Yeah, I've never been to the winter show, only the summer show in Chicago.
So I'll make a toast for you all to the new store and new adventure.

Have I Told You About My Latest Obsession?

Have you seen the ATC cardholder by 7gypsies? Yeah, I love it. At first I was going to make one and theme it and make it all pretty. But then I decided to do mini pages of my 12x12 pages and put them on there. Oh yeah, I'm lovin' it. So after I make my 12x12 page I use the scraps left over and do an ATC. It is so fun, it might take me awhile to fill it up, but it is starting to look super cool. At first I just made the ATC, then I decided they looked so naked that I had to add photos. So I print them out in contact sheet size and they fit perfectly!

Snow Pics

PINK! This story is kinda cute, click on the picture so you can read it! I used Scenic Route Paper Co.'s Brighton Collection, Swiss Alps, Cross Winds, background worn lined paper. Maya Road chipboard snowflakes, the coolest Glimmer Mist ever. This stuff works like magic on paper, chipboard, cardstock, stamp with it etc... Alexx Kesh snowflake, misc chipboard buttons sprayed with Glimmer Mist. Hem tape, Rusty Pickle chipboard letters covered with Cross Winds paper, and Heidi Swapp date stamp.

Marni Loves KI

I don't know about you, but my girls wear pink, all the time. So snow paper is hard to find for me. Blue just doesn't always cut it. I used the Scenic Route Paper Co's Brighton line, Cross Winds, Love Letter, and Swiss Alps. This would also work great for Valentines. I used another Tag Line by KI, staples, snowflake by Alexx Kesh (I'm addicted to these too!). The chipboard snowflakes are from Maya Road, the white flower is misc from another project. My secret ingredient for the color of the snowflake is Glimmer Mist. The picture doesn't do this stuff justice. I will be carrying the entire line at The Pine City Scrapbooking Co Inc. I've got to have every color! I bought two bottles when I was in Arkansas this past fall, I never used it until yesterday. I've been covered in it ever since! You're going to love this stuff, I promise!

KI Crazy

Okay, I'm loving the new lace paper by KI. You can use parts and pieces or the whole sheet.

This layout I used white bazzil cardstock, KI Perm Black Lace paper, Teen Tag Lines by KI (these are super cute, just like mad libs). KI Tattoo slang wicked, misc flowers, CI jewel brad and a chipboard arrow that I put Gunmetal Stickles on so it would be black.

Savannah filled in the blanks on the tag line. Yes I did freak out on her, and last night was the first I ever saw it, accidentally, and I HATE IT! I lovingly cared for that belly button and she ruined it! I still love her.

I Was Feeling Creative

I had to scrap these cute shots from the snow the other day before I could do another thing!

I used Cream Blue Bell Narratives by CI with the new lace paper called Gossip Bluebird from KI. The cute journaling card is from Jenni Bowlin, and the buttons are foof-a-la, the lace is hem tape (I've coined the name underwear lace!).

Now if I would be scrapping this for myself I would have added at least one maybe 2 more wallet sized pictures. But I had to show off the paper since it's a sample for the store.

It's Just About Christmas Eve

It is just about Christmas Eve 2 minutes to go as a matter of fact. You're wondering why I'm online? Wrapping gifts, what else! We just finished the birthday gifts, now back to a few Christmas and we're done! We do not put them under the tree until Christmas Eve after the kids go to bed. They would drive us crazy. Lauren actually asked if we forgot to buy presents!
This post is just a shout out to whomever reads my blog. Leave a post behind and let me know you are out there. Sometimes I wonder if I'm just talking to myself! LOL It would be great to hear from you guys and know what you're up to and what you're thinking. Drop a line I'd love to hear from you.

I'm Glad I'm Not The Fed Ex Guy

The newly fallen snow yesterday was just beautiful, unless you're the Fed Ex Guy! We had just gotten in from playing in the snow when I looked out the window and saw someone walking down the driveway (I have a super long, snowy driveway). I told Ron to go check it out. Here it was the Fed Ex Guy bringing me my Maya Road order. I thanked him kindly even though I really wanted my grunge board!!!! But hey, I love Maya too! Thanks again Mr Fed Ex!

I Learn New Things Everyday

I know that most of you are web savy. I am not, I'm always learning. Did you know that if you click on one of my pictures or the blue print of our new building they come up bigger? Yeah, I didn't until my web guy told me. I thought I'd pass it on so you could see the circle layout better.

Happy Holidays

From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!
Best Wishes For The New Year,
Ron, Marni, Savannah, Lauren and Ella

Pageframe Designs

I just got in my order of Pageframe Designs. I love this stuff. I felt so inspired by this acrylic I had to do a project! I used the new papers and a sticker that I got from Jenni Bowlin, Heidi Swapp letters, ribbon, a few flowers, foof-a-la buttons, miscellaneous trinkets I had laying around and a package of the 8" Circles by Pageframe Designs. And this is what I came up with. My husband had to drill a couple of extra holes so I could link them together, but it was a piece of cake with my little hand drill from Fiskars. I didn't use a lot of color, which is very unusual for me, but I'm loving the black and white.

Don't be afraid of the acrylic, once you make the jump into it, you'll love it.

Up North

I was so excited today, I ordered a new line of paper that I think you will all love. The paper comes in packs with cardstock. It's called Up North. They are actual photos from the North Shore! These will be a great addition to my travel and woodsy selections! If you need to get your hands on this cool new paper pack just email me at steltz_5@msn.com

What Did I Order?

Oh I had soooo much fun!
Here are the companies I ordered from yesterday:
Around The Block
Bo Bunny
Cloud 9
Fiskars
Flair Designs
Heidi Grace
Me & My Big Ideas
SEI
Traditions Studio
Bluegrass Publishing
Meri Meri
Paper House
Far And Away
The Robin's Nest
SRM
World Win Papers
It is so hard to pick from all the wonderful lines, but I think I did a pretty good job! I have been making a big effort at ordering different products than I ordered for Divine Memories. So this store will be brand new! I know you will love what is coming in.

Ordering New Product For The Pine City Scrapbooking Co. Inc.

As I've been saying, the new scrapbooking store will be open Feb 1, 2008. So I've been ordering new product like crazy! Today Nicole will be coming by to help me order. My husband is very anxious for the new store to open as he is losing garage space!
What has come in so far:
Jenni Bowlin - New for me, I've never carried this line
Eyelet Outlet
Creative Imaginations
Maya Road - Love their chipboard albums
Alexx Kesh - A new ribbon line that I've never carried
Tim Holtz Grunge Board! - Yikes I can't wait until this comes! It should be in my hands middle of this coming week. If you really need to have your fix on this hot product email me and I can hook you up. If I have to sell it out of the back of my mini van I will.
Scenic Paper Route - I can't help but love these guys
KI Memories - Love the diecut paper
Your Pictured Memories - The ribbon holders are awesome. I sold through one case of these in two weeks at Divine Memories. Those were black, the new ones are in color.
So today I will ordering a ton more. I'll post what companies I order from later.
You will love the new store and the new products. Don't forget to get your friends together after the new year to plan your retreat dates for Scrapbooking In The Pines Retreat Center. I have already started booking!

Sharing My Christmas Cards

I can't believe it, I am done with my Christmas cards before Christmas Eve! Okay, so they aren't in the mail yet, but they will be Monday.

I Thought I'd share them with you.

I made the card with:

K&Co Classic K Margo Vintage Typography Collage Flat paper

Foof-a-la Capri Harlequin paper

Bazzil cardstock color craft

Autumn Leaves Pog Tags

Foof-a-la buttons

7gypsies twist ties

And My favorite vintage German die cuts

Distress ink Brushed corduroy

7gypsies 3 hole punch

Manila file folders

Foam tape

Label maker

My special invitation tag was a new Tim Holtz technique I learned. As a matter of fact I have learned quite a lot of new techniques that I can't wait to show you. So watch for a Tim Holtz class at the new store in March! So consider that picture to be a sneak peak at the new class.

Sorry about the measuring cup in the background, Ella was eating M&M's!

Scrapbooking Store And Retreat Center Go Hand And Hand

I know of only one other full service scrapbook store and retreat center, under one roof, in Minnesota. I think it is such a great fit. Need supplies, no problem just grab as you go and pay at the end of the weekend. What more could you need?
Yesterday was a busy day. Ron and I met with our web designer. We're pretty excited! I've never had a website, where to start?
One very exciting part of the website is that we will have an online store! So all of you out of towners that can't attend a class but would like to make the project, you'll be able to order the kit online! We will also be listing other products as well.
We hope that you will be able to book and pay for your Scrapbooking In The Pines stay online as well. It will have a real time calendar so you can check and pick your weekends immediately.
We will have a message board too! So you can connect with each other about booking rooms or about tips and tricks you'd like to share with each other. It will be a great place to meet new friends.
Pat the builder guy applied for building permits yesterday! January 3, 2008 is the day construction starts. I'm so excited!

Start Planning Ahead

I am already holding dates for 2008 and 2009 weekends retreats. Make sure you get together with your friends and start planning your retreat weekends.

Where is Pine City Minnesota? We are about one hour North of the Twin Cities and about one hour South of Duluth on I35. Exit Pine City 169 from the south going north turn right at top of ramp. From the north going south turn left. You will go through one stop light. When you get to the second stop light take a left. You will go through one four way stop, when you get to the stop light take a right. Go one block take a left. Go right at the stop sign and the store and retreat center will be on the left.

You are just going to love the huge Scrapbooking and Stamping store that is connected to the retreat center. Not only for all the supplies but for the ideas too. We specialize in the unusual. We like to find different vendors to order from that maybe you haven't seen. We also like to play with all the products and tools so we can show you how to use all the fun new toys you will find.

The retreat center is one level and with your own private entrance on the side you can load and unload and come and go as you wish.

Update

Pine City is one hour north of the Twin Cities. Depending on where exactly you are coming from, I know that you can be to Pine City in 45 minutes from the north end and 1 hour 15 minutes from the south end. Depends on how fast you drive!!!!
If you have any questions feel free to email me. I will answer them as quickly as possible. I'll also post the answers here for all to read.
We will be having more than one toilet for the retreat center. Over site on my part.
The retreat center has a separate entrance on the side. You will be able to come and go as you please. With easy loading and unloading of your vehicles.
The bedrooms will be sound proofed as best we can.
The kitchen dining area has enough room to seat 24 people.
I've added a list of restaurants and shopping that you will find in the downtown as well.

Downtown Pine City

If you are not familiar with the downtown area in Pine City I'll let you know what is within walking distance from the Retreat Center. For dining you will find 5th Street Grill, Froggies, Pizza Pub, Nelson's Bakery, New China, Mom's Hometown Cafe, Sprouts, Nicolls Cafe, Village Inn. Several of these restaurants serve cocktails. There is also the Municipal Liquor store.
As for shopping you will find: The Red Poppy, Picturing Pine, Sauser's, Flower Box and Garden Path. We also have a one hour photo lab a block away.
You could literally park your car and not move it during your stay because all of this is under 3 blocks away.
We are directly across the street from the City Park, the local Library is two blocks away. The Snake River is one long block away.
You will love the quaintness of our little old fashioned community.

Retreat Layout

Here is a sneak peak at the new Pine City Scrapbooking Co Inc and Scrapbooking In The Pines Retreat Center. Pick your rooms now!

2008 Room Rates

Scrapbooking In The Pines Retreat Center Rates 2008:


Sunday - Thursday: $30.00 Per Night

Friday and Saturday: $50.00 Per Night add a Thursday or Sunday to your Friday, Saturday booking for an additional $25.00 per night.

These rates do not include sales tax.

This rate remains the same if you have 1 or 23 people in your party.

If you would like to book out the entire crop and retreat area for just your party the cost will be $2208.00 for Friday and Saturday night stay. ($46.00 per person/night with 24 in your party.)

If you would like to book out the entire crop and retreat area for just your party Monday thru Wednesday the cost would be $1872.00 ($26.00 per person/night with 24 in your party.)

If you would like to rent the space for the day 8 Hours max. it will be $25.00 a day per person Monday - Thursday only. During regular business hours.

Hosted weekends, to be announced, will be $130.00 for a two night stay.

Check in will be 10:00 a.m. and check out will be 6:00 p.m.

Amenities that will be available for you:

Large refrigerator

freezer

toaster

blender

coffee maker

convection microwave

Loads of outlets

dishes

eating area

Handicap room and bath

4 showers

two twin beds in each room

access to public telephone

Flat screen televisions in crop area

5 cd changer

sound system

dvd player

dvds

3x5 crop tables

comfy chairs

cricut

fonts

punches

eyelets

brads

scissors

rulers

markers

templates

idea library

ink pads

wi fi

computer with font collection

wide format printer

electricity at every table

accu cut

sewing machine

loads of misc tools

Extended hours to the attached scrapbook store: The Pine City Scrapbooking Co. Inc (co-owner of Divine Memories.)

We will be booking at the begining of next week ( I hope). So get together with your croping or quilting friends and pick out your weekends or weekdays and book early to get your best dates. The retreat center is due open in April so our first booking will be the last weekend in April.

Gathering For The New Store

Savannah and I are having a blast planning and buying decorations for the new retreat center! My ever patient husband didn't sleep last night so he could get two flat screen tvs for your viewing enjoyment! I've been buying chick flicks for our video library!

I have officially started buying products for the new store. The biggest advantage to restarting a store after 4 years of owning one is, I know what I want to order and I've been listening to what the customers have been asking for. I plan on doubling the outdoors, travel and family sections of our store.

Ron and I went and visited our new location today. I still can not believe that that is where we'll be come February! It's so exciting.

Clearing Up The Rumors

Ron and I are proud to announce the opening of our new business venture: Scrapbooking In The Pines in Pine City MN! We are very excited that our dreams are finally coming true. We have been thinking of doing this for 4 years. Now it is time to turn our dream into a reality!



We are in the process of purchasing a building in Pine City MN to do a 24 bed retreat center, crop room, lunch room, scrapbook and stamp store.



As some of you might know I am currently co owner of Divine Memories in Pine City. Those dynamics are about to change, but the products I plan to bring into my new location will be just as good and better as ever. You might also know that I have been doing 99% of all the buying for Divine Memories for the past 4 years. So I assure you that you will love what you see in the new location.



We are planning some great features for the retreat center. One of the big benefits is that there will be one set price for a Friday and Saturday stay. It will not differ if you have 24 in your party or 3. The price will be the same. There will be a weekday break as well as a Thursday and Sunday break when tied to a weekend, we will be talking about prices in upcoming blogs. The retreat center will have a handicap accessible bedroom and bathroom. We will be having extended store hours for your convenience as well as special amenities! We will be revealing those as we go along in our building process.



We will still have an instore crop area that will actually include lockers so you frequent croppers can rent space and just leave all of your things at the store! Our store will double in size, not only for more great product but to be handicap accessible. Wi Fi will be available throughout the store to serve you better as well.



I hope to be getting a floor plan from my builder soon to post them so you can all check it out.



I plan on booking rooms in about 30 days. Our retreat center is due to open in April 2008. Our scrapbook store: Pine City Scrapbooking Compay will be opening Feb 1 2008.



We are very excited about the move and the new venture. I hope you will visit our blog often to check progress and book your rooms. In future emails we will be letting know how you can book your rooms with us to ensure the weekends that you really want.

We can not wait to share our dreams with you!