Hero Arts is Here!!

Great new Gems in just about every shape and size. I just love these gems to add a little bling to almost everything. Even the sides of my glasses!! You can use them in strips or lines or cut them off individually. Also some really cute new stamp sets and great invitations and envelopes with assorted colors in each package. Check out the pictures below!! Jane

Snorkeling anyone??

Last year while in the Bahamas we thought we would take Ciana snorkeling. It was fun, although the water was freezing and very rough. She spent a good deal of time petrified of the fish because they were actually swarming around us. While we thought we were getting some great underwater pictures, we learned that the underwater disposable cameras were not up to our expectations! This fun layout captures what should have been a bright, fun day, although we did have fun! Afterwords we spent the day at a beautiful resort basking in the sun on the private beach and enjoying their pools and hot tub. It was a great day, although she is not asking for scuba lessons. Enjoy my layout below. Jane

Busy Weekend..

Sorry I didn't get to post this weekend. We had a busy weekend at the store and at home. At the store we had a crop of Friday night until 11pm and Saturday 10-5. I got 2 classes developed and some pages of my own!! Yippee!! On the homefront, my daughter was singing in a benefit for our church on Saturday night and we were busy with that. Sunday I spent the entire day switching from winter to spring/summer clothes because we leave for Mexico this coming Saturday. Can't Wait. In the meantime, here is one of the layouts that I created this week using some great paper from Creative Imaginations and Bazzill, Chipboard from Maya Road sprayed with my favorite product, Glimmer Mist. The picture is exactly a year old and taken on a Cruise to the Bahamas. Better late that never! Enjoy. Jane

One year ago today...

Where were you one year ago from today??? I can tell you exactly where we were. I was at the store busy bailing out from the flood of 2007. This building hasn't been involved in a flood since 1984 and hopefully will live out another 23 years before flooding again. My thoughts on the flooding are that we survived pretty well with about $1000.00 of lost stock, repairs and clean-up. On the other hand, by mothers' store, Adventures in Cooking, did not do so well. She lost over $50,000 in stock alone and another $170,000 in building repairs and clean-up and 3 months of lost business while closed for renovation. I am praying that this year will be a better year for all of us. So, the sun today is welcome! Enjoy the day. Jane

The backdoor of our store

Inside my store

The back of Adventures in Cooking from my truck (couldn't get into the front)

Stock at Adventures in Cooking waiting for Insurance Claim

Little Yellow Bicycle is here!!

One of my favorite new lines is Little Yellow Bicycle. This was a new concept at the trade show and the basis of their business is that they will release a new line every three months, it will only be in your Independent Scrapbook Stores (that's us!!) and when it is gone, its gone!! Our first collection has arrived and it is called Delightful, and it is just that! Check out the pictures below which include double sided cardstock, die cut papers, glitter papers, fabric stickers, rub-ons, brads, ribbon and more... Can't wait to start playing with this! Jane

Tinkering Ink is Here~~~

Can you say "Happy, Happy, Happy"? These papers are so bright, fun and happy, they just are begging for some spring pictures!! The collection on the left is Al Fresco with bright, hot colors great for spring, summer, beach or well, anything!! The collection on the right is Wild Woodland and is a bit more subdued, but really soft and pretty. Both collections come with glitter stickers, rub-ons, and finery (small elaborate felt adornments). My other favorite thing which isn't pictured is the Peek-a-boo album. This is a chipboard and acrylic album made to alter, alter, alter. We will be using them for a class, so keep your eyes on the lookout. It should be posted shortly!! Jane

Memories Complete Scrapbook Albums arrive...

We just received the most beautiful top loading 12x12 and 8x8 scrapbook albums. These albums are TOP QUALITY with fabric fronts that have been pre-treated to resist spots and stains. Some have a bow, but if you don't like that look it can be easily removed!! You are going to love these, check them out below. Jane

Bo Bunny Arrives..

Well, I finally took the plunge and ordered the Bo Bunny Dot paper. This is beautiful tone on tone dot paper which is textured and double sided. The other side is as white wash solid of the front and they come in so many yummy colors. Just couldn't choose, so in my fashion, I ordered them all! Stop by and check them out.

Also took in the Beachy Keen line, some pretty silk flowers, ribbon and brad packs and dot ribbon by the yard (had to choose these)!! I'll be at the store from 7-9 tonight if you want a sneak peek! Jane

Upcoming weekly events...

I can't believe the weekend is over! We had a crop at the store yesterday from 10am-11pm and I actually got 6 pages done. That has been a record lately. Had a really good time and saw lots of inspiring work going on, in between the hustle and bustle of the store. Crate Paper is flying out the door with some of the papers already gone as well as lots of the Kaiser Scrapbook paper which is almost non-existant at this time. I know for a fact that we will be getting in shortly Basic Grey, Collected Memories (albums), Bo Bunny (I think tomorrow) and Tinkering Ink. It seems like a busy stock week is ahead for me. On top of new stock we have 3 classes and 3 crops coming in this week also! Check out our website for those listings.
On top of my schedule, Ciana's schedule is really hectic this week. She has softball practice and games 3 times this week on top of piano, drama (she's in Annie) and a solo she is doing at a benefit for our church on Sunday which she will be practicing for 2x during the week!! I think I am definately going to need vacation in a week! Can't wait.
Have a great week!! Jane

Fancy Pants Designs...Need I Say More??

One of my FAVORITE companies is Fancy Pants Designs, and we got a large order of things from them today. My favorite thing is the new Glitter Cuts. Glitter Cuts are small pieces of transparency which is painted and glittered in different themes. We took in 14 different ones! You are going to have to stop by and see them in person because being of the clear, shiny nature, they don't photograph well!! We also have 11 different 12x12 transparencies that are to die for!!! (again, you must see them in person) Sorry.

But the good news is that we have Fancy Pants Designs new paper and rub-ons in the following collections which were just begging to be photographed. We took the following lines in: Simplicity; Holly Jolly; Daydreams; Celebrate and About A Boy. They are pictured below along with new chipboard shapes in Flourishes, Too; Power Flowerz; Say It Simple and Winter Wonders (no pictures again). Well, I never said I was going to do a good job at this, but I was working as fast as my little hands could move so this would all be ready and for sale at our crop from 10am-11pm tomorrow. Stop by for a peek. Jane

Technique Tuesday arrives...

For those of you that don't know this name, this is a great clear stamp company with beautiful stamps and one of my favorite items, Technique Tiles.

Technique Tiles are clean, creamy tiles that can be transformed from basic to beautiful in seconds. Just pop out the individual die-cut pieces, drag an ink pad around the edge or across the tile to add color and then stamp letters, words, or images. Or swipe on a coat of Glimmer Mist or acrylic paint and then stamp on the painted surface. They are a great alternative to chipboard and much lighter and very easy to alter! So come on in and pick up a package to try, before they are gone!!

We received one great stamp set in this order!! But the best part is that if you purchase $30.00 of product from the Technique Tuesday line, you get the Collectors Edition Beauty in Bloom stamp set for FREE. (while supplies last).

Come in and check it out soon, these are sure to sell quickly!! Jane

Fiskars has arrived!!

Some really pretty paper, clear acrylic stamps, embellishments and a cool tool has arrived from Fiskars. The paper is from Cloud 9 Designs "Brittany's Castle" line with pretty lavendar, sage green, plum and pink accents. There are also great embellishments to go along with this line. The clear stamps are beautiful and I can't wait to try them out!! The new tool is a Fingertip Control Craft Knife which at first I wasn't sold on, but then I tried it!! Anyone that is afraid to use an Exacto Knife will just love this tool. Pictures of everything is below. Enjoy!! Jane

New from Luxe Designs..

Just in from Luxe Designs are their new clear acrylic stamps. I just love the corners, flourishes, circle and square frames and the stitches, heck I like them all!! That is probably why I bought them all in the firstplace. I can't wait to get my hot little hands on some of these new stamps. Watch out, I may be pulling a few of these off the shelf for my own personal use during the All Day Crop on Saturday. Speaking of Crops, there is currently one spot available due to a cancellation tonight. Call the store if interested. You can check it out on our website. Now for the picture...Night Night, I have to be fresh for tomorrows' Birthday Party, No grouches allowed!! Jane

Class topic for Thursday...

Now that all the Best Creations is displayed properly, I thought I would give you a quick temptation for class on Thursday night. We are using great paper from Basic Gray, pretty flowers, pearls, chipboard letters painted with Tim Holtz Crackle Paint (you have to come just to see this!) and great stamps from Hero Arts. There are only 3 spots left, so if you are coming you should call the store soon. Check out the full description on the store website at http://www.thecrazycropper.net.

Have a good night, Jane

All that shimmers is not gold...

Today is my day off, but I just couldn't wait to get this stuff opened that I came in at 7pm after dropping Ciana off at softball practice and opened and priced and off course took pictures. I can't wait to start using some of this paper. It is so pretty and I just love the shimmer!!

All that shimmers is not gold, but this paper from Best Creation sure does make a girl feel like a million bucks. This paper is glittery and shimmery and "glossified" !! It is soooo pretty!!! You have to see it to believe how pretty it is. There are also great glitter rub ons, stitched rub ons, Metal style 3-D stickers, chipboard and other items to round this line out. I have pictured some of the pretty things, but there is more at the store that are just functional items. Come on by and check them out. These are sure to sell out fast!! Jane

Cropping Fun...

We had a great day Saturday, with a full house of croppers and the store was buzzing with new customers and regulars searching out all the great stuff that is currently on sale. We sold lots of sale stuff, but don't worry, I have lots of new stuff coming in and am still adding to the Sale area daily!! Some of the new paper from Kaiser Scrapbook is already gone, so it looks like I may have to reorder that line soon!!


Below is a picture of half of our croppers from yesterday. Sorry to anyone that looked surprised, I know I didn't warn you. But you all look busy, busy, busy!!

It's a Jungle Out There!!!

Well, as mentioned before, Ciana was in The Jungle Book last night. This is a musical theater group held in our church. The kids ranged from 7-12 years old and they all did a great job. They practiced for approximately 15 hours in total and performed for over 120 people to a standing room only crowd!! I would never have gotten up at 9 years old and sung in front of all those people (of course my voice isn't too good). Anyway, everyone had fun and the kids did fantastic. Check 0ut a picture of Ciana dressed as Baloo (costume was a bathroom rug sprayed with "Glimmer Mist", my newest favorite embellishment!) and singing one of her solo's. Look out Broadway, here we come!!

Jane

A Star is Born...

Well, we just got home from the Jungle Book play that my 9 year old daughter, Ciana, was in. She played Baloo and did a great job, singing, dancing and playing a big fat bear!! I'll try to post a picture tomorrow sometime. Just too exhausted right now to think about it. Still have some laundry waiting for me.

I know I promised more stock pictures, but that isn't happening until next week. I do know for a fact that shipments are on there way and include orders from Technique Tuesday, Basic Grey, Fancy Pants Designs, Fiskars including Cloud Nine Designs and Collected Memories (beautiful albums). As they arrive I will be snapping away!!

Next week we have lots going on at the store including our SALE, classes and crops. I'm so excited about my Bottle Cap Magnet class which is on Tuesday night. Check out the picture (which doesn't do them justice, so use your imagination)!!

You can check out the class description on our website at www.thecrazycropper.net

Tomorrow we will be cropping at the store from 10-5, so stop by and say "Hi".
Thats all for now - Jane

New Stuff and Old Stuff...and Crate Paper

As our Sale moves forward, we still have lots left at 50% off! But the most exciting news is that the Crate Paper is here and looking beautiful. Most of you know that Crate is a double sided cardstock with a texture in beautiful colors and has great Chipboard Alphabets and Rub-ons to coordinate with the new lines. Take a look below for a preview.

Blue Hill Collection

Sweet Branch Collection

Kaitlin Collection
Static Collection On a personal note, I just posted on our yahoo group and thought I was nuts when I see whats going on at the store next week. What was I thinking? Four Classes, a birthday party (which you don't even see on the schedule) and a 10am-11pm Crop. Am I crazy? Don't answer that!!! On top of the fact that this weekend is going to be eaten up because my daughter, Ciana, is in Jungle Book tomorrow night. So we have dress rehersal tonight, the performance tomorrow night(she plays Baloo), dinner with friends on Saturday night (after our 10-5 crop here) and a Yankees game on Sunday. All I have to say is that it better be nice on Sunday!!!

Anyway, that's it for today. Maybe tomorrow I'll post a picture of a little girl dresssed as Baloo, or maybe more stock?!? Stay tuned!!

Jane