He Who Hesitates is Lost.

That's what a few people found this week.

They were a little disappointed to have missed out on the weekly special as all the bags were gone by about 11:00am Thursday morning.

So if you like what you see on the special, then make sure you either come in early, or phone us with your credit card to hold it for you.

This week we are featuring the M-Bossabilities folders.

As always, this applies to in-stock items only, so move quickly to get the best selection. (Not necessarily those shown.)                   Regularly priced at $11.99 for the larger folders and $9.39 for the smaller folder.  They are on special this week from Thursday until Monday, or while supplies last, for just

$5.99 and $4.99

Each one of these folders gives you the choice of two designs.  Just flip the opposite way for the second one, making storage simpler.  Which leads me to my next posting.
 

One of our customers is asking for input on creating a craft room in this space.  Here is what she says… 

  

"I need help.  Help from some Crafty minded ladies.

I am going to take over the small bedroom and create a CRAFT room!  Yippee!!!

I want to get this as near as possible to right, which is where I am seeking help.

Where do I start? What is a must have or must do?  Any hints or tips, dos or don't would be much appreciated.
Must allow room to use a throw out chair/bed on the floor space, as I may need to put up the odd over night guest.    (Should that read “put up a guest on the odd night” not all my guests are odd!) “

So if you have some suggestions for her, then please leave a comment at the bottom of this posting.   There's nothing worse than having the space available to change into what you would love to have, but hesitating in case you don't get it exactly right.  So why not help her out here and give her some suggestions. 
(You simply  have to type into the box and post it as "anonymous" if  you don't have a blog or similar ID.   Don't forget to sign your name at the end of the comment though.)  
 

Last but not least.  Did you sign up for the card swap this month?  The ladies that registered last month were, as I mentioned before, thrilled with the cards they received. Here they are for you to see now. 

They were all so lovely, ranging from easel cards to step cards, to heat embossed, distress inked,  fancy cuts and border punches.  Birthday cards, children's cards and everything in between.  

I don't intend to do this each month, but I can't help but comment on one card. 

Liz took a stamp and used it in an unconventional way when she created the Christmas Card she put into the swap.  This is the stamp set she used.  Earth Flowers by Hero Arts.   After heat embossing it in gold, and adding some red stickles she made a somewhat spring/summery stamp become a Christmas stamp.  I just had to say, excellent multiple application of your stamp set Liz.  

I have more for you, but will leave that for later, so drop back to see what it is, or have you signed up to receive automatic mailings to know when I post something new?  It's really easy, just go to the right side of the page and just below "About Us" you will see......

Keep up by Email With What's New at the Craft Nook

Simply type your email in there and each new posting will be delivered to your inbox and you won't miss out on anything new.

Happy Crafting until next time,

Lilian

So Much Creativity!

Well we've just finished our first card swap and I'd have to say it was a great success.  We had nine very creative ladies participate and they will be thrilled with their cards when they pick them up.
I'm not going to show you a photo until next week, so that all the participants can see their "loot" first.

Do you wanna do it again???  Similar criteria.  The guide lines again for this month are quite simple. 

-There will be three standard sizes for you to choose from.  They are: 

4 1/4 x 5 1/2  or  5 3/4 square,  or  4 1/2 x 6.  

These will then fit standard envelopes allowing the recipient to be able to mail them.

-There must be a minimum of two layers to the card.  That is a card base and at least one layer on the front.

-There must be at least one thing used on the card that has been purchased at the Craft Nook.  That could be the stamp, paper, embellishment etc.

-This time there will be a theme.  It must have a punched or cut border.   That's simple enough isn't it.

 

Here's the reminder on how you register? 

At the bottom of this blog entry you will see a comment box.  Enter your first name and the initial of your last name ( for me that would be Lilian C ) then send an email to the store here to confirm entry.   There are a number of options to use in the comment box, but the easiest is if you comment as "anonymous"   please make sure  however, that you put your name as I indicated in the comment so we know who you are.  

If you are the first registrant please put the number one beside your name.  The second registrant, the number two, so that everyone can see at a glance how many are registered.

 

Registration is required by August 28th. 

Cards to be in the store by September 18th for pick up September 22nd.

Remember, dependent on how many register, you will be making 6-10 cards.  So there's no need to wait, get started on the design now and your first five cards.

 

There were a number of customers took advantage of the jewellery special last week.  Some were getting a head start on their stocking stuffers making earrings.  Some tried out the popular Shambala bracelets.

 

This week's special could be of particular interest to those who are registering for the crop weekend.  We have for you this week two great totes for all your crafting needs at a really nice price point.

 

This fabulous multi-purpose tote features five compartments on the inside with a fun pattern lining. On the outside are four open top pockets, one long zippered pocket, two pockets with hook & loop flaps, and four slotted pockets on one end. Eighteen elastic loops in center compartment. Rigid construction, micro-fiber material. Measures 11"x15"x8".

 

Regular price on this tote is $34.79

 

Our blog special is just .........    $19.99

from Thursday August 23rd to Monday August 27th

Limited quantities available

 

 

MACKINAC MOON-Basic Rolling Tote. Grab your scrapbooking stuff and go in style! This roomy rolling tote has all the storage you need to keep your supplies contained. It features one large undivided main compartment plus four pockets and pouches on the outside for holding smaller tools or items you want to keep within easy reach. The interior is fully lined and measures 12x14x8-1/2 inches. The telescoping handle extends up to 33 inches and locks in place while two wheels on the bottom make transporting a breeze. Overall measurements are 16x10x16-1/2 inches. Each package contains one Basic Rolling Tote. Color: Chocolate & Teal Print. Imported.

 

Regular price on this rolling tote is $71.29

 

Our blog special is just .........    $35.69

from Thursday August 23rd to Monday August 27th

Limited quantities available.

And last but not least I wanted to show you the frame that my Canadian sister made as a gift for my English sister recently.  You can see how those treasured photos can be displayed as artwork on the wall to be readily seen instead of in an album.  

 

 

  

 

We're expecting a busy start to the day tomorrow with registration for the crop weekend opening.  Linda told me earlier that she had to get to bed to beat me into the store.   She would be surprised  if I chose to stay home and let her deal with registration before I got there!  No...I wouldn't do that to her or any of the eager croppers who wil be waiting at the door for us to arrive.

 

 

Anyway...until next time Happy Crafting.

 

Lilian

Garage Sale Not Rained Out!

Despite the rain our indoor Garage Sale was successful for all the participants.  With a slightly slower start, those coming later in the morning still found some pretty neat stuff. 

It seemed to be a busy week for one reason or another, but still we have some show and tell for you.
Rachel and Emily completed their faux tye dye shirts and were really happy with them.
Here's what they created using a variety of  coloured Identipen Markers and Ranger Alcohol Ink Blending Solution.

After working on the front of her tee shirt, Rachel was quite creative in making a Mickey Mouse head on the back of her shirt.

Emily's favourite colours showed again in the lovely patterns she made on the front of her tee.  Can you guess her colours?

They simply stretched their material over a margarine tub and held it in place with an elastic.  The next step was to draw shapes, dots and lines with their Identipen Markers.  The Ranger Alcohol Ink Solution dripped onto the markers caused them to run and make these beautiful designs. 
Such a simple craft but you'd have to agree with me another Summer Crafting Memory made.


Did you catch the special last week?  Many of you took advantage of it and some have got a head start on their Christmas card making because of it.

This week the special is 50% off any in stock glass bead when you mention this special.  There's lots to choose from, so don't delay and miss out on the best choices.  Perhaps you can get a start on your Christmas gift giving. 
Remember the special starts on Thursday and runs until next Monday.

Until next time...Happy Crafting,

Lilian

See you Tomorrow

Are you coming to the garage sale tomorrow?  Some great bargains as some of the ladies purge the "stuff" that they aren't using any more.
Remember that as they change direction and no longer use some "stuff" it could be a great purchase for you.

Just a quick reminder about the Christmas Card Days that opened for registration on Tuesday.  One class is totally full, one class has just four spots left and the other is half full.
Make sure you get in touch soon if you want a spot.

Did you  take advantage of the special this week.  Scroll down to see it, on from Thursday to Monday of next week

Happy Crafting until next time,

Lilian



Did You Register?

The All Day Christmas Card Making Class opened for registration today.  Did you call or get in early to secure the date that you'd prefer?  It always amazes us how fast these classes fill up so don't sit on the fence or you may be disappointed.  People have already emailed us and said they will be away on this day and have made other arrangements to be sure they get registered.

Did you notice that Linda said that this week class is already full, and the following Thursday Technique Class is already half full. 

I had meant to show you the tie dye shirts Linda's girls have made, but family life has been a little busy this past week, so have to do that later.

Believe me they are always busy with their hands.  I think tomorrow is supposed to be some sidewalk/driveway art with chalk.

I have to share this word art with you.  Rachel made it on her Ipod and sent it on to me.  Something to think about don't you think.

She is now planning a quilt that she wants to make.  Oh did I mention she wanted to make it by next weekend?   That's been discussed and a planning session has now taken place.


Here's the special for the week.

Remember it starts on Thursday and goes until next Monday.  Please don't come in today or tomorrow looking for it as you will pay the full price on those days.

The Snag-em Stamps are regularly priced at $1.69 there are a limted number available for this special and nicely priced at 89cents.  Not all exactly as shown.

 Dont forget the Garage Sale on Saturday...take a few minutes to drop in and find a bargain for yourself.  Remember that what someone else no longer uses may be exactly what you want.

Until later....Happy Crafting

Lilian

They Got the Job Done!

I promise this will be the last word on the Olympics, but DID YOU SEE IT? 

They got the job done for us and are coming home with an Olympic Silver Medal, just 1.23 seconds behind Germany who take home the Gold.  We were watching it in our house texting to family who were also watching it in England...awesome technology.

As happy as we are with the winning of the silver medal, we musn't forget that every one of the athletes at the games are Olympians.  They are the best of the best in their sport from their country and to be at the Olympics is a mighty long rut filled road. They are supported by many people to attain their goals and even if they don't go home as decorated Olympians, they are Olympians nevertheless. 

Hats off to my nephew Brian's support team.  His wife who has kept the home fires burning, caring for their two children, running a business and home in Brian's many absences.  Allowing him the opportunity to compete in not one, but two Olympics since their marriage.   And to his immediate family who have supported him for the long haul as he has competed in three Olympics and a wide range of World Rowing events in many different countries.  He could never have been on the podium without all of you.

Thank you also to all the awesome people who emailed their good wishes to the store prior to the race.  You too are part of the Canadian athletes support team.   

Now down to business for us too.  Don't forget to take advantage of the special that starts tomorrow and goes until Monday.  Scroll down to the end of the last post to see it.

I promised that I would show you some of the crafts that Linda and her girls have been busy at this summer.  The girls made some lovely stitched bracelets for themselves and when you are nine almost ten this was a lot of work and a lot of stitching, but you have to agree, that it was well worth the effort. 

Rachels is the green and Emilys the purple.

Linda also made one in browns.

It didn't seem to matter what colour beads you chose they are all very lovely and summery. 

Does it make you want to crack open your beads and try one of these delightful bracelets.  Linda will be happy to share the "how to" with you if you ask her below in the comment box.

Here also is a look at the scrapbook pages I told you I was working on.  Layouts can often take me some time to complete as I'm so indecisive.  I'm always in awe of those who attend our crop weekends and are able to turn out many stunning layouts over the weekend.  My hat is off to them, I'm just not made that way, even when I know how to get it done, my indecision gets in the way.  That said I was pleased with the speed and yet pleasure I drew from this layout.

I was able to use 12 photos in this layout, albeit some of them small in the film strip, but still able to draw memories from.  We wanted a shot of us all on the huge chair at the Collingwood village.  Yes we could have asked a passerby to take the shot, but it was so much more fun creating the shot ourselves. From helping each other up into the chair, to setting the camera on the barrel while Jonathan ran to get into place.  A happy, happy time.

Here are a few close ups and explanations of the techniques I applied. 

For the title I used Basic Grey chipboard letters.  The main word I left white, but for the "is" and dots I coloured them black with my Permapaque pen.  the balance of the title "family" I added that onto the photo before I had it printed.   The arrow and border I cut strips from my paper and mitred the corners to direct the eye around the page.

 

For the flower trim I designed a cut file on my Silhouette Cameo cutting machine.  I took the flower from one cut file and the scallop border from another and merged them together into a new cut file which I saved.  This was a ten minute process that made me happy.  I then applied Glossy Accents into the petals to give them a more epoxy kind of look.  The final touch was the rhinestone bling that I coloured red with my Identipen Marker to tie the colour into the layout.

The filmstrip border was another cut file I designed on my Cameo.  I could probably have purchased one from the Silhouette store, but I got more pleasure from creating it myself. From a simple rectangle, I cut away portions to give the appearance of a film strip, duplicating and merging the file. A little more time consuming, but still within a half hour I now have a cut file to use again.

You can also see in the shot how I wrote a sub-title below the film strip.  I have another subtitle at the opposite corner.  I really don't like my handwriting, though I do try to put it on some pages.  For this though, I typed and printed the words I wanted onto computer paper.  Took a pencil and scribbled over the reverse side to create a graphite transfer.  Placed the paper onto my scrapbook page and went over the words with a stylus which caused the graphite to transfer onto my cardstock. I then took my Micron pen and went over the light words creating the sub-title.  Easy peasy and nice look too.  The font I used was called Sweetly Broken, a lovely free font I picked up from the Internet.

If you look carefully at the photo of Jonathan running to get into the shot, you will see how before I had the photo printed, I placed a white circle around the camera on the barrel and also added into the photo a close up of his face as he ran,  drawing attention to these points.

My final technique, actually it was the first thing I did before anything else.  I started with plain kraft coloured cardstock as the background of the page.  I didn't want it so plain and boring, so I took thinned black paint and an old toothbrush and spattered paint here and there over the cardstock creating an interesting textured background.

So there it is for another day.  Hope Linda, her girls and I have been able to inspire you to try to create something new to you.  If you have any questions, please use the comment box below to ask us and we'll help you out with anything you're unsure of.

All you have to do is go to the comment box...ask the question or make a comment...there's a box below that says "comment as".  Just click on the arrow beside and a dropdown box will offer you choices.  If you don't have blogger or any of the choices, then click on "Anonymous" as your method of publishing.  Don't forget though to put your name at the end of your comment so that we know who you are.  We'd love to hear from you.

Until later...Happy Crafting

Lilian