Eve of the New Year

Well here we are the last day of 2008. I hope the year was better for you then it was for me. But then, I know that there are a lot of people in some kind of distress.
Actually the year is ending on a high note. I am pain free. My neck and back surgery was two weeks ago and I am feeling very good. I did suffer from a bout of the flu and an intestinal bug a week after the surgery. But I am once again upright and mobile. I have a Bugawump stamp in the store that says,"Everyday above ground is a bonus." I would agree as long as it is a pain free day.
We suffered through some bumps this year and I am sure there will be a few in the New Year as well.
But I am hoping the new year brings exciting new stamps and products for the Artfull Hand. I am looking forward to placing orders and unpacking them on their arrival. It is like Christmas when a shipment comes in because I forget what I have ordered.
To you and yours, we at the Artfull Hand wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. We'll see you soon.
The Artfull Hand girls
Dorothy, Linda, Bev, Jane, Carol, Sally and Kathy(Newest member)

SALE - SALE - SALE

Now down to business.
The Artfull Hand has a huge sale going on.
All holiday stamps are 30 % off. That includes Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. All other holidays are thrown in too.
Regular priced merchandise( all of it) is discounted 15%.
And there still is the sale basket that has stamps in it that have a red dot on them, they are still at 33% discount.
It's gonna get better next week. Stay tuned.

More updates

Well here it is a week after my surgery. I am pain free in my left arm and my lower back and left leg. My left thumb still has a tingle in it. But it reminds me to take it easy.
Last Monday was a nasty weather day around here and we had to travel a ways to get to the hospital. But we made it and DH made it back home. I spent the night in the hospital. They booted me out at 10 the next morning. I wasn't sure I was ready to go but they pushed me out the door. I spent the rest of the day on the couch as well as the next day. On Thursday DH had scheduled a big surgery at the vet office that I had to go and help with. I wasn't happy about it but I did go and that surgery was successful. I went home and crashed in the afternoon.
On Friday I check in at the vet office and then to the store. Kathy H. a friend of many years was helping out. I did a couple of things around the store and headed home to the couch. You'll be seeing her now and again around the shop.
My mom is now home from the hospital as well. Her surgery was successful as well.
Thank you for all of the well wishes and cards.
I am doing pretty good.

Updates

Things have been happening at the Artfull Hand.

Linda' s mom did pass away last Friday. The poor lady was in a lot of pain so now she is at peace. My mom's surgery was reschedule to tomorrow. My surgery is schedule for the 15th.

Last night was our annual holiday get together. Every one brought a snack and a $5 gift. We had a very pleasant evening of Christmas Trivia and rob your neighbor. (Funny name of a game to be playing at a Christmas party).

The Artfull Hand Holiday Open House will be this Friday and Saturday.

On Friday I will be doing the Pointsettia flower $3 and Carol will be leading a free make 'n take. Then on Saturday Linda will be doing her moonlight card $2.50.

Back again

Well I finally got to talk to my doctor. I do have the ruptured disc at L5/S1 again. He told me that I was one of the lucky 8% that have a re-occurrence. Why can't I be that lucky playing the lottery? In addition to that I also have a ruptured disc at C5/6!!! Damn! the good luck!! He asked whether I wanted to do one at a time or do both discs at the same surgery.... Well duh! It's gonna be both at the same time. They have to schedule the surgery but we are looking at the week of the 15th... With a little more luck I should be pretty well on the recovery road by Christmas.
Unfortunately that slows things down at the shop.
I will try my best to get some classes put together. I have one project that is ready to go but will have to find a substitute to lead it.
Linda's mom is not doing at all well. They have brought in hospice so it is just a matter of time for the poor lady. Jane's mom is faring a bit better. She has been able to get rid of the excess water with the new meds. My mom is just waiting for the 9th of December to roll around. That is her surgery date. The long range weather forecast is sounding iffy. But I'm not letting that worry me.Most of the time they can't get a 6 hour forecast right.

December

Where did the rest of November go???
There is so much "stuff" going on with the people associated with the shop and myself.... I haven't had the time to complete the December newsletter. We have a few things happening early in the month. The major reason that I am late is that I have been having back and neck problems again. Yesterday I had a lumbar and cervical myleogram. Let me tell you that is loads of fun. But it wasn't as horrible as I had imagined it...I survived to tell about it. I haven't yet talked to my doctor about the results. I am waiting to hear from him before I committ to too much stuff at the shop...
I feel like the Christmas tree in the above picture. You can actually buy this tree for $600!
As soon as I have more information for you on what's happening and when in the shop. I will post it....But you don't have to wait for me to do something. Come in anyway and visit with us.

Gas Prices

I had a very pleasant experience this morning. I filled my gas tank which was reading only 1/4 full for under $20!!! My word was that nice. I believe I heard on the news that the last time gas has been under $2 a gallon was 3 years ago. The price is $1.44/gallon FYI.
Which is good for the shop because I have been seeing an increase in St. Louis customers. Thank you ladies...
Today is my 3 for $5 at 1:30 sorry I don't have any pictures. I just haven't had the time to do small details like that.
Yesterday I went and saw the doctor who operated on my back last year. He has ordered a myelogram. I can't have MRIs. I don't know when that will be. I call on Monday to find out. Then on Thursday I went with my mom to her surgeon who will be biopsy-ing the lymph nodes in her chest on Dec 9th. The funny thing is at that appointment my mom said maybe we can get in the same room. I told her no way. Well there is a way. My doctor has privileges at the hospital where she will have her biopsy. Oh my! The two of us in the same room recovering. That would be a hoot.

November 19th

How did it get to be November 19th all ready? Where did the days go?
Last week-end was Deer widows Week-end at the shop. We had a small turn out but a fun one. I actually created some Christmas Cards and started working on my ATCs for the swap in December. My DH got two deer. We processed them this morning at Ric's and Sue's. My back is killing me now even after my Vicodin. I see the back surgeon on Friday. I am hoping that he will agree that I need another surgery. My Dh asked me the other day what I wanted for Christmas. I told him back surgery.
Jane will be filling in for Sally tomorrow at the 3 for $5. Sally called in sick. Jane's, Linda's and my mother all have life threatening health issues at the moment. My word I certainly don't need the stress.

November Newsletter

The Artfull Hand November Newsletter
November 1st ATC Swap 12:30 Theme: Games
November 7th- Make Christmas Cards for troops overseas- All Day.
I supply the materials and the postage. You supply your creativity.
November 8th Make and Take- Stamping on Candles-
$1 for small Candle and $2 for large Candle 11-3
November 10th- Stamp Club 7 PM $1
November 11th- Bev 3 for $5- 7pm Please RSVP
November 13th Jane 3 for $5 10:30 & 1:30
November 15th Deer Widows Week-end
5pm to 9pm $5 for 1 day $8 for both days
November 16th Deer Widows week-end continues
11 am – 4 pm games & prizes
During the week-end I supply drinks, use of the classroom and the supplies in the back. You must pre-register and pay to save a spot for you.
You bring one snack for everyone to share and what ever project(s) that you are currently working on.
November 17th Linda 3 for $5 10:30 & 1:30
November 20th Sally 3 for $5 10:30 & 1:30
November 22nd Dorothy 3 for $5 1:30 Only
November 24th Linda Domino Necklace $15 1:00
November 26th Day Stamp Club 10:30 & 1:30 $1
November 27th Thanksgiving- Closed
November 28th Make Christmas Cards for troops overseas
All day
The winners of the Halloween Card contest were Lana Rose, Karen Sprick and Cindy Barrow. Sorry I didn't get those images up on the website. There has been so much going on in my life lately that I can't keep up. Congratulations Ladies.

Halloween Card Contest

And the winner is........................

Front

inside

Lana Rose

She did a great job on the window shaker card. And just today my new shipment of these windows came in... I'm pretty well stocked up on them I hope for at least a while.....

finally circle closes

The 8 hour drive from Charleston, West Virgina was uneventfull. Not quite as pretty the further into the Mid West we got. The trees were past their color prime. But we had good weather, a bit cool but okay for the last part of October.

We arrive at my house about 5 :45. We all were tired of being cooped up in the truck. Everyone was happy to get out and stretch our legs.

Friday was Halloween and Sarah had brought along the cutest little outfit for James to trick or treat in.

.

It was a Pooh Honey Bee costume. He wasn't too happy about wearing because on Friday it had gotten to 80 degrees. On Tuesday it was so cool that we went to Target to buy him a warm hat. Well that is the weather in the mid-west.

On Saturday we had a birthday party for him at El Ranchito in New Haven. He did very well considering there were 14 people in attendance all of them adults, no kids.

He really got into eating his cake....

On Sunday they took off and drove up to Nebraska for a family visit there.

They'll be back here next Friday, spend a day and then take off driving home to NC.

circling

My friend picked me up and took me to her house. We had a very nice visit. The next morning she returned me to the airport. I had to wait in line to check in. Finally my turn came. I gave the ticket and my ID to the agent. He looked things over and handed me back my ID. His fingers were flying across his keyboard but there was a confused look crossing his face. He asked where was I going? Jacksonville, NC was the answer. He asked to see my ID again. He looked at it and then at me, looked at it and then at me again. When he finally spoke he said that Delta had decided to put me on a plane for Lima, Peru!!!! Nope ! I don't want to go that far South...Jacksonville, NC will be fine for me....thank you very much. He corrected the error and sent me on my way-- finally. After that the rest of the trip went off without a hitch. My DIL picked me up and I had a very fun afternoon of playing with my grandson.
We started driving back to Missouri the next morning after feeding the baby and packing the last minute items. It was 8 hours of driving to get to Charleston, West Virgina. But the scenery was beautiful. The trees were at their color peak. We stopped at a place where we were able to get adjoining rooms. We put the baby down in the other room after his supper and a bath. DIL , Bull the dog and I settled in for the night. I slept pretty well. But poor DIL had to move to the other room during the night and christen me with a new nick name, Freight Train Grandma! I snore just a little bit.

continuing circles

Well the re-routing was 2 meal vouchers and a motel voucher for one night at a local motel 6. Ggeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. There were several very angry people at gate D24. Some elected to try to get on later flights going to Wilmington, NC. That is an hour drive from Jacksonville. Others accepted the vouchers and dealt with the delay. I had an ace in the hole.....I have friends that live just outside Atlanta. DIL called them for me as my phone had run out of minutes. (I use one of those pay as you go phones) I remembered to charge it before I left but forget to check the minutes... I had about an hour and half wait for my friend to come and pick me up. So I went in search of a place to use one of the meal vouchers. Preferably one that was a sit down eatery that offered adult beverages. I had been up since 5 am CDT and it was now going on 6 pm EDT. Also I wanted to look for a phone card.
As I walked(my back killing me all the way) along D concourse in the Atlanta Airport I scanned every kiosk and store front to see if they sold phone cards. I went into a vareity store and asked them if they knew of a place. The young man was helpful and said "Oh yes, down around gate 34 there is a machine that sells them. Well I had just come from that direction and I was in the area of Gate 20. So I turned around and walked back the way I had just come. When I got in the neighborhood of gate 34 there was no such machine. I went into a newstand and asked if they sold phone cards or knew of a place on this concourse. They said that they did not sell the cards but thought a place did over on 'C' concourse....Oh great....SOooooooo I turned around and walked back by all the gates and travelers that I had just passed. I made my way back down to the train system that is in the basement of the airport. I wasn't walking over to 'C' concourse. It was a short train ride and I walked up to the concourse renewing my search for a phone card. When I popped up on the concourse the escalator deposited me on the door step of an electronics store. I scanned all the offerings hanging on the wall behind the sales person. I didn't see any cards. The salesman asked what was I looking for and I told him a phone card for my phone. He said that there was a vending machine right around the corner from his shop. Great! I went around the corner and indeed there was a machine. But it sold regular old phone cards. The kind that you use on a regular phone. Well I needed to make phone calls so I bought one.
Next on the agenda was to search for something to eat and drink. I check the directory and the only thing that was going to fit my requirements on this concourse was Sam Adams Brew House. Of course it was at the far end of the concourse.
I finally waddled into the Airport version of a brew house and found a table. The waitress handed me a menu. Egads! There was nothing on the menu under 10 bucks. One meal voucher was only for $7. I sure didn't want to use both of them on one meal. I finally spotted a hot dog for $3. Okay got the food picked out. Since I was in a 'brew house' I ordered their dark ale. The hot dog was lousy but the beer was good. I was able to take a pain pill. The waitress brought the bill. The total was $11.01. What the ...??? How could that be? Hot dog $3..check. Beer...$7!!!! Holy Crap!
I handed over a some dollars and the voucher. And then headed for the front door to meet my friend....

Still going in circles

Last Friday I flew out of St. Louis headed to N. Carolina. As usual I had a lay over in Atlanta. The second leg of the trip was to be just a short hop to Jacksonville, N.C. It turned into a 24 hour ordeal.
When I flew in to Atlanta it was foggy and misting rain. As anyone knows who has travel through the Atlanta airport - any kind of weather- slows or even shuts down that airport. Well I wasn't surprised when my flight showed a delay on the departure board. I wasn't flustered- yet. Another delayed showed up- ok, this time I was annoyed, but still not flustered. A third delay appeared. Now flustered entered the picture. I called my DIL for the third time and told her. I also said the weather was looking worse and I wouldn't be surprised if the airport shut down. Well it does gets worse.
To my surprise the plane I was to leave on arrived at the designated gate. Things were looking up or so I thought. The passengers deplaned. Just a few minutes to straighten up the plane and I was sure that we would board. And we did! Hurray I was finally on my way... I called my DIL and told her that I was on the plane and that departure was imminent. We sat there a while longer and sat. I could hear the high pitch whine of the engines and then all of a sudden- nothing. The plane had had a power failure--thankfully AT THE GATE! The pilot came on the loud speaker and announced that a mechanic was on the way to fix the problem. Oh yaaaAaa, I thought. How are you going to fix no power???
There were several attempts at it. The engines would rive up and then die. I was thinking to myself I hope they don't 'fix' the problem. I really didn't want to be in the air in that crate. It wasn't long and the pilot announced "well folks, this bird isn't flying anywhere today." With that we all de-planed. Back in the gate area the announcement was that they were going to find us another plane. Another phone call to my DIL to update my predicament. Shortly,another announcement was made saying that Flight #1580 to Jacksonville, NC was cancelled. Please proceed to Gate D24 for re-routing.....

Going in circles

I feel like I am going in circles. I've traveled a lot of miles and really haven't accomplished much.
Thank goodness for the girls at the shop. They have stepped up and filled in for me.
My mom is still seeing doctors trying to find out what the best course for her is. My DH's mom had hip replacement surgery earlier in the week. She had some complications and needed transfusions. So we have been on the run with her too.
I'm trying to formulate November's calendar. We've got some stuff planned but need to fill out the month.
Today an order from Dandelion Designs came in and we'v got some new really cute stamps for Christmas.
Last Friday the Stampendous order came in and there were Christmas stamps in that order as well.
Can you believe Halloween is almost here????
Check out the home page photo on my web site. http://www.theartfullhand.com/. We do have fun in the shop at times....(The home page picture changes freguently so the image I am refering to is no longer up.)

Autumn

This is the doll that I made in an Icon Doll on-line class. Her name is Autumn. Had the class been held at a different time of year I suppose she would have turned out differently. The frame around her face is made from aluminum soda cans!!!!

my 3 for $5

I am going to have to cancel my 3 for $5 on the 21st of this month. That is the day I go with my mother to find out the results of her tests and the recommendations from the doctor. By the time I drive to her house and back again(an hour each way) I will be too tired to do the evening session.
I only had two cards made up. Had an idea for a third but just haven't had the time to develop it. If you know of anyone who was interested in coming please let them know that it has been cancelled.

what a week and it is only Wednesday!

The week started out with DH and a hospital procedure. Everything turned out okay with him but both of us were totally wasted for a good day and half...
The used stamp sale continued into Monday so that was going on too. Then there was stamp club Monday night..... I was just too tired to stay for the whole thing. Linda was leading it. What I saw, everyone was doing a great job and their stencil washes were turning out great.
On Tuesday I went to a doctor appointment with my 82 year old mother. News was not good. She is in for some more tests this week and then we go back to see the same doctor next Tuesday for the results of those.
While I was with my mother, Linda had to call 911 for one of the store's customers. She thought she was having a heart attack. The ambulance came and did take her to the hospital. Later in the day one of her relatives stop by to pick up the car. They said she was still undergoing testing. We still haven't heard the outcome.

Used Stamp Sale

I want to remind you all that the Used Stamp Sale is this coming Saturday the Eleventh. The door will open at 10 am and we will go until 5 pm. Depending on how much stuff is left over we may offer it up again next Monday the 13th. There is other art related stuff in the piles so it is not just stamps..... Come by and search for a bargain.....

Kimono

This is one of Linda's cards she is doing today. She has such a good sense of design....The kimono is just beautiful. What you probably can't see is that it is stamped on embossed paper. So when viewed in person there is texture under the flower design.

Can you believe that we are into fall all ready? This card reminds me of Spring. Once the snow starts to fall I am going to have to look at this card to remind myself that Spring will come again.

October Newsletter

The Artfull Hand
October 2008 Newsletter
We start off the month with my Birthday…… Hurray I like having two birthdays in a year, the store’s birthday in August and then my personal one in October.
October 4 ~~ ATC Swap 12:30 Theme: Monsters
October 6 ~~ Last day to drop off items for used Sale
October 7 Linda’s 3 for $5 10:30 & 1:30
October 8 Linda’s 3 for $5 7 Pm RSVP PLEASE
October 9 ~~ Halloween Shaker card class $10 1:30
October 11 ~~ USED STAMP SALE **All Day**
October 13 ~~ Used stamp Sale MAY continue today
Evening Stamp Club 7 Pm $1
October 17 ~~ Embossing Paste & Stencils 10:30 $5
October 18 ~~ Halloween Shaker Card Class $10 1:30
October 21 Dorothy’s 3 for $5 7 PM RSVP Please
October 23 Jane’s 3 for $5 10:30 & 1:30
October 25 Domino Necklace class 10:30 $15
Stampscapes Class 1:30 $16
Dead Line for Halloween Cards
Oct 27-30 voting on cards.
October 30 Day Stamp Club 10:30 & 1:30 $1
October 31 HALLOWEEN Come in and shop in costume and receive 10% off of total purchase. Does not include all ready discounted items.
October 31 Halloween Card contest winners announced

Halloween Card Contest Rules: Please use stamps that you have purchased from the Artfull Hand. Deliver to the store by 5 pm 10/25. Clerk on duty will have the last say as to if the stamps used had been purchase from the shop. Voting by customers begin 10/27 and goes to 10/30. Winners Announced on 10/31! Prizes will be awarded

Cards remain the property of the Artfull Hand.

Happy Birthday to me

It's my birthday today..... And I got a phone call from my son who is deployed to Afghanistan. How about that????

Last Monday

Last Monday night was evening Stamp club. Andi, the foot lady, and I worked together on a project for the evening. Andi practices Reflexology. It is a pressure technique that is applied to the appropriate areas of the foot to provide relaxation specific to the individual's stress level.
I designed a foot card using my own little fat foot as the template. It was pretty cute if I do say so myself. Sorry I don't have a picture of it. Two ladies went to the Healing Arts Center that is just 3 doors down from the Artfull Hand. While the rest of us worked on making the card. When those two returned then two others left. We did that until all of us had our feet worked on. It was wonderful. Everyone came back with a smile on their face.
I was worried about the evening as it started out with a big storm blowing through. But in the end we had a great turn out. So much so that I was caught short on parts for the card. That is always a happy accident.

September Newsletter

September 2008 Newsletter
The Artfull Hand
636-239-5995 ~~ artfullhand@sbcgloblal.net

We start on Sept 6 with the ATC Swap at 12:30. The theme is black and white.
Sept 8th is evening stamp club at 7 pm $1.There is a Beginner’s Class at 7 pm on September 10th, $10. Jane is hosting a 3 for $6 on September 11th at 10:30 ONLY. The 3 for $3 card making sessions are being raised to a minimum of $5. A few times we will go a bit higher. The cards have been more elaborate and time consuming of late. I think you would rather pay a little more then go back to simple rubber stamping and card making.
September 13th Star Book Class at 1:00 with Dorothy, $15. This class is a good 2 and half hours long. Bring stamps and embellishments along a theme that you would like to explore. Dorothy will be teaching you the fundamentals of book making which includes the stitching of the signatures. You will be able to root through Dorothy’s stash of stuff to add to your creations. This is the Saturday that the Tour of Missouri is coming through Washington. Last year Fifth St was closed down for a good hour. You will be able to come and go from the back streets. Any questions just call the shop. September 16th Linda’s Butterfly Card Class 7 pm $5. September 19th Dorothy’s 3 for $5 10:30 & 1:30. September 20th Jane’s 3 for $6 10:30 ONLY. Beginner Class $10 at 1:30. September 23rd Bev’s 3 for $5- 7pm.
September 24 Day stamp Club 10:30 & 1:30 $1. September 26th Dorothy Free Make ‘n Take 11-3 pm. September 29th Linda 3 for $5 10:30 & 1:30.
September 3oth Dry Embossing Basics Class 7 pm $10.
There may be a few additions to the calendar later. We will try to update you as soon as the event is scheduled……October 11th is the used stamp sale.

Opps

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. There has been a lot of stuff going on...
First- we took a short trip to NC to visit Baby James, Mike and Sarah. Mike is being deployed to Afghanistan soon and we wanted to see him before he shipped out. On the way to the airport at 4 in the morning we had a flat tire along I-70. We missed the flight and had to reschedule for the next day as there was a large convention trying to get out of St. Louis that day. So our little trip was cut short by one day. None of us were happy about that.
We return and got back into the swing of things around here. It has been busy at the shop and at the vet office I am happy to say. I am behind in several tasks at both places.
Last night was Bev's second 3 for $3 in the evening. We had a good turn out again. She does a wonderful job.
I'm trying to work on September's Calendar. I do know that our used stamp sale will be October 11th. So keep that in mind.

A Warm Hello

Well it certainly has been warm lately. Near or at 100 degrees the last couple of days. With high humidity of course. It wouldn't be Missouri with out that! At any rate, the above card is one I am doing at an evening 3 for $3 on Friday the 8th at 6:30pm. If you would like to attend please RSVP so I know how many to prepare for.

While I am thinking about it I would like to ask that you RSVP for Bev's evening 3 for $3 on August 19th at 7 pm. I may not have asked that in the newsletter. We would like to know so that we aren't caught short on materials or space. Usually you can just wander in for the 3 for$3s but the evening one are new for us and we are still trying to work out the logistics of the whole thing. The last one was very well attended. We wouldn't want to disappoint anyone... Call the shop at 636-239-5995. Hope to see you.

August Newsletter

August 2008 Newsletter ~ The Artfull Hand
Third Anniversary

Well here we are, our third anniversary. What can I say but, “Where has the time flown to?” And…… Thank you to our faithfull customers, old and new! I am happy to report that there are new people still finding us….Word is spreading. Keep on coming. And we will try to stay here for many more years. Here is what we have lined up for the month of August.
August 2nd – ATC Swap 12:30
August 5th - Free Make ‘n Take 11 to 3
August 8th – Dorothy 3 for $3 at 6:30 pm
August 9th – Glitter Class Dorothy 1 pm $10
August 11th – Free Make ‘n Take 11 to 3
Stamp Club 7pm $1 Dahlia Butterfly
August 15 & 16th – OPEN HOUSE - Cake & Drinks – Prizes – Free Make
‘n Take Each Day
August 16th STAMPSCAPES CLASS – 10:30 am $16
August 19th – Bev 3 for $3 7PM
August 20th – Linda – Magic Card $5 10:30 & 1:30
August 21st- Free Make ‘n Take 11 to 3
August 23rd – Jane 3 for $3 10:30 & 1:30
August 25th – Linda 3 for $3 10:30 & 1:30
August 27th Stamp Club – 10:30 & 1:30 $1 Dahlia Butterfly

Bev's 3 for $3

Well we had a great turn out for Bev's 3 for $3 last night. This is another of Bev's cards. With such a good response we'll be doing another 3 for $3 in the evening next month. Carol is doing a free make and take today.
It is the cutest penquin card. I 'll show it to you later.

Christmas Continues

This is one of Bev's cards for her 3 for $3. We are holding it tonight at 7pm for all the poor people who have a day job...which is most of us... Beverly did such a good job on the 3 cards. I'm not going to show you the other two. You'll have to go to the web site or come tonight. We are hoping for a big turn out..... See you there.

I'm Melting

I feel like this poor snowman. It has been soooo hot here in East Central MO. I used to like summer as a kid. But I don't like the heat anymore. I don't like cold either.
The above card was designed by Jane K at the Artfull Hand. I will be doing the class again this month. Check the newsletter to see when. I can't remember right now. The heat has fried my brain.

COOL!

Well if you read the July newsletter you know it is Christmas time around the Artfull Hand. This card looks totally different in person. The whole face of it is cover with sparkling glitter that just doesn't show in the photo. It is a very cool card. Not cool as in 'Cool man!' but as in nice cool temperatures. And so simple to make. It will be one of my 3 for $3 coming up on the 12th. There are so many 'cool' things planned for this month. And even some unannounced make and takes will be happening. You will just have to come by and see what we are up too.

This is a masu box (gift box)that Linda is doing today. The lid is made from one sheet of paper and the bottom is made from another sheet of paper. The flower on top is from one of our new cool punches. And the leaves are an Outline stamp.

Happy Fourth of July- Independence Day

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
I hope you all are enjoying the day.
I had to come to work for a little while but in just a bit I will be heading back home to eat lunch with DH and watch Mel Gibson's The Patriot.
Then I will start working on our bar-b-cue. Baby Back Ribs of course with corn on the cob and potatoe salad. Ice cream for dessert.
The car got fixed to a tune of almost 4 grand....And hubby seems to be mending after his heart surgery Monday last. It is truly amazing what medicine can do these days.
Yes we pay dearly for our insurance coverage. And I am sorry that some people don't have coverage.(Soap box warning) But Socialize medicine IS NOT the way to go. If we had socialized medicine I am sure that DH would still be on meds and suffering the afib attacks. Which eventually would lead to a stroke if left untreated. Then the Socialized medicine would step in and treat his initial stroke but then would leave him with 6 weeks of re-hab regardless. After that it is too-bad / soo sad.
The world still comes here for medical treatment. Yes there are exceptions. There are always exceptions. But for the most part they come to the good ole US of A to get treated and healed.
Part of my high medical insurance premiums goes to pay for the un-insured. Yes we could lower health costs across the board if we didn't pay for the uninsured. Don't make the hospitals and doctors take in the uninsured. That lowers their overhead making them more profitable.
But that is not who we are. Who we have grown to be. We take care of our own and then help the world. Lately it seems that our government has been taking care of the world first then the people of the United States. It is time that - that is reversed. Because if we fall and are unable to get up, who will take care of the world? The French? The Germans? THE SAUDIs?????? Get real.(Okay soap box warning has concluded.)
I thank God that I am an American, as the song goes. I live in an age of miracles.
I thank God that I am an American. Me! I! Silly gooffy Pokiedottie can open an stamp store. Yes it can be a pain in the butt doing all the paper work, paying all the taxes, jumping through the government hoops. But I CAN DO IT!
Remember what today really means. Read some history. Some real history. Not the politically correct crap that is taught today. And then be THANKFULL. (and that is with two Ls intentionally- Sarah!)

July 2008 Newsletter

The Artfull Hand July '08 Newsletter
It’s Christmas in July

During the month of July all Christmas stamps will be 20% off. All other holiday stamps will be 15%. All the classes, make ‘n takes and 3 for $3s will be Christmas related…..

The ATC swap will be July 5th at 12:30.
July 10th Free make ‘n take with Jane 11-3
July 11th Melting snowman card class 11:00 $4
July 12th Dorothy 3 for $3
July14th night time stamp club 7pm $1
July 15th Linda 3 for $3 10:30 & 1:30
July 17th Free make ‘n take Jane 11-3
July 18th Free make ‘n take Dorothy 11-3
July 19th Chickadee Card class 10:30 $5
July 19th Melting snowman card class 1:00 $4
July 22 BEV 3for $3 at SEVEN PM
July 23 Free make ‘n take Carol 11-3
July 25th Snowman Shaker card $8 10:30 and 1:30
July 26th Tree Card Class 10:30 $7
July 28th 3 for $3 Salli 10:30 & 1:30
July 30th Day Stamp Club 10:30 & 1:30 $1

Summertime snow man

This is one of the cards we will be doing in July. Isn't it adorable? We have the snowman in stock but for the life of me right now can't remember what company he is from. The word summer is from Hero Arts and it is no longer available. The card was designed by Jane. I will be doing it sometime in July. I haven't completed the month's schedule yet. So you will just have to check back for updates.
The web site is still under construction but I will have some updates there.
The new one will be fanstastic when we get it going.....

My word

Where does the time fly to? It's almost the end of June. Since my last post I hit a rough patch. The transmission in my Ford Explorer decided to shoot craps... The car only has 65,000+ miles on it. Luckily it decided to have a melt down locally and not on the trip to Collinsville, IL! But still the repair hurt the pocket book severely in this time of tight money. Ouch!
And next week husband goes into hospital for some heart surgery, not the usual roto-rooter stuff. He has an arrhythmia and it now needs to be corrected surgically.
I'm trying to get July newsletter and projects done ASAP. Right now what I can tell you is that we are having Christmas in July. Everything we will be doing is Christmas related. On top of that - ALL Christmas stamps will be on sale at 20% off. All other holiday stamps like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Father's - Mother's Day -oh and let's not forget Valentine's Day 15% off! So come and see us and start those Christmas Cards early this year! Ya- Right!!!

Stamp Convention

This past week-end was the stamp convention in Collinsville, IL. It was a tiring week-end but an enjoyable one.
I brought home stamps from Impression Obsession, Rubberstamp Tapestry, Stamping Sensation, Stamp Camp and Lost Coast Designs. I also bought brads and eyelets from the Quicklet People.
As Jane, Carol and I were pricing the new stamps on Monday the UPS man brought us a box from 100 Proof Press. Then today, Linda and I were finishing up the stamps from the convention and the UPS man stops by again this time with two boxes, one from Stampers Anonymous and the other was from Inkadinkado....We are bursting at the seams with rubber!!! If we do burst we'll bounce with all this rubber.
Come by and peruse all the new stamps, mounted and unmounted....

New stuff

We are getting in all kinds of new stuff at the Artfull Hand, stamps, embossing powders, papers and sparkly stuff. Besides filling special requests we are preparing for our Christmas in July. So there is alot of sparkly stuff, gold and silver.
Of course we have guy stuff for Father's Day as well as flowers and flags. HHhhhmmm that make me think of the little star book I made a while ago. It was called My little book of 'F' words.
And speaking of new stuff..... The web site is under going a make-over. In just a few days it will have a whole new look. I will be sure to let you know when it is up and running.....Hope to see you soon.

Artist's Trading Cards

These are the 3 Free ATCs(Artist's Trading Cards) that Carol is doing today, June 4th from 11 to 3 pm.
If you are not familiar with Artist's Trading Cards they are little pieces of art that people trade and collect much like baseball trading cards.
We have an ATC swap every month at the Artfull Hand. The theme for June's swap is SouthWest. The theme is up to the individual's interpretation. A few of the themes we've have had this year so far were....'In the Beginning', 'Frogs' and 'Flower Power'. Coming up some of the themes will be 'Black & White', 'Monsters' and 'Games'. The only two rules are 1. Each ATC MUST be 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"; 2. They must be traded not sold. Other then that anything goes..... In my collection ( I now have 7- 3 ring binders FULL) I have fabric, wood, leather, glass, metal and of course ATCs made from paper. Why don't you come and play with us..? It is a lot of fun....

June 2008 Newsletter

ARTFULL HAND NEWSLETTER
June 2008

June 4th –ATC Make ‘n Take –Carol – 11:00 to 3:00pm
June 7th & 8th Collinsville Rubberstamp Convention- Carpooling from the Artfull Hand. Call shop for details, 636-239-5995
June 9th – Night Stamp Club 7pm $1
June11 – Make ‘ n Take – Linda – 11:00 to 3:00pm
June 12th - Waterfall Card Class – Jane, $7 10:30 am
June 14th ATC SWAP- 12:30 DATE CHANGED BECAUSE OF LAST WEEK’S CONVENTION, Theme SouthWest.
June 14th- Waterfall Card Class – Jane, $7 2:00 pm
June 17th - Sally’s 3 for $3 10:30 & 1:30
June 19th- Beginner Drawing Class (Ages 10 and up) Jane 1:30 $20 for 2 hour class, Plus supplies.
June 21st – Dorothy’s 3 for $3, 1:30 Only
June 23rd – Punch Daisy Card Class- Linda $5 1:30
June 24th – Beginning Stamping Class – Dorothy- 6:30 pm $5
June 25th – Day Stamp Club 10:30 & 1:30 $1
June 27th – Shaker Card Class – Dorothy- 11:00 $10
June 28th – Beginning Stamping Class – Dorothy – 1:30 $5
June 30th – Linda’s 3 for $3 10:30 & 1:30

COMING

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Flying By Part Two

Geez I just realized that I haven't posted since the 15th of May and it is all ready June!!!!! The days are just melting in to one another. Speaking of melting our temperatures here in Missouri have gotten hot. The last couple of days we've been in the low 90's. So there is some melting and perspiring going on.....
Baby James came for a short visit a week ago. That is one reason I hadn't posted. I was busy playing with him.
My web site is being re-designed by Sarah the daughter-in-law. So in a little while you will see current pictures of Baby James as he will be my customer relations agent. Since the web site isn't current I will post the June news letter here.

Flying By

Where do the days fly to? Life seems so busy. And what do we accomplish on a daily basis. If you are like me you are lucky to get a load of laundry done or the dish washer unloaded.
I've been working on the calendar for June. I do know there will be another stampscapes class offered just haven't nailed down a date. Jane and I are talking about offering drawing classes. I would love to teach them but don't have the time. Jane is very talented and a good teacher. I'll let you know what we come up with.
I also have large orders placed with two of my general merchandise suppliers. Geez - I didn't realize that I was out of soooo much 'stuff'!
At stamp club Monday night I had a nice compliment. One of my customers had been to the JoAnn's Store on Manchester Road over in St. Louis County. The Artfull Hand came up as a topic of conversation. The clerk at JoAnn's just raved about the Artfull Hand. She said that it was the BEST store in the whole area!!!!! How about that??????

May Day

I really wanted to post on May 1st but stuff just got in the way.
Happy May Day anyway!!!
May is going to be a busy month around the Artfull Hand. Check out the newsletter on the web site www.artfullhand.com.
May is also birthday month around AH. We have several regular customers who have birthdays this month. And even our own Beverly has a birthday this month.
But don't feel too sorry for her as she is abandoning us in a few days to go to Hawaii.....She better send a postcard.
And of course Mother's Day is this month.... Don't know what to get Mom??? Stop by and check out our hand made items like our felted purses and jewelry. There are several nice paintings on the wall that are available for sale too. At the very least we will help you make a Mother's Day card for dear ole mum. Come see us soon.

Spring has Sprung

My lilacs are blooming. They are wonderful. I could just go out and stand in the bush all day and breathe in their wonderful fragrance. I cut a bunch and put them in the shop. Every One of the customers that came in yesterday put their face in the blooms and breathe deep. And then, all, with out exception, uttered "aaahhhhhh.............."

Unfortunately our weather will be turning colder and there is a chance of frost the next couple of nights....So we are enjoying the lilacs as long as we can.

Next Wednesday, the 30th, will be Day stamp club. The sessions are 10:30 and 1:30. The girls saw the flap card that the night club did and wanted to make it too. So that is what we are doing....

Here is the lavender card. The inside says Happy Mother's Day. The punch ovals went through the cuttlebug. Oh ... more of those scalloped oval punches have been ordered. Hopefully they will not be back ordered from the supplier....

More Crazy Weather

Well I don't know if you can call an earthquake weather related. But last Friday we had a moderate earthquake in the St. Louis Region. Since then we have had 18 after shocks. The latest one was in the wee hours of this morning with a magnitude of 4.5. Life has been intersting here in the mid-west since mid-winter. I'm hoping that the weather situation settles down into more gentle patterns.

The May Newsletter has been put out on the web site. Or you can stop by the store and pick up a hard copy. I know that it is pretty early. I am trying to get the next month newsletter out sooner rather then later. But May was pressing me because we have Sally doing her Domino Tray on May 2nd and 3rd. The class is limited to 8 seats. If you are interested be sure to read the previous blog post and then sign up for the class. Hope to see you soon.

Classes

Okay now folks, I usually try not to lecture here. But unfortunately you have one coming. If you are one of my 'good' student/customers who sign up and pay in advance for classes just go on and read something else. This does not pertain to you. However! If you are one who wanders in on the day of the class 5 minutes before starting time--READ ON!
Policy at the Artfull Hand is.......... Sign up and PAY 24 hours in advance for any class that is offered at AH. This does not apply to the Free Make 'n Takes and 3 for $3s. We required this as a courtesy to the instructor. She must prepare in advance for each student. We have had a number of student/customers who come in at the last minute and then are disappointed because either there wasn't room for an extra body or were turned away because the instructor hadn't known that someone would wander in at the last minute and hadn't prepared.....On occasion we have been able to seat a person at the last minute. But this in not fair to the others who play by the rules. It is not fair to the instructors or to me. We would like to have as many student/customers as possible and hate to turn someone away unhappy.
So from now on I will be a hard ass about this. And if you have seen my ass lately you ought to be afraid, very afraid as it has gotten quite large. So you don't want a large hard ass mad at you.. Play nice from now on.

Home Again

Well I am home again and settled back in. There is so much stuff you have to do and undo when you travel. I wouldn't do it if it weren't for Baby James.

The above picture is Baby James (almost 6months old now) and my friend Judy. It would take too long to tell you the story of how we met and where she lives. Although it is interesting this is not the place for it.

I just wanted to let you know that I am back at the Artfull Hand. There are no trips planned for the foreseeable future.

Smiles

This is one of Linda's 3 for $3s this month. The colors are so bold and bright...very different for Linda..

April didn't start off very well around my house....it would take several blogs to fill you in on it all. Let's just say it involved Long Horn Cattle, flooded basement, echo cardio gram and a well pump failure...all of that was in a mere 24 hours. Most of those items have had solutions applied to them. I kept looking at the calendar and wondering if someone was playing an April Fools prank on husband and myself.

Even though I am still buried up to my arm pits in paper work trying to prepare for my tax appointment I have managed to order in several new things for the shop. We have gotten in some new scrapbooking embellishments and 12 x 12 paper. I also have some new shiny and glittery gel pens. And some new stamps from Stampendous. But the biggest thing is that I have bought a Cuttlebug embossing machine.... We have made up packets of embossed papers for sale. But you also have the option of coming into the shop and for a mere $2.50 you can 'rent' the machine for an hour. And emboss till you wear out... All the girls have had a lot of fun trying different papers. Everything is turning out just beautiful.

This is a second card from Linda's 3 for $3 this month using the shell collage embossing folder and some of the new scrapbooking paper that I mentioned above. You have to come to the shop to find out how it is done......

Well finally

The weather has straighten out a bit. We have some sun. Yippee!
Linda and I have been busy with spring cleaning in the shop. Which means we have moved some things around. We had to make room for some new displays and new products. Just yesterday I got two orders in, one from Judikins and the other from Impression Obession. The Viva Las Vegas stamp order should come in any day now... Besides stamps I have some new gelpens and 12 x 12 double sided paper. There are some other new little trinkets. You will just have to stop by and check every out. Hope to see you soon.

Crazy weather continues

However it is a sign of Spring so I will gladly put up with the crazy weather. We are so tired of winter weather around her. This part of the Country has been spoiled the last few winters. We finally got back to our 'normal' winter weather and we all are crying about it like little spoiled babies that we are.... Today we are having typical Irish Weather. It is raining.

I want to wish everyone a Happy St. Pat's Day even if you aren't Irish! I am lucky enough to have some Irish blood in my veins.. I am celebrating this evening at home with my Husband of German Heritage with Corned Beef and cabbage and all the trimmings. I think I need to make a stop at the store on the way home to pick up some Beer to go along with the meal... Somehow a gin and tonic on St. Pat's Day seems to be sacrilegious.

The above card was one of Linda's 3 for $3s last week. Jane made another neat spinner card using the four heart clover you see here.

We have a lot of new stuff in the shop. Many orders have come in and I am expecting more. Be sure to check out the shop's web site to see the latest classes and 3 for $3s. www.theartfullhand.com

Crazy Weather

Here in my little corner of the midwest the weather has been exceptionally crazy the last few days. Last Sunday the husband and I enjoyed margaritas in the back yard with gentle breezes and temps in the high 70's. Monday a cold front came through and dropped the temps to the mid 30's. Today Tuesday the weatherman still is forecasting anywhere from 3 to 10 inches of snow depending on which weatherman you are listening to. At my house all we got was a few snow pellets. In town there was slightly more of a dusting. Right now there is some snow falling in town. So we will just have to wait and see what the heavens actually deliver to us. Hopefully it will not be the excessive amount predicted.
Our Used Stamp Sale is this coming Saturday at the Artfull Hand. We have received delivery of boxes and bags stuffed full of really good items. It looks like it will be another fantastic sale. The hours are 10 to 5 on Saturday. No exceptions.
The March of the Flamingos sale will be suspended that day as there will be just too much going on to be tossing balls about....

March

Ahh...it's March once again......and that means the March of the Flamingos Sale has returned. Come in and toss the ball at Freddy Flamingo to win discounts on your purchase. Bring me a Flamingo related item and earn discounts that way as well.
Teh above critters are just a few of the flamingos that hang out at the Artfull Hand....

Weirdness

I have been in a strange mood all week. Every since I returned from South Carolina I have been trying to come up with samples for my 3 for $3 which is this Friday. Every card I tried- failed and failed miserably. I searched the magazines for inspiration. I got some but when I tried to produce, those efforts failed too. I finally came up with my third card today amidst a lot of distractions. I think this is the weirdest card I have every made. When I was searching the shelves for phrase to put on it, everything I looked at could be taken as risque. That would have been okay for me but some of my customers might have taken offense...
Stop by the shop on Friday. I'll be doing the 3 for $3s at 10:30 and 1:30.
This coming Saturday is the First of the Month all ready. We'll be having our monthly ATC swap. On March 8th is our semi-annual used stamp and art supply sale....

Well I've done it again

Tuesday night was the re-scheduled time for the stampscapes class. We had some people who were able to make it even though the weather again was not the best. I promised myself that THIS time I would get the camera out and record the event.....Geeez! I even set out the camera in plain sight. Well Jerri and I got so involved with the class that I FORGOT AGAIN! I guess that is good for the students. But I want to show you what we do in the shop. Words are ok but pictures are better. We all are visual people and it helps to have pictures.
I might be more quiet then usual for the next few days as I am off to South Carolina to visit Baby James. He is 4 months old now and I have only seen him twice. With his parents being in the Military I won't get too many opportunities to see him grow.

Kid Valentines

Last Saturday I hosted a class for kids ages 8 to 15 to make 5 valentines. All were very simple in design and construction so I had no problems with the young stampers. But one little girl caught my eye. Her face was so angelic and sweet. Her skin was milky white and clear. Light brown hair framed her face. She had light blue eyes and a petite mouth. There was a light sprinkling of freckles across her nose and upper cheeks. The freckles are what caught my attention initally. When I commented on how cute her freckles were, her older sister who was in attendance quickly said those aren't cute. I cover mine up. I looked closely at her and sure enough she had a layer of make up on.. Since I had put the upper age restriction of 15 on the class I am assuming that she was 15 or younger..The younger sister shot her older sister a glance that would have knocked the older girl on her butt if she had not all ready been sitting. I told the younger girl that her freckles were very cute and that she should keep them. Grandma who had been sitting and watching the exchange beamed at the younger girl and said I told you so.....Ignoring older sister.

Superbowl Sunday

I wish I would have remembered to take pictures... Dang it!
I hosted the third annual Superbowl Sunday Stamp Out last Sunday. The shop was open from 11 to 5. Clientele could pay $8, bring in a current project, work on my spacious tables, have access to all the supplies, stamps and equipment in the classroom, PLUS play games, win prizes and graze amounst the food range from chili to pistachios.

I had a nice turnout, not too few and not too many. We had a great time working on individual projects, talking and eating. I guess that is why I forgot to get the camera out. The time just flew by.

I will do it again next year. Why don't you come and join us.....

Whats coming up

This is the coolest spinner card! It will be one of Jane's 3 for $3s on Feb February 2. The time will be only at 10:30. We may repeated the card with different stamps as we are all ready running out of the ones used!

February 3rd is Super Bowl Sunday. We again will be open that day from 11 to 5pm. For $8 you will have complete access to the classroom supplies and equipment, a spot at our table to work, games, prizes and surprises. There will be snacks too. So bring your card making stuff or scrapbooking stuff to work on.

I'll have more of what is going on in February soon. But did want to tell you that in March we will have our Spring Used Stamp Sale and of course the March of the Flamingos will be back.......

Working Hard

Sorry you haven't heard from me in a while. We have been pretty busy restocking. We now have a nice supply of Valentine stamps and Easter stamps continue to arrive. I'm very happy to announce that we now stock Shrink plastic. So many interesting things can be done with it from making jewelry to stand alone art pieces. Jane does the most wonderful things with shrink plastic. She draws little landscapes and then bakes the plastic to shrink it. She then makes pins from the pieces. The small landscapes have also been incorporated into cards.
Orders from Inkadinkado and My Sentiments Exactly have also arrived. We are waiting on a large order from Hero Arts....
Well have to get back to unpacking boxes.....

Back to Work

With Grandson Baby James back home in South Carolina work has returned to the Artfull Hand.
Just this week we have gotten in two brand new stamp companies...Nature's Blessings and Dandelion. Nature's Blessing is an eclectic company with a bountiful inventory of images. They do stock Alice in Wonderland theme stamps... So I now have them, mounted and unmounted. Dandelion stamps is a line of small image stamps. All kinds of critters, flowers and sayings. Dandelion is not their complete name. For the life of me right now I can't remember the complete name. Their images are on the cute side but not cutesy. They retail for $4.55 very reasonable in this day and age.
I'm hoping to get some samples made to show you the quality of these two lines.
We are also working hard on re-stocking with new merchandise after the year end sale and then inventory. ( I hate inventory ) But I had a pleasant experience during counting on New Year's Day. I was counting some stamps, 4 at $7.75, 3 at $6.25, 1 at $4.50 when I got a whiff of cherry tobacco. The kind my dad used to use in his pipe. I turned around expecting to see him the scent was that strong. But of course he was not there. My dad has been dead now close to 17 years. He and my mom ran a Quick Shop which turned into 7-11 shop. I helped with inventory there for a number of years. That is where I came to loathe counting stuff. I understand the necessity but still hate to do it....
After I realized that he wasn't there I just smiled and asked silently to myself if I was doing it right...and went back to counting stuff....

Artfull Hand Tees

Baby James, Sarah and Mike made these Tee-shirts for me for Christmas. The girls and I will wear them when there is a special event in the shop. James is showing off my favorite color....Flamingo Pink! The shirts come in several very nice colors. We will be so colorfull in the new year.
By the way.... that hand print does belong to James. He was a real trooper to imprint 12 shirts! (No not really-Mom and he did one and then Sarah took the design to a company and they printed up the twelve shirts.)

Stamping with James

Baby James was able to make it to the stamp store on New Year's Eve Day and do some stamping. Mom helped a little.
While he was there he took a phone call for his grandma. He blather on for some time, (he is a real talker even at 10weeks old.)
He was very good in the shop. He cooed and smiled at a number of customers,(always good for business!)
2007 closed out on a very good basis. I'm hoping that the nice daily gross will be a spring board for the new year.