Baby Cole

I spent a week in North Carolina with Baby Cole, James and Sarah. Baby Cole is doing fine now after a slow start. James is the typical 2 year old, full of piss and vinegar. Makes his grandma laugh at his antics. Sarah is tired as any new mother will be. Just can't help that. My DH and I will be going back over Christmas to spend a few more days. I hope the weather doesn't impact our plans.

Inventory Reduction Sale

We are tired of looking at the same ole stamps and stuff.... So... beginning tomorrow, December 8th and running through December 19th we will take 30% off of your total purchase!!!! The discount does not apply to consigment items or all ready discounted merchandise.

Proud Grandma

I wish I could say that - that is me posing with Cole and Sarah but it is not. It is one of Sarah's delivery nurses.
Cole was born approximately 3:30 EST on 12/5. He weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds, 12.3 oz!!!! His head measured 15 inches. His brother's head was 14 inches. Poor momma! He was 22 inches long. But best of all he has red hair like his brother, uncle Dave and grandma!!!!

I'll get to see and hold him soon.

The December Newsletter

We have a lot of news for you this month.
First off.... We finally got in the core' dinations paper. It is paper that has a color core. We have it in 8 1/2 by 11 and 12 by 12 sizes.
Secondly we have hand made stamp Christmas cards for sale. I know you all can make your own. But send in your non-stamping friends and family. We will be expanding the selection to all occassion cards. Or if you have a specific card request we can work something up for you.
And Third..... We have an inventory reduction sale going on this week. 25% off of your total purchase. The sale does not include consigment items. Nor is it applied to all ready discounted merchandise.......Lastly. We will no longer be open late on Thursday nights effective immediately.
Whew! Now for the regular stuff.
December 2- Donna's Santa Sack pull up card class. $10 1:00
December 5-Christmas Open House 10 am to 5 pm. Snacks, door prizes, make 'n take and discounts continue.
December 5- Angel Slider card and Christmas Tree pop up card class. $9 10:30 & 2pm
December 5 - ATC swap 12:30. We will be selecting new themes for 2010.
December 7 - Stampclub Christmas Gathering 7pm. Bring a stamping related wrap gift and a goodie or a snack of your choice. We play games and maybe sing a song or two.
December 8 - Linda - 2 special Christmas Cards for $6 11:30 & 2 Pm
December 11 - Donna's folding Pointsettia card class. $6 11:30 & 2 PM
December 12 -Lana's 3 for $6 10:30 & 1:30
December 16 - Donna's folding pointsettia card class $6 11:30 & 2 pm
December 24 & 25 CLOSED
December 26 Open again
December 31 close at 3:00

Hurray

Finally the paper from Core' dinations has arrived. We have a wide selection of colors and sizes. This paper has a color core. So when you tear it or run it through your embossing machine the color from the core will show. Some of the paper will have a contrasting color core and others will have a deeper color of the surface. It is really cool. Watch for samples.

We will make your cards

Have you ever wanted to send hand made cards but didn't have the time to make them??? The Artfull Hand will make your cards for you. Need a odd occasion card that Hallmark doesn't meet? It could be something like a Church Secretary retirement or a 93rd birthday for your aunt or uncle. Not that a church secretary or 93rd birthday is odd. It's just that Hallmark is not going to market a card that is that specific. And we'll make it in the colors you chose.
Right now we have a large selection of pre-made hand stamp Christmas Cards. We even have boxed sets that are in a very nicely decorated box tied with a ribbon. It would be great as a hostess gift or a gift for a favorite teacher. Stop by and check it out.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER


11/5/09 Gobble Gobble Card Class 4:30 to 6:30 PM. $5 Barb will be leading this fun card. The turkey pops up on the inside.

11/7/09 Gobble Gobble Card AND pumpkin card class.

10:30 $8 for both. See the web site for pictures.

11/7/09 ATC Swap 12:30


11/9/09 Night stamp club 7 pm. $1 You are to bring 3 rubber stamps with you. Be sure you have marked your initials on the stamps. Of course bring your basic class kit too. We will put all the stamps in one basket and each person will draw out 3 stamps. You are to make a card using THOSE 3 stamps. There will be no day stamp club this month as that is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.


11/11/09 Sue's 3 for $6 11:30& 2pm



11/12/09 Beginning Scrapbooking 12 x 12 format. $10

11:30. Donna will start you off right!



11/14/09 Deer Widow's Week-end. Yup Ladies it's deer season once again. For $3 on Saturday night from 6 pm to 9 pm you can have a spot at one of our tables and access to all the classroom supplies. Bring a snack I will supply the drinks(non-adult kind- sorry)

11/15/09 From 11 to 5 on Sunday and $6 will get you a spot at our table, access to the class room supplies, non-adult variety of drinks, deer chili, games, prizes and at least one project. If you attend both times then the price is $8.


11/18/09 Linda's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm


11/19/09 Donna fabric popup card class $10. 11:30


11/20/09 Miniature 2010 calendar class $5 11:30


11/21/09 Barb X-mas tree pop up card and table decoration class. $12 10:30

11/25/09 Come in and make a Christmas Card or Any Occasion Card for the Military and receive 20% off your total purchase that day.

11/26/09Thanksgiving- Closed

11/27/09 Come in and make a Christmas Card or Any Occasion Card for the Military and receive 20% off your total purchase that day.

11/28/09 Donna fabric X-mas pop up card class $10 10:30

Dorothy 3 for $6 1 pm ONLY.

Costumed Customers part two

This is Madame Cindy and her 'pet' Mortimer....!!! Madame was very regal like in her flowing veil that sported additional little pets such as spiders... When she first walked in I really didn't recognize her as Cindy B.
I can't believe that I forgot to photograph myself and Bev.. Geez... What a dufuss I am. I came in my flippers, snorkel and swim mask. We had so much rain that I thought those items would be very appropriate and possibly needed at a moments notice. Miss Beverly came dressed as a lovely Indian Princess.

Costumed Customers

This is Sister Mary Ella better know as Sharon K. She came in last Saturday(Halloween) in costume to claim her discount.

Thanksgiving Day Cards

On November 7th at 10:30 Barb will be doing this wonderful pumpkin card along with the gobble gobble card from the previous post. The cost is $8 for both cards. Come and have some fun with us.

Gobble Gobble

Barb will be doing this wonderful card on November 5th, 4:30 to 6:30 PM. The price is $5. As you can see the turkey pops up! How cool is that????

Stencil class

Here is part of the class that attended the Stencil class last night with Kathy Anderson. Every one's projects turned out wonderful. Kathy taught 3 different techniques using embossing paste, glitter and embossing powder. The girls were a bit apprehensive at first using the embossing paste. But soon got into the swing of things. I think Kathy will be back for more classes in the future.

Monday night stamp club

Last night was stamp club. The girls celebrated my birthday(belatedly) with a pot luck supper. We had everything from pizza to black bean salsa to sweet potato pie to fresh fruit. There was a large variety. Linda lead us in making a really cool sunflower card. You start with the largest scallop circle punch you have. With the circle punch out you fold it in half and in half again. Then fold that in half once more. (Not sure here if there is one more fold in half at this point or not) But then you trim off a sliver of paper from both sides starting at the scalloped edge cutting towards the point.(Do not cut all the way down to the point) Linda instructed us to cut in a curved manner. When I opened my paper to reveal a neat looking flower the sides of each petal were straight. Linda's had a nice rounded edge to them. Well I thought I will try this again as we had two more punched circles to fold and cut. No matter how hard i tried to cut a rounded edge my flower petals all ended up having straight edges. We had two more smaller circles that needed to be folded and cut as well. But when it was all put together it looked pretty darn good! I will try to get a picture of it and post it here.
I do want to thank Linda, Donna, Kathy A, Sandy, Cri, Barbara D.,Patti, Cindy,Karen, Carol and Sue B. I got some really cool birthday cards.....

October Schedule

October 3- ATC Swap 12:30

October 8 - Donna's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2

Open till 7 pm

October 10 - Beaded Spooky Spider Class

$8 1:00

October 12 - Night Stamp Club 7 Pm

October 14 - Linda's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2

October 15 - Open till 7

October 16 - Deadline for Halloween Cards 5 Pm

October 17 - Recipe Book Class $10 11:00

Beginner Stampscape $12 1:30

October 20 -Recipe Book Class $10 7pm

October 22 - Beginner Brayer Class 6PM $8

Two cards

October 23 - Dorothy's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2PM

October 24 - Day of the Dead Shrine Class

10:30 $15

Stampscapes 201 Class $12 1:30

October 27 - Stencil Class 7 PM $15 3 cards

3 techniques

October 28 - Day Stamp Club 11:30 & 2 PM $1

October 29 - Open till 7 PM

October 30 - Beaded Spider Class $8 11:30

October 31 - Halloween Day - 20% off for

Costumed Customers. Must agree

to be photographed.

Card Contest Winners Announced.

Almosst the end of the month

I know - I know. It's almost the end of the month and I haven't posted anything since I post the September Newsletter. I really do want to do better but just don't seem to have the time. I'm running between two places and I am happy to say that business has picked up at both places.
Rock the new puppy is doing well with training. We still have a couple of little mishaps in the house occasionally but they are getting fewer.
I do have some exciting news for the shop. I have lined up a special guest instructor, Kathi Anderson of Debbie Gunion and Associates. She will be teaching a Dreamweaver Stencil technique class on October 27th at 7 pm. I believe the price we set was $15. And the spots are very limited. So it will be first come, first to get a spot. The samples she showed me were really cool. I should have her samples to show you in a few days and a more detailed description of what she is going to do.
I have been melting the credit card again. I got the big plastic boxes reordered finally. There are orders pending from Hampton Arts, River City and Dreamweaver. I have ordered a new line of paper that is going to knock your socks off. I'll announce the name of the line in a week or so. And I am researching some new stamp lines. At least they will be new to the Artfull Hand. I am working on a beaded spider class for the month of October. And we have another stampscapes class scheduled. I have been working on a new-to-me technique using stampscapes.And will be offering it this month as Stampscapes 201, Dorothy's version. Dates and times and prices will be in the newsletter when I get it written.
So see, I have been busy, really!
Also want to remind you of the Halloween Card Contest that we will be hosting in October. And if you come into the shop on Halloween, Saturday Oct.31 in costume and agree to be photographed you will receive 20% off of your total purchase.!!!
I think that is all for now. Sorry for the infrequent posts but hopefully the new merchandise will make up for it....

September Newsletter

September 2009 Newsletter

September 3- Open to 7 PM (Every Thursday now)

September 5 - ATC Swap 12:30
Bev's 3 for $6 10:30 & 1:30

September 9 - Ornament flip Book and Fishing Christmas Card
Class 11:30 & 2 PM. $8. Please sign up in advance

September 10 - Absolute deadline for dropping off items for the
Used Stamp Sale. Items may include any art
related supplies. Not limited to rubberstamps. Open till 7 PM.

September 12- Fall Used Stamp Sale 10:00 to 5 PM ! This is it.
One day only!!!!!

September 14 - Night stamp club. 7pm Still just a buck! Project
to be announced.

September 16 - Linda's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 PM

September 17 - Open till 7 PM

September 18 - Dorothy's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 PM

September 19 - Halloween Fabric Pop up card. $8 10:30

September 24 - Donna's 3 for $6. All of these will be stair step
cards. 11:30 & 2 PM

September 30 - Day Stamp Club 11:30 & 2pm $1

Additional Notes

The Halloween Card Contest will be in October once again.

Rules: No entry fee will be collected. However you must use stamps as the dominant image that the Artfull Hand has had in its inventory at one time or another. The image(s) need not be in the inventory at the present time. Dorothy will have the final say on if the submitted card is eligible. No whining if she says no to your card. No exceptions. So you might call the shop or stop by to check with one of us if you have a doubt. One card per customer is allowed. Each card should be identified with the creator's name and contact info on the back of the card. Employees of the Artfull Hand may enter a card but will not be eligible for prizes. There is no age discrimination. Children's cards, if any are submitted, will be judged along side of an adult's. Deadline for submitted cards is October 16th, 5 PM. Again, No Exceptions will be made. Customers of the Artfull Hand will vote on the entries from Oct. 17 to October 31st at NOON. The cards will be put on the web site for voting. The winner(s) will be announced and prizes awarded shortly after noon as we can make the final tally. If there is a tie in any category Dorothy will decide the winner.

Dorothy will also have the option to award additional prize(s) if she deems an entry worthy of special note.
One more Note

October 31st- Halloween - Any customer that comes into the shop on that day in costume and agrees to be photographed will receive a 20% discount on their total sale, excluding all ready discounted and consignments items.

and More Cards

The black and White cats on red card belongs to Linda. On the inside it says, Let Heaven and Nature sing.
The second card with the little penquin fellow belongs to Patti. She used some of LInda's stamps. On the inside it say Joy to the World.
I have a few more cards to upload and post. Everyone did a fantastic job with this challenge. And the comments we received about the challenge were very positive. If I can get the ATCs from the last swap scanned I will post those. The theme was movies and we had some really good cards.

More Christmas Challenge Cards

This is my card that I made using a large stamp of a shell. The little cross piece at the top says "Silver Shells" and on the inside it says "It's Christmas Time in the City."

Why I have been late posting

The above picture is the reason I have been late in posting to the blog. We got the little rascal one week ago today. His name is Rock and is now 7 weeks old. He is from a litter that our son's dog Bull sired in North Carolina.

August Newsletter

Well here it is August 2009. This is my fourth anniversary. So we have some special things happening this month.Read ON.

August 1 -- ATC Swap 12:30
August 6 --Barb's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
August 10 - night Stamp club. 7 pm $1 We will be doing two different techniques. Burnt Batique and beaded images....Bring solid image stamps for the Burnt Batik and Faces, heads or people stamps for the beaded images.
August 12 -- Donna's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
August 13 -- Free Make 'n Take A cool stampbord pin, 11:30 to 4.Store will be Open to 7 pm
August 15 -- Bev's Christmas Trinket Box Class. $10 11:30 & 2pm
August 16-- OPEN ON SUNDAY 12 TO 4 PM In Honor of my anniversary there is a 25% off of total sale today only. Does not apply to all ready discounted merchandise or consignment items.
August 18 - - Bev's Christmas Trinket Box Class.$10 7 PM.
August 19 -- Linda's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 Pm
August 21 -- Dorothy's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
August 22 -- Donna's Snow Globe Shaker Card Class. $10 1:30
August 26 -- Day Stamp Club 11:30 & 2 pm $1 See night stamp club above
August 29 -- Stampscapes Class with Gerri 1:30 pm $12
There may be additional items added to August's calendar. So check regularly.
The Fall Used stamp Sale will be on September 12th. The forms are ready come and pick them up.

More Challenge cards

The Arch card belongs to Bev. She computer generated the saying for the inside.
The Snoopy card belongs to Lynn

Christmas Card Challenge

Here are a few cards from the Stamp Club Christmas Card Challenge.
The challenge was to bring a non-traditional Christmas stamp and make a Christmas Card out of it. I'd say the ladies did a wonderful job.
The little red truck belongs to Karen.
The couple under the 'mistletoads' belongs to Barb and 3 stooges card belongs to LaVonne. I will be adding a few more in a little while.

Fourth of July Tea Party

Well the day finally arrived and I was well prepared. The official count at the Tea Party was 3500! That is an amazing number. I had many of those 3500 come through the shop for a free cup of ice tea and a look around. All were supported of the small business person and thank me for being open on the holiday.
I was a bit worried if the tea party would happen at all cause Friday we had a toad strangler of a rain storm. We got 4.2 inches of rain in about 6 hours. After the first hour the rain just runs off. The basement flooded once again, although mildly.
By Saturday morning the rain had stopped but the skies were overcast. That kept the heat down so the people on the river front were comfortable. My DH parked at the shop and walked down to hear the speeches. He was impressed with what he saw and heard.
What surprised me were the young people. I was so happy to see so many young people involved. And people who brought the whole family along. I wished I could have been there to hear the speeches. The people who were in attendance said that they were very good.
I've got most of the decorations down from the Fourth of July. Now we are concentrating on Christmas in July.
In the next day or two I will get the newsletter posted here. If you need to see it sooner it is up on the web site. Go to www.theartfullhand.com.

what a week so far!

My word!
Our heat wave finally broke last Saturday night but not before I had to call 911 for a worker who was resurfacing the parking lot out in front of the store on Saturday - Day. They started the job around noon.(There were 2 workers) They had completed a large job earlier in ST. Louis the worker who was still standing had told me.
I was in the office on the computer and heard the front door open. I looked out but didn't see anyone. About that the time the co-worker came in the front door and looked at the floor immediately in front of the door and asked, "Jimmy you alright?" That is when I walked around the counter and saw a very large man laying on the rug that is in front of the door. He shook his head 'no'. And mouthed call 911. So I went for the phone and dialed. When I got off the phone I got wet cold towels and wrapped his head and neck with them. The paramedics came pretty quick and checked the guy out. By the time they arrived he was talking clearly. He refused to go to the hospital. The paramedics said NOT to go back out into the heat. As if he did, they were sure that they would be back to cart him off. I believe that they were correct in that assessment. The co-worker called the big boss in St. Louis and told him that 'Jimmy' had bitten the dust and that he needed some help. In about 45 minutes two big trucks and 4 more men came to finish our little lot. The big boss had come to take 'Jimmy' back to St. Louis. He(the big boss and I exchanged a few words.) I told him what the paramedics had said about the man. He then informed me that he had been in that business in St. Louis for 30 years and knew what he was doing. I simply said, "ya, right." And turned and walked away. Neither of the original two workers wore hats or those cooling neck ties or head bands. They had NO water on their truck. I gave 'Jimmy' a bottle of water from my frig after clearing it with the paramedics. The ambient temperature was near 100 and I am sure that it was a lot hotter on that parking lot in the full sun beating down on that black pavement with them smearing additional black goo. The four additional men that arrived to complete the job also wore no hats or visible cooling kerchiefs. A lot of the time you see those big igloo water coolers strapped to work trucks. I didn't see any. But that is not to say there wasn't something on the inside of the trucks. I am wondering if OHSA would like to know how this man sends out his workers on hot days....
Since Sunday the weather has been absolutely delightful. Mother Nature is being kind to us after the brutal heat she laid on us for about 10 days straight.
I am working on the July newsletter and it will be completed very soon. I am also preparing for Saturday the Fourth of July and the Tea Party that is going to be held here in Washington on that Day. The shop will be OPEN. I had sent out e-mails telling everyone in my address book of that. I got one nasty e-mail back from a person telling me how awful I was for talking about and support the Tea Party effort. And that I was taking advantage of my staff on that day. She requested that she be removed from my contacts list. I happily complied. I really had wanted to e-mail her back and ream her a new one but then I thought, "why bother." It wouldn't do any good. And would be a waste of my time, talent and energy. Just for your all information I am staffing the shop myself on Saturday. I have not asked any of my employees to work. A couple will be on stand by as go-fers in case I run low on ice, cups or tea. I see being open on the Fourth of July trying to take full capitalistic advantage of the situation as the best way to honor the day. At least for me at this time.
Hope to see a lot of you on that Day. Come and share a glass of tea with me.

Open on The Fourth of July

Hi ya'll,
Just wanted to give you a heads up on what is going on around here. I was listening to 97.1FM on the way to work one day this week. Dana was subbing for Jamie Alman that day and she announced that she was organizing a Tea Party to be held here in Washington on July 4th.
The Tea Party will be at the Rennick River Front Park.
I was going to be closed for the holiday but when I heard that, I thought there is no way I could pass up that opportunity. So I emailed her at the station telling her that I would be open on that day serving FREE ice tea to all who attended the tea party. I gave her particulars on the shop and my contact info.

This morning right before 9am she was talking about the plans for the tea party and said that she had gotten a email from a lady out in Washington by the name of DOROTHY KANSTEINER (and she even prounounced the name right) telling about how I was going to be open that day serving free ice tea!!!!! So I got free advertising on a major STL radio station this morning.!!! How cool is that.????

So now I have to start preparing and getting the word out.

The following link will give you details on the festivities on that Big Day.

http://stlouisteaparty.com/

By the Sea

I don't know how well you can see this display in the photo. Barb really out did herself putting this together. These are products that are all related somehow to the sea. The title of the display is By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea. She even incorporated a couple of my little watercolors in it. You really ought to come in and look at it for yourself.

Collinsville Convention

Hi all,
I just can't seem to post in a timely manner. But things have really gone awry around here. ( I won't type what I really wanted to say. But those of you who personally know me - know it wasn't language that could be used in polite society.)Be that as it may, you don't pop in here to hear my tales of woe. So I am writing my impressions of the Collinsville Rubberstamp Convention that was last week-end.
Linda, Carol and Sue F went over on Saturday. They reported that the crowd was pretty good. There was a wait time for several of the make and takes and a few of the booths were jammed to the point that made it difficult to look over their offerings.
On Sunday, Bev, Barb and I went. The place was practically deserted. Oh there were people there and some of them had been there on Saturday too. We didn't have any wait times and you could ball room dance in most of the booths if you wanted to. I brought home stamps from Bugawumps, Stamping Sensations and Rubber Cottage.They are available now in the shop. I had a long talk with Laura at the Bugawumps booth. She has succumbed to the unmounted version of her stamps. I understand why she went in that direction but am sorry to see it.
Overall there were fewer vendors then last. Several notable big names were not in attendance. I really wanted to shop at RubberStamp Tapestries. All the vendors that I spoke to said it was the slowest Sunday ever. I am wondering how many of them will be there next year.

Finally the June newsletter

Hi All!

Sorry this is late. The computer was down for some time. I finally found someone to help me resolve the problem. Thanks Steve W.!

It is not completely well yet. I have lost the software that generated the calendar so you all will have to get the times and dates of classes in this form for a while. So here goes...

June 6 - ATC swap 12:30, inchies follow immediately after.

June 8 - Night stamp club. 7 pm $1. Bring stamps in a related theme and ink pads, i.e., flowers, animals, ladies, Asian. You will be able to supplement your stamps from the classroom. We will be making a 'mother board' sometimes called a 'master board'. From it you can use pieces and parts of it to make several cards.

June 10th - Linda's 3 for $6, 11:30 & 2:00


June 13 - FREE beginners stamping class. 11:30

June 13 & 14 - Stamp convention at Collinsville, IL. Tickets are still available till Friday the 12th. The store is OPEN on Saturday.

If you wish to car pool call the shop 636-239-5995 to see who is driving and when to meet.

June 17th - Donna's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2:00. Donna is starting on Christmas cards. Ya know if you would come to our Christmas 3 for $6s starting now, by Christmas you would have 21 cards made by December! We are hoping to have multiple Christmas sessions so your supply could be more! And you would have a whole bunch of fun doing it.

June 20th - Bev's Tri-folding cards and Independence card. This is a CLASS and must be signed up for in advance and prepaid. There is a masculine and feminine tri fold card in addition to the Independence Day Card. The cost is $10. The time is 11:00 and 1:30. You have to see these cards.. They are spectacular. This will be repeated the night of June 30th.

June 24th - Day stamp club. 11:30 & 2:00 pm $1 Don't know what we are doing yet. What would you like to do? Suggestions?

June 25 - Barb's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2:00 Wait till you see her froggy card.....It is the cutest thing and really simple.

June 30th - Bev's Trifold card class. 3 really cool cards for $10. 7 PM. This is a CLASS and must be signed up for in advance and prepaid. There is a masculine and feminine tri fold card in addition to the Independence Day Card. You have to see these cards. They are spectacular.



July ATC swap will be July 11th at 12:30 instead of the first Saturday of July which is the FOURTH of July- Independence Day! The store will be closed on July 4th.

We will be celebrating Christmas in July again this year. Many new Christmas stamps are on order. On Sunday, July 19th we will be holding a Christmas Stamping party from 11 to 4-ish. For $10.00 you will make 3 Christmas Cards, play games, have snacks available and work on your own projects. Oh Did I mention that there are door prizes available too...

********************************************************************


SALE - SALE- SALE- SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE
Starting June 8th, Monday night, I am starting a sale. 20% off of any one regular priced item with purchase of $20 or more in products and paper. The sale does not cover gift or consignment items.
********************************************************************

Also heard that the company that manufactures Twinkling H20s is NOT going out of business after all. They had such a huge response that they have changed their minds.. So all of your favorite colors will still be available.

We are starting a new program at the shop. We are tracking the 3 for $6s. We'll have you sign a log sheet each time you take one of our 3 for $6s. After you have done 5 of them the Sixth one is FREE!!!! This will run to the end of the year.

And finally...

Donna has been making scrapbook page samples. Bev has added to the book too. We have all the samples in a book in the shop. Next time you are in browse through it. It might give you an idea or two or three...

See you soon...

Dorothy and all the girls...

June

Here it is June 2nd and I don't have the newsletter completed or even started....Just wanted to let you know that I am still here and am working on the calendar. The computer in the shop is again running. But i have lost the software that made the monthly calendars. And all the bugs aren't completely eradicated from it. There are still some issues that I am trying to resolve. As soon as I can I will let you know what is happening at the Artfull Hand. Linda, Bev and Barb are on the ball and have some of their cards done for the classes. Donna is working on Christmas Cards for classes. So there are things in the works I just haven't gotten anything down on paper. So stayed tuned!!!!!

Card challenge at day stamp club

Here are a few of the cards that were made at the Day Stamp club yesterday. Like the girls in the evening session everyone did a wonderful job. I will try to post a few more when I get a chance. As you can see they had different papers, colors and stamps to use.

More card challenge

Here is another card that was made at the card challenge. Sorry I don't remember whose this is....
Tomorrow Wednesday the 27th is day stamp club. We are doing the same thing for the day group. Only Linda and I have picked out different papers and stamps to work with.
The rules will be the same. You have to use the papers, stamps, inks and embellishments on the table to make a card of your own design. You don't have to use all of them. You can used the cuttlebug and any of the punches. You can not get out any more stamps, inks or papers.
I'm hoping to be posting some of the cards from the day group soon. The cards that I have posted from the night group were ramdomly selected.

and another

This one is Patti's.

another card

Here is another card. It might belong to Karen S. If I got that wrong - sorry Karen.

more card challenges

This is my card. Under the front flap it says BEE HAPPY. And then I used the bee on the inside. YOu really can't see from the photo but the two roses that look black are actually a deep mauve in color. And there is a scallop design embossed on the front bottom edge.

the card challenge

At stamp club Monday we offered a card challenge. The challenge was to make a card of your own design with using only what Cri and I had put out on the table. What we put out was white and black card stock, white and black striped paper,mauve and pink double sided paper, two types of co-ordinating ribbons and flower sequins.We had a rose stamp, a bee stamp, and two phrase stamps on the table. There was a black stamp pad, a versamark pad and black embossing powder available.We also said that you could get any of my punches out or use the cuttlebug. You could only use what was on the table. You couldn't get any additional paper, stamps or ink.
The card above is what Bev cam up with. She used one of my new cuttlebug embossing folders.
I will be posting more pictures of the cards as I get the time.

Convention Tickets

Just wanted to let you all know that we now have the tickets available for sale for the Collinsville Convention June 13 & 14. The tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. They are good for both days. We can accept cash or checks.

Computer/Stamp Club

The computer is still down and out. So I am posting about stamp club here. It will be
May 11th at 7 pm $1. We will be doing a card challenge. You will make your own designed card from a set of pre-selected colors of card stock, stamps and embellishments. Bring your basic class kits.I'll try to post some of the resulting cards here...

May Newsletter

2009 May Newsletter
The Artfull Hand

Happy May to everyone. Here’s hoping that all your spring flowers bloom with enthusiasm.

May 1st – Dorothy’s 2 for $6 – 1:30
May 2nd – Atc Swap 12:30
Inchie swap 1:00
Dorothy’s 2 for $6 1:30
May 6th- Sue B’s 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
May 9th Bev’s 3 for 46 10:30 & 1:30
May 10th Mother’s Day!
May 11th- Stamp Club 7 pm $1. We will be doing a card challenge. You will make your own designed card from a set of pre-selected colors of card stock, stamps and embellishments. Bring your basic class kits.
May 13th Linda’s 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
May 16th Karen’s Father’s Day cards. $5 10:30
May 21st Barb’s 3 for $6
May 23rd Dorothy’s Bleaching Class ala Fred Mullet 10:30 $10
May 25th Memorial Day – Closed
May 27th Day Stamp Club-$1 11:30 & 2 pm (See above)
May 29th Dorothy’s 3 for $6 1:30
May30th Dorothy’s 3 for $6 1:30

Late again

Here I am late again with posts.....Well this time I have good reasons.
I think I have finally recovered from the flu. I think I got exposed to it on the plane on the way to Atlanta. That was on April 5th. On Easter Sunday I couldn't get out of bed. I had all the typical symptoms. And was down and out for a good 5 days.(I really think it was the swine flu.) Then I had to do catch up on all the work I missed. I am still doing that. On top of that the computer at the shop has crashed. I got the May calendar worked up and then printed up. But before I could get the newsletter written for May the 'puter died. I am going to take it to a repair shop today. I fear that it is infected with a severe virus. Maybe it is the swine flu. As soon as I can I will post the newsletter here. I've been working on the computer in the vet office and it is working better and a little faster.

I just scanned my previous posts and saw that I told you all 'bout being sick all ready. Sorry for the repeat news. However here's a short update: The dishwasher got fixed, the oven is still not working, the health insurance premium was found and paid and the car insurance got switched to another company with a considerable savings, the taxes were done on time(just in the nick of)but I am still doing paperwork to prove my estimations.

This was a card that SueB did last week for her 3 for $6. Bev and I had to look up the translation. What it says is.....always wear underwear....LOL . Sorry the inside isn't a good shot.

Peeps

Thought I would show you another page that Donna made. This was James at Easter '08.
He did get his chocolate bunny for Easter '09.

scrapbooking

We have started to scrapbook around the Artfull Hand. The above picture is a page that my newest employee, Donna, has done. Of course the star of the page is my grandson James.

Later in April Donna will be leading a class in peek-a-boo pages. It is a really fun technique that also can be used in card making. Go to www.theartfullhand.com to check out the class and samples.

I've been sick

sorry I haven't posted in a while. In the blogs I follow I get agitated at the owners when they don't post regularly. And now I find myself doing that. Well I do have a good excuse. I've been sick.
On April 5th we flew to Atlanta to meet up with friends and have a family re-union with my son, D-I-L and grandson. We spent several days visiting and enjoying the outdoors. During that time I felt like something was brewing. By the time we came home I knew that something had attacked me. On Easter Sunday I got up and almost immediately went right back to bed, spent the whole day there. Monday and Tuesday was worse. I think it is the flu. This will be the second time I have had it in less then 6 months. I was sick at Christmas too. (Hmmmm, major holidays connection.)
In addition to being sick I was in a tax prep crunch. I am trying to research auto insurances and our health insurance premium notice has gone astray. All big ticket items. Then yesterday I noticed that our dishwasher at home isn't draining. Great - add another problem to the pile.
Okay so now you know where I have been and what I have been doing. In the next entry I will tell you what is happening up at the shop....

Reminder

Just wanted to remind you all that our used stamp sale is tomorrow Saturday March 28th. There is A LOT of really cool stuff all ready. I am expecting more to be brought in today. The doors open promptly at 10 AM. No Early birds. See you then

New face

Since we have so many new faces around the Artfull Hand I thought I would change the face of the blog page.... Hope you like it. Also I have added a new gadget on the left side where you can sign up and follow my blog. Please do so.

late Newsletter

Geeezz... I just realized that I never posted the newsletter for March.
Here it is better late then not at all.

Well now! I have some news for you all. We have a new employee by the name of Barb Helfrich. She used to work at the Elm Street Co. She has been in retail for many many years and is a stamper and a scrapbooker! WWhhooo! Whoo! Come by the shop on most Thursdays and you will probably run into her. She is on March's Calendar for a 3 for $6. Her work is crisp and clean.
Also big more big news!!!! Can you stand it? Our own Sue Brown has agreed to do some classes and 3 for $6s for us. She will be starting this month as well! Plus (there is even more!) Karen Sprick will be a guest instructor this month!
Here goes:
March 7th ATC swap 12:30
March 9th - Night time Stamp Club 7 PM One whole dollar is all that is required. We will be doing backgrounds.
March 11th Sue Brown's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 PM
March 14th - Karen Sprick - Trophy Card Class 10:30 - $7
March 14th - Sue Brown - Image Transfer Class 1:30 - $15.MOVED to March 21st.
March 17th - Happy St. Patricks Day!
March 17th - Linda's Make 'n Take $1 - 11:30 - 4
March 17th - Bevs 3 for $6, 7 PM, Please RSVP to 636-239-5995
March 20th Sue B Image Transfer Class at 1:00, $15Three different techniques will be taught. [Repeated on March 21st.
March 21st Barb H - 3 for $6, 10:30 and 1:30
March 21th Sue B Image Transfer Class at 1:30, $15
Three different techniques will be taught.
March 24th Linda's 3 for $6 11:30 and 2 PM
March 25th Day Stamp Club 11:30 and 2 PM- $1
March 26th - Absolute deadline for dropping off things for used stamp sale.
March 27th - Dorothy's 3 for $6 11:30 and 2 PM
March 28th Used Stamp Sale Today Only 10:00 am to 5 PM
March 31st Carol's Make 'N Take $1 - 11 - 4

Anything listed as a CLASS MUST be signed up and paid for at least 24 hours in advance. No exceptions. This is a courtesy to the instructor so that she knows how many to prepare.

Orders and March Newsletter

Hi everyone- I am still working on the March Newsletter. I am waiting to hear back on a few details from some people. So as soon as I hear from them I will publish the newsletter.
We made the UPS Man earn his money today! We got in 3 big orders. One of them was the Hero Arts order that we all have been waiting on for some time now. We have a lot of new stuff. Also got several new Easter designs from Art Impressions. And we re-stocked on several must have products like glue dots and red liner tape from Product Performers. Linda and I were working our fingers to the bone to get everything unpacked, checked in and priced.. Whew! But we did so come in and check out all the new stuff...

New People and classes

I have been so busy lining up new people and classes that I haven't had the time to post here. Sorry about that.

Coming in March we will have Four (4) new faces around the shop. I will introduce them as their respective class or session comes up on the calendar.

The first who I want to introduce is Karen S. She is a customer and has done samples for me in the past. She presented me with the suggestion of doing a trophy card class. (See picture that is posted below) You will have a choice of doing one design but the basic design of the card will be the same no matter which theme you pick.

The class is going to be in the first week of March. I don't have my work calendar in front of me at the moment. The cost is going to be $7.

I also want to tell you that our used stamp sale is scheduled for March 28th. Come by the shop and pick up a form if you have any stamps that you want to sell. We will also take any related materials to stamping or art supplies that you no longer need or want.

I don't think the March of Flamingos Sale will happen this March. I just haven't had the time to think about it. So they may stay in the closet this year.

New stamps

WWhhoo-woooo! New stamps have arrived at the Artfull Hand from Stampscapes and Inkadinkado. There are pending orders from 100 Proof Press and Hero Arts. Just haven't gotten around to ordering from anyone else yet.

Super Bowl Sunday StampOUT

These are some of the pictures from Super Bowl Sunday Stamp OUT. Boy oh Boy Did we have fun. Everyone worked on their own projects. But were ready and willing to share, help and loan supplies and ideas. Personally I really didn't get anything accomplished but I did work through a couple of ideas for the next ATC theme which is chocolate. Several of the girls got their ATCs completed, Valentines made, samples done and just random card making. Bev even showed Barb G how to make a treat box.

We only put two people to a table. That way there was plenty of room to spread out. We had tables set up throughout the store. Cri had her own table for a little while as a few of the attendees had church run late.

And did we have the food! I made venison chili. Everyone said it was good. Nobody fell down grabbing their stomach or made a mad dash for the bathroom. So I guess they really liked it. But we also had corn bread, brownies, cookies, assorted cheese and crackers, Twizlers(yum) and apple pie! Oh MY! After I ate all the blood in my body went to my stomach to help digest. My brain just didn't want to work. So I sat and enjoyed the company of my sister stampers. I offered an opinion when asked and sometimes I didn't need to be asked. HE..He..He.

The store even had some walk in business... I couldn't believe it.

I am seriously considering having a stampout night once every couple of months or like Bev suggested once a quarter. Or maybe it could be on a Sunday afternoon. That way people aren't traveling at night... I'll think on it.

If you missed coming you missed a really fun time. We played Stamping bingo. Poor Patty Pulled a Prized from the Prize box that was a repeat of something she picked from another game. NO give backs. She was stuck with it.... Oh well maybe she can pass it on....

Weather

Well the weather has hit us in the face again. After all day yesterday of freezing rain,sleet and snow pellets, somtime after 6 last night it decided to unleash on us. Around my house we got a good 6 inches of snow. It looked in town got that much too. Stamp club was today. We had a few brave souls attend. I am really tired of winter.

spritz stamping

This is a sample of another class that will be offered in Feburary. I call it Spritz Stamping. It is modeled after a Fred B. Mullet technique. Sorry the photo is not the best. The class will be $10. I'm still working on the February Newsletter.

Shrink plastic pin class

This is a sample of the a class that I will be offering in February. At the moment I have forgotten the dates that I am doing the class. I know it will be at least twice. The cost of the class will be $10. Keep checking back for the dates. I'll get them up as soon as I finalize February dates.

Jane's mom

Jane's mom passed away yesterday, Tuesday, 1/13/09. She was 99 years old.

Super Bowl Sunday

I forgot to mention in the newsletter that we will be hosting our annual Super Bowl Sunday Stampout again this year. It will be February 1st. I believe that is Super Bowl Sunday.

If you have never attended. What we do is get together at the shop(we open at 11:00 on that day). I usually supply drinks and maybe this year I will make vension chilli. You bring any or all your projects that you are currently working on and for a small fee you reserve yourself a working spot at one of our spacious tables. We have loads of funs visiting, chatting, playing games and even getting some stamping done. Maybe I will be able to get my '08 Christmas Cards done!!!! We usually pack up around 4 or 5. That still gives you plenty of time to get home to watch the game.

So why don't you come and stamp with us....

Perfect pair

Here is one of Linda's cards for the 3 for $6 that is going to be on Wednesday. Remember there is a time change. We will begin at 11:30 and then repeat at 2:00pm. Come on by.

January Newsletter Finally!

January 10th- ATC Swap 12:30
January 12 - Night time stamp club 7 pm $1. We will be making 3-dimensional snowflakes. Bring scissors snowflakes stamp, dark blue ink pad & glue dots. Yes Monday night.
January 14th Linda 3 for $6 11;30 & 2:00
January 17th Dorothy 3 for $6 11:30 & 2:00
January 20th Bev 3 for $6 & pm. Please RSVP
January 21st Sally 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 Pm
January 28th Day Stamp Club 11:30 & 2:00 pm

I know this isn't much of a schedule but with Jane out and with me still recovering, we are going to take it slow for a little while. Hopefully in a month or two we will be up and running full steam.
If there is anything you would like us to teach call the shop Tuesday through Saturday and let us know. Or stop by. We would be happy for you to visit.

Changing Hours

I really hate to do this but I am going to have to change hours.
Effective immediately the hours will be:
Winter Hours:
MONDAY - CLOSED
Tuesday through Friday
Open at 11:00 am Close at 5pm.
Saturday-
Open at 10:00 am Close at 5pm
Sunday by Appointment or Special Event
Effective January 1, 2009
Summer Hours will be announced.
If you have any questions call the shop at 636-239-5995. We will be flexible for the next couple of weeks.
January Newsletter is still under construction.

New Year -- New Idea

Bev came up with a cute card idea. We are calling it the Card of the Month. If you purchase any or all of the stamps and materials used to make the card you will receive 20 % off of the needed stamps and supplies!