Rubber Stamp Convention

This past week-end was the rubber stamp convention in Collinsville, IL. Almost everybody who frequents the Artfull Hand in some capacity was committed to some other activity on Saturday. So few of us got there on Saturday.
But Barb and I were able to go on Sunday. Since I wasn't there on Saturday I can't described how many people were there. On Sunday the rubberstampers attending were far and few - it seemed to me. I am sure the vendors felt the same way.
There were fewer vendors then last year as well. And several who had big double booths last year, downsized to single regular sized booths. Is rubberstamping dying? Or is it the economy?
I had wanted to make contact with one particular company who was in attendance to set up an wholesale account. I did make contact but walked away shaking my head. This particular company told me in so many words that I was going to have to sell my first born in order to have the privilege to sell their stamps....!!!!!! Geeeezzzzz!!!!! In this economy????? you treat a prospective client like this???? There is plenty of other rubber in the world and several companies were showing at this convention. So I made contact with albeit smaller and less known rubber manufacturers who were very happy to take my money on the spot!
I came home with stamps from Heartfelt Creations. Besides having a line of really nice mounted images they have precut images that match up to several of the Nestabilities die sets. So all you have to do is stamp and use the matching die and cut out your image by rolling it through one of the machines....... I am really anxious to give it a try. Maybe at stamp club.....
I also bought a book on using punches to make 3 dimensional flowers. The book had flowers from Anemones to Zinnias. Barb and I oooohhed and aaaawed over several in the book...
So come by for a visit and check out the new stuff. Besides the flowers stamps,, I did get more guy stuff and added to the Christmas line....Remember it is going to be Christmas in July soon.....

Fun with the hobbit

My daugher in law has a really good time poking fun at me. We recently spent a few days with them. In the following picture she used her child's playschool drawing toy to capture a likeness. I think she did a very good job of it. Oh.... The glass that I am holding is called 'grandma juice'....aka gin and tonic! They call me grandma hobbit.

June Newsletter

~The Artfull Hand~

June 2010 Newsletter



First I want to tell you all that we have two new stamp companies in the store. Craft Lounge-they have clear and un-mounted rubber. And Layers of Color Art Stamps-their stamps are clear acrylic. We also have new stamps in from Penny Black.

June 4 - Dorothy $1.00 Make ‘n Take Father’s Day Aloha Shirt 11:30 - 3pm
June 5 - ATC Swap 12:30
Aloha Shirt make ‘n take 1:00 - 4 pm
June 8 - Barbs Rubberstamp Tapestry Card & Book Mark $8:00 11:30m & 2
June 12 - Vicky(New Instructor!) Black & White “Sweet” 2 page scrapbook
Layout Class $10 10:30 Only. Sign up 24 hours in advance.
June 12 & 13 Collinsville Rubberstamp Convention. Tickets on Sale now.
June 14 - Night Stamp Club. Bring your favorite stamp, product or idea
From the convention to share with us.
June 15 - Donna’s 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
June 18 - Dorothy’s 3 for $6 11:30 & 2Pm
June 22 - Linda’s 2 or $6 11:30 & 2 pm These are oversized cards
June 24 - Donna’s Fan Card Class $6 11:30 & 2pm
June 30 - Day Stamp Club 11:30 & 2 pm $1. Fourth of July Card.
　
COMING IN JULY


Christmas in July returns - Everything we will be doing will be Christmas related. And…………………….ACES will be here. Aces? What are Aces?
Artfull Hand Card Exchange Society!

It will be a new group that meets monthly. We will make cards to exchange with members of the group. At each monthly meeting we will make a group card or do a specific technique. We also will socialize, eat, drink and be merry! Joining fee will be $10. For that you will get a storage box for your cards, a stamp and a special welcome gift. The monthly meetings will have a nominal fee to cover costs.