TheArtfullHand

new stuff

2011-09-14T09:26:00.001-05:00

We got in 3 orders yesterday. Got new spellbinders and cuttlebug stuff. Also some new colors of ciao copics. And a bunch new stamps from outlines....Come and play.

Oh My Goodness

2011-09-03T08:11:00.002-05:00

I'm sure that I have lost anyone who was following me here. I am so sorry. I lost this blog and couldn't get back to it. I tried several times. But then life and work got in the way. I stumbled back across this blog when I was trying to access the blog that I started about my MS. I was diagnosed with Multiple Scerlosis this past March. I will continue to look for that blog.

The shop is celebrating it 6th anniversary with a 25 % discount on total purchase. All magazines are 50% off and some are 75%. The September newsletter is up on the web site www.theartfullhand.com.
The Artfullhand will be in a craft show this October At St. Francis Borgia Elementary. More on that later. The Fall Used Stamp Sale will be October 22.

Copic class

2011-02-23T15:59:00.002-06:00

I wanted to report on the copic class that I had last Saturday. The three ladies that took it had some "issues" with the markers. Once we identified them we were off and coloring and blending. I was very proud of the progress all three ladies made in class. We also address "shading" as in How To. The key here is to decide where is the source of light coming from! When I started in school I would draw a small sun in the corner of my paper to indicate the source of light. After a while it shrunk to a small directional arrow. I don't need this aid any longer. But if it is helpful to you - use it.
Here is another Well Done! to my three students; maybe they had a good teacher?

Plastic Boxes

2011-02-23T15:52:00.002-06:00

Well I finally got back in the large plastic boxes we like to use for storage. It was somewhat of an ordeal. The manufacturer of the boxes decided to go through a distributor instead of selling directly. So once I figure that out I was able to place the order. Unfortunately there has been a price increase. And when the boxes arrived there was damage to the shipping container and then we found that there were
several of the boxes inside damage. So that meant another phone call. Then they didn't include an invoice just a packing slip. So I really don't have a final price on the boxes and shipping. I was waiting on another phone as they were suppose to e-mail me the invoice. When I had left the shop I still hadn't received it.
But I'll figure it out and they soon will be out on the floor for sale. Yippee!

Oh my

2011-02-15T13:52:00.002-06:00

Well it certainly has been a long time since I have posted.
I am so very sorry for that. Life has gotten in the way. I won't go into details here.
If you want the the gritty details you will have to come and visit me at the shop on Fridays.
The latest thing going on there is we have gotten in Art Lenz products. They are really cool plastic lenses that you can use with your regular rubberstamps to make the images appear to move. I have another class coming up next week.
I'll certainly try to do a better job in posting.

Rubber Stamp Convention

2010-06-14T14:49:00.003-05:00

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

2010-06-03T15:39:00.003-05:00

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

2010-06-03T15:34:00.000-05:00

~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.

May Newsletter

2010-05-06T12:14:00.001-05:00

Hasn't May been wonderful so far???? At least the weather has been great. This is what we are doing at the shop this month.

May 1 - ATC swap - 12:30
May 8 - Bloom on Class - $10.00 10:30 Only
May 9 - Mother's Day
May 10 - Evening Stamp Club 7 pm $1 We're working on Dominoes
May 12-Blooming Medallion Class $5 11:30 & 2 PM
May 13 - Donna's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
May 18 - Rubberstamp Tapestry Card & Book Mark 7PM , $8 RSVP Please
May 19 - Linda's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
May 21- Dorothy's 3 for $6 - 2 Pm ONLY
May 22-Barb's 3 for $6 10 :30 am Only
Dorothy's 3 for $6 - 2 PM only
May 26 - Day Stamp Club $1 11:30 & 2 PM Dominoes!
May 29- Blooming Medallion Class $5 10:30

May Newsletter

2010-05-03T14:24:00.003-05:00

The Newsletter for May will be delayed. The computer at the shop has a serious viral infection again. It may not pull through. I am trying to get a substitute computer to work on.

Copic Certified

2010-04-13T13:03:00.004-05:00

Well Sunday was the certification class in St. Louis. There were quite a few people there. It was an interesting class and I did learn some nifty things. I all ready knew some of the techniques. But there were a few ah-ha moments. I can't wait to employ some of the new things. And I really can't wait to share what I have learned.

Stuff

2010-04-08T09:50:00.002-05:00

Well April is starting off on a mostly good note. The weather has been very nice. A lot of flowers are blooming and the grass has greened up. Last Tuesday my son Mike arrived home from Afghanistan safe and sound. James & Sarah were sure happy to see him. A baby Cole finally got to meet his daddy. John is feeling and doing better. The shop is limping along. The yellow bunny sale is doing well and my visiting customers seem to enjoy the bunny hunt. The copic markers are flying out the door. I am having a hard time keeping them in stock.
Speaking of copic markers I go to St. Louis on Sunday for the certification class. Am looking forward to that.
Right now I am in the middle of doing taxes. I hate it - hate it - hate it. I will be so glad when it is done and over with......

April Newsletter

2010-04-03T15:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Spring Every Body!!!!!!

I have two fun things for you during the month of April. We will have find the Yellow Bunny Sale and a Bugawump Challenge.
First - Find the Yellow Bunny Sale. There are little yellow bunnies hidden throughout the store.(in the retail area- not the classroom, office or bathroom)
Each one has a discount written on its tummy. Find the bunny get a discount on your total purchase on that day. One discount per person per day. Cannot apply discount to all ready discounted items. Happy Hunting! And shopping!!!!!!

The Bugawump Challenge: Use any Bugawump stamp with any dimensional product that I sell to create a card. Examples of dimensional product would be embossing powder, stickles, brads, liquid applique, fantasy fibers, pedal puffs, punched shapes or embossing paste. Anything that would be raised above the surface of the card. So popping up an image with foam tape would count too. Put your name and contact info on the back of the card. Bring your finished creation to the Artfull Hand for display. You will receive a coupon for 10% off of your total purchase for that day. You may bring me one card per day and receive a discount for that day. During the month of April ALL Bugawump stamps will be on sale for 33% off of price marked. You may use any bugawump stamp that you all ready own. You don't have to buy a new one. But that would be nice if you did.

Now for the schedule.

April 3 - ATC swap 12:30
April 7 - Linda Spring Pocket Card $2 11:30 & 2pm
April 9 - Free Make 'N Take Celebrate the start of baseball by making a cardinal from punch shapes.
April 10 -Bev's Holly Berry Treasure Box 10:30 $10 or buy the stamp and the class is free
April 12 - Stamp Club 7 PM $1
April 15 - TAX DAY_yuck Donna's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2pm
April 17th - Barb 3 for $6 10:30 & 1:30
April 19 - Donna's Surprise tower box $20 7 PM RSVP
April 21 - Bev make 'n take $1 11:30 & 2 PM
April 24 - Intro to Copic markers 11:00 $10
Stampscapes 1:30 $10
April 26 - Lana's 3 for $6 7 PM RSVP
April 28 - Day stamp club 1:30 & 2 PM $1

What a week

2010-03-26T15:14:00.004-05:00

Well as you may know last Saturday was the used stamp sale. It was a huge success. We had the most stuff ever! And the buyers bought! So everybody was happy. It takes some doing to get ready for the sale and then the big day. I was looking forward to Sunday and a day to relax. Saturday night right after I got home my husband called me from work to say that he was on his way to the hospital. He thought he was having a heart attack!!!!! Oh brother!!!. Well the lab work confirmed that it was a heart attack... So he was schedule on Monday for a cardiac cath. That showed that his arteries were clean and wide open. Okay.... we say what is going on? After many more tests they finally decided that one of his cardiac arteries had gone into a spasm causing a lack of blood flow to the left side of his heart. The syndrome is called takotsubo. A Japanese doctor named it in the 1990s. The name means octopus pot. The bottom left of the heart swells out. When it does it looks like one of these pots that Japanese fishermen use to catch octopus!!!! The good news is that he will not have any negative effects from this. And it rarely happens twice. Whew! The funny thing is that it happens to menopausal women 90% of the time...And about 97% of the time it is seen only in Asian and Caucasian people.
I finally got to take him home last Tuesday. For the last two days I have been trying to catch up on the 4 days I spent in the hospitals(2 different ones).
It has been a week!

New stuff

2010-03-15T14:13:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.
My trip to visit the grand kids was great. Trying to get home was trying....to say the least. The day I was to return, Charlotte got a snow storm. Most of the flights were cancelled. That was all right with me as that gave me one more night with the kids. The following day was just as trying. Only on that day it was mechanical problems.
The big news at the shop is we finally got in Ciao markers......they are the less expensive version of the Copic markers. I am on the list to be certified. So as soon as I am, I will be offering classes. I have been playing with them on my own. I am beginning to get the feel of them. And I must say the colors are wonderful.
We also have a small selection of cuttlebug embossing folders. I will be getting more. I also have pedal puffs. They are similar to flower soft and a whole lot cheaper. Besides all of that we have shimmer mist from tattered angels in various colors, new 12 x 12 papers,more stamps from Hero Arts and I now have some House Mouse stamps!!!!!
So even though I haven't posted, I have been busy.
I also want to remind you of the Spring Used Stamp Sale this coming Saturday, the 20th. 10 AM to 5 PM. We have gotten in some wonderful stuff all ready. You have till 5 PM Friday the 19th to drop off your items. Hope to see you soon.

March Newsletter

2010-02-23T14:13:00.001-06:00

March Newsletter

March of the Flamingos Sale Returns

I'm taking off a few days to go visit Toddler James and Baby Brother Cole. So I got myself and the girls in gear and got the March Calendar finished. But first I'll tell you about the March of the Flamingos Sale.....

Come in wearing Flamingo Pink (not cotton candy, florescent or breast cancer awareness pink) and you will recieve 10% off of your total purchase. (Only one discount per person per day) Or...

bring me a flamingo related item and recieve 25 % off total purchase. (Again one discount per person per day and does not include all ready discounted items, consignment or gift items.)

BIG NEWS~~~~ BIG NEWS~~~~BIG NEWS~~~~BIG NEWS~~

Cuttle Bug embossing folders should be instock sometime during the first week of March!!!!! I am striving to stock a better selection then my competitors.

MORE BIG NEWS~~~~

Copic markers are on their way. I finally have broken down and decided to stock them. My supply at first will be small and I will be getting in the Cioa line. They are a bit cheaper then the sketchers.

AND FINALLY~~~~~

I will be stocking a product called Petal Puffs which is very similiar to Flower Soft. It will be less expensive then Flower Soft but will work just the same. Colors will be limited. Due in - in the beginning of the month.

Also we have expanded our 12 x 12 papers and more will be coming in soon.

Whew!!! Hope all that gets you all excited enough to come and see us.

Now to the schedule:

March 4th Donna's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2pm

March 6th- ATC Swap 12:30 Theme: Green

Bleaching Class $5 1 :30

March 8th - Evening Stamp Club 7 PM $1 Project TBA

March 10th - Easter Layer Card Class $8 11:30 & 2

March 12th - Beginner Stamping Class $5 1:30

March 13th - Barb's 3 for $6 10:30 only

Stampscapes Class $10 1:00

March 16th - Bev's 3 for $6 7 PM Please RSVP

March 17th - St. Patrick's Day Come in and make a FREE card

March 18th - Easter Layer Card Class $8 11:30 & 2 pm

March 19th - Sue B's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 Pm

March 20th - Spring Used Stamp Sale 10:00-5pm today only

March 24th - Linda's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm

March 26th - Dorothy's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 Pm

March 27th - Holly Berry Treasure Box Class $10 10:30 & 2 pm

Buy the stamp and get the class FREE

March 31st- Day stamp club 11:30 & 2 pm project TBA

Puppy & Kitty Card

2010-02-02T15:42:00.002-06:00

These two cards are made from punched shapes. Aren't they adorable? Barb will be leading this class. Check the schedule and then call the shop to sign up.
636-239-5995

Dolly Card Class

2010-02-02T15:37:00.002-06:00

This is the dolly card. I think it is a hoot. Donna will be leading this class. Give the shop a call to sign up.

February Newsletter

2010-02-02T14:24:00.000-06:00

February Newsletter

Feb 4th Scrapbookin class with Donna 11:00 $10.
Feb 6th - ATC Swap 12:30
Barb's 3 valentine cards class $8 1:30
These 3 cards are made with punched shapes. Come and be inspired.

Feb 7th- SUPER BOWL SUNDAY STAMP OUT! $8 11:00 to 4 pm. You get a bowl of
Dorothy's venison chili, a spot at the table to work on your own project, access to the classroom supplies and materials, some games and prizes. The store will be open to the public this day and there will be discounts given throughout the day.....So stop by and shop even if you don't want to spend the day with us.....

Feb 8th night time stamp club.... Lana will be doing her 3 for $6 on this night. SO......if you want to do the three cards the fee will be $6 instead of the usual $1.
Feb 10th Donna's 3-D flower card class. $5 11:30 Three D is the biggest thing in the movies right now. Come and make a 3-d card for someone special.
Feb 11th Donna's 3 for $6 11:30 & 2 pm
Feb 12 Barb's Kitty and Puppy cards class. $6 1:30 I am proclaiming Barb as the Punch Queen.
These two adorable card are again made from punched shapes.
Feb 13th- Sub B's pyramid gift box class. $6 1:30
Feb 14th - Valentines Day
Feb 17th - The Dolly card Class. $7 11:30 & 2 pm. This card is a hoot.
Feb 20th - Basic stencilling with Dorothy. $10 1:00 We will be doing dry stencilling and embossing paste with a few other hints thrown in.
Feb 23 - Linda's Bargello Card Class. $5 11:30 & 2 pm
Feb 24th - Day stamp club 11:30 & 2 pm project TBA
Feb 26 th - Dolly Card Class 11:30 & 2 pm
Feb 27th - Bev's Easel Card Class. $5 11:00

The Spring Used stamp sale will be March 20th. On Saturday Only. Forms will be available soon to be picked up.

Okay this is enough all ready!

2010-01-08T13:19:00.002-06:00

Well our fingers at the Artfull Hand have been frost bitten!
This is enough all ready! Where is global warming????
Besides being frostbitten, I've been down and out with the flu(again). Just the regular kind. In mid December I went to North Carolina to help daughter-in-law after she gave birth to Cole, my second grand son. Grandson #1, James had some germs that he gladly shared with his grandma. I came home with an upper respiratory cough. Over Christmas Husband and I flew back to North Carolina to spend Christmas. I again came home with some germs. I don't think I can blame James this time. I probably caught something on the planes. I am feeling much better now. But still have a slight cough.
Had a lot of help on January 1 to do inventory of the store. Everything is counted but I am still crunching numbers.
The girls have delighted in moving the store around. Things are not where you are used to seeing them.
Because of being sick and doing inventory the January newsletter is still not finished. I'm trying.
I do have orders pending from Hero Arts, Rubber Stamp Tapestries and a new company Shirley's 2 Girls.
Also want to let you know that there WILL BE NO STAMP CLUB THIS COMING MONDAY NIGHT,January 11. It is just too cold and nasty to stay out. Try to catch Stamp Club the last Wednesday of the month.
If the nasty weather continues, do call the shop before you make a trip out to see us. There is an off chance that I will tell whom ever is working that day just to go home.
Stay warm.

Baby Cole

2009-12-19T16:03:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-07T16:12:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-07T16:06:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-02T10:33:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-25T12:41:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-17T14:12:00.002-06:00

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.

2009-11-09T15:46:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-06T11:26:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-06T11:22:00.002-06:00

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

2009-10-28T15:56:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-28T15:53:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-28T11:35:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-13T14:06:00.002-05:00

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

2009-10-05T11:37:00.001-05:00

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

2009-09-28T15:07:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-03T15:12:00.003-05:00

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

2009-08-06T11:02:00.003-05:00

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

2009-08-06T10:59:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-06T10:49:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-06T10:48:00.000-05:00

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

2009-07-15T14:49:00.002-05:00

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

Christmas Card Challenge

2009-07-15T14:41:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-06T14:51:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-07-01T09:49:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-24T14:45:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-22T15:39:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-20T10:34:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-11T10:03:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-02T13:35:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-28T10:49:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-26T15:32:00.004-05:00

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

2009-05-15T09:55:00.002-05:00

This one is Patti's.

another card

2009-05-15T09:52:00.001-05:00

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

more card challenges

2009-05-14T16:14:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-14T16:05:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-07T15:29:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-07T15:13:00.001-05:00

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

2009-05-04T10:58:00.000-05:00

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

2009-05-04T10:02:00.003-05:00

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.

2009-04-20T09:50:00.003-05:00

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

2009-04-20T09:45:00.001-05:00

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

2009-04-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-16T09:09:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-27T10:27:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-27T10:26:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-23T11:58:00.001-05:00

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

2009-03-03T14:34:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-26T12:16:00.003-06:00

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

2009-02-04T15:13:00.001-06:00

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

2009-02-02T14:54:00.003-06:00

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

2009-01-28T15:45:00.003-06:00

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

2009-01-28T15:37:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-21T14:48:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-14T09:45:00.000-06:00

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

Super Bowl Sunday

2009-01-12T12:04:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-12T11:55:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-01-12T11:52:00.003-06:00

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

2009-01-06T13:49:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-02T10:39:00.003-06:00

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!

Eve of the New Year

2008-12-31T12:25:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-22T12:40:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-22T12:29:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-09T09:41:00.003-06:00

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

2008-12-04T14:42:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-03T14:15:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-22T10:36:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-19T16:13:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-04T17:24:00.001-06:00

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

2008-11-03T15:01:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-03T14:44:00.004-06:00

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

2008-10-30T12:34:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-29T09:41:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-28T12:34:00.004-05:00

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

2008-10-23T16:05:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-23T15:37:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-15T14:43:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-10-15T14:35:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-07T14:40:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-07T14:34:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-02T16:16:00.003-05:00

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.