Make and Take at Collinsville Convention

We had a very good turn out for our Make and Takes at the Collinsville Convention. Our tables were full for the whole hour that we did them.
In the above picture you can see me 'telling' someone what to do next.

In this picture Linda's back is to the camera. I am happy to say that several of our regular customers stopped by to make the card. Hi to Tom and Linda N.
Laura over at the Bug a wumps booth was very pleased with the sales of the stamps that we used in the cards. It seemed to work out really well. So I think something similar will be done again next year.
Our ultimate goal of reaching new customers was met as well.
At the end of the convention I was able to pick up some more bug-a-wumps stamps, lots of clear stamps from Impression Obsession and stamps from a new company called Rubber Cottage. I think you are going to like them. One of my favorite sayings from that company was....Silence is Golden, Duct Tape is Silver.
Come by the Artfull Hand to check out the new stamps. We have just a couple of sets of each make and take left over. If you ask nicely we'll let you do it.
see you soon.

Hello Everyone,

Here it is the 5th of June all ready. My word!

We are busy at the Artfull Hand preparing for the free make and take at the Collinsville Convention this coming week-end.

In addition to that we got stamp orders in from Hampton Art and Outlines as well as general merchandise from Gary Burlin. I was finally able to get more rolled copper.. However those mega and giga scalloped punches by Marvy seem to be really hard to come by.

Don't forget that Ellen's tunnel card class is coming up on the 7th. Go to the web site to see the example www.theartfullhand.com.

Hope you are enjoying this wonderfull weather. I'm sure the summer heat is just right around the corner.

Bye, untill next time..

Memorial Day 2007

These are ATCs of mine and a friend. The theme
was War. These were done about the time the
Iraqi War started. Mine the one on the left is
one of the most subtle things I have done.
My friend's on the right is titled, "War Tears".
what is not evident in the scan is that there is
a tear coming from the corner of the eye. Also
notice the torn upper right corner. Think about
both of them. There is a lot going on in these
two little pieces of paper.





Being a daughter and neice of WW II veterans, sister and cousin to Vietnam veterans and now mother of an Iraqi Freedom veteran I sometimes question the need of war. Just sometimes you might ask? Yes, just sometimes. And this was one of those week-ends. On a Sunday morning program I saw a story about two young American women who were wounded in combat in Iraq, one lost a hand and the other her whole arm. Both were very pretty. One was a mother of a 9 year old and the other was single. Both had been fitted with prothesis but they chose to wear them only at certain times. Neither of them were whining or crying about their injuries. They were going about their business of daily life. Both were proud of their completed military duty and said they would do it again knowing what would happen to them.

Then sometime on Monday I watched a news story about the curious revelation that people who serve in the military and saw combat have a 60% chance greater then people who did not of developing Lou Gehrings disease, ALS. It is a wasting away of muscle tissue. The man who was being interviewed is a Vietnam Veteran. He survived the jungles of Vietnam only now to be slowly wasting away.

And of course there were the pictures of row upon row of white head stones in cemeteries from around the country. In one cemetery they were 'celebrating' the erection of several new head stones. I was only half listening to the TV when the word 'celebrating' caught my attention. It seems that time had erroded some old head stones from Veterans of the Civil War and that the locals in the community had had fund raisers to replace them. And it was done on this Memorial Day.

So many dead, so many hurt and wounded. Why? And for What?

Ah....that's the question!

It is so we can sit in front of our computers and write in our blogs or play stupid games. So that we can picnic and bar-b-que on a Monday in May winding up a three day week-end. Drive our cars and cut our grass with now very expensive gasoline. Mindlessly going about our trivial daily lives. Being able to open a small business. We are so lucky to live in the USA. Even with all of its problems this is the place to be. Thank a veteran. And remember some of them are Females.

I know this doesn't have anything to do with the Artfull Hand and rubber stamping. Sometimes you just have to think about somebody else rather then yourself. And don't forget to question -- somtimes.

Bug-a-wumps make and take #2

Here is card number two. We will do one design per day and will be doing the make and take for one hour only per day. So these cards will be very limited in production. But if you go and buy the stamps from Laura you can make as many as you like at home.

Bug-a-wumps Make and Take #1

As promised here are the designs for the FREE Bug-a-wumps make and take that the Artfull Hand will be doing at the Collinsville Convention June 9 & 10, one design per day. Laura from Bug-a-wumps has agreed to discount the stamps used in the make 'n take when you take the finished card to her booth. The only stamp in this design that is not bug-a-wumps is the grass at the bottom of the card. Both Linda and I felt that the design needed more grass. That stamp is from Stampscapes so Laura won't have that stamp available for sale.

New Look

Hi Ya'll,
I messed around yesterday with some of the blog templates and came up with a new look. I hope you like it. I do. I was getting tired of the pepto-bismol pink look.
I also been asking around trying to see how many of you actually look at this blog. I was surprised to find out that there is quite a number of you...... I guess that is a good thing.
So for the time being I will continue along letting you know what is going on at The Artfull Hand.

The June Calendar is done and will be posted very soon. So be sure to check the web site in the coming days. www.theartfullhand.com

Collinsville Convention

The Collinsville Convention is June 9th and 10th.
This year the Artfull Hand will be doing a FREE make and take on Saturday and Sunday. We will be using Bug-a-wumps stamps. The cool thing is that if you take the completed card to the Bug-a-wump booth you will be able to buy the stamps we used in the make-n-take card at a discount!!! But the stamps can be only purchased at a discount on the day we make the card. There will be a different design each day. As soon as Barb lets me know what time of day we are doing the make-n-take I will post it to the blog.
Linda, Carol and I are working up the designs as I type this. I guess you are wondering how I can type this and work up a design at the same time? Talent- my dears - talent! No---actually I worked on it last week-end and then handed over my ideas for Linda and Carol to refine. They are doing a wonderful job. When we get the designs finalized then I will post pictures here.
Don't forget to buy your tickets early. IF you wait until you get to the door then they are more expensive and you can't get in as early.
We have tickets for purchase at the Artfull Hand.
Toodles!

Another 3 for $3

We will have another 3 for $3 on Tuesday May22 at 10:30 and 1:30. Carol will be leading this one. Here are the three cards that are going to be made.

Carol has a wonderful sense of design and color. Come and join in the fun.

Carol asks that you bring an exacto knife and cutting mat plus your basic class kit.

See you then.

3 for $3 at the AH

Hello Friends, The Artfull Hand is hosting a 3 for $3 on Friday at 10:30 am and again at 1:30 pm. A 3 for $3 is a card making session where you the customer makes 3 cards for three dollars. The card above is one of the cards we will be making on Friday morning. Come and join us. The next three for $3 will be next Tuesday the 22nd, again at 10:30 and 1:30. Check out www.theartfullhand.com for the full schedule. Hope to see you soon.

Frida Kahlo

Being close to Cinco de Mayo I was thinking about the Frida doll swap I was in last year. There were 6 dolls. They all started out naked or barely dressed. By the time they got back to the owner they were endowed with creatively beautiful clothes and accessories...

For those of you who don't know who Frida Kahlo was she was a Mexican Artist who had a surreal life. Her body of work is known for the self portraits she did. She was in a terrible accident early in life and suffered from it for the rest of her life. She spent many long hours bedridden. Her father gave her a paint set and the rest is history as they say. She only had herself for a model.

The Artfull Hand is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new product from Luminaire Art-(the makers of Twinkling H20s) . It is a metallic spray wash. The samples that we recieved were enough to convince me that this was a really cool idea...
The order should arrive Tuesday next week. The Collinsville Convention Tickets have arrived as well. This convention looks to be really good. And..... The Artfull Hand will be leading a make 'n take each day. So be sure to get your tickets early and then visit us.

May is here

aaaahhh the month of May has finally arrived.

I wanted to show you one of the classes that we are offering this month.

We call the class Wee Copper Books. They are quite tiny. The class is going to cost $18.00 and we are offering it on May 5th and May 26th. A new employee, Jane, will be teaching this class. She all by herself is worth the price of the class.

We also will have a Star Book class on the nineteen at 1:00 which will cost $20. No this is not a book about stars... this is a 3-dimensional book that can be displayed in the round and hung -(when open like this it looks like a star) or set it on a table as sculptural form. The theme for this project will be 'f' words. The theme reflects my warped sense of humor.

We will also have numerous 3 for $3 card making sessions. You will just have to check out my web page, stop by the shop or give us a call. We'll be happy to see you. We also have a beaded purse card class lead by Linda.. You 'll have to see it for your self to appreciate it.

Run Forrest Run

My DH and I have just returned from South Carolina where we spent some quality time with our 2 sons and their wives.

South Carolina is a beautiful place as many parts of the USA are.

My daughter-in-law Sarah took me to the place where Tom Hanks aka Forrest Gump, ran down his lane to escape bullies and his leg shackles. The picture does not do the place justice. The location literally takes your breath away.

Forrest was escaping his bullies and leg braces. He was running towards home and safety. Looking down this lane I feel that I am running towards a safe haven as well. The over hanging branches and the spanish moss reaching down to envelop me in a cocoon of spring green leaves.

Both my DH and I returned exhausted but mentally refreshed at the same time. We're ready to run now. Not run away but run towards the day's challenges. The next time I am feeling weary and wanting to get away from it all, I will return to this picture and say to myself, "Run Forrest,Run."

FLAMINGOS

Flamingos have flocked to the Artfull Hand! They will only be here through the month of April. Come in and take a toss(actually three) at Freddie Flamingo's hoop. For each time you get the ball through Freddie's hoop you will get a dollar off coupon for your purchase of the day.! Freddie is the one on my right. Fredericka is peeking over my head.

Besides Flamingos I am expecting an invasion of Bug-a-wumps in the next couple of days. I got word that the order had been shipped.

So don't wait too long to visit the Artfull Hand, otherwise the Flamingos will again retire to the closet and the bug-a-wumps will scurry out the door.

Hope to see you soon... Don't you luv the slippers? I do.

Metal 101

The Metal 101 Class went very well last week. The students liked it so much that they talked Sue into doing the next phase in a month or two.

We have finally gotten in the new glue pad. It seems to work all right. I like using it with Perfect Pearls. Just stamp your image and dust on the Perfect Pearls. Couldn't be easier.

We are waiting on several orders to arrive. The new Hero Arts Spring supplement came yesterday. Dang It! I'm going to have to place another order with them. There are some really nice images.
The march of the Flamingos Sale is going on this month. I just plain forget about it last month.
Come in and take a toss at Freddie Flamingo for a chance at a discount coupon.

Spring Time at the Artfull Hand

Wow- have we been busy at the Artfull Hand. Since the weather has warmed up and all the snow and ice are gone, people are coming in - in droves. (What is a drove anyhow?)

Our used stamp sale last week was really successfull. Thank you Bev for all your help with it. We'll have another one in the fall.

This week is my 3 card for $3.00 at 3pm pm the 30th. I have to do something to remind myself. It really seems like I am going in circles.

Beside the stamp store being busy, the vet office is booming too. All kinds of interesting cases plus the usual routine visits for shots and heartworm prevenative. So I have hardly had anytime up at the stamp store. Linda has been holding down the fort for me most of the days in March.

April is going to be the March of the Flamingos sale.... I just plain forgot about when I wrote up March's newsletter.... Freddie Flamingo will be back and you will be able to toss a ball at his hoop to earn discounts on your purchases....

We have a lot of new stamps and products in and more on the way. My credit cards have soften from all the hard use. Come in and see what we have and take a toss at Freddie starting April 2.

During April we have a number of free demos. Check my web site at www.theartfullhand.com in a few days when my web mistress has updated the site. I'll try to have pictures up soon of the coming classes. One of my classes in April will be, "Stamping for Guys". We won't just use male type images. I planning on using bottle caps, cork and a few other unusual materials.

Dorothy and Toto in the land of Oz

This past week-end a friend of mine and myself traveled to Lincoln, KS. That's 3 hours west of KC on I-70 and about 20 minutes north of 70 after we exited the interstate. We went because we and four other friends had hand made books in an art show there.

It is a wonderful show at the Lincoln Art Center. If anyone reading this is going to be traveling through Kansas in the next month or so, Google Lincoln Art Center, Lincoln, KS and get directions. There is Neon book, books hanging from the ceiling, books laid out, books that twist and turn and books of every color of the rainbow(Mine--he--he--he).

The week-end was full of laughter and tears. Two of the four friends surprised me and Sue by flying in from California for the show. We spent the week-end at a Victorian B&B. We even got a tour of the chicken coop Sunday morning before we left. Sue tried to pluck a tail feather from one of the roosters. He didn't like that much. In Columbia, MO we stopped to visit another friend who is battling cancer.

This photo was taken at a pee stop along the way on 70. The exit advertised a winery but it was closed. This little dog house was behind the winery and too good of a photo opt to pass up.(even if I did have to clench while pictures were snapped.) The next exit was a very nice rest area were relief was had.

From time to time I ' m sure a few other photos will pop up here.

"Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore."

Nope! We're home in Missouri and back at The Artfull Hand.

March doings

Well March is just around the corner. Hurray.! I am so tired of February and its nasty weather.

I just had to post this picture of a doll that a friend of mine made. She is just beautiful in person. Her body is made from white fabric that have silver snow flakes printe on it. Her hat, cuffs and scarf are crocheted from soft white feathery yarn that has some silver fibers in it.. I'm sorry I don't know her name. But I am hoping that her snowflakes are the last ones that I see till next winter.

There are several stamp orders pending at the Artfull Hand.

We are expecting Fred B Mullet, StampInks, ARtImpression, Judikins and another Hero Arts order. Classes that are scheduled this month are Bargello, Origami 101, a begginner's class, Bees Wax and Metal 101. Not too mention that there are several 3 for $3s schedule. The calendar and newsletter will be out soon. Be sure to check out my web site at www.theartfullhand.com in a couple of days for all the latest. Or better yet stop by and visit us in person.

Holy Cow

It's been almost two weeks since I last posted.... Ggeeeezzz. Sorry about that. I've gotten really busy at the Vet office and the stamp store and have just plain forgot about the blog.!!!

At the stamp store we have gotten in some new Quicklets eyelets. If you haven't seen these they are really cool. You don't need to hammer the eyelets in...Just use their tool or a ball point pen and push and the flange flares and you then just push the flared flanges down. Easy as pie.

We've also gotten in Easter Stamps from Paper Inspirations, another Hero order and an order from Stamp Inks.... I have several other orders pending and a couple waiting to be place.

The weather has warmed up and I no longer have to wear the mask...

The picture posted is a card Linda made using alcohol inks on vellum as the red background. Then she stamp the "A" on top and then layered it all up. She makes some of the best cards.

It's sooooo cold

It's so cold here in East Central Missouri that I have resorted to wearing this........

Good thing we have global warming. Can you

imagine how cold it would be if we didn't have it????????????

Super Bowl Sunday Stamp Out

Our Superbowl Sunday Stamp Out was very successfull. Not only did all of us finish one or two projects that we were working on but we manage to complete a challenge card too. Unfortuantely I forgot to take pictures of the cards.

A few people came and went during the day. Some came late. Some stayed the whole time.. But we all had a blast. It is the sharing that makes these get togethers memorable.

Busy, Busy Busy

We have been so busy at The Artfull Hand that I haven't been able to update the blog....Last Saturday was the Valentine Workshop. It was very successfull. Everyone enjoyed the projects and had a great time. My camera batteries died so I didn't get to take any pictures.
Late last week we got a huge Hero Arts order in. Today we got a whole bunch of See-D's from Sugarloaf. And tomorrow I am expecting another order from Viva Las Vegas. This coming Saturday is our ATC Swap. Also we are starting a new Altered Book Swap. The theme is 7 Deadly Sins. Then on Sunday is our Super Bowl Sunday Stamp Out from 11 to 3:30. The cost is $8.00. We'll have snacks, play games, have door prizes and may be watch a video.
Well I better get back to checking in the latest order from Product Performers, Scor-it Bords are back in stock! (Note to self: Self remember to buy batteries for camera)

3 for $3

Today was Carol's 3 for $3. She had a very good turn out for the morning session. She is so organized. I wish some of that would rub off on me. We also hit the jack pot with the UPS man today. He brought us Rubberstamp Tapestry order and the new Stampers Sampler and Art Doll Quarterly. What I am really excited about is a new stamp company called Stamp Inks. They have some really wonderfull coffee and tea related stamps. My favorite that I saw today while unpacking was a teapot and teacup with the Blue Willow design. I can't wait to use those.

I will be doing a 3 for $3 on Friday the 26th. I have one of my samples done. I'm thinking that I will use one of the Blue Willow designs as my second card... Who knows what I will do for the third one.

Valentine Workshop

Our Valentine Workshop is coming up on Saturday, January 27th. It is an incredible bargain. For only $20
you will learn to stamp on candles, make a treat cone and make a Valentine card using Outline Stamps. Also on the schedule is to learn to fold a heart from a dollar bill, make another card from Fun Foam and a card using Art Institute Glitter. Any one of these projects would be worth a single $20 class. The workshop starts at 10:30 a.m. and will go to 3:30 p.m. or until completion with a short lunch break. We'll have various teachers, Bev C., Sue P. and me, Dorothy. Spaces are limited. Call the shop - 636-239-5995 or stop by to sign up. Your spot must be reserved and paid for 24 hours in advance. Hope to see you there.

And let there be light!

Hurray!!! The power was restored this morning. I could take a shower in my own bathroom before coming to work!!! The house is still cold but it will be warming all day and it should be cozy by this evening.....

Now back to the serious business of rubber stamping and creating art.!

The Ice Storm

Even though the ice storm did not directly impact the Artfull Hand it did do some damage around my house. Many trees lost branches and we lost power for a good part of the week-end. We lost power Saturday night about ten. We do ok because we heat with wood. And DH and I like a coolish house. We got part power back around 1-ish Sunday afternoon. I say part power because a limb from a tree from the woods next to our house had pulled and stretched the wire that runs from our house to the transformer. It didn't totally disconnect so some power is coming into the house. Dh went around and unplugged or turned off all major appliances and well pump, fearing that they were trying to run and might burn out the motors.... We can watch TV and flip on a light. We have no water. Had to go to the in-laws to shower and do a load of laundry. Was going to eat supper with them but then it started to rain and DH was afraid that it might ice us in . So we left after showering and laundry was done. The only good thing is that the roads never got bad. Some people like my mother in St. Charles are still without power.
Combine the ice storm with what the news media is calling, "The Miracle in Missouri", it has been a very intense few days. The return of Ben Ownsby and Shawn Hornbeck is truly amazing. The population of this whole area was elated and estatic. The talk in the grocery store Friday night was not of the impending ice storm but the locating of not one but TWO lost boys!!!
Hopefully those boys will heal enough in the coming months and years to appreciate the beauty of an ice storm.
This was not my first ice storm and we were somewhat prepared for it. After walking around the yard taking pictures we got down to the job of moving the downed limbs from the driveway and the house. It is amazing how heavy a little branch can be with 3/4 of an inch of ice coating it.
A nice hot soak in the bathtub would have been nice......

New Stuff

Hello everyone. Just wanted to tell you that the Outlines Order has arrived with new Valentines Stamp. We're expecting Art Impressions, Hero Arts, Product Performers and a new company called Artistic Stamping. They have some of the coolest coffee and tea related stamps.
The month is looking like it will be a lot of fun with the 3 for $3s, the classes and the Valentine Workshop at the end of the month. So stop by and check out what is new. Or go by the web site www.theartfullhand.com and check out the schedule for the month.
Hope to see you soon.
Dorothy

The New Year

The New Year has arrived!

The Artfull Hand wishes you the very best in health, wealth and stamping supplies in 2007.

We are hoping to have more classes. Expand our stamp lines. And to have more inventory for you to chose. My New Year's Resolution for the Artfull Hand is to search out and stock the newest and coolest stamp related items that the market has to offer. There has even been talk of establishing our own line of rubber.(That is in the most preliminary stages - a mere glimmer of an idea.)

I invite you to visit often. As I am hoping that there will be new things for you to view every time.

An Unexpected Christmas Eve Eve Guest

On Saturday the 23rd The Artfull Hand had an unexpected guest, a little wren. Every since I hung a real wreath on the front door a bird has been roosting in it every evening. I had startled it a couple of times when I had gone out the front door later then usual. On Saturday Bev open the door to put the sidewalk sign out, she didn't notice the bird. But later she was hearing noises in the shop and finally tracked down the source, the bird. When I got there she told me about it and I looked over the situation. This was a good time to have a veterinarian for a husband who occassionaly does work on birds. I went back to the vet office for our net.

My first attempt at netting the little creature was foiled by my vertical challeged handicap(too damn short). The little guy/girl flew to the center of the window and I was able to get a little closer. Gotcha! Because of my experience with birds at the vet office I was able to net and handle the little guy/girl not harming him/her. We posed for a picture near the wreath. Then I turn him/her free. Bev and I waved good-bye as he/she flew off with just a few ruffled feathers.
We now knock on the inside of the door in morning before we open it.

A Christmas Story

Guide Dog's Christmas Surprise
One bright Christmas Eve, Santa Claus awoke looking forward to taking to the night sky on his sleigh. He got out of bed, pulled on his hat and big redcoat and opened the outside door to go and visit his trusty reindeer. It was snowing and very cold. As Santa approached the stables, he smiled at the thought that he would soon see Rudolph's red nose shining through the blizzard. But, oh no, wait a minute; as he turned the corner, Santa saw not one but nine shiny red noses! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolphwere all looking miserable.
"Oh dear," said Santa, "what's up with you all?"
Comet, the reindeer union rep, stepped forward. "I'm very sorry, but none of my reindeer will be able to do a full night's present delivery shift," said Comet, looking sad. "This is the first time we've ever wimped out on you,but we're all feeling lousy this year Santa and, well, we feel you'd be better off with some other helpers just this once."
"Comet, this is disastrous news!" Santa held his head in his hands.
"I'm not sure I can get all the presents out to all the little boys and girls without help from my reindeer."
At this, Blitzen and Prancer stepped forward.
"To be honest Santa, we had always worried something like this might happen," said Blitzen, sounding very bunged up.
"With this in mind, some years ago Prancer decided to approach another group of magical creatures with special powers who might be able to stand in during an emergency."
"Well, Prancer," Santa turned to the other reindeer whose eyes were streaming, "Do tell me. What is your idea? Which other creatures of the world have magical powers that can match those of my nine wonderful reindeer, of whom so many songs are sung and tales are told?"
"Why ... Guide Dogs, of course!" smiled the reindeer. He turned towards the snowy white plains of Greenland , tapped the ground three times with his hoof, bowed his head and antlers, then majestically reared up making a very loud calling sound that echoed round the four corners of the planet. Within the space of thirty seconds, a shadow appeared far on the horizon. As it got bigger, Santa could just make out nine glowing yellow labradors in the arctic moonlight as they flew towards him.
"This year," continued Prancer, "your helpers will be: Buttons, Goldie,Honey, Sam, Ben, Max, Anton, Lucy and Lassie."
Santa and his deer stood and stared up at the approaching dogs, who they could now hear barking. When the dogs landed they became silent; the only noise was the north wind howling. Santa, awed by the sight, was about to speak when the leading dog - Buttons - led a single note chorus of howls as a salute to the reindeer whom they would replace this year. Happy, all the reindeers saluted back and in unison returned to their stables.
"Greetings to you, Father Christmas," said Buttons.
"Instead of being with our blind owners this year, we want to bring smiles to the faces of all the world's children. We're ready when you are."
Santa smiled and beckoned the creatures. He led them to his workshop. Parked outside was a huge sleigh, loaded with presents of all shapes and sizes.
A small green-clad elf was just putting the last present on the top; when it was balanced correctly, he slid down and pushed himself off the side and scampered back into the warmth.
Sam, Ben and Honey had already positioned themselves at the front of the sleigh and barked at the other dogs to join them. As they lifted the sleigh's harness Santa said:
"Aren't you going to take your own little white harnesses off first?"
"Oh no," spoke up Lucy, the smallest of the dogs,
"these are our identity.Guiding is what we do and tonight Santa, we will guide you!"
With the dogs all in place, Santa climbed onto the front of the sleigh, took the reigns in his hands and boomed merrily at the top of his voice:
"GoButtons ... go Goldie ... go Honey!"
The dogs pulled and the sleigh took off into the now clear dark blue sky.
"Moosh Sam, gee up Ben, away Max ... away!"
Lucy turned and winked at Lassie. They were both wondering how their owners were getting on. They hoped to be back and curled up at the foot of their beds before they awoke,and chuckled at what their masters would think if they knew they were flying around the world helping to deliver presents.
"Lucy, Lassie, noses forward!" Santa's voice startled them into action.
"Anton, stop trying to eat the falling snow," he continued, before breaking into a very loud and satisfied:
"Ho ho ho! Keep flying, my little guides.This year,
winked Father Christmas, you dogs will find out what busy really means."
As the sleigh, the jolly old man and the nine magical guiding dogs reached the horizon and flew towards the first of several billion houses on the list, Santa knew that the guide dogs had saved the day and everything would be all right.
"Merry Christmas, one and all!"

Open House and Christmas Sale

We had a very nice open house at the artfull hand last week. There were free make n takes, snacks and door prizes. It was very well attended. In the picture on the left, Sue F is leading a card project. Laid out in front of a customer are 4 variations of the same card.
Starting the day after Christmas and up through the 30th The Artfull Hand is going to have a big clearance sale. Everything is reduced in some manner except the consigment items. We want to clear out as much as possible so we don't have to count it and to make room for new stock that is coming in....
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Gathering

Monday night the 11th was the Artfull Hand's Christmas Gathering. That is when we all come together to enjoy each other's company, tasty snacks and some fun.
We each brought a $5 or less gift and of course a hand made card. The game we played to distribute the gifts is a version of 'Rob your Neighbor', played with dice. There were several hoots and hollers during the rolls as if you were lucky enough to roll doubles you got to 'rob' your neighbor.
This coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be our Annual Open House. We'll have free make 'n takes, more food and drink and door prizes. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and come by and join in the fun.
PICTURE EXPLANATIONS
The top photo is of Ellen laughing and Kathy A. hiding behind her camera. We were all laughing because every one of us had brought a camera and we all were trying to take a picture of each other at the same time.
Picture two is of the tables as we played rob your neighbor. The unclaimed gifts are in the middle of the table. I did end up with the Christmas sack shown closet to the blonde head.

winter weather

Well it has been the most interesting 48 hours.
Beginning on Thursday the 30th: The Washington area(as in City of-not State or DC) was hit by a nasty winter storm. Unusual for us in any manner of speaking but highly unusual as it was the very first of the season. On Wednesday, the 29th I had the A/C running in the car and the shop as it had gotten up to 73 degrees F and was quite warm.

That is the weather in the Mid-West always changing. I believe Mark Twain said,"If you don't like the weather wait 30 minutes and it will change." That is a poor paraphrase. Anyway, Thursday was a nasty day, starting out with a cold rain that switched back and forth from freezing rain and sleet. We had shut down the Artfull Hand by three O'Clock in the afternoon. Linda and I had wanted to get home before dark and no-one was nutz enough to come into the shop to buy any rubberstamps. All were just trying to make it home.

The snow didn't start until late Thursday night. By the time I awoke on Friday there was approximately 6 inches at my house. I was lucky, a friend who lives 20 or so miles to the West of me in Hermann, got closer to 12 inches.... Add to that several more inches of sleet and some ice and you have a little idea of what we are dealing with.

Friday, December first, I only ventured out of my house to try to clean my car. (See photo above). The rest of the day was spent watching all three Lord of the Rings movies - the extended versions-in order.

Saturday, I drove my husband's work truck and had to put it in 4-wheel drive just to get out of the driveway. (He had plowed our driveway with the tractor on Friday.) I got stuck in some of the frozen tractor ruts. The temperature had plunged to single digits over night so everything had frozen over. The good news is that we have Sunshine and warming temps. The shop is open once again. Included in the work force today is Jake- a Black Lab and Cappy the beagle. The fence door to their outside pen had frozen. I couldn't budge it. So they spent the night indoors and came to work with me. The first thing they did upon jumping out of the truck was to make a circuit around the building. I'm not sure what they were looking for. I had to track them through the snow. I was fearful that they had seen or smelled the neighborhood kitty and had chased him off. I called and called, neither of them came to me. One of the neighboring shop owners stuck her head out her door and reported that she had seen the dogs head back to my back door. Sure - enough there they were. So after a good scolding we all got the shop open and ready for business. I've been here over 2 hours and I'm still waiting!!!!

Thanksgiving

What a wonderful day it was. The weather here in East Central MO has been wonderful. Couldn't ask for better weather for November. Of course the shop was closed on Thursday but I went in anyway because I wanted to wash the windows at least the outside of them. I also put up some Christmas lights. That was enough work for one day.
On Friday we had our one day after Thanksgiving Sale. The Day was very good. Thank you dear patrons.
There are a lot of cool things happening in December. So come in and visit for a while.

Deer Hunting Widows Week-end

November 11th was the opening day of deer hunting season here in East Central Missouri. My husband along with a lot of other males(and females) were out in the woods.
But...Along with me in the Artfull Hand were several Deer Hunting Widows the whole week-end long...It started at 5pm Saturday afternoon running till Ten that evening. Then we started up again on Sunday at 11 am. Wow! Did we have fun. We played Stampin' Bingo, watched some DVDs and ate a lot of good food. One of the coolest things we did was to have a challenge grab bag. Bev, SueP and I concocted a sandwich size brown bag full of all kinds of small goodies. The challengee had to pick a bag and then make something out of the contents...The pieces that were made were outstanding. I will try to get some pictures and post them.
The event was so much fun that we are planning another 'stamp-in' on Super Bowl Sunday.

Finally!

About a week ago my overhead sign was finally installed. It took me 3 different sign companies and fifteen months.
Why is it so hard for a little guy to get anything done??? So what I wasn't contracting for a huge bill board along one of the interstates...It shouldn't have taken as long as it did. I know for a fact now that most of the signage today is computer generated... No longer do those sign painters have to climb tall ladders with their buckets of paint and brushes.
The guy who did my sign needed prodding. I only wish I had - had an electric prodding cane like the one my Veterinarian husband sometimes has to use to move cattle. That would have gotten the sign guy's butt moo-ving.

Happy Autumn

It's a beautiful day at The Artfull Hand. There's lots of sun and warm temperatures. The shop is fill this afternoon with happy stampers doing Linda's 3 for 3. I didn't get a sample of her offerings today. But I have posted another card she made using Rubber Stamp Tapestry Grape Wreath. Linda is very talented and I am lucky to have her working in the shop.
Last week was a bit on the colder side. I had bought some of that plastic that you can stick over a window. There is a window in the rear of the class room that I felt a cold wind blow through last year. So before the really cold weather hit I wanted to shrink wrap that window. That meant we had to move 2 cabinents and a counter top plus all the colored glass I had sitting on the sill. Then I climbed up on the ladder and stuck the double sided tape to the aluminum frame of the window. The hard part was seeing the edge of the paper liner to pull it off. I wear tri-focals, needless to say I couldn't see a damn thing. So that meant that I had to climb up on the window sill.(Thankfully it is wide enough for me to kneel sideways) Then I could get close enough to see the edge of the paper to pull it off of the tape. However while I was up in the window Bev and Sue were frantically looking for a camera. Again, Thankfully, there wasn't one to be found! Otherwise dear reader, you would have been subject to viewing a large rear end percarioulsy perched on a widow sill.
Happy Autumn

It's looking a lot like Christmas

We are overflowing with Christmas stamps at the Artfull Hand. The poor Thanksgiving stamps are squeezed on to one corner of the front table. There are some really cool vintage stamps of children. Linda has been working her little fingers to the bones making samples. I'll try to get one and post it here.
This week-end is our first annual deer widows week-end. While the guys are out in the woods we girls are going to be up to our chins in paper, inks and rubber and lovin' every second of it. If you get a chance come by and join us. We will be playing games and watching videos besides stamping. Oh yes and there will be FOOD! And of course there is always chocolate available in some form.....

Halloween

Halloween at the Artfull Hand was fun. Besides the announcement of the winner of the Halloween Card Contest I offer a discount for any customer who comes in costume on the 31st.
I have always liked Halloween. I confess that I tricked and treated till I was 17. Then I stayed at home on all hallow's eve and scared the little kids who came to my parents' door. I would decorate the front porch, have my stereo speaker in a window playing spooky music and weird noises. I would dress up as a witch(think of Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz)including green face paint.
Well that still continues in some form at the Artfull Hand. We had several customers come in dressed up. I will post pictures as soon as my computer will let me. It is having trouble finding the correct page.
11/6/06 I'm still trying to upload photos to this entry. For some reason the correct page can't be found. I've tried to ask for help from Blog.com but no response from them... so I will move on.