Cardstock sale

The end of the year is upon us and that means clearing out the old to make room for the new! First up - Cardstock! 

If you didn't know, Bazzill Basics was bought by American Crafts this past year. During the transition many colors have been discontinued so we will be completely resetting our cardstock section. To make it easier we are having a sale to allow you to stock up on your favorites before they are gone. 

Beginning today (12/27) through New Year's Eve all 12 x 12 solid cardstock is buy 3 get one FREE. Excludes specialty papers and limited to stock on hand.

Small Business Saturday #Shopsmall

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY  is Sat., Nov 29th.  and just in time to participate, we are now accepting American Express. We invite you to shop with us that day and enjoy free refreshments along with some special deals. We have FREE tote bags for everyone who comes in to shop on Small Business Saturday (while supplies last).And,everyone that spends $20 or more on Saturday will get a $5 credit to use anytime in December!  #Shopsmall

Upcoming Classes  Below are the scheduled classes that we currently have samples for.  As new samples come in they are shown on our Facebook page and added to the next published newsletter. You can check our Calendar page to get dates for additional classes. *********************************************** Christmas Cards    Sun., Dec 7th      12 noon- 2pm  $28 Fri., Dec 12  10am-noon and 6pm-8pm Sample coming soon. This is our LAST Card Class for the 2014 season ************************************************* January 17th is our next Zentangle Basics class followed by advanced Zentangle Renaissance Tiles.

Class registration can be made in person or by calling (860) 684-2641 All classes must be pre-paid at the time of registration. Your spot is not held until payment is received.

Classes, demos and more

The Inspiration Station Nov 14, 2014 Welcome to The Inspiration Station Dear Debra, We had our first snow of the season last night and that really drove home that the holidays will soon be upon us! The weeks pass so quickly that often times the Holiday arrives and you've missed your chance to take a class simply because you thought you had more time.  Don't let that happen to you!  Sign up NOW!   We have tried to accommodate everyone's schedules by offering morning, evening and weekend classes but there are only so many days of the week. In the upcoming weeks you will see classes for cards, ornaments, and home decor in addition to technique classes.  Please see the listings below for more detailed information.  I do hope you will join us! This Sunday, come in for a free Holiday Bow making Demo from 1pm-4pm.  I will be showing you how to use the Craft-Dee Bow tool to make bows for your cards and packages.   Join us for our next FREE make & take. We will have colored pencils on hand but if you choose to use markers please bring them along (labeled with your name, please). It's always a fun time! SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY  is Sat., Nov 29th.  and just in time to participate, we are now accepting American Express. We invite you to shop with us that day and enjoy free refreshments along with some special deals.   Upcoming Classes  Below are the scheduled classes that we currently have samples for.  As new samples come in they are shown on our Facebook page and added to the next published newsletter. You can check our Calendar page to get dates for additional classes. *********************************************** Christmas Printer's Tray Tues., Nov 18 10am-noon or 6pm-8pm $34     ***************************************************** Mini Christmas Canvas class-   Perfect Hostess Gifts! Thurs, Nov 20 10am-noon or 6pm-8pm $28 *************************************************** Christmas Cards  Tues., Nov 25 10am-noon or 6pm-8pm $28 ************************************************** Twinkling Ornaments     Sat., Nov. 15th 1 to 3 PM $22 These ornaments are totally FUN to create! We will use stamps and our Twinkling H20 watercolor paints to create these happy and fun winter ornaments! *************************************************** Christmas Box   Sunday, Dec 14 1pm-4pm $30   ************************************************** Christmas Portfolio    Friday, Dec 5th 10am-noon and 6pm-8pm $28 **************************************************** Christmas Card Classes will be offered on the following dates and times.  Each class will have different projects and samples will be available shortly: Tues., Nov. 25  10am-noon and 6pm-8pm Thurs. Dec 4   10am-noon and 6pm-8pm (collection of cards) Sun., Dec 7   12 noon Fri., Dec 12  10am-noon and 6pm-8pm ************************************************* Check our January Calendar for the next set of Zentangle Classes.   Class registration can be made in person or by calling (860) 684-2641 (Please do not call or text the instructor personally) All classes must be pre-paid at the time of registration. Your spot is not held until payment is received.

Free Make & Take and Class Schedule

The Inspiration Station

October 6, 2014

Fall is officially here!   Lots of new arrivals this week including Holiday Stamps from Penny Black, Wendy Vecchi embossing powders, Halloween and Christmas papers, dies from Impression Obsession and more! Our next FREE Make and take will be Sunday October 19th.

Upcoming Classes  Below are the scheduled classes that we currently have samples for.  As new samples come in they are shown on our Facebook page and added to the next published newsletter. You can check our Calendar page to get dates for additional classes. *********************************************** Card Club  featuring Jillibean soup papers Tuesday, Oct 7   10am-noon 6pm-8pm $28 Halloween House    Thurs. Oct 16 10am-noon 6pm-8pm $28 COPIC CLASSES: Dawn is returning with a bunch of new Copic Classes this fall.  Of course, she will start with the Basics to get everyone up to speed on Oct 18th and then follow it up with several great technique and project classes.  For a complete list and descriptions see her blog. Beginner Copic Markers If you are new/newer to COPIC markers, then this class is for you and where you should begin your COPIC journey. This class is packed with a lot of information and techniques! You will learn about COPIC markers, practice MANY different color-blending techniques, learn how to color transparent balloons and create patterns.  This is the class all other are built on, so don't miss it! *Instructor will provide all markers needed for use during this class.  Sat., Oct 18th 10am - noon $28 COPIC AdvancedTechnique* - FUR: Learn several different techniques to make our furry friends look all warm and fuzzy using your COPIC markers, COPIC multi-liner pen(s) and colored pencils. Sat., Oct 18th 1-3pm $28 Christmas Cards with Donna   Tues., Oct 28    10am-noon 6pm-8pm $28 ************************************************* Advanced Zentangle    Peek a Boo cards   Sat., Nov. 8 10am-noon $35 Using punches and dies to create cards that are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside.. Illuminated Letters By popular demand this class is being offered again on Saturday, Nov. 8th from 1pm - 3:30. Spaces are already filling up, so call if you would like to join us.

Class registration can be made in person or by calling (860) 684-2641 (Please do not call or text the instructor personally) All classes must be pre-paid at the time of registration. Your spot is not held until payment is received.

Fall Copic Classes at The Inspiration Station

COPIC Classes for Remaining 2014

Leaves are changing color and falling already! I LOVE FALL and it will be here soon.  I love the colors and I absolutely love coloring fall stamps; pumpkins and leaves are my favorites.  It's a new school year and a perfect time to learn or brush up on some creative techniques as well.  Being creative is a need for me.  I crave it!  I am excited to be signing up for another drawing class this fall.  There is something special about making time for "me" to do something that I like to do.  I personally love drawing and coloring because it puts me in a relaxing state of mind; a perfect way to slow down, if only for a little while.  

Saturday classes for the 4th quarter of 2014 will start off with another beginner class for anyone that would like to learn how to effectively use the COPIC markers in addition to adding some additional TECHNIQUE and PROJECT classes.   (Pictures coming soon)

COPIC Basics:  If you are new/newer to COPIC markers, then this class is for you and where you should begin your COPIC journey.  This class is packed with a lot of information and techniques!  You will learn about COPIC markers, practice MANY different color-blending techniques, learn how to color transparent balloons and create patterns.  

10/18 @ 10-Noon   Instructor will provide all markers needed for use during this class.     

COPIC Technique* - FUR:  Learn several different techniques to make our furry friends look all warm and fuzzy using your COPIC markers, COPIC multi-liner pen(s) and colored pencils. 

10/18 @ 1-3pm

COPIC Technique* - Hair & Skin: This is a technique class on how to color different skin tones and hair colors.  Learn to create realistic highlights and shadows in your colored images. 

11/1 @ 10-11:30am

COPIC Technique* - Metals: This is a technique class on how to color different stamped images using different color combinations for realistic metal types/effects (tin, rusty, copper, patina, etc.) with your COPIC markers.  Walk away with a color chart any extra stamped images to practice or create with.

11/1 @ Noon-1:30pm

COPIC PROJECT* - Fall Cards & Tags:  Make a bunch of fall themed cards and tags using your COPIC markers and various techniques.  Extra stamped images will be provided for you to take home and create with.  

11/1 @ 2-3:30pm

COPIC Technique* - Shading & Shadows: This is a technique class on how to color black and white stamped items and create shadows using your COPIC markers.  Learn to create realistic highlights and shadows in your colored images. 

12/6 @ 10-11:30am

COPIC Technique* - Glass & Flowers: This is a technique class on how to color glass using different colors and shading as well as some beautiful flowers using your COPIC markers.  

12/6 @ Noon-1:30pm

COPIC PROJECT* - Winter Cards & Tags:  Make a bunch of winter/holiday themed cards and tags using your COPIC markers and various techniques.  Extra stamped images will be provided for you to take home and create with.  

12/6 @ 2-3:30pm

* Prerequisite: COPIC Basics Class & Your own COPIC markers are needed for these classes

Fall Zentangle Schedule

FALL ZENTANGLE CLASS SCHEDULE!! (** New classes**)
-Sat. October 4th, 2014, 10:00 - 12:00pm 
Advanced Zentangle: White and Moonlight Gelly Roll Pens on Black Tiles ($35.00 2 hrs)
-Sat. October 4th, 2014, 1:00 - 3:00pm
**Advanced Zentangle: Found and Tangled Book pages ($35.00 2 hrs)
-Sat. November 8th, 2014, 10:00 - 12:00pm
**Advanced Zentangle: Zentangle Peek-a-boo Cards ($35.00 2 hrs)
-Sat. November 8th, 2014, 1:00 - 4:30pm
Advanced Zentangle Class: Tangled Illuminated Letter Class featuring the Celtic Knot ($45.00 3.5 hrs)
Full class descriptions on my webpage www.merrynotesct.com

Call The Inspiration Station at 860-684-2641 to register.

Copic Classes for the rest of 2014

COPIC Classes for Remaining 2014

Leaves are changing color and falling already! I LOVE FALL and it will be here soon.  I love the colors and I absolutely love coloring fall stamps; pumpkins and leaves are my favorites.  It's a new school year and a perfect time to learn or brush up on some creative techniques as well.  Being creative is a need for me.  I crave it!  I am excited to be signing up for another drawing class this fall.  There is something special about making time for "me" to do something that I like to do.  I personally love drawing and coloring because it puts me in a relaxing state of mind; a perfect way to slow down, if only for a little while.  

Saturday classes for the 4th quarter of 2014 will start off with another beginner class for anyone that would like to learn how to effectively use the COPIC markers in addition to adding some additional TECHNIQUE and PROJECT classes.  

COPIC Basics:  If you are new/newer to COPIC markers, then this class is for you and where you should begin your COPIC journey.  This class is packed with a lot of information and techniques!  You will learn about COPIC markers, practice MANY different color-blending techniques, learn how to color transparent balloons and create patterns.  

10/18 @ 10-Noon   Instructor will provide all markers needed for use during this class.     

COPIC Technique* - FUR:  Learn several different techniques to make our furry friends look all warm and fuzzy using your COPIC markers, COPIC multi-liner pen(s) and colored pencils. 

10/18 @ 1-3pm

COPIC Technique* - Hair & Skin: This is a technique class on how to color different skin tones and hair colors.  Learn to create realistic highlights and shadows in your colored images. 

11/1 @ 10-11:30am

COPIC Technique* - Metals: This is a technique class on how to color different stamped images using different color combinations for realistic metal types/effects (tin, rusty, copper, patina, etc.) with your COPIC markers.  Walk away with a color chart any extra stamped images to practice or create with.

11/1 @ Noon-1:30pm

COPIC PROJECT* - Fall Cards & Tags:  Make a bunch of fall themed cards and tags using your COPIC markers and various techniques.  Extra stamped images will be provided for you to take home and create with.  

11/1 @ 2-3:30pm

COPIC Technique* - Shading & Shadows: This is a technique class on how to color black and white stamped items and create shadows using your COPIC markers.  Learn to create realistic highlights and shadows in your colored images. 

12/6 @ 10-11:30am

COPIC Technique* - Glass & Flowers: This is a technique class on how to color glass using different colors and shading as well as some beautiful flowers using your COPIC markers.  

12/6 @ Noon-1:30pm

COPIC PROJECT* - Winter Cards & Tags:  Make a bunch of winter/holiday themed cards and tags using your COPIC markers and various techniques.  Extra stamped images will be provided for you to take home and create with.  

12/6 @ 2-3:30pm

* Prerequisite: COPIC Basics Class & Your own COPIC markers are needed for these classes

Disney Mini Album Class

I finally took some pics of the Disney album.

This class will be held at The Inspiration Station on Saturday, Sept 6th from 12-4pm.  YES! it is a FOUR hour class.  We will be making the album from scratch, just chipboard and cardstock, and then decorating it.  There will be a variety of page styles so it does take a while.

Please bring a scoring board, bone folder, trimmer, craft knife, ruler, 1/4" & 3/8" Scor-tape and a liquid adhesive like Best Glue Ever or Scotch quick dry.

Tim Holtz/Kathy Orta Inspired Mini Album

I have been a little obsessed lately with making mini albums. I a friend turned me on to a tutorial from Kathy Orta for making books using the hidden hinge binding system.  She created a monster.  The first one remains unfinished because, true to my ADD self, I immediately had another idea as soon as the pages were put into it.  I wanted to make it smaller so I could use all of those great 4x6 journaling cards that are out for pocket scrapbooking.  So of course, I made a Disney one.  This photo is before I filled it all in; I still need to photograph the finished version.

But then I thought, let's make one to show off some of the papers we have in-stock at the store - to get them moving... So back to the larger size.

Last week while searching Pinterest I found a mini book made by someone using the Tim Holtz Wallflower paper pad and I was in love.  So out came the scoring board and paper trimmer.  

So now of course, people are asking me for classes.  I have added the Disney one to the calendar for Saturday, Sept 6.  It will need to be a 4 hour class to get it done, and even then there maybe some decorating that will be need to be finished at home.

As for the Tim Holtz style one...  I would be happy to do a class if there is enough interest.  That one is smaller and could probably be finished in 3 hours if I cut most of the papers ahead of time.  Therein lies the problem.  I am not going to cut everything unless I have people committed!  It is a LOT of cutting!  So let me know your thoughts.

July11 newsletter

The Inspiration Station July 11, 2014 Welcome to The Inspiration Station Dear Debra,    The first part of our "face-lift" has arrived - our new sign!  Hopefully this will stop people from coming in looking for  beads (they've been gone for more than 5 years!) and being disappointed.  Summer schedule - I want to let you know that we will be having summer hours during the month of August.  I know it's a ways away, but often times we have people who travel and I want to give you a "heads up". During the month of August ONLY - we will be closed on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. It is typically very slow in that month and closing will allow us to have some work done on the store.     Our big project is painting the front of the store and that will take some time and require ladders and scaffolding out front so we are going to take advantage of the closed days for that. We are looking forward to the "face-lift"!  Our open hours for August will be: Thurs-Fri 10am - 6pm, Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday noon-4pm. Summertime also means "Christmas in July" which is always a big day.  This year, Donna will be hold those classes on Sunday, July 20th.  The first class (noon-2pm) Is completely SOLD OUT. The Second class from 3pm-5pm is a "Card in a Box", shown below. In both classes you will be given a 6x6 pad of paper to create more goodies at home. Class is $28   Payment is required at the time of sign up. Please check our website for what supplies you need to bring to class. NEW PRODUCT We have many new paper lines in stock, New dies from Sizzix and Tim Holtz, fun new stamps, brand new colors of StazOn Ink and much more. Oh, and did I mention - We are also working through our papers and stamps and clearing out many older designs in order to make room for the new that will be arriving!  As always, we continue to bring in new products weekly to inspire you. So Come in and visit our CLEARANCE section! Upcoming Classes     Tags with Donna   Tues. July  15 10am-noon or 6pm-8pm $25   Come create 3 tags and learn new techniques using sprays, stencils, and paints by DIna Wakely.    Artist Trading Blocks   Tues., July 24 6pm-8pm  $28 "Come Away with Me"  Bring your basic class kit including a heat gun! Please feel free to bring personal items to add to your block!                 Mixed Media Playground   Thursday July 17th  10am-noon or 6pm-8pm $28  Come and play on the mixed media playground with Donna.  Each month, you'll learn new techniques to add interest to your art journal or other paper craft project. This month you'll be using Alcohol Inks and Archival ink pads. Newcomers welcome!          Silk & H2O Sampler Saturday, July 19 12 noon -3pm $28  Come and join Kim for this technique packed class where you will create a sampler using ColourArte products like Silk paints and Twinkling H2Os along with stencils, embossing paste, Glass Bead Gel and more! The book is created using a Sizzix die. All skill levels are welcome!       Christmas Cards    July 22 10am-noon or 6pm-8pm $28 These will be different from the cards done in the Christmas in July workshop          Zentangle Basics  Saturday Aug 2nd 10am- noon   10am-noon $35  includes all materials Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.We invite you to explore and learn more about this wonderful and uplifting method and artform.         Advanced Zentangle  Organic Garden August 2 1pm-3pm $35  Pre-requisite: Zentangle Basics       Advanced Zentangle    Illuminated Letters Saturday Aug. 9   SOLD OUT   Class registration can be made in person or by calling (860) 684-2641 (Please do not call or text the instructor personally) All classes must be pre-paid at the time of registration. Your spot is not held until payment is received.

In This Issue Store Hours:    Monday CLOSED  Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm AUGUST SUMMER HOURS  Monday CLOSED  Tuesday CLOSED Wednesday CLOSED  Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm     We are now on Pinterest    Did you know that when you follow us on Facebook, you will get more up to date information about new arrivals and last minute reminders on sales and events!  So, join us today on Facebook and be in the loop!   Be sure to "Check in" on your smart phone whenever you visit.  If you are not seeing our posts in your news feed please go to the page and change your settings to "get Notifications".   Also, the more your interact with our posts, the more often you will see them.  So be sure to "Like" , Comment and Share We appreciate your referrals!  Please tell your friends about us. Forward this email or suggest they "like" our Facebook page.  Thanks! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE    Pocket Scrapbooking  If you are interested in learning about the hot new pocket scrapbooking trend, call and ask about our Project Life Meet up group that gets together one Saturday a month.  We are a loud but friendly bunch and we love to share our ideas!   Next meeting:  Saturday, July 26th 10am-5pm FREE  But you MUST Pre-register