Changes, Chaos and Construction

That pretty much sums up the last week for me!

We are doing a bit of construction (or is that DEstruction?) at the store so we have a bit of mess and chaos. For those who don't know, I own the building that the store is in and there is an apartment on the second floor. I used to rent it out but when the tenants moved out I decided to keep it for my own use and put my office and storage up there. It also comes in quite handy when we have big events because my mom uses the kitchen to store and prepare all the food. The only problem is that up until now the only access to the apartment was by way of the alley. Not such a great thing at night or in the winter when it becomes a skating rink. So for a long time I have wanted to re-open a long closed stairway that led from our closet in the store up to the apartment, but I have been unable to get a carpenter willing to do the job. I finally found one (waving "Hi" to Doug), and he started work last week.

As usual with old buildings-when you start ripping open walls you tend to find unexpected things. Thankfully we didn't find any bodies or anything - with this building's history, you just never know- but we did find another door behind the wall. Well, you know we couldn't just leave it there without exploring... It led down to a storage room, which is great because we were losing our closet to gain the stair access. The downside is that we now have another day or two added on to the construction since we need to insulate and reconstruct some walls. During all this time, everything that was stored in the closet is now piled up in the classroom which is not fun when we have classes going!

So I apologize for the mess in the classroom and the dust and noise in our stamp department!

Another change I made over the weekend is to my internet service provider. I have been using AOL for more years than I can remember, more than 15 definately; so that's pretty much all I know. I have rarely used internet explorer. Well, with these tough times I am looking to cut expenses where I can and don't know why I have been paying $25 a month for AOL when I pay for cable internet at home and at the store. So I cancelled AOL. I still kept my email address (inspirationsta@aol.com) but now I have to get used to a whole new way of finding my mail and my favorite places! So if you email me and I don't get right back to you, don't feel bad about calling or emailing again. It may take a while for this old dog to learn new tricks!

Lovin' this Background stamp

This is a Hero Arts stamp, isn't is beautiful? The other stamps are also Hero Arts. I'll be stocking up on these for sure!

This one uses two clear stamps from Inkadinkado.

Another Cricut Class added

The Crafting with Cricut class on October 29th is SOLD OUT. I have added another date on Wed., November 5th. Some people have requested a project based Cricut class and also a Cricut Design Studio class. I plan to work on that as soon as possible but do not expect to have them ready until after the holidays. Our class calendar is quite full all the way through Christmas so I'll be looking at dates in January.

Packing up for the CK Convention

Once again we are packing up boxes of product to take to the CK Convention. This time the show is in Hartford so we have less travel time. The only problem is that this is the first year CK has come to Hartford so no one really knows what to expect. We don't know how the room will be set up, whether we'll have electricity to run our register (or have to do everything by hand...). We have pretty much got it down when it comes to the New Hampshire show, well, except for that unfortunate incident in the parking garage :) - but his is a whole new ball game. I did speak with the Logistics Mgr at the Connecticut Convention Center and he was very helpful and very accomodating so I am hopeful that things will run smoothly.

Lots of other things are in the works as well. My mom and I are going to a Fiskars Regional event in Deerfield, MA on the 25th. If you are a Fiskateer and interested in attending the Fisk-a-friendzy, click here. Kelly Jo can get you more info- there are a few spots left and it sounds like loads of fun.

Then, in November, Terry & I are going to a Weekend Scrapbook retreat at Ridin' Hy Ranch in the Adirondacks. We booked our room yesterday. It sounds like a lot of fun and at $199 per person for 2 nights accomodations and 6 meals you cant beat the price. Check out their website if you are interested.

Oh, before I forget- The October store page kits are ready too. I can't believe it's the 1st of October already! Check out Terry's October layout class sample in the store, too- I think it's one of her best layouts yet.

Operation Successful!

I just wanted to let you know that I was able to trap both feral kittens on Thursday and took them to the vet on Friday. They both did well, although the female took a while to come completely out of the anesthesia, and I released them this morning. I was pleased that they did not run off although they did hide out for a bit. After a few hours I went out looking for them and they came out when I called them and followed me back to their "home" under the porch where they could be fed.

I want the thank Our Companions for helping me with these kitties and for the great services they provide. For more information about the Sterile Feral Program or any of the other services they offer please visit their website. http://www.ourcompanions.org/

I hope to have more photos up soon.

Some new cards for your "Inspiration"

I Love this Cuttlebug Snowflake Dots folder and check out the cool snowflake border punch along the bottom!

More coming when I finish playing...

We survived

The Tag Sale was amazing. We were swamped for the first couple of hours- lots of people walked away with tremendous deals. The people who brought their stuff in to sell earned a ton of store credit that they can use for brand new goodies.
This was our last Tag Sale for this year. Watch our newsletter for a date in the spring. One the weather warms up enough for us to set up the tents again we will plan another.

Good Golly that's a lot of stuff!

Ok for the past 2 day people have been dropping off their stuff for the Tag Sale tomorrow (Sunday 9/21). I cannot believe how much BRAND NEW stuff people are bringing in that they have never opened!!! C'mon people you have got to use the stuff you buy - otherwise you are not scrapbooking or stamping - you are collecting!

The sheer volume of paper is mind-boggling. Many package appear to be from conventions and places like QVC where you get 1 or 2 sheets of every paper in the line. I wanted to cry when I saw so many Basic Grey collections for only $5. I would buy them all myself except I already have them! And yes, I HAVE opened them and used some. Life is too short to save all the paper- use it - enjoy it. (Then you can buy more!)

It must be Thursday

'cause we got slammed with boxes of product today!

The new Fall $1 clear stamps from Studio G arrived (series 20); some stinkin' cute designs in there.

A huge box of new Fiskars products including Holiday Squeeze Punches.

Some new stickers and things from EK Success.

A restock order of the things we completely sold out of last weekend when we were demoing for the Autumn Passport- The Stamp Press, Non-stick Craft Mat, Perfect Pearls, and Versamark. We alos have been getting small batches of Cuttlebug folders in almost daily.

Our Companions Sterile Feral Program

For those of you who have been following my “Kitty” capers, I’d like to update you on Sasha and Tut. Unfortunately, I think I found them a little too late to be able to tame them. They come running each time I go out to feed them but they are still so jumpy. Every little noise or movement sends them scurrying. They love to pose for the camera though and after their bellies are full they like to relax and play close by. They are growing quite fast now that they are getting regular meals.

I called my vet to see about what programs they have for feral cats and they put me in touch with an organization called Our Companions. One of the many services they have to offer is called the Sterile Feral Program where they teach people how to trap feral cats and then provide a vet check up, vaccinations, treat for parasites and spay or neuter them. Then the cats are released back where they came from. All of this is coordinated by volunteers and the vet services are at a reduced fee. They have been very helpful and I will be meeting with someone from the organization very soon and hopefully Tut and Sasha will be able to get to the vet in the next week or two.

I know that many of you are animal lovers and so I wanted to tell you a little about this organization that has a plan to build an animal sanctuary in Ashford for companion animals. They have a 43 acre site that they are working on and plan to build a unique facility to rescue and rehabilitate. I have provided a link here for you to learn more about it.

September card club

I just wanted to share a couple of the cards that Donna is doing in this months card club classes:

Congratulations

I just realized that I never posted the name of the winner of our $75 prize from the Passport to Summer. Our winner was Pamela Archangeli! Congratulations, Pam.

By popular demand-
I have added another date for the "Crafting with Cricut" Class. The new date is Wednesday, October 29th at 6pm. Class fee is $20. We already have some spots filled so if you want to get in to this one please call ASAP.

more updates

It never fails.
As soon as I hit send on the email, I have more information to share.
I hate that!

Anyway, a couple of more updates:

Sunday's Cricut class is completely SOLD OUT. If you are interested in taking this class on a Sunday, please email me and I will see if I can schedule a date.

The Cricut class for the 24th had only 1 spot left this morning. Again, if you areinterested in taking this class on a weeknight, please email me and I will see if I can schedule a date.

The September Store Page Kits are ready and in the store. They are first come, first served so get yours soon.

Autumn Passport Program (formerly the Shop Hop)

AUTUMN PASSPORT EVENT
Interested in the Shop Hop, but just can't make it on the 13th?
Well, read on ...
When you sign up for the Autumn Passport event,
you'll have one month to visit all five stores.

Here are the highlights:

Receive 20% off at each store. Visit all five stores and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a Cricut Expressions (retail value $499). Plus, each store will be raffling a prize package filled with $75 in scrapbooking supplies.


Your $25 registration gets you coupons, your passport and tag album. Register anytime!

Take your passport, coupons and album to the participating stores anytime between Saturday, September 13th and Monday, October 13th.

Each store will stamp your passport and at the last store you visit leave your completed passport for entry into the drawing for a Cricut Expression.

A Time for Memories - North Grafton, MA
Inspiration Station - Stafford Springs, CT
Life's Memories & More - Palmer, MA
Sturbridge Scrapping Corner - Sturbridge, MA
Times To Treasure - West Boylston, MA



At each store, receive 20% off your purchase with your coupon.

Receive a raffle ticket for every $10 purchased. Each store will be raffling a prize package filled with $75 in scrapbooking supplies.

Learn two techniques at each location! Each store will have make-and-takes throughout the month.


If you have previously registered for the Shop Hop, you are welcome to visit all five stores on Saturday, September 13th or spread your shopping out over the next four weeks.

Stop in the store and pick up your passport, coupons and tag book anytime.

Is it too early to decorate

for Halloween?

Donna says it's never too early for Halloween and we just got the greatest cling vinyl black silhouettes from Martha Stewart for the windows.... I really want to put them up! They are so cool I had to buy extra because I knew people would want them for their homes. Oh, and her Halloween punches are great too; there has been a lot of buzz on the internet about the "Drippy Goo" border punch. Get in early to get it beacuse it won't last!