Design Team post

Our first Design Team post is up and you can find it on Donna's Blog.
Today she shows you a beautiful layout made with the Hello World line from My Mind's Eye.

Tag Sale

All of the spots for our Rent-A-Space Tag sale are now SOLD OUT!

There are going to LOTS of fabulous deals so be sure to mark your calendar:

Rent- a –Space Craft Tag Sale

Sunday, April 26, 2015 (Rain date Sunday, May 3, 2015)

11am-3pm

Introducing our 2015 Design Team

So I had this idea.
Let do a Design Team.
Won't that be fun?
We'll find crafty people who can make lots of pretty things with the stuff we sell at The Inspiration Station.

Well it was a lot harder than I thought. There are a lot of talented people out there!
I have to work within a budget, so I decided I needed to narrow it down to only 3 people.
I was looking for diversity.  I have a my own certain style which tends to be fairly simple, and linear; but I wanted people who would show a different perspective. I think I found a good mix.  So here they are.

First up - Sarah Swann of New Mexico
Sarah is a traditional scrapbooker who also works with pocket scrapbooking and card making. She has a large following on her You Tube channel  and that is something I have not gotten into so I think she will make an excellent addition to our creative team.

Next is Donna Coughlin of Pennsylvania
Donna is a 13 year scrapbooker who is both a mother and grandmother and loves to travel and is a Disney fan.  She has some design team experience and keeps her blog updated with her creativity.
She is new to You Tube but hopefully we will get to see more of her work shown there.

And finally, Patty Hair of Connecticut
Patty is a personal friend of mine who has incredible talent. She is amazing with mini albums and altered art pieces.  While her mini albums tend to be very traditional her altered art is something else all together. You may see cute and whimsical "tear" critters or crazy, Steampunk and Gothic inspired projects - you just never know. Take a look at her You Tube Channel and see what I mean.

This week I mailed out packages to each of the ladies.  For the first month, I chose items that I though would work well with their personal style.  You will begin to see their creations, in the coming weeks. I will link to the posts as soon as I have them. Meantime, visit their sites and leave them some love to welcome them to our team.

Save The Date - Special Guest Instructor

Save the Date

Lots of people have been asking for another Craft Tag Sale.

So, coming up on April 26 (rain date May 3) we will hold a Rent-a-Space Tag Sale at The Inspiration Station.  It will work differently than tag sales in the past.  Here is what you need to know.

Inspiration Station

Rent- a –Space Craft Tag Sale

Sunday, April 26, 2015 (Rain date Sunday, May 3, 2015)

11am-3pm

Many people have been requesting this so here we go!  For $10 per table, you can rent a 6 foot table in our parking lot to sell off your previously loved crafting supplies and earn CASH to replenish your stash.  Here’s how it works.

·         Space is Limited so first-come first-served. Registration begins Saturday March 28

·         Cost of a table is $10 per table – Limit 2 tables per person.  Fee is non-refundable. Cash only.

·         Set up will begin at 10am, please be on time.  Tables and chairs will be provided. 

·         You are responsible for pricing, setting up, selling and packing up all of your merchandise.

·         You are responsible for all transactions – please be sure to bring adequate change for your cash box and bags for merchandise.

·         You will be located outside in the back parking lot so please plan accordingly; rain date is May 3^rd. Refund of table fee will NOT be made if you are unable to make the rain date unless we can sell your space to another.

·         All of your merchandise must be packed up and removed by 4pm.

The Inspiration Station is not responsible for loss or damage to your merchandise. All sales are final.

Announcing our first-ever 2015 Design Team Call!

Announcing our first-ever 2015 Design Team Call!

Do you love scrapbooking and creating projects with a mix of amazing products from various manufacturers? Do you enjoy working alongside other creative individuals?  Do you actively communicate via social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube?  Do you have an active blog?  Are you willing to share your work and promote The Inspiration Station on various forms of social media?  Do you have a specific style that would be a good fit for our store? Then we want to hear from you!

HOW TO APPLY…

Send all submissions to Inspirationsta@aol.com, subject line DT call
Submission deadline: Feb. 22, 2015

Project Submissions:

·         Please share a collection of your best work that represents your specific style.  Attach photos of 3 layouts and 3 cards.  1 layout and 1 card must be created specifically for this DT call.  If you are a Project Life scrapbooker, please add 3 Project Life layouts that showcase your style to your submission.

Include the following:

·         Name

·         Address

·         Phone Number

·         Email Address

·         Blog URL

·         Facebook Name/Page URL

·         Instagram URL

·         Twitter URL

·         YouTube Channel URL

·         Links to galleries where you post your projects:
** Not all are required but they will be considered when choosing a team

Please answer the following questions (2- 3 sentences each):

1.       Why would you be a good fit for the Inspiration Station Design Team?

2.       When and why did you start scrapbooking?

3.       How would you best describe your style?

4.       Are you currently on any other design teams? If so, please list the teams as well as their monthly commitments.

5.       List any previous design teams as well.

6.       What do you enjoy most about communicating and sharing your projects via all forms of social media?  (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and other social media communities).

7.       Have you and/or are you comfortable with creating step by step pictorial tutorials and/or project process videos?  If you have a YouTube channel, please provide a link.

Design Team Requirements:

·         6 month term (March 15 2015 – Sept. 15, 2015)

·         Each member must create 3 layouts, projects and/or cards with the products included in each month’s kit with descriptions, info, instructions and techniques.  Projects must be submitted by scheduled due dates.

·         Promote The Inspiration Station on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, message boards, etc…)

·         Willing to create pictorial tutorials and/or project process videos when requested.

Monthly Compensation:  $80 retail value of products to be used in projects.

*Open to US residents only.
Team members will be selected and announced by March 1st.

It's a great day for crafting

Well the weather may not be beautiful today but that doesn't mean we can MAKE something beautiful.

C'mon, dig out those paper trimmers, dust off the adhesive, pull out those projects you've been meaning to finish!

Get those creative juices flowing.

You're gonna need to be warmed up and ready to roll if you want to be ready for my BIG Announcement tomorrow morning!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

Did I get your attention?
Yes, I have a big announcement to make.
Something I have wanted to do for years but have never made the time for.
Something I think you will really like.
A way for you to be a part of something big.
What is it?
Well, that your are going to have to wait to find out!

The big announcement will be made here on my blog on Sunday morning, January 25, 2015
Which just so happens to coincide with the 13th anniversary of The Inspiration Station...

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