Happy New Year - (sort of).  As you may recall, we had to completely change our register system a couple of years ago.  Today, we experienced a hard-drive malfunction.  The good news is that the computer is still under warranty.  Hooray!  The bad news is we are at the mercy of HP to come out and fix it.  They have assured us they will be out tomorrow (Wednesday), but we don't know what time, or how long it will take to correct the problem.  Until the register is operational, we can't sell merchandise (or enter all the inventory in the giant stack of boxes - growl).  I'm hoping this will be resolved within the day, but just in case, please call us or check the website before heading over to the shop to be sure our retail operations are functioning.  All classes and workshops, however, will continue as scheduled. 
Fondly,
Angela

  

Kick off 2012 in a special way!  Join us for a fabulous party on Saturday, January 21.  Our traditional Open House has always been the first Saturday in December, but we're shaking things up this year!  The morning will feature 4 fabulous demos including how to create your own Washi Tape and an Introduction to the Letterpress machine!  The afternoon is full of make-and-takes - with a focus this year on Valentine's and Winter-themed projects, like the fun Impression Obsession Shaker card pictured above.  We'll still have prizes, refreshments, Community Outreach (benefiting the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax), Stamp Swaps and NEW stamp companies for you to peruse!  Be sure to register for the make-and-takes soon as they always fill up quickly!

CHA is the largest crafting and hobby trade show in the world.  This year, it's taking place in Anaheim, CA from January 29 - February 1. Shortly after the trade show ends, and extending through the month of March, you'll start to see the new and exciting products showing up on our shelves and in new classes.  Here are some of the new product releases that have been "leaked":

*12 new colors of Copic Sketch markers

*12 new colors of Memento Ink Pads (in fabulous Earth Tones)

*10 new colors of Gelatos (water color stix)

*Impression Obsession is adding a line of dies to their stamps

Ranger hasn't shared anything yet, but we're always excited to see what Tim Holtz and the crew are up to.  And, there are always new stamps, papers and techniques to share!  I've been adding snippets as I hear them to our Facebook page.  We'll keep you posted!