Doris' Blog

Posting the Video Again!

Greetings Everyone!!  It's already been a GREAT start on the week so let's hope that this trend continues.  I am posting the collaborative effort of Maria Loomis and Don Zimmer Fashion book again on typepad.  There are only 9 spaces available in Issaquah so if you are inclined to register, please do so early so that you are not disappointed.

I'll post again later this week also.  I am working on a calendar for our class schedules so that you have a visual to put on your refrigerator of what is going on at Friends.  I think this might help all of us to know what is up and when.  It should be out before the end of the month.  Our regular newsletter is also in the works so that should be out sometime next week.

Don't forget the West Seattle Customer Appreciation BBQ on Sunday.  It should be fun and because yours truly is 39 years old again this year, you can expect a 39% discount on any stamp or stamp set in stock.  What a sweet deal!!

More later.... hugs to all- Doris

Mid-Week Hello!!

Greetings Everyone!!  Just a quick hello for the most part.  Summer is proving to be pretty slow so as a result I am getting some things done earlier then usual which is good for both you and myself.  Take the newsletter as an example.  I should have it nearly complete in a day or so.  From here it goes to a proofer and then to printing followed by upload to the website and then distributed to each of you.  There are some great classes to get the fall underway.  I can hardly wait.  It is my favorite time of the year.  I love the crispness outside, the colors, and just about everything that goes with the fall.  Stop in to take a look at class samples sometime after the 20th of August which is when all the samples should be in.  If you wonder whether or not they are, simply give us a call at either location and we'll let you know.

Now for Sunday's pick!  Well, let's see..... how about 15% off on punches at either location.  That sounds like a pretty good deal.  If you are looking for a certain one, call ahead to see if we have it.  Punches are so versatile and easy to use.  I just love them.  The ones with the levers are simply the best.  Why didn't they think of that first!!? 

The Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) conference is over and reps are ready to show us lots of great stuff.  We are moving slowly for the most part trying to catch up from opening a new location and simply a slower than desired summer so some of the newer stuff may take longer to hit our shelves but be assured that it will.  We know that you have many choices when wanting and/or needing to buy your goods and we so appreciate your thinking of us first.  It is what helps to keep us going in this industry so thank you many times over.  We love to make you happy so let us know how we are doing.

That's it for now folks!!  Continue to have a happy summer.  At least it's a tad cooler and we are able to move around some.  Be sure to fit in that last hazy lazy day of summer BBQ.  Mark your calendar for the Customer Appreciation BBQ on 23 August.  We are quite anxious to get that grill going.  Until then..... Summer hugs - Doris

WOWZA - What a Project!!

Greetings Everyone!!  Just want to give everyone a sneek peak of an upcoming class that has been collaborated on by Maria Loomis and Don Zimmer.  It's a beauty and we are sure you will want to register as soon as possible for this upcoming fall workshop.  This workshop is scheduled for Issaquah on 19 September 2009 and in West Seattle on 3 October 2009.  Issaquah already has a sample and one will be heading to West Seattle soon.  We are just so excited about this workshop that we just had to give you a sneak peek.  Have fun and enjoy the video!!  Hugs - Doris

Demo Day in Issaquah Today

I was not able to experience our demo day personally today because I worked the West Seattle location but I heard that it went really well and everyone seemed to have fun.  Some photos are included below including the sample that everyone made.

But before that, Sunday's pick is 25% off your entire purchase of regularly priced merchandise but you must mention the blog.  This fabulous discount is being presented at either of our locations.  I am getting ready to announce a Hot Sizzling Mad Dash for Saturday morning from 8:00 am until 10:00 am with a 25% discount on regularly priced merchandise so if you are not able to make it on Saturday, you have another chance.  The Saturday Mad Dash is only happening at the West Seattle location and remember... you must mention the blog to get this discount on Sunday.

It's been very hot and working in the office is now getting better but.... I'm not necessarily getting done what needs to be done.  Too busy with just the day to day involvement.  I'll be working more at the West Seattle location so stop in anytime to say hello.  I'd be happy to see you and share with you some of what is going on.

That's it for now folks.  Have a GREAT weekend and continue to stay cool.  Hugs - Doris

 

Here is Margaret following today's demo.  Margaret appears to have made a purchase already and is probably just waiting for some of her carpool.  If you have never met Margaret, she is the hostess for the West Seasttle ATC trade which is held every second Saturday of the month.  Stop in to see what it is all about.  Margaret would be happy to help you navigate through ATCs.

 

Elaine and her husband Ken are enjoying the demo and make-n-take.  Who do you think the ham is here?  Looks interesting... what are they doing.... weaving??

Yep, that is correct.  Today's demo involved weaving.  What a fun thing to learn and especially fun if you can incorporate many leftovers into a weaving project.  Both stamps are courtesy of the Lockhart Rubber Stamp Company.  Just how much more fun can a birthday card get? 

"Stuff"

Greetings Everyone!!  If you are as hot as I am, you might consider heading to either of the shops during open hours with a project and hang out in the cool air conditioning.  I must admit that it has been a pleasure to work because of the air conditioning (not that it isn't a pleasure all of the time but the air makes it especially fun)!!  I think that all of our staff feels this way so.... don't wait any longer.  Bring a project and get some "stuff" done all the while staying cool!

REMINDER:  Used Rubber Stamp Sale begins at 10:00 on Saturday, 1 August.  No pre-sales please to allow setup time for all the vendors.  CASH ONLY and it'll be a mad dash so come early for the best picks!!

Sunday's pick:  Both locations - all accessories - 15% off of regularly priced accessories!  HOT deal!

Wednesday's demo conducted by yours truly was lots of fun.  We worked through a Stampscapes scene which worked out really well.  For once, Kathy, Yvonne, and I all brought our cameras but for some odd reason none of us thought to take photos so.... go figure.  Kathy did manage to capture the completed card so it is posted here at the end of the blog for your viewing pleasure.  Next week I will demo bleaching so if that is of interest and you are able to come, do stop in.  It'll be fun also.

It's too hot to keep going in the office so that's it for now.  Gotta go cool down somehow.  My house, like most, is hot!!

Take care everyone and see you soon!!  --  hugs - Doris

 

Here is a photo of the scene we created at this past week's demo day (Wed).  It was great fun and I think those that completed it were surprised at just how easy it was to do.  Please note that the barn is from the Make An Impressopm line of rubber stamps.  This demo has given me the energy to create a beginners stampscapes class as a pre-requisite to Maria Loomis' more advanced Stampscapes techniques.  Stay tuned as the fall schedule emerges!!  Have a happy day! - Hugs-Doris

Sunday's Pick for 26 July 2009

OOOps - I'm very late with this one.  That is probably because my sister, Pauline, from the east coast is always reminding me but she is on the 3-day, 60-mile walk in Boston to raise money for breast cancer research.  Today, Sunday, will mark her third.  We have not heard from her but hope and pray that all is going well.  Many of you contributed towards her goal so just know that it is happening now.

In any case, hopefully some of you will see this post.  Let's do the following:

     a.  For West Seattle:  20% off all Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas stamps in stock.  This will allow us some space for new stuff.

     b.  For Issaquah:  20% off all Art Impressions Rubber Stamps and we've got lots.

Have a Happy Sunday.  For the first time since Issaquah opened, I will be managing the store on Sunday, 26 July.  Come visit.  No telling when it will happen again!!  Also, I will be demo'ing on Wednesday so make it a point of stopping in then also.  It'll be fun.

Hugs Everyone - Doris

Yikes - It's Hot Out There!!

Greetings Everyone!!   It's very hot outside (like you had not noticed) but I am enjoying the cool of the air conditioning here at the shop in West Seattle.  If you are hot and want a reprive, you can jump in a pool or stop in and enjoy the air conditioning with me.  Both locations have air conditioning and I am sure the folks at the Issaquah shop are loving it also.  OK - enough about air!!

It's been a busy month so far and will get even busier with the Used Rubber Stamp Sale just around the corner.  Spread the word because there will be lots and lots to choose from.  Remember, this is a cash only event and is being held at the Issaquah location.  Buyers will need to move quickly and vendors cannot hold stamps for you to come back and look at before deciding.  All sales are final and again, cash only.  Call Issaquah (425) 391-1500 if you have any questions.

The Customer Appreciation BBQ and demo day in Issaquah went very well with lots of GREAT demos from our fabulous demo artists, Diane Walter, Elaine Woodhouse, Kayla Stull, Cathy Varner, and Robin Freedman.  They did an outstanding job with their demo's and make-n-takes.  I'd also like to thank Teri and Chuck for their cake contributions.  What a sweet deal that was!!  Lots of cake eaten even before Clive could get the hotdogs on the grill.  We went through dozens of hotdogs, 2 huge salads, lots of chips, and, of course, soda/water.  It was a hot day!!  I've included a small handful of pictures below so you can take a look.  Many thanks to Clive Woodhouse who kept the grill going until everyone was done.  A fun time by all!!

We will also conduct a BBQ in West Seattle where it originated many years ago.  Included is a gift from me to you for my birthday.  I'm going to be 39 years old again so.... please enjoy any rubber stamp or stamp set in stock at the West Seattle location in honor of my 39th birthday for 39% off the orginal retail price!!  Don't you just love it.  Reserve the date for Sunday, 23 August 2009.

That's it for now.  I am working on Sunday's pick so stay tuned.  Hope you are all able to keep cool in one way or another.  Until the next time.. hugs-Doris

What a fabulous crowd that turned out for the Issaquah BBQ.  You can see Cathy Varner on the left demo'ing to a host of people.  Take a closer look and you can see Robin Freedman (also on the left).  Diane Walter's back is to the camera and Elaine Woodhouse's profile is a pretty good one (both to the right).

The photos came about in a very roundabout way.  Thanks to Margaret Dessell for having a camera, I for taking pictures, Mr. Cheryl (Cheryl Torbet's husband) for moving them from the camera to the disk and on and on... It was a truly great team effort!

Here is a shot of Kayla Stull (my darling niece who is all grown up and heading for college in the fall) conducting her make-n-take.  She demo'ed decorative envelopes which people loved and now want to do a sort of round Robin on.  Stay tuned for more details on this one.

OK bloggers - I'll include more in my next blog.  Don't want to blog you down, I mean bog you down!!  hee hee  Until later.... take care

Another Successful Demo Day!

Many thanks to Maria Loomis who, for the last six weeks, has provided us a fabulous demo each week that can easily be replicated at home.  This week is no exception as evidenced by the photos below.  Thanks Maria.  Kathy, Yvonne, and I are going to attempt to follow in Maria's footsteps and continue the Wednesday afternoon demos at the Issaquah shop.  They have been fun and get all of us energized so we'll see you each Westnesday for the remainder of the summer.  Following summer, we'll rethink what you would like to see for fall and go from there.  Enjoy the photos!!  (once again, our thanks to Kathy Fox for her providing the photos!)

 

Three individuals working on the make-n-take.  Can you tell that they are really focused.  Another GREAT photo of the shop also.

Maria showing one of our guests how to use the Cuttlebug Machine.  Don't we just love this new toy!!?  What was life like before it?

 

..... and the finished make-n-take!  It is a real beauty and available for viewing at the Issaquah location.  Maria was gracious to leave it for all of us to enjoy.  The vellum works beautifully in the Cuttlebug.  Nice tip!!

That's it for now everyone!!  My next blog entry will have Sunday's pick so standby..................... Happy hugs to all - Doris

Introduction to Our Card Kit of the Month

Greetings Everyone!!  It is a sleepless Saturday night mostly because I was exhausted from two days of the street fair in West Seattle so I took an "extended" nap.  In any case, I am getting lots of e-mails and other "electronics" caught up so it is good!!  One more day of the street fair tomorrow and don't forget that Sunday's pick in West Seattle is 40% off on any regularly priced rubber stamp or stamp set (must be 18 years or older).  I thought this would be a GREAT incentive to fight the crowd and come keep me company!!  hee hee

I also wanted to take a minute to introduce a new program from our friends and staff in Issaquah.  Kathy and Yvonne are very busy putting together monthly card kits.  The first one for the month of July is shown below.  It is really stunning and I really hope you will enjoy this program.  We are currently making only 12 kits and when they are gone, well, they are gone.  The kits include all parts and materials to make the sample card including a full color copy of the sample and an envelope.  As you will note, the first includes a "Fox Photo" which are extremely popular so now is your chance to experiment with one and have some fun.  That is our bottom line - Have Fun!!

A reminder that the BBQ in Issaquah is on Saturday, 18 July 2009, beginning at 10:00 with lots of GREAT demos and our valued Chef extradonaire, Clive Woodhouse, on the grill.  It'll be lots of fun and it is our way of saying "Thank You' for all of your support since we opened our doors back in March.  This will become an annual event and our annual BBQ for the West Seattle shop is on Sunday, 23 August 2009, so be sure to mark your calendars for that one also.

That's it for now!!  Hope to see many of you in the coming weeks for one event or another.  Happy summer hugs to all!! - Doris

 

What a FABULOUS card - thanks Kathy Fox!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, "7"-"8"-200"9" Day!!

Will this day ever happen again??  Naught!!  We had another very successful, although small, demo day at our Issaquah location.  We missed Maria Loomis because of a conflict but she left all the materials required to create a great looking ATC card.  Here are a few pics that we hope you will enjoy...

 

Margaret is just working away at her ATC.  Margaret is also the hostess of the West Seattle ATC swap which takes place every second Saturday of each month (July is canceled due to the Street Fair).  Anyone wondering what ATCs are all about should stop in and check it out at the August get together.

 

Here is Alice working away at her ATC card.  ATCs are very fun and can be very addictive.  What a great way to trade art!!  Elaine Woodhouse teaches the kids at local West Seattle schools and has them on fire with this form of art.  Way to go Elaine!!

 

WOW, what a great pic of the Issaquah store.  There is Shelley getting what she needs from Yvonne (our fabulous store employee) to get her ATC done also.  Geri is way in the back checking out the class samples (I think).  If not, she should be as they are TERRIFIC!!  Many thanks to our on-site photographer, Kathy Fox, who is also one of our fabulous store employees.  We have many in West Seattle also.  Are we blessed or what?  I do believe so!!

Thanks everyone who attended!!  We started to plan out what will be offered for the balance of the year.  Stay tuned on this one.

I have a few other things to pass along but I'll post again in the next day or so.  But before signing off, Sunday's pick for Issaquah is (drum roll please) anything Lockhart = 15% off.  In West Seattle it will be tough getting there because of the street fair but if you make it, receive 40% of on any regularly priced rubber stamp!  That will be a huge incentive to come visit us and possibly have some fun and great eats at the street fair. 

I'll post again soon because I have lots more to pass on so.... nighty night for now.  Off to blow some zzzz's.... hugs to all- Doris