Tim Holtz Distress Markers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SYAPWcZ3WSQ  Click on the link to see Tim's demo of his new Distress markers...I want all 37 colours...how about you?

Valentine treats classes

Be sure to sign up to make these adorable Valentine goodies on Saturday February 11th. The coaster box filled with embellished goodies is perfect for Valentine gift giving. Janis will show you how to transform plain chipboard coasters into this lovely container which could have many other uses after the contents have been removed. The box contains several useful, decorative and yummy treats and will definitely give you lots of ideas for "embellishing" everyday items to make them "gift-worthy" Class begins at 10:30 am and is limited to 6 participants so reserve your space ASAP. Cost is just $15. Why not treat yourself to a whole day of paper-crafting and sign up for the afternoon class too? My photo just doesn't do justice to this cute collection of mini cards in an adorable presentation box, plus a cute treat holder and (my favourite) an adorable tiny birdhouse. This class begins at 1:30 and is also just $15. Sign up for both classes and receive a 20% discount on any purchases made that day! You'll have time to pop out between classes for a bite to eat at one of  several great restaurants within a few minutes walk of the store, so why not bring a friend for a really  fun day together? All supplies except adhesives are included in the class fee. Janis will be teaching for the first time here at Papercraft Cafe and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone create their own little treasures with her guidance and know-how. Samples are on display in the store. Please register ASAP.

Love is in the air

Here are the three cards we'll make in the next class. Valentines day will be here before we know it and even if you don't send valentine cards, most of us send the occasional anniversary  or wedding card...right? The top card uses a technique called iris folding which we've done in class before, but this is the first time I've used a heart shape and I think it works well for this simple but elegant card. The pink card is so sparkly and you'll love this quick and easy technique for adding glitter that stays on your card rather than migrating to everything it comes into contact with. We'll definitely be using this on Christmas cards this year. the last card makes use of several punches...aren't those doves just perfect for cards???? They are from a large Christmas border punch, which I managed to resist opening until AFTER Christmas, but I'm sure we'll get lots of use from throughout the year (that's my excuse anyway..lol!) The decorative edge panel was cut from a Kaisercraft pad of pre-scored cards which are so pretty, but I find the card-stock a little lightweight for a card base, unless you weren't going to add any layers or embellish it at all; however it's perfect for adding a layer to your cards as I've done here. 

So there you are...sign up ASAP for either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursdays class next week to make these cards and if you missed last weeks cards, I still have space tomorrow at 10:30 am or Thursday at 6:30 pm. (Thursday's class will depend on if 2 or more people pre-book so call soon if you are interested)

He's done it again......

When you have a spare half hour, check out this Tim Holtz video showcasing his new Stamp2Cut software for the Sizzix Eclips machine. I really didn't think I wanted or needed this machine, but Tim just changed my mind. Start saving your pennies folks...I'm going home to roll  change tonight LOL!

First Class of the Year

Here are the first 3 class cards for 2012. It feels really good to have them uploaded almost a week ahead of the first class. There are several dates available to take this class. Next week the class will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm and also on Wednesday morning at 10:30 am. If none of those dates work for you, the class will be repeated the following week on Wednesday January 25th at 10:30 am and also on Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6:30 as long as there are at least 2 people signed up. I will be asking everyone to sign up at least 3 days prior to attending a class. You can simply call or e-mail to let me know when you'd like to attend and I'll let you know if there is a space in that class. I'd also really appreciate as much notice as possible if you need to cancel for any reason. You'll need a stardust glitter gel pen, foam dots (dimensionals)and a glue pen, in addition to your regular tape for layering your card stock. I also used a Memento marker in Desert Sand and a red glitter gel pen and clear glaze pen on the cake card, and as the cake is cut out, you'll need some detail scissors, so if you have these items please bring them along too. I've had lots of new people asking about classes in the past week, so please be sure to book your class ASAP.

Resolutions.....

It's been a while since my last post and so much has happened in a relatively short time. After spending a lovely Christmas with family, my husband Steve became ill with what we thought was the flu. After a few days of fever, head and body aches, he developed a very scary looking rash and swelling of his lower leg and was admitted to hospital on new year's eve with a bacterial infection of unknown origin. He spent 5 days on IV antibiotics and has just received the OK to return to work. It could have been so much worse and I'm so thankful to have him home again. The day after Steve was admitted, I called my sister Joan in England to wish her a Happy New Year as I always do. After the usual chit-chat, I asked her how she was feeling, as she has been having some stomach problems since her visit here last October. She was pretty sure she was developing an ulcer, but a CT scan done just after Christmas showed that she has pancreatic cancer which has already spread to her liver and possibly her stomach. After the initial shock and many tears, I realized that I need to concentrate on how blessed I am to have been able to spend that special time with Joan and my other sister Pauline back in October before we knew about this; but all I want to do is jump on plane to be with her as she tries to cope with the prospect of only a few months left with her husband and children. I need to wait for her to decide when she wants me to visit, but I'm already wondering how on earth I will find the strength to leave her when it's time to return. I'm really sorry to be posting such depressing news at the start of a new year, but I can't just pretend that this is not happening, and at some point, as I mentioned in my newsletter, I will probably be closing the store for a couple of weeks to go over and see her. I'll keep you posted and would really appreciate any positive thoughts and/or prayers you are able to offer for Joan and her family.
I have two of the cards ready for our next class and will have photos of all three on here by tomorrow. I titled this post "Resolutions" because my main goal for 2012 was to have my card samples ready a week ahead of the scheduled class. It's strange how life has a habit of reminding us that we can plan as much as we like, but a single moment,(or phone call) can completely change our focus and make our plans seem so unimportant. Have a wonderful day and hug the ones you love as often as you can!