WAS THAT REALLY US???

So, we had a big day in our store. Channel 3 called yesterday and asked if they could do some spots "LIVE" (that's a key word) in Mystic Paper and the Antique Mall. Somehow "LIVE" wasn't an issue over the phone. Calm, cool, and collected Jennifer and I spruced up the store, made plans with our teaching team, and ran through (in our minds) just how we thought it would go. No problem! Wake up at 5:00 am, be at the store by 6:30 ready for live TV. WHATEVER!!! Just watching how Erika Williams and her cameraman Rudy set up and fly by the seat of their pants is enough to send me right into panic mode. Then the countdown begins, "20 seconds, we're going live". PANIC. That's the end of my TV career. Did you see how calm Jennifer and Ellen were? I am destined to stay behind the computer and never venture out and that's just fine with me! Here's some pictures from the mornings events.

Here's a picture of the entire group. A huge thanks to all of you that got out of bed so early to come and share the morning with us! You guys are the best!

Now on to more store news. Jennifer Wagner's second version of her A to Z class starts this Saturday and there are still a couple of spots left. The class will finish up on the next Saturday. Don't miss out on this one. You will learn at least 26 new techniques to dress up your pages with different faux techniques. Here are a few pictures of the book and you can now log on to Jennifer Wagner's new blog at www.jwag.blogspot.com and see more pictures of her book and more of her upcoming classes.

Check out the web site for our other teachers upcoming classes. We have some awsome Fall and Thanksgiving classes and we are getting ready to post our Fa la la la la Fest pictures soon. Keep watching for that. Our teachers have out done themselves!

More Beautiful Examples of Upcoming Classes

I'm back, just as promised to bring you more pictures of upcoming classes. Both of these are coming up in November and will be on the web site soon. So, here's your sneak preview!
On Wednesday, November 8 you can join Judy Bidwell to make this gorgeous Autumn book. Don't you just love the fall colors in the new Daisy D paper? So inspiring!!

On Saturday November, 11 you can join Jennifer Wagner to continue with the Fall theme and create a journal for Thanksgiving that will not only allow you to have everyone write what they are thankful for, it also leaves room to add that perfect Thanksgiving photo of the special people you share the day with. What more could you ask for!

So, what do you think of getting to see upcoming class on the blog before they go to the web site. I know it's helpful for us since Jennifer has such limited time to spend doing the technical work that I cannot do. But this will at least get you started.

CHANGE IS GOOD - huh?

So, the blog is going to change which is good right? I know that I will definitely be better about posting because I am going to use the blog to let everyone know about upcoming classes and events in the store. I am also going to post pictures of our class samples just to entice you! Let's get started!

On Thursday October 19th Jennifer Wagner is teaching her Goulish Greetings Class.
And if you know Jennifer, you'll be learning techniques not just making cards!










There's one more super cute card, but again, picture issues. But you will be making
four items. Three cards and the little goodie bag full of candy corn is a perfect little gift!

Have you seen the bags of Forgotten Treasures that Ellen puts together and wondered what you would do with all of those cute little things? Well, on Saturday, October 21, she will help you create your own vintage book using all of them and more. She is actually setting up a Flea Market where you can pick items to go with your pictures. No two books will be alike which makes it even better! They will be as unique as you and your family! There are only a couple of spots left for this one.









Here's a hint...if you want to take this next class you better be quick to call. This is Jennifer Wagner's second A 2 Z class. You will learn 26 more ways to dress up your pages, monograms, books...whatever it is she has a faux technique that will make it even better! For those of you that took the first class we have made a few changes. Each class is limited to 8 students and the class will be held in 2 segments a week apart.










This is the ULTIMATE Technique class!!!
Well, I think this is enough for one blog. Tomorrow I'll be adding our upcoming November classes and a preview of our Fa la la la la Fest!
Let me know what you think and call if you have any questions about the classes!

We're home! Happy and sad. But, before I get into that I have to do some bragging. Have you heard of the Phoenix New Times Best Of 2006? Mystic Paper was chosen as the best Scrapbook store of 2006!!! How cool is that? Here's the link so you can check it out yourself. http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/bestof/award.php?oid=oid:197021§ion=oid:24274&year=2006
Our son-in-law is definitely on his way to Iraq. I guess you always hold on to that last shred of hope that maybe someone can bring this war to an end. Didn't happen. It was good to spend time with them, but sad knowing that for at least one year he will be in constant danger and Cristine will be at home by herself raising two boys. I think that means that Grandma will have to make lots of trips to Colorado don't you?

We had a blast junking our way around Nebraska. Needless to say we came home looking like a bunch of hillbillies. The chicken coops were tied to the top because the entire van was completely full! Boy did we get some looks on the way home. Plus, we were driving a rental van that had New Jersey plates on it. Jersey hillbillies, somehow that just doesn't sound right! Needless to say, Rick is very happy with his found treasures!

The scenery and weather was fantastic except for the freezing rain we had the first day. Did I have on the right clothes to be junking in a freezing rain? Heck no! How can you leave 100 degree weather and be prepared for freezing. Cold yes, freezing no! I am way too acclimated to the desert. I know this doesn't look like freezing rain, but it was!






Besides this one day it was gorgeous. From what I saw of Nebraska it's a beautiful state.
So, all in all it was a nice vacation. And here's the best part...

Dylan and Mason all snuggled up with Grandpa!

O.K. first things first...I don't know what I was thinking (or not thinking) last night when I posted the pictures of the ITF'S. We have five not four. So here is number five. Life's travels. There are more pictures in the previous blogs (just a little confusing) to figure out which one is which. But, don't let that stop you from voting!!!









Well this isn't the picture I wanted to post but, since you all know I don't know how to remove them once they're there we're pretty much stuck with it. This is our new sign for the store. Can't miss us now. I think it's the biggest sign on the street. This is dear husband and brother-in-law hard at work. Tall ladders make me nervous and look at him in this next photo. Totally freaking me out!!! Here is the finished project. Again, photo issues....whatever! Leaving for Colorado tomorrow. Who knows, maybe I'll blog from there!

O.K. Here is one photo of all four ITF's. Maybe this will make more sense! To see more photos of each entry scroll down through the next two postings. This picture thing is going to get the best of me. They still go where they want but at least all four are in one place.

Jennifer's mom made it through surgery and seems to be doing good. I am still leaving on Wednesday but all of the classes that are scheduled for evenings from 6 - 9 pm are covered. Nothing is being cancelled.

So vote, vote, vote! Please!!! It's been fun getting the e-mails with your votes. But you can call, or post on the blog, or come in to the store!

Thanks!!

Life's Travels











Travel Journal

So, there you have it! Our four entries. Gorgeous huh? Please remember to vote.

And I guess I answered my own question. You can only load so many pictures on the blog. That is, until Susan Keuter gives me some blog know how. Also, just a couple more things....Jennifer's mom is in the hospital having open heart surgery today. Thoughts and prayers are gratefully accepted. I am leaving for Colorado on Wednesday to see my daughter and son-in-law who is being sent back to Iraq for a year at the end of this month. Again, thoughts and prayers gratefully accepted. I am telling you this because it may have an affect on the stores hours. Hopefully not, but we may need to close around 5 or 6 for a few days. We hope this doesn't cause any inconvenience.

Now, on to other fun things. We had a visit from 3 super funny women from Oregon Friday evening. They call themselves the "Snip-its" because that's what they do. They visit as many stores as they can and judge them based on customer service, product, display, etc. Then they post snip-its (where I don't know) about how they either loved, liked, or didn't like the store. I'm sure we're in the love category! They were a blast. Thanks Cindy, Laurie (the dramatic one), and Cathy for coming in.

So, that's it for this ultra long blog fest. Just remember, VOTE!!!!!

As promised (just a little late) here are the photos of our ITF's for this month. Please e-mail, call, comment on the blog, anything, just VOTE! Better yet, come into the store and see these gorgeous entries in person. Vote using the name of the project you think is best. The contestants all purchased the same page kit and then added their own creative touch to get the finished project.
Passport To Yesterday

Family Reunion

Road Trip

O.K. I have run into technical difficulties uploading the pictures. Maybe the Blog only has so much room for photos. The rest of the pictures will be on the next blog right after this one! Susan Keuter HELP!!