A Place in Time Happenings August 30, 2011

Good Afternoon All,

It's Thursday afternoon and after watching a good movie, I'm back at the store updating the blog. I would recommend seeing the movie "The Help". It's one of those movies that grabs you right from the start and never lets you go until the final credits. It's not an action movie, but about the good and bad that surrounds us. I think the acting is worthy of an academy award or two.

Labor Day Weekend is upon us once again (Sept 3rd - 5th). We have planned several events for you to be a participant. First is Priscilla's Make and Take, "Stamped Pockets" on Sunday (Sept. 4th 2-5pm). Second is Debbie West's "Flowers of Fancy" class on Monday (Sept. 5th 12-2:oo pm). You can see photos of both Priscilla's and Debbie's projects at the end of this paragraph. Join the fun. We will also have a super sale this weekend. We are going to call it a "WALL SALE". Yep, we're going to attempt to sell a whole wall - well, at least what's on the wall. Everything on the North Wall (excluding tools) will be 30% off. Among those items are flowers, ribbon, embellishments, rub-ons, stickers, bling, beads, origami paper, military paper and embellishments, and more -much more.

Speaking of Liquid Pearls, they're almost gone. I've never seen a product move so fast. There are a few left but I imagine they will be gone by this weekend. In a way that's good because it makes room for a new product we just received late yesterday from Tsukineko. Among the ink pads are a re-supply of Tuxedo Black and a new color called Golden Glitz - a spectacularly rich and radiant pigment ink. Also on the shelves will be "Fireworks" a new misting ink that has a sparkly and shimmery effect on both light and dark pages. The colors that we brought in are Dandelion, Tangelo, Lady Bug, Angel Pink, Danube Blue, Tuxedo Black, and London Fog. If your reaction to it is similar to the liquid pearls Priscilla will probably bring in the whole line.

Next in the store will be the new shipment from Sizzix. Among all the items that Priscilla has ordered will be some new embossing folders that are going to be sure winners. I can't wait to try them out. There are also numerous Eclips cartridges that are "Holiday" flavored. Yes the holidays are about to envelop us again. Christmas and Thanksgiving are my favorite times of the year. Our sale on the Eclips and the cartridges continues - It has proven to be a huge success. You can't beat a quality product and an extremely good price.

Lastly, the shipment from Sister Stamps arrived yesterday. It includes their 2nd release of new stamps. This series includes an image of a cute boy (Nobu), and 3 more girls (Ayako), (Miyono), and (Yoko). By agreement we can't release them until Sept. 1st. I think the "sisters" have done a fantastic job. Let me know what you think.

That's all for now. I'm sure I've forgotten something due to a popcorn hangover. If so I'll send out another blog soon. I also want to thank Sue for her suggestion that I include the store name in the blog title. That way people will know immediately who it's from and not just potential junk mail. Any other suggestions you might have will be well received.

See you tomorrow,

Bill

Happenings on August 24th 2011

Good Evening Everyone,

By now I'm sure you have all received the re-instated "A Place in Time" newsletter. We discovered that some of you actually thought we were no longer in business because the news letter stopped being delivered. Well that has been rectified. If your reading this and you aren't receiving it, you can e-mail me at bill@ptcraftshop.com and I'll add you to the list. The news letter will be delivered once a month (maybe twice) and will be different from the blog. I hope you will enjoy both.

First up tonight is a sample card that Sandra brought by the store to share with us. If you don't think the holidays are just around the corner - hold onto your hats. Sandra took our new "Tree Nuts and a Canoe" stencil and combined it with a Penny Black stamp to create a truly wonderful layered Christmas card. She uses water color to bring the various elements to life. I wish she had an extra sample for us to show in the store. Mahalo Sandra. We look forward to seeing your future creations.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, the Dreamweaver product line arrived at our store on Monday. What I didn't mention was that quite a few of the stencils are new to their product line beginning this month (August). Jungle Leaves, a Butterfly that embosses as well as debosses, the Kanji Hope, Gears, Landscapes, Cornucopia, a Maple Branch, a Christmas Tree, and a beautiful selection of words that reflect the true spirit of Christmas are on the shelves for you to enjoy. These are some her best stencils ever and will make great backgrounds. I can't wait to "play" with the "Gears" stencil. We didn't bring in all of Lynell's new stencils but I'll put together a catalog for those of you that would like to order them. To make it more easy on your pocket book, those of you that pre-order we'll give you a 10% discount - for those of you that have a discount card we'll do a 10% + 10% discount.

Well, it's getting late so I"ll keep this blog a short one.

See you tomorrow... please check my previous blogs for times of the upcoming classes.

UB

Happenings on August 23rd 2011

Good morning all,

I've got several things for your review today.

First up is Priscilla's Make and Take that is scheduled for Sunday Sept.4th (2-5pm). Our Make and Takes are usually held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. However, Priscilla leaves for the mainland on Tuesday the 6th, and we've rescheduled it to the first Sunday. Sometimes I wonder at the meaning of words. As an example, take the words genius and ingenious. What is the difference? Don't they both mean that someone is being described as being smart? Now, no husband is going to say that his wife is a genius, but if he's intelligent he will say that she is smarter than he is. Does that make the husband a genius or ingenious? I think the difference is shown in the person(s) who invented the computer and the paper clip. The person who invented the computer had to be extremely intelligent (genius), whereas the person who had the vision to see a piece of wire bent to a different shape had "street smarts" (ingenious). Not everyone can be a genius, but anyone can be ingenious - including you. Why am I boring you with all of this? Well, I think Priscilla's Make and Take is ingenious. She takes a plain old brown paper sack and makes it into a "way cool" mini album. Learn how to fold a sack, utilize some punches, stamps, and ink pads and you've created something that anybody would appreciate - both as a giver and as a receiver. It's the small gifts that we give to each other that we truly treasure. This can be one of those. She is also working on a modified version that is more challenging to offer as an future class.

Labor Day weekend is almost upon us and we are planning on making it special for you. There will be more details in the next blog. One of the things that will make the weekend special is that Debbie West will be teaching a class on Monday Sept. 5th (12:00-2:00pm) It is entitled "FLOWERS OF FANCY" Debbie uses a new product in our store - beautiful double-sided crepe paper. From this Debbie will show you how to construct artful flowers that can be turned into greeting cards, pins, party decorations, gift wrap, or as embellishments for your journals, books, and scrapbooking. The image in the center of the flowers has a "retro" look to me. The class is only $15.00 but we are setting a class minimum of 3 students. So give me a call and I'll sign you up and let you know what you need to bring. It would be a great way to spend a couple of hours having fun and enjoying the company of other crafters.

Fran Kawakami's class "A YEAR IN CARDS" - FRIENDSHIP is this coming Thursday (25th) from 6:30-8:30pm. There are still a couple seats left. Don't forget, discount card holders get an additonal 10% off of any purchase.

The shipment from Dreamweaver arrived late yesterday, so guess what I'll be doing on my day off (Tuesday). Yep...entering the items into the system, tagging them, and putting them out on to the floor. I've been waiting for this shipment to arrive so I can start doing some Halloween cards. I know, where has the year gone. We are also developing some new Halloween stencils.

Speaking of Dreamweaver, I want to once again mention that Lynell Harlow has classes scheduled for Spet. 14th and 15th. Please see my previous blogs for photos and details. I plan on taking the class involving a new metal technique. Come and join me.

Recently I rearranged things in the store in anticipation of the new arrivals that are happening almost daily. This morning I had an idea of having a "Wall Sale". Yep... I'm thinking of selling a Wall. But first I've got to speak with Priscilla - Ha - that's the "genius" in me. More to follow.

That's it for now...... see you tomorrow

UB

Happenings on August 21st 2011

Good morning all,

The Liquid Pearls are back in the store. Over the past several months this product from Ranger has been one of the most popular items in the store. Crafters have been enjoying the flexibility of the pearls and the additional detail that it adds to any project. There are 15 different colors and and the best part is that they are very affordable. I'll have them on the floor today (Sunday) if you have any interest.

A couple more things: First, please check my previous blog for the photos of Lynell Harlow's Dreamweaver class next month. Second, there are photos of Fran Kawakami's class next Thursday (Aug. 25th "A Year in Cards" - Friendship").

Last thing: Now that Priscilla's new computer is up and running, we have been able to recreate the data base for the newsletter. That means you will soon be receiving the newsletter again in addition to the blog.

Last..Last thing... I should have mentioned that we are restocked with the Scor-Pal and it's companion the Scor-Buddy.

Last...Last...Last thing. People have been calling regarding the pricing on the Eclipse machinge and the cartridges. The machine we are selling at a price less than you can but it on the internet and if you have our discount card you get an additional savings. The cartridges? They are are on sale also. If you buy the machine, you can choose as many cards as you with and you will save close to 40%. Already have the machine? We have a deal for you also. With our discount card you will save 10% on the 1st cartridge, 20% on the 2nd, and 30% on the 3rd.

That's all for now...... see you tomorrow

UB

Happenings on August 18th 2011

Good morning all,

I have two updates for you. First of all is Fran's next class in the series "A Year in Cards" - Friendship. Fran brought in the card samples and they are really superb. You know how some cards can create emotion? What Fran has done is to design a series of cards that just simply make you feel good. They are simple, yet elegant in character. In a couple of cards she takes a flower punch and by simply bending it in or out creates a flower that has depth and realism. It's way cool as the kids would say. Here are the photos for your review. The class in on August 25th at 6:30-8:30pm. The cost is $20.00 and the tools you will need to bring are your Basic Tool Kit, Glossy Accents, and Tweezers. Give me a call if you would like to be included in the class.

As most of you know, Lynell Harlow will be visiting our islands in September and her two classes are already 1/2 full. I promised you additional information as I received it, so here we go.

The first class September 14th (6:30-8:30pm): Lynell will teach a new technique she has developed combining her stencils and metal foil. This technique has a fabulous look and will give you one more way that you can use a stencil. I'm going to try and take this class myself. The tools you will need will be (2) - 1/4" stipple brushes, (2) - 1/2" stipple brushes, scissors for cutting metal, and a paper trimmer. The cost of the class is $35.00 and includes a free stencil.

The 2nd class is all about "Bling and Background" . It would be a perfect way to prepare for the upcoming holidays. Yep - Don't look now, but they are just around the corner. The tools that you will need to bring are (1) - 1/4" stipple brush, (1) - 1/8" stipple brush, and your paper trimmer. As in the other class, the cost is $35.00 and includes a free stencil.

Priscilla is bringing in a bunch of new products, but I'll save that for the next blog. Don't forget to take a look at the Eclips machine the next time your in the store. The prices are better than you can buy the machine on the internet. I've bundled the items together so you can get additional savings if you so choose. I've been told that Sizzix has joined forces with another company and you will soon be able to create your own designs .

That's all for now....... Got to open the store ....see you tomorrow.

UB

Happenings on August 12th 2011

Good morning everyone,

Well, the dog days of summer have arrived. Do you all know why it's called the "Dog Days"? I grew up thinking it had to do with the heat from the sun was the strongest at that time of the year. And accordingly, dogs being smarter than people, knew enough to get out of the sun. I remember our dog would dig a hole in the grass and crawl in because the earth was cooler there. The reality is that the "Dog Days" were named after a constellation (Canis Major) that became very prominent in the sky during that time of the year and Sirius was it's brightest star. Personally, I like my story of dogs being smarter than people.

Ok....back to more fun things. A reminder that Priscilla's free Make and Take is this coming Sunday (14th) from 2:00-5:00pm. Check my previous blog for a picture of the project. You will learn how to use the Bead Making template from Hot Off the Press. The beads are used to make the body of a butterfly. Using wire, a bit of adhesive, and a butterfly diecut you make what becomes a very nice gift bag.

Art has been busy back in Manufacturing. He has created a new stencil and with all apologies to the Portuguese in our community he has named it "Tree Nuts and a Canoe". We put it out on the floor yesterday and the response from the public has been positive. I also thought you might like to see a project that we just completed. It involves using the laser to diecut an invitation for an upcoming wedding. Perhaps it will give you an idea for a future project.

Fran Kawakami was in the store on Wednesday and she brought in some new 3 x 3 cards that are very cute and easy to make. The images are stickers and rub-ons from Imaginsce. We are also working on a template for Fran to use in upcoming class. The template is a coin holder that you can use in multiple ways.

I have a bit more information re: Lynell Harlow's classes in September (14th and 15th). Each class will be distinctly different in subject matter. The first class will employ the use of metal. I've mentioned that to people in the store and their eyes would light up. The second class will be about "Bling and Backgrounds". Lynell's classes are beginning to fill up, so if your interested please give me a call. I'm expecting some sample boards. I will share them with you when they arrive. The cost of her classes is $35.00 and includes a free stencil.

We have some new paper in the store for you to start using. It's card stock that ranges in weight from 65lb to 111lb. The colors are very neutral - some with specs of "light" in them. The cost you'll just love.

Also, Priscilla has brought rolls of Crepe Paper into the store. It's a heavier weight than the typical crepe paper. It's 29 1/2" wide and we are selling it by the yard. I think I will use it has a background for my card making, but it can be used in so many different ways.

The last thing that I have to share with you is - Have you ever heard a a web site called "FOODGAWKER". For people who like to cook or just look at the results of delicious recipes, this is the web site for you. I offer the following photo of Pam, Priscilla, and Debbie looking at the various offerings on my I-Pad. That's all I'm going to say. I may be in enough trouble anyway.

One last last thing.... Sizzix has changed the prices again on the Eclips. They've gone up. That's the bad news. The good news is that I'm going to offer something that I think you will want to take take advantage of. If you've been sitting on the fence, now is the time to get off of it. I'm not going to tell you what it is here. You have to come into the store.

That's all for today....... See you tomorrow

UB

Happenings on August 3nd 2011

Good morning all,

I have to correct an error on my previous bog (Aug. 2nd). The price on the Eclips machine is $229.99 (not $229.95). The Eclips cartridges are $24.99 (not $24.95). These prices are good until the 25th of August. I apologize for any confusion.

UB

Happenings on August 2nd 2011

Good evening all,

Ah!! The sweet smell of dirt. Do I have your attention? Most store blogs you go to are just trying to sell you stuff. My blog... I like to think it's one friend writing to another. Now back to the dirt. Every once in a while I loan my car to Priscilla. She uses it to take mom shopping. And most of the time it comes back "different". It comes back with a scent of perfume, or the mirrors need adjusting, the switches aren't in the same spot, my seat need to be moved. You know just a lot of different things. Now before you start rolling your eyes, I really don't mind all of this. Especially the last time she borrowed my car. I get up early to go to the store and open my car door and the sweet smell of dirt greets me. There are some things that are guy things and dirt is one of them. It's like gasoline, or turpentine, or Hoppy's #9. Priscilla and mom went shopping for plants and bags of topsoil. For the last five days I've been in heaven, driving around with the wonderful scent of dirt and all the additives that are mixed with it. I felt I was back in construction.

Ok, back to some items that relate to the store and might be of more interest to you. First up -we are once again sold out of the Eclips Die Cutting Machine from Sizzix. We are now in the process of pre-selling it until the next shipment arrives. The big news is that you can pre-order it for $229.95. We also have the cartridges on sale at $24.95 each. The Eclips, as I've mentioned before is a great machine. It makes the fine intricate cuts that it's competition can't match. There are on-line stores that are selling now, but you'll get it a lot quicker through us and we can show you how to use it. Stay local if you can.

I mentioned a few months ago that Lynell Harlow (Drweamweaver Stencils) will be visiting family and friends in the islands during the month of September. Lynell has come up with a new Stenciling Technique that she will be teaching in 2 classes at our store. If your interested, save Wednesday the 14th or Thursday the 15th and give me a call if you want to sign up. I don't have the cost yet or any samples. I'll post that information as soon as I find out. The classes will be from 6:30-8:30pm.

Fran has scheduled another class for Thursday August 11th 6:30-8:30pm. The name of the class is "Mini Card and Tote". Your going to have to come in and see the samples (yep! she got them to me early). The "tote bag" is really cute and blends the use of embossing folders and punches. You will find multiple uses as a gift bag or party favor. And the mini cards are the perfect accent. The ladies taking this class are going to have a lot of fun. The fee for the class will be $20.00 and I have a list of what you need to bring at the store. Check out the photo below. It doesn't show the degree of details that has gone into developing the Mini Cards and Tote.

Priscilla has also made her sample for the Second Sunday "Make and Take" this month. It's a gift bag with a butterfly as an embellishment. What makes this embellishment rather innovative is that Priscilla uses the Bead Template from Hot Off the Press to make the body of the butterfly. Added to that are some twisted pieces of wire and you have a butterfly that is unique and really "cool" looking. Reserve some time for Sunday August 14th 2:00-5:00 and come in and share the fun. It's FREE, although we do ask - if you can donate a dollar to the "FoodBank" bucket.

Lets see- Next up is some exciting news. The Sister Stamps that everyone is enjoying and talking about are about to have some new "brother" and "sisters" to join the first edition. Release #2 is scheduled for September 1, 2011. For those of you that are interested, we are allowed to pre-sell them, but we can't distribute them until the release date. That's the agreement all the stores have made. If you are interested in reserving one or more just let me know. Any paid pre-order will receive a 10% discount. If you have our discount card we'll give you 10% + 10% on a pre-sale.

Lastly, I've got a couple of samples for you of our Palm Moon stencil. Priscilla's sample uses one of the Greeting Farm stamps and is intended as thank you cards to her "kids". Mine is a bit simpler. I used white embossing paste, stipple brushes and stamping ink for color, and a few rub-ons that have gone un-noticed in the store.

The last sample is another stamp from Greeting Farm. I used the Copic Pens for color. Now a lot of people have told me stamping is hard. If your blending and shading and adding shadows, it can become challenging. But if you do it like I do, it's no different than coloring a children's coloring book. All you have to do is stay in the lines. If I can do it anybody can. I don't think it looks bad and it opens the door for other challenges if you want to "play" with the pens. Practice on xerox paper first - that's what Priscilla and I do.

That's all for now... see you tomorrow.... and if you want to make your husband happy - go buy some dirt. Ha!

UB