Happenings at A Place in Time on January 12, 2012

Good Evening Everyone,

Fran was in the store yesterday (Wednesday) and said the samples for her January 25th "A Year in Cards" class would be available on Thursday. I can't wait to see what she has has designed. I'll include them in my Blog on Friday. I also have to correct an error in my last Blog. The class time will be from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.  NOT 7-9pm.

As many of you know, Tuesday is the one day our store is closed. Although we still may be "working", Priscilla and I try to sneak in some "fun time". This past Tuesday we decided to see a movie ("Hugo"). The movie turned out to be better than I had anticipated. My purpose in mentioning this is not to promote a movie. This all about the theater and the people who make you feel like family. Several years ago, the theater(s) at the Enchanted Lake Shopping Center closed. They have now reopened under the new name - Water Garden - Keolu 4. The theater has been tastefully refurbished and reminds me of the theatres that I went to before the mega-plex existed. This is what I call "intimate" viewing because the theater we were in seated 104 people. Ha! As a former builder I can't go anywhere without checking the details. The cup holders are in a different location, there are no previews of coming attractions, and even better - no advertisements. So don't be late, the movie starts on time. Priscilla and I had the pleasure of meeting Scott Daniels (owner) and his pleasant staff of workers. Scott was busy checking the carpet to see if it was properly laid. It was! His staff confirmed that the theater is family oriented. "You will never see an "R" rated movie here", they said. It gets even better. The cost for a family to see a movie is very reasonable. Tickets for Priscilla and I, plus a shared drink and popcorn cost us $15.00. It's a great value. I highly recommend the Water Garden the next time you want to see a movie. And spread the word - "family values" should be promoted.

The die-cuts from Memory Box are being very well received. In just 4 days, several of the designs have sold out. Many of you have asked if Priscilla will be re-ordering them. The answer is Yes. If you were in the store and found that a particular design was unavailable you can pre-order it. I'm sure that many of the people who will be in the store this weekend will want to be on the list. Give me a call if I can help.

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

Bill
A Place in Time
48 Maluniu Avenue
Kailua, HI  96734
1-808-261-2882

Happenings at A Place in Time on January 8, 2012

Good Morning Everyone,

It's Sunday morning and Priscilla is making the final elements for her free "Make and Take It" this afternoon. You will be making a wonderfully elegant Valentine's Day card that will more than satisfy your creative juices. In making the sample, Priscilla uses the "La Rue Heart" and the "Heart Canopy" diecuts from Memory Box, and a heart design she found on the Eclips Machine. I guarantee you will have a lot of fun making this card. There are more elements to this card that I'm not showing you. I have to leave some surprises for you.

"La Rue Heart" diecut, "Grand Heart" diecut, and "Heart Canopy" diecut   - all by Memory Box

Manufacturing has been very busy in the early days of January. We've been involved in engraving trophies for a local dog show, glassware for 1st Battalion 3rd Marines, name tags for the Four Seasons Hualalai, and numerous stencils and stamps. Most recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Johnnie who works with lighting crew on the Hawaii 5-0 television series. They are responsible for providing the fantastic visual images of Hawaii that we see on the show. Johnnie's project for us was to engrave knife handles for each of the crew. Art did a great job and Johnnie has promised to spread the word. I expect McGarrett to show up any day now. Can I call you for "bail"?

Fran's 1st class of the year will be on January 25th - 7:00 to 9:00pm. The cost is $20.00 and you will need to bring your Basic Tool Kit. You will be making 4-5 cards that have the theme of "Love". I should have samples sometime next week.

Other classes that are in the planning stages are being designed by Debbie West and my Priscilla. Stay tuned and I will keep you informed.

"Twiggy Tree" Memory Box diecut and A Place in Time "Falling Hearts" stencil

"Canopy of Hearts" and "Twiggy Tree" Memory Box diecuts

The last thing that I have for you is a series of cards using different diecuts from Memory Box. I used to do a lot of woodworking projects. I liked to think it was 80% talent on my part and 20% the tools that I used. Now, I think it's just the opposite. Acquire the right tool and anybody can make these cards. Memory Box has done a fantastic job in providing numerous designs for your use. The timing is especially good with Valentine's Day just around the corner. The truth is that these designs can be used for many occasions during the coming year. Come in to the store and take a look - I think you will like what you see. Oh yes - Memory Box has made them very affordable also.

"Vivienne Butterfly" Memory Box diecut and "Dreamweaver" stencil

"Cherish Border" Memory Box diecut and  A Place in Time "Falling Hearts" stencil

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

Bill
A Place in Time
48 Maluniu Avenue
Kailua, Hawaii
1-808-261-2882

Happenings at A Place in Time January 5, 2012

Good Evening Everyone,

Happy New Year!!! Most people start out the new year with a day off and watching a bowl game or two. You relax and enjoy the last of a 3 day weekend. For us at A Place in Time it's the day we do "Inventory". Priscilla and I want to thank all of the volunteers who helped us with this task. They did a fantastic job. Without their help we would still be counting product. Mae, Char, Pam, Debbie, Mollie, Jenny, Wayna, and Art - I can't thank you enough for giving up a day of rest to help us out. The photos posted below show the "crew" taking a lunch break. Pam is shown counting ribbon before joining the others.

We've been asked about classes and they are being planned as I am writing the Blog. I don't have samples yet, but Priscilla will be continuing her 2nd Sunday Make and Take It on January 8th. It will be from 2pm  to 5pm and it is "Free" for anyone who wants to participate. We do ask, if you can, please make a donation to our basket for the Food Bank. No tools are required, just bring a smile and enjoy the fun. I think Priscilla   mentioned doing something relating to Valentine's Day.

Fran Kawakami has been back in the store selecting papers and embellishments for her "A Year in Cards" class on January 25th. The class is from 7pm - 9pm and the fee is $20.00. The only tools that you will need to bring will be a "Basic Tool Kit". Fran has decided to try Wednesday nights this year - perhaps it will provide a better opportunity for more people to participate. Fran always does a great job and for those of you that haven't taken one of her classes - you will learn something new and have a lot of fun in the process. I'll post the samples as soon as Fran brings them in to the store. Oh! The subject of the first class will be "LOVE".

The first arrival of new product for this new year arrived on Tuesday. People who came into the store and saw it spread out on the table wanted it "Now". I really had to scramble to enter the bar codes into the computer. When Priscilla started opening the box, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. We have ordered from Memory Box before. Many of you have added their two sided papers to your collection. Now we have their die-cuts on our shelves. You will not believe your eyes when you see the designs that are available. A cornucopia of hearts, butterflies, trees, borders, scrolls, etc. There are 22 designs to choose from. Good luck in trying to decide which ones you will want. I think this product line will be as popular as the Liquid Pearls and Embossing Folders. Memory Box has designed their die-cuts to be used on The Big Shot and most other die cutting machines. I should mention that you won't believe the pricing either. I've included a couple of photos for you to review. In the next few days I'll be making more samples. It's really easy and the results are fantastic. Come into the store and judge for yourself.

That's all for now. It's going to be an exciting 2012.......I'll see you tomorrow......

Bill
A Place in Time
48Maluniu Avenue
Kailua, HI. 96734
1-808-261-2882

Happenings from A Place in Time on Dec. 31, 2011

Happy New Year! Everyone is asking "where has the year gone"? All I know is that I've got to take the Christmas decorations down and prepare for our annual inventory on monday. Fortunately, we are blessed to have several "volunteers" to help us. As you might guess, we will be closed on Monday, January 2nd to conduct the inventory.

As I look back on the past year, I thank God for the opportunity to live in beautiful Kailua and to have Priscilla at my side. We have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful and talented people from all over the world. Each day contains it's own blessings and the opportunity to help people. In a little over a month we will be celebrating our 7th anniversary. Wow! We have gone through a very difficult economic time, but with the Lord's help we are still here to assist you. I am very thankful to each and everyone of you for your business and the friendship you've extend to Priscilla and I. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Stay tuned for new classes, new ideas, and a whole lot of fun. It's the Year of the Dragon. I have to be careful...Priscilla was born in the Year of the Dragon. Me? I'm just an old rooster.

See you tomorrow....

Bill
A Place in Time
48 Maluniu Avenue
Kailua, HI 96734
808-261-2882


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Happenings at A Place in Time on December 19, 2011

Good Morning Everyone,

Well, Christmas is almost upon us. It seems to arrive faster each year. I guess that's a sign that I'm getting older. The store is decorated, the Christmas carols are providing a soft background, I'm feeling nostalgic for for a chill in the air. It almost doesn't "feel" like Christmas yet. Perhaps it's because we run a retail business and the days are just too full of taking care of business. I think I need a vacation. Ha!

First up today are a couple of photos that I want to share with you. People come into our store, some visit periodically, while others may drop in to say hi a couple times a week. I see them as friends and am always pleasantly surprised at how truly talented they really are. There are days when customers come into the store and show me a sample of what they have created. At that point I am truly "blown away" by their creativity. Recently, Maude brought in her latest project and I just had to to share it with you. It's an example of what I call simple elegance. It's also something that I believe each and everyone of you is capable of doing. Thank you Maude for sharing.

The next example I have to share with you is an experiment using the new air brush tool and the application of translucent embossing paste. I have to laugh at myself for the thoughts I had as I first gazed upon the fish just after the paste had been applied to the stencil. I thought the fish looked like it had died and was decomposing. Ha! What little I know. Priscilla said " just wait and let the paste dry - the color will show through the paste." As usual she was right. I came into the store the next morning and the image had transformed into something really beautiful. The combination of the embossing paste and the alcohol ink in the Copic Pens gives the fish a depth of dramatic colors. You will have to compare it to other images we have done. Try it yourself and you will be amazed - I promise. As easy as using the "Big Shot". Everyone trying the air brush for the first time has been pleased with the outcome.

We had an arrival last Friday from Graphic 45. At your request, Priscilla brought this line of paper into the store a couple of months ago. It was an instant favorite of both the card maker and scrapbooker. This time, Priscilla chose their Tropical Travelogue Collection. You are going to love it. The paper is two sided and the colors are fantastic. It looks like Graphic 45 took images of Hawaii and placed it on their paper. Some of the paper even has a vintage appearance of "Old Hawaii". Visitors are always asking for paper that reflects the beauty of our islands. This will more than satisfy them. In addition to the 12x12 paper there is an 8x8 pad of paper. If you are a stamper you will enjoy the images offered in the two travelogue stamp sets. Rounding out the product line are chipboard stickers, chipboard flowers, and bronzed metal flowers. Any of these accessories would provide the perfect accent to any card or scrapbook page.

Soon to arrive in the store will be a shipment from Sizzix. Your response to our current sale has been well received. We have the best packaged prices on the island for the Eclips and Big Shot and the sale will run through the end of December. Be sure and take advantage of the fantastic sale price on the eCAL software for the Eclips machine. Right now you can get it for $29.99. As of January 1st the price will go up to $79.99.

We are starting to make plans for the new year with new classes that you can look forward to taking. Jan Kruger came into the store on Thursday and will be staying in the islands for several months. Many of you took classes from he earlier this year. I'm sure Priscilla and Jan will be planning something for the near future. Also, Fran Kawakami will be starting her bi-monthly classes beginning in January. Stay tuned and I'll keep you informed.

That's all for now. If we don't see you, Priscilla and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. See you tomorrow....

Bill
A Place in Time
48 Maluniu Ave
Kailua, HI 96734
808-261-2882

Happenings at A Place in Time on December 11, 2011

Good Morning Everyone,

It's December 11th and the days are moving all too quickly. Before I get into the details of the blog, I wanted to thank you, our valued customers, who have supported us with your time and talent this past year. It's been almost 7 years since we opened our store. Your friendship and trust are the foundation that this store is built upon. Without your continued patronage we wouldn't be here to assist you. We are very blessed indeed.

Shopping during the holiday season can be a stressful time. What do I get for that special friend or family member who is a crafter? One solution we offer is A Place in Time Gift Certificates. It's a great gift and to help you save some money we have a special offer for you. Buy a Gift Certificate for $20.00 or more and receive a 10% discount on the purchase price of the Gift Certificate. You will save money and the receiver of the gift will be delighted.

You will find other Store Specials for this Holiday Season at the end of this blog.

Special Event: Get Acquainted with your Eclipse Machine: Saturday, December 17th (2-4pm). Priscilla will lead you on a tour of your Eclips Machine. This is a Free hands-on session that will familiarize you with the best electric cutting machine on the market. Tools to bring with you: Your Eclips machine, Eclips cartridges, Ec;ips tools, paper, and a basic tool kit. Priscilla has offered this before and it's always been a fun time to share your knowledge. The session is limited to 6 people. If your interested, please give me a call so I can sign you up.

As I promised in my previous blog, I've included the results of using the new tool we have in the store. It combines the use of Copic Pens, Dreamweaver Stencils, and the Airbrush Compressor System. The "Merry Christmas" and the "Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (fish) we're done by Carol and Bill. It was the first time for both of us. Art says "it's easy to do". Come into the store for a quick demo and you will prove it to yourself. We have new arrivals in the store to use as potential "stocking stuffer". Fiskar's top of the line paper trimmer is back on the shelves. What makes it unique is a fine wire that guides you in making straight cuts. A variety of adhesives are now available also. New in the store is the quick dry liquid glue from "Scotch". It has a very fine tip for detail work. Also you will find an abundant supply of Glue Dots in the 1/8", 3/16", and 1/2" sizes. For you stampers, Priscilla brought back Fiskar's "Stamp Press". This will allow you to stamp multiple images at the same time.

As I've said before, I never know what each day will bring when we open the doors. Last Friday, Yoko Imai and her daughter visited our store. Yoko is visiting from Tokyo and heard about our store from friends living in Japan. We had a great time discussing techniques and demonstrating some of the items that she had not seen before. It is our store policy that customers can take pictures of any of our samples. I try to exclude myself from from any photos, but Yoko would not take no for an answer. She is excited to include us in her blog. Imagine that, our store will be blogged to crafters in Japan. I visited Yoko's blog and it's very nicely done. There's a feature that will convert Japanese into English. If you would like to visit her blog, go to cre8cropclub@blogspot.com. I think you will enjoy it. I am including a photo of Yoko and her daughter - may she have a safe trip home to Japan and we look forward to her next visit to our islands.

On Saturday I decided to create several easy to make Christmas cards. I call them my "10 minute cards", it shouldn't take you any longer than that to make them. I showed them to Grace and she said "well I don't know.......". Now if your watching TV, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted they may take a little longer. The major ingredients in the cards are the Dazzles Peel & Stick sheets from Hot Off The Press. I chose papers from Grafix, Little Yellow Bicycle, Memory Box, Bazzil, and Basic Grey. People in the store today enjoyed their simplicity. Many of them were going to try it for themselves.

Today was our 2nd Sunday Make & Take Day. Priscilla had a full house and they all had fun making "Frosty's Diorama. I think part of it's charm was that people remember making diorama's as a project in grade school. I wish I had thought to take a picture or two. Individuals also had the opportunity to try out our newest tool - an airbrush compressor with the Copic Pens. This is not the big, noisy, tool that you might find in your garage. It's extremely quiet and doesn't take up any more room than a toaster. And the results? It's fantastic and it gives you another technique to use for your stencil collection. The fact that we have it as a special sale item makes it even more enticing.

Now for the store specials I promised you:

1. We have the Eclips Machine on sale: Purchase the Eclips and we'll give you your choice of a free cartridge. I think you will find this to be the best value on the island. (excludes the eCAL software cartridge).

2. Purchase the eCAL software before Dec. 31st for $29.99. As of Jan. 1st the price will go up to $79.99. This software offers the Eclips owner a wide variety of options that are too numerous to list in the blog. I have made copies of its enhanced features and they are available to you in the store.

3. Purchase the best selling tool in the store: The "Big Shot" from Sizzix for $69.95. As a bonus you can choose any A Place in Time custom stencils as a free gift.

4. All Ellison or Sizzix diecuts for the Big Shot are 30% off. (excludes Tim Holtz).

5. All Disney and Sesame Street embellishments are 30% off.

All sale items are limited to stock on hand and is not valid with any other offers. The Eclips machine and the eCAL software is available to you at the special pricing as pre-orders through Dec 31st.

That's all for now. See you tomorrow.

Bill

A Place in Time

48 Maluniu Ave

Kailua, HI 96734

808-261-2882

Happenings at A Place in Time on December 5, 2011

Good Evening Everyone,

I love this time of the year. Decorating the store is like revisiting old friends that you haven't seen for a whole year. I'm sitting here with Christmas carols echoing a time that is both new and old. It is easy to become nostalgic as I think to Christmas's past. It was a magical time for my brother and I. Now I am old, but the magic is still there. Memories will do that for you.

The ladies that took Priscilla's Stenciling Techniques class yesterday had so much fun that the class ended up being a 4 hour class in lieu of the scheduled 2 hours. It was a first time for several of them on some of the stencil applications. I would wander from my desk and look over their shoulders to see how they were doing. I have to say that they all did great. I know they will continue to practice and maybe they will bring a sample or two that I can use in the blog. I could kick myself for not taking a couple of pictures

Next up for Priscilla is the 2nd Sunday Make and Take on Dec. 11th (2-5pm). I've had "Frosty's Diorama on display for a week now. Hopefully, people will be able to break away from their holiday schedule to have fun with this project. For those of you that may be new to the store, the Make and Take is free and you don't have to bring anything except a smile. We do ask, if you can, donate a dollar to the basket for the Food Bank. If you have any questions please give me a call. I'll repeat the photo of Frosty's Diorama so you don't have to search for it in a previous blog.

One of the elements in Frosty's Diorama is the use of Copic Pens to provide the color for the Sister's Stamp. Here is where I get to tell you about a new tool we have in the store. It's an Airbrush Compressor that you can use with the Copic Pens. And it makes blending colors very easy. Wow! I haven't been this excited about a tool in a long time. Art Hiu, our engraving master, has volunteered on several occasions to show how it works. Ladies who have never used a compressor before are amazed at what they are doing on the very first try. Art says "it's almost impossible to make a mistake". The Copic Pens "snap" into a pen holder and all you do is push a button that sprays the ink from the pen to the stencil of your choice. The result is a dramatic blending of colors. I've included a sample of the "Rooster" for your review. Until further notice, we are offering the spray gun as a free gift to anyone purchasing the airbrush compressor. The free spray gun, along with the use of your discount card, results in a $90 plus savings. We are taking pre-orders now. The first airbrush compressor lasted almost a full day in the store before it was purchased. Can you guess who bought it? It was a guy!!!! To my knowledge he had never held a Copic Pen before and his "rooster" was elegantly regal. The question is "will he share it with Melanie"? Ha! Come into the store for your own free demo.

Another Ellison ordered arrived today and the shelves have been restocked with the Eclips machine, cartridges, and various tools. The popular Card Fronts cartridge is once again available. Don't forget to take advantage of the special pricing on the new eCAL software for the Eclips Machine. The response has been very good and please let me know if you want to be included. Right now the price is $29.99 on pre-orders. After the first of the year the price goes up to $79.99.

Priscilla has more product on the way and I'll let you know when it arrives. That's all for now - I hear the dinner bell ringing.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Bill

A Place in Time

48 Maluniu Ave.

Kailua, HI 96734

808-261-2882