Thursday, December 29, 2011

Well, so much for keeping up!  I do hope that the holidays have been filled with joy and peace for you and yours.  We found that Christmas came up rather quickly this year. Seems like it was just the beginning of the school year and now it's nearly 2012. 

Though the time has passed quickly, this is the first year in forever that I got my Christmas cards out before Christmas they were, however, last years cards that I never got too.  I found myself making presents and even still finishing some of them.  I found out that the 12 days of Christmas actually started on Christmas day this year so I figure that I still have some time.  In fact, I gave two more done gifts out yesterday.  I made a lot of cards this year and I really enjoyed it.  I had purchased some great stamps ie, Kiss My Tiarra, Wine gets better with age, and we get better with wine...  for example.  It was great fun to give them away because the receivers really enjoyed them.  Oh, and for my sister who is very different from me, I made cards with ducks in helmets that said Ducks Unintimidated for all of her hunting friends.  I used the Karen Foster hunting papers for those and they really turned out well.  I have really been knitting this year so I was able to give out fingerless or texting gloves, socks, a beautiful wrap in purple for one of my daughters.  Also, sewinging so everyone got pillowcases and the little girls got doll clothes.  I even had my granddaughters come over and make lotion for the ladies and the family and popcorn bowls for the men so they too had gifts to give. 

So when I look back and reflect, I need to remember all that I have finished and accomplished during this past year.  I look forward to the upcoming year with some changes in my life for the better.  I will write about those after the first of the year to keep you up-to-date.  Stay safe and warm and we'll talk later.

Bigs hugs and kisses to you all,

Cheryl

 

Monday, October 31, 2011

Look, two postings in the same month!!  Quilt Market ended today and I will tell you my body can tell that I have been standing for the last several days.  We get the day off tomorrow and then back to work at the Houston Quilt Festival which I hear is utter chaos.  It's hard to imagine what will be going on when those doors open for business.   

Today I was able to spend some time with my scrapbook vendors.  I found out that there is fabric by My Mind's Eye, Bella Blvd., Doodlebug, Sweetwater, Basic Grey and Carolees Creations (now known as Adorn It).  I guess I'm not the only one looking at my niche (where I belong now that I don't have my storefront anymore).  I think I have spent the last year mourning the loss of a building, yes I think that sounds weird too but remember, that was my life for 14 years.  Now, I am really ready to press forward and see what life has in store for me.  I have been busy toying with lots of ideas but who knows.   I'll let you know when I figure that out :-)  

Talk to you soon,

Cheryl

 

Friday, October 29, 2011

I must have something about Fridays since it looks like that's when I seem to get around to posting.  Currently I am in Houston at the International Quilt Market helping a friend in her booth.  It's a bit odd being on the other side of the show since I am showing store owners products.  I was a fill-in since her husband wasn't able to go (can't say I was too sad about that!).  Anyway, I will end up being here nearly two weeks since after the Market there is a Quilt Festival which is for consumers.  I guess last year there were 55,000 attendees, and yes, I got that number right.  Being the quilting fan that I am I can hardly stand not being able to walk the floor so everytime I have to go to the bathroom, run an errand or whatever I trek down a different aisle to see what I can see.  It's been fun to see some of my scrapbooking companies here and have them give me that look like "I know you but this isn't the correct show".  Some companies that are here are Basic Grey, Imaginisce, Crafter's Workshop, and Sweetwater to name a few.  Keep you posted on my trip:)!

Okay now down to business, scrapbooking business that is.  I was reading the book "Have a little faith" by Mitch Albom last weekend and two men were talking about how you live on after you die by the memories that are made.  There was an actual dialogue that I would put in here but I'm not home.  So here's the gist of the conversation.  One was commenting that when you make memories that are told again and again your descendents will know you.  Your name will come up and you will be connected as a family.  I was connecting this to why we scrapbook.  Most of us do scrapbook so that our children and their children will remember the fun times we have had.  So, how many of us have old photos of family members only to find out no one labeled or dated them and there isn't anyone around that can help figure out who these photos have in them?  I know many of you hate journaling but think about the previous statement.  I personally want to remember my fun times and I want others who were either involved or those that want to know me when I am no longer around to get the opportnity.  I hope you always journal or at least give the who, what, where, when and why of the photos.  I find there are lots of details that can get lost if we aren't careful so because of that book I have been reminded about journaling and will make a better attempt and getting this done even if it starts as a sticky note on a blank page.

 

Friday, July 22, 2011

Let's talk CHA and Chicago okay?  As many of you already know, Chicago and I don't get along well.  Luckily, I only had problems going there.  They canceled my morning flight and said they could only get me on a flight that left Denver at 8:30 pm arriving at midnight.  I decided to go to the airport to see if I could get on standby.  Finally, I got on a flight that was supposed to leave at 4:10 and finally left at 5:30 but I did get there.  If any of you have experienced the midwest in the summer, much less one that is having the hottest weather ever, you know about humidity.  You know that stuff that makes your skin feel good and makes you sweat profusely.  I thought I might melt into a puddle waiting for the hotel shuttle and it was 10:00 at night!!  It was still 88 degrees at that time and the week never got cooler.  In fact they had city pools open for free, hydrants open in some areas and things like that to help out.  I was thankful I only had to be outside in the morning and evening while I walked back and forth to the convention center.

I thought the CHA show was fabulous even though it was a bit smaller and less people in attendance.  I can remember when I went to that show and the numbers started at 100 and went to 9800.  Now it goes from 100 to 2200.  In any case, I managed to find lots of new stuff.  There were some great new companies that I think you will like.  I will be making kits with some of the stuff so you will be able to purchase those or some of the unused products.  There are some great new lines from South Africa, England, Australia, and the US by wonderfully nice vendors.  I will let you know when things arrive.

We are off to the cabin in a few to take stuff up there for the crop and see what's happening.  If you are thinking about retreating somewhere I hope you will keep us in mind.  Gotta run, hugs to you all.

 

Monday, June 27, 2011

How I wish I was computer literate so that I could get into all of the parts of our site when I need to!  Oh, well, I guess we work with what we've got.  I've been busy finishing up a Wedding Album for someone and though I have enjoyed it I am really glad it's finished up.  I wonder why it is so much easier to get projects/albums/pages done when they aren't mine.  Sort of like cleaning someone else's scrap room! 

I have also been working on our trip to Ohio though it's not moving along very quickly at all.  I thought I might be able to use one company's paper but now I'm not sure I like it.  The last trips that I have done I've used one line of paper so everything was very matchy-matchy and they have their own little album.  This time I thought I would incorporate them into my yearly album so now that I'm not sure that I like I guess I'm at a standstill.  Choices, choices, choices :).

I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am.  This year my flowers are really beautiful probably because I'm here to water them all the time.  Now that I write this, I think I will go outside and take some photos of them.  I'm hoping that when I am at the CHA show next month my family can continue to keep them alive and looking good!  I'm sure I must have the perfect page already done and waiting for photos. 

Speaking of CHA I am looking forward to going and seeing what is out there.  Sometimes you guys are more "up" on things than I am so if you see or hear of something really cool that I need to check on just let me know.  As always, I will do my best to find you the latest and greatest products, 

Our garage sale went really well and it was so nice to see so many of you.  People ask me about closing the store and I have to say that not seeing everyone all of the time has to be the hardest part of not having a storefront anymore.  I know we made the right decision though.  My dad continues to do extremely well which makes me really happy but I know that should anything happen I can be right there for them. 

Don't forget that I am "open" all day on Thursdays for both shopping and cropping and if that day doesn't work out for you just let me know because I am here a lot of the time and would love to have you come over.  It isn't any interruption, I will tell you if I can't accommodate you.  In any case, we will work it out.

Thanks for listening (well reading) I will catch up with you soon.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Geez, I'm embarrassed to say that it has taken me this long to finally get it in my brain as to how to edit these pages and to add new product.  I had just gotten to the point that I could add new product and then we had to Ohio for over a week.  John's mom passed away in March really suddenly and though he went back, we needed to go to her house and help get it ready to sell.  If any of you have been through this experience before you probably know that there are more things inside than what you think.  Needless to say, we came back with John's truck totally full including the cab!  Now the task is to figure out what to do with what is now at the house.  I told John's sister that I'd let her know when that happened and I can only hope it is soon.  I did get the added bonus of seeing my sister since she only lives about 1 1/2 hours away in Michigan.  Even she had to take a bag of "goodies" home with her.

We continue to add new products to our site and continue to add the older products that we got before I was able to get them on-line for you.  I do special orders at least twice a month so if you are looking for anything just let me know.  Also, give me a call or drop a note if you are looking for something that you don't see on-line because I just might have it here. 

Let me give you a quick overview of what is new.  If you get my e-mails you already have the information but if not here goes.  From Echo Park the latest lines are here, Springtime, Playground, Summer Days and one more that has escaped my brain!  October Afternoon has sent their 5 & Dime Collection which is once again in their nostalgic patterns.  Fancy Pants collections that are here are Beach Bum and Beach Babe.  As usual, they are fun to look at and even use :) .  One of my favorite new items are books that are full of sketches for both layouts and cards.  There are seven books for scrapbooking and two for card makers.  If you love using sketches you will love these.  I have used some of the layouts and find them totally easy to use because they even tell you the sizes to cut and the placement.  Who could ask for more than that!  If you need more than that you can go and check out our 2-page layouts that have everything cut and ready to complete and include a photo. 

If you are familiar with core'dinations cardstock you might like their new collections.  They have made colors that match your favorite vendors, Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye, Time Holtz, Jillibean, Cosmo Cricket, Jenni Bowlin, Stacy Julian and Graphic 45.  They also have a glitter silk collection and one called core couture full of shimmer and glimmer.  All of these papers can be torn and sanded to reveal a white or black core (except the glitter and shimmer papers).  The glitter silk collection has a smooth surface so adhesives stick better, folds without cracking which is perfect for cards and altered projects and with the back white which makes for a nice card inside.  You will soon see Stacy Julian's papers on some of our kits. 

Whew, is that enough for now?!  You'd think that I could do this more often so that it didn't take so long for me to write and you to read.  If you have any questions, concerns or needs just give me a call at 970-207-9939 or drop a note from this website.  If you drop a note you may see a response from treasbox@comcast.net because some of the servers may deem us as spam and not let the response go thru.  In any case, I'm here for you.

Happy Scrapbooking to you,

Cheryl

 

Monday, January 17, 2011

Okay, so I'm not good at this web thing but I have made a promise to myself that I will keep in touch with you on a weekly basis.  If you didn't receive an e-mail at the end of last week you aren't on the list which is a bummer.  Drop me a note or call me and I will put you on the list. 

John and I have been spending time talking about what we want to bring you and one of those things is to continue to have retreats (Camp Crops) so he just spent the last 4 days at our mountain property painting.  My mom and I painted the living room and the color just wasn't good.  John and I tried our best to have it grow on us but it just wasn't to be so a new paint job is needed.  He spent the last few days painting the kitchen/eating space and our "away" room.  He spends a lot of time in there and said it's a little peachy so how about some darker curtains?  I think he really meant a more manly color :).  I'll keep you posted on that. 

Another thing that need to happen is for me to figure out how to get some photos on this blog.  I have a new technique and product for you but I have no idea how to make it work.  That will be my goal this week and I hope I am successful!

For those of you who have asked about my dads and my health I thank you.  He is doing awesome and seems mostly back to himself.  He feels so good right now that he decided he needs a new puppy to train.  You can only imagine how my mom feels!!  My health is good and I continue to strive to stick with my daily plan.  I find it's extremely hard sometimes but I think I'm up for the challenge or at least I keep telling myself that! 

I'll keep you posted about new stuff and etc now that I've figured how to get into this part of the site and the home page of our site. 

Hugs to each one of you,

Cheryl

 

Sunday, November 28, 2010

As far as life goes it's been pretty good.  My living and dining are almost done, yea no more extreme hoarders here!!  It should be finished off by tomorrow and I can't tell you how excited I am about it.  I could actually dust the furniture last week for the first time since we closed our store.  I couldn't have done it without my dear friend Cheryl who spent about 5 hours with me last Sunday.  I don't know about you but sometimes I just can't throw something out for fear that I might need it later.  I knew Cheryl would take care of that for me and that she did.  I was so pleased with how far we got that I was finally able to keep going and get it nearly done. 

Also, John got my garage set up to hold all of the cardstock, kits and etc.  Now I can get to all the products easier and thus so will you.  We still have a ways to go to get it totally in shape but as long as progress is being made I can smile.

Since I can smile here's a smile for you.  We spent Thanksgiving at my mom and dad's house, there were 12 of us.  While getting everything on the table I had to open a bottle of Italian salad dressing.  Are you picturing this so far?  Well, I took the plastic off of the top and without checking the lid I started to shake it.  Yep, the lid wasn't screwed on tight and it went everywhere, my clothes, my hair, every part of mom's kitchen, one of our guests.  Now you are picturing it right?  I was horrified but it gave everyone else there a huge laugh, that's me, always ready to please.  I was informed by the guest that it was better than bird poop and I thought it might be a less gross than Newfoundland slobber (that I'm not sure of) but it really was gross and Jessica kept telling me that.  What are kids for anyway!

I've been working on page kits, project kits and such and think I will have more for you at the end of the week.  I have another Christmas layout using Kaiser products nearly ready and am working on the Jillibean projects.  Remember that I am only a phone call away if you want to see something before it hits the Website store. 

I guess that's all I've got for now so I hope you'll hang in there with me as I continue to move forward and just keep making this a great place for you to "hang out".

Cheryl

 

Monday, October 5, 2010

Well, after working for the last several weeks we have finally finished closing down the store.  Our dear friend Jeanie and I worked until 3 am and John and Rebekah worked until 6 am getting it empty.  Now you should see my living room, dining room, garage and basement, it's really awful!!  I have photos for John to add to this for me so you can see it for yourself.  For me, one who hates clutter, it's a bit overwhelming to say the least so I am working one box at a time getting it sorted.  I'll let you know when that happens.

I am doing my first Camp Crop at the cabin this weekend and I'm excited to be able to scrap for awhile without interruption.  It's a small group which is nice for the first one and next spring we will be able to have up to 10 people.  We will start working on the real crop space this winter.  You'll be able to either come to a planned Camp Crop or put your own group together and have your own Camp Crop.  I'll do the cooking and everything else so all you will have to do is crop or sit on the deck or whatever.  Sounds good doesn't it?

So for now, I sort stuff and try to get rested.  My dogs think it's great because I am here with them and the laundry is finally caught up, I did 6 loads yesterday.  

I hope you keep visiting this site because John will be adding more products each day.  The new SEI Christmas and Halloween is so cool that I can't wait for you to see it and LYB (Little Yellow Bicycle), well what can I say.   I also have Kaiser Kraft, Best Creations, and TaDa products for you just hanging out in my garage waiting for you.  Did I tempt you yet?  If not when you see the products you'll need them :)!

We'll "chat" later,

Cheryl

 

  

Sunday, July 25th, 2010 

To all my wonderful friends,

And I say that to those of you that I have met personally, to those of you who know me from the chattering I do here and to everyone who comes into the store.  Of course, I may have forgotten someone with that description so here's to you!

As some of you may know my dad was diagnosed with ALS in early May, I now have two of my dogs (yes they are animals, but I love and they are family) that have an illness, trying to keep my health in order and we just lost a very dear friend to cancer.  Each of these circumstances by themselves can take a toll on anyone but all together they have become too much and have prompted John and I to take a look at our life and make some hard decisions.  After 13 ½ years in business we have decided to close our store and will continue to run our business in a different format.  I love this store dearly but I have to say that my family is more important which I know all of you will understand.  Our storefront will close on September 30th so beginning Monday, July 26th we will start to liquidate products, displays and furniture.  The discount will start at 10% off of everything and will grow as time passes.  If there is something you really want be sure to stop by early and often.  Key tags will no longer be punched and we will redeem them at whatever level they are currently punched at, an example, if it is half full you will receive $7.50 in free product.   (if you have receipts that we wrote on you will still need to pay the $1.50 for the "tag" and we will redeem those too.)  As far as displays go they will have a set price and can be moved as they empty so if you want a paper rack you will need to pay for it and your name and phone number will be placed on it.  You will be called when it is ready to be moved.  Please ask me questions as they come up.

John and Rebekah are currently working on getting out Website transferred to one that we will be able to have an online store.  There are many items that we will continue to have available for you and as this process continues we will have lists available at the store.  High school products, kits, cardstocks and other items at we will definitely be carrying and classes.  Be sure we have your name, address, phone, e-mail and etc. so that you will be kept informed as this process moves forward.  I have lots of great ideas that I hope you will like to keep you well connected with the scrapbooking world.  Special orders can still be made but must be prepaid and no discount will apply.

Of course things can change during this process.  We do have someone interested in purchasing the store and whether or not that will work out we don't know.  If it does we will not be able to have a Website but we will be heavily involved in the transition so you will see lots of me that's for sure! 

In any case, I will remain involved in the scrapbooking industry and hope that I can see all of you often.  For now, I would love to get photos and contact info from all of you for a  Rolodex that I am decorating.  My heart is heavy and I cry a lot about this so if that happens just cry with me or shake your head whichever works for you:)  I have a survey at the store for you to fill out and you will receive a $10.00 punch on your card if you turn it in.  It will help us move forward with the products that we will carry.  I'm leaving in the morning for Chicago and the CHA trade show and I'm excited to see what's out there for all of you.  Rebekah calls the time I have to leave here "o dark thirty" and I think she's right!!  I'll keep you posted.  Have a great week and I'll see you when I return.  Thanks in advance for your continued support.

Hugs to you all,

Cheryl