CHA - Here I Come!

Happy Holidays everyone!  Hope Santa was good to you.  I must have been pretty good this year, because I got absolutely spoiled!

CHA Baby!
Now that the flights are confirmed and the hotel is booked, I am thrilled to share my EXCITING news with you!  I will be attending THE show of all shows in 2014 - The Craft and Hobby Associations (CHA) Winter Show!  This is where all the craft related companies gather to promote their latest offerings!  It has been 5 years since I last attended with Kell and stocked Paris Hilton....why?  Seriously.  Why?  Let's just say I get a little star stuck!  Ha!  This year, I plan on stocking Tim Holtz and making him promise to visit us in Chatham!  Anyone want to place some bets?  I truly believe that positive thoughts will make this happen.  2014 is going to be a good year and big things are going to happen!  I can feel it!

Well 2013 is not over and there is still time to stop by The Pickle if you are looking for a little creative inspiration and something fun to do on your day off!

Here are our store hours over the next week or so:
Friday, December 27 - 10am-5pm
Saturday, December 28 - 9:30am-3pm
December 29 - January 1 - CLOSED
Regular store hours to resume January 2nd!
Thursday, January 2 - 10am-5pm (no more late night shopping....sorry!)
Friday, January 3 - 10am-5pm
Saturday, January 4 - 9:30am-3pm

Three Days to Shop The Pickle!

Ok. How you doing?  Running the race or taking time to enjoy the season?  I must admit I am somewhere in between and I am fine with that.  Tonight "It's a Wonderful Life" is on the agenda and this will help to put it all in perspective for me. Love that movie. 

So did you get your hints in about Paper Pickle gift cards?  There are still THREE days to shop The Pickle before Christmas. 

Saturday December 21 - 9:30-3

Monday December 23 - 10-1

Tuesday December 24 - 10-1

Dekoko's is also open for your shopping convenience and they have great stocking stuffers including signature teas, only the most amazing caramels you have ever tasted and Doctor Who mugs and ornaments!

Keep calm and carry on people. 

Kim 

Tag Love

My tag for the tag swap

I know I say this all the time but seriously, I am in love!  Nothing brings me more joy than creating and designing with paper.  The other night I took the time to slow down (which you know is hard for me!) and enjoy the season and the hobby.  It was exactly what I needed.  I am now re-energized and ready to take on the world!

Tag Swap (What a Joy!)

As you know we had a fun little event at the store where 12 people created 12 tags to be swapped with the other participants.  What I thought was THE coolest part of the event was seeing all the different creations.  Decisions on theme (ie. snowflakes, religious, snowman, santa, etc.), colour (traditional or not) and size where all factors in the final design.  I will not show you all the tags just yet as the majority of the tags have not yet been picked up (I hate to ruin the surprise!).  I do plan on sharing these designs so you can see how wonderful ALL the tags were!  I am SO proud of all my girls!

My Tag

You can see my finished product at the top of this post.  I was thrilled with how it turned out!  

MFT - Stitched Stocking Clear Set
May I add that this polymer from MFT stamps amazingly clear!

I must admit that I used scrap pieces of paper from my Craft-Tea Time project (seriously, it is a crime to through out these lovelies).  I must also admit that the final result was not exactly as I had orginally planned (this was a given).  The original plan was to include a popped out stocking from this amazing MFT Set of stamps with a sentiment...maybe.  I started "playing" and I just wasn't feeling it.  It seemed a little too "cute-sy" for me.  

I used the spool in the middle.  We also have the chubbier minis in stock!

I also KNEW I had to incorporate the unbelievable amazing wooden mini spools from Maya Road.  I have been eyeing these babies since they came in but did not know where or when I would put them to use.  They paired beautifully with the Stitched Sentiments stamp set.

Here is my tag without all the extra goodies!

So next thing you know, I stamped the sentiment and it JUST fit!  It was like it was meant to be.  I then chose the word "Joy" as it has been my theme word of 2013.  I like how they have given you other words like "peace" or "love" and have included them as separate stamps in the set.

The cheese cloth was a happy accident.  I ran out of my original choice (yarn) so I scrambled to find an alternative.  I absolutely LOVE how the cheese cloth added to the rustic feel of the tag. The rich coloured seam binding and natural twine (available at The Pickle) finished the look in my mind.

So what do you think?  These make me so happy.  And yes, the first thing I did this morning when I woke up was admire them!  Ha.  Nerd.

Christmas Hours

So I better tell you guys what I am planning for the next couple of weeks.  And better yet, please share with your loved ones just in case they were planning on getting you a fabulous gift like a gift card from The Paper Pickle!  Just print this schedule out and leave it in a NOT so subtle location!  

Here are our hours.  If you need anything on the days I am not open (excluding Christmas and Boxing Day oh and maybe New Year's Day) please email me and I will see if I can accommodate you!

This week business as usual at The Paper Pickle!

Next week....

Monday, December 23 - 10-1

Tuesday, December 24 - 10-1

Wednesday, December 25 - CLOSED

Thursday, December 26 - CLOSED

Friday, December 27 - 10-5

Saturday December 28 - 9:30-3

Sunday, December 29 - Wednesday, January 1 - CLOSED

With regular store hours resuming ....Thursday, January 2 - 10-5

Friday, January 3 - 10-5

Saturday, January 4 - 9:30-3

See you soon!

Kim

Store Hours for the rest of this week:

Thursday 10-8 (late night shopping - last of the year.  This will not return until market nights)

Friday 10-5

Saturday 9:30-3

New Product! - Gift Box Maker!!

Ok.  Check out how cool this new product is from We R Memory Keepers!  Now in stock at The Pickle ($21.50).  It is just as awesome as the envelope punch board if you ask me!!

Craft Tea Time
Tomorrow is the last Craft-Tea Time for 2013!  Join us between 10am and 2pm for a Christmas craft and drink for only $5!!

SMASH Book Promo Continues
Two days left to save on one of the coolest scrapbook going.  Smash books are BUY 1, Get 1 50% off!

Tag Swap
Just a reminder to anyone who signed up for the tag swap:  tags are due tomorrow!  Stop in during store hours to drop off your beauties.  Pick up will take place during store hours all of next week.

See you soon!

Kim

Store Hours
Wednesday 10am-5pm
Thursday 10am-8pm
Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday 9:30am-3pm

Last Minute Shopping? No Problem! SMASH BOOK PROMO!

Crunch Time Alert!!!  Two weeks from today is Christmas Day.  I am still having a hard time comprehending this!

The Paper Pickle can help with your last minute shopping - "Just in Time Girl" and friends are here to save the day!  Have a look at the adorable collection of goodies above.  Perfect for that 5-16 year old girl on your list.  All items above $40.  Not a bad little package to make them smile and keep them occupied over the holidays.

SMASH BOOK Promotion - THIS WEEK ONLY!
Hey, why not sweeten the pot a little.  This week only, we will be offering ALL Smash Books - BUY 1, GET 1 50% off. Our regular price on full size smash books is $14.99.  What a great time to grab a little stocking stuffer for others or even yourself!

Memory Box Update
A little birdie told me that a HUGE order of Memory Box dies has arrived!  Debbie is busy entering items as I type this.  Everything should be in just after lunch time. Please note that the Grand Window and Door are still back ordered but we have a very nice selection of reorders and NEW items!

Hope to see you soon!

Kim

Store Hours
Wednesday 10am-5pm
Thursday 10am-8pm
Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday 9:30am-3pm

Paper Pickle Update - New Product, Tag Swap, etc.

How gorgeous is this paper from Kaisercraft?  Just in!

Hard to believe it has been a week since I last posted on the blog.  My head has been down and working hard to get things done!

New Product Update
A big order arrived yesterday.  Great stocking stuffers & gifts including:

• tons of colours of rhinestones - $1.50 each
• new colours of liquid pearls (majestic purple, peacock, etc) - $2.75 each
• Beautiful new 6.5x6.5 paper packs from Kaisercraft - $9.99 each (these are a little more than other company's 6x6 pads as they are larger, come with specialty papers and die cut tags and borders
• Basic Grey Calendars are back in stock!  There is still time to make an awesome personal gift!

Ok.  How easy will it be to make tags with this 12x12 paper from Kaisercraft?!
A few embellishments and you're d-o-n-e!

Tag Swap

Ok.  Guys!  Thanks for making my day/week!  The tag swap is now full.  I am excited to see what you design.  Please remember those of you who were lucky enough to get in (or brave enough to participate!) your tags are due by Saturday, December 14 and tag pick up will begin on Wednesday, December 18th.  Tags can be picked up anytime that week during store hours.

Craft-Tea Time

There will be one more Craft-Tea time this year!  Remember it is the SECOND Saturday of each month so that means December's Craft-Tea time will be NEXT Saturday, December 14.  I think something Christmas-y is definitely in order!!

For all those running the race (of life) right at this moment, I hope you're beating YOUR personal best!  Don't worry how the other "runners" are doing....focus on YOUR goal!  You can do it!!  The holidays can be busy but try to slow it down a bit and breath it all in!!  That is MY mantra these days!  Ha.  Inhale......exhale....inhale.....

Kim

Store Hours

Wednesday 10-5

Thursday 10-8

Friday 10-5

Saturday 9:30-3

OPEN HOUSE - tonight! TAG EXCHANGE details!

Last night I prepped the store and got it all festive looking...just in time for our Christmas Open House!  Did you hear that our Open House is happening tonight from 5-8pm?  Our gift card promotion is happening all this week too!  Spend $100 before tax and receive a $25 gift card on us!

There will be some nice sweet treats from Homebaked Kitchen this evening as well.  Jen is preparing her famous Snickerdoodles.  Only the most delicious cookie ever AND they are gluten free!

And if you are looking for samples of something a little different, we will have samples of my siblings new line of pickles!  The Pickle Station is the name of the brand.  And allow me to introduce Papa Dill, Sweet Mama and Baby Dill!  Jars are $4.50 each.  All cucumbers were graded at The Pickle Station here in Chatham and packaged in Chatham-Kent!  What a perfect addition to any fruit or gift basket.

Dekoko's Open House - 3-9pm Tonight!
I heard our roomie, Dekoko's is also sampling her one of a kind and MOST delicious hot drinks!  Dekoko's is also offering 25% off her signature loose leaf teas (perfect stocking stuffers!).

Here is an adorable sample I found designed by the talented Cindy Lawrence
using the new MFT Stamp set called Stitched Stocking

Tag Exchange
A while ago, I asked how I could make The Paper Pickle a better store.  One idea that came up was planning more events.  One event idea was a Christmas tag exchange.  We did this years ago and it was awesome!  Similar to the cookie swap idea but without the calories!  So here are the details:

• You will make 12 tags of the same design to trade with the other participants
• You can use any product you like and the design can be as simple or elaborate as you like (please remember that this is your time SHINE so show us what you got!)
• Please call the store or email me to register.  You must register by DECEMBER 5
• Your 12 tags are to be dropped off no later than 3PM on Saturday DECEMBER 14
• You can pick up your tags during store hours any day between DECEMBER 19-21
• There is no cost to register or participate other than the cost of your product that you use

 This is going to be fun!

Hope to see you out tonight for a little Christmas cheer!  This little bit of snow this morning has been just enough to put me in the mood!

Kim

Store Hours
Wednesday - 10am-5pm
Thursday - 10am-8pm (OPEN HOUSE)
Friday - 10am-5pm
Saturday - 9:30am-3pm

Dill-ightful Christmas Wishes

Last night I mentioned that there was a fun and special surprise happening this week at The Pickle!  Beginning today and for the entire week, for EVERY $100 spent (before tax) receive a $25 gift card...just a little thank you from us to YOU!

Thursday Evening SPECIAL Open House

On Thursday evening (5-8pm), extra special events are planned!  Join Dekoko's and The Paper Pickle as we celebrate our second joint Christmas Open House!  There will be goodies, drinks and who knows....maybe a little live music?!?  There will also be the opportunity to fill out your Christmas List to help you get exactly what you are looking for this Christmas!!

Basic Grey Blowout

There are still a few Basic Grey items carried over from last week's special pricing event.  Don't miss out!  I am absolutely in love with the Capture binders and insert calendar pockets and pages.  The perfect size for a mini project.  Who knows?  You may just see another fun project from me sometime soon! 

Basic Grey Calendar Kit

In my last post, I gushed over the Basic Grey calendar I completed.  It is in the store for you to have a look at (I mean, if you want to...*shy smile*).  I just noticed, there are only a couple of kits in stock but I can quickly order in more if you think this is something you would like to do as well!  Just email me and I would be happy to help you out!

Ladybug Treasures - Store Closing Sale - Additional Dates

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that my mom had decided to close her gift shop (located on the Prince Albert directly behind her house).  She has a few more dates for you to take advantage of 50% savings on all items in the store (only Derek Alexander purses and John Mederos jewellery are 30% off).  Her products are beautiful and this is the perfect time to shop for everyone on your list (men, women, children!).  Be sure to bring CASH or CHEQUE as she is not set up for debit or credit!  Here is a sneak peek into her quaint gift shop...

Lots happening this week!  See you soon!

Kim

Store Hours

Wedneday - 10am-5pm

Thursday - 10am-8pm (OPEN HOUSE)

Friday - 10am-5pm

Saturday - 9:30am-3pm

Mission Complete = #Feeling Like a SUPERSTAR!

How nice to look at one of my favourite photos of me and my boy
for the entire month of January!

I have never even logged onto Twitter in my life but there was something "cool" and satisfying in adding a # to my blog title!  Maybe I needed to appear "cool" after what I am about to confide and share here....

So here I go again.  Carting my completed project around from venue to venue and room to room just so I can sneak glimpses of my greatness.  Ha.  Can you say "nerd"???

As I began typing this blog, you would have found me in bed with my laptop all cozy and warm on a chilling Monday evening and beside me is not my hubby (he's too busy watching football) but my 2014 Basic Grey Calendar!

Getting cozy with my BG Calendar and memories

Opened to January, I can see a younger vision of myself and my sweet baby boy (taken November 30, 2009).  The word "loved" makes my heart swell as I breathe in and take a moment to appreciate why we are all here....to love and (hopefully) be loved in return.  This picture makes me happy.  I think life can be as simple as that.  Take the time to soak it in!

The Creative, Thought Process

The colour of Julia's dress matched perfectly with the pre-printed paper design

Even though it is an oldie and even though it was not taken in the month of October, I decided that the colours matched beautifully with the pre-printed pages for the month of October.  This is how my brain works when I "Smash" or work on projects such as this...colour rules.  This is how decisions are made.

Besides, this is one of my all time favourite pictures of Jules!  I can almost smell the lavender and feel the warm sun on my skin as I take in this photo and the joy it brings.  I think I dressed her in that gorgeous coral dress for the entire summer because she looked so pretty in it!

Make it YOUR Own!

When you open this calendar, you will find the backgrounds have been pre-printed with various colour schemes for each month.  You then work with the instructions and easily labelled chipboard pieces, die-cuts and various embellishments to "build" your page.  It is your choice to omit various elements (as I did with the "tweet" title for February...SO not me and Trev but could be perfect for someone else) and even move the elements around to accommodate your picture.  You will see that my photo is much larger (5x7) and was landscape vs. portrait so I had to get a little creative with design.

Yup.  Here I am admiring my February page
at the Laura Secord counter as I waited for the girl to pack my order!
Yes.  For real.

Embellishments dictate which Photo is BEST!

March is adorable with it's hot air balloon chipboard!  

The moment I saw the chipboard pieces dedicated to the month of March, I knew I was going to incorporate this adorable photo taken by my sister, Krystle.  I always thought it looked like Jules was about to "fly" the vintage bed somewhere magical.

Add a few 'extra' Goodies

Persimmon garland added to tie in orange in tree

Have a look at a few more of my pages.  I tried to work with embellishments used in the kit but the odd Basic Grey rub on or garland was throw at a few pages to give it that little extra kick!

Simple page with 5x7 photo as the focus

The month of June was 'water cooler' conversation today!  

I completely changed this page and I am happy with the results.
Yes.  I was admiring the page while I should have been working for hubby today!

Still daydreaming at work....A BG rub-on was the perfect addition to this page.

Simple yet effective page

So am I a SUPERSTAR or what!?!  I think so!  No one has to know that this project was completed in no more than 3-4 hours and costs $19.99.  Only THE perfect gift for those hard to buy for people.  BUT this one is going no where!  I plan to hang it where I can glance at it frequently as admire how creative AND utterly amazing I am!  =)

Kim

PS...Big announcement coming tomorrow about our Christmas Open House promotion!

Store Hours
Wednesday - 10am-5pm
Thursday - 10am-8pm (OPEN HOUSE NIGHT!)
Friday - 10am-5pm
Saturday - 9:30am-3pm

LAST DAY! Crazy 50% off Basic Grey SALE end TODAY!

Open today 9:30am-3pm!  Shop our amazing SALE table with all items 50% off or better!!  We have had a great week, But there are still great stocking stuffers here. 

Big STAMP Order has Arrived

Anyone looking for rubber stamp sentiments or images to use on their Christmas card, you MUST stop in today!

Here are a few of the amazing new stamps just waiting to help make you look like a superstar this Christmas!

See you soon!

Kim

Store Hours

Wed & Fri - 10am-5pm

Thurs - 10am-8pm  

Sat - 9:30am-3pm

Basic Grey BLOWOUT Sale starts TODAY

Amazing specials from my supplier, means INCREDIBLE sales for you!!!  

Save 50% off on a HUGE assortment of NEW Basic Grey & other companies!

Sale on Wednesday-Saturday!  

Quantities are limited so shop EARLY so not to be disappointed!!

See you soon.

Kim

Store Hours

Wednesday 10am-5pm

Thursday 10am-8pm

Friday 10am-5pm

Saturday 9:30am-3pm

BASIC GREY - BLOWOUT EVENT!! November 20-23!

I know I have shared many things with you over the years.  I share things that are going on with the family, things that are going on at the store and I know I have shared things about myself personally.  Sorry if I have shared TOO MUCH!  But I am the type of person who loves to share information.

One thing that I am PROUD to share with you is how I am a SUPER savvy shopper!  I may be so bold as to share that this is in fact another SUPER POWER that I possess!  I am able to sniff out sales within this fabulous community and I cannot wait to share the bargains with anyone who will listen!  Yes.  I am that nerd who works out how much I saved, even if it is not included on the receipt!  

New Line from Basic Grey!

Basic Grey BLOWOUT Event!

So when one of my ALL TIME favourite suppliers, Basic Grey, sent an email informing me about a 50% OFF wholesale EVENT, I was on it!  There is something MAGICAL about seeing the numbers 50% followed by the word "off"!    The even MORE magical detail in the email was that the sale was on all their NEW LINES!!!!!  Ok I thought...did I read this right?!?!  But my SUPER x-ray vision and ability to read the fine print at the speed of sound assured me that all was correct and VERY, VERY right with the world!!

Have a look at these FABULOUS Capture items all at 50% OFF!  Music to my ears!  The Capture line is Basic Grey's version of Project Life or SN@P that I have been talking about lately.  Scrapbooking meets photo album....

5x7 Spiral Capture Album - 3 styles in stock at 50% OFF

This is one of three styles of Capture Albums.
They are binder style and include page protectors, tabs and more!
50% OFF!

Here is an example of a Capture Binder-Style Album

Another example of a Capture Binder-style layout

These are calendar pockets to be added to a capture binder.
Did I mention they are now 50% OFF!

Capture Binder Style Inserts
You guessed it...50% OFF!

Adorable epoxy dots great for cards or layouts!
We have three colours available at 50% OFF!

These are made of plastic and are somewhat transparent.
Gorgeous on a card or layout.  50% OFF

This is the Capture Waterfall kit which includes alphabet stickers,
die-cuts, journaling cards and more.
At 50% off (I never get tired of seeing that discount!)

Basic Grey - 25th & Pine - 50% OFF!

This is Basic Grey's brand spankin' new Christmas line and we have the following items at 50% off!  

We have both the 6x6 Pad and 12x12 Collection kit @ 50% OFF.

These BG garlands are THE most ADORABLE things I have ever worked with!
Already sewn and they are perforated and they punch out
so simply and beautifully.  A must have!

These are the 25th & Pine stamps.  You get two sheets.
The colours and design are A-dorable!

This is the waterfall pack - 25th & Pine STYLE!

Persimmon by Basic Grey - 50% OFF!

6x6 Pad available at HALF OFF!

Persimmon Garland - HALF OFF!
These are double sided papers with different designs
on the front and back.  Two sheets included!

Other Specials!!

Ok.  So how much fun is this event going to be?  All items on my sale table will be 50% off the sticker price.  You will see that there are items from other companies including Simple Stories,, American Crafts, K&Co, Grant Studios and more!  

I have even included a few clearance items that will also be take 50% off the lowest price.  Seriously.  There are 2-pack embossing folders for $3!!??!!  Crazy.  This is Black Friday SALES but in Canadian dollars, right in your own home town!  No travel expenses, border crossing fees.  Simple.  Easy.  Paper Pickle STYLE!

Kim

Store Hours

Wednesday - 10am-5pm

Thursday - 10am-8pm - Woo hoo!  LATE night shopping!

Friday - 10am-5pm

Saturday - 9:30am-3pm