Happiest of Holidays

HAD to have a little crafty fun decorating
my place settings on Christmas Day

Did you survive?  I will admit, I WAS busy.  The office had not slowed and the store was hopping.  There were last minute gifts to be bought and menus to be planned.  But guess what?  Christmas came and it is now gone but the JOY I felt this Christmas will make me smile all year.  I am a very lucky girl.

I was very excited to hear we were hosting Trevor's family for Christmas dinner this year. I knew it was time to FINALLY use my Grandma's china that she passed on to me a few years ago.  She was looking to downsize and since I am the oldest granddaughter, I had the privilege of inheriting her collection.  I did not register for china when we got married and I had never hosted with such pretty plates.  I was actually worried about them!  Lesson 1 - Life is too short.  Use the good china.

I knew the china needed some subtle, natural accents and the seeded eucalyptus, twine (nooooo....really!?) and kraft tag were the perfect addition.  I told my Grandma her china would be used at my Christmas dinner and her smile spoke volumes.  

Lesson 2 - Twine really does go with everything.  ♥

I had to work with my little deer dies from Impression Obsession to add to my glam/woodland settings.  I used all three deer dies (male, female and baby) depending on person, gold washi tape and some twine (I know.  I know.)♥.  The place settings received rave reviews and even received a little shout out photo on Facebook from my 20-something niece so I knew I "did good".  Lesson 3 - The little things DO matter.

Of course the holidays at my house are not all fancy, elegant and perfectly planned.  They are fun, goofy and constantly moving and may not always go as planned.  These two were hamming it up in front of the tree before the big day.  I told people they were practically bouncy off the walls with excitement.  This photo makes me smile and will forever remind me of Christmas 2015.  Each with their own personality but both very loving and caring kids.  Who could ask for more?  Lesson 4 - Count your blessings each and EVERY day.

Kim

Store Hours

Wednesday - 10-5

Thursday - 10-2

Store Closed until Wednesday January 6th so get in if you need anything!

Holiday Hours - 3 Days to Shop

Just in case you need a few finishing touches for your Christmas festivities, we will be open the following hours (click the photo above).  

From The Paper Pickle and Homebaked Kitchen, wishing you all the most beautiful and peaceful holiday season.  Enjoy each and every moment and all those little details.  This is your life.  Be in the moment.  Marvel in the ordinary (AND the extraordinary!).  Celebrate life.

Kim

Holiday Store Hours

Tuesday Dec 22 - 10-5

Wednesday Dec 23 - 10-5

Thursday Dec 24 - 10-2

Closed until December 30

For the Coffee Lover

A beautiful gift for the coffee lover on your list.  A whimsical mug, cupcake and fun stamp and ink!  I don't know about you, but this gift is so cheery it is sure to get the creative juices flowing.


Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

Gift Idea - For the COOL Kid

Unique gift ideas?  Yes, please!  It is so nice to give gifts that cannot be found anywhere else in the area. 

Check out these adorable items for young children. Priced at $18.50 each, they are the perfect fun and educational gift for that cool kid on your list! Learning the alphabet and building memory skills has never been so appealing.

Look for other unique gift giving ideas on the blog everyday this week!

Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

Wrap Your Holidays in Love

Life is all about the details.  This is a phrase that I use quite often.  It can mean many different things including slowing down to stop and smell the roses or doing small things to bring joy to your every day.  If we could only slow down and stop rushing through our to-do list, we would realize that these small details and gestures speak volumes.

Have a look at the little box above.  A small 3x3 cube box tied with seam binding ribbon and a small winter sprig of pine cones.  With one glance, you can see that this gift was wrapped with love.  Time was taken to think about the recipient and the box wrapped to make the person smile and feel loved.  THIS is what gift giving is about.  It is not just about the item purchased but the time and care that went into decisions and wrapping.

Don't forget that many of the beautiful supplies you have in your craft room can be used to dress your presents.  Bands of decorative scrapbooking papers, washi tape, ribbons and more can be used to add life to simple boxes like the ones below.  Why not use some of your chipboard pieces or stickers?  And don't worry if the items are coming from collections that not necessarily holiday.  Stars, woodland animals and vintage images make amazing accents on any present.

These boxes are ready for a little love!

Go ahead!  Have a little fun this Christmas season.  I dare you.

Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

You make me SMILE. Open House LOVE

Well.....44 Fourth Street was certainly THE place to be last Saturday!  Thank you to those who came out to our Christmas Open House!  Everyone was in the Christmas spirit shopping and sampling and doing little make and takes.  You took time out of your busy weekend to visit and that meant the world to me.  I'm STILL smiling over here. ♥

Have a look at our make and take above.  We created a 3x3 tag perfect for your gifts this year.  For those of you interested, I cut white card stock 3x3 and the patterned paper 2.75x2.75".  We then stamped the snowman or elf girl in dark green ink and then used either water colour pencils or copic markers to add a little colour.  We then cut out the image and popped it up with a pop dot and added a little glitter and an adorable sentiment.  Ta da!  Easy.  Peasey.  Perfect for this time of the year!

Here are the stamp sets we used.  Both are in stock now.

Elves by Lia -  $8.50

You Melt my Heart - $22.50

So, just in case you were wondering, the apple cider received rave reviews.  Ha!  Here is the recipe in case any of you are wanting to try this at home.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider (from Country Living - Nov 2015)

Combine the following in a slow cooker:

• 64 oz. apple cider (I used PC fresh pressed apple cider....do not buy the mulled!).
• 6 chai tea bags
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 split vanilla bean

Let simmer for 3-4 hours.

Discard tea bags.

Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice

Serve warm with apple slices and cinnamon sticks

Hope all is well and you are feeling the Christmas spirit (even with these mild temperatures!).  

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

Open House TODAY!

Now don't hate me for doing this.  Honestly EVERY TIME I have a party or special event, I have this need to try a new recipe.  If you follow Martha Stewart, she says NEVER experiment with new recipes the day of your party.  Well I am known to be original and do my own thing and I ALWAYS try new things for my parties (sorry Martha!).

I know you have always raved about my apple cider but this year I am changing it up!  Found a delicious sounding vanilla chai apple cider recipe in a magazine my friend Lin gave me and I HAD to try it.  Stop in and try a cup!  Jen also had me printing signs for her LOVELY products.  Truly guys, her Christmas offering is even more incredible than last years.  She is quite the girl!

We would be thrilled if you stop in for our Christmas Open House TODAY from 10-5!  There will be a little make and take using some of our new and adorable polymer stamps, creative new samples in store including a chicken wire frame wall hanging, mason jar creations and more.  We also have our annual gift card promo going on - Spend $100 before tax on Paper Pickle product and receive a $25 gift card!  Did I mention we had a big shipment arrive this week including Memorybox, Sizzix and IO dies?!?  And yes, the Tim Holtz Holiday Script is in again.

Time to get ready for the party!  Hope to see you later today!!

Kim

PS....Don't forget to give me your cider reviews.  ♥

Classes....Yes! Really!

Oh my gosh you guys.  This class schedule is long overdue but let's see if we can't squeeze a few more in before the end of 2015!

Card by Debbie
Date:  Thursday, December 10 from 1-3pm
Cost:  $17+hst
Required Supplies:  scissors, adhesive

You will create two unique Christmas cards in this class.  Debbie has designed a gorgeous rustic card using dies from Impression Obsession and Sizzix/Tim Holtz.  And you will also have fun creating a shaker card!  These are all the rage right now and you cannot help but smile when you shake this card. Great for all levels.

*****

Mason Jar by Kim
Date:  Thursday, December 10 from 6-8pm
Cost:  $22+hst
Required Supplies:  scissors, adhesive
Note:  All other supplies included (just not the spools inside the jar.  These were used for display purposes)

It's funny how projects come together for me.  This project was originally going to be a journal but my album cover was too thick to fit in my Zutter binding machine.  I was about to rip the overs apart when I spotted a mason jar topper that I had altered...then voila.  The project was born!

We will use a wide mouth pint mason jar and the ever FUN show toppers.  We will also work with various embellishments, stamps, iced enamels and more.  This is a beautiful gift to store various items in like my vintage spools.  Or here's another cool idea.....This past summer, my children and the babysitter decorated mason jars.  They then filled these jar with little notes of things they wanted to remember about the summer and wishes they had for the new school year.  I could see this jar being the perfect little holder of secret dreams and would go perfectly with the stamp we used on the topper.  Another nice gift idea....what do you think?  I'm all about slowing down and making the holidays more memorable with gifts from the heart.

*****

Basic Grey 2016 Calendar
Date:  Thursday, December 17 from 8-10pm
Cost:  $27.99+hst (This is the cost of the kit.  No additional fees added)
Required Supplies:  scissors, adhesive, 12 photos for each month (set up for 4x6 but 5x7 work as well)

Now I know this is getting pretty close to Christmas and I know it is late in the day but I thought this could be a fun stress reliever for us!  It will pretty much be a self taught class (as BG has done an incredible job with this kit as usual) but I will be here to lead the class AND work on MY calendar!  I don't know if you are like me, but sometimes I have good intentions and if I do not set aside a set time, things just don't get done.  Whether this is a project for you or a gift for that hard to buy for person, I guarantee it will be a very fun night for you to enjoy doing what you love!

If you want to get an idea of the page layouts so you can find photos to match, check out this video from YouTube or come into the store to view the kit.

Please call the store (519.351.5220) or stop in during store hours to register!

Kim

PS....Anyone involved in the tag swap can stop in anytime during store hours to pick up their tags (FYI:  you girls are AMAZING!  I was blown away with your ideas and creations).

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-5pm (Christmas Open House Day!!!)

Christmas Open House THIS Saturday - Dec 5th

With warm winter wishes, we invite you to The Paper Pickle and Homebaked Kitchen Company's Christmas Open House. It will be a wonderful day to slow down and celebrate the season. We can help you plan the little details that will make this special time memorable for you and your guests.

• Take part in our free make and take
• Beautiful NEW projects to inspire you
• Order your Holiday Boxes and Gourmet Desserts
• Delicious Samples and Hot Apple Cider
• Spend $100 on Paper Pickle products and receive a $25 gift card FREE
• Order custom place cards to complete your table

We hope to see you...And don't forget to bring a friend or two!

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-5pm (Special Open House Hours!)

It's On - Shop the Neighbourhood

Today's the day!  Look for the cheery yellow balloons while out and about today.  These are the store participating in this event that celebrates small business and local shopping.

Our promotion today is TAX FREE shopping on all in store merchandise PLUS for every $50 spent, receive a kaiser craft 6x6 paper pad FREE (many styles to choose from!).  Hey, you guys know I am all about local shopping and think those with the same mindset should be rewarded!!

Click here for the list of store participating in Chatham-Kent!

We are open from 10-4pm today.  Get out.  Shop local.  Have fun!

Kim

PS....A BIG thank you to the girls who added their names to the tag swap.  We got the EXACT number needed.  Just a reminder tags are due TODAY and pick up will be during store hours next week (Wednesday-Saturday).

TAG SWAP - Last Day to Register

So today is the last day to register for our third annual Christmas tag swap!  Please email me at thepaperpickle@gmail.com or call 519-351-5220 to registered.  We have one FULL group and I am in need of 4 people to fill the second group.  Anyone who is interested should sign up because you are going to get 11 beautiful tags created by your peers plus your own.  Now I hope I didn't scare you off with my previous posts and you're worried your tags won't compare.  Guess what?  Your tags WILL be fabulous!  This is not a competition but rather a fun way to share your love of the hobby with others.  PLUS, if you use any Pickle products, you will be entered to win a prize.  Odds are 1:24.  Not bad.  Not bad.....

Anyone on the fence and want to help a girl out?  I will love you forever!

Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

Christmas Cards for Evelynn

A couple of friends had shared this image on facebook and I really wanted to pass this along on the blog.  (Note:  You may have to click on the image to see the write up clearly.) This really spoke to me.  I mean is this not what the holidays are all about?  I do not know Evelynn or her family and I can only image what they are going through.  But what a beautiful gesture this could be for you (and for me)!  Making cards is one of my favourite pass times and making a card for a little girl who has had such a trying time seems like the perfect way to spend an evening.  I hope you can find some time this holiday season to make this little girl (and her family) smile.

Kim

Shop the Neighbourhood - Nov 28th

I made mention of this event briefly in my last post and I have since had a few questions about it.  Well, this is an amazing event put on by The Yellowpages Group to celebrate small business and promote shopping within your own community.  We participated last year and it was a great day!  The downtown was bustling with activity and it was so nice to see.  Honestly, our community has so many unique businesses and shopping local really DOES make a difference.  

Here is a little video Yellowpages posted to YouTube to explain the event. I do love the adorable baker man but next year I'd love to see a young blonde baker girl!  Ha.   

And here is the link to get you to the promotions offered here in Chatham-Kent:

• Shop the Neighbourhood - Chatham-Kent

You will find us on page 2!  And now I think you loyal blog followers should be rewarded.  Mention that you read my Shop the Neighbourhood post and take advantage of the savings NOW.  That's right.  Instead of waiting until November 28, you can save the tax on all in store purchases at The Paper Pickle PLUS spend $50 and receive a Kaisercraft 6x6 pad FREE (Value of $9.99)!  That's 5 extra days to save just because you take the time out for me and my little blog.  You deserve a treat.  I thank you for the 12 of the most rewarding years of my life. I really do feel like we have built our own little community through our love of the hobby.  Keep sharing the joy and the love.  

Enjoy the day!

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

2015 Tag Swap

The weather certainly is not prompting us to get moving on our Christmas planning but we all know it is on the way!  Time to get busy shopping, wrapping, and (my favourite) crafting.  Want to get in on a little fun game...paper crafting style?  Consider being a part of our 2015 Tag Swap!  Like a cookie swap but without the calories (Hey.  Forget the cookie swap.  I always leave the cookies up to the expert...my sister Jen of Homebaked Kitchen Co.!).  

I encourage crafters of all levels, ages, etc to participate.  We have had moms and daughters enter.  We have had Tim Holtz caliber entries (Seriously.  Like multiples!).  We have had simple yet elegant.  We have had traditional. We have had whimsical.  ALL are welcome including out of towners and Chatham-Kent-ers! 

This is our 3rd Annual (for those of you keeping track) and I must admit that each year, I have been blown away with the submissions....superstars I tell ya!  Have a look at these past blog posts and consider joining us!

• 2013 Entries
• 2014 Entries

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 call the store (519.351.5220) or email me (thepaperpickle@gmail.com) to register. You must register by Tuesday, NOVEMBER 24
• Your 12 tags are to be dropped off no later than 3PM on Saturday, NOVEMBER 28
• You can pick up your tags during store hours any day between DECEMBER 2-5
• There is no cost to register or participate other than the cost of your product that you use
• I will add a little twist to the tag swap this year.  Those of you who use Paper Pickle product, let me know which product you used (on a little note with your submission) and you will be entered to win a Paper Pickle Prize Pack ($50 value).

So what do you think?  You in?  Hope so!

Kim

PS...A couple dates to keep in mind:

• Shop the Neighbourhood - Saturday, Nov. 28
• Christmas Open House - Saturday, Dec. 5

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-5pm

Ideas....Ideas....Have I got you thinking?

 Many new and beautiful products are being added to The Pickle each week.  Check out this framed chicken wire frame.  It measures 13x15" and includes 6 wooden clothes pins to pin up photos, embellishments, etc.  I ordered these back in the summer and have been SO anxious for them to arrive.  Can't you just see this with one of Heidi Swapp's wood veneer words?  I've see this used as a rustic jewelry board.  Or have a look below at this image I found on Pinterest from an artist's blog (sorry I cannot seem to now find the reference to link).  Just beautiful.....

 As mentioned yesterday, many new dies are in!  Check out these beauties....

Memorybox - Dashing

Memorybox - Glowing Candles

Impression Obsession - Small snowflake Set

Impression Obsession - Hill Town

Impression Obsession - Shepherds

Impression Obsession - Cardinals

Come in and see what other goodies you can find.  There is still lots of time to work on beautiful gifts for loved ones.  After all, isn't that what the season is all about?  I will tell you I have been busy working on my own projects ideas to share!  Hope to reveal a couple next week!

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

ZONTA Love

My 2015 Zonta Christmas Card

Remember that fabulous event I told you about a little while ago?  The Zonta Christmas Card Making Extravaganza?  Well Event #1 happened last Saturday, November 7th and guess what?  It was fabulous (no surprise there!).  Many of the usual suspects were there and it was so nice chatting and catching up with the ladies.  Thank you for a wonderful day.

When it comes to creating my card for this event, I put a lot of pressure on myself.  I want to make sure there is enough technique and people will be wowed by my design.  The designs are always my own so a lot of "playing" happens before I get to my finished product.  The challenging part is making sure the card takes no more than 30 minutes as this event rotates people from station to station with 8 projects in total.

I was very happy with the way the card turned out.  I heard many positive comments and the one that stood out for me was "It is VERY Paper Pickle".  Now I will take that as a compliment!  In true Paper Pickle fashion, I created a card that was both elegant AND rustic.  I don't know what it is about this combination, but I feel it is a MUST at Christmastime!

Deer Trio - $15.50

Word Edger - $14.99

The design really began with these two Impression Obsession dies.  I knew I wanted to work with these and then I set out incorporating them into my card.  I must tell you that both dies are IDEAL for an A2 size card (4.25x5.5") and I adore both.  I have also tried the Deer Trio die on a place card and it too is fabulous.  

How To

I cut my shimmer brown card stock to 10" in length (4.25" wide) and scored at to 5.5" (top crease).  That left 4.5" on the front of the card.  This allowed an extra 1" for the cream shimmer word edgers to "hang".  I loved how the cream shimmer popped of the dark background.  

I then worked with various stencils, stamps and ink to create a design on my canvas textured card stock.  This technique is one of my favourites.  I used it a couple of spring sessions ago and HAD to bring it back for the Christmas crowd just in case they hadn't seen it before.

The design was tied together with my signature move....twine and my new favourite embellishment....cheese cloth! Oh and a little star and rhinestone in the top corner completed the creation.  What do you think?  I've got this card at the store if you want to have a look for yourself.

Event #2 - Saturday, November 28

Want to learn how to make this card and 7 others?  Sign up for the event!  You can register by clicking here or visit Rubies on Grand Ave E in Chatham.  All of the projects were wonderful and I know you would have a lot of fun!  Register by Nov. 20 (date extended) and receive Early Bird pricing of $45 which includes all projects and a nice lunch from Maple City Bakery.  There is also shopping at the various booth.  Honestly, make some time for yourself!  You will be all inspired and this creativeness will carry you through the holiday season!

Memory Box and Impression Obsession

A couple of orders arrived today.  I am happy tell you that the IO Deer Trio is in stock but unfortunately we are waiting on the holiday word edgers shown above.  Just let us know if you are interested in this one and we will set it aside for you when it arrives.

FYI....lots of great Christmas dies are back in stock.  Come on in and have a little look.

Christmas Open House - Dec. 5th

Mark your calendars form Saturday December 5th .  Join us 10am-5pm for The Paper Pickle and Homebaked Kitchen's Christmas Open House.  There will be make and takes, samples etc.  More details to follow.

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

Tidings by Authentique

A beautiful NEW Collection from Authentique

A classic Collection

A beautiful new collection from Authentique has arrived at The Pickle.  The moment I saw this collection, I fell in love. Have a look for yourself and let me know what you think.

Here is the 12x12 collection pack for those who love the collection as much as me (and need it all).  It also comes with of full 12x12 sheet of stickers and two smaller sheets of letter/word stickers.

12x12 Collection Pack with includes stickers
and all 13 papers from the collection

We have also brought in individual sheets of designer papers.  Honestly, the backs are as beautiful as the fronts!

Tidings One - Front

Tidings One - Back

Tidings Three - Front

Tidings Three - Back

Tidings Four - Front

Tidings Four - Back

Tidings Eight - Front

Tidings Eight - Back

Tidings Eleven - Front

Tidings Eleven - Back

Tidings Six - Front

Tidings Six - Back

Tidings Twelve - Front

Tidings Twelve - Back

Tidings Enhancements
Perfect for tags, project life albums, cards, etc.

6x6 paper pads are available

Sweet dreams.  I bet sugar plums will be dancing through your head tonight!

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm