Thursday, May 28, 2015

Look Out. New Goodness.

Memory Box - Spring Release is here!
Lots and lots and lots of new paper crafting goodness has arrived at The Pickle!  Have a look at the pictures of a few of the items.  Please excuse the blurry photos....we must have been trembling with excitement when we took the pic.  Ha!

New stamps and dies
Here is a closer digital look at some of the new items from Memory Box.  I will do a post tomorrow with some of the great new scrap booky items....there are more than a few!

New stencils




Pennington Rose - Die


Fillipa Corner Die

Small forest archway - Die

Valley Deer Trio - Die

This little cutie is a cling stamp!
Enjoy this beautiful day!

Kim

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

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Retrofest - Best Yet!

Me and Jen Saturday afternoon.  Our first Retrofest together!
Check out the gorgeous Coca-Cola product she brought in.
I MUST have the apron on the far left.
 Ok.  Wow.  What a weekend!  Just as I thought, the 15th annual Retrofest weekend was definitely the biggest and best yet.  I heard somewhere that there were 500-600 cars in Friday night's parade and move than 20,000 people walked the streets of downtown Chatham Saturday to participate in our premier festival event.

A HUGE thank you to those customers who visited us Saturday.  From the time we opened to the time we packed it in, we were hoppin'.  Maybe next year you will see me in my roller skates!

Pint size Pickle People
 As promised, we had a pickle tasting station.  Jules and her cousin Brody did a fabulous job.  I was so proud when I heard them chatting with customers and giving them their "spiel" about how the cucumbers are grown locally, etc.  At the end of the day, I walked them through their sales calculations explaining about things like "float" and margins.  Based on their sales, they each walked away with $18.50.....not bad for a great day.  They were thrilled!  I think they had a little fun too.  They got to play with Vicki's niece next door (who was their age and also helping out).  Jules and Brody told me that they cannot wait to help next year!  They certainly earned their spot and I will be counting on them next year.
The girls
 I did get to venture out once.  Here is a picture of Jules and I - Retro style!  Thanks to Vicki's shop - Lady Blackbird Boutique for the perfect top.
Got another great car in front of the store!
 As Jules and I drove up Wellington Street, we were both anxious to see which cars "we got" this year.  We were both cheering in the car when we spotted our friends for the day.  Check out this sweet car!
These bad boys in front of Vicki's.
She was thrilled.
 These were the trucks parked in front of Vicki's store.  She is a farm girl (along with her many talents) and these additions to her store front were very appropriate.  Also very appropriate given the construction going in down our road.  Thank goodness the torn up road did not deter the vehicles.  Our road was PACKED!  Actually I heard EVERY street was packed.  Just awesome.
Hard work pays off.
 I promised the kids that we could go get an ice cream at the new shop called Sugar and Spice on King.  They were lovin' their bubblegum ice cream on that sunny and beautiful day.  The weather could not have been any better.
Make and Takes
The day would not be complete without our make and take table.  As you can see, kids cannot resist our crafts.  A few of our regulars also got in on the fun and that was so nice to see.  Kelsey did wonderful walking our participants through our watercolor tag.  We couldn't have done it without her help.  You're awesome, Kelsey!

So there you have it.  Another Retrofest in the books.  Have I convinced you yet that you MUST come next year?  The more the merrier in downtown Chatham.  I am so proud of my community.♥  I will leave you will a video which summarized this years event!

Kim

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

Friday, May 22, 2015

Watercolor Obsession Continues & TAX FREE Retrofest Weekend!

So there is absolutely no hiding my love for these Prima watercolor pencils.  I gushed about them at Scrapfest.  I've done a couple of facebook posts confessing my excitement.  This photo above was in fact my FB post Monday evening.  Yep.  Watercoloring on the patio with a nice glass of Prosecco on a summer's-like evening. ♥ I kept painting til the sun went down and even then I was squinting (not from the wine!) - but rather fooling myself that there was still enough light to keep going.  Seriously addicted.

And not just addicted to these pencils and water brush pens alone but to another awesome product - Paintables by Adorn It.  There are 12 unique sheets of 12x12 laid papers that have these adorable images and sentiments.  You can use any colouring tool to jazz them up.  I've been sticking with the watercolor pencils and the only additional product needed is some form of glitter (stickles, glitter pens, loose glitter).  The glitter just seems to bring a little more life to the finished product.

The sheets offer images in various sizes including tags and even larger images that could be used on a page layout or wall hanging.  Here are a couple of my favourites:



These Paintable sheets are perfect for those times that you want to be creative and crafty without having to pull out all of your "stuff".  You don't have to think (and I like that!).  You just pull out a sheet and start playing.

MAKE & TAKE - THIS Saturday
Just a little FYI - we will using both of these products SATURDAY during our FREE make and takes.  A special advanced thank you goes out to Kelsey (remember our adorable student from years past?) for helping with this!

Retrofest SPECIAL
So it's no secret now.  Shop TAX FREE Friday and Saturday at The Paper Pickle and Homebaked Kitchen.  Applies to ALL items EXCEPT the baking!


Can't wait to see you this weekend!

Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-4pm (open late for Retrofest!)


Thursday, May 21, 2015

Oh...We've Been BUSY! Maggie Holmes and Heidi Swapp. NEW. NEW. NEW.

One of my goals it to bring the latest and greatest in the paper crafting world to Chatham, Ontario and to The Paper Pickle specifically.  If you haven't noticed, I kind of have a passion for pretty paper things.  These things do not have to come in the form of paper sheets.  They can be in the form of printed napkins, journals, wrap, etc.  Many of my beloved paper crafting suppliers have now found themselves in new industries/markets and I couldn't be happier.  Have a look at what Crate Paper has been up to....


DIY party supplies are HOT!  This massive balloon kit comes with everything a little girl would go nuts for on her birthday! It includes the over sized balloon, string, tons of paper tassels, etc.  Just take it to your local florist and have they blow it up for you!  I brought mine to Scrapfest in Kitchener and it added so much cheer to our booth.  This would be incredible for a photo shoot.  Note:  it is only available in pink at this point in time.


Well this is not necessarily "paper" but it does fall into the incredible DIY category.  This is a 5' REAL crocheted doily garland.  Ok.  How beautiful would this be at a shower, tea party or decoration in your craft room?  This product was really more than I had expected.  Love when that happens!

12x12 wood frame
The possibilities are endless with this product from Maggie Holmes.  Add it to a canvas, page layout, etc.  How about adding pretty papers or materials to the back side and making a pin board?  I cannot wait to work with this myself! ♥

Heidi Swapp - MemoryDex

I may very well be in LOVE.  I have butterflies in my stomach and dreams of what the future holds for me any my MemoryDex.  Why did I not get these in sooner?  Umm...maybe it is because they have been back ordered due to the crazy response to this new product. Thank you again to Lori C. for pointing out how awesome this line was.  I may need to hire you as my product scout!

Once again, leave it to Heidi to think outside the album.  This girl is great at trying new things.  I think this is a winner for sure.

Watch the video below and let Heidi herself explain the concept....
Anyone think this would make a great class?!?
Here is a less bulky project idea if you are not
into Heidi's show sample.

Close up of the tray which is now in store.

The punch.  Use ANY and ALL of your
pretty papers to make your own cards!

These gold foil babies are in stock.
Couldn't you see doing a memorydex with cards
for all your loved one's birthdays?  Cool...cool....cool!
What a great gift idea.
Don't tell my mom...this may be her Christmas present!

Also in store now.  What would you do with these?

I don't know about you, but I think I have stimulated myself enough with this post....better leave a few things for my Friday's post!

Kim

PS...Don't forget about our Retrofest super secret sale going on (well it is a secret until Friday and Saturday anyways).  Mention that you read my blog and save the tax on your entire order!

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-4pm (open late for Retrofest)

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Retrofest LOVE

It's all happening!  Retrofest.  Downtown Chatham.  THIS weekend!

For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, know that this is THE weekend that I live for. Seriously, I am so proud of my community and the excitement that this Festival brings to the streets of my downtown.

This was the sweet ride parked in front of the store last year!
For those of you who have never been to Chatham, this is THE weekend to visit.  The streets are hopping with thousands of people.  The downtown streets are lined with antique cars.  There are special events and entertainment.  Here is a link to more information (CLICK HERE).

Now how cool is this shot?  Can't get more retro than 'Big Boy'.
As you can see, Retrofest brings out the best in me.

This year marks the 15th year so you know this is to be one for the books.    The festival kicks off Friday night with a cruise.  It is so awesome to see the kids (old and young) smiling as the cars slide by.  On Saturday, many of these same cars line the streets and you are able to chat with the owners and get a closer look at your favourites.

Paper Pickle FUN - Tax FREE Shopping
Of course we've got to have a little fun this weekend too!  Shop TAX FREE all weekend!  Actually, just tell the girls you saw my blog and shop tax free ALL WEEK! My loyal followers should get some perks once in a while!

Paper Pickle FUN - Make & Takes
I thought you guys may want to try these amazing watercolor pencils that I have been obsessed with.  So let's get a little make and take going Saturday!  Even if you are not the best at shading/colouring/painting, these pencils along with the water brush make you look like a rockstar!  SATURDAY only.

Pickle Sampling - Saturday

Last year, I had the cutest little sampler girl and she has agreed to make an appearance!  Sample the best retro pickles around - The Pickle Station brand.  All jars $5.00.....Saturday ONLY!

Homebaked Kitchen - Special Offering
Ok.  Yum.  For Retrofest only, try a cherry coke cupcake from Homebaked Kitchen!  Available Friday and Saturday ONLY.

So what do you think?  Are you sold on this event yet?  Truly, bring the family or a friend downtown Chatham this weekend.  I know you will have a blast!

Kim

Store Hours
Wed - Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-4pm (open late this week for Retrofest)

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Free Gift - May 6-9 only!


I think we are due for a little promotion, don't you think?  And what a perfect time to come in!  Stop by and grab some goodies for yourself or a gift card for mom and receive a FREE 6x6 Kaisercraft paper pad!  There are over a dozen styles to choose from so grab the one that best suits your style.

You guys all know how much I love these little pads.  They are filled with specialty papers (flocked, foiled, glazed) and also have amazing little die cut tags and borders to coordinate with the papers.  They take the guess work out of colour coordination for your cards and pages!

Lots of great products have been arriving weekly.  I just know we have something mom/you will LOVE!

PS...I know Jen has been working on some special treats especially for mom.  Beautiful and perfect for gift giving.

Chat soon!
Kim

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