The weather outside is frightful....which makes my craft room that much more delightful! Get in and take advantage of this rare sale! 50% off all in store Christmas for 4 days only! No exceptions. This includes all designer paper, stamps, stencils, stickers, dies, washi tape, ribbon and more.
We thought we better share our store hours over the next couple of weeks. Stop in and say hi if you are in the area. There is still a great selection of pretty paper crafting items or grab one of our new gift cards! I love the new design. What do you think??
You know we are all about helping you look like a superstar! Well this is not paper related but certainly appropriate for the holidays. I made this recipe for our Christmas Open House and Birthday Bash and many of you raved about it so I thought I would share. It is so festive looking for the holidays PLUS the flavour is fabulous. Enjoy!
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a boil. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add 1/2 cup basil leaves, remove pan from heat and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain syrup and let cool for at least 1 hour. In a large pitcher, combine syrup, 2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes). Fill pitcher with 1 litre chilled club soda, then add 4 lime slices, 1 cup fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup basil leaves. To serve, pour spritzers over ice and top with a splash more of club soda and garnish with basil.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday and only the best in 2018. Let's make it the best year yet!
Oh my goodness...the last make and take of 2017 is here. We have had a year of smiles, a year of learning and a year of fun! Take 10-15 minutes out of your hectic weekend to spend a little time on YOU. We have a Christmas tag planned. Join us! From 10am-3pm at The Paper Pickle! The coolest thing is that December 16 is The Paper Pickle's 14th Birthday!
We had another incredible offering of tags this year. For those creative 24 people who joined our exchange, stop in during store hours to grab your bag o' goodies! You will be wowed....I was! I want to give everyone time to pick up their tags before posting on the blog. Look for this post on New Year's Day!
The Paper Pickle is like a child to me. I guess I could say that The Paper Pickle is my first "baby". Born in 2003, she has had quite the journey. We have watched her grow and blossom. We have watched her change with the times, growing and expanding as the hobby exploded. She has also downsized (she was small but mighty!). She has had roommates (Dekoko's & Homebaked) over the years. She has believed that family is number one (Debbie and Homebaked Kitchen). She has made friends.....many, many friends over the years. You have been apart of her life and she in yours.
Like any proud mother, I enjoy watching her at her best. The one day each year that she shines brightest is at the Christmas Open House. Oh does she shine! Full of hustle and bustle. Full of creativity. Full of love. This year brought a smile to my face as we were jam packed with people for hours on end. You were strolling and looking and thinking and making and taking and chatting and catching up and....oh it was wonderful.
Thank you to those who came out to celebrate the season with us. I know this is a very busy time and for you to make time to join us meant so much. I know many of you were here in spirit and this is appreciated too. You have heard this before but I will never tire of saying "your support means so much".
There is still lots of time to stop in and grab a few supplies to make a special gift for a loved one. Grab a few goodies and wrap your gifts like no ones business! We've got lots of great examples and supplies in stock now. Beautiful kraft boxes are just begging to be dressed with your own personal style. Show 'em what you got! Enjoy the holiday. Celebrate the process. And most of all have FUN!
Well the cider is on and these guys were wondering if you were joining us for our Christmas Open House tomorrow? We'd love to see you! Open 10-5 SATURDAY with a special little make and take featuring Prima watercolor pencils, washi and the brand new Mama Elephant stamps (now in store!).
Special promotion - spend $100 on Paper Pickle product and receive a $25 gift card FREE!
Enjoy some holiday cheer at The Paper Pickle and Homebaked Kitchen!
You were looking for a couple more classes and here they are. Stop into the store to register or call us (519-351-5220).
Desk Calendar & Pop Up Gift Card Holder by Hilary
You are in for a treat! Hilary has designed a 4.25x5.5" desk calendar and a pop up gift card holder just in time for the gift giving season. You will work with dies to make dimensional flowers, use embossing folders, washi tape, stamps and more. Have a closer look!
Pop Up gift card holder (measures 4.25x5.5")
Pretty, Pretty Desk Calendar (Measures 4.25x5.5")
Dates: Thursday, December 7 from 6-8pm OR Wednesday, December 13 from 1-3pm
Cost: $22+hst (includes a sweet treat from Homebaked Kitchen)
Required Supplies: Scissors, adhesive
Elegant Christmas by Debbie
Take a couple hours for yourself and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season. Debbie's elegant cards are so full of technique and fun! First time stampers don't be afraid. We like to keep our classes small (12 students max) so the teacher can spend some one on one time with you. Grab a friend and see what your pretty little hands can do.
You will be working with stencils, stamps, dies, distress inks, sequins glitter and more. All supplies included.
Dates: Wednesday, December 6 from 6-8pm Cost: $18+hst (includes all card supplies (paper and embellishments) and a sweet treat from Homebaked Kitchen) Required Supplies: scissors, adhesive
You have a few more days to register for the 2017 Tag Exchange. We are almost full (two groups again this year). If you are thinking about it....do it! Call the store or email me to register. Deadline is Saturday to register and tags are due December 9 by 3pm. Pick up will be December 13-16 during store hours.
And speaking of Saturday.....it is our Christmas Open House. Join us from 10am-5pm for an amazing day. There will be:
Free Make and Take using stamps from a brand new company!
Homebaked Kitchen Holiday Reveal
New samples in store to help with your holiday projects and wrapping
PLUS spend $100 before tax and receive a $25 gift card FREE!
It comes but once a year....We have an incredible Christmas Open House planned for you. Get ready for sensory overload as you step foot through our door. We will have new card samples and projects, ideas for gift wrapping and more. Julia will lead a sweet make and take. And as we do once a year....
Spend $100 before tax and receive a $25 gift card FREE!
The store is jam packed with gorgeous paper goods. I cannot wait for you to see it all!
And that's not all. My sister Jen of Homebaked Kitchen will be sampling her holiday offerings. I hear she has some brand NEW recipes too. Place your orders and knock one more item off your to do list! She has also brought in some beautiful new linens, mugs, aprons and more. Jen has such an eye for pretty things. I think you will agree.
Grab a friend and join us on Saturday, December 2nd from 10am-5pm for a day full of treats and treasures.
My dream of owning a retail store became a reality when my sister and I took a leap back in 2003. And thanks to your support, we are still here today. I value your business. I value you taking the time to shop local. Given the fierce competition with online businesses, and the ease that this shopping brings, brick and mortar store need your efforts more than ever this year. And don't even get me started about the construction throughout our municipality. This has not helped matters either.
This holiday season, I urge you to think about how you spend each and every dollar because trust me, it matters. I know you have heard this before, but each dollar you spend locally supports a local person or family. They in turn use these dollars to purchase other items within their community therefore supporting another person or family. It is a snowball of love and support if all are like minded.
Joy of Shopping
Sometimes I wonder if people have lost the joy of shopping....all they want is the big check mark on their never ending to-do list. I think it is wonderful to wander from shop to shop in search of the perfect gift. And OH that moment when you find IT! It is a feeling that brings joy to me thinking of the reaction from your loved one. And I will tell you it is a truly awesome feeling for me when as the shop owner, I see this reaction from YOU when you spot that perfect gift in MY store. I am excited because you are excited.
Think Before you Buy
So the moral of the story is to think before you buy. There are SO many incredible stores in our community. If you want them to stay, then you need to take the time to see what they are all about. Tell your friends when you find "THE cutest store" or spread the word when a friend is looking for something. Tell them where they can find the item locally. You guys do a great job at this already but let's create a movement. Let's help build our community!
Black Friday? Who needs it?
Have you noticed the movement throughout this community and throughout this country for that matter? We are tired of everyone heading to the States for "the deals" on Black Friday. Truly, "the deals" are here! Save your time, your gas and your sanity. There are deals to be had throughout Chatham-Kent.
Shop these AWESOME deals ALL WEEK at The Pickle.
Prima Spiral Planners - Special Price of $15 ♥
Prima "Breathe" Spiral Bound Planner
These planners make the perfect gift for a teacher, babysitter, friend, etc. Regular $24.99, pick one up this week for only $15! Check out the video below to see just how nice these planners are.....gorgeous stickers, tabs and you can start it any time you like!
Prima "In the Moment" Spiral Planner
We also brought in a second style of the Prima spiral planners. This one also has great stickers, tabs and you can start it any month you like. The video below will show you more. Regular $24.99, this week NOW only $15.
Kaisercraft Advent Block - 50% OFF ♥
Kaisercraft Advent Block
These Kaisercraft Advent kits are awesome. Regular $54.99 now 50% OFF! There is still lots of time to make this for December 1. I have a DIY advent calendar for each child (and even one for my big kid/hubby) and they look forward to the different treats, toys and notes I fill them with each year. I have a blast doing it too!
Paper Sippers - 50% OFF ♥
How cute would these be at your Christmas party this year? We have a dozen colours to choose from. Regular $9.99, now only $5!
So what do you think? We got the deals. We got the selection. We got spirit. Yeah. Yeah. We got spirit. ♥ Let's do this! ♥
Oh it's back. You have been asking since the summer so of course we wanted to coordinate this again for you and your fellow paper crafters! Time to get excited for our 5th Annual Christmas Tag Exchange. Last year we had two groups of incredible entries. Let's see how many beautiful tags we can get this year!
Have a look at the past participant's creations by clicking the links below. Honestly, you will be blown away by the designs.
Please consider being apart of this incredibly fun exchange. Its a calorie free swap with sweet rewards! And don't let these entries intimidate you. Show us what you've got. And just remember...You are good enough. You are crafty enough. And doggone it, people are going to like 'em. (to paraphrase Stuart Smalley). Ha.
Here are the Details:
You will make 13 tags of the same design to trade with the other participants (12 will be traded with others and 1 will be kept to display in store)
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 Saturday, DECEMBER 2
Your 13 tags are to be dropped off no later than 3PM on Saturday, DECEMBER 9
You can pick up your tags during store hours any day between DECEMBER 13-16
There is no cost to register or participate other than the cost of your product that you use
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? Have I convinced you how fun this can be? I love seeing the excitement when people drop off their tags to us. And wow....the excitement when they look through the tags from the swap. You've got to do this. You are going to rock it.
More Important Dates to Remember:
This Saturday (Nov 18) - It is the third Saturday of the month and so we have a FREE make
Christmas Open House - Saturday, Dec. 2 (woot woot!)
ALL in stock Prima Flowers - 25% OFF Many, MANY styles to choose from. Perfect additions to any project!
Thought it would be FUN to have a few in store specials this week. A girl has got to do her part to help another get her CRAFT ON! Ha. Check out these 25% OFF specials. November 15-18 only.
All Prima Flowers - 25% off!
Avery Elle Pockets - 25% OFF We have two sizes available: 5.5x7.38" OR 6.75x9.38"
Look how organized your stamps and dies could be!
Sticky Dots - 25% OFF This adhesive is the answer to adhering intricate die cuts! Demoing in store THIS week!
This is sweater weather. This IS the time to get your CRAFT ON!
Oh how I love this time of the year. As the air turns a little crisp, I feel my craft room calling my name more and more. No more lawn to mow or gardens to tend to. Time to pull out the supplies and make a little something special.
Join us this Saturday from 10am-3pm. Julia has a great make and take for you. Of course we will be focusing on a little Christmas fun. Just TWO more make and takes before Christmas (November 17 & December 16). Come out and get your craft on!
PS...There are still spots available in our upcoming classes. Check out the posts below!
Take a couple hours for yourself and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season. Debbie's elegant cards are so full of technique and fun! First time stampers don't be afraid. We like to keep our classes small (12 students max) so the teacher can spend some one on one time with you. Grab a friend and see what your pretty little hands can do.
You will be working with stencils, stamps, dies, distress inks, sequins glitter and more. All supplies included.
Dates: Thursday, November 16 from 6-8pm OR Wednesday, November 29 from 1-3pm
Cost: $18+hst (includes all card supplies (paper and embellishments) and a sweet treat from Homebaked Kitchen)
Required Supplies: scissors, adhesive
Advent Calendar by Laura
This project is incredible! Make your own advent calendar to use year after year. Forget those waxy chocolates......! These 2x2" squares are the perfect size to fill with your own special treats including: candy, coins, stickers, shopkins, special notes and more. You will have fun getting creative and filling this calendar for your special loved one.
This project measures 17"x10" and is made out of a heavy MDF board and it will stand the test of time. These beautiful papers will be used to dress the project and there will be many dies and various embellishments available to create a custom design that reflects a style all your own!
Max 6 people in this class.
Date: Wednesday, November 22 from 5:30-8:30pm
Cost: $75+hst
Required Supplies: scissors, adhesive
Suggested Supplies: paper trimmer if you have one
***Kits will be available as well for $60+hst***
If you are interested in signing up for either class, please call the store to reserve a spot (519.351.5220) or stop in during store hours. Both classes are in the store for you to see in person. I do my best but these photos can never do the projects justice.
I had THE best time on the weekend at The Zonta Card Making Extravaganza. The Paper Pickle has been apart of this fabulous event since the beginning ( 12+years I think). There is a session in the spring and another in the fall. You MUST check out the next one.
What do you think of the card I taught (found above)? I never know what I am going to teach until I get playing around in my craft room. Let me tell you, it gets a little stressful at times as I always want my card to be loaded with technique, be appealing to the ladies and not too rushed (you see we only have 30 minutes per group to complete). I was proud at the way it turned out.
They Liked it!
This card was well received by the group! We worked with oxide inks in peacock feathers, salty ocean and cracked pistachio to blend and create the background. We then stamped the sheet music in faded jeans oxide ink. I absolutely love these inks (as if you couldn't tell!). They blend beautifully and stamp equally as well.
The Process/Products Used
We then added a couple of great dies:
Spellbinders - Fa La La
Penny Black - Winter Snow Script
Then a few finishing touches including: glitter, snowflake brad, sequins from Neat & Tangled and a little washi. I love it!
The Team
Paper Pickle Power!
I couldn't have managed the day without my trusty sidekick, Julia. Julia is my daughter and she is growing into a confident and beautiful young woman. She has been apart of The Paper Pickle since she was 3 months old (remember the baby in the playpen at the end of the counter? YES! This is the same girl!). She was the natural pick to help for the event since my sister Kell is busy cuddling with her new baby girl.
You rocked it, girl!
Do you think she had fun? I would say so! This was my girl at the end of the day. Energy to spare!!
Christmas HAS Arrived (product anyways!)
Now we are not decorating the store until Remembrance Day has passed but we do have the store jam packed with incredible new product for your Christmas projects. Here is a little sampling of the some dies that are similar to the one I used above.
Spellbinders - Building a Snowman
Spellbinders - Deck the Halls
Spellbinders - Sledding
More Samples
Look at these incredible samples I found using the Penny Black and Spellbinders dies. Wow. Just wow. I love seeing how others use the products I used. It is amazing what can be created if you use your imagination and work with those beautiful hands.....
It's the perfect kind of day for a little crafting. Halloween is Tuesday and there's still Lots of time to work on some special treat bags for the kids.
Stop in and see what fun you can get into. Open 10-3 today!
From the moment I brought in this Dream Catcher kit from Kaisercraft, I knew it was something I HAD to create and play with. I started to work on it one other time but it just didn't come to me. Last night was THE night. This beauty was born and oh does it make me happy.
It was one of those days were I found myself frustrated with the mundane. Work, cooking, cleaning, laundry....blah, blah, blah. I went into my craft room trying to work on my design for the Zonta Cardmaking Extravaganza but totally got side tracked. Procrastination? Maybe. Just what I needed? Absolutely! I find working with paper and pretty things to lighten my mood and set my mind at ease. Picture this......Here I am.....enter craft room. Take a deep breath in. Get fingers all inky. Breath out. Feel good....AND proud!
Dream Catcher Kit by Kaisercraft
I started with this wooden kit by Kaisercraft. I have worked with many of their "Beyond the Page" projects over the years and they are incredible. This is a good size project too. Just to give you an idea, the diameter of the circle is 9.5".
The next step was to decide how I was going to apply colour. As you know, I am in love with Distress Oxide Inks. I love everything about them from the vibrant colours, their coverage, the way their react with water, etc, etc. I sponged colour directly onto the wood and also used stencils for texture and design. One thing I did notice is that the ink seemed to be absorbed by the wood. That was fine. They still look cool but most of the small details from the stencils were lost. I didn't want that to happen to the main circle portion of the project so I applied gesso. This helped to seal the wood and allow the ink to sit on top. I used my most favourite detailing stamp of all time (Script stamp by Magenta Style) and stamped directly onto the gesso using picked raspberry. I then dusted a little more picked raspberry to add a little more colour. YES! It was all happening.....
Weddingstar - Mini Circle Garland
I then tied these fun little mini circle banners to the hoop and let them dangle between the feathers. I loved how they filled the space a little more. Just what I needed! As a side, I have used these on everything from scrapbook layouts to cards to tying gift bag handles. A great staple product to have lying around.
The Details - Flowers, feathers, chipboard, trim, stickers, film and more!
Then the real fun came in. Adding all the goodies. I knew the new Carousel line by Crate Paper would pair beautifully with the teals and fuchsia. I used these papers to make paper flowers using various Spellbinder and MFT dies. I LOVE rolling these pretty papers to make flowers.
Prima Flowers - Tales of You & Me
I also added some pre-made Prima flowers. They were THE perfect size and colour. It is always nice to have basics like this around.
Crate Paper - Gallop
Did you see how I used this paper? I made a couple paper flowers at first but knew I had to cut one of these guys out and tuck him in somewhere. LOVE! I could see this teal zebra galloping in my dreams.
Tim Holtz - Film Strip Ribbon
Remember this product? It has been a staple at The Pickle like forever. It's funny how I have forgotten about it. See how I used this? I trimmed a few small lengths and hot glued them in among the flowers. It is appropriate too. Don't you wish you could capture some of your dreams on this film? You may start seeing this in EVERYTHING I create from this point on.
This presentation though! Ruffled fabric trim - We have this beauty in ivory and rose
You will also see some chipboard from Prima's Rose Quartz line, fabric trim, little gold hearts from Crate Paper and my signature twine! It's all in the details isn't it? So how did I know when to stop? I didn't. I just kept going until it felt right. Oh....that and the fact that it was midnight and it was time to haul my butt to bed. Ha.
Sigh. This was awesome. It made me feel SO good. I'm still debating whether I give this beauty away (Jules tells me it would look great in her room) or keep it for me (it looks great in my craft room!). Actually, the plan is to share this at the store for a while. Have a look and tell me what you think. I hope you enjoyed my post today. Sharing this with you is all part of the fun for me. You get that feel good therapy while creating and then again when sharing with those who appreciate your efforts. ♥
