Paper Pickle CLOSING - February 23

It has been one wonderful and AWESOME ride!

I wasn't sure when this day would come but it is here.  It is time to close the doors to our beautiful store at 44 Fourth Street, Chatham.  I have been searching through boxes and flipping through photo albums.  I have been rummaging through drawers at home and drawers at the store.  I have been scrolling through my beloved blog.  (Oh my blog!)  All of these efforts were in hopes to find THE perfect picture or note that would prompt me to write THE BEST farewell post.  And you know what I found?  Not one but many....SO MANY (!) paper clippings, ads, stories, photos......all of which have flooded me with emotion.  No single piece of our history could help me with this post.

For 15 "dill-ghtful" years, The Paper Pickle has been providing you with THE latest and greatest in paper crafting products.  My sister Kelly and I started the store because of our love of the hobby.  We were WILD and still are wild about paper.  Remember that time I told you about how we spent our very first earnings (hoeing for our dad) on beautiful scented puffy stickers from Toys R Us?  And remember the time I had my three sisters up until 1am two nights before my wedding to help me heat embossing my menu cards?  (Side note - they did look stunning in a traditional gold on mint green vellum....all thanks to supplies from Rubies!)  And remember the time I told you how we felt when we got our very first wholesale order? It was from River City Rubber Works and we frantically TORE into the box on my dining room table....oh, it was like Christmas! 

It has always been like Christmas.  We have felt great anticipation for each and every event we hosted and/or took part in.  We have always put our hearts into EVERY detail and EVERY preparation.  And like Christmas, when the event arrived, oh wow!  The great JOY and PRIDE we felt was truly overwhelming.  You would tell us that we had the nicest booth or the most beautiful card.  You would tell us that we were your HAPPY PLACE and where you needed to visit to escape.  You liked us.....you really liked us.  This response and YOUR support gave us energy and kept us petaling all these years.  It has been one wonderful and AWESOME ride.

Sale starts Wednesday....Spread the word!

I could go on and on here but I better not.   I do hope, however, you will allow me to share a few stories with you over the next 6 weeks.  I am amazed at the history I have uncovered including how my hair has transformed over the past 15 years?!?  Honestly, what was I thinking with that cut (or lack thereof) in the photo above?!  Ha. 

How Can YOU Help?
You can help me by spreading the word that the LAST DAY will be February 23 and by passing on our specials with your friends.  As you know, we have beautiful, current product in the store ALL looking for a good home.  And at 40% off?  You better grab it before it is gone!

We will be offering extended hours for your shopping convenience.  We will be open until 8pm THIS Thursday.  Come and see me and share your favourite hairstyle story with me!

Homebaked Kitchen is NOT Closing!
You will be thrilled to hear that my sister Jen is NOT closing her incredible bake shop but rather MOVING her business.  She is still working out the details but I promise to keep you posted. You can help by spreading this news as well.  I would hate for my decision to negatively affect her business.  Thank you in advance for your help!

2nd Last Make & Take - THIS Saturday!
As you know we have this cool thing that happens on the third Saturday of each month.  We host a FREE make and take where you get to make a fun project lead by my daughter, Julia.  Join us THIS Saturday for our 2nd last event.  It will be awesome.  Stop in anytime between 10-3pm.

So?  How did I do?  I will admit that I had a few tears while I wrote this.  Thank goodness I didn't do a farewell video.....no one needs to see that!   But in all honestly, please know that a tremendous amount of thought has gone into this decision.  I hope you understand and I am not letting you down. 

♥ Kim

Store Hours
Wednesday - 10am-5pm
Thursday - 10am-8pm **special extended hours
Friday - 10am-5pm
Saturday - 10am-3pm
***Please note that hours may be extended on other dates based on your feedback.  Please let me know your thoughts.  We would love to see you before we close!

December Week 2 SPECIALS & MORE!

It is going to be ONE AWESOME week at The Pickle!  You will enjoy 25% off ALL dies and stencils from Wednesday to Sunday. 

That's right.  We will be open Sunday from 12-4pm.  The downtown will be hopping thanks to the Roger's Hometown Hockey event.  Here is a link to the events.

Sunday is going to be EXTRA special too.....it's our 15th Birthday!  It seems just like yesterday my sister Kell and I were brainstorming about the name of our shop.  And wasn't it the perfect little name?  It has been such an incredible 15 years thanks to you and your support.  Our customers have become our friends and that means everything.  ♥

For those of you who submitted tags for our 2018 exchange....your tags are ready for pick up.  Please stop in anytime during our store hours.  I cannot wait to share the creations here on the blog.  They.  Are.  Amazing.

And last but certainly not least.....THIS Saturday is our FREE Make & Take.  Join us for a Christmas inspired project!  All are welcome between 10am-3pm.  This is the last one for 2018.  Let's work with those beautiful hands!

See?!?  It's all happening.  I love weeks like this!!  Hope to see you soon.

♥ Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

Sun - 12-4pm **SPECIAL HOURS**

Christmas Open House - This SATURDAY - 10-5pm!

Who laughs this way "Ho Ho Ho"?  Santa laughs this way, "Ho Ho Ho". 

Join us for the Holly-est, Jolly-est Christmas House in Town.  Now in our 15th (!) year!  THIS Saturday from 10am-5pm we will be spreading our Christmas cheer with a FREE Make & Take, in-store SPECIALS, sweet samples from Homebaked Kitchen Company and more!  Be sure to check out our new samples sure to inspire.

Stop in and say hi.

♥ Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-5pm **Special Open House Hours **

Downtown in the City Extravaganza - TONIGHT 5-9pm!

Y'all better come out now ya hear!  The downtown will be full of life as we celebrate Positivity Day and The Downtown in the City Extravaganza.  Get out and support your local businesses!

We will have:

• Flash sales happening tonight ONLY
• A FREE make and take from 5-8pm
• Showcasing the incredible new lines and products for fall

Gosh darn....it will be swell.  ♥

Kim

Daddy Daughter Dance 2018

Last Friday was the Daddy Daughter Dance and The Paper Pickle was there.  This is a big fundraiser for The Chatham-Kent Children's Safety Village.  The Safety Village is a non-profit who's purpose is to keep children safe through education and awareness.  My children have attended sessions at The Safety Village through their school and I am grateful.  We are very lucky to have them in our community.  And I wanted to give back.

This year, I prepped kits for 150 girls!  All supplies and my time are donated for this event.  The cards are kept very simple as there are girls ranging in age from 2-16.  I thought this line from Doodlebug was very appropriate.  

Now there are two reasons why I initially volunteered to be a part of this event.  First of all, I wanted to see why my daughter and husband look forward to this event each year.  They have been attending since it's inception (at least 4-5 years now) and would never dream of missing it!  I mean it must be pretty special.  Oh and is it ever!  The girls and dads are dressed up.  There is dancing (Shawn from PartyTime DJ is always there spinning the tunes), there is a photo booth by Captured Moments and two strips of photos are given to each - one for dad and one for daughter.  What a beautiful keepsake!  There is a sundae bar. There is pizza. There are flowers.  There are balloons.  It.  Is.  Adorable.

....best of all, you give me love. 

And the best part....and the reason why I offered to do this for a second year.......There is lots and LOTS of LOVE.....  Oh my goodness.  These next few photos are the reason why I run around like a wild woman sweating and helping and gluing and praising and laughing and smiling and.....

Love the curly font, Summer!

Bold and beautiful.

Best use of coloured pens and stamps.

Best in black and white.  Way to go Peyton!

Oh Bry....your love is apparent.

So yeah.  This is why I do it.  My heart was FULL after this event.  Thank you for the re-charge Barb and team at The Chatham-Kent Children's Safety Village.  See you next year!

♥  Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

Daddy Daughter Dance Sneak Peek

Happy Father's Day 

I am thrilled to be apart of THE most adorable event of the year - The Daddy Daughter Dance taking place this Friday at The Bradley Centre.  This is a huge fundraiser for The Chatham-Kent Children's Safety Village (a charity that does such amazing work in our community).  Have a look at the cards the girls will be making for their dads.  We are working with the So Punny line from Doodlebug.  Tickets are nearly sold out but you may time to snag a couple!  Click here for the ticket link.

PS....for those of you who love Doodlebug and their whimsical designs, you will be happy to know that the Sweet Summer collection is now in stock!

Pen to paper.....this is love.

We were also apart of the "Mother Son Date Knight" back in May which was also a fundraiser for The Chatham-Kent Children's Safety Village.  The boys created an emoji spinner card for their mom (remember that one from our make and take back a few months ago?) and they loved it. 

Honestly, I am happy to donate my time and supplies especially when I get to be rewarded with this.  Have a look at the picture above.  This boy who must have been around 9 or 10 must have spend about 30+ minutes putting his card together and then taking the time to write a very special note to his mom.  He truly was putting his whole heart into that card.  I watched him give his card to this mom and he was SO proud.  My heart is full after leaving these events.....this is why I do what I do.  It is amazing what a little ol' fashioned pen to paper can do for the soul.  I am looking forward to this Friday and all the smiles and love I am so lucky to witness.

♥Kim

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

TODAY is National Scrapbook Day

Today is National Scrapbook Day!  Why not celebrate it by visiting a store that has proudly marched to it's own beat since 2003?!?  For 15 years, The Paper Pickle has remained true to ourself and has never felt the need to copy the competition....and I think you love us for that.  Who knows?  There could be a little special promo or two today.  We like to keep you guessing....and I think you love us for that too.

♥  Kim

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

Open House - Are you coming?

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!

Kim

More Classes, Tax Exchange and Open House!

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!

We hope to see you Saturday!

♥ Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-5pm (Open House DAY!)

Shop Local Week!

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!  ♥

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

Zonta - Christmas Card Making Extravaganza

The Paper Pickle Card

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.....

♥Kim

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

3rd Saturday. FUN FUN FUN!

Craft with us if you DARE......

This Saturday is the 3rd Saturday of the month so that means a FREE make & take at The Pickle!  We have been doing this every month for more than a year now and based on the turn out, I can tell you like them.  As always, ghosts and ghouls of all ages and skill levels are welcome.  Drop in anytime between 10am-3pm.  This week is a Halloween themed projects.  Julia and I hope to show you a few TRICKS (of the trade) and send you home with a few TREATS too.  See you soon!!

PS....There are tons of new Halloween items in the store perfect for your favourite trick or treaters.  

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

The Perfect Saturday

So I've got your Saturday all planned.  Are you ready for this?  Ok so Saturday will be the perfect day to grab a friend and get downtown (I love how the downtown has been hopping these days!).  The Chatham Kent Etsy event is happening in the Downtown Chatham Centre's King Street Commons area (right in front of Sears).  They always have a fabulous offering of local artisans.  Have a look below.  Nearly 50 vendors!

Firefest is also happening in the downtown core.  This is a great family friendly event.  It's been happening for many years so they are certainly doing something right. 

Then after you've seen the sights around town, pop into The Pickle. Seriously the store is PACKED with incredible new product. Check these out. New items from Paper House. My daughter helped me ordering and I have to say I have a little prodigy. Adorable product that is very on trend. She's hired!

Stop in and say hi!  

Kim 

Store hours 

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm