Happy 2014! Let's Make it OUR Year!

I don't know about you, but I have decided to make 2014 MY year....the year that I stop saying "I should" and really make things happen!  No more "we should get together" but rather "when can meet for dinner?" or "One day I will try that technique" but rather "What the heck....dishes can wait....let's try that now!"  I sometimes don't like to talk like this (in case I may jinx myself) but I feel like my life is falling into place.  I am very content with The Pickle's new home in Dekoko's and I have a feeling this is going to be The Year of The Pickle!  Ha.  

Paper Pickle Fun Fact #324

Did you know that The Paper Pickle celebrated our TENTH(!!) Birthday on December 16th??  I am very proud of this accomplishment and it is all thanks to YOU and your support of small business and your support of "The Pickle".  Many of you made me smile (and tear up) when I received your Christmas cards and they shared words of thanks and even called my store " Your happy place".  There are no kinder words ever spoken to a store owner and I am humbled.

I have always believed December 16th was a lucky day to start a business, as it was my grandpa Prada's birthday (my mom's dad).  He too had a small business called Prada's which was a hair salon on the corner of Gregory and St Clair in Chatham (currently Infinity Jewelers).  He ran a successful family run business for many years.  I even worked there as the receptionist/cashier.  I believe that it was this job that took me from the shy teenager that I was to a more outgoing girl and I thank my grandparent's for giving me that opportunity.  Ahhh....can you feel the love?!?  Ha.  

CHA Bound
So as I mentioned in my last post, I am off to The Craft and Hobby Association's MEGA Show in Anaheim (ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!).  This is the show were all the new lines are introduced!  And the SNEAK PEEKS have begun!  Check out The Scrap Reviews BLOG to see all the amazing and beautiful new product!!

One reason why I believe The Paper Pickle is still here after 10 BIG years is because I ask for feedback from YOU!  It is extremely important to know what products you are looking for and ideas on ways to make the store better.  

So here we go again......I am going to need your help!  Please let me know which lines and products you cannot live without and I will do my best to get them all ordered at the show!!  Webster's Pages Party Time Collection has caught my eye.  Soooo pretty!  Who knows?  There may even be a little draw once I return from CHA.  Heck.  Why don't we do that?  For every comment left on the blog, you will be entered into a draw for some amazing goodies!  Don't ask me what exactly but just know I will make it worth your while!  Only comments on here or facebook will count (please NO emails!).

Well I better get a move on here (I'm still in my pj's at 10:49am!).  There is lots to do in the next week!  Please make note of our store hours moving forward.  We will NOT be open Thursday evenings as it was just too quiet.  We are however continuing to be open on Fridays to serve you better!  We are open today, tomorrow and Saturday so pop in and grab some supplies.  This is the perfect day to get started on that project you have been saying you "should" do!

Kim

Store Hours

Wednesday - 10am-5pm

Thursday - 10am-5pm

Friday - 10am-5pm

Saturday - 9:30am-3pm

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

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

Yes! We're Open TODAY!

Just wanted to remind you that we are open every Friday in November and December from 10am-5pm. Stop in an introduce yourself to our new girl, Beth!  We are thrilled to have Beth helping on Fridays. She has over 19years card making experience and she will be happy to help you with all your paper crafting questions!

Kim

Thursday = OPEN LATE!

Just wanted to remind you that EVERY Thursday for the month of November and December, we will be open late to serve you better!  Shop anytime between 10am and 8pm on Thursdays.  We have lots of new items in store and a big order is expect this afternoon with Basic Grey Calendar kits and Advent Calendars from Karen Foster!

Last week, there were a couple of girls starting a "Stitch & Bitch" (pardon my language!) in Dekoko's.  Feel free to bring your yarn and join in on the FUN!  Dekoko's is open until 9pm tonight and every Thursday! I would love to offer cropping at this same time but it takes up too much space.  Someday....you never know!

First Class in our NEW Space

Last night was our first class in our new space and it was a success!  It was so cozy and nice to see the girls working at the tables within Dekoko's espresso bar and just outside of the door to the Pickle.  It was almost like they were creating on the patio!  And how wonderful was it see so many familiar faces!  Seeing some of our original students just made my night!

Store Closing

Just wanted to pass on word about my mom's store closing sale that is taking place this weekend!  She has a beautiful gift shop with home decor items, candles, garden items, Canadian made Derek Alexander purses, jewellery and more!  This is the perfect time to shop for those on your Christmas list!  Please bring cash or your cheque book as she is no longer hooked up for credit or debit.  Definitely worth your trip to her beautiful store.

Chat soon!

Kim

Zonta Cardmaking Extravaganza - Christmas STYLE!

Zonta Cardmaking Extravaganza

An amazing event is coming up Saturday October 26 from 10-4. It is the Zonta Cardmaking Extravaganza. The reason I love this event in particular is because this is the Christmas event!  All projects are Christmas themed. The way it works is that you will spend 30 minutes with each teacher creating a beautiful Christmas themed project and then you rotate to the next table until you complete all the projects.  There is a nice lunch from Maple City included in your fee.

Please note that the early bird pricing is coming to end tomorrow!  You can register online or stop in the store with your payment!  This event is normally a sell out so make sure you sign up soon!

There is also shopping at the event and a card contest!  Grab a friend and enjoy the day doing what you love most!

Craft-Tea Time

A fall themed craft is planned for this Saturday from 10-2 at The Pickle!  Enjoy a little craft and a drink from Dekoko's all for $5!  Seriously, take some time for you and slow down before you have to battle the crowds at the grocery store.  It will be so worth it!!

New Product

There are lots of new goodies in the store again.  I won't tempt you with too many photos here but if you stop in, I know you will not be disappointed!  Let's just say a new die and embossing folder order has arrived!  Look out!

Support Local Events!

I met Serena Ryder last night before she performed at the St. Clair Capitol Theatre so I am still beaming.  Mind you I am a little groggy....living the rockstar life style is tiring but SO worth it!  I won tickets from SWOMP.  SWOMP is dedicated to informing people about music taking place in Southwestern Ontario.  What a great resource and what a wonderful way to bring together music lovers!  Make sure you get out to check out some of the amazing acts that are coming to out beautiful theatre!  My next big show will be Sloan!  

You will notice the paper in my hand.  Julia drew a picture for Serena to autograph.  You should have seen that little girl's face this morning when I showed her the artwork WITH autograph!  The show was just incredible.  This girl is uber talented...plays guitar, drums, all while singing!  Just awesome!  I hope your day rocks!

Kim

Store Hours

Wednesday & Thursday - 10am-5pm

Saturday - 9:30am-3pm

My STATIONERY Designs & Wedding Show THIS Sunday!

Why settle for an invite from a book?
Create UNIQUE and custom stationery at The Pickle!

You ever wonder what the heck I am working on over here?  I mean I may not be filling the store with record numbers of cards or page layouts and yet you hear me say I am busy.  Well a big part of our business here at The Paper Pickle Company is creating beautiful, custom stationery for ANY occasion including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and more!  2013 was filled with some of my most favourite designs.  Here are just a few that I had on my phone.  

Simple yet, beautiful wedding invitation.
They wanted to include a vintage feel so I used a fun typewriter font.

Reply card and envelope for a very FUN couple for their wedding this past February!
We incorporated "the finger" on all aspects of the stationery for the big day...LOVE it!

So Julia LOVES Monster High so these were the invites I designed
(with the help from the birthday girl) for her 7th birthday!
Julia was the one who found the background design!
Excellent!  I may have someone to take over the business when I retire!  Ha.

Here is a little closer view of Julia's Birthday invites!
Notice the matching wrap around label for the envelopes.  Such a nice touch.

Not the clearest photo but this couple needed labels for their wedding favours.
They created their own natural bug spray for their outdoor wedding!
We also designed matching place cards and menu cards!

A pocket style Birth Announcement for a VERY special little girl!
The ribbon was simple yet added elegance to this "fashionista" pocket!

Here is a look at the inside of the birth announcement.
We included a thank you photo card in the pocket as well as the actual announcement.
Beautiful family!

This save the date was so special to me!
Our first co-op student has found her prince and I was thrilled
when she asked me to help with the Save the Dates!
We kept the paper a matte ivory linen and then kicked it up a knotch with glitter ritz on the flourishes.
These were awesome (if I do say so myself!)

These were thank you cards for an adorable couple.  What an awesome story too!
This is a photo of the wedding venue which their friend drew just for them!
We incorporated this design on the invites, table numbers, programs and thank yous!
You can't get more personal or custom than this!

This is a fan style wedding program.
This bubbly bride came to me with this idea and we HAD to make it happen!
There was a fun wooden handle and twine at the bottom.

This seating chart had an interesting story.  The bride found this window on the side of the road years ago
and knew she had to use it one day for her wedding.  Upcycling at its best!
 I assembled it for her using twine and fastener clips from Tim Holtz!

This is an oldie but a goodie!  A beautiful wedding invitation for a destination wedding!
Love the black twine accent on the enclosure cards!

WEDDING SHOW - Sunday, October 6th!

So what do you think?  Why not create something beautiful for a special occasion?  A lot of the product we carry at The Paper Pickle can be used to create unique invitations!

I will be at The Portuguese Club in Chatham from 12-4pm THIS Sunday showing the world what I have to offer!  Some of these designs will be on hand to view in person.  If you know of anyone who is getting married or celebrating a special occasion, send them our way!

NEW HOURS TODAY!

Just a reminder that we are now open until 5pm on Thursdays!  As mentioned yesterday, we will have extended hours in the months of November and December!!  Stay tuned!

Kim

Fall Hours & A Winner!

Thank you to all who participated in our feedback contest!  It is always nice to know if you are on the right track!  Not only did we receive great suggestions like:

•  Crop nights

•  Return of classes

•  Guest Artists

•  Product Suggestions including bright and fun & specific brands

•  Extended store hours

...but we also received great feedback about our wonderful section, great prices and friendly customer service!  You sure know how to make a girl feel special...thank you!

Upcoming Changes

Please know that I will be thinking about each and every suggestion you brought forth!  You will see changes beginning as early as TOMORROW!  

New store hours

For the month of October:

• Wednesday&Thursday 10am-5pm 

• Saturdays 9:30am-3pm

• More wonderful news about hours in November and December in my next post!  Posting from my phone is killing me!!

Our WINNER!

The big winner of the $150.00 worth of goodies is...Jody Vilaranda who sent many wonderful suggestions via email!  Thank you again to all who participated!  It means so much to me that you took time out of your day to comment!!

Who would like more contests?  Surprised you didn't think of that one!!

Kim