June Kits!

Hello friends!  I am actually in Texas tonight getting ready for the GASC convention this weekend (come by and say hi if you are planning to attend)!

But I couldn't miss this introduction of the June Kits (on sale tonight at 12:00 midnight, central)!

This month's Papercrafting Kit includes all of the paper from our new JBS line, Haven, as well as one of our new Clear Stamps (my favorite, the antiqued label).  Of course, there are several other goodies including some great small cameos that match this new line perfectly.

Layout by Doris

Here are some peeks at our two Add-On's for the month . . .

And, just a small peek at the "mile long" house accordion book featuring and including my 2nd favorite new stamp, the vintage lace border.  It is this month's Project Kit.

We also have a new kit up under Limited Edition Kits.  It was something I put together for my Big Picture Class, offered to that group first, but still have a few left to sell.  I forgot to load the photo before I left, but you can see it here.  If you are attending Petticoat Junction please keep in mind that this will be one of your 3 class projects for that day.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  Before we left, yet again, we did spend a wonderful Sunday on the Clinch River canoeing with family.  It was so very peaceful.  Halfway through I switched passengers and ended up with my sweet niece who was determined to keep up with Jared and her oldest brother the whole time - my hands are actually bruised today from grabbing the oar handles so hard for so long!  Just a small sacrifice however to get to spend some time with a very sweet little girl.

Petticoat Junction. . .

I just learned there are only 2 spots left for our fun Saturday full of classes at Petticoat Junction in July!  Considering I haven't even shown one of the classes yet, I thought I would give those coming, those thinking of coming (think fast!) and those who just want a little inspiration, one of the projects.  Because this is such an intimate event it gave me the chance to use alot of vintage items that I have small quantities of so there's lots of vintage ephemera and bits in this one.  I had this idea of using the vintage spools as a book binding.  It really works more as a stand for the book.  The rings bind the book, but when slipped into the spools (glued together) it allows the book to stand up straight.  The vintage seed packets were the perfect size for the length of the 4 spools together.

If you are interested in attending this event, go to the link to the left or click here.  Enjoy!!

Oh . . . and as of this morning, there are less than 3 of all of the May kits left so if you were waiting you may need to think fast!!  Look for a fun member appreciation bonus (and new member bonus) coming in June as well as an announcement of some great new exclusives coming in July!!

Simple Things. . .

We came home from North Carolina (Inspired) a week ago Sunday to the news that Jared's grandmother had passed away at 97.  We were so blessed to have seen her just 3 weeks ago on our way to MI for Mega Meet.  Although she couldn't recall our names, she knew who we were and she asked if we had moved into our new house.  She was a vibrant, strong, happy lady through her early 90's but the past two years Dimentia crept in and took almost every recent memory from her.  While it was a sad occasion, it was also a celebration of a life well lived.  She was a strong Christian woman who endeared the loss of a husband and a son, both gone too soon - how she must have longed for that reunion!

Jared's cousin Deb wrote her a letter that was read at the service.  It was a memoir of the days she spent on Grandma's farm as a child and the simple pleasures, like stringing buttons and baking bread, that truly make life memorable.  It was Grandma's gift of time and attention - not fancy gifts - that meant the most. 

Today's the 15th. . .

and that means new vintage goodies at Mercantile!!  You can see the full list of photos over at the Inspiration Blog but here are a few of my favorites!

A 2011 Vintage Fathers Day Crafting Kit including everything you see below (notice the adopted "Dad" cabinet card too - each one unique)!

These paper dress forms were so popular in our Add-On Kit in April, that we decided to offer the rest of the inventory for individual sale - while they last!

 If you were a fan of our black glove molds, you will LOVE these porcelain versions.  We are investing in a lot of bubble wrap to get these safely to you.

 I found these full calendars at an estate sale recently (they include all months for that year).  The graphics are just lovely!

We still have a handful of the May Kits left as well - check out the Design Team Gallery for all of the inspiration!

May Mid-Month Release is Here!

Hello!  Jenni is on the road, but this is Doris popping in to let you all know that May's Mid-Month Vintage Release has arrived and there are many items perfect for Father's Day Crafting Projects.  :)

A quick check-in and preview. . .

So we are back from Mega Meet (whew - that was a crazy one!) and headed in the next 15 minutes out again to NC for Inspired.  I would like to say that I am then home for a while and things calm down, but I don't think I'm going to see that now until Christmas!

I know Doris put it up in detail on the Inspiration Blog, but just in case you missed it, here's a quick peek at our mid-release for JBS - Haven.  I LOVE this and can't wait to play with it.

6 new double sided papers . . .

A new double sided mini paper sheet . . .

And a new accessory sheet with journaling cards AND labels AND borders!!

We are also releasing another set of clear stamps - can you find all 6 here??

Will be back soon - hope you all have a wonderful week!

Swivel Cards. . .

The other day I found some cards that I made (intended for a class that I never got to teach), so I thought I would share one with you.  I love the idea of attaching two die cuts together with a simple brad.  Super easy- that's my kind of card making!

I am traveling almost non-stop for the next two weeks so my posts will be sporadic.  Hope to get back to regular blogging soon!  If you are coming to Mega Meet or Inspired, come by and say hi!!

And. . .check the post below to see our new May Kits.  I think you are going to LOVE them!!