March Schedule

The schedule for March is finally ready and we've given it to our typist to finalize.  She says any spelling errors are a physiological problem stemming from a lack of thumbs.

Due to technical problems (Susan just got back from vacation), we don't have samples for all of the classes yet, but we do know everything will be adorable.

• March 12 - Accordion Book - I can't post the photo quite yet, but the book is very nearly finished and I should be able to put the picture up very soon.  This folded photo album is made from 3 sheets of solid 12x12 cardstock embellished with the beautiful BoBunny "Madeline Songbirds" line. It folds up to a 6x6 booklet with decorated black photo mat covers. It is fun to make and even more fun to use or give as a gift. For this class, besides your scissors and tape, you will need to bring a bone folder, a paper cutter (one that cuts 12"), and a score it board if you have one.

• March 14 - Stencil - We will be making three gorgeous cards using the Dreamweaver Pussy Willow stencil and a variety of techniques. These photos don't do the cards justice.  Check them out when you visit the store.

                           

• March 17 - Cards - Just Because- This isn't a stencil class or a glitter class or some other specialty card class, it's just a chance to make three great cards.  One will be a triple-decker, one will involve some paper piecing, and one hasn't been born yet. Come join us for a class that's sure to be fun.

                    

• March 19 - Intro to Copic Markers - For those of you who have never tried Copic Markers or have used them a little but would really like to know more about them, this is an introductory level class.  You'll learn about the numbering system, which ink and paper to use, and the proper techniques that will help you create beautiful colored images. The cost of the class is $40 and you will get 5 markers to keep, a $40 value. If you already own any of the colors you receive at the class, you may use your own during the class and trade the duplicates in for other colors.

• March 24 - Glitter Cards - Although the cards for this class haven't been made yet, one thing's for sure.  They will sparkle!  Susan always designs something cute, creative, and fun to make and this class is always in demand.  I will post pictures as soon as they're available.

• March 26 - Sculpted Flowers- We will be using the Susan's Garden Iris die from Sizzix to create a couple of stunning projects.  These flowers look incredibly real and after all of this snow, it will be a pleasure to work with them. The picture below is the sample from the die package, but I guarantee yours will look even better. Photos available soon.

• March 31 - Alcohol (Ink, that is)- One of the most versatile mediums we have is alcohol ink.  Among other things it can be used to create backgrounds for cards and scrapbook pages, to color brads and other embellishments, and even to add detail to metal. In this class you will get a chance to try different colors, techniques, and tools to create a couple of cards or projects. It's just one more skill to add to your repertoire. 

Don't forget.....................

1.  If you haven't already signed up for the Graphic 45 class on April 13, now's the time to do so.  We need to have a final count by March 20th.

2. Our annual tag sale is March 21st.  Many of you have called for a number and are busy cleaning closets and craft drawers.  If you aren't selling, what a great opportunity to buy items new to you at fabulous prices. (If you are selling, here's your chance to buy more stuff to replace the stuff you just got rid of.) Kelly has been sorting her things and is getting ready.

She seems to know which ones she wants to keep.

New Merchandise

Mom and Dad have been on vacation so we've been having a sleep-over with Sharon and Pat. It'll be good to get back to our regular routine.
       Life is rough!

















We've been receiving lots of new merchandise lately, so we thought we'd share some photos with you.  Many of you have been waiting for the new Graphic 45 papers to come in, and THEY'RE HERE!!  They have three totally new collections and two re-releases. Below are four of the eight beautiful sheets from each of the new collections.
         
     Artisan Style -     
  
                   



     Home Sweet Home - 

     Precious Memories - 

They have brought back "ABC Primer" and "Once Upon a Springtime", each one grouped with a new sticker sheet and chipboard pieces.  For pictures of all of the new papers, see their website   www.g45papers.com/products.


We have also received some new dies from both Memory Box and Elizabeth Craft.  From Memory Box we've gotten a golf bag with clubs, a golf cart, lavender, sea shells, and sea horses.  All are really cute and would make great additions to your die collection.  memoryboxco.com

Elizabeth Craft Designs has added a few new critters to their lineup including a cat, a dog, and a crab. ecraftdesigns.com

Don't forget to sign up for our April 13th class with Graphic 45.  You know you want to.

Some Advanced Dates

 While we're in between snowstorms, we'd like to fill you in on some things that are coming up.  We don't have our complete calendar done for March yet, but we do know some of the classes and events we will be offering and when they will be.







We will be having our annual tag sale on Saturday, March 21st!!  This is always a very popular and successful event and we've already been receiving inquiries about it.  This is your opportunity to sell those paper-crafting items you've outgrown, gotten tired of, or don't use anymore. 

• You'll gather all of your gently used and still working punches,stamps, papers, and embellishments.  
• Call the store for your special identification number (860-658-9023).  
• Clearly mark all your items with your number and price.  
• All prices must be in $1 increments (no partial dollars please). 
• Make sure all tags are firmly attached. We cannot be responsible for lost items with no tags. 
• Bag together loose items like papers and ribbons and embellishments. Sell as a bundle. (Please do not mark items with prices like "4 for $1".) 
• Bring your items to the store during business hours between Wednesday, March 18 and Friday, March 20.  
• Pick up any unsold items by Tuesday, March 24th before closing.
• Any items not picked up will be donated to a charity of our choosing.  Let us know if you'd like to donate.
• You do not need to be here to sell your things.  We will take care of that BUT I am sure you'll want to see what your friends have for sale and get some great deals.
• You will be issued a store credit for the amount you sell.

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In other news, here are a few dates to plan for.  We do not have samples yet but we will post the complete calendar with photos and details as soon as they are available. (That is, when Susan gets back from vacation.)

• March 12th - We will have a class in making an accordion book.
• March 14th - Stencil class
• March 19th - Intro to Copic Markers (Beginner class for those who would like to learn to use these wonderful additions to our coloring arsenal.)
• March 24th - Glitter Cards
• March 28th - Open Crop

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Don't forget, the Graphic 45 Class is filling up. In order to know how many kits to order, we must have your registration by March 20th.  You will be making a Mixed Media Book using the "Home Sweet Home" collection of papers.  The class is being held at 10:30 am on Monday, April 13th, at First Church in Simsbury (the big white church on the corner of routes 10 and 167), and the cost is $60.

And you'll also get.......

When I posted photos yesterday, I neglected to post photos from the "Spring Cards Class" on Thursday, Feb. 19th. These cards are done with a new line of stamps from Great Impressions.  These are the people that used to bring us the "Stamp of the Month."  We fell in love with these stamps and will be making three cute Spring/Easter cards.

                         

Call now to register.  Operators are standing by.............

Make 'N Take

I hope you're surviving all the snow and cold weather.  We've had to close three different days because of the storms.    :(

This Saturday is Make 'N Take and we wanted to give you a preview of the cards we're going to make.  

            

We are holding an advanced Copic Coloring Class on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at both 10:30 and 6:30. In this class we will work on shading, coloring faces, and other advanced techniques, so you need to have already taken a beginner class. Bring your Copic markers with you and if you don't own a color you want to use, try out some of ours.  You'll be making the following cards.

                             



On Thursday, Feb. 26, we will be doing an Iris Folding class. Some of you have tried it but don't remember how to do it, some have never tried it, and some of you are real pros. This class is for all of you.  We will be making three cards.

                               

 Wishing you a happy Valentine's Day from all of us at the Nest.  Kelly is ready for the occasion with her ear-brushed heart tattoo courtesy of Lori Vincent from Valley Dog Grooming Salon in Granby (413-977-2362). To see photos of Kelly and Jazzy being groomed, visit them on Facebook.

Book Photos

"I didn't do that!"


It's not trash, it's ephemera!















ANNOUNCEMENT:  The Shutter Card class originally scheduled for tomorrow, January 27th, is being rescheduled due to tomorrow's impending little snow flurry. WE WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW, TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH.  The class will be held next Tuesday, February 3rd, at the same times. If you were signed up for one of the three classes, we will assume that you are coming at the same time unless we hear otherwise from you.  Thanks for understanding and sorry for any inconvenience.

Susan

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In other news, we have pictures of Jane's newest book, Time to Flourish. Just a reminder, the classes for this book are Wednesdays 2/11 and 2/25 or Saturdays 2/14, 2/21, and 2/28. Wednesday classes are 10:00 to 6:00 and Saturdays are a choice of 9:00 to 1:00 or 2:00 to 6:00.  If you are interested and have not already signed up, please call the store to register (860-658-9023).

Outside

Inside

February's Schedule

Is the weather getting you down?  Tired of the ice and the cold?  Check out our schedule of classes for February and sign up now.
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• Stencil class - 2/5  -  Make 2 beautiful cards and a tag using different stencil techniques.  You'll use the Lovebirds stencil from Dreamweaver, which you'll get to take home.

• Time to Celebrate- 2/12 - You know how Sharon takes one or two sheets of paper and makes a bunch of cards? Well, she's done it again. Using only a couple of sheets of Graphic 45 paper, you'll make several beautiful cards and have ideas for lots more.

• Spring Cards - 2/19 - We'll be using newly released stamps from Great Impressions to make three cute cards with spring chicks and bunnies. I'll post photos as soon as we decide which of these cards we can't live without.

• Coloring with Copics - 2/24 -  For those of you who've already taken the Copic Beginner Class, here's your chance to hone your skills. Bring your own Copics and you'll learn some new techniques that will help you color like a pro.

• Iris Folding - 2/26 - Iris folding originated in Holland where early crafters folded strips of paper from the insides of envelopes and arranged them to make striking designs. We now use scrapbook and origami papers (and sometimes ribbon) to create the same effect. We will have fun making 3 cards using this age-old technique. Pictures will be posted when available.

• Time to Flourish - Jane Jones is teaching another of her fabulous books and you don't want to miss this one.  She is using Graphic 45's "Time to Flourish" line of papers to make a book that is sure to be a treasured keepsake. For those who have taken Jane's classes in the past, you know that these books take a lot of time and effort, but they are SO worth it. Jane is home chained up in the basement finishing the book as I'm writing this, but I do have secret photos of the first two pages.  The classes run either three Saturday mornings, three Saturday afternoons, or two whole Wednesdays.  Call the store for details.

One last VERY IMPORTANT item:  
SAVE THIS DATE..................................
On Monday, April 13th, Charee and Dustin from Graphic 45 will be coming HERE!  They will be teaching a three hour class featuring a Home Sweet Home Mixed Media Album.  It will use one of their new paper collections as well as their new albums and cling stamps. The class is being held at First Church and will start at 10:30 am. The cost will be $60. In order to guarantee a seat, you must register by March 20th. After that date, registrations will only be accepted if kits are still available. Call the store now to register.  Our friendly staff are standing by to take your call.