Conquering the Bow!

Show of hands please - how many of you have struggled making bows! 


Me too!!!! I love bows, but sadly, mine look pathetic. Oh - I try really hard.... and I have a couple of bow making products....but you almost need an engineering degree to figure them out. 


I have scads (is that a word???)  of ribbon just wasting away in a drawer, because a crafter can't have too much ribbon if you know what I mean! And the new Christmas ribbon is coming out, but I really can't justify buying any more when I can't use what I have because I am, sadly, "bow-challenged."


So - this week when I was in the store I finally met the answer to my bow making challenges. Three little words - Bob's Bow Builder!


I don't know if you knew this, but Bob is quite a Renaissance man - a man of many accomplishments! Not only is he knowledgeable about tools and techniques in crafting, but he is a talented woodworker! He has come up with many storage solutions for crafters, and his workmanship is excellent, with great attention to detail. Here is just one example of his work.

So, imagine my delight when he showed me his latest creation - Bob's Bow Builder. He has taken a simple concept, and created a

tool to help make teeny tiny bows, to large bows - your choice. Once he showed me how easy it was - I walked out of the store with one of my own - excited that my ribbon stash was about to be put to good use.

Jennie has put together a tutorial for using it (she and Bob are such a great team!)

1. Hold tail in left hand. (Works best when ribbon rolls off the bottom of the spool)

2. Right hand holds ribbon off the spool. Ribbon should be behind posts to start. Pull ribbon from left to right across front of posts.

3. With left hand, wrap tail around right post at back and around over top ribbon in right hand.

5. Take the tail in the left hand as above. Bring UNDERNEATH through the two posts.

6. Take ribbon in right hand and bring OVER top post to meet with other tail.

7. Tie knot with tail and ribbon from spool.

8. Remove from post. 


So crafters - get on into the store and pick one up. Bob will show you how easy it is to use! You can also make double and triple bows which look fabulous.


By the way....think Christmas - and pick up a couple of extras for Christmas gifts. Your "bow challenged" friends will love you for it!

I'm back....

I seems like I have been gone for a long time....sorry. I was away for the sale (more about that in a minute) and then when I got back after the holiday weekend....I was sick. So - I am feeling better and looking forward to another weekend.

I heard the sale was GREAT! Jennie and Bob had a canopy up in the parking lot - it was a perfect weather day, and well - the perfect day for browsing for bargains!  There were lots of gently loved items in the garage sale, lots of half off items from the store - a perfect sale!

There are still some bargains left - so if you missed it like I did - you can still pick up some great designer paper and other goodies. Hurry in while supplies last!

I can't forget the prizes! Remember that Laminator and the autographed Tim Holtz apron goodie bag?  Well, here are the winners:

Laminator - Katie N
Tim Holtz autographed apron goodie bag - Sandy B

Winners of the CHA Swag Bags:

Emma D
Mary Anne W
Ann P
Jena D
Pat K
Rox-Anne D
Rhona
Rose D
Adam H
Tanyea H

Congrats to all the winners! And Sandy B - a word of advice - hang on tight to that Tim Holtz autographed apron. You are the envy of many!

Set your alarm clocks!

Just a short post to remind you that there are only 2 more sleeps until the big sale. I just found out I have to go out of town on Saturday....bummer! 8-(   Oh well - at least I have my name in the draw for the great CHA swag!


And crafters - no sleeping in on Saturday - the sale starts at 9:00! Set those alarm clocks! I'll be thinking of you - dripping with envy!


Take care till next time!

Anniversary Sale news


Just a short post to let you know some of other items that will be on sale this Saturday Aug 27.


50% off  selected Spellbinders  - WOW! - you know these won't last long...


Ribbon $0.25 per yard. I know some of you have a slight addiction to ribbon...but I'll never tell....


20% off of the whole store on sale day!


20% off!!!  OK crafters - another reason to check your craft stash to see what you need (or want), gather up everything that is a WWIT (what was I thinking) item for the garage sale, and turn your WWIT into new treasures!


That said - I learned a good lesson one day. If I really really really wanted something that I knew was going to be on sale in a couple of days - I just bought it rather than waiting.


I have lost out on too many things that I really wanted by waiting. So crafters, if there is something that you can't live without, you will have to decide if it is worth the gamble to wait. Don't forget that you will still earn chances for the CHA Swag draw with every $10 worth of product you buy.


I figure, a stamp in the hand, is worth more than 20% of nothing! LOL!

If any of you have ever missed out on something you really wanted by waiting - and kicked yourself afterwards....let us know! I know you are out there!

Vintage Santa

Here are the directions for creating this beautiful card that Jennie did from a La Blanche stamp. It's easy-peasy - and works up really fast.

It makes a great vintage looking card that will remind you of Christmas past! 

Stamp with Memento Tuxedo Black on La Blanche Specialty paper

Color with Copics

Holly  G94 

Cheeks  R20

Beard  C2

Face  R0000

Berries  R59

Using Distress Ink

Peeled Paint - outside

Vintage Photo - edges

Cover the whole card with Versamark

Cover with UTEE (ultra thick embossing enamel)

Heat set

Mounted on Graphic 45 - Check it out here "Christmas Past" Collection "Carol of the Bells" 

I can't say enough about the Graphic 45 Christmas Collection - it will be hard to chose from this pad - every sheet is so beautiful!

Countdown to Anniversary Sale

Jennie and Bob have been preparing for their 4th Anniversary Sale coming up this Saturday Aug 27. They are making room for all the CHA merchandise that will be coming as soon as it is shipped from the suppliers.


I overheard some of the bargains - so here's the scoop so far....


Selected wood mount stamps - 50% off. Some makes include House Mouse, Denami, Inkadinkadoo (just love the name of this stamp company - always makes me smile!)  and Artful Stamper. 


For all you Flower Soft lovers, Flower soft products 60% off.


All designer paper - $0.60 per sheet. Sigh....just when I thought my paper addiction was under control...


You'll want to get there early - these deals are too good to sleep in!


I will let you know more when I can - I hear there's more savings to come!

The clock is ticking.....

There are only 10 days left to get in on the draw for our two fabulous gifts from our CHA Swag.

Saturday August 27 is our 3rd Anniversary Sale, and a couple of lucky crafters are going home with the Swag!

Up for grabs is the 3M Laminator, and  that gift bag of goodies that includes the autographed Tim Holtz apron. He really did sign it - Cathy and Sherry are witnesses!

So - just to remind you....for every $10 you spend in the store, your name goes in the draw for the prizes - and remember phone sales count!