Happy New Year!

Well, between all of the power outages (at the store and some of your homes), New Year's Eve has snuck in here. I can't believe 2008 is almost out the door. I've never been one for resolutions (keeping them, that is), but I have a few for this year. Aside from spending more time doing fun things with my children, I plan on getting more organized and making more time to scrapbook. What's your outlook or goals for 2009? That's a great scrapbook page starter (hint, hint).

Happy New Year!

Heart Attack is here from We R Memory Keepers!

I saw the pile of boxes when I came in today, but I found yet another new line arrived! The new Valentine's line from We R Memory Keepers is one of the cutest yet! The adorable bunny says it all!

Get Twitterpated!

Imaginisce's new line, Twitterpated, has young woodland written all over it (not literally, but wait 'till you see these $1 snag'em stamps)! I know it's a little early to think Spring, but if you're like me, you may just be working on Springs of the past. Hopefully we'll have this out Wednesday morning for you to enjoy!

Rusty Pickle Brass Knuckles is here!

What a surprise! I had forgotten about this line we ordered. Although much of it didn't ship, what we did get is awesome! It's dark, shiny and all rock & roll!

Basic Grey Bittersweet Arrives Mon 12/29!

It's true - I just tracked our shipment, and it will be arriving tomorrow! I'm so excited, and I know many of you are too. We'll work on getting it out on the shelf as quickly as possible for you to enjoy!

Celebrate Chris' Birthday with (another) sale!

Chris' favorites are on sale on Monday 12/29 only! We're open 10a-8p, so join us for a sale!

Cropper Hopper Paper Holders 25% off
Cropper Hopper Page Planner 25% off
Donna Downey’s Creative Albums 30% off
Somerset In Love 25% off
Scrapbooks Etc. Page Planner Edition 30% off
Making Memories Passport Mini Album Kit 30% off
Making Memories Kids Fresh White Stickers 25% off
EK CutterBee Scissors 25% off
Making Memories Sanding Blocks 30% off
Cricut Tools Kit 30% off
Herma Dotto Removable Adhesive Set 40% off
Dot ‘n’ Roller Adhesive and Refills 25% off
Making Memories Precision Trimmer 20% off
Making Memories Albums 20% off
American Crafts Precision Pens – buy 2 get one FREE!
Inkssentials Opaque White Pen 20% off
Adirondak Acrylic Paint Dabbers – buy 2 get one FREE!
Making Memories Acrylic Paints – buy 2 get one FREE!
ColorBox Cat’s Eye Ink Pads – buy 2 get one FREE!
Zig 2 Way Glue, all varieties 25% off

Prices are valid on in-stock, regular-priced merchandise. See you there!

Scrapbook Leagues are Near!

We're getting ready for our next set of Scrapbook Leagues! The Winter '09 League will start 1/3 for the alternating Saturday group, and on 1/15 for the Thursday weekly group. The league is a great way for you to do some power scrapping (yes, you can - Sher is proof). We'll also help you try new things, meet new scrapbookers, and you'll have fun while you're here! There's even a banquet at the end to celebrate everyone's accomplishments. We offer a 50/50 raffle each meet, and food and drinks are included. The bi-weekly Saturday league is $56, and the weekly Thursday league is $79 per person. There are still team (and individual) spots available - sign up soon! You'll be surprised at what you can accomplish!

New Love Letters from LYB!

Little Yellow Bicycle comes out with some beautiful products. Their new Valentine's collection, Love Letters, is no exception. We've had it for a few days but have just now been able to get it out on the shelf (the holidays got the best of us). Check it out on your way in next time you're here!

Merry Christmas - how 'bout a sale?!

Now that the holidays are winding down, I wanted to let you know about our After-Christmas sale going on Friday 12/26. Here's what we have planned:

Clearance Sale – 10% off all Orange Tag items (by the way, Erin temporarily expanded the clearance section for the sale!)
All Acrylic Christmas Stamps – 35% off (valid on regular priced stamps, excludes rubber cling-mounts)
Karen Foster Advent Countdown Calendar - 50% off
Calendars – 30% off
Cropper Hopper Mix ‘N’ Match – Buy 2 get one free (equal or lesser value)
Books & Magazines – Buy 2 get one free (equal or lesser value)
Embellishment Bar – Buy 4 get one free (applies to $.15 items only)
Sticko – Buy 2 get 1 free (equal or lesser value)
Cricut Expressions Machine - $269.99 (Only 2 Left!) - This replaces our sale on the regular Cricut, as those unexpectedly sold out early!
All in stock Cricut Cartridges – 35% - 40% off
Paper Company Cardstock Super Value Pack - $16.49 (List price – $24.99)
Art Bin Super Satchels (Item # 9000AB) - $9.99 (List price – $16.79)
Bazzill Cardstock – Buy 3 get one free (Mix and match textures, excludes Bling, Metallic, and Cardstock with an edge)

It's nice spending time with friends and family for the holidays. Now you can spend time scrapbooking your fun!

Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine Contest

Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine (the free one you see in our store each month) is hosting a Holiday Layout Contest. Here are the details:

Submit a layout that showcases photos from the November and December holidays that you celebrate. Contest requirements: Create a one-page, 12- by 12-inch layout featuring photos from the holiday. Layouts will be judged based on creativity, photo quality, and overall design. Include your name, address, phone number and email address and send your original layout to:
Michigan Scrapbooker 1746 Woodland Sylvan Lake, MI 48320. The deadline for submissions is January 5, 2009. The winner will receive a Pioneer Scrapbooking Kit, including three photo albums, adhesive, and letter stickers. Two runner-ups will receive either a gift certificate for a Great Scrapbook Events Crop or a Close to My Heart Weekend Camp from Dana Swadling. Below are the rules and info on a convenient way to have your layout returned to you. Also, don't forget we are looking for "scrap-aholics". Email us at editor@michiganscrapbooker.com. 15 random readers will be chosen to receive a free gift to support your habit. And last, but not least, remember to email us with a story about one of our advertisers you have visited. Two winners will be chosen to receive "A Page Out of Life: A Scrapbooking Novel" by, Kathleen Reid. Anyone is eligible to participate!

Here are the rules provided by Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine:
Contest Rules
Layouts are judged based on creativity, photo quality, and overall design. Include your name, address, phone number and email address and send your original layout to:
Michigan Scrapbooker
1746 Woodland
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320
If you would like your layout returned to you, please follow these directions: One of our readers shared a great method for sending and returning a page layout. When you package your layout to send to us, use 2 pieces of 12 by 12 cardboard-the type that come with 12 by 12 paper packs or page protectors. This creates a safe, sturdy way to send your layout to us. Put your layout and contact info between the two pieces of cardboard and use clear packaging tape to tape the bottom and 2 sides closed. You now have made an envelope. Leave the top open. Use another piece of cardboard, about 12 by 2 inches to create a flap over the top of your envelope. Tape only one end of the flap to the envelope so it can open and close, but do not tape it closed yet. Go to the post office and have your package weighed. When you determine the amount of shipping you need, buy extras stamps to equal the amount of shipping and place them inside the home-made envelope. Then tape closed the envelope and mail it to:
Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine
1746 Woodland
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320
When we are done with your layout we will put the layout back in the envelope and use the postage you enclosed to return it to you. We will use the other side of the envelope to print your address. This is a great way to recycle, keep your layout safe when shipping, and make it easy to get your layout back.

Don't forget about Scrappy Chic's Monthly Challenge - also a Holiday layout, due by 1/3/09. You can find more information about this at www.ScrappyChicLivonia.com.

Newsletter Correction

Sorry for any confusion... it's just been brought to my attention that in one of the two spots in the newsletter where I listed our Bonus Competitor Coupon Day, I listed Monday, 12/23 (instead of Tuesday). December 23rd is the corrected date, as posted on our calendar. We hope you'll join us for some last-minute bargains!

Need a last minute personalized gift idea?

How about an adorable stocking stuffer? I made these fun little notebooks for the girls at the store and the kids' teachers. I will be up at the store on Monday (tomorrow) from 6-7:30pm, and would be happy to show you how. If you have a Bind-it-All, binding coils, scissors, strong dry adhesive (like Dot 'n' Roller or Super Tape; wet glue takes too long) and a paper trimmer, please bring them with you, as this will shorten wait time. This project will only cost a few dollars for supplies to make. Hope to see you then!

A reminder for you Tim Holtz fans... Erin will be making the tags we missed on Friday on Monday 12/22 from 1-4p, and will continue at 4p with the tags we had planned for Monday.

Snow Day

Well, yesterday we definitely had to give credit to the weather man. Talk about snow! Now this is the kind of snow I remember growing up here! We were even able to make a small hill in our front yard for the kids to sled down today. While the snow kept some of you at home yesterday, we hope you venture out and enjoy the sun while it lasts. Our latest newsletter is out (and online), and has some great coupons.

New Cricut Cartridges in stock

I almost forgot to blog this... the new Sesame Street cartridges are in stock! We also have the new Cricut stencil material you can use with your Cricut and regular blade! The cartridges are now available for purchase and for rent!

12 Tags of Christmas Cancelled for Today

For those of you who were planning on coming in for the Tim Holtz tags today, we have cancelled the make & take. It's not because of the snow (although Erin is under the weather). We will plan on starting the make & takes for Monday a bit early to catch everyone up. Please call the store if you have any other questions.

Last Call...

For Christmas items on your wish list? I'm planning on placing orders Friday to get some last-minute items in before Christmas. If there is an item you can't find, we usually can order it, but it's getting close! You can contact the store Friday morning to let us know what you need, and we plan on the shipments arriving by next Wednesday (fingers crossed). Good luck with any last-minute shopping you have (there's only one left on my list).

New Page Kit

All aboard... we had a couple requests for winter page kit, so I've created a Polar Express layout for December! I actually just took the kids to see Santa at 12 Oaks (mostly to see the Polar Express exhibit, because Olivia is terrified of Santa). So this time I had photos of my own for this wintery two-page layout. This kit will be $5.99 and comes with all of the supplies pictured (it looks better in person). Quantities are limited, and will be available beginning Wednesday afternoon.

New Sale for this week!

It seems I'm not blogging as much as I normally do. It's mostly due to the overwhelming amount of commitments I have this time of year. I enjoy it all - shopping, buying and making gifts, visiting with family (or seeing them off), but I love a sale! So without further ado, here's my "I Love a Sale" sale! Prices are valid from 12/16-12/21/08.

Making Memories FaLaLa Card Kits 40% off
Making Memories Slice – select accessories 25% off
Making Memories Slice machine - $20 off
Original Cricut Machine $149.99 with 2 Free Rentals
Buy Original Cricut Machine, Cricut Essentials Starter Set for $215.00 w/2 Free Rentals
EK Curvy Cutter and Accessories 35% off
Fiskars Stamp Press 35% off
Art Bin Super Satchel (9000AB) 25% off
Jumbo Ribbon Pull-EZer 25% off
KI Memories Sheers 30% off
Basic Grey Chip Stickers 30% off
Ribbon by the yard – buy 2 yards get one FREE! (of equal or lesser value)
All Jolee’s Boutique and Jolee’s By You – Buy 3 get one FREE! (of equal or lesser value)
Making Memories Slice Desktop Storage 30% off
Making Memories Slice Handbag 30% off
Scenic Route Chipboard Alphas 40% off
Tim Holtz GrungeBooks 25% off
Cricut Tool Kit 25% off
Original Cricut Machine plus Cricut Essentials Pack only $199.99 with 2 FREE rentals!
Original Cricut Machine $149.99 with 2 FREE rentals!
Cricut Expression Machine $299.99 with 2 FREE rentals!
Crop-A-Dile Big Bite 30% off
Making Memories Universal Setter or Instant Setter 35% off
EK Curvy Cutter Products 35% off
ColorBox Petal Point and PaintBox Inkpad Sets 35% off
American Crafts 6x6 Mini Albums buy 3 get 1 FREE!
Photo Die Cuts buy 3 get 1 FREE!
Glaze Pen 2-Packs 30% off
Fancy Pants 12x12 Felt Die-Cut Sheets 40% off
Scrap-N-Stow Table only $179.99!
Making Memories Desktop Organizer 30% off
Making Memories Ribbon Storage Box 25% off
Amy Butler Totes 25% off
Making Memories Embellishment Storage Jars & Tins 30% off
MiMi Crimson Storage Totes and Roller 35% off
Cropper Hopper Double-Sided Photo Case 30% off
Karen Foster Countdown Calendars 40% off
Karen Foster Calendars 25% off
Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips 25% off

Keep an eye out in our next newsletter (around the 20th) for our last minute and post-Christmas sales!

Adopted Family Update

First of all, I'm so excited about how much has been collected for our adopted family! It looks like they're on track to have a wonderful Christmas for the three children! In case you're still thinking of donating something, here are some ideas on what we are in need of:

10-month old girl (size 18 mos): pajamas, socks, outfits, age-appropriate toys, board books

3-year-old girl (size 3T): pajamas

6/7-year-old girl (size 7): pajamas, socks, books, school supplies

If you're at a loss for other ideas, mom could probably use a gift card for groceries or necessities. The family might also like a board game or something they can play or do together. The last day to donate will be Mon 12/15 at 2pm. At 2:30pm, the box will be heading out to be delivered to the family. If you are not able to donate by then, but would still like to, please contact us at the store so we can make arrangements. Thank you again for your help with our efforts!

New Classes

We're gearing up for some new classes in January, and I'm very excited! Jenny is back, and she's offering up a wonderful Vintage Ephemera Box class on Thurs 1/8. Hailey will be offering a new Basic Grey page series using the latest and greatest BG products (dates to be scheduled soon). I'm also looking forward to Erin's collage painting class (have you seen the adorable tree creation she made in the store?). Keep an eye on the calendar and newsletters for more details.

Free Making Memories Slice Design Card

For those who have purchased their Slice, or who are thinking of getting one, this news is for you. Because we're a VIP retailer for Making Memories, you will receive a free Design Card for the Slice when you purchase the machine from Scrappy Chic. Many of you were asking about the card, and MM has just released this image of the Seasons bonus card. The rebate forms do have a deadline, though, so be sure to send yours in to get your free card!

Gift Card Offer

I added another Holiday offer to our sale... if you purchase a gift card for $30 or more, you'll receive a FREE mini tote bag to give it in! There are 2 colors to choose from, but it's only while supplies last or Christmas eve, whichever comes first!

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Now that I have your attention, how do you feel about a sale?! We can call it the 'Chris Went on a Markdown Spree' sale (just ask Mary). I literally walked through the store and put tons of good stuff on sale today. Prices are valid until Fri 12/12, and only while supplies last. Want to know what's on sale? Here it is...

Prima Say it in Crystals 20% off
Basic Grey Collection Packs 20% off
SEI Embellishments 30% off
Basic Grey Stamps 20% off
Select Creative Imaginations Stickers 30% off
Select Making Memories Embellishments 30% off
Making Memories Paint Kits 30% off
Making Memories Passport Embellishment Suitcase 25% off
Making Memories Flower Shop Embellishments 25% off
American Crafts ‘House Box Embellishments 30% off
Paper Bliss 3D stickers 35% off
Provo Craft Cricut 12x24 Paper Pads 30% off
Disney Mini Books and 8x8 Albums 25% off
American Crafts Cans of Embellishments 35% off
Making Memories FaLaLa Card Kits 35% off
Making Memories Spellbound Halloween Stamps 35% off
Fall Felt Fusion 25% off
Making Memories Slice – all accessories 25% off
Making Memories Slice machine - $20 off
Spellbinders Nestabilities 4-pc Die Sets 40% off (that's more than half off if purchased individually!)
Cuttlebug Machine $20 off
Cricut Expression Shoulder Bag 25% off
Original Cricut Machine $149.99 with 2 Free Rentals
Buy Original Cricut Machine, Cricut Essentials Starter Set for $215.00 w/2 Free Rentals
Marvy Punches 30% off (yes, even the new large ones)
McGill Punches 40% off
Purple Cow Trimmers 30% off
EK Curvy Cutter and Accessories 25% off
Fiskars Trimmer (12-9893) 30% off
Cutterpede Trimmers (3 varieties) 25% off
EK Chaklets sets 30% off
Making Memories Distressing Kits 40% off
Zips Adhesive 30% off
Zots Large Adhesive 30% off
Scotch ATG Adhesive Gun 20% off
Vario Adhesive Dispensers 35% off
Hanna Montana Stamps 35% off
Fiskars Stamp Press 30% off
Glitz Roller Doodles 30% off
Making Memories Jigsaw Shapes 35% off
Imaginisce Princess Posies and Rainbow Blooms 25% off
Flair Trim 25% off
Tim Holtz Distress Product Cases 25% off
Art Bin Super Satchel (9000AB) 20% off
Pull-EZer 20% off (this is the new huge one!)
XXL Rolling Totes $30 off (including the Black & Cream roller)
Buy a Making Memories album at regular price, get 1 refill pack for FREE

Christmas is only 17 days away... hope to see you soon!

Did you see the News?

The fundraiser for the Kwok family caught the interest of Channel 7, who did a live broadcast from Rocky's Rotisserie tonight. I stopped by to pick up dinner (yes, I'll be having Rocky's 2 days in a row), and saw they were there. I left in time to get home and see it on the news. There was a good crowd there, so hopefully the fundraiser was a success. The snapshots are Dan of Rocky's and his wife, Laura.

Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas

Well, he did this last year with some amazing results. A lot of you followed his blog to see what he'd come up with next. You'll be happy to know (if you haven't already seen the blog) that Tim Holtz is doing another 12 Tags of Christmas (http://timholtz.typepad.com/).

What's better than that? You can recreate his 12 tags of Christmas right here at Scrappy Chic! Beginning Monday 12/8 we'll have make & take tags, a la Tim, for you to create for $1 each with Erin. We are choosing 6 days between Monday and Christmas during which you can stop in and create 2 different tags inspired by Tim's tags. We're tentatively planning the last set of tags for Mon 12/22, when you'll also be able to bind your tags together using the Bind-It-All at the store. This is going to be such a cool project. I can't wait! The dates following 12/8 will be posted on our calendar and in our newsletter soon. We will be offering the tags beginning at 4pm, and will wrap it up at 7pm.

New My Mind's Eye Valentines

It's here - and we're smitten! MME has come out with some adorable Valentine's papers (yes, even though it's not even Christmas yet), and we couldn't pass them up. You shouldn't either! Check them out next time you're in.

A Side Note

You may have heard on the news about an accident which took place near the downtown Farmington Library over the weekend. I wanted to let you know about a fundraiser that Rocky's Rotisserie is offering to help the family. Here are the details:

On the morning of Saturday, November 29 David Shu-Kin Kwok was killed in an accident while trying to help his wife, Erica, who is 7 months pregnant. They also have a 23-month-old daughter. Rocky's Rotisserie, 37337 Six Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48152, (in the NewburghPlaza), in conjunction with the Farmington Area Mom's Club will be sponsoring a fundraiser for the Kwok Family on Thursday, December 4, 2008. Rocky's Rotisserie will be donating 10% of it's sales from 4 - 9 p.m. The Farmington Area Mom's Club will also be collecting cash donations for the Kwok Family to offset medical costs.

If you are unable to make it to the fundraiser, but would still like to donate to the family, you can direct donations through me (a member of the FAMC).

Support Michigan

I just read a blog post by one of our customers (http://beckonmelrose.blogspot.com/2008/11/shop-michigan.html), which hit home. This holiday is a chance for us to support local businesses and manufacturers as much as we can. With Michigan's economy up in the air lately, the best thing we can do is to support our community is to shop it. My husband works for an auto manufacturer, and we're reminded daily of how fragile his job security is. I'm glad Beckie reminded us of how we can help. Thanks and happy shopping everyone!