Thursday, October 22, 2009

What a day!

I'm still celebrating the best birthday ever! (I figure a birthday this monumental needs at least a week of dedicated celebration.)

Yesterday Connie hosted lunch for me at the shop with Robyn, Kellie, Jean, and Jo. There was Connie's homemade soup, bread from Black Crow Bakery, and CAKE! In the afternoon we created the pages for David's book--photos of that were posted last night.

Today I left home at 7 AM and drove to Westford, MA (almost to Lowell on 495) to this great store called Ink About It. David Brethauer, the owner/designer for Memory Box, was the guest instructor for a Christmas Cards Challenge class this morning from 10-noon. I got there at about 9:35 so I had time to scope out the shop and time to visit with David. He LOVED the coffee cup book!!! You'll have to check the Memory Box blog to see what he writes about this trip east. We had lots of laughs before the class began. I have posted below photos of the cards I created, three each of two designs using stamps from the newest Memory Box release called Brighter Days. I learned some neat techniques using Prismacolor Colred Pencils on the bird cards. There were 12 of us in the class, mostly from quite nearby and shop regulars. I sat next to a delightful older woman who conspired with me to add inky edges to the larger cream papers on the pine tree border cards. (That wasn't in the directions.) I also grouped my red and gold pearls differently on the cards than the samples, but managed to behave myself quite well. There was a woman there who was quite funny who would make siren noises whenever someone did something that was a "design violation". What a hoot! Once class was over, I shopped and shopped--there were papers there from companies I'd never seen before. I brought back samples to show Lydia and will do some internet research to follow up. I found a punch that Donna wanted. And I bought the last two packages of Twilight paper anywhere in the northeast. I found some cool embellishments for one of my Monday afternoon classes, and lots of charms and metal stuff for jewelry I am making for holiday gifts.

Check out the photos!























For those of you who don't yet know, David invited me last month to be on the Memory Box Design Team. I have accepted his offer, and really enjoyed meeting him and talking with him today. What that means for me is that I will teach at least one class each month using Memory Box stamps and papers and cards/envelopes, and I'll post photos and write about what I do, on this blog and maybe occasionally on the Memory Box blog. What that means for Your Maine Stamper is a steady influx of Memory Box products. What that means for you is lots of new to us and to you Memory Box products to purchase! I can't wait!!! The fun begins for real in January.

You really need to stop into the shop soon to see how Connie and I rearranged the whole store. There's a great display for Christmas on the front tables. Memory Box products now have their own space--the blue wall shelves and the pegboard next to it. More stickers have been moved to the sale table. There's a table under the tree now for Julie's Project for Hope--photo cards, knitted goods, Jo's crayon travel bags, a bag of goodies--whatever people donate with the proceeds going to Julie. (Remember that there is a class on Saturday afternoon with Pam and Jan , iris folding turkey and tree, and all the class fees go to Julie's fund.)

Keep watching the blog for Memory Box news, class schedules, new products, etc. etc. etc.

Happy stamping!

Anne

4 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see you IRL to get more details! LOL It sounds like you had loads of fun Yea! Glad that David like the book. Will I see you Monday I know C will be chomping at the bit just like I am....I feel like I know a celebrity now! You ROCK...thanks for being U!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm so excited that I was trying to read your notes on the newsprint! I'm BAD! Shoot me an e-mail or call when ur going to the shop I am working this am here. later...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anne: Am so excited about your visit with David -- can hardly wait to see what you have brought back from MA and what Lydia can order from Memory Box (and elsewhere) that will be new, different and spectacular. I will sign up for EVERY Memory Box class you teach. Connie

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am so excited!!! The Monday classes, Memory Box news, etc... I hope B will give me a ride to the shop on Monday to get the scoop. -Kellie

    ReplyDelete

Site Meter