This just in from Lydia...

Lydia just called me.

There are NEW Cuttlebug folders in the shop today:
Bird Call; Pumpkin Harvest: Leafy Branch; Autumn Type; Swiss Dot; and Holly.

And we now have a Cuttlebug in the shop that we can use for demos and classes! Woo-hoo!!!

And for those of you waiting for the FLEUR DE LIS Shapeabilities Pendant,
those came in today too!

Call the shop at 377-4829 to hold items you intend to purchase.

Donna, Connie, Robyn and I are all atwitter over the new products being released at CHA in Orlando this week. We're watching blogs all hours of the day and night trying to stay on top of the buzz and e-mailing each other like crazy--though Robyn seems to be doing most of this at the moment. :-) We've already requested that Lydia look at three new-to-us stamp companies which have no representation in Maine (other than in Madawaska for one of them). I've already got lists going of stamps to order ASAP. And there are new papers out from old favorite companies and a couple of new companies to consider. One of them has great retro kitcheny papers that would be perfect for recipe books or dinner invitations or any number of other occasions. With all the really cool new everyday and holiday papers and stickers and embellishments coming out, I'm already dreaming up class ideas for Advent calendars, perpetual calendars, and 2010 calendars. Lydia's having a hard time reining us in as WE WANT IT ALL!

If you missed the Saturday event...

I hear that a good time--and a very busy one for Lydia and Connie--was had by all who attended the thirteenth anniversary celebration on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who came by. Your support of this store is amazing and heartwarming. Of course we couldn't do any of what we do without you!

Please post comments on this blog or send an e-mail or call the store if you have specific suggestions or requests for products. Lydia will always gladly make pre-paid special orders. She also can arrange for lovely custom address stamps at reasonable prices.

The Stampendous order came in yesterday morning while I was at the store: adorable baby bunny slippers stamps; a foliate quad cube, with different leafy images on each of its big four sides; vintage sepiai Versafine ink--my favorite ink in my favorite color; and stickers and more stickers from ClassAPeels. There are: leaf swirls in gold or silver; butterfly dragonfly sparklers; angels sparklers (holographic); Victorian borders in gold or silver; and filigree corners in gold or silver. Sorry I don't have pictures today but something awful has happened to my camera and I will probably need to purchase a new one before next Monday.

Today's class was on upcycling--taking old greeting cards and reusing them in interesting ways on blank cards to create new greeting cards. We cut out images to use as one would a die cut, punched, ripped, and sliced up old cards. My favorites were the ones that Connie, Donna, and Kellie created from woodland themed cards and bear/deer/moose Wallies, the woodland plaid paper, and stamps from Repeat Impressions. Perfect "Hello from Maine" cards.

Next Monday I'm doing a class on ATCs, Artist Trading Cards. I'm not going to even suggest, however, that you trade anything you make. These will be playing card size stamped, collaged, and embellished pieces that can either be used alone to send to a friend or may be attached to a card front to make a standard size greeting card. This will be fun for me as I have some ATC clear stamps I haven't had time to play with yet, and collage is my favorite technique too. Call the store if you are interested in this class or one of the Monday mornings in August. There are still some spaces left.

If you haven't seen the other class offerings, there's some cool stuff coming up on Saturdays. Penny's circle book is gorgeous, Regina's origami earrings are beautiful works of folded paper art; and Charlene's daisy cards are incredible. Stop by and see the samples or just call to sign up--you will love these projects.

New products are being released this week at the summer CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) event in Orlando. We can't wait to see what new things we will be able to offer you soon. We've been browsing the internet and following blogs on pre-releases. Oh my, oh my...new stamps, new papers, new tools, new embellishments...And new catalogs are arriving at the store every day now. We started orders yesterday for Inkadinkado--they have a great new holidays catalog for 2009--and Magenta has a bunch of new stamps. When you are at the store, take time to browse the catalogs for these two companies and add to our order.

Happy stamping!

Anne

Getting Ready for Your Maine Stamper's Anniversary Celebration next Saturday the 25th!!!

COME TO YOUR MAINE STAMPER ON SATURDAY AND HELP US CELEBRATE 13 YEARS IN WINTHROP! IT'S OUR ANNIVERSARY PARTY AND YOU ARE ALL INVITED! THERE WILL BE MAKE-IT/TAKE-ITS, SPECIAL SALES, GOOD THINGS TO EAT, AND GREAT DOOR PRIZES. DON'T MISS THIS EVENT!


Lydia has more new goodies in the store today. The new Spellbinders Shapeabilities Pendants are here! This is a BRAND NEW product that you can use with your Cuttlebug to make fantastic cards. Robyn has been making the most beautiful samples for the shop. I've posted the most recent one today.

Have you worked with DEW DROPS yet? These lovely little baubles add just the right touch to almost any card. The colors are fantastic. They adhere on their flat backs with either glue dots, or Scotch Tacky Adhesive, or Diamond Glaze, or almost any adhesive that dries clear.

There are lots of new papers in the store: chocolate chips that look good enough to eat; tiny little flowers; fall leaves; holiday papers in red and green; and a lovely light purple-blueish watercolory paper. Stock up now on the ones you love. Some of our papers only come in lots of ten sheets. There are some new stamps too. I can just picture the stamp about chocolate on a tag nestled in the chocolate chips paper tied to a package of homemade cookies...MMMMMmmm...

The class I did this morning was on inchies--little one inch by one inch squares. We used the tiny Tapestry peg stamps and Lights, Brights, and Earthtones Ranger Inks for the first activity, where we stamped like crazy and then used one-inch square punches to see how many inchies we could make. We then made cards using InkadinkaDo clear stamps that are specifically designed for inchies. Lydia has a catalog and will be ordering soon. If you are interested in any, stop by the shop, browse the catalog, and place your order. We have other clear stamps in stock and some of the larger clear acrylic blocks to use with them.

There are many classes scheduled for the summer. There are still openings in most of the Monday morning classes I teach. And there are some spots left in the Saturdays. August 8th 10-noon: Origami earrings and pin; August 8th 1-3 Fold-Up Circle Book. August 29th NEW CLASS JUST ADDED: Crazy for Daisies. You will make three any-occasion cards with Charlene Frost, choosing from six different designs.

Don't forget the annual yard sale in our parking lot on Saturday August 15th. Crafters will have finished products for sale as well as tons of crafting materials and stamps. Save the date!

Happy stamping!

Anne

And the Packages Keep Coming...

More new goodies arrived today at Your Maine Stamper!

If you don't yet have a heat gun or you want a quieter model, call the store to hold a Ranger Heat It Craft Tool. I LOVE mine. It's quiet enough to watch TV while crafting without having the volume set at 50 even. It's also small and lightweight. These have not been available for a long time from Ranger, but they're back!

Lydia got more new Christmas stamps in today--nice words and images--as well as other words for all occasions (Just Because...) and some beautiful thoughts for sympathy cards.

I've posted a picture that show a really beautiful card that Robyn made in a flash yesterday using the new Spellbinders that one can use to cut, emboss, or stencil...and they work in the Cuttlebug or any other such device. Truly spectacular!

Robyn sent a helpful in in a comment the other day--you can view any of the pictures on this blog in a larger format by just clicking on the picture you wish to enlarge. That way you can see all the details up close.

Connie also sent along these helpful hints for posting comments to this blog:
In order for someone to post a comment to your blog without a pass word, the system
seems to be:
Go to POST A COMMENT BOX section of your blog
Write in your comments
Click "Post Comment" below the comments box
Select Anonymous from the Select Profile section
Click Post Comment again
Type in the odd letters as requested into the section where it asks for them
Click the bold Post Comment section once again
This should allow a comment to be post anonymously -- not giving out your email
address if you chose to not leave it.

Please let me know if this doesn't work and I'll refine the steps.

There's still room in the Saturday and Monday classes. Call the store to reserve your space!

Happy stamping!

Anne

WOO-HOO! New stuff in today at Your Maine Stamper!!!

The UPS guy must just cringe when the cheers go up every time he darkens the door at Your Maine Stamper. Today he delivered two big boxes--which Connie made us wait to open until after class.

Then there was a mad scramble for stuff as I pulled it out of the box! A lot of stuff went right into people's shopping baskets, but there's still a lot left! The photo of the front table shows some of the new products. We got some of the really pretty cards and envelopes that are perfect for your round stamps. There are stamp-a-ma-jigs which are great for lining up wood block stamps for perfect results every time. We got some new stamps in today--fairies; more cute kids' sayings; a cat and an owl that will work up nicely; and the August stamp-of-the-month arrived, too. (Maybe I'm not supposed to tell you, but it is a lovely sunflower collage large stamp that you can reserve by calling the store.) There are some great 6X6 pads of Wassail Basic Grey papers--some of the same prints we have in 12X12 but miniature in scale. (I'm only scrapbooking 6X6 now, so this will make a perfect Christmas book or two or three!) And, of course, there's Halloweeny paper and brads for Lydia's favorite holiday. Two new double-sided papers came in--the June Bug pattern, which has flowers on it and no bugs that I could find. And there's a beautiful blue with foil snowflakes for holiday and winter cards.

And that reminds me to remind you that we are celebrating Christmas in July all month. Look at previous postings for the events and sales for July.

Happy stamping!

Anne

Recent Photos taken at Your Maine Stamper

Well, this was easier than I thought it would be. I have posted some pictures that I took at the shop yesterday: July's Stamp of the Month; Kids say the darnedest things stamps; Asian-themed Goodies; Maine and Northwoods Stamps; some of Courtney's stamps that are a YMS exclusive; and ribbons, inks, and new papers. Now that I know how this works I'll try to take photos on Mondays to post. My plan is to blog after class on Mondays. Eventually I'd like to add projects that you can do on your own with products and stamps available at Your Maine Stamper. Be sure to check this blog on Tuesdays!

Happy stamping!

Anne

Saturday Events and Classes for Summer

Look at what's coming up at YOUR MAINE STAMPER!!!!

DON'T MISS OUR ANNIVERSARY PARTY!!!! SAVE THE DATE!!!!!
Saturday. July 25th – 10:00 tp 4:30
YOUR MAINE STAMPER’S 13TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
Make It/Take It -- SALES -- GOOD THINGS TO EAT –DOOR PRIZES




Want a Saturday class? Call the store to reserve your space in one of these!
Saturday, July 18th – 10:00 to 12:00
IF THE SHOE FITS…
In this class you will learn how to put together a 3-D high heeled shoe which stands
by itself. It can be filled with candy, jewelry, lotions and soap, silk flowers,
etc. This unique container is suitable for birthdays, graduation, get well, hostess
gift, favors or “just because”.
This is a special opportunity. Charlene has copyright permission to teach this class
and provide the pattern. Don’t miss out.
All materials, including chocolate (yum), will be provided. Bring small scissors AND
a larger pair would be helpful if you have it.
Instructor: Charlene Frost – Fee: $15.00 Limit 6

Saturday, August 8th – 10:00 to 12:00
Exquisite Origami earrings and pin class
Instructor: Regina Conley – Fee: $15.00

Saturday, August 8th – 1:00 to 3:00
Fold-Up Circle Book
Using an embossing powder resist technique for the backgrounds, you will make a
colorful mini book to decorate from 4 folded circles. Bring scissors, a pencil, and
if you have them, a heat gun and a non-stick craft sheet.
Instructor: Penny Bennington – Fee: $15.00 Limit 6



The BIG EVENT in August is our annual crafters' yard sale. We set up in the store parking lot and there are usually 6=10 vendors offering a wide variety of crafting supplies and handmade items, all incredibly reasonably priced. Rent a space or bring cash to shop. Come early for the best selections!

Saturday, August 15th – 9:30 to 12:00
Craft Yard Sale
You provide your own table or display racks -- $10.00 for space outside of shop
Bring cards to sell, used stamps and related products, anything “crafty”.
Rain date: August 22nd.


I was in the store this afternoon. Every day lately it seems like new product is in. Today I found adorable cutouts of Golden Retriever puppies all in Santa hats that will be perfect for Christmas in July cards to go with the gray tiger kitties in Santa hats, Christmas wreaths, red mittens, and peppermint candy canes. These are all the images that are photographic and so cute to add to cards and tags. There are beautiful printed double-sided Christmas papers from Basic Grey in muted red and olives too. The July stamp is nearly sold out, so don't forget to call the store and have Lydia or Connie hold one for you.

Have you had a chance to shop the sales this month yet? People today were stocking up on gold and silver Stickles and Glue Dots...can't have too many of either. And all of the clear stamps were on today's sale. If you haven't worked with these yet, you will love them. It's hard to make mistakes with them because you can always see where your image is going! I LOVE them--and even though I said I would always be a woodblock stamper, I'm finding that I'm collecting more and more acrylic clear stamps and blocks. Lydia even has a round block and some great round stamps that are multiple images. Way cool!

Check out yesterday's blog posting for the sale items for this month and mark on your calendar the days of the week you want to remember to shop at Your Maine Stamper!

I took a whole bunch of photos at the shop today and will try tomorrow to get them up on this blog.

Happy stamping!

Anne

Welcome to the blog for Your Maine Stamper!

I decided to start a blog today for Your Maine Stamper. I figured it might be a good way to keep you updated on products, events and classes at Your Maine Stamper in Winthrop.

July's Stamp of the Month is "Snowy Spruce in Forest with Stream" from Northwoods. Call the store at 377-4829 to reserve yours before they are all gone.

All month we are celebrating Christmas in July with fantastic savings!

All Mondays in July - 20% off Christmas stamps

All Tuesdays in July - 20% off 8 ½ x11 green cardstock
- 20% off dark green ribbons
- 20% off green gemstones

All Wednesdays in July - 20% off 8 1/2x11 red cardstock
-20% off red ribbons
-20% off red gemstones

All Thursdays in July -20% off 12x12 Christmas papers
-20% off white ribbons
-20% off clear gemstones

All Fridays in July -20% off red and green stickles
-20% off Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive
-20% off large End Cuts

All Saturdays in July -20% off gold and silver stickles
-20% off all clear stamps
-20% off Glue Dots


AND YOU GET A GIFT WITH YOUR PURCHASE! Come on in and stock up. We are open Mondays-Saturdays from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.


I am also teaching Monday mornings through July and August. Last week we made chipboard invitations that could also be used for cards or small books if you made multiples of a design. There were BBQ aprons, martini glasses, admission tickets, little houses, and more.

The Christmas Cards class for Monday July 13th is full. If you would like me to repeat this class, just call Lydia at the store and I'd be glad to do a Monday afternoon session if at least four people sign up.

The Monday morning classes are fun because there's coffee and some thing to eat at 9:30 before the two-hour class starts at 10. This has been a great time for us to visit and chat before getting down to work.

There is still room for more participants in these Monday Morning Merriment and Creative Paper Crafting Classes!

July 20 Inchies: Come see what the industry buzz is all about as you make lots of one inch square stamped images and play with ways to use them.

July 27 Upcycling: We're going "green" as we recycle those old cards you've been collecting in a drawer for years. Bring at least four previously used greeting cards.

August 3 Artist Trading Cards: This is a techniques workshop using a wide variety of products on playing card sized papers.

August 10 Using Alternative Tools for Textures and Printing: This is an experimental techniques class using common household items for inking and painting options.

August 17 A card set: 4 notecards, 4 envelopes, and a decorative box...you choose from Thank You (flowers and flourishes), Hello (trees), and Just a Little Note (birds).

August 24 Stamping on Fabric: with a focus on ways to add inks, paints, Angelina and other fibers to painted/quilted pieces.

August 31 Cuttlebugging, Inks, and Spritzes: a techniques class involving the Cuttlebug, brass stencils, Memory Mists, Walnut Inks and other make-it-yourself spritzes.


In my next post I will try adding photographs and class descriptions for the Wednesday What's This? Workshops and the Saturday Classes.

Check in frequently. Now that I'm retired, I'm taking this on as a part-time job!

Anne