Sara's Blog

Get ready, UK crafters…we’re gearing up for a Pick of the Day on Create & Craft next week! Tune in to see the new Springtime Papercraft Extravaganza on Wednesday, Feb 10 and Thursday Feb 11. I’ll be on at these times:

• Wednesday, February 10 at 9:00pm (launch!), again at 11:00pm
• Thursday, February 11 at 8:00am, 10:00, 1:00pm, 4:00pm and last chance at 7:00pm

As you can see, getting organized for 7 hours of live demos is no easy feat (especially for someone with a small apartment). The kits you see trailing their way down my hallway are just some of the demos I’ve got planned.

The small black ears you see belong to my assistant, whose contribution so far has only been a cursory glance every now and then, when she’s awake. She snores like crazy though, so it’s good for a laugh.

Occasionally she musters up enough energy to move down the hallway to lie on one of the kits. This one is close to the heater in the bathroom so she’s in perfect comfort.

I know, I know, I’m writing about the cat…but this project is so big I haven’t been out of the house for a week and frankly I’m starting to get craft overload. I’ve seen the UPS man more frequently than I’ve seen anyone else. And since Keith is out of town, it’s just me and the cat. (I really do need to get out.)

And….if you live in Oregon (or Washington!) stop by and see the HOTP booth at the Creating Keepsakes Convention this weekend—in Portland Feb 5-6 at the Oregon Convention Center! Paulette won’t be there this time, but Stan will (ask him for a demo!).

My friend Katie Hacker is the person responsible (in a good way!) for my addiction to beading and jewelry making. She’s written several beading books for Hot Off The Press, teaches workshops around the country, and presents “Beading Lessons” on the Beads, Baubles & Jewels television show. Katie was the first person I went to with my beginning beader’s questions. She has always been super-informative and gracious about not only answering my silly questions, but giving additional tips and ideas. And she’s a knock-out designer—I love how her approach is all about creating easy, stylish designs that can be made in an evening but worn for years.

That’s why I’m super-excited to tell you all about Katie’s Jewelry Personal Shopper. This is a monthly kit, delivered to your door—it’s basically like taking a class with Katie. Each month you’ll get materials to make a necklace and matching earrings, and sometimes a bracelet too; in addition, you’ll have complete project ideas and instructions, as well as Katie’s hints and tips. Even better, you’ll learn tons of techniques like stamping on pateras, making loops, easy crimping and more.

Plus…I’ve had a peek at some of the designs in the kit and they are GORGEOUS! Perfect for spicing up your own wardrobe, or to give as gifts.

Want to learn more? Just click here to find out about Katie’s new kit from Personal Shopper!

What are you doing this weekend? If you live near Anaheim, California, please stop by the Paper Wishes booth (#508) at the CHA Craft SuperShow! The show is on from January 22-23 at the Anaheim Convention Center, and it will be packed with tons of great crafting supplies, from all your favorite companies.

Even better? You can save $5 on the admission price with our coupon. Just go to www.CraftSuperShow.com and click on Tickets under the Show Info tab. Enter CRAFT19 as the discount promotion code and continue with the registration process. You’ll get an e-voucher by email. Just print it out and bring a copy with you to the show.

Doors open Friday, January 22 at 12:00 and stay open until 8:00pm. Saturday the show is from 10:00-6:00, giving you plenty of time for demos, shopping, fun and excitement. Enjoy!

Please do stop by—Paper Wishes is at booth #508!

And don’t forget—you could win a $100 Paper Wishes shopping spree by entering our Little Prints & Patterns contest. Click here to find out more!

This is a silly question, I know…but would you like to win a $100 gift certificate to Paper Wishes?

Here’s your chance!

Not only will the winner of our Little Prints & Patterns Contest win a $100 shopping spree, he or she will also have the winning project featured on the Paper Wishes home page!

So here’s the scoop: Make a card, scrapbook page, tag, Surface—any kind of paper crafted project—using the new Little Prints & Patterns collection, then upload a photo of your project by February 1, 2010.

You could take home one of four $25 Paper Wishes gift certificates, or the grand prize of a $100 shopping spree!

I really hope you’ll join us—I’m so excited to see what you all create! For more info, just click here.

Good luck to everyone!

COME SEE US! Do you live in Southern California? Then come see us at the CHA Craft SuperShow January 22-23 at the Anaheim Convention Center! Click here for more info

Thanks to everyone who emailed to tell me why you shop at Paper Wishes. The responses were terrific (my email in-box was VERY full!) and we really appreciate your comments. It all helps us to do a better job serving you!

And for the winners, who got to choose a stamp set of their choice from Paper Wishes:

Georgia B.
Janet M.
Floe C.
Sandra H.
Kenna R.
Connie B.
Joyce P.
Katie B.
Judi E.

(The lucky states seem to be California and Kansas…hmmm…) The most popular stamp set chosen? Mix Your Messages and Vintage Ladies.

Enjoy your stamps, ladies—and thanks for participating!

CONTEST ALERT! Want to win a $100 shopping spree on Paper Wishes? Then come play with us!

Here’s the scoop: Make a card, scrapbook page, tag, Surface—any kind of paper crafted project—using the new Little Prints & Patterns collection, then upload a photo of your project by February 1, 2010.

You could take home one of four $25 Paper Wishes gift certificates, or the grand prize of a $100 shopping spree!

Even better? All five winners will have their project posted on the Paper Wishes home page! For more info, just click here. Hope to see what you create!