Wow! That's all I have to say about my wonderful experience at CHA! Well, not exactly. When have I ever had only one word to say?...Ok, 10 words or less (sort of) --

Of course I started and ended the show at the Provo booth. The Cricut snuck up on me while Michelle was taking a picture of me and the Cuttlebug. What a hoot! I checked out all the new Cricut cartridges and the very very cool Gypsy. (And I have a very very special surprise that you won't believe when you see it!!!) Keep your eye on the blog. I also have coming all the new Cuttlebug embossing folders. There was the CUTEST salesman, so I think I ordered everything Provo makes! I made Michelle take her picture with him, so you could see what I mean. I know one of the followers on my blog is My Romeo and he is the most wonderful man on the planet. But it's okay for me to look. He is a man after all and sneaks a peak at the cute girls who walk by when we're together. (Tee hee)

I ordered the cool new Corner Chompers from the Crop-A-Dile line at the WRMK's booth. You will be making custom board books with these cool tools I can tell you! They have 3 new ones with 2 designs on each tool!

You know I am all about the tools and the toys, and I brought back lots of ideas for fun classes and samples of not yet released papers from Imaginisce and new ideas to use their i-top Tool for customizing your brads.

I talked to a ton of artists whose work you have to see to appreciate. Including an adorable sweet painter. She works with her husband to recreate the canvas onto 12x12 scrapbook pages that will stop you in your tracks! I got to chat a moment with Marie Osmond and took a gander at the wonderful craft bags she has designed. They are made for sewing materials but I am going to use them for my tools and all the cool stuff I saw at the show. They are gorgeous and she is a sweetheart!

And one of my favorite tools is the cute cute cute Texture Boutique machine for embossing and all the beautiful new embossing folders. I couldn't choose, so I ordered them all. Everyone in the card swap group will have to have them, so be sure to reserve yours. We all know Mrs. Levi (aka the talented and wonderful Evelyn) will want them.

I stopped by Robin's Nest and had to keep from calling the cool Dew Drops Skittles. But, guess what...the Skittles are on the way to The Pink House, along with their new Tear Drop shapes

Don't let Michelle know, but I think I spent the entire product budget. Which wouldn't be so bad if she hadn't also! I also heard a rumor that our new lease may be waiting for us when we get back. Come in and see me on Monday and we'll chat. Don't forget, we are open 7 days a week again and the 136 Red Bank location WILL STAY OPEN until the new site is up and running and ready for all the great stuff we have coming.

I took a class and got some great tips on using the Nestabilities dies. Romeo got here yesterday and helped me take some pics to share. Speaking of which, today is his birthday and I am going to spend it focusing on him. So, you'll have to wait until I get back to Charleston to hear about all the cool stuff I saw and touched this week.

Thanks a bunch to Brandy for doing such a great job for us this week. And isn't it cool that Amber's Joshua and Romeo share a birthday? Does that make us soul sisters? See you all soon. I am really excited about the wonderful trip and can't wait to talk your ears off about it.

The Mom aka Karla

The pics are coming later. I am soooo computer stupid and my Baby and I have a big day planned.

CHA -- We're Here!!!

After a LONG trip, Michelle and I arrived in Orlando last night @ 10:30. Then, we drove up and down International Blvd for an Hour looking for the hotel! Yes, ladies. I am REALLY bad at directions and left the GPS charger at home. We started out from Charleston well before noon. But, since we had to pass Savannah to get to Florida, we stopped to see my sister. Well, we had to go by Savannah Mall to get to BG's. Yeah, so, we didn't really pass it, right? When we finally got to BG's house, that's when we found out my niece was in Brunswick, which you have to pass to get to Florida. Well, you get the gist. That's how you take 12 hours to get to Orlando. The whole story is hilarious and I can't wait to fill you in next time you come to see me.

Speaking of The Pink House, be sure to come by and give Brandy a big welcome. She is wonderful and you'll love her instantly. Thanks to Jeni for helping out with Brandy's Zoie while Brandy watches the store. And thanks to Amber for keeping Brandy company. She may work her way back up to The Mom's favorite yet! And a big thank you to Sheila and Tina for making our Christmas in July weekend fun Saturday and Sunday. I'll let Michelle tell you all about our Pajama crop antics from Friday night when she blogs. No sleep for that crew, I can tell you!

Michelle and I are going to hit the CHA floor running tomorrow at 9am and not stop until we have all the goodies for you that will keep coming through December. The hardest part is not to order just everything! Today Michelle is at the Rosen learning all about the fabulous COPIC markers. She'll have an official certification on the products when I pick her up at 4 today. Sounds real serious, but we all know how much fun she's having. When she gets back, she'll pass on the skills to you so you get the most out of these marvelous tools. That's right, I said tools 'cause they are way beyond just markers.

To keep you guys happy until the CHA stuff starts rolling off the UPS truck, we have been ordering like crazy this month. Come in and check out the Just Rite Stamper products, the beautiful Bazzill flowers, Marvy punches, Cricut supplies, and of course the newest new toy on the block the i-top brad maker from Imaginisce! Those are just a few of the deliveries we received over the last 2 weeks, so don't miss out.

And be sure and not miss Donna Downey and the Prima fabric flowers, and embellishments. Prima called Brandy today to say they are on the way! The flowers will be here this week and Donna is coming to The Pink House on August 7th. Give Brandy a call to get your name on the list for Donna Downey's visit.

See you soon.
The Mom

i-top Tool packages

Hi, Ladies! Since my last post, several of you have asked about the prices on the i-top Tool and toys. I expect them on Monday and will call those of you who have reserved yours as soon as I see the UPS guy! I was able to convince Imaginisce to increase my order, so I have three more coming. Be sure to stop in next week and check them out! The tool is just $29.99 and Michelle has some great package deals to include the tool and the toys. Just give me a call if you want one reserved.

Package A - $54.99
i-top Tool, Small & Medium Brads, Small & Medium Punches, Topper Template
Package B - $84.99
i-top Tool, Small & Medium Brads, Small & Medium Punches, Topper Template, Large Die Carriage (adapter), Large Brads, Large Punch
Package C - $99.99
i-top Tool, Small & Medium Brads, Small & Medium Punches, Topper Template, Large Die Carriage (adapter), Large Brads, Large Punch, Cute Storage Tote

(Welcome to the Cricut Swarm, De!)

i-top Tool shipping this week!!!

In case you didn't get a chance to reserve your new i-top Tool from Imaginisce, give us a call right away. Our order is being shipped this week. I just checked their web site and the next shipment isn't going out until September. No worries for those of you who reserved yours with us already. When I saw the web site, I immediately called Imaginisce and was assured that our order is being pulled at the warehouse as we speak. It should be here next week.

Give me a call with your credit card info and we'll hold one for you when they come in. But, hurry, 'cause there are only a few not already spoken for. This awesome new tool will be a must have to create custom brads to match your layouts and projects.

See you soon.

The Mom

Tools, Toys, Paper and FUN!!!

Got a visit from the Fed Ex guy this morning! Opened the box and there they were! Scor-Pals, Scor-Mats, the new heavier duty Scor-Tools, and a little surprise that I'll share with you next time you're in.

Michelle has worked really hard to get the store looking good and you should come tell her what a great job she did. Everyone needs to be appreciated, right? She filled 3 displays with new paper and embellishments, got the Scrap-Ma-Bobs and Glue Gliders out, and cleaned up The Mom's mess in the crop room. Having Nicole and Zoe here was a BIG help! Those girls are amazing! Okay, so being their Grandma may play a small part in that opinion, but so far, anyone who knows them has not disagreed.

Just in case you missed the news...Be sure to check out the Calendar and sign up for the spectacular classes, make-n-takes, and the Friday crop during our CHRISTMAS IN JULY event. Click on each class in the calendar for a description of the fun you'll have. I attached a list just to help you guys who are like me on the computer skills level -- which, BTW, is beat hands down by my 6 year old granddaughter. Check out my July 8th post for pics of the class samples.

Give me a call and we'll chat.

Thanks! The Mom

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Friday - 7/24

10am - Gift Wrap 101 (free) - Have trouble achieving tight corners, can't get your tissue fluffed just right? Come watch The Mom demonstrate one of her many talents... She is the ULTIMATE gift wrapper!

11am - Custom Wrapping Paper ($5.00) - Come learn how to stretch your supplies and create decorative packaging customized for your special gifts. Fun class for our young crafters as well.

1pm - Christmas Cards ($15.00) - Michelle has designed 3 unique cards to help you get ahead of the holiday season. It's never too early to start working on your Christmas Cards!

3pm - Ornament Make-N-Take (free) - Take off work early to swing by and play for an hour. You'll get to make 4 or more sweet holiday ornaments. These are perfect for decorating your Christmas tree, hanging from the center of a wreath, or more.

6pm - All Night PJ Crop ($15.00) - Come dressed in your PJ's. We'll have dinner prepared for your 6pm arrival. Then Michelle will teach a mini-class @ 7pm. Mom will keep us entertained with games, challenges & prizes throughout the night. At midnight we'll have a White Elephant gift swap. Cropping will continue until Saturday at 6am.

Saturday - 7/25

10am - Sweet Treats ($25.00) - Our favorite new instructor TINA is teaching us to wrap chocolate bars, cover cocoa packets & create a "sour cream" candy container. Price includes all the candy. This is a must attend class for beginners and advanced like. So Much Fun!

1pm - Poinsettias & Greeting Card basket ($18.00) - How super cute is this Poinsettia card!! And the handled card box is a great gift or decorative keepsake. This class is full of techniques... stamping, scoring, diecut layering, & more.

3:30pm - Star Tree Topper ($15.00) - Shere is showing us how to recycle last year's holiday cards and create a tres cool star perfect for topping the tree, decorating the foyer table or giving as a gift.

Sunday - 7/26

1pm - Post-it Desktop Set ($25.00) - What great ideas!! This note pad set can be customized to fit any theme, any style. You won't believe how many clever cost-efficient tricks Tina has packed into one class.

3:30pm - Holiday Pocket Folder ($25.00) - Have a box full of file folders needing to be put to use? Come learn how to score, fold & decorate those bland office supplies and turn 'em into creative works of art. These folders can be given as greeting cards, kept as a place to record special information or placed on a bookshelf for decoration. They are that cute. :)

As always, thank you for your continued support. Michelle I are very excited about the direction we are headed. Please be sure to call ahead to reserve your class seats.

Christmas in July at The Pink House!

We are excited to introduce our newest instructor. Tina is a talented and fun crafter. You will enjoy learning techniques and tips from one of the best. Come see Tina during our Christmas in July celebration on Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th. Check out the Calendar for schedule and class fees and be sure to call ahead and reserve your spot and kit. And don't forget to sign up for the all night pajama crop on Friday. Call us for all the fun details.

This is a really adorable make-n-take that Tina has prepared for you. These mini ornaments are fun to create. You will be using our newly arrived Christmas paper (different than shown) to make your very own.

You must see this card box, cards and envelopes to appreciate how cute this is! You will not only make the box and 2 cards, but Tina has a special surprise for you in this class. (Not to give it away or anything, but it involves multiple layers and a moving element.)

How sweet it is!!! This cute little candy holder is one of 3 gift ideas that you will make in this class. Who doesn't like candy presents? It takes all the guilt out of eating chocolate when it's a present, right? You'll have to come in and take a look at this trio. You have to come see me anyway to check out the new product we are receiving all week. The Mom says!

Speaking of gifts...Tina has outdone herself with this desk set. She'll show you how to make a presto-chango desk stand that can be enjoyed all year. There is a third piece take-a-long to complete the set that I'll have to show you when you come in to see me.

I'll be teaching a Cricut Design Studio class tomorrow morning, so Michelle and/or Shere will be here, too. It would be a great time to catch up on the Pink House goings on and get in on the CHA insider news! See you soon. The Mom

She's back.....

The trip around the Country was awesome and we are still vacationing. We only have today and tomorrow, then it's back to work for both of us. The kids (that would be Michelle and her built in baseball team) are going to Riverfront Park this afternoon. If you are looking for something to do, there will be free concerts and fireworks. We have been before and had great fun. Not sure if Romeo and I are going to make it, though. We put the boat in the water and watched fireworks at Short Stay yesterday. I am sun tired today and he is installing his Father's Day present. Yes, folks, it is a large mouth bass mail box. Wow! It can't compare to the jewelry I got on Mother's Day, but it's all about what makes us happy.

More trip news...We got back really late Saturday night and I have been in and out of the store and talked to some of you. The last post left off the night before our visit to the inside of the new Cowboys Stadium. What a rush that was! Not only did I get to be part of the inaugural tour day, but American Idol was holding auditions there. They told us we couldn't take pictures, but as you know I am not great at doing what I'm told. And if you ever want me to do something, just tell me I can't. So, I'll post the pics soon.

After Dallas, we went to Tennessee. We made the obligatory trip to Graceland and headed straight home after that. As wonderful as the trip was, it was good to see the "Welcome to South Carolina" sign. I spent time while we were gone really thinking about what it is that I want in life and how the store fits into the picture. I have come to the conclusion that The Pink House is a big part of the life plan. I am excited and anxious about the future and am very grateful for your support. I took steps this week to get new product and keep in touch with the new landlord across the street. I have other opportunities for location and am keeping those options open, but I feel like this is the way to go. We are firm believers in things happening for a reason, so whichever site we are supposed to be in will be. But, know that we will remain open in our current location -- 136A Red Bank Road in Goose Creek -- until the new place is up and running. Stay tuned for details.

I know this is a long post, but I have to tell you the really BIG news. We are going to CHA!!! Since it's in Orlando, I'll have my ears on the whole time. I have Mickey, Minnie, and even Fiona ears. The trip will be for business purposes, of course. (Yeah, right!) I'll tell you all about it during our Christmas in July celebration. Don't forget to sign up for the classes and the all night crop, July 24th and 25th.

Thanks to you all for your kind words of encouragement and your friendship. We will have great fun and adventure during July and in the years to come. Come see me and we'll chat.

The Mom