Preserving memories and fostering relationships, one layout at a time!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

10/27/10 The Digital Scrapbook Station at The Studio!

Good Wednesday morning everyone...and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!  I love Halloween and all the great candy and projects and costumes and parties that come with it! 

Today's Blog topic is a brief introduction to the Digital Scrapbook Station at The Scrapbook Studio! 

This area of the store has been a particular challenge to me since there are SO many different types of scrapbooking software out there and so many different types of computers and operating systems that people are comfortable working with.

So, the big question was:  "How do I meet the needs of my "techy" digital scrapbook customers?"  Well, what I REALLY wanted was a whole ROOM full of computers, printers and fun scrapbooking software for everyone to use, but obviously, not a viable fiscal choice for a new scrapbook store with an accountant for an owner who is conservative to say the least!  LOL!

The Digital Desk (as I like to call it) will be comprised of a work area large enough for you to spread out whatever things you like to work with when you're working on your digital layouts, a wide-carriage Epson printer that can print up 13x19 photos and layouts!  That's not a typo!  13x19!!  Plus it will have all of the hookups necessary for you to bring in your laptop

This will allow all of you to be familiar with the equipment & software you're working on, but will still provide some of the essentials you may not have at home -- like peace and quiet to work on your projects, the large high-quality printer and various size photo paper for your layouts! 

The pricing structure for the use the Digital Desk and the photo paper is currently being developed and will be ready for opening day!

And don't forget about those digital scrapbooking classes coming up!  Keep checking our website calendar of events for class schedules and fees (http://www.thescrapbook-studio.com/)!!

Take Care Everyone!  Have a great Wednesday!

Monday, October 25, 2010

10/25/10 Changes Abound at The Scrapbook Studio!

Good Monday Morning everyone!  I know Monday, yuck.  But, it marks the beginning of a new week and new opportunities, right?

Well, new weeks also bring about changes and The Scrapbook Studio is undergoing a slight change in location -- a VERY slight change!  While there were issues surrounding construction at the larger space within The Pinetree Plaza, there also became available another smaller space in the plaza!  Right next to Fitness One is The Scrapbook Studio's new home and the landlord and I are working very diligently to get it ready for Black Friday!

While being considerably smaller than my original space, I think the new space will be cozier and make it easier to connect with our fellow shoppers and croppers!  We will still have a training and cropping center, the children's play area, coffee bar, digital station and I will fill every available nook and cranny with the latest scrapbook tools, papers, stickers, punches...everything your little scrapbooking heart desires!

So let's all say a little prayer to the Scrapbooking God above that all goes with the minor build-outs at our new location and that are running full steam ahead before Black Friday!

Good day to you all!  And thank you for your continued support, patience and excitement during these slight changes and delays while The Scrapbook Studio & Cafe comes to "life!"

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

10/19/2010 Classes at The Studio

Good afternoon everyone!  I know, I know...it's been a whole 8 days since I've posted anything on my blog!  Yikes!  So sorry for the delay; there have been a few "hiccups" with the space for The Scrapbook Studio, but we are working thru them and as Gloria Gaynor so eloquently put it in her old disco song (cue the music):  "I WILL SURVIVE!"  (LOL - okay cheesy yes, but it made ME chuckle!!).  More information on this little "hiccup" to come in a few days!


So, more importantly, I am beginning to put together the calendar for November, December and January 2011 Classes, Crops and Events. 

Now is the time to submit your suggestions to me if you'd like to see something special!  Just about ANYTHING goes....so please email me your ideas! Let's make the classes FUN, INTERESTING AND UNIQUE!!!

One of the FIRST things you will see is the 4-part series of the EK Success Scrapbook Design & You University!  So get ready for all those Halloween, Thanksgiving and Holiday scrapbook layouts!  I will most likely be the first instructor on the calendar, but I have two great girls waiting to teach our SDU classes!  Having multiple instructors will allow greater class-scheduling flexibility for YOU!!!

Remember, email me those unique and fun class ideas!  Here's the 411 on where you can email me:

ScrapbookStudio09@yahoo.com

Monday, October 11, 2010

10/11/10 A Series of Special "Thank You's"

While each day passes that I anxiously await word that construction is beginning at The Studio, I find this a perfect opportunity to say Thank You to so many individuals who helped me transform The Scrapbook Studio from a series of ideas in a Business Plan that began more than 3 years ago to a very much anticipated "brick & mortar" store for which so many of you are anxiously awaiting!

First, in order of appearance (ha ha), Thank you to Jim Rowlands, Don Colvin and Jack Jiacheng (I hope I spelled that correctly) in the REACH program at the Regional Chamber.  While skeptical at first, then becoming true "believers," their collaborative effort and constant source of research, advice, support and guidance helped make my plan pristine and in my eyes, a work of "financial art" for financing purposes.

Next, Thank you to Kevin Dougherty at Huntington Bank, who also was skeptical at first...but then also became a "believer!"  He kept the financial wheels rolling!  Not an easy task!  Thanks, Kevin!  And staying in the Huntington realm, Thank You to Jody Cutrer who worked hard to help me decide which point of sale system is best for the store!  Thanks Jody!

Next:  Bob Hepler and Louise at Focus Ventures who have provided me the PERFECT place for my dream-come-true!  I honestly can't think of a better location for The Studio!  And while there is still much work to be done, I know they will continue to be great source of support and will help make The Studio a haven of scrapbooking BLISS!

And to my dear, dear friend, Bob Gensler whose incredible legal skills, background and patience educating me on legal terminology and guidance throughout the process....a very special Thank You.  Even while facing many of life's challenges this year, he's been strong and giving to those who need him.

To Jack Wohlgamuth of People's Building in Hubbard, who is building my custom shelving. Thank you.  Are they done yet???

To Anthony Huggins of AH Designs, my web designer, who is getting a lesson in dealing with demanding clients (ha ha)...Thanks for your patience, your diligence and creativity with the Site! 

To Dave's daughters:  Alisha, Justine and Mallory - your help (currently and in the future!) is more appreciated than you will ever know!  Thank you for being wonderful almost-stepdaughters! (LOL)

To my future customers:  I am so thankful for your support and excitement for the store!  I promise to always put you first and do everything in my power to make your shopping, cropping and "connecting with others" an experience that will always make you feel at home and as special as you truly are.  To all of you:  Thank you...I can't wait to see you!

And finally, the most important Thank You's of all:  to my close friends (and you know who you are), my Mom (Mary Vincent)...and my Dave:  There's no way this incredible project could have gotten to this point without you.  In each of your own ways, you have helped this come to fruition and gave me more confidence, support, advice and encouragement than I could have ever hoped for!  To you:  the most special Thank You of all.  I am truly blessed.  And I love you!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

10/7/10 Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Product Line at The Studio!

Good Thursday morning everyone!  Continuing with the product line theme for The Scrapbook Studio, I thought today would be a good day to discuss the very special product lines for...
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts!!

I have chosen an extensive line of various papers and embellishments that focus on the very special and important organizations that really teach our children many valuable tools to use in their every day life! 

My nephew has been in Boy Scouts for many years and being part of such a great group has not only taught him special skills, how to achieve goals, and everyday useful tools, they've really brought him out of this "shell."  They've taught him self-confidence and much higher self-esteem.
                                      
So, in addition to carrying a full line of the "Scouts" scrapbook supplies, I would also WELCOME the opportunity to host a Girl Scout or Boy Scout (or Brownies or Cubs) scrapbooking event at The Studio!  I will provide all of the materials necessary for the group to make their own memory books, scrapbooks, any kind of paper-craft project appropriate for the group!

So, to all the parents whose children are in The Scouts, Kudos to you!   And to the young people in The Scouts:  Great Job!

Please contact me to schedule YOUR Scout event at The Scrapbook Studio!  I can be reached at the following emails:

and/or

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

10/6/10 Disney is coming to The Scrapbook Studio!

Just wanted to update everyone on the some of the Disney products I've ordered for The Studio! There are so many awesome things out there that I just about bought everything EK Success is offering for their Disney Line!

For instance:
  • Snoopy & the Peanuts Gang stickers & embellishments
  • Spiderman
  • Wolverine
  • Tinkerbell
  • Mickey & Minnie Mouse
  • Winnie The Pooh
  • Disney Princesses
  • Snow White
  • Sesame Street (with Big Bird & Elmo & all the characters)
  • ...and more!
There are Disney-related 8.5 x 8.5 scrapbook albums, papers, embellishments, stickers! They are so adorable! Can't wait for you to see them! 

Maybe we'll even do a Disney Scrapbook Class where all materials are included and we'll make it a "Mommy & Me" event!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

American Girl Products at The Studio!

Good Saturday Evening everyone!  While I recover from a nasty eye infection, I'm taking this down time to peruse and assemble an exclusive American Girl product line for The Studio!  Initially I had thought the American Girls product line was limited to just Dolls, but lo and behold!  I have put together a diverse line of American Girl items including, regular stickers, pillow stickers, glitter stickers, "stacked" stickers, cardstock, adorable "word frames," sparkly paints, punches (ladybug, butterflies, stars, dogs, musical notes, so many more), clear Stamps and ink pads...Doodle Pad Sheets (pack of 30 sheets) and different types of markers!

What's an American Girl without handmade jewelry?  Paper Chain Bracelets, Funky Felt Pins, Ribbon & Pearl Bracelets, Daisy Design Bracelets...colored cotton cording, beads, iron-ons...so many adorable things!

So for those of you who are American Girl fans, or have young ladies in your life who ARE American Girl fans, we have a special section of the store JUST FOR YOU!

Any special you'd like to see in the American Girl line?  Email me and I'll be HAPPY to order it in for you!

...until next time!

Take Care, God Bless

Angela