Come get your favorites while they're still here!!!

Such great deals we don't want you to miss out on.

Winter Mini Album Class

Sign up for the New Winter Mini Album Class taught by Rhonda. Watch this video to see what you'll be making. It's Beautiful!

Lots of Activity in Memories

Hello there! It was a busy day in the shop today.....people coming in to "say goodby", which is sweet, but we are still going to be here! I am just moving a short distance across town, so hope to see ALL of you. If not, this whole move this is for naught! Do plan on coming into the new store on Wright Street and see the myriads of things Maggie has been ordering for the new Ben Franklin, independently owned Craft store! You will love it! Our croppers are staking out their space to crop......Maggie got a taste of that when she wandered in this afternoon. There were croppers cropping, croppers arriving ( should have seen her face as they dragged in their totes Full of product......she said "what are they doing?"..........) ......there were shoppers shopping and friends hugging and chatting, etc. It was the perfect time for her to arrive and see what we are all about, and before I knew what was happening, she was hugging people too! It was a delight! It WILL be alright and we are going to have a good time in a new location! I just need lots of you coming in to keep stocking up on "stuff" that we are dragging out of the woodwork!

Heading to bed now. Thought I would try to get there before midnight one time this week. Hugs to each of you. Prayers for many, for whom this time of year is Not a happy time. You are in my thoughts and prayers and you mean so much to me. Love..........Linda

Bundle Selling

Going to do some bundling on Monday..........taking papers that go together and putting some embellishments with them, and discounting the bundle and will sell some of our product that way. Need to move it All, folks, at least all that is not going to the Ben. So.........watch for some great bargains of "kits" or bundles.............you will like them. Beth is good at that, so will have her make up several dozen to begin with . This is a bigger job than I could ever imagine it would be..........I thought I sold a lot today, and when I looked around tonight, you cannot even tell anything is gone! So, bundles, here we come! :) Hope you enjoy them..............Hugs to each of you........Linda

Moving Sale Begins!

Greetings! It has been a snowy day out there and at times, it looked like a fairy land! Hope you all have been safe and warm and enjoying some more "off time" with friends and family. We had a lovely Christmas day and enjoyed having Andrew's sister spend the evening with us for dinner and good conversation, a hilarious movie and treats.......just a fun time together. Got to see our Texas family on skype and that was great. Now it is back to reality and work.

We have been hauling out things for the sale and I add more ever hour or two. On Monday, Ed is heading upstairs here at the shop and will be dragging down things that Someone might want. There are a lot of odd assortments up there....it will be fun to see what we can get rid of...what we can donate.......what we can use.

Some are inquiring about fixtures in the shop. Maggie will be using some in her new store, will be using some of the paper trays, if not all, and will be using some at the hotel crops. And, we will likely be putting some on sale for your use in your own scrapping rooms. Will let you know via e-mail when that happens. In the meantime, I will be taking names and phone nos. for people who want to put their names on a list for those items. The white tables are not for sale, but nearly all the brown ones are, so am taking names for those too. We need to keep using them till the end, for selling items as well as for the classes and crops coming up.

Hope you have a restful day tomorrow. We will be here bright and early Monday morning, to keep going with this moving sale. Hope some of you can come in and take part in it. See you then..............Linda and Ed

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Here is a Christmas Message for you..... (click on the link)

Shop Announcement!!!

Go HERE for Shop Announcement. Due to the size of this video I needed to go this route.. so just click on the word HERE....Have a Merry Christmas!!!!

News from Memories

Hey there dear Angie.........I just thought the post got lost! No problem! Thank you So much for doing all these videos, and we will be doing lots more in the weeks ahead, so you dear customers/friends, keep checking in. We have some more already taped that you won't want to miss......starting with Thurs. afternoon and again perhaps Christmas morning. You are so special to us here at Memories. Hope you have a safe evening, wherever you are and hope to see you soon. Hugs........Linda

Day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas

So sorry everyone for the mess up on last nights video. I thought I posted it. Here is the video for Thursday the 24th...
Hope Everyone has a Merry Christmas!
Angela

Late Hours at Memories

Forgot to tell you that we are open late this week.......seven p.m. tomorrow night, Tues. I was going to be open late Wed., but "have had it" and decided to go home at 5:30 on Wed. and do some things for us! So-----late tomorrow night ( Tues), 5:30 Wed night and 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve day. Sleep well!

No Video Tonight......Sorry!

Happy first day of winter! Now the days will be getting longer, and I am sure there are a lot of us who are tired of dreary, who will be Most happy about that! We need some sunshine in our lives, huh?

No video tonight...sorry. I called Angie and asked her not to post it, as I had changed my mind. So, for tomorrow, the 22nd, the special for the day is 20% off of All Cosmo Cricket product, which I do not think we have ever done before. It sells so well.........we don't need to! But I wanted to do something special for you, so if you love it as much as I do, this is the time to buy some for yourself. Embellishments and kits and paper pads as well as the single papers. Have fun!

Lots going on in here in the past few days. We will post a special Christmas video for you all, probably on Christmas Eve afternoon. Hugs to each of you, and may God richly bless each one of you dear, dear friends. Love, Linda and Ed

The 12 Days of Christmas for Monday the 21st

Day 7 of The 12 Days of Christmas

Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas

Day 5 of The 12 Days of Christmas

Day 4 of The 12 Days of Christmas

Day 3 of The 12 Days of Christmas

Here We Go Again!

Hope to see Bunches of you tomorrow, with lots of food for the food pantry! Buy a little extra when you go to the store for your baking supplies, etc. And Praise God some of us are not there yet. If we ever are, we will surely be thankful for those who are generous! Ed and I will be taking turns in the shop tomorrow, as we have Two grandsons playing basketball in two different schools. So he will do one and I will do one and I'll get to Scotland a'fore ye. Oh never mind..............:)

Day 2 of The 12 Days of Christmas

I've gotten some very funny responses to the videos, like I'm nervous ( I assure you, I'm just me. Never been nervous in my life :). Ed laughs. Etc. But, if they cause you to want to come in to the shop, they are doing the trick, even if I am wearing the same Christmas sweatshirt for each one. I will be holding something different in each one, so you can watch for that, or count, or something. These will go till the 23rd. If you get bored, just delete me! But I'm never bored seeing you in the shop. Come in for a chat, even if you don't want to purchase anything. I might have a surprise for you! :) Hugs........

Day 1 of The 12 Days of Christmas!

The First Days of Christmas at Memories!!!

Hi there...............here is the first of a Bunch of videos Angie and I shot today. Each one will let you know the specials we are offering at Memories over the next number of days. Hope you will enjoy them. Sorry I look alike each time.......did not have time to do the "change of clothes" thing, but the items will change each day. We look forward to seeing you......and wish God's blessings for you each day of each week. Linda

Important Prayer Request

Hello there.............ready for the snow? I'm not, but can't do much about it. There IS something I can do tho, and that is ask any of you to pray who are prayer warriors. Little Meaghan Rath is going through the stages of preparation for the Bone Marrow Transplant which will happen on Dec. 11th. This is a serious treatment to try to get rid of her leukemia, and we pray it will take and this dear child will be well again. Please remember to pray for her, and for the whole family. They have gone through so much. An East Troy resident, I met her mom thru the shop, and little Meaghan has become dear to many of us, even tho we have not met her. Thanks for your prayers.

I am going to be in the shop most of the time the next two days, unless the snow gets so bad that I would be better off at home. We will call tomorrow and tell you when we are cancelling classes, for those who are signed up. Sorry! We'll try to reschedule asap. Hugs........and stay warm and safe! Linda

New to Memories this week

We now are happy to show you the new Texture Boutique, which is an embossing tool
from Sissix that is similar to the Cuttlebug, but does not do dies, just the embossing. But the
price is wonderful........only $29.99 and it is a darling machine. Lightweight and easy to use...and cute besides! Looks like a handbag and is easy to tote. It will do the Sissix embossing folders, as well as the Quickutz and Cuttlebug ones.................very versatile and we are glad to have them in. This will make a Wonderful Christmas gift for yourself, your daughter, niece, etc. If you crop in a group, buy one together and share when you do your crops! We have this in stock and more coming this week, so be sure to call and reserve yours.


We have had such great success in selling the Uni-ball white roller pens, that I decided to get in the gold, silver, and red ones. The red is Gorgeous and they all look good. They write really well and my guests tell me the white one is the best white pen out there, so I can only assume that the gold, red and silver will do just as well. I am trying to keep a good stock in, so I won't disappoint you, I hope!

By the way, the pens are resting ( in the photo) on a MomAgenda daily planner. We only have a few left, and want you to know that I have put that entire line on sale at half price, as I need to make room for Valentine things ( I know, I know.........it's nuts, but I truly do need to make room!). So, if you do not have the absolutely perfect day planner yet, get this one while it is on sale. The whole line is great and I am So glad I have mine to keep track of myself! :)

Need some adhesive for the back of things you are making into stickers? We are well stocked with the Xyrons and the refills. Let us know if you need a particular size.


The Martha Stewart punches have been amazingly popular and we have a nice selection right now. The ASPEN is my favorite ( not pictured here).......it is a corner punch and a straight punch, which have snowflakes on them. They will be good for the whole winter! We have several of those in stock at the moment, so call to reserve one if you have been looking for it. These punches work quite well and are easy on the hands.

Angie's Sissix Class

These are such cute little guys! They are the samples for Angie's Christmas Critters class which will be held on Sat. the 12th at 1 p.m. and on Wed. the 16th at 10 a.m. Adoreable.....they are in the shop for your viewing. Fee is $18 for the three boxes and all you need to bring is your basic tool kit with adhesives..............

We are now offering die cuts in your favorite school colors, sports, etc. Be sure to let us know what you would like for us to cut out for you...........they don't stick around long, so we love custom orders!

Sue and Angie have been cutting out Christmas die cuts for your pages too. A few are pictured below. The sleigh is in black, with gold trim...........so elegant! Hope you enjoy their efforts!

Hi there! I just read the post from the recent Cosmo Cricket blog and you've gotta read it. Julie wrote a wonderful article today about Christmas gifts. It is full of some funny and many serious ideas for doing gifts this year and you will love it. Be sure to click on Cosmo Cricket on the side of this blog and check it out................ If you wait too long and can't find it, check around the site ( hers).........it will show up. Very very good.

Sleep well!

Game to win prizes......see shop for details

We began a "Christmas Bingo" ( I can barely put those two words into the same sentence ) today, and we need you to stop in to get your sheet with the days of the week on it, so you can begin and can win some fun prizes. Details in the shop. If you play and win your prize bag, you can enter your name in the drawing for a lovely 12 inch album from WE R Memory Keepers. More soon....................

Rhonda is continuing to do "make and take Mondays" each Monday from
10 a.m. till 2 p.m. This little angel is one of the ones from a recent week.
Bring a homemade decoration in for our tree or garlands and help us celebrate
the birthday of the King!

Have you tried the In Stitchz products from Bazzill yet? They are selling so fast,
I have to keep re-ordering. The templates and punch pad are so handy for making
a truly Homemade look on your pages.........use them on cards too.

Finally, we are beginning to receive some of our new chipboard words about
local places ( see below) and some of the papers too. I have only done pages about
Delavan so far, but will be getting in some with Elkhorn and Lake Geneva soon. If
you take photos at the park in Christmas Card town ( Elkhorn), watch for pages on
which to scrapbook them. That is next on my list, but am waiting for the snow to
fall to get them made. If any of you have some good ones you would like used, let
us know!

A Busy Weekend

It's Granddaughter, Norah's birthday today. Seven years old! She was born on Thanksgiving Day back in 2002, in Dayton, OH, and today brings back So many memories. Her other grandma and I , along with Aunt Julie, made a flying car trip out, and were in the hosp when she was born, which was such a thrill. The grandpas drove out together on Thanksgiving Dayand you can imagine the fun we all had. Not sure Mindy and Andrew were too thrilled to have that much family around as they learned to be new parents, but it sure was special for us! :)

Hope YOU have had a blessed weekend! Isn't it fun to have such nice weather for a holiday time? We are Loving the sunshine in the shop, as it makes it cheerful, and I don't have to have the heat on! Hurray! It got so warm yesterday in here, that the ladies scrapbooking about passed out!

We are busy thinking up new classes for you for the winter season beginning in mid January. We plan on repeating some, of course, that are "must dos", but if you have something you would like for us to do for you, please let us know asap. The schedule needs to be in place in the next two weeks, so send those cards and letters on in!

Must get to some other work. Still time to come in and shop the sale......or just say hi and have a cookie! Hugs...........Linda at Memories

Happy Thanksgiving !

A blessed day to each of you. We are down in Peoria, visiting my sister for part of the day....home tonight. It is not snowing here..............we're down south you know! :) I hear it has snowed at home and hope it is not on the highways as we drive home in the dark tonight. Hate roads like that.

Just a reminder that we are so thankful for each of you who care enough to stick with us through all these years. You are a blessing in our lives. Thank you, thank you. See you soon.............love and hugs, Linda and Ed.

Sales At Memories

Hello! Just sent out a message to tell you all about the sales we are hosting on Fri. and Sat. of this week, and I still cannot get the message to my Charter customers. I found out how to Try to get them unblocked, but it might take 48 hrs. So, will hit a few of you on the blog and hope it helps.

We are having a Big Sale on Fri and Sat. The first 15 people who come in will receive 30% off their regular priced purchases on Fri. morning.........there will be a nice selection of papers at 75% off, halloween embellishments and papers will be 50% off. All the Mom's Agenda items will be 50% off, and a large variety of Anna Griffin and Bo Bunny kits will be 25% off. The Santa's Workship kit from Quickutz is on sale ( last one).

Don't forget that we are taking orders now for Cricut Cartridges. Prices compare to what you find online and I don't charge you freight! :) Prepayment is important and I have to order in groups of ten cartridges ( not all the same) to get the prices I can offer you. Call me if you want to know current cartridges...........

Have a blessed Thanksgiving............talk to you soon. And hope to see you this weekend! We may not be big box, but we love you more! :) Linda

Sherried Fruit Recipe from the Hotel Retreat

Here's the recipe that I served at the hotel retreat last Sun. morning. It is meant to be served over pancakes or waffles, but you could just serve it in a pretty bowl, which is the way most of the ladies ate it........just by itself. Enjoy!

1 20 oz. can pineapple chunks ( juice pack)
3 medium firm ripe plums ( this would be best, but could not find any, fresh Or canned, so used canned peaches, which I think left something to be desired)
Pit the plums and cut into thick wedges
2 medium cooking apples, cored and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 medium pears, cored and cut into 1 inch pieces ( I used red and green pears and they were gorgeous
1/2 c. dried apricots, halved
1/3 c packed brown sugar
1/4 c butter, melted
1/4 c. sherry
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca, crushed
1/4 t. salt

In a 3 1/2 or 4 qt. slow cooker, combine undrained pineapple, the plums, apples, pears, and apricots. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, sherry, tapioca, and salt. Pour brown sugar mixture over the fruit; stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or on high-heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. Makes 12 to 14 servings.

Now, because I was serving this at 8:30 a.m. and did not want to be doing this at 3 or 4 in the morning, I fudged a bit and it worked. Sue and I cut the apples and pears late the night before and soaked them a bit in a "fruit fresh" mixture, and then bagged and refrigerated them. They stayed nice and fresh looking. I got up at 6:30 and quick mixed everything else up, dumped it into a Nesco roaster ( I made this times 5, for 60 people) and turned it to high. It was well done and the ladies seemed to like it. So, it Was possible to serve early morning, without being up all night.

I have the nutritional info if anyone needs it. And, the recipe came from the internet, on the Better Homes and Gardens site. Hope some of you enjoy it!

Will do the other recipe for the breakfast casserole soon. Gotta find it first! :)

Had a busy day at the shop and going home now to collapse and watch a movie with Ed. Have a blessed day tomorrow. Linda

Another Great Hotel Crop!!!

Some of the prizes at the Sunday afternoon drawing.........


The ladies are hard at work on their final pages at the end of the crop on Sun.
Lots of wonderful creativity here..........

Fellowship is one of the best parts of cropping together..........

More prizes!

Happy ladies

Time for lunch from Panera! Love that soup!

Entrance to the Delavan Lake Resort, which has been home to our crops for

fourteen weekends! We Love it here.......staff, facility, the whole package!

The pool is a quite spot to relax

Someone was always in the hot tub........early morning, late evening, it
provided a respite when shoulders got sore! :)

Patti and Becky had a wonderful weekend, celebrating Becky's birthday!

Happy Saturday!

Hello Friends! It is one GORGEOUS day, is it not? Hope you are doing something fun and worthwhile! We are having a semi-quiet day in the shop, which is not All bad, as I am getting some much needed ordering done. Our big hotel crop is next weekend and there is still Much preparation to do, so am taking advantage of quiet moments. Love it when we get busy tho! Don't stay away cause I am busy! :)

There is a lot of fun new product in this past week. I am going to post the new Graphic papers for you asap. Domestic Goddess and the Christmas lines are in and selling like hotcakes. They are just too cute. Winter Song from SEI, is in, and is lucious, in its soft blues and whites with that special touch of a red cardinal. Very beautiful line for all Christmas projects. We are literally spreading some of the product out on tables, as I have run out of trays and racks. Do ya think I ordered too much?

Beth will soon be teaching new class.....watch the e-mail or website for the dates. It is a darling basket made from paper and we are looking forward to just as many people enjoying that as they have the bottle box class. Will get a photo on here, of that, soon, too.

Gotta go. Take care and do something lovely for someone today! Hugs, Linda

Can't E-Mail

Hi..........wanted all week to send out an e-mail about the Massive amount of new product coming in, but my computer is acting up and don't know why. No one with Charter can get an e-mail from me right now, and that is a Lot of you. So, we will keep working on it, but thought this would help with a Few of you that read the blog. Sales going on, new stuff in, preparing for the hotel crop, busy, busy place these days. Hugs to each of you and hope I can communicate with you via e-mail soon! Have a blessed Sunday! Linda

Cosmo Cricket blog

Ok, you've got to go onto the Cosmo Cricket blog and read Lindsay's post. It is a hoot. He is recovering from gall bladder surgery, and if you need a pick me up, this will bring a smile to your face. Very cute. Of course, I think their paper is very cute! Love it, Love it, Love it. And we are overflowing with it! It is even sitting on the floor ( the chipboards, etc.) cause I am Totally out of room!! :)

Gobs and Gobs of New Product!

Oh my goodness......did I get dumped on today! Thanks to the Angies, we got a lot of it priced and put out, but you will have to come see for yourself. We had just about sold out of the fall and halloween Queen and co. embellishments and in came the Christmas ones today. I am not sure I even had summer in my life, and here I am putting out darling Christmas things! Moxie arrived too...did not even have time to price that, but it will go out tomorrow, I promise. Great fall papers and some tea party things, along with some surprises for our hotel crop. Cannot put those out yet! Come see......it is all fun.

Got in the Smoochies too.........they had been on back order and they came just in time for all your fun card making that is going on. Not sure what a Smoochie is? Looks like nail polish, but the brush is more fine and more firm. Come try one out.......you will be hooked!

New card making books will make your job EASY and delightful. The ideas are so special, it makes me want to quit my day job and go into the card making mode. Not a chance....I have too much fun taking care of our special guests to get caught up in that, but it is certainly tempting!
The classes going on in the shop are inspiring and a hoot. Sometimes we have three to four going on at one time and I am never sure who is there for what! Tomorrow we have a private party crop of ten along with two classes..........it will be a fun day.

Heading to bed. Have to keep up my beauty sleep and trying to stay healthy. Hugs to each of you...........Linda

Gorgeous Fall papers from Kaiser Craft..............love the soft shades!

These are some fo the Christmas line from Kaiser..........we are having a run on it and I need to order more already and it just came in! :)

This is one of the new Basic Grey kits for fall.............this one is what I would call Stunning! In the background, notice the "ghost", which will be the make and take for Monday ( tomorrow)..........so cute. Looks like he is singing!

Another Basic Grey below, a kit for fall....think it is for Oct. We have a few kits left.....they are such a buy......way more product than you need for the kit, that you get to take home with you. Enjoy!

HURRY! THE RUMMAGE SALE IS ALMOST OVER

HERE ARE A FEW PICTURES OF WHATS IN THE RUMMAGE SALE!

Lovely Christmas Papers and Embelishments

We have quite a bit of new Christmas paper and embellishments in, including Bo Bunny, Making Memories, Fancy Pants, Reminisce, SEI, Creative Imaginations, Cosmo Cricket, and Heidi Swapp. Some of them even mix and match well.......fun!
Love the Fancy Pants button packages........they have great colors inside.

These are the new Fancy Pants ribbons that match the five new lines of their papers and embellishments. There is Trick or Treat, Rough and Tough, Christmas, Dancing Girl and Little Sprout. Love those with the little round balls on them......so very cute and soft.

Here's a few of the Bottle Box samples that the gals have been creating.

Deb has done a few in other patterns too.........you can come in and choose

which one you want to make, and after class, you go home with the

directions, so you can make as many as you wish. I can't wait to make

some!

Mom Agenda

25% off all the Mom Agenda products through Sat. the 17^th.

New Things In All the Time

Hello, hello! It is gloomy outside, but fun in here! I have glitter all over my work site at the table in front, as the papers were coating me while I was opening packages of Marvelous new Christmas goodies..foil and glitz in the Mistletoe line. Gorgeous! The Moravia is taking over the excitement in here.........people are calling and ordering two of everything! Angie came in last night to take photos, and they will be up on the blog shortly. Thanks Angie!

In the meantime, we have a two day crop happening this weekend and still have some room. It will be a smallish one, as we have lots of classes happening too. There is a bottle box class tonight at 6:30, which suddenly has a spot open, so call if you are interested. It is a Super class, in much demand.

Little Sprouts from Fancy Pants is the line on sale thru tomorrow....20 % off this brand new jungle baby line......adoreable. Come see.

That's all for right now, till we get the photos up. Come crop with us.................Hugs........Linda

Forgot something Important!

Knew I was forgetting something important! Last week, Cosmo Cricket sent us ( retailers) a viewing of the BRAND NEW LINE called Nutmeg! Now, today, they have released it to the world. I ordered it last week, but YOU have a chance to win the entire line! Click onto the Cosmo Cricket blog on the right side of ours, ( I do it daily, for spectacular ideas) and you can see the line and enter to win! And if you mention our shop as your favorite, we might win some product here at Memories From the Heart too! Thanks!

Winner on blog

Drew a winner for the blog drawing.............Kris won this time...Sorry I never got the photo on the blog. It contains papers, ribbons, a storage box, bling, brads, etc., etc. I was putting a momagenda in the pile, which is a $40 value, but I happen to know Kris uses her phone to keep track of everything, so I will substitute for something else. It is over an $80 value, haven't had time to figure it out yet. Congratulations Kris! :)

We have had one busy day in the shop........scrappers here all day and has been fun! Debbie's bottle box class is running a close second to the beginning cricut class in popularity and have been signing people up all day. I think Angie, you need to take a photo of it and then Everyone will want to take the class, when you post it!:)

More to tell you, but am a bit busy right now. Reminder to vote ( with your gift for SMILES) by Sat. That is final day for the horse contest. As of right now, I have had ONE vote and lots of Wonderful pages have come in. What a bust of a contest! I am amazed at the wonderful ideas people have done on their pages for the contest, and it is such a shame no one is voting. Dont' mean to sound like I am whining, but I really Am amazed. Tell your friends and family to come in and vote. Some postage stamps or some paper towels are the easiest things to bring for the voting...............each vote requires a donation to SMILES of some sort.

Hope you don't feel scolded. You are all so special to us..........just wanted you to remember about the darling horses in our back room. That's all for now.....off to finish projects! Hugs.......Linda

More to Say!

Wowza! Just checked the numbers and discovered we are three away from 2000 posts. So, post to get your name in the drawing....just say your name or something......and I will get a photo of what I will be giving away in a drawing on Mon. from the names! Hope you can figure out how to post..........I don't think you have to sign up for anything. If you have trouble, just e-mail me at the shop, but I will draw a name by 5 on Monday, so don't delay. And thanks! Whee!!!

Happy Birthday Mindy!

I don't think Mindy reads my blog, so she will miss this, but hope she has a wonderfu birthday, in spite of circumstances. I miss my girl a lot, especially on her special day! After all, I was there too! :)

So, on the 26th ( Sat.), in honor of her day, we are doing 37% off of the .......... ta dah........"Core'Dinations" paper line. Yep.......the whole line....as much as you want to buy! I might be nuts doing this, but wanted to put something on sale for you that I would likely not ever do........so Sat. is the day. It will be interesting to see how many actually read this and come in for the sale. There are a few other goodies on sale too, listed in the newsletter from a few days ago.

You are All special to me and I love having you come in for a hello and sometimes a hug. Have a blessed weekend. More early next week. Am putting together a blog candy prize for someone. Details next week..........Linda

Busy Saturday at Memories

Hello on this gorgeous day! I have been outside all day at Scarecrow Fest, selling Duck Race tickets, and it was a treat to be out with all the people having such fun. Thank you to those who brought in clothes for the scarecrow making event. Wish you could have seen the kiddos with their imaginative creations. Just adoreable! Now, if you think of it, begin collecting ratty old clothes that would do for a scarecrow, for next year. We need to start now, as we ended up having to buy things ! That's nuts! So start a bag and if they get in your way, drag them in here and I will store them for you till next Sept! Pantyhose are a big thing......we need lots, for the heads. Old shirts and pants too......holes are fine!!! thanks!

Heard from our son in law on deployment with AF and that was the highlight of our day! Praise the Lord...it is So good to hear from him!

Next week we are going to get Lots of newbies and have some fun classes happening too. In fact, Tues night we have two big classes and it is going to be a riot............the battle of the customers! It will be hopping! Come join in the fun.

Going to get a bit of work done and then head for home to spend a quiet evening with my dear hubby. I love those nights..a good dinner, restful evening, etc. Hope you all enjoy these final days of summer. Fall is coming, and that means soup and smokey smells outside and sweaters. Not sure I am ready, but don't have a chance, huh? Hugs to each of you.............

A Few Days Away

Hello! I am enjoying a bit of time with my sister and brother in law, and it has been quite varied. I only called the shop once, to see if there were any questions.......aren't you proud of me?

Ed had a consulting thing down in Lincoln, Il this afternoon, so we drove down and are staying with my sis, etc. in Peoria.......Nice chance to visit. Got to see three of my four great nieces, had a wonderful omlet breakfast at niece Kris' this morning......went to a super Marching Band exhibition in Metamora this evening and watched about 10-11 bands strut their stuff.......all such fun. Could not sleep last night, so was up reading, when a darling little black mouse ran really Fast, thru the family room. Tonight, he ran under the sofa where Barbie and I were sitting, so there was much screaming and now we are afraid to go to bed! Guess we will head out for mouse traps in the morning! Also going to Super Suppers to make some meals to put in Barbie's freezer, and a trip to Great Harvest Bread co......one of my favorite places to go down here.

It was an emotional trip to the town where Ed had to meet with the atty. We went on a hy. I had not been on in over 25 years.........right past the spot where my grandma lived in her apt. bldg. ( empty lot now) and past the spot where my dear uncle had his business for over 80 years ( he and his dad) and is now the spot where the headquarters for Caterpillar is. I cried. Surprised? :) It meant so much to me to see these places again.

So..........aside from the fact that great niece, Jaime, broke her foot in two spots at tennis practice tonight, it has been a great trip. Home tomorrow and hope to see you in the shop. Helping youu preserve those precious memories is so important to us and we are privileged to be a part of your lives. Thanks............love to you............Linda

Computer is Back!

Hi there! I am so glad to be back online........Wed. night the laptop went black and I found out I am addicted to doing a Lot on this thing. Good to have it back and running. I feel like I can keep going now, at least to look at new products and get orders processed, etc. Amazing, for someone who feels useless when it comes to technology....how important this machine has become in my life! Hmmm......

We are expecting Creative Imaginations fall and Christmas coming in next week, Queen and Co., more May Arts ribbon, and a few other newbies. There will be some fun halloween coming from Queen and Co. and CI also, I believe. It is such fun seeing what is in the boxes!

Am cancelling the Apple Crop on Monday. I will be leaving Sue and Beth in charge of the day and decided we would do that day another time. Can't get those wonderful cider donuts on a Monday ( from the Apple Barn) anyway, so who can crop without them?

Come vote for the wonderful horse layouts we are sporting in the cropping rooms. Bring something along for SMILES.....some copy paper or stamps or something simple, so you can vote. You will want to see what the ladies did.......pretty cool! And have a blessed weekend. Talk to you soon............Linda

Horse Page Layout Contest

We are receiving layouts for the Horse Page contest. I promised you a listing of what people can bring to vote, so here it is. Each item brought in for S.M.I.L.E.S. is worth one vote, and people can bring as much as they want to and as often as they want to, through the 3rd of Oct. I don't know what date I listed before as the ending of the contest, but that looks like a good one. If I had made it later, let me know and I will adjust it! :)

Here we go:

Paper towels and cups 8 and 12 oz.
Paper plates
Styrofoam bowls and cups
Plastic Silverware
Kleenex
Cat Carrier
Postage Stamps
Avery 5160 Laser Labels
copy paper
27 inch wide laminator
Legal size copy paper
File folders
5 page letter folding machine
Poster boards
Construction paper
Earth tone color vinyl ( I am assuming that is like what we sell for Quickutz and Cricut)
Beads and Feathers
30 yards of white or cream Muslin fabric
# 10 envelopes
saddle soap, barn brooms, shavings, soft lead ropes

The list is much longer and has some very high end items on it. I have it posted here at the shop and am sure if someone wants to do a really wonderful donation, the group would love it. But realistically, for the purpose of voting, thought this list would be helpful.

Remember, get your pages in by about the 10th of Sept. and the voting begins then. We are going to post the pages on Labor Day in one of the cropping rooms, for all to see. We have some wonderful ones.......you will love looking at them. Hope you all have fun with this and are keeping this contest in mind as you visit the county fair going on thru Labor Day.

New Product In!

WOW! It looks so neat to see the 240 new colors of cardstock in the shop in the Core'dinations section! You are bound to find the color you need with all these......come see! We have been inundated with product this week, and it is nearly out. More coming each week. Fun to play with.

Labor Day hours...........9 to 4 p.m. No Monday Make and Takes this next Mon., Labor Day, but we will resume them the next Monday. Lots of classes to take advantage of and remember, if you are first to sign up, you receive 15% off your purchases that day of your class. Everyone else gets 10% off.

I need Scarecrow makers for Scarecrow Fest, which is the 19th of Sept. Please consider making one to display downtown on the lightposts. I will bribe you with a $15 gift cert. to our shop. Take them to Remember When one block down the street from us, to the east. Thanks!

Heading to bed; it is late again. Have a blessed weekend! Linda

Holiday Sissix Box class

Rhonda is teaching this class in mid Sept. Sign up soon....these are too cute! They are laying down in the photo........you have to picture them standing up......for they Are boxes, to tuck little treats inside for a favorite person. Could even hold pencils on your desk or kitchen counter, etc. Too, too cute!

Forgot Again

Forgot to tell you to check out the Cosmo Cricket blog ( on the right side of ours). I clicked on the current one and then went to something at the top labeled Random things.........Be sure to read it. There are Wonderful recipes in there. Julie, the female part of Cosmo, is into really healthy eating and I LOVED her ideas for salads and zuchinni pancakes ( one of my favorite things), etc. And the others who responded to her posts, gave great ideas too. Tomorrow night I hope it is all still there, cause I want to copy recipes! Who knew? On a blog involving paper, you get recipes? Love it. Love this business. Love you.......................

Sorry..........Got Busy!

Ohmygoodness, I forgot to post! It has been such a busy week...I did not forget about you, just forgot I need to do this on a regular basis!

Lots of new goodies coming in daily. Eye candy, I think the pros call it. The Petaloo flowers and glitter papers arrived yesterday. You will LOVE punching those, or tearing them, etc. The colors are stunning. Flowers are pretty cute too.

We have been working like crazy to get the new classes and crops planned for the next newsletter and think it will be ready next week. I have lists at the shop and can tell you about most of them, and some are already signing up for both classes and crops.....just call for info. Tomorrow ( which begins in 20 minutes :) ) Ed and I are taking a day off to spend with dear friends.......isn't that fun? So I will be back on duty Fri and try to "finish up" the news. In the meantime, check out the freeee page protectors with purchase of an album this week and see the new product. I think lots will come tomorrow while I am gone, to torment poor Sue!

Hugs to each of you.........heading for sweet dreams. See ya Fri.!

Scarecrow Fest coming!

Nearly forgot to tell you to put the Downtown Delavan annual Scarecrow Fest on your calendars! It is such a fun, family oriented day. This year it will be on Sat., Sept. 19th and begins about 9-10 in the morning and goes into the afternoon. There will be scarecrows on the streets to see and photograph ( once again , Memories will offer a $10 gift cert. to our shop for each scarecrow entered in the contest........let me know you are doing this)............there will be fun things for the kids....pumpkin decorating contest, scarecrow decorating contest, food, music, crafts in the park, a DUCK RACE with first prize of $200 and about 20 prizes to Delavan busineses altogether, the list goes on.

WE need to have contributions of OLD clothes for the scarecrow decorating contest! Old jeans or long pants ( the rattier, the better), old long sleeved shirts, pantyhose with runs.........etc. These are truly needed......the type of clothing you would not take to re-sale or give away shops, so we have enough to dress the scarecrows. This is different from the ones you will bring to put in the contest out on the street.........these are just for the kids to decorate across the st. from our shop and take home with them. Thanks for your help!

FYI, we are going to do another Scrapbooking rummage sale this fall, so begin getting your things packed up that you want to get cleaned out. There has been a lot of interest in doing another one this fall, instead of waiting for winter....so we said OK! We aim to please! More about it later, but wanted to give you a head's up. Remember, you do not have to be there......we take care of the sales when you bring it in, marked with your initials and price.

New Product

Hi there! Got new product in today.........some papers and stickers with a Tennis theme. Great "water" papers and stickers for trips to the beach, water parks, etc............some fun papers ( and stickers) for those recipe books and boxes you are working on, and some funky paper ribbon packs. A HUGE order from Colorbok, with gobs of albums and stickers and embellishments has shipped, as well as our first CHA SEI order......should be here this week. I have the Christmas Mint line coming first...........I know, I know......why did I not have the "fall" looking order ship earlier than the rest? "Cause I know some of you are anxious to see the newest of the new Christmas papers and I love this one, so thought you would want to see this one. It is a delightful look...........you are going to like this. Will let you know the day it arrives. Other things are preparing to ship......just can't think of it all right now............sorry.

Hope you are enjoying this mild day. I am busy sending a surprise off to those of you who are Memories Members....so watch your mail! Hugs.............Linda

Rowena's Next Class at Memories

Fun at the Fair

FEE: $ 22.00
August 24, 2009 6:30-8:00 p.m.
September 9, 2009 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.



A fun 2 page LO for your fair photos!!!
the chairs of the Ferris Wheel moves! ….. FUN!

This class is for all levels of Cricut users (provided you already took the beginner class)

For this class you will…
Use your Cricut ….learn some fun tips…Of course we will have fun too! and you get to leave with a completed 2 page layout.

What you will need to bring:
Basic scrapbooking kit.
Your Cricut with a fairly sharp blade along with a mat.
Some of your Fair photos if you want to. (c’mon we all have some fair photos somewhere…right?)
And don’t forget to bring your SMILE!

Class designed and taught by: Rowena


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New Class!

We are beginning to get some samples of class projects, in the shop, as well as the papers, etc. This is a darling stationary box that Rhonda is teaching in Sept. and it is chock full of "stuff". The photo below will give you an idea of what is there.......you'll make the box, 6 little note cards, six large note cards, a magnet for paper clips, pockets, etc. It is adoreable and as our staff has been coming in, they are all saying the same thing! Cute!!! So, call to sign up. Class is Sept.1 from 6 to 9, Fri. Sept 4th from 6 to 9, and Thurs. Sept 10 from 1 to 4. Fee is $28.00 and includes everything you need except you will need to bring your basic tool kit. This is not a beginner class..some basic skills are definitely needed in this one, but it won't be hard! Will be great for gifting............or for your own desk!

Amazing Technique Class

AMAZING!!!!!!!! Rhonda has been teaching a 7 hour class today ( yes, the ladies are still in one piece) and it is just amazing. She is teaching 26 different techniques that can be used for scrapbooking and cardmaking and it is a hoot! Sometimes the smells that come from the back room are unusual, as they use products I never would have thought of using, ( Beth and I have been saying "what are they Doing???) but the end result is Wonderful. They have created a teaching book full of what they made and will now be able to go home and do it again anytime they want.........it is super!

There is room in this Thursday's class, which begins at ten a.m. Lunch is included in the $50 fee and believe me, you go home having gotten your money's worth. The class on the 22nd has room for two more, but we can take several on the 13th. Give us a call.......you won't be sorry. And it is nice that you get to walk around to different stations to do your work, so no one gets stuck in one spot for seven hours.

Our basic cricut class is totally filled for tomorrow night, so will announce a new one shortly. We are all working on the new newsletter and will be posting things as quickly as we can.

Have a great evening friends....................Linda

Busy Day in the Shop

'Twas a busy day in the shop today, despite the downpours this morning. I felt so badly for all those who planned on having tables outside for Maxwell St. Day. Lots of activities had to be cancelled, but we will hold them later and will let you know.

I had fun with the gals from Dazzlem Creative Events. They set up a Darling display in our smaller cropping room and did a drawing for some cute animals......showed off some of what they do in the party line for kids to young adults............they are some very special ladies and they do a bang up job .......If you need to host a very remarkable party, they are the ones to call!

Jennifer and I have ordered and ordered and we have some absolutely Wonderful product coming in, beginning this next week I think. I still have to figure out where to put things, but we will do it and you will have such fun with the new things. Tools, papers, embellishments, sales, classes, demos, etc. are all part of our plans for Fall and we hope you will join in the fun.

Teachers........come crop for FREE in Sept.! All teachers are welcome, or those who are on staff in schools.......come get caught up on pages that you need to get done. It is our way of saying thank you to those who care for our youngsters. That mean home school moms too...........not going to leave You out! :)

It is late and I need some sleep, so will say goodnight. We have a busy week ahead in the shop and I need to clear my head, so will close for now. Hugs to each one...........Linda

Check out this blog! The people at AdornIt are doing a blog hop party this week and there will be inspirations, motivation and bloggy rejuvenation, according to Georganna. It will be a fun thing to check out and wanted you to have the link to click on. Check it out! :)

Our winner from the 1000 + hits on our blog, was Denise Smith, and she was thrilled to have her box of goodies today............it was quite a pile! Congratulations Denise! We will think up some more give aways as the days go on. In the meantime, as I am up to my earlobes, catching up on being out of the shop for most of the time Mindy was here, I wanted to say thank you for all your patience and for your support! We are planning great things in the days and week ahead and will tell you about them shortly! Ed just came in and told me he needs to borrow this computer for a bit, so I will get back to you when he returns it..............till then.......have a blessed day. Linda

Blogger Prize

Blogger cmdenise needs to contact me.....I cannot figure out who you are on my e-mail list!

Thanks to all of you who came to our CHA open house last night.....it was a "full house" and we gave away some fun prizes and did some neat make and takes. I still have some Epic tools for sale at the discount price, which is $20 off and a free $20 die to go with it, so let me know if you want to order one. Evidently Debbie had a bit of a problem using it part of the time, but we literally got the tool two hours before the event, so did not have a chance to play with it and I am certain there will be only good said about it, so if you took the make and take, do not let her problem discourage you from trying it again. Come on in and play with our tool and see what you think, and in the meantime, I will be talking to our rep at Quickutz about it and am sure we have a winner here. It looks like a great tool to me........I am going to be excited to learn to use it! We have a batch shipping this week, and those who have pre-ordered at the sale price, will get them first. I will call you as soon as they come in......

Thanks again for your enthusiasm last night. If you did not get to come in, please stop in anytime we are open and have a look at the new product. We look forward to showing it to you, and some is already in stock.

More info soon.......my mind is in a bit of a fuzz tonight, so will post again soon. Hugs to you all..Linda

CHA viewing

Some views from Angela's camera, of the new product we were showing Mon.night. I think the photo above is showing AdornIt papers........just adoreable. I have not had time myself to see all that I had out, so if I mis-identify, I apologize. When I go in tomorrow afternoon, I will check them out and make corrections if necessary!

I have NO idea whose line this is, but it is cute and they liked it!




This paper below is definitely Cosmo Cricket Christmas line, which we have for sale in the shop right now. It is too cute and selling well already! Come get it while it is hot!






Erin and sister Britt, had a great time checking out all the new product and I think are planning some scrapping time in the shop! :)

Rownea taught the Cutest make and take using the Cricut. I want to do one too!

Angela, pictured below, was the winner of our new Quickutz EPIC tool, including a new 6 x 6 die. She is one excited lady! Congratulations Angie!

Beth and Sue ran the counter all night at the CHA Summer Event and the ladies love them. They were great......helped with food and put out all the product and kept me in line for the most part! They are such a blessing!

Debbie had a darling make and take going using the new EPIC tool, and the ladies were literally standing in line to take advantage. We will teach this again if you like, gals. Simple but cute.....the top of a card that you can use on a page or as a card...... Thanks, Debbie!

Shoppers getting a look at the new product. There was so much, we had it spread all over the tables so everyone could see!

New Product

Wanted to let you know that we have already received all three new Cosmo Cricut lines! They are Adoreable and we are selling them already. The new product from KI Memories is in also..and we are loving it and need to re-order some of it soon! You will see it Mon. night if you are able to join us for the Summer Preview. I am expecting our Epic demo machine in the morning ( oops..it is after midnight.......guess it IS morning! :) ) so that will be fun to show you.....hope we see you soon..........Linda

Freebies for someone!

The prize for the drawing regarding the first one thousand posts, is up to $126.45, and going up. I keep adding things to the pile. Will get someone to post a photo for me and think you will like it. So far the odds are great! :)