January window

At the beginning of every month, I love coming to the store to see what magic Joan and Marilyn have created for this month's window. They come up with great ideas each month and unearth from their secret stashes the wonderful goodies for the display.

This month Joan is sharing her Bunte candies collection. The Bunte Candy Company was based in Chicago, Illinois and did business under the Bunte name until bought out by another company about 30 years ago. As a little girl growing up in Joliet, Illinois, which is about 30 miles from Chicago, Joan enjoyed these sweet treats. Her favorites were Dianas, a hard candy with a soft center. Little did she know that she would grow up and become a Bunte.

Joan's branch of the Buntes was not related to the owners of the candy company but that has not dampened her enthusiasm for collecting the memorabilia. She started collecting Bunte pieces in the late 1960's. What is displayed in the window is about a 10th of her collection. Her favorite piece that is displayed in this month's window is an original Bunte toy truck from the 1930's. The toy was produced as an advertisement that children could play with and cost 69 cents. I suspect that 40 years later, it has increased in value. Joan's other favorites are two large advertisements that she has had framed and displays in her home. There is a Christmas ad featuring Santa Claus and another Mother's Day ad, encouraging families to treat their beloved mothers to Bunte candy.

An unexpected addition to Joan's collection was found here at a Hallmark Store in Claremont, some 25 years ago. There Joan found a puzzle of a Bunte Candy box.

I hope you will stop by and look at this treasured collection.

Play It Forward,

Michele

Shoes that Fit

I have never had to go without shoes. (Have you?)
I have always had a selection of tennis shoes, sandals and dress shoes. (How about you?)
I have shoes in my closet that have rarely been worn. (I'm thinking this is not only wasteful, but possibly sinful!)


Are you aware of the many people around you, who may not, or do not have shoes?
Did you know there are hundreds of children, in your own backyard, who need shoes!


Shoes That Fit is a wonderful organization that provides new shoes for Children who are in need. And it is one of our Favorite Charities!!!

For several years our customers and friends have helped by donating shoes, socks, school supplies, tooth brushes, small toys, sweet treats, backpacks....the list goes on and on.....to this great effort.


The campaign to gather donations is once again under way and with the state of the economy
as it is, the need is even greater.


On Wednesday, a gentleman came into the store inquiring as to how he could help. We are accustomed to local residents and regular customers helping out....but this gentlman was neither. He read about Shoes that Fit, saw our name listed as the place to come for information and used his day off work to drive to Claremont from Riverside to help! This wonderful, Good Samaritan, having no idea where we were located, parked his car and began walking up and down the Village streets until he found us!!! He did this in the 100 degree weather! His goodness has warmed our hearts! (Yes! I have added his name to my list of NICE people.)


We are so very GRATEFUL to all who take time from their own lives to help improve the lives of others. Your GENEROSITY is so appreciated! Your GOODNESS is INSPIRATIONAL!


If you are able to help in any way, PLEASE DO.

I truely believe that Unconditional Charity is the truest form of Love.
I know you will be blessed for your kindnesses and good deeds.



Thank you so very Much!
remember...Nice Matters!

ann

Asian Card Class

Today, I would like to share with you the projects from Barbara's Asian Card Class, which was held this past Sunday.

I know it goes without saying, but, the cards are Spectacular!!!

Products used include stickers from Penny Black and a variety of rubber stamps and small embellishments. The cards are on display at the store.

look at the Happy Crafters!


Another job well done, Barbara!

Make it a great day!

Smile...

remember...nice matters!

ann

Hi!

Hi Ladies!

I had a wonderful time with my family during our reunion! I am truly blessed with a magnificent family! I LOVE being with them and MISS them when we are not together!
I hope you all have family, near and dear, who you love and enjoy. Take time to make a card and write a note. Give them a call. Stay connected. It's important!

To give you some inspiration...
Here are 3 cards from Barbara's "Pop-Up Card" class, which was held on July 5th.

They were all made using stickers from Penny Black. Barbara's designs are always amazing and these cards are no exception! Aren't they cute?!

Ok, I know this is a short post...but Hey, it takes time to get back into the swing of things!

Enjoy your day!

and remember... Nice matters!

ann

I Love June Gloom....

I love June gloom! After our 2.5 second Winter/Spring Season and the beginnings of the Summer heat...I LOVE the respite of June gloom. It's nice to wake up and take a deep breath of cool morning air and feel like I have a chance at being energetic before the heat sets in. Gosh, there's just nothing like opening the windows and filling my home with the fragrance of lavender!
With all the Fun and Colorful Summer designs which are available in stamps, inks and papers...you should be SMILING and CREATING all day long!

(we all know the dusting and cleaning can wait)

To help inspire you...Check out the samples from this weekends Demos:

On Sunday.....Super creative (and NICE) Nancy Johnson made the above projects using the book

"Beyond Scrapbooks" by Barbara Bourassa for inspiration. These projects deserve

your upclose and in-person viewing to be truly appreciated!

THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!!

On Saturday...Sheila's demo focused on Memory Box Products : clear stamp sets, wood mounted stamps and paper pads...

These are definitely Fun, Cheery, Cute and Clever Designs!

(Sheila has the Magic touch!)

It's Graduation Time...

Do you have any graduates in your circle of family and friends?

If you do...we have an idea and a kit for you!

Designed by the mega-talented Marilyn Pace, we have Graduation Lei kits for $6.50...

get the kit ... add candy and money (you provide) ...and create this fun Lei for your Graduate!

Be sure to check the blog tomorrow. I will post pictures of some of Ginny's Gems.
but for now...off I go to design my page for this Saturdays "When The Cat's Away" Event.

Hope you can all come!!!!!

See you tomorrow for the Wednesday Make and Take...hopfully we will have some "Make, Take and Share" participants. (HINT...HINT...HINT!!!!)

Have a fabulous afternoon!

and remember...nice matters.

ann