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The Cat's Meow turns 18!


November 2013





News Highlights


Stamp Escape

Rhine Cruise

Rhine Getaway Deals!

New Stuff


Hi, and Happy Thanksgiving;

Can you believe it is almost the end of the year? With winter holidays looming, we are all busy. I have about 5 Christmas card ideas in my head....the first one went in the trash :) I placed a large order yesterday and included everything I need to try out the other ideas. I always think I have designed something easy until I start working. Hopefully one of these ideas will be perfect. I need to start thinking about my trading cards for the 2014 Great Yosemite Stamp Escape. too.

Speaking of Stamp Escape, thanks to all who have already sent in their registration forms. We are excited with our stellar group of teachers, and your response shows that you are too! Don't be left out, reserve your spot for a fun weekend, May 2-4, 2014!
Just click here to see the information on the event. If you have creative friends, bring them along for a great weekend.

I will be leaving November 14th for a long awaited vacation. Melissa has hinted that while the cat's away, the kitten will play..... something about making announcements every day on our facebook page about specials she will be having. If you have not 'liked' our facebook page, you will need to do that and check it out each day from November 14th to the 23rd! I think she is planning some really good deals. There will also be a free make and take fall card on the 20th along with refreshments to celebrate the store's 18th anniversary. Stop by and check out what mischief Melissa is up to!

  I had better not spend too much money while I am gone since Melissa might be giving away the farm (store).  My husband and I are looking forward to a peaceful cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland. If I get internet access somewhere along the way, I will try to post a few pictures. We are  hoping for decent weather so picture taking will be good. I had to break down and buy closed toe shoes....just thought allowing the rain water to run in the front and out the back of my sandals might not be the best plan. Hopefully I will come back refreshed, not exhausted. Since I opened the store in 1995, we have only taken two major trips. Prior to that we travelled a lot, so I am looking forward to this time away.

See you when I return...


 
What's New?

As we approach the end of the year with all its' holidays, we still need to look forward to January when Melissa, Robin and I attend the winter Craft and Hobby Association convention, and of course spring holidays. Melissa and Robin are thinking ahead to Valentine's day right now. In fact I have already ordered some Valentine and Easter stamps. I have ordered two new collections from Graphic 45. The Couture collection is in rich colors and has a vintage, feminine feel. The Sweet Sentiments collection is in pastels and will take you from Valentine's Day through Easter. Both collections are gorgeous. They should be in the store soon.

Yesterday I placed large orders with both Memory Box and Taylored Expressions. Wait until you see the new dies from Taylored Expressions. Melissa may use some of them in a Christmas Sweet Treats class in December.....we'll keep the dies a secret for now!

You might have noticed a new look to the store. We replaced some original fixtures with new, more efficient ones. This gives us the ability to house more product in the same amount or less space. We are really able to better showcase many of the dies that were previously in baskets. We also have more room for paper (yippee).

We are looking to simplify some of our product lines (especially in embllishments) so we can carry a larger variety, but from fewer companies. We are also looking to streamline the pre-made cards we stock and possibly package them ourselves. Right now we get most from Memory Box and the cards come in packs of 25 with no envelopes. We are thinking we might like to offer seasonal colors in packs of 10 cards and envelopes. We just think that might be more useful for our crafters. We would like to hear your comments on this idea. We are also planning on expanding our product line from Elizabeth Craft Designs. Since Karen Burniston has joined the company, we are expecting some very innovative new dies. By reorganizing the display space in the store, we hope to increase the space for their product.

Be sure to stop by to check out the new look, and new goodies!