The latest Memory Box release was so fabulous!  If you didn’t have a chance to make it into the store before they flew off the shelves, you can check out the entire new release here.  We have a re-order in and it will hopefully arrive next week.  While you’re waiting for your favorites to be back in stock, come by for this Saturday’s Make & Take, using two of the stamps from the new release and some of the patterned paper.  The make & take is just $1 all day long!

And don’t forget that Kids’ Create is this weekend as well.  We have some fun Angry Birds® cards on tap.  Kids’ Create is all day as well, so stop by whenever you can.  Remember, all ages welcome for Kids’ Create!

If feels like winter has finally arrived – all we need is some snow!  Here’s an easy hot cocoa mix recipe, courtesey of Hy-Vee.

6 c. fat-free dry milk powder
1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. baking cocoa
1 c. coffee creamer
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
miniature marshmallows (optional – but why wouldn’t you want them?)

Combine milk powder, sugar, cocoa, creamer & pudding in a blender.  Blend until smooth.

Store in an airtight container

To serve, stir 6 oz. hot water into 1/4 c. cocoa mix.  Top with miniature marshmallows if desired (yes please!).

Serves 34.

Unless your blender is much bigger than mine, you’ll probably only be able to mix up about 1/2 of it at a time – and even that will be very full.  If you come by the store and would like a cup, just let us know and we’ll stir one up for you!

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it.  We’re going to help you get a head-start on your Valentine’s crafting, starting with Saturday’s Make & Take.  This cute card uses stamps from Paper Smooches, Memory Box dies (love them!) and paper from Glitz Design.  It’s only $1 all day long – and you’ll receive a $1 off coupon to be used on any merchandise purchase of $5 or more on Saturday.  You can even use your coupon on the purchase of Christmas merchandise – all of which is currently 40% off!

The Memory Box order has arrived!  Everything is gorgeous – we’re working as fast as we can to get it checked in.  Don’t wait too long – we already have folks just waiting for us to put the price tags on so they can buy it!

We have some great new Penny Black Valentine’s Day stamps in stock now!  From cute to elegant, we have you covered!  Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it, so get your supplies now and get started.

If you’re a snow-lover like me, you’ve been disappointed so far this winter.  We definitely won’t be getting any snow on Saturday, but you can still make a snowman – a cute snowman card that is.  This is Saturday’s Make & Take – just $1 all day on Saturday.  You can shop our year-end inventory-reduction sale on Saturday too – 30% off all merchandise, plus an additional 20% off red-dot merchandise!  Don’t wait too late to come in, we close at 3pm on Saturday.

Here is an easy holiday home decor craft using supplies you probably have around the house.  This cute Rudolph is made from recycled cardboard – check out the instructions.  We didn’t have any 11×17″ paper, so just printed the template out on 8 1/2 x 11 printer paper.  It makes a smaller version, but still just as cute!

A new shipment of Penny Black stamps have arrived.  There are lots of Christmas stamps, including brushstrokes.  The December 15% off Christmas coupon is good thru Wednesday, so come in soon to get the best selection!

Here is an easy but impressive craft idea – it’s one your grandmothers likely did!  It is also a ‘green’ craft, using old magazines or catalogs.  Martha has a post with instructions and a video.  We did do one thing a little differently  – after spray-painting, we used spray adhesive and added the glitter.  That way you don’t have to worry about getting the glitter on while the paint is still wet.

If you have a very colorful magazine or catalog, you may not even want to spray paint it at all!  I’m going to paint my next ones bright pink & turquoise – I’ll share pictures once they’re done.