Fun at the Cookie Exchange & Favorite Things Party!

 The annual Memory Bound staff cookie exchange party was held last weekend at Katie's house. A great time was had by all! In addition to sharing cookies, the group decided to do a "My Favorite Things" gift exchange, an idea from Heidi Swapp's blog. What a fun activity! More on that in a bit...

Here are a few pictures which Dawn took throughout the evening! Everyone brought an appetizer to share. As you can see, we had no shortage of food!

 

We shared a few funny stories (at least the ones we could remember!) which have taken place during the past year. We always have lots of laughs working at Memory Bound!

 

The evening also included a tour of Katie's brand new craft room! It's a beautiful space, and I hope we can share more pictures of it in a future post!

 

Here are Mindy, Jennifer, Diana, and Betsy enjoying a few snacks before the cookie exchange.

 

We had a beautiful array of yummy cookies! Everyone who brought cookies could take a nice assortment home.

 

 

 

The best part of the evening was the "My Favorite Things" gift exchange. There were 16 people participating, so each person brought 16 of one of their favorite items (it could be anything -- embellishments, Diet Coke, nail polish, etc.) to share with everyone else. Of course, the gifts were all beautifully wrapped! As each gift was opened, the person giving it explained a bit about why the item is her favorite thing.

 

 

 
 
  

 

 

Everyone loved the gift exchange, including Jana and her mom Diane!

 Katie set up a display so we could take a picture of all of the gifts together after they were opened. As you can see, the gifts included scrapbooking tools and supplies, food, beverages, music (yes, Maggie compiled a CD of her holiday favorites!), candles, and much, much more. Each gift was a unique reflection of the person giving it!

It was so much fun that the Memory Bound gals are already making plans to do another "My Favorite Things" gift exchange in the summer, because it's too long to wait until next Christmas! If you're looking for a fun idea for your next gathering, we know you'd enjoy it, too. If you give it a try, let us know! :)

Thanks to Katie for hosting the party and to everyone who made it so much fun!
Janet

Be Inspired to be Creative in 2014!

 Our first newsletter of the New Year should be arriving in your mailbox any day now, or stop by the store to pick up a copy. The newsletter is also available for viewing and printing online. Just click on the photo at the right of this page to download your copy!

I love the theme that Dawn and Kellie chose for 2014:  
Be Inspired to Be Creative! 
For so many of us, Memory Bound is much more than simply the BEST place to purchase our favorite paper crafting supplies. It's the place where we get inspired to try new things, create meaningful scrapbooks for generations to come, make unique home decor pieces, create birthday party decorations, wedding invitations, locker decorations, and so, so much more! In short, Memory Bound inspires us to be creative, which is good for the soul and just plain FUN!

When you look through the newsletter, you'll see the many ways Memory Bound can inspire YOU in 2014! We have something for everyone, including two big weekend crops, some awesome Disney Day classes and promotions, a Mixed Media showcase featuring customer projects, and a wide array of unique classes you'll find ONLY at Memory Bound! We can't wait to inspire YOU in 2014!
Janet

Quick & Easy Washi Tape Cards

 Happy Holidays, 
Memory Bound friends!

Washi Tape continues to be one of the most popular products in the paper crafting industry! Take a look at just SOME of the Washi tape we have right now at Memory Bound! It comes in so many wonderful colors and patterns and can be used in so many ways. (Be sure to check out Gloria's idea for Washi tape Christmas light bulbs here!)

 We have a wonderful display of cards made using ONLY Washi tape, plus stamped text, twine, and a punched flower. As you can see, Washi tape can be torn, cut, or snipped into banners. It can wrap side to side around a card front, taping it to the back -- with no cutting whatsoever! Seriously...these cards couldn't be easier! If you're short on a Christmas card or two, just layer strips of Christmas-themed or red/green Washi tape and finish with a stamped or printed "Merry Christmas". You can even make your own thank you cards in the same way to send after the holidays!
  

 

Here's a Christmas tree card I found on the internet. So cute and it couldn't be simpler! This would be a fun idea to use on a gift tag or bag.

 We hope that these quick and easy designs will inspire you to use Washi tape on your cards and projects! And if Santa needs a few ideas for your stocking, you might help him out by picking up a few rolls of Washi tape! 

Happy Holiday crafting!
Janet

Quick & Easy Christmas Lights with Washi Tape!

Happy Holidays, 
Memory Bound friends!
This past weekend, the Memory Bound staff held a cookie exchange and "My Favorite Things" gift exchange. (Look for a post soon with pictures from the fun evening!) Meanwhile I'd like to share a super-cute idea from the party, designed by our staff member Gloria using one of our Accu Cut dies and Washi tape!

Gloria cut out Christmas lights in a variety of colors in our Accu-Cut die cutting center. Then she wrapped a strip of silver/gray Washi tape around the top of the bulb. (Washi tape is perfect for this, because you just fold it to fit!) For a final touch, she used a quilting wheel to create the lines across the top of the bulb. Gloria attached all of the bulbs to yarn and taped a container of her favorite lip gloss to the back side. She displayed them in a holiday lights box, then cut them apart to give one to each person! It was such a cute idea!

You could easily adapt this idea to create ornaments, tags for gift bags, a garland, and so much more! Kids would enjoy helping with this quick and easy craft idea, too! Our Accu-Cut center is available free of charge if you purchase your cardstock at Memory Bound. Stop in and we'd be happy to get you started! 

Thanks for the fun idea, Gloria!
Janet

Mixed Media Happy Hour

Hello, Memory Bound friends!

Have you heard about the mixed media trend? Mixed media can be defined as a work of visual art that combines various distinct art media. For example, a canvas project that combines paint, ink, and collage techniques would be considered mixed media. Paper crafters around the world have enjoyed learning about mixed media products and techniques to expand their crafting horizons!

If you'd like to dabble in mixed media but aren't sure where to start, look no further than our Mixed Media Happy Hour! This fun group meets monthly to work on altered books, and Maggie introduces a new mixed media product or technique each month. New folks are always welcome, so come and explore the colorful world of mixed media! Our next class is Tuesday, December 17, 6-8pm. Check out the details below, then call us to register at (515) 965-1102!

Janet

Mixed Media Happy Hour

Tuesdays - Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17, 6-8pm
Instructor:  Maggie Benge
Fee: $10 / Skill Level: Any 
Bring Basic Class Kit, hardbound book, any mixed media supplies & tools you’re using in your book. 
Explore the world of Mixed Media as you alter a hardbound book! Each month new techniques will be introduced. 
OCT:  VIVA Inka Gold Metallic Rub and work on altered book.  
NOV:  Explore surface techniques. 
DEC: Receive a $10 Memory Bound Gift Card, enjoy a holiday treat, and work on anything you like this evening!

Last Chance - December Journal Kits!

Happy Holidays, 
Memory Bound friends!

It's hard to believe that December is here! Even though Santa will be here before you know it, there's still plenty of time to create a fun December Journal to capture your holiday memories! Our December Journal Kit ($34.99) makes it easy: It includes everything you need to create a 6x6 album you will treasure for years to come. This kit also makes a great gift, or you can even use it for next year's holiday season.

But hurry! We have just a few of our December Journal Kits left, so call us at (515) 965-1102 right away if you'd like one, or click HERE to order online right now!

Janet

 December Journal Kit

December Journals are a wonderful way to document your holiday season! This kit has optional numbers if you want to record something each day during December. Or use it for any holiday happenings by adding photos, shopping lists, memorabilia, recipes, receipts, etc! Get instructions and everything you need to create a 6x6 journal using the Winter Wonderland collection from My Mind's Eye! Includes paper, stickers, chipboard elements, ribbon, die cuts and more! 

STAFF FAVE: Books of Quotes, Quips, Titles

Whether you make cards, create scrapbooks, or enjoy other crafts, we have something you'll love that is a favorite of our staff ---- Betsy Flot's 3 books of titles, quotes, quips, and inspiration! 

 
Progressions of Expressions Volume 1
 Inspiration Station

Progressions of Expressions Volume 2

Inspiration Station has over 13,700 and the Progressions of Expressions volumes each have more than 9200 titles, quotes, and verses that will inspire and delight while unleashing your creativity for all your scrapbooking and card-making needs!

 Each spiral bound book measures 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 and each has over 595 pages. 
The hard part --- choosing which one you want.

You'll want them for yourself and they make a lovely gifts, especially the signed copies that Betsy sent us!

Here's a sample from Progressions of Expressions Volume 2:

A Little Scrapbooking Humor!

Stop by Memory Bound this weekend to stock up on supplies...and be sure to bring a friend! :)

 It's a great time to drop by and do some shopping! If you missed the e-mail about our 5-DAY WEEKEND SPECIALS, you can check it out here!

Have a crafty weekend, everyone!
Janet

Album and Page Refill Tips

 

Hello, Memory Bound friends! 

Today's tips are for those of you who have used Creative Memories albums and refills and are looking for new alternatives, as Creative Memories has recently gone out of business. We have great options for both page refills and albums at Memory Bound!

The Pioneer top-loading scrapbook refills work perfectly with the Creative Memories staple-strap system. Pioneer refills are an excellent option if you would like to add additional pages to an existing Creative Memories scrapbook.

We also have albums in stock and coming soon which are similar in style to Creative Memories scrapbooks, if you are looking to finish a series of albums.

Stop in and we'll be happy to help you find the refills and new albums you need to continue preserving your family's memories!

Janet

The GNO Ladies Get Crafty!

 Happy holiday crafting,
Memory Bound friends!
The ladies who attended our recent Girls' Night Out meeting got a little CRAFTY! Diane, our store manager and fearless leader, organized a fun gift-bag making session for us. Everyone took home a decorated bag ready for the holidays. It was a super-fun and easy project, and a great way to personalize your gift packaging! It would be a wonderful activity to do with a group of friends or kids!

To make gift bags, you need just THREE things -- well, FOUR, if you count your index finger! -- a paper bag, a plastic stencil, and Inka Gold Metallic Rub. If you've never worked with this product, it's the smoothest, silkiest cream you've ever touched! It comes in beautifully rich colors. A little goes a long way when making bags! You simply place the stencil on the bag, put a little Metallic Rub on your index finger, then rub it in the openings on the stencil.

 

 We started by choosing stencils and colors, then got to work. Here you see RaNae, Janice, and Karen in full concentration! :)

 

 You can see how serious the group was! NOT! LOL Janis and Diana would NOT hold still for the picture, they were giggling so much! I love the look on Jill's face! :)

 

Oops, I almost cut Janis out of the picture! Next to Janis we have Diana, Jill, Jennifer (our newest Memory Bound employee!), and Peggy.

 

In addition to stenciling, we stamped greetings on the bags.

 

Janice and Karen are making progress!

 

Here you can see that Peggy used green Metallic Rub on her stencil.

 

Karen added a gold star at the top of her tree.

 

Beautiful!

 

 Jennifer created a pretty red tree.

 

And here you can see Jill working diligently while Janis and Diana got silly again! You can see how much they were bouncing! 

 

Janis did finish her project! :)

 

As you can see, we had a lot of craftiness going on! Some ladies added doilies and trim to their gift bags. Each one was different and unique!

 

And here we are with our completed bags!

 

It couldn't be easier to make beautiful gift bags for the holidays. Stop in to Memory Bound and we'd be happy to show you several samples and help you find everything you need to make your own!
Happy holiday crafting!
Janet

Next Beginners' Scrapbooking Class-Nov 23!

 Hello, Memory Bound friends!

I've been scrapbooking for around 15 years now, and I would say without a doubt that this hobby has become much more than a pastime for me. It has allowed me to document special moments in our family's story, given me the opportunity to put my feelings in writing, and helped me appreciate the special "everyday moments" in life...all while playing with color, texture, and design! What could be more fun than that? Each time I look back through my albums, I am SO GLAD that I got started in scrapbooking all those years ago! The albums I'm creating now are a gift for future generations.

Would you or a friend like to get started scrapbooking? Look no further than Memory Bound! We offer a great class which will introduce you to the basics -- both the PROCESS of scrapbooking and the PRODUCTS you'll need to be successful. I enjoy introducing new folks to scrapbooking and would love to help YOU get started saving your precious memories!

Here's something you may not know: Many of our more experienced scrapbookers take our Beginners' class as a refresher! It's a good way to get back to the basics and learn some new approaches to the hobby we all love!

I hope you'll join me at our next class to get started on this important, rewarding, and incredibly fun hobby! Give us a call to register at (515) 965-1102!

Janet

 

 Beginners' Scrapbooking Class
Saturday, November 23, 9:30am-12:15pm

Instructor: Janet Petersma

Fee: $10 / Skill Level: Beginner

Basic Class Kit optional; Bring 8-10 related photos

(not wedding or heritage) 

No experience necessary! Let us help you or someone you know get started. This class is for anyone who wants to learn important preservation techniques and ways to make meaningful and creative albums. Cardstock, adhesive, idea sheets & cropping tools provided. Get a FREE $10 Gift Card to use the day of class!

 

October Afternoon Christmas Album!

Need a quick Christmas mini album?

Then Katie's October Afternoon Christmas kit is for YOU!

All the supplies needed to put together this fun album are included in the kit!

Lots of pockets to store photos and memorabilia!

Great spaces for journaling or holiday pictures!

The paper lends itself to a fun vintage feeling!

 

Even after all these pages, there will be product leftover to create additional pages and embellishments!

 

There are a limited supply of kits, so stop by the store to pick yours up! If you can't get to the store, give us a call at 515-965-1102 and we will put one to the side for you to pick up at your convenience!

Happy Holidays!