Scrapbooking in Paradise, Inc.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mommies out there.  We hope you all had a wonderful Day.

Team Paradise

NSD photos

Ok, the 2008 NSD Party photo album is up.  Be prepared to step back in time.

I am working on the video footage and I will put that up as soon as I can.

Totally Paradise,

John

What a weekend!!!

I just wanted to stop by and say "thank you" to all of our National Scrapbook Weekend participants.  We had a blast with all of you.  You really impressed us with your knowledge of 80's trivia(who knew that Cyndi Lauper used to do a character on Pee-Wee's Playhouse?), and some of you had some REALLY rockin' 80's duds on! 

Hopefully you all enjoyed this weekend as much as we did.  For those who weren't able to make it to this very special event, there's always next year!!  Here's what you missed:  Some awesome food(that Rhonda is a great cook!), some live entertainment(I can no longer pretend otherwise: I've now proved that I'm just as wacky as my hubby), and LOTS and LOTs of free giveaways!! 

Speaking of giveaways, congratulations to Rynea Shaw and Kathy Freeman, who were our Grand Prize winners for the weekend.   Kathy is now the proud owner of a fabulous MIMI Stamp tote.  We had to laugh: Even though we had planned LOADS of giveaways, Rynea was convinced that she wouldn't win ANY of them... and she ended up with the grand-mama-jama PS3 Tote!! 

You ladies are ALL our winners, and the next time it's "raining men" I hope you'll all be here with us again to "party like it's 1999!"

I love ALL my Paradise pals, and thank you for making our NSD celebration a success!!! 

Laura

FREE make 'n Take Saturdays this month

Fun Fun Fun!!  Stop in on Saturdays this month for free Make 'n Takes using the newest releases from Quickutz (see earlier post).  They contain the "3 F's"  Fast, Fun and Free.

We will hook you up with a different one each Saturday this month. 

Plus, you are one step closer to winning a dream vacation for you and a friend (see previous post)

Paradise calls,

John

Quickutz Dream Vacation Sweepstakes

Ok, if you have not yet heard, QK has one heck of a give-away going on.  If you purchase any of the new Limited Edition gift sets  (see earlier post) there is a code for you to enter and earn a chance to win a dream vacation to 1 of 4 exotic locations for you and a friend.  These sets are selling very fast and we only have a few left, so you better hurry.

Also, anyone who buys a gift set will also get a free really cute luggage tag, while supplies last.

Here is something else to get you excited:  We have a "Passport" promo going on,  Stop in and pick yours up, while supplies last.  With the passport you have even more chances to win a vacation.  The passport is a great way for you to keep track of all your "Around the World" purchases.  But there's more......  If you complete 4 qualifying QK events, you will be given a code to enter into the vacation drawing.  So, what do you need to do to get the code you ask?  Well, we are going to make it really easy. Complete any of the qualifying activities below and you will get 1 of 4 quadrants in your passport stamped.  Get all 4 quadrants stamped and you get the code...

Here are the ways to get stamped:

1. We are having Quickutz Make 'n Takes every Saturday this month.  They feature the new limited edition releases.  We will feature a different Make 'n Take and a different limited edition set each week.  Complete the Make 'n Take and you will get your passport stamped.  By the way, the Make 'n Take is FREE!
2. Join our Quickutz Club.  Existing members get a free passport stamp.
3. Buy any QK "Around the World" Limited edition set, QK Around the world die, or QK tool and get a stamp.
4. Paste a photo of yourself in your passport (It's TOO easy!).

If you fill up your 4 quadrants at our store, you will be entered into our separate drawing, which is for a nice QK gift basket full of goodies.

The QK promo and our promo end on July 15, 2008.  Our drawing will be July 16, 2008 here at the store.

Paradise calls,

John

The 12" platforms are here!!!

Quickutz 12" platforms for the revolution are here and ready for you.  Come get 'em!

See you in Paradise

Rhonda

What are we eating?

Well, I didn't think I was hungry.  That is, until I looked over our menu for National Scrapbook Day weekend!!  Now my tummy is rumbling, and I'm being careful not to drool on this keyboard.  NSD is not a day for a plain ol' pepperoni pizza, uh-uh!!  This stuff is gonna be GOOD!!  AND, our team is working hard to cater this event with our own lovin' hands.  If you have signed up already, here's a sneak peek at the yummies.  If you have NOT signed up, here's what you'll be missing if you don't act quickly!!  (There's just a couple spaces left, and we don't want you to miss out!)

For the menu, click HERE

See ya in the past....the eighties, get it? 

Laura

Fridays are "Coupon Day" at Scrapbooking in Paradise

Great news, Scrapbooking in Paradise is going to start accepting coupons from Michaels or JoAnn stores.

Just imagine, it's Friday and you need to pick up some Scrapbooking goodies and you pull out your coupon and  "Bam" an instant 40% off.  Pretty nice huh?

Just bring in your coupon on any Friday and enjoy 40% off any one item in stock at regular price.

Click for the details HERE

Paradise calls,

John

Quickutz Journey Around the World Sale

Quickutz has done it again.  This time they bring us the "Journey Around the World" gift sets.  These sets are perfect as a gift for anyone, including yourself (wink, wink).
This very limited release contains 4 attractively priced, internationally themed, Limited Edition Gift Sets.  And at $99.99 each,  you cannot go wrong. 

But wait!!!  On May 3rd thru May 10th, we will have these on sale at 20% off regular retail price.  We will also have ALL QK Around the world releases on sale at 20% off.

I have been given the OK to show the images to you, but you cannot see or buy these until May 03, 2008.

Visit our on-line store to buy or "pre-order" these.

Attn. Basic Grey lovers

Scrapbooking in Paradise is having a sale......All Basic Grey product (including the new stuff) is 40% off all week long. This includes all papers, fibers, rub-ons, etc.  Stop in for some great savings on one of your fav. products.

Sale runs from 04-21-08 - 04-26-08. Discount is off regular prices and cannot be combined with any other discount, promo, etc.

Paradise calls,

John

New Goodies at Paradise

Your Scrapbooking in Paradise pals have been very busy lately.  We've been excitedly displaying lots of fabulous new treats from some of our favorite companies!  We are currently carrying the latest from Cosmo Cricket, Daisy Bucket Designs, and Bo-Bunny. We also have a new Wizard of Oz section, and we've updated our Music and Dance section.

"But that is not all," said the Cat in the Hat.  "Oh, no, that is not all!"(DISCLAIMER: I have an almost 16-month-old.  I'm not to be held responsible for the fact that Dr. Suess makes his way into my every day speech.)

I knew today was gonna be a good day when the latest from Basic Grey was delivered this morning!  We now have the "Cupcake" and "Sultry" full paper lines(my fingers just ache to start scrapping with them!), some great new fibers, and the paper collections of the "Sugared" and "Boxer" releases.

By the way, have you seen our latest delights from Fancy Pants?  This stuff is deliciously lovely!  The overlays especially are quite cool.  Here are some pics of them for you:

As always, click the photo for a larger view.

Well, I guess that's my news of the moment.  Come on in and check out all this scrap-a-liciousness for yourself!  I'll see you soon(unless, of course, Michael Buble decides to come and sweep me away)!

Laura

May Class Schedule

We have some fun classes scheduled for May - make sure to sign up early!

Summer Fun Circle Album  $20  Instructor:  Rhonda

Using the new Bo-Bunny beach line we will make an adorable half-moon album to showcase all your favorite summer photos!  Kits are available for this class

Just a Note   $5  Instructor:  Rhonda

Show someone you care with a handmade card. You will make five cards in class.  Kits are available for this class.

Croppy Cat     $20  Instructor:  Joyce

Come be a "croppy cat" and get five pages done in one night! We will make five single page layouts. Themes will change each month so come see what we come up with next! Summer is this month's theme. Kits are available for this class

Frame It! with Quickutz  $20  Instructor:  Joyce

Showcase your favorite  photos in  three beautiful  chipboard frames. There is a school, beach and flower motif and you will use lots of Quickutz! Kits are available for this class.

Beginners Workshop    $5  Instructor:  Laura

We will get you get started by walking you through your very first 2 pages using some of our most popular scrapbook tools You can choose from the following themes: BIRTHDAY, WEDDING, BEACH, or BABY.  You will need 4-6 photos based on your chosen theme

One Life     $20  Instructor:  Rhonda

We all have one life to live and this will be a year long exploration and documentation of our lives.  Each monthly class will complete 2 layouts per class, one from the course book and one bonus challenge. 

Family Photo Rolodex    $45  Instructor:  Rhonda

Showcase those family photos in this unique and creative album. Using the 7 Gypsies ATC holder you will create a one of a kind family album! Kits are not available for this class

Boy Oh Boy! Board Book  $20  Instructor:  Rhonda

Your little man deserves to have his adventures showcased in style!  Using Cosmo Cricket's new blackboard album and bright papers we will create an album as adventursome as your little dude!. Kits are  available for this class.

ATC Swap   FREE    Instructor:  Rhonda

Come join the fun of Artist Trading Cards.  We will be swapping cards as well as making one to take home!.

Late Niter Crop  Free 

Join us for  uninterrupted scrap time! We will provide dinner, space, workshop tools and a fun make-n-take - you provide the inspiration

Stamping In Paradise  $20/yearly  Instructor: Rhonda

We love stamping and hope you do too. To help you get started stamping or continue to learn new things, we have formed a stamp club.  The membership fee gets you two free make-n-takes a month, PLUS a 20% discount on all stamps and stamp accessories all the time!

P.M.S Crop           FREE 

Popcorn, Movies and Stamping - We will be stamping our little hearts out!  Come in your pj's, put your hair in a ponytail and bring out your stamps!  This crop is for our stamp ladies to enjoy! - Never stamped?  Join us and see what we are so crazy about!

Drum roll please.....

Well, we had our final wrap up meeting for the Treasure Hunt and we picked all the winners for this year.  It was lots of fun getting together one last time.

The winner of the Scrapbooking in Paradise drawing is Renee Kelley.  Wohooooooo....  She won an Inque Boutique Stamp set that has almost 250 stamps in it, and a gift certificate to Paradise..  We had to call her right away to let her know and she was excited to win.  Hope you didn't mind the Sunday night call... 

And the overall Treasure Hunt drawing winners are......

The 3rd place winner receiving $340 in gift certificates is:  Sarah Ruburg from The Scrapbook Shoppe.

The 2nd place winner receiving $560 in gift certificates is:  Teri Vokus from K2.

The grand prize winner this year receiving $1,100 in gift certificates is:  Our very own customer Lena Johnson from Scrapbooking in Paradise. 

We had to call her Sunday night to tell her.  Now normally we would not bother someone on a Sunday night, but we felt this was an exception.  She was super excited to hear the news.  She was out with friends and they were all yelling and screaming. It was cool.  Thanks to everyone who participated and turned in their passports.

We want to send a big thank you to everyone who helped out this year.  This includes vendors: Inque Boutique, Creative Imaginations, SEI, and Stamping Station.  Also a big thank you goes to Julie and Lexi from The Scrapbook Shoppe for all the hours they spent on the Treasure Hunt.  You girls are da bomb..  Thanks to all the other stores too and thanks to all of you.  We cannot wait until next year and do it all over again...

Paradise calls,

John

PS.  And now onto entering all the info from the passports into the computer..... Gulp!!!

The 2nd place winner receiving $560 in gift certificates is:  Teri Vokus from K2.

The grand prize winner this year receiving $1,100 in gift certificates is:  Our very own customer Lena Johnson from Scrapbooking in Paradise. 

We had to call her Sunday night to tell her.  Now normally we would not bother someone on a Sunday night, but we felt this was an exception.  She was super excited to hear the news.  She was out with friends and they were all yelling and screaming. It was cool.  Thanks to everyone who participated and turned in their passports.

We want to send a big thank you to everyone who helped out this year.  This includes vendors: Inque Boutique, Creative Imaginations, SEI, and Stamping Station.  Also a big thank you goes to Julie and Lexi from The Scrapbook Shoppe for all the hours they spent on the Treasure Hunt.  You girls are da bomb..  Thanks to all the other stores too and thanks to all of you.  We cannot wait until next year and do it all over again...

Paradise calls,

John

PS.  And now onto entering all the info from the passports into the computer..... Gulp!!!

National Scrapbook Day

            

Scrapbooking in Paradise is revving up the
DeLorean Time Machine!


National Scrapbook Day is once again upon us(May 3rd).   It really makes ya
realize just how quickly time flies by.  In fact, we here at Scrapbooking in Paradise think that time slips by too fast…..So to celebrate this holiday, we are going to step into the past.  Let us take you back to a simpler time that was truly not too long ago.  Let us go back to the 1980’s!!!!


That’s right, our NSD is going to be completely 1980’s!!  We’re going to be decked out in our finest 1980’s attire, and encourage you to do the same (that’s right, dust off the leg warmers and the big hoop earrings!).  By celebrating NSD with us you’ll be able to enjoy:


The chance to win prizes with your 1980 trivia knowledge and your
ability to “Name that 1980’s tune”
Delicious homemade food, includes lunch and dinner.
Snacks, drinks and some extra goodies.
Fabulous 1980’s party pack giveaways and prizes throughout the crop.
Live performances by some of your “favorite 80’s icons”  Here’s a hint to one of them:  Our store has had a performance from “The King,” and now we’re gonna have another “Royal” male celebrity give us his extra time and his kiss.
Hours and hours of good quality scrappin’ time.

We are looking into some other fun stuff too.  Stay tuned..

DETAILS: The crop will be Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00AM - Midnight($45 includes food) OR Sunday, May 4th from 10:00AM - 8:00PM($35 includes food).  Pick whichever day works best for you.  It is the pretty much the same party on either day. If you choose to sign up for BOTH days you will save $10 on the total crop party fee.  The party will be held here at our store, and space is limited, so sign up fast!  All spots MUST be prepaid in order to hold your seat.


YES, we’ve already had some amazing crops this year, but this is one you cannot miss!!!  So remember, this NSD is NOT the big ’08, it’s the big ’80!!!

If you are reading this post from within' our website, then please go to the homepage and click on the NSD info link for more details.  Otherwise go to http://www.scrapbookinginparadise.com/Special.html

See ya soon,

Laura

You are never going to believe this...

I went to dinner with my two teenage children tonight.  We had cheeseburgers, talked about school, played our own version of "the Moment of Truth"  (Will won $5000) and enjoyed being with each other.  My children even sat beside each other without complaint. I wouldn't believe it except I was there - and then when we got home, my daughter did her own laundry.  Maybe I am dreaming and I will wake up soon, maybe there is a Santa Claus, maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket. 

Anyhoo...I have been unpacking boxes the past two days.  We got in some new Disney papers, the New Inque Boutique stamps - 24 mini sets that are stinkin' cute and two new sets of $1 stamps (also cute) and Glimmer Mists. If you have never heard of Glimmer Mist, it is a very cool spray.  Liquid glitter in a bottle - I am loving it! You need to come in and I will show you how it works!!

Oh and I added some photos to some of the design team albums

So I am going to go buy my lottery ticket now - with the way it's going, I will be headed for a tropical island soon

See you in Paradise

Rhonda

Treasure Hunt photos

Hello all.  I just wanted to let you all know that I have uploaded some Treasure Hunt photos for you to check out in the Treasure Hunt photo album.  We had so much fun and thanks again for making it out.  We understand how expensive gas is, etc. 

And I just realized how slow my computer is in getting these photos up. Well time to go re-watch an episode of Lost and look for some clues I may have missed first time 'round.

Paradise calls,

John

Attention Treasure Hunters

Don't forget to have your passports turned in by This Saturday to be entered into the drawings.

Also, I still have a few left of the 12X12 custom "Tampa Bay Treasure Hunt" page I had made special for this event .  Pick one up while supplies last.

Paradise calls,

John

Have you visited Paradise Lately?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.  Laura and I spent it with family and had a blast.  Little Jordan was having all kinds of fun Easter egg hunting and he found a few eggs on his own (and a few fire ants too,,,Ouch!!)  We all enjoyed a wonderful meal and good times with Family.  We played a game called Apples to Apples.  It is a fun game for a larger group, and if you ever play it, you will have fun.  I also had to get my cards in there.  I love Gin Rummy.  I also love a card game called Euchre, pronounced "uker".  Anyone out there play that one?  If so, you have just become my new best friend. As always, little Jordan does things that make me so proud to be a Daddy.  I am so blessed to have such a beautiful family   It's awesome folks. 

Have you been out to Paradise lately?  Well things look a little different nowadays.  The store has been re arranged and we have expanded some of our areas.  We have lots of new goodies for your delight.

Check out the latest photo album for a sampling of how things are looking over here in Paradise.

Paradise calls,

John

ATTENTION MOTHERS OF BOYS!!! (And grandmas, aunts, babysitters, of boys too)

If you're anything like me, it's probably tough to find boy-appropriate items for your little guy.  This is why mommies like us LOVE the Little Yellow Bicycle line.

Here's MY story:

The other day, on our way to the park, I decided to stop by one of the large department stores to pick up a giant rubber ball.  You know the ones, I'm sure we all went through several as kids.  I thought it would be fun for Jordan to kick it around in the grass.  Well, we arrived at the toy section and what did we find?  A huge amount of rubber balls, ALL in shades of bubble gum pink and bright purple.  Darnit!

I have nothing against pink or purple things.  However, I don't want to buy these items for my SON.  I'm running into this problem in other areas as well.  A couple weeks ago  I needed to purchase Jordan some new sippy cups.  I had already planned on getting a two-pack(saves $$ compared to buying 2 singles), but did Playtex(our sippy of choice) offer a two-pack that did not contain a pink or purple sippy?  Nope.

It doesn't stop there!!  When a baby store issued a special coupon that would save us a good amount on a carseat, we did our research and narrowed it down to 2 different models.  We excitedly went to the store(yes, for me and John this stuff IS exciting) to select and purchase the carseat.  Surprise, surprise*imgagine a sarcastic tone here*.  While they had both of our desired models in stock, they only had them available in pink daisy and yellow morning glories patterns.  I won't even go into the fact that I've never heard of a carseat specificly designed for boys(ei, dinosaurs, trains, fire trucks, etc).  All we wanted was a nice gender neutral carseat.  I won't gripe that companies don't cater to boys they way they do to girls, but at least offer items that aren't specifically girly!  ARG!!

Come on people!!  Nobody thinks it's the least bit odd if a little girl has a yellow ball, a blue sippy cup, or a green tricycle.  Those are classic colors that work for both genders!!  But if I took Jordan strolling through the mall while he wears a purple floral sweater and clutches a pink teddy bear, it's just wierd!! 

I know that at the moment, Jordy couldn't care less what color his belongings are, but that is not the point.  I have a BOY, and want to celebrate him, and provide him with BOY appropriate things.

ENTER the Little Yellow Bicycle line.  It's WONDERFUL for boys as young as my 14-month-old all the way up to grown-up boys like my hubby.  At last, SOMEONE heard a mother's plea!!  I'm not surprised the answer came from a scrapbook company... so many of the best things in life DO.  If you haven't seen it already, you've gotta stop by and check it out.  It's only available to independent retailers, and we carry the entire line.

FYI:  In the case of the rubber ball, the department store won the arguement*grimace*.  Jordan ended up with a  new giant bright purple ball.   While I will definitely hold that store responsible if Jordan decides to be a ballerina princess when he grows up,  we had fun at the park.  :)

Here are some great sample ideas created by our very talented design team.

See ya soon,

Laura

Check out our awesome Design Team!

I know some of you have oohhed and aahhed over the samples in the store.  They are created by a group of highly creative and extremely talented women known as the Scrapbooking In Paradise Design Team.  I have added a photo album for each of them and it showcases their work.  The only two I have to add yet are Audrey Baria - who also teaches for us, and Amy Haskadakes, who lives far, far away in New Port Richey, so she doesn't get to visit us as often as some of the others! I will be adding to their albums over the next couple of days. They are very inspiring and I hope you enjoy the beautiful projects they create! 

I also added some of the photos of our Treasure Hunt road trip.  We had a good time as evidenced by the photos!

Well off to bed -

See you in Paradise

Rhonda

Did You Find Treasure?

Well, the treasure hunt is now officially over.  I hope everyone had a blast visiting all the different stores and that you found some wonderful treasure and headed home with lots of booty.  That's about all the "pirate talk" you'll get from me...

I had the pleasure of traveling with some of our customers to all 15 stores.  We spent two days on the road visiting and shopping and taking lots of photos! It was nice to see everybody and I really enjoyed doing all the different make-n-takes.  It is so fun to see how different everybody's was.  Elle and I found lots of new paper (and you can never have enough paper) and I found some wonderful stamps that I had never seen before.  Amazing that every store manages to carry stuff different from the others.  Just goes to show you that there is an amazing amount of product available for us scrappers and stampers!

Now that I have had a day of rest and sleep - on to the next event, and there is always a "next". 

National Scrapbook Day.  The first Saturday in May, the day we celebrate this wonderful hobby of ours.  We have big plans for you.  I wish I could give you details - but I can't.........yet.  Let's just say we have some really fun times planned for you and you definitely want to mark May 3rd on your calendar.  Tell the hubby, find a sitter and pack your comfy pants.  You will want to spend the day with us at Scrapbooking in Paradise.  I am trying to think of some clever phrase that will give you a hint, but I am drawing a blank...so you will just have to check back and find out all the juicy details. 

Well, it's been good to talk to you again - I hope you have missed my wonderful musings on the blog - a few of you have told me that you miss me, so I return to cyberspace after a much needed mental break. I am still up late and still rambling....but Craig Ferguson comes on soon, so I must bid you farewell.

See you in Paradise,

Rhonda

Treasure Hunting

AArrhhhhh.  Treasure Huntin' time is almost up.  This Sunday is the last day to get finished up.

Ever see a pirate cry?  Boo Hoo.  We have been having so much fun with everyone and their treasure hunting that It's too bad it is almost over.  Johnny Depp wants to thank everyone for posing with him for photos.  OK, it is not the real Johnny Depp, but close enough right?

I hope you all have been finding some good treasures out there.

And now....Drum roll please.........seriously, drum roll.........On to our pick for our store prize that one lucky winner will win.....

Our store prize is going to be a Inque Boutique stamp set by Stepfanie Barnard.  This set comes with 248 stamps, 3 SeeClear mounting blocks, See D's stamping mat, black stamp pad, storage cases and a storage tower.  WOW.  This is a real nice set, sure to make the lucky winner happy. (Sorry, Johnny Depp not included.)

Click below to see what stamps are in the set.

Download 50512.pdf

Paradise Calls,

John

Doodlebug Designs-- Sugar Coated line

I have to admit, I usually do not get this excited to see the UPS guy, but today was an exception.  We just received Doodlebug Designs new Sugar Coated line.  And I got to tell ya, it is NICE.  Time to get excited.

As you know it is hard to capture glitter, etc in a photo, but I did my best.  You will just have to stop by to see it.  Click image for a larger view.

Paradise Calls,

John