True Hero Event 12/11/10!

Hero Arts will debut their new line of stamps for 2011 and we are hosting a debut party! Stop by the store to check out the new line of wood stamps, as well as the entire new catalog. We are not sure what stamps we will be receiving but if it is Hero Arts, we know they will be cool, creative, and the highest quality! Order your stamps now before the catalog is released everywhere on January 5th.

We will have lots of fun things going on that day but the nearest and dearest to my heart is the "True Hero" part of the event. As the mom, aunt and daughter of past and present servicemen, I know how hard it is to be away from home for such long stretches. Just this Christmas alone, I have one son and three nephews, either in the military or working for the military overseas, that will not be home for the holidays. And this happens all year long - through holidays and birthdays and births and major family events.

Starting this Saturday, we are kicking off a year-round "True Hero" card making effort. Stop by the store and make a card or note for a service man or woman who is serving anywhere in the world. It can be short or long, simple or not. You can also just make a card that will be shipped to bases overseas where cards are not accessible. We plan on keeping this effort going year round, not just at the holidays.

We have hooked up with Amillionthanks.org and Operation Gratitude to help us deliver these cards through mail and care packages to service men and women stationed all over the world. It is easy and can be done by kids and adults alike. Take a minute and let them know that we care and we remember.

In addition to "True Hero", we have raffles and make-n-takes and stamps to play with and "ugly Christmas sweater" day - all to celebrate Hero Arts' debut!!! Any Hero Arts purchase comes with a raffle ticket for fabulous free prizes! Anyone who wears an "ugly" Christmas sweater (any Christmas sweater, really) gets a raffle ticket. Winners will be drawn at 2:30. Winners need not be present to win. Stop in to try out the new stamps on a note to a "True Hero". Join us for refreshments, prizes and stampin' good fun!

Handmade & Handwritten Event

As a part of Montclair Independent Retailer Week, we are hosting a card making party - "Handmade & Handwritten" - on Saturday, October 9th, from 10:00am-1:00pm. Come join us for a fun morning of card making! There is no charge for the event and no signing up. Just stop in any time between 10am and 1pm for the fun!

The workshop will be busy with card making stations for both children and adults. Enjoy some coffee and refreshments while you learn to create wonderful little notes and postcards. In addition, as a part of our ongoing mission to promote the handmade and handwritten notes, we will supply the pens to write the notes, the envelopes and stamps to ready them for the mail - and we will even have a mailbox for you to drop them in! Send a little personalized note to let someone know you are thinking of them!

Learn more about the "Handmade & Handwritten" mission! The idea started from my card making fun and has blossomed into a little mission. It's so very easy and very special - I pledged to make or buy one handmade card each week and write a personalized note to someone I care about. A handwritten note speaks volumes about how much you care and carries your personalized voice to family and friends. Join the mission and pledge to write one handmade and handwritten note each week from now until the end of the year.

Don't have time to make all of those cards? We have a beautiful selection of handmade notes from local artists - Aubreeze, Happenstance Creations, Stefanie Silverman, and Keira Boertzel-Smith. Check out their beautiful creations and snag a pack for yourself.

Remember, in ten years, someone you love will be able to open up your handmade and handwritten note and once again hear your "voice" sending your love. Somehow, emails and test messages just don't feel the same!

See you on Saturday,

Beth

The Joy of Writing

I am one of those people who still go through the mail each day hoping for a little note. Just a quick word from a friend or loved one. It was a joy to receive mail as a kid and still is to this day. I grew up before cell phones and free long distance. When I flew to the other side of the country for college, letters were how we kept in touch. I couldn't afford long distance phone calls so, instead, we all wrote. I still have every one of the letters that my dad sent me, some of the only physical reminders I have of him.

In addition to receiving mail, I also love to make cards. They are so much fun. With a piece of beautiful paper and some trim and stamps and - my favorite - some vintage images, you can quickly put together something that speaks exactly to the recipient. Though I still love cards with goofy songs and those hilarious Shoebox cards, I would much rather put together something fun or sentimental that comes from my heart.

So, I am embarking on a mission. I will send at least one handmade and handwritten card every week from now until the end of the year. They can be handmade by me or from another talented card and paper maker but they must be handwritten by me. With a stamp. Sent through the regular old postal service.

My inspiration for this idea came from my dear friend, Susan. She is the creative power behind Happenstance Creations, a lovely stationery company dedicated to the written word. Susan believes so strongly in writing to others. She creates beautiful illustrations and makes the loveliest cards and notes from them, printed on gorgeous high quality paper. The beautiful note above is from her line. But Susan doesn't stop there. She writes the loveliest notes to all of us. Short and sweet and always from her heart. I just love it when I see her handwriting on an envelope in my mail box. Check out her creations in her Etsy shop, HappenstancePaper.

So Susan has inspired me to take all of these fun cards that I so love to make or buy and send them, with my corny sayings and loads of love, to all of those people who are so important to me. I hope maybe some of you will consider joining me. Just one note a week. Maybe someone will tie a lovely ribbon around the notes they receive from me and keep them just like I did my dad's letters.

Have to run ... I know just who I will be sending that first note to!

Beth

Starting School at RPS

I always loved the fall. It always feels like the season of possibilities. New grade, new books, new teachers, new clothes. Anything is possible! We have had a wonderful summer at Rock Paper Scissors - meeting fantastic people and being surrounded by creativity. Who could ask for more? Well, it is the season of possibilities so we are doing more!

The kids are heading back to school and you can, too! Rock Paper Scissors offers a slew of fantastic workshops and, we promise, no homework! Come in and try your hand at something new or refresh those dusty skills. Learn to sew or make your own cards or stamp metal jewelry. Make a quick costume for the kids' Halloween or decorate your table this holiday season or find out what that steampunk jewelry is all about. Or, maybe, just grab a cup of coffee and join our embroidery group. Whatever you want to try, we guarantee it will be creative and informal and fun! Check the website for class schedules and stop in or call to register.

Speaking of new possibilities, wait until you see what's coming in! We have luscious new fabrics from a new company called Anthology fabrics. The colors are gorgeous and the quality is perfect. Great grown-up prints in fabulous fall colors. Nest from Valorie Wells is here - in cottons and cords. Beautiful whimsical prints in many colors. And we have Laurie Wisbrun's Tufts & Tweets in a deep orchid that is to die for, as well as her new kids' line called Urban Circus - graphic giraffes and elephants and stripes, oh my! We have flannels and cords in a bunch of cool colors and prints, perfect for cozy apparel for the upcoming winter months.

We have added a new stamp company to our inventory, starting with these fantastic Alice stamps fashioned after the classic Tenniel illustrations. Love them!!! Soon to come in will be paper from Pink Paislee and Basic Gray and Graphic45 and Teresa Collins, just to name a few. We have expanded the paper area and can't wait to get the new orders in! We should also have more Hero Arts stamps and fabric ink and all sorts of embellishments really soon. Check back often!

We keep refilling our little treasure dishes with new Rock stuff all the time. We are working hard to expand our selection of both beading basics and findings, as well as vintage goodies all the time. We have lots of fun new ideas floating around from metal stamping to steampunk, as well as goodies coming in for the sparkly holiday season events.

Welcome back, everyone, from your summer vacations. We all hope they were wonderful and relaxing. Stop in and see us soon! We love chatting and sharing ideas!

Until next time,

Beth

More Summer Classes!

We have been having a blast in the Rock Paper Scissors workroom, affectionately nicknamed "Santa's Workshop" by some of the staff! We have been sewing and embroidering and making books and finger puppets. Too much summer fun!

So many people have asked us to extend the kid's program through to the end of the summer that we decided to repeat some of our Big Kids (ages 6-10) and Tweens & Teens (ages 11-16) classes through September 1st. Check out the website calendar for class descriptions and schedules. As always, stop in or call us to sign up for a class.

Be on the lookout for our fall class schedule to be posted shortly. We are introducing after school programs as well as Saturday classes for kids and expanding our offerings for adults, during the day, evenings and weekends. Watch for the listings and come and get your crafty on!

Remember the smiling faces in the last blog - the one where the girls had made those fantastic pillows? Well, the moms loved the pillows their daughters had made so much, they joined us for an adult pillow making class! Those houses must be looking beautiful! A great job was done by all!

Till next time,

Beth

Beat the Heat with a Cool Crafty Class!

Our classroom has been so busy with classes and we are having a blast! Join us in our wonderfully air-conditioned workroom (affectionately coined "Santa's Workshop") for a crafty class or two. Run workshop style, all classes are project based so you sign up for the classes you want, when you want.

We still have a few openings this week. The younger set can try their hand at making tiara's and wands in the Big Person & Me class (ages 3-5). The Big Kids (ages 6-10) can join us making these nifty needle cases and pincushions. Tweens & Teens (11-16) can create awesome cloth banners, stitched and appliqued and embroidered with their own designs. And, last but certainly not least, adults (ages 16 & up) can learn to use wire in their jewelry designs, sew a cool summer apron or carve their own stamps!

Crafty classes are loads of fun and a sure way to put a smile back on your face in this heat! Call us at the store (973.337.6759) for more info on classes. Hurry as many classes are filling up fast!!

Stay cool ... and crafty!

Beth

July 4th Parade News

The float we decorated for Baristanet came in second place in the local Montclair, NJ parade!!! Yay for all those creative talents at Rock Paper Scissors ... and all of those hours we spent making fabulous flowers and tomatoes and corn and pea pods! The "float" looked fantastic, the kids were adorable in their flower and farmer hats, and we had so much fun with the Baristanet gang putting it all together.

Thanks to Debbie and all the folks at Baristanet for having confidence in us to pull it all off! And thanks for feeding us, too!

Do these kids look adorable or what! I heard rumor that they helped get the garden "watered" by the squirt gun gang.

Special thanks to Khristina who sewed her little fingers off and then braved the 98 degree heat to help me decorate the truck! Special thanks, too, to all the gang at Rock Paper Scissors who put aside regular duties this week to make such lovely homegrown specialties for the float. You continue to be an amazing staff and I love working with you every day!

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th!

Beth

Adult Classes at Rock Paper Scissors

Finally, the last installment of the class schedule for the summer! We have all sorts of cool classes for the adults and older teens, including an evening of basic sewing and the "Know Your Machine" workshop. Most of them are in the evening or on Saturday morning. Come join us and learn something new or oil the rust on some of those old skills. It's not your granmother's craft world anymore. Mix it up and have some fun and let your imagination run! All of these classes are loosely rated for the 16 and up set. Classes prices vary.

Sew Basics, July 6th 7-9pm

Just what you would think - the very basics of sewing. This is one of the few classes we have that does not make a project but instead is intended to teach you the basics about the machine, tools, fabrics and other facets of sewing. Helps build confidence and allows you to move on to some of our beginner sewing classes. Machines, tools and supplies provided.

Cost: $15

Level: Beginner

Summer Travels, July 7th 7-9pm

Using the envelope book from 7Gypsies, make a cool summer scrapbook that you can take on your travels. Stash your memorabilia from your summer in the envelopes!

Cost: $15, plus supplies

Level: Beginner and up

What's Your Sign, July 8th 7-9pm

Design, stamp, applique, embroider and sew your way to a very cool banner to string across for your next event! Or just hang one of these popular banners because they are so cool!

Cost: $20, plus supplies

Level: Confident Beginner or graduate of Sew Basics

Surfin', July 10th, 10am-12:30pm

Using Amy Butler's Sun Surf Halter pattern, learn to sew a simple top! Cool, light, beautiful and ready to wear!

Cost: $20, plus supplies

Level: Confident Beginner or Graduate of Sew Basics

Know Your Machine, July 13th 7-9pm

Break those machines out of the closet! Bring in your machine and we will show you the basics on how to use it! All you need is your machine, a bobbin, thread and the manual.

Cost: Free

Level: Anyone

Twists & Turns, July 22nd 7-9pm (******)

Twist and turn your way through this metal working class. The lovely Anne Sailer will teach us to make earwires, charms, jump rings and and cool swirls in this fabulous jewelry making class! Tools and wire included.

***** Please note: Date has changed since original calendar went out!

Cost: $25, plus a few beads

Level: Beginner and up

Book It, July 17th 10am-12:30pm

Create a gorgeous little book covered in delectable paper - and stitched and created by you! Most tools and some supplies included.

Cost: $25 plus a few supplies

Level: Beginner and up

S.O.S. Calls, July 21st 7-9pm

Like the vintage look in paper creations? Find out the magic of distress inks and all you can do with them. You will be amazed at the little creations you go home with!

Cost: $15 plus optional supplies

Level: Beginner and up

Cooking Class, July 23rd, 6:30-8:30pm

Well, we won't really be cooking as we do not even have a stove! Instead, we will be making lovely aprons that make cooking so much more fun!

Cost: $20 plus supplies

Level: Confident beginner or Graduate of Sew Basics

To Market, To Market, July 24th 10am-1pm

Go green and look great when you create this oh, so cool market tote from Heather Bailey!

Cost: $20 plus supplies

Level: Confident Beginner and up

Pillow Whisper, July 27th 7-9pm

The first in our pillow series, learn how to make a simple envelope style pillow cover. Great way to embark on your sewing career!

Cost: $20 plus supplies

Level: Beginner and up

Fabric Art Jewelry, July 29th 7-8:30pm

Incorporate fabric into your jewelry designs with these fabulous fabric pendants. We will design, stitch, stamp and, well, have loads of fun with these!

Cost: $15 plus optional supplies

Level: Beginner and up

Carvings, July 31st 10am-12:30pm

Being offered for the second time, come and take this amazing class and learn to make your own stamps! You will truly be amazed at what you are creating during this class! These stamps can be used on paper, fabric or anything that doesn't move!

Cost: $20 plus supplies

Level: Beginner and up (must be comfortable with a sharp blade)

App-App-Applique, Aug 4th 7-9pm

Learn this fun and easy way to personalize clothing! You bring in the clothing, we teach you the rest! We will even throw in a few embroidery techniques to add pizzazz!

Cost: $20 plus 2 items of old but clean clothes and optional supplies

Level: Beginner and up

Pillow Talk, Aug 5th 7-9pm

The second in our pillow series, learn to make a simple cover with a zipper. You will never be stuck with just what the stores have to offer again!

Cost: $20 plus supplies

Level: Confident beginner or graduate of Pillow Whisper

Loose Stitch, Aug 7th 10am-12pm

Grab some coffee and join us for a fun morning of embroidery basics! Learn basic stitches, a little about tools and the transfer process, and create a cute little sachet or tea towel. And have fun to boot!

Cost: $15 plus supplies

Level: Beginner

Know your Machine, Aug 10th 7-9pm

Our monthly basic workshop to get to know your own machine. See above for more info.

Cost: Free

Level: Beginner and up

Birthday Party Pack, Aug 11th 7-9

Make your next birthday party decorations yourself! Though we won't make the whole pack in one class, you can learn the basics by making one invite, one thank you, one pennant, and one part of a banner - and anything else we have time to finish. You can take these skills home and finish the pack yourself! And who said it had to be Hallmark?

Cost: $20 plus supplies

Level: Beginner

Pin the Tail, Aug 12th 7-9pm

Pincushions are not just tomatoes anymore! Using basic sewing, embroidery and applique techniques, we will make some pincushions out of fabric and felt and we will make them fabulous! These make great gifts!

Cost: $20 plus optional fabric

Level: Beginner

Twists & Turns, Aug 13th 7-9pm

Another date for Anne's fabulous metal working class!! This class is a repeat of the July 22nd metal working class. If you miss it in July, stop in for our August class! Tools and wire provided.

Cost: $25 plus bead supplies

Level: Beginner and up

This is such an amazing line up of classes for summer! I hope you can join me and the other instructors this summer ... and get your crafty on!

Be sure to sign up early!

Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July! Join Rock Paper Scissors at the Montclair parade where we have decorated the float for Baristanet! More on that later!!

Ciao,

Beth

BFF Summer Program

We are introducing a very cool program this summer for the tween and teen ages. We have dubbed it the BFF Summer program and it is meant to be done with your bff. Working in pairs, the kids share machines, patterns, supplies and create wonderful memories with their bff. We have created some fun workshops where the kids not only learn something new, but do some fun and special stuff with friends. All for the 11-16 year old range. Cost of each program varies. All prices are quoted for each bff pair.

BFF Stampers, July 13th 2-3:30pm

What is the special word or phrase that you share with your bff? Learn to stamp it onto metal blanks and create personalized jewelry that will always remind you of your bff!

Cost: $22.50 per bff pair, including supplies


BFF Memories, July 16th 10am-12pm

Sharing a selection of cool papers, create matching scrapbooks or coordinating ones. You choose. Just come on in and make these cool little scrapbooks to keep all of your memories for the summer and time spent with your bff!

Cost: $24 per bff pair, plus supplies

BFF Swing Bags, July 21st 2-4pm & July 22nd 10am-12pm

Share a pattern, share the fabric and share a machine with your bff in this two-day beginner sewing class. Make a cool swing bag using an Amy Butler pattern. Make them the same or make them coordinating. You two bff's choose!

Cost: $20 per BFF pair, plus supplies for a two day session

BFF Traders, July 27th 2-4pm

Bring in a pair of jeans and learn to embroider and applique a cool design. Here's the catch - you trade jeans and work on your bff's jeans!

Cost: $22.50 per BFF pair, plus those jeans

BFF Swappers, July 30th 10-11:30am

Just like the Traders except we will be working with applique techniques on a tee.

Cost: $20.00 per BFF pair, plus the tee

BFF Stories, Aug 4th 2-4pm & Aug 5th 10am-12pm

Tell your bff story through wall art. In this two day class, you and your bff create fabric collage stories of your friendship. At the end of the class, you will mount the collage on a wooden frame to hang on your wall. Very cool way to tell your story!

Cost: $50 per BFF pair, including supplies

Stay tuned for the final installment of our summer schedule - the long awaited adult program! Up next!

Stay cool,

Beth

Tweens & Teens Summer Program

As promised, I am working my way through our very full summer calendar of workshops for all ages. This post will cover Tweens & Teens, ages 11-15. Most workshops are $15 plus a few supplies for some of the workshops. Sewing machines and other tools are provided for all classes.

Cozies, July 6th 2-4pm

Design, sew and embellish your way to a cool cozy for your phone or MP3 player!

Summer in a Box, July 9th 10am-12pm

Make these cool scrapbooks that store in a little candy tin! Great to carry around to show off what you did on your summer vacation!

Happy Feet, July 14th 2-4pm

You bring in a pair of canvas sneakers and we help you transform them into cool shoes with various embroidery stitches!

Pillow Talk, July 15th 10am-12pm

A beginner sewing class where you make an envelope style pillow cover!

Summer Jewels, July 20th 1-3pm

Learn the basics of beading while creating fun summer jewelry!

What's Your Sign, July 23rd, 9:30am-12:00pm

Banners are back but this time we are stitching, stamping and embroidering cloth banners!

** Note: The cost of this class is $20 plus some supplies

Secret Treasure, July 28th 1-3pm

Create a secret hiding place inside a book then decorate it with fabulous stuff!

A Little Altered Couture, July 29th 10am-12pm

Bring in a tank and, with a little crafty magic, leave with a cool baby doll top!

Modified Denim, Aug 3rd 2-4pm

You bring in jeans or a denim jacket and we will show you how to applique and embroider them with your own designs!

Bakery Time, Aug 6th 10am-12pm

Using fabulous Japanese designs, we will create amazing felt confections!

Coded Messages, Aug 11th 2-4pm AND Aug 12th 10am-12pm

In this two day workshop, we will create a very cool messenger bag! Great for those fall books!

** Note: The cost of this 2-day workshop is $25.

As with all of all of our programs, class sizes are limited so sign up early to save your spot!

Stay tuned for news about our very cool and crafty BFF Summer Program!

Enjoy the sun,

Beth

Big Kids Summer Program

Next up, the schedule for the Big Kids Summer Program, for ages 6-10 years. Again, they are all run workshop style so you sign up for those that interest your big kids. Most classes are $15 plus an occasional supply.

What's Your Sign, July 7th 11am-1pm

Banners are taking indoor and outdoor rooms by storm! Come in and make one of your own!

What A Hoot!, July 8th 1-3pm

Everyone loves owls. Make a cute little owl friend of your own!

Tee Creatures, July 13th 11am-1pm

You bring in the old t-shirt and we help transform it into a zany creature!

Summer Memories, July 16th 12-2pm

Make a cool little scrapbook that you can fill over the summer with pictures and memories!

So Sew, July 21st 11am-1pm

Be ready for all your sewing projects after creating a cool little needle book and pincushion!

Silly String, July 22nd 1-3pm

Silly or cool, just come learn to create awesome strung jewelry!

In Stitches, July 27th 1-3pm

You bring the jeans or jacket, we teach you to design, embroider and make it your own!

Book 'Em, Danno! July 30th, 12-2pm

Don't let the crazy name fool you! This book making class is awesome!

Fisty Friends, Aug 4th 11am-1pm

Turn a lonesome winter glove into a cool creature!

Library Clothes, Aug 5th 1-3pm

Come on in and create "clothes" (well, a personalized cover) for a book or journal!

Cozies, Aug 10th, 11am-1pm

Design, stitch and decorate your way to a cool phone or MP3 player cover!

A House is a Home, Aug 13th 12-3pm

For the more adventurous student, join us for an afternoon of felt house making!

As always, class sizes are limited so sign up early to save your space.

Next up, the Tweens & Teens program for ages 11-15.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Beth

Big Person & Me Summer Classes

As promised, I will start posting the various summer schedules to the blog. Here's the calender for the Big Person & Me Summer Program. These are all approximately 1 hour long, for the 3-5 year old set, when they bring along a Big Person (BP) to work with them. All workshops are $10 for a Big Person & Me pair.

Sock Monsters, July 6th 11am-12pm

Bring a knit sock and we will help turn them into a cute and cuddly monster!

Hat Party, July 9th 1-2pm

Create a hat and have a party! Choose between a clown and a pirate.

Summer Memories, July 14th 11am-12pm

Create a cute little scrapbook to fill with summer memories!

Puppet Show, July 15th 1-2pm

Turn wooden spoons into cute little puppets then put on a show!

Little Woodland, July 20th 11am-12pm

Come and make the cutest little mouse you ever did see! And the toadstool he lives under!

Little Princess, July 23rd 1-2pm

Crown yourself a princess after you make this cutey tiara and wand!

Monsters, Monsters, July 28th 11-12pm

Make it scary or make it kooky but just come make these great felt monsters!

Confections, July 29th 1-2pm

Help us turn the workroom into a "bakery" when we make sweet felt confections!

Puppet Show II, Aug 3rd 11am-12pm

Put on another puppet show after you create cute little finger puppets!

Tee Creatures, Aug 6th 1-2pm

You bring in an old t-shirt and we will help you turn them into zany creatures!

Love You Cards, Aug 11th 11am-12pm

Create a stack of little Love You cards to send to all of your special someones!

Remember, class sizes are limited so sign up early to reserve your space!

Keep checking back to the blog as we add the other schedules for Big Kid classes, Tween & Teen classes, the BFF Summer program and Adult classes.

Ta Ta,

Beth

What's New at Rock Paper Scissors

We have so many things going on at Rock Paper Scissors! Whew ... it has been such a busy month! And July and August are shaping up to be busier still. Hope you have time to come in and share some crafty fun with all of us!

First of all, the Amy Butler Trunk Show is only here for one more week. If you haven't stopped in to see all of these delicious creations from Amy's Midwest Studio, you really must stop by. We will be packing up next Monday to ship back so time is running out!


Amy has sent along a wide variety of bags and clothes and goodies all made up in her fabulous prints. There is lots from the Love collection and some from her older collections. You have to see the Little Splashes raincoat made from her laminated cotton. Now everyone will see what I have been talking about! These laminated cottons are soft and supple and perfect for Amy's Little Splashes pattern. Now, to find time to make the big girl version of this coat for me!

Our summer schedule is out! Finally! We have a packed schedule for all ages. We have workshops for 3-5 year olds (Big Person & Me), 6-10 year olds (Big Kids), 11-15 year olds (Tweens & Teens) and all the rest of us (Adults, from 16 on up). We are also introducing our BFF Summer program where 11-15 year olds can come in and share crafty fun with their bff's. The list is so long I can't include them all on this post. I will start posting schedules for each category over the next week. Watch for blog updates! Or call us or email us at the store. Class sizes are limited so register early!

We have also been receiving some fantastic shipments in. Webster's Pages has arrived! We love this line! The papers are wonderful and whimsical with splashes of vibrant color.

And the embellishments ... they are fantastic. Look at these trims!

We have been getting shipments of new fabric. Check out the Tufted Tweets line from Laurie Wisbrun at Robert Kaufman! They are so fabulously cool! Full of beautiful furniture lines (the Tufted) and birds (the Tweets). Very creative!

We received a wonderful selection from Lecien out of Japan. We have some bold canvas as well as lovely apparel weight cottons and, of course, their cutey little children's Minny Mui Plus prints. Come check out our section of Japanese fabrics from Kokka and Lecien.

We continue to add more and more goodies to the Rock tables! Come check it out. There are always lovely new items. Poke through the bowls to discover a new vintage treasure!

We want to say thanks to all who have been so excited and encouraging about the shop and our classes and our crafty goodies. We really appreciate all of the support!

Ciao, for now,

Beth

Grand Opening!

We are so ready for the Grand Opening celebration coming on Saturday, June 12th, from 10am-6pm! Come check us out - we are located at 15 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair, right down the way from Panera Bread. The staff has been so busy getting everything ready for a fun-filled, "get your crafty on" kind of day!

We will start in the morning with goodie bags filled with all kinds of craft goodness, made by the ultra-lovely staff at Rock Paper Scissors. We won't tell you what is in them but the first 25 people to the store will get some fun surprises ... as well as their very own cherry pie! The good, old fashioned retro kind of cherry pie!

You can feast your eyes on all the fab Amy Butler fashions and bags! Yes, the trunk show has arrived and is being modeled by all of our lovely manni friends (mannequins, that is) as we speak. Just feast your eyes on that front window! We have Amy's complete Love collection, both cotton and Home Dec, as well as most of her patterns. Watch for some of our fashionista staff to be modeling the collection throughout the day.

All day long, kids can make a heatfelt and handmade card for Dad, or Grandpa, or that special guy in their life, all in anticipation of Father's Day next week. Stop at the card table and glue, stamp and embellish your message in a way that your hero will treasure forever.

Naomi Jacobs will be joining us from 11am-1pm to beautify some arms with henna tattoos. Let go laughing and try a tat! No worries ... these gorgeous designs are safe and natural and wear off within a month. I think I will even try one of them!

Glen Ridge Mayor (and friend) Peter Hughes will do the honor of cutting the red ribbon at 2:00, marking the official Grand Opening of Rock Paper Scissors! I extend a heatfelt thank you, in advance, to Peter for his time.

Claire Baker of Montclair Made will be hosting some open crafting in our classroom. Come make brown paper books to jot your ideas, the coolest of retro tags, and other goodies. Claire makes awesome and clever items out of recycled goods. Visit Claire and her helpers and start livin' green!

At 5:00, we will draw the names for the fabulous crafty raffle baskets! Each basket is filled with crafty goodies and freebies and surprises and other good stuff. Come check them out! Everyone gets a chance. Grab your tickets when you get to the store and drop them in the bucket of your choice. Winner need not be present to win. Though you just might want to be!

All day long, we will have food to nibble on and crafty goodness to share. Our local artist friends have graced our space with some of their amazing creations. Check out our collection of vintage beads and gorgeous paper and fancy and very, very cool embellishments and really fun embroidery drawers and, oh let's not forget, the unbelievable fabric and vintage buttons and vintage paper packs and ... I have to stop now. I know I am rambling. We hope you can join us. We are all just so excited to show off this happy beautiful creative space we love so much!

Until Saturday,

Ciao,

Beth

Classes starting!

Classes are starting this week and we couldn't be more excited!

We kick off June classes on June 9th with Pillow Talk, a sewing class for beginners or those who feel a bit rusty at the machine. Learn basic sewing skills while you make two pillow covers, including one with a zipper. Machines and tools provided.

June 9th, 7-9pm
Beth Rowan, Instructor
$20 + supplies

Here's the rest of the schedule for the month of June:


Are these the cutest cards you ever did see???

Sweet Summer Notes , June 16th, 11-12:30pm OR June 16th, 7-8:30pm

Make some sweet note cards using paper and a few simple cutting and embellishing techniques. Use the instructor's designs or your own. So much better than store bought! For beginner card makers and above.

Cost: $15 plus supplies, Instructor: Aubrey Cece



You have to stop by the store to see this bag in person!

Foldable Market Bag, June 18th, 4-5:30pm

Go green! Create a reusable market bag that folds into a wallet for easy storage. Our instructor will teach you how to embellish the bag with a few easy tricks to make it your own. For confident beginners. Machines and tools provided.

Cost: $20 plus supplies, Instructor: Anna Lehmann

And here it is all folded up. Stick this in your purse and you will never forget the reusable bag again!

I can't wait to take this class with Miriam. Her carved stamps are amazing!



Carvings, June 19th, 2-4pm

Learn to carve your OWN stamps! Draw freehand or use an image, then wield that exacto knife to create your own personalized stamp - for use on paper, fabric, or whatever your creative wishes! For beginners with some comfort with an exacto knife.

Cost: $20 plus supplies, Instructor: Miriam Jacobs

Secret Garden , June 24th, 11-12:30pm OR June 15th, 7-8:30pm

Learn the basics of jewelry making while using some of those fabulous floral pieces that we have in stock in the Rock Section of the store. Use our designs or choose your own - be it retro and bold or soft and sweet - and make a necklace and at least one pair of earrings. For beginner beaders. Tools provided.

Cost: $20 plus supplies, Instructor: Beth Rowan


What a great gift this little scrapbook would make!

Paper Bag Scrapbook , June 24th, 11-12:30pm OR June 15th, 7-8:30pm

Using brown paper bags (yup, lunch bags!), make a cool little scrapbook with secret places for your treasures. Follow the instructor's design or embellish your book with your own design. These make great gifts! For beginner level and above.

Cost: $20 plus supplies, Instructor: Aubrey Cece



Stop by the store or call us to register. All class sizes are limited so get your name on that list!

Samples of the class items are in the store. Supply lists will be available when you register. Supplies will be available from the shop or you can bring your own from home.

Bonus *** 10% off all purchases on the day you take a class!

Be on the lookout for the summer schedule coming soon!

Ciao,

Beth