Rock Paper Scissors

It's here ... the Hero Arts Debut!!!

2011-12-07T11:41:00.001-08:00

The new Hero Arts Wood collection is in the house! Secreted away for now, this fabulous new collection of stamps will be unveiled at our Hero Arts Debut play time on Saturday, September 10th, at 10:00am!

Woo Hoo!!! We are opening the workshop for some play time with the new stamps! Be the first to see the new wood collection and take a peek at the full catalog. Stop in the workroom, grab a cup of Joe, make a card and stamp to your hearts content! Fun, fun, fun!

Remember, you can order anything out of the catalog and have it a full month before anyone else. Oh, how we love getting the new stuff first!

The Debut Play Party runs from 10:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday, December 10th. We send out a HUGE apology to those receiving my newsletter with the wrong date. The party is on Saturday, December 10th!

For adults and supervised children. Cost .... priceless!

Until Saturday,

Beth

2nd Annual Holiday Boutique

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to be hosting the 2nd annual Holiday Boutique, an emporium of fabulous handmade items from local artisans and artists! Mark your calendars:

Dec 2nd, 6pm-9pm Opening reception
Dec 3rd, 10am-4pm
Dec 4th, 12pm-5pm

Sip some mulled cider and snack on goodies as you stroll through the winter wonderland of gorgeous creative items!

The show features art, cards, dolls, bags and tech covers, jewelry, ornaments, knit and crocheted goods, dolls, and so much more!

This year, we are featuring work by Maria Papale (Marigold), Niki Siebert, Sima Brason, Asha Chaudhuri (Maya), Lauren Lehman, Stefanie Silverman, PriaVanda Patel, Wendy Reo (Freestyle Crochet), Keira Boertzel-Smith, Marissa Hedstrom, and Amy Rehbein (The Little Beansprout).
This is the perfect time to shop for all those holiday gifts! There is something for everyone. Don't head to the malls this year - SHOP LOCAL, SHOP HANDMADE AND SHOP FABULOUS!!!!

See you soon!

Beth

SUPER SALE, NOVEMBER 17TH-19TH!!

2011-11-16T08:45:00.001-08:00

Just what is a Super Sale??

Well, it is a fabulous way to stock up on all of your favorite crafting supplies - including fabric, paper and more! It is the perfect way to buy all the supplies you need for those holiday gifts to make! It is just a super way for you to stock the stashes with goodness from your favorite designers and manufactureres, including Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Dena Designs, Art Gallery, Robert Kaufman, Cosmo Cricket, Pink Paislaee, Crate Paper and more!!

You will find savings of 20%-50%!!!!

Stop in this weekend, Friday, November 17th through Sunday, November 19th, and stroll through the aisles to find all the delicious crafty goodness at our Super Sale! Stop in while supplies last!

2nd Annual Craft Spooktacular!

2011-10-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

We are once again donning costumes and having a crafty, spooky, Rock Paper Scissors Halloween fest!

Join us on Saturday, October 29th, from 10:00am-4:00pm, for refreshments, costumes, and crafty fun! The workshop will be open for some fun kid crafting. And, if the kids come in costume, they will be entered to win a crafty raffle basket full of fun goodies from the store!

The staff will once again be outfitted in fabulous costumes - this time with the Wizard of Oz as our theme! Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY! So, come to see the Wizard behind the curtain!

We will have lots of fabric and paper and crafty goodness on sale, too!

So, join us for some tricks and some treats, tasty goodies, rocking costumes and all-around good crafting fun!

Admission and crafting is free, of course! No registration needed!

Just What is "Christmas in July"?????

2011-07-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

When the time flies too fast and all the seasons just run together, why would we want to have Christmas in July? No, it is not to remind us of cooler weather after the record breaking heat wave we just survived! Here at Rock Paper Scissors, we are celebrating Christmas in July to help the creative juices flow and get started on all of those crafty projects you will want to do for the holidays!

We have holiday paper and embellishments to get you started on the perfect holiday cards and tags. Is sewing more your thing? We have holiday fabric to start those stocking and little gifts made with love. A stitcher? We have great patterns and floss and books to spark your ideas. And, of course, the Rock section is always full of cool new and vintage beads for the perfect gift - or jewelry for yourself! For this week (July 25th - 31st), all holiday themed fabric, paper, embellishments, stamps, punches, and lots of other stuff is on sale - 20%, 30%, even 50% off!

Don't know where to start? Well, we have lots of cool classes this week on stocking and tags and cards and countdown calendars. Or join us on Friday for our "Cool Down and Craft" workshop - the Christmas in July edition. This week, we will be making cute little embroidery and applique "hooped" art. The class is free! Supply bags are available or bring your own from home. Sign up soon as we are almost full!

Need some ideas, you know we are always here and willing to help!

So, join us for a little early holiday fun. Oh, and it helps that we have the air on!

Hope to see you soon,

Beth

Rock Paper Scissors Turns One!!!

2011-06-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

Amazing as it may seem, Rock Paper Scissors is about to celebrate it's first birthday! It has been a roller coaster year full of fun and crafting and new friends. And we are throwing ourselves a party!

Please join us on Saturday, June 18th, from 10:00am-6:00pm as we celebrate this milestone. We will have goodie bags for the first 25 customers, open crafting for the kids from 12-4pm, cupcakes and singing at 2pm, and birthday games all day long. Every purchase qualifies you for a ticket for our raffle basket full of all sorts of crafty goodies! The drawing will be at 4:00pm.

Amy Butler has graciously sent us another trunk show to help us fill the store with gorgeous samples in both her Love and the new Soul Blossom lines. Check out the new patterns, too! We are all stocked up in both fabrics and patterns. Amy's creations helped us to shepard in our infancy and now she is back as we get legs and enter toddler land. All patterns and fabrics by Amy Butler will be 20% off all day long!

Don't miss the fun!!

Beth

Join the Stitching Revolution!

2011-06-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

Rock Paper Scissors is all about the sublime .... Sublime Stitching, that is!

We have expanded our embroidery section and loaded up on the patterns, books, threads and fabrics of Jenny Hart, a.k.a Sublime Stitching. If you are not familiar with Jenny and her fabulous patterns, check out her blog and website. I think she can be credited with turning the embroidery world upside down. Her creative and contemporary patterns have made stitching so much more attractive to the crafting world. They are hip and fun and quick to stitch up.

So, grab those jeans or onesies and stitch a little pattern on them. Make tea towels for the perfect gift for the newlyweds. Stitch pillows and pillowcases and jackets and shirts ... you get the picture! Once you start, you will see a potential stitch spot on everything.

I love to stitch and I stitch on anything. Cotton, towels, runners, aprons, jeans, silk, wool, paper. If I can poke a hole in it, I will stitch on it.

Stitching has always been a part of my crafting life. It has the most marvelous zen-like quality to it. It travels well, anyone can do it, it is extremely inexpensive to get started and keep going, and it has the added benefit of instant gratification. Have ten minutes? You can stitch and see instant results!

Yes, folks, there is a stitching revolution going on! If you want to be a part of it but don't know how, why don't you join us for "Needle & Hoop", a stitching group that gets together at the store once a month. Our next meetup is on Saturday, June 11th, at 10:00am-12:00pm. There is no formal instruction but we all help each other and chat and share and just have a great time. We have extra hoops and lots of vintage patterns to trace from. I will even teach you how to create and transfer your own pattern.

So, join this revolution and be sure to include Sublime Stitching in your plans!

Till next time,

Beth

The Fortune Girls Rocked the House!

2011-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last Friday evening, Rock Paper Scissors was full of an amazing group of young ladies - the Fortune Girls. They came together to embroider hankies for our troops deployed overseas and they rocked the house!!

Everywhere you walked, there were girls, girls and more girls. They stitched and chatted and ate pizza and laughed and made new friends. And, all the time, they were embroidering these beautiful hearts and other messages on oversized camouflage hankies for the troops. They also attached short notes to each hankie with a message of support and encouragement. It was a beautiful sight indeed.

We were honored to have some service members join us, including two young women who have recently returned from deploymet in the Middle East. MASN Chelsea Kepenis and BU3 Penny Zack, joined by Lt. Cmdr Michael Fourte, shared with the girls how much care packages from home meant to them when they were deployed. They also fielded questions from the girls, helped them to stitch and took some time to read the notes.

The hankies will be sent to the troops in care packages that are shipped by Operation Gratitude, a California-based volunteer organization that ships 100,000 care packages to service people every year. Please check out their website when you have a minute. They are an amazing organization that epitomizes the word "volunteer".

It is not too late to contribute to these care packages. Through Memorial Day weekend, we are still collecting toothpaste, toothbrushes, beanie babies, and notes of support and encouragement for Operation Gratitude to include in care packages.

Fortune Girls is a lifestyle brand started by local Glen Ridge residents Madison Ruiz and her mom, Barbara. It is dedicated to the empowerment of girls ages 7-12, helping them to see all they can be in their lives. We were honored to host the first Fortune Girls Operation Hanky evening!! Sponsors included PNC Bank, Super Scoop, and Notions Marketing.

We thank all of the girls who stitched, the service people who took the time to help us understand the importance of what we did, and especially to the service people (including my own son) who put their lives on the line every day for us without regard to personal gain. They are the true heroes.

Till next time,

Beth

The New-Bees

2011-05-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Need some time off to just create? Ever thought about learning to quilt? Well, we have started a new quilters group at Rock Paper Scissors - and it's not your grandmother's quilting bee! We are the New-Bees!

This group meets just once a month. We are a group of fellow crafters who either want to learn to quilt or want to sew with friends, socialize and learn some new tricks. There is no formal instruction, just a sharing of tips and ideas .... and fun!

We all follow the same quilting pattern but bring our own sense of style to the project through our choice of fabrics. The first pattern is "Juice Boxes" from Cluck Cluck Sew. If you have never seen Allison's quilts, do check it out. She brings such a clean, fresh, contemporary flair to quilting. She has been wonderfully supportive and helpful to us and we LOVE working with this pattern.

I am personally so excited about the fun fabrics that I am using for my quilt!

If you are interested in joining us, just contact the store. We have started this quilt but you can catch up and jump in at any time. Or join us when we start our next project. The group is a no-pressure atmosphere - come when you can, catch up when you can. It is just a load of fun to be sewing with other fellow crafters! And, no reason to lug a sewing machine - you have full access to the machines and tools in the workroom.

For more info, call us at 973.337.6759.

Beth

Operation Hanky

2011-05-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Rock Paper Scissors is honored to be hosting Fortune Girls Operation Hanky, a special event to support our military troops, on Friday, May 20th, from 7-10pm. At the gathering, a joint effort with Fortune Girls, Inc., girls between the ages of 7 and 18 will embroider large camouflage hankies with hearts as a message of gratitude to the service of our troops overseas.

The event will be held at the store on Friday evening, May 20th, from 7:00-10:00pm. We will serve the girls pizza, teach them to embroider and have loads of fun!

We are expanding the store's partnership with Operation Gratitude, a California-based charitable organization that sends care packages to troops overseas. They ensure that the hankies and their heartfelt messages will arrive safely to their destination.

Helping to host the festivities will be two local service women who have recently returned from deployment. We hope you can stop in and say a personal thank you to these brave women and their Lieutenant Commander.

To sign up, just call the store at 973.337.6759! There are just a few places left so call soon!

Adults can participate by donating toothbrushes, toothpaste, small stuffed animals (such as beanie babies), or writing a note to the troops. All items can be dropped off at the store.

Read more about our efforts in the Montclair Times and Montclair Patch.

Fortune Girls, Inc. is a multi-cultural lifestyle brand created by Glen Ridge residents Madison Ruiz and her Mom, Barbara. The brand is dedicated to the empowerment of tween girls between the ages of 7-12, encouraging them to discover their own unique gifts.

We hope you will consider joining us in this amazing event!!!

Sale! Sale! Sale!

2011-05-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Oh, don't you just love that word? Sale. So simple, so sweet.

Rock Paper Scissors is hosting its first ever storewide sale starting May 7th. There are items for sale in the jewelry section (the Rock), the paper section (the Paper), and fabric, sewing and embroidery (you guessed it, the Scissors). Sale items range from 20-50% off. And when they are gone, they're gone!

For a little surprise, we will be having some Facebook fan sales. In addition to the sale items in the store, we will announce other special sales of many other items throughout the week, ending May 15th. These sales will only be good on the day of the announcement so check back often.

So join us, browse all the goodies and get your crafty on!

And Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there! I personally will be putting my tired feet up on Sunday and taking the day off but I hope to see all of you on Saturday or next week!

And, ladies, don't forget to sign up for our first ever Ladies Night next week. We will be making this FABulous fabric necklace and pins. Grab some friends and join us. Registration is through the store.

Beth

Quilt Donations to Japan

2011-04-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

Both Lecien and Kokka, two Japanese fabric companies that we work with, are collecting quilts to distribute to the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. If you would like to contribute a quilt to this effort, please drop them off at Rock Paper Scissors and we will take care of shipping them to California. Lecien and Kokka are then shipping them to Japan where they will be distributed to the earthquake survivors.

Here are the details from the two specific companies:

Kokka: any size quilt; needs to be dropped off at the store by 4/30.

Lecien: can be new or very gently used; any type of fabrics can be used for the quilts, but they are requesting general sizes of approximately 40” by 45” for children and 50” by 60” for adults. Please pre-wash all quilts.

In addition, the "Teenies" crafting class for tweens and teens that is held here at the store every Wednesday from 4:00-5:30pm will be embellishing squares to be made into a quilt from Rock Paper Scissors. If you know a tween or teen that is interested in participating, the class is free this week and the group is loads of fun. Just call the store to sign up. Have a great afternoon and help someone on the other side of the world.

Thanks,

Beth

Spring Classes Start This Week!

2011-04-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

We are excited to be starting classes again on Tuesday, April 19th! We have had our brief time off and are ready to go with a collection of new and old favorite workshops!

Kicking off the week, we have the Pillow Whisper class running on Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. Join us in making these ever versatile envelope style pillows - with the Rock Paper Scissors twist!

Jen will be starting up the Big Kids program again making these oh-so-cool paper beads! Kids ages 6-9 can twirl paper and come up with uber cool jewelry!

Tuesday evening brings our always popular Sew Basics class where you can learn sewing machine basics, a a bit about tools and fabric, and be ready to tackle all those great sewing workshops we have on the schedule. This is a great foundation class.

Wednesday morning kicks off the 2-day Twirly Skirt workshop. Is this skirt too stinkin' cute or what? We love it - easy to make and the perfect amount of twirl. Make one for your favorite girl sizes 2-6. If you need another size, just call the store and we will figure out if we can do it.

What is the Beading answer???? At Rock Paper Scissors, the answer to our beading questions is ... Anne Sailer!! We are so happy to have Anne back again to teach You Rock the Basics - a perfect intro course to beading, design, stringing, crimping and all sorts of great stuff. Grab your beads and a clasp, we supply wire and crimps. Walk out with a necklace or bracelet and the knowledge to make so much more!

Thursday bring the Laminated Apron class. Ever wonder how to work with the great laminated cottons in the store? Try this fabulous apron and take the mystery of the laminates away!

Rounding out the week is our always popular Mini Books series with Aubrey, who has just returned from a fabulous vacation. This week, learn to make these super cute little photo stream boxes. Perfect for gifts or that great series of little photos!

Call the store to sign up today. Class size is limited for all classes. Descriptions, costs and exact times for all classes are on our website (link to the left).

See you at class this week!

Beth

We Rocked The MarthaStewart Show Today!!!!

2011-04-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well, really, Martha and the guests rocked the Martha Stewart Show but some crafty gals of Rock Paper Scissors were in the studio today to watch! Trains, planes and automobiles brought us to the city to participate in the audience for her live show. It aired today at 10:00am but will repeat tomorrow, 4/15, at 1:00pm on the Hallmark channel.

We had a blast! It was great just being together on a little adult "field trip" - how often do we all get to do that? There was no craftiness on the show today but we learned how to make engagement chicken, laughed at the front man, and got an inside look at how one of these shows is made.

The gals were ready ...

... the sets were beautiful ......

... and the show was wonderful. It was all great fun and pretty amazing to watch Martha in action.

And the Craft Maven herself ....

... chatting with the audience at the end.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and thank Martha, Anne Marie, Joey and the rest of the MS gang for a great morning!

Stop by the store this weekend as we immerse ourselves in the TV world once again as HGTV might be stopping by to film small portions of a design show. Smile for the camera!

'Til we meet again,

Beth

Organics Rock!

2011-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

We just love Cloud 9 fabrics - and not just because they are Jersey girls. The hand of their fabric, coupled with fabulous designs and their mission for an environmentally better world, just makes them tops in our book.

We are so very happy to be carrying their new price-sensitive line, Nature's Walk. With rich, saturated colors and a grown-up feel to the design, these are sure to find their way into our top lists of favorites. Aren't these colors gorgeous!

You have to check out their blog for loads of projects and inspiration, from beautiful pillows and quilts, to an Ikea lamp cover and the too-stinkin' cute Mr. Fox. And keep scrolling until you find the heart shaped pillow. My "Boy Toy" received one for Valentine's Day and absolutely loves it. Who said the cobbler's husband has no shoes? This would make a great gift card holder all year long. It was perfect to run up in a short time!

Keep an eye out for their new fabric line, Cut Out and Keep, featuring the same great price-sensitive organic cotton and low impact dyes - this time with the gorgeous designs of South African artist and illustrator Heather Moore. It will be shipping mid-April and we hope to have it soon after!

Chat soon,

Beth

Art Gallery Trunk Show

2011-04-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

Gracing the center of the store is a beautiful trunk show with all sorts of samples from the Paradise collection from Art Gallery!

Art Gallery's byline is "Feel the Hand" and you really should. They have one of the most beautiful hands in regular weight cotton. Their fabric is perfect for clothing, crafting, light home dec and quilting. With their rich, sumptuous colors, you will be sure to find a design for anything you want to do.

The trunk show showcases the Paradise collection and includes quilts, bags, pillows and the sassiest apron we have seen! Many of the patterns in the trunk show are available free (including the apron) from Pat Bravo's website. Be sure to check out this collection! I especially love the Firenze bag, perfect for spring wardrobes.

We also carry the Filligree collection and just a little bit left of the Sugar collection. We have lovely little fat quarter packs from Sugar that are a perfect add to your stash or for those little projects. Arriving last week was the brand new Bazaar Style with their Moroccan influence - and that fab peacock color that is a favorite of ours. We are anxiously anticipating the arrival of the Bohemian collection in April, with rich purples and deep mustards, paisleys, bold florals and a few pretty floral sprig patterns. Lastly, we also carry a wonderful selection of Pat's patterns.

Stop in soon before the trunk show sadly returns for home!

Till next time,

Beth

Check Out These Dolls!

2011-03-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

Deniboo Dolls are gorgeously handcrafted by local artisan and author, Denise Lewis Patrick. They are simply amazing! I am afraid that my pictures and my words can never do them justice. You have to see them for yourself!

Each doll's character comes alive in all the little details. Denise has handmade every bit from the hair to the clothing, the jewelry and the shoes, right down to the undies each wears!

When I first met Denise in the store, she told me about the doll she was making - a Nora Zeale Hurston inspired doll for a relative. Not only was I fascinated by Denise's doll making process and inspiration, but I became entranced with the way each doll developed a character as she was making it. By the time the doll was complete, the story was woven - from what the doll liked to do in their spare time to their likes and dislikes. When Denise brought the final product in for me to see, I was hooked!

On display in the store are a series of eight dolls, including the 60's-centric rad couple, Rashidah and Huey, sisters Sophronia and Caldonia, sassy Lavender Lewis dressed head to toe in shades of purple, Lil' Katrina who loves her polka dots, Violet Sockwell - the only one made from a sock - and, my personal favorite, Johnny Ray "Cool Daddy" Randolph replete in his snakeskin shoes.

Denise's work is currently on display at Rock Paper Scissors for just a little while longer. Stop in and check them out. They are truly works of art. Don't miss a detail!

Our newest paper obsessions...I mean, lines...

2011-02-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

We are super excited to have two great new lines coming in the next few weeks!

The first is one is one of the new lines from Cosmo Cricket called Social Club.

I just want to surround myself with and wrap myself up in all the beautiful teal, gold and peacock feathers! I can't wait to start creating!

The second is from one of our favorite companies, Graphic 45, called Le Cirque. Their colors are always beautiful, the images always so wonderful. Just imagine a paper bag album using these great papers.
We can hardly stand the waiting! Can't wait to create with you soon!

-Aubrey

Beat the Winter Blues!

2011-02-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

We have taken a pounding here in the Northeast this winter and we are all pretty tired of it! Snow, ice, rain, wind, repeat. Will it ever end?

Here are Rock Paper Scissors, we have decided to beat those winter blues by running some new workshops. They are fun and free and all blue!

We will start with our little girl Effie. Is she too stinkin' cute or what? Join Beth as we stitch along to Heather Bailey's Effie & Ollie Pattern and create this adorable elephant. It is a perfect little pattern, so cleanly done. For our little sample in the store, pictured here, we blew the pattern up to 150%. You can choose to make the "Ollie" version if you want. He has a star or heart appliqued on his side where Effie has the little flowers in her hair. What a perfect little gift for a pregnant friend or your kids. Or you can save her for yourself!

We will run two sessions of this workshop, one on March 1st at 6:30pm and the second on March 2nd at 11:00am. Previous sewing experience required.

Our second workshop in the Beat the Winter Blues series is making this gorgeous dish of paper flowers and spheres. Join Aubrey to learn how to fold and wrap and magically create these gorgeous flowers pictured above and below. Wouldn't these look perfect in the middle of your table or on your mantle? Chase Old Man Winter away when you transform simple paper into fabulous creations!

We will run this workshop on March 11th at 11:00am. Beginner and experienced paper crafters are welcome!

We can give you a supply list for the workshops or you can purchase one of our supply bags. Our bags will contain all you need to make one elephant or a bunch of flowers and spheres. And you guessed it - everything will be in delectable shades of blue! And the supply bags will be 15% off.

Class sizes are limited so call the store to register today! And, did we mention that the workshops are free? Just let us know if you will be purchasing a supply bag from us.

So join us as we Beat those Winter Blues! Yup, chase them right back up to the North Pole because we are so done!

See you soon!

Beth & Aubrey

Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas

2011-02-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Big Love day is almost upon us! If you have put off the kids' cards long enough, here are a few ideas that can easily be completed over the weekend. Make the card exchange both fun and rewarding this year!

Posy Flower Lollipops

These cute little flowers hide a lollipop in between two flower shapes. They are fast and easy to pop out and the kids will always love giving a sweet treat. Since these flowers are small and can be done in any color, it is a great way to use up all those little scraps in your stash! Use lots of colors and patterns to make a beautiful bouquet.

Supplies:

various colored or patterned cardstock paper
a 2" or larger scalloped punch or circle punch *
a 1" circle punch *
flat lollipops
pens or markers
cute little ribbons cut into 4-1/2" lengths
glue sticks or glue dots

(* Note: if you don't have a punch, just cut out shapes with scissors)

1. Figure out the number of cards you will need. Punch (or cut) that number of shapes with the smaller shaped punch, using only solid colored card stock. Write cute little messages on these smaller shapes. "I pick you", "Be Mine", "A Flower for You" are all good ones.
2. Multiply the number of cards you need by 2. Punch (or cut) that number of the larger shapes.
3. On half of the larger shapes, glue a smaller shape in the center.
4. On the other half of the larger shapes, you or your child can write their name.

5. Glue the two shapes to both sides of a flat lollipop, making sure the message and the child's name are facing outward on either side.
6. Tie a small length of ribbon around the lollipop stick.

Voila! A bouquet of valentine flowers!

Popping Up Lollipops
More cute flowers for Valentine's Day! These ones use the Tootsie pop or Dum Dum style round lollipops as the center of the flower. Again, use lots of different colors and patterns to make a beautiful bouquet.
Supplies:

various colored or patterned cardstock paper
green cardstock
a 2" or larger flower punch *
a smaller flower punch (optional) *
a 1-3/4" leaf punch or template *
round lollipops
pens or markers
glue sticks or glue dots

(* Note: if you don't have a punch, just cut out shapes with scissors. A Sissix or Cricut die works well also.)

1. Figure out the number of cards you will need. Punch (or cut) that number of leaf shapes using the green cardstock. Write cute little messages on the leaves. "I pick you", "Be Mine", "A Flower for You", "You're Sweet" ... you get the picture!
2. Punch (or cut) enough flower shapes so that each flower has 2-3 rows of petals. Mix up colors and patterns.
3. Punch a small hole in the center of each flower using a small hole punch, a snip of the scissors or even a pen.
4. To assemble the flower, push one or two flower shapes onto the lollipop stick. Glue the leaf on the last flower shape. Push this on the stick with the message facing upward.

Presto! Another bouquet!

Simple Messages of Love
These are beautiful little cards that convey your message through simple words. These cards are great for the tween & teen set ... or for you! Remember, you can say "I Love You" in any color so use whatever colorway strikes your fancy (or that you have in your stash!).

Supplies:

solid colored cardstock (plain or textured)
stickers, patterned cardstock or old magazine or book pages
printed words from stickers or old magazine and book pages
glue or glue stick
(Note: we used Bazzill textured cardstock on Wildberry and stickers from the Garden Gala collection from Webster's Pages)

1. Cut the desired number of cards from the solid cardstock, measuring 4"x6". Fold in half so the card now measures 4"x3".
2. If using patterned cardstock or old magazines/pages, cut or punch 1" circles. You should have enough for 3 circles per card.
3. Stick or glue the circles to the bottom right hand side of each card, spacing evenly.
4. Cut the desired words to convey your message from the stickers or old pages. Vintage pages from books and dictionaries look especially cool here.
5. Stick or glue the words to the bottom of each circle.

Write your sentiment on the inside and you have a beautiful, simple card that conveys everything you want it to!

A Whole Bottle of Love
Who wouldn't want to get one of these little bottles of love???? Filled with candy hearts, these make great little gifts for teachers and friends. Just make a quick wrap, fill with candy hearts, and you are good to go with your message of love!
Supplies:

small bottles (we used recycled spice jars; you can also look at dollar stores for similar ones)
various colored or patterned cardstock paper
brads
small paper flower embellishments
glue sticks or glue dots
candy hearts

1. Figure out the number of jars you will make. Cut or punch two sizes of circles for each bottle from the cardstock.
2. Measure the circumference of the bottle. Add 1". Cut strips from the cardstock measuring 3/4" wide times the circumference of the bottle.
3. To assemble the wrap, cut small slits in the two circles for the brad. Putting the slits slightly off center creates a cool look. Find the center of the long rectangle. Mark a point 1/4" to the left of the center and 1/8" up. Cut a slit at this point, being careful not to cut through the edge. Gently push the brad through the flower, the smaller circle, the larger circle, then the rectangle. Push the metal brad pieces apart to hold it all together.
4. Attach the wrap to the bottle by centering the design portion halfway up the bottle. Bring the two ends together in the back. Glue about 1/2 of both ends. Overlap the ends, glue side together, and press firmly.

Many thanks to our fabulous Paper Doll, Aubrey Cece, who shared all these fun Valentine's projects with us. Stop in the store for more great inspiration from her!

We hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love of every color!

Ciao,

Beth

Say I Love You in Any Color

2011-02-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

Who says Valentine's Day has to be all about pink and red and hearts? You can say I love you in any color. My kids say it all the time in a little note to me stamped in black, white trails of snow on the floor after they have shoveled me out, and blue t-shirts left behind after an impromptu visit home. My husband, my king of hearts, says it to me everyday in all different ways and colors, whether showing up at the store in his bright orange cheese hat or surprising me with a beautiful deep purple sweater - just because he loved it and wanted me to have it.

Valentine's Day is not just about cards covered in hearts. Though the history of the day goes back centuries, what we mostly know of the day seems to be orchestrated by the greeting card marketing machines. This year, we at Rock Paper Scissors have decided to buck the trend. We went back through our stashes of fabric and paper and, with a few new things thrown in, put together a wonderful and fun display of lots of ways to say I love you. Of course there is some pink and red and hearts thrown in there. We are not anti-St. Valentine and tradition. We just thought we would have some fun and remind others what the day is really about - taking a moment to say "I love you" to those we love.

So, stop in and get some inspiration! Check out your own stashes. Think outside the pink box! If you say "I love you" with your heart, no one will ever care what color form it takes!

And parents, drop the kids off on Saturday, 2/5, from 11:00am-12:30pm and let them make their own Valentine's Day cards for their class. Don't pick up any old pack of cards at the local drugstore! Let them make their own - with our help, of course. Fun, original cards that will be all done long before the party! What could be better than that????

Ciao, for now,

Beth

True Hero Event 12/11/10!

2010-12-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T06:23:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-29T04:49:00.000-07:00

We did it! We are officially open!

On May 18th, Rock Paper Scissors officially opened its doors for business.

As it says, we are a neighborhood craft store, located in Montclair, NJ. But we are more than a craft store. We are a creative space, a spot where crafters and designers of all ages and types can be inspired. Breathe it in, remember the joy of creating, come play with us.

For those who run with scissors, come wander through our rows of vintage and contemporary fabrics, taking in the beautiful colors and textures. Get the old creative juices going with gorgeous designs by Amy Butler and Dina Designs, to name just two. Feel the utter softness of the best organic cotton around from Cloud 9 Fabrics. Choose from florals and owls and robots. Or incorporate one of the vintage feedsacks or fabric pieces into your next project. And stop by to stand in awe of the beauty of the vintage kimono silks.

We are all about color and beauty and fun.

For the paper folks, we have Graphic 45 and Pink Paislee and Sassafras Lass and Cosmo Cricket. Just to name a few. Add to that new and vintage stamps, embellishments of all kinds, pens and inks and tools, oh my! You are definitely not in Kansas any more!

Get inspired by the delicious designs from our own lovely Aubrey Cece. Save a memory, send your own personal sentiment ... the possibilities are truly endless.

For the Rockers amongst us, we have wonderful vintage beads and metals, contemporary glass and stones, beautiful pearls, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Want to use old Scrabble tiles? We have 'em. Need a pair of earrings for that new outfit you bought? Stop by and we'll help you out! We are constantly adding more to the Rock part of the store.

We have so much more! Borrow a book from our little lending library, peek into our bright and beautiful dedicated classroom/work space, sign up for a workshop, and check out our local artist corner where we showcase the incredible work of local talent that makes up the fabric of Montclair.

We add more every day so stop by often!

Stop by and see us soon! We are located at 15 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair, right near the Panera Bread. Reserve June 12th for the Grand Opening ... more about that great day soon!

And one final personal note ... to all of you who helped make this happen, I am humbled by your generosity and talent and joy you all bring the world. I will take a moment in another post to personally say thanks to the huge team that all played a part. For the moment, just a quick thanks to my fabulous team - Aubrey, Anna, Emma and Khristina - who have fun with me every day, my partner in crime and 1:30am mornings - Martha - as well as her husband and biggest fan (and my brother), Kevin, my amazingly supportive family (far and wide), and to the man who always jumps on these wild rides with me, Dave. Thanks for walking by my side.

Ciao!