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