June 5, 2010 |
| Very Important Update! |
Very Important Update - we are making changes
I thought it may be time to update you all as to what is taking place over here so there isn’t any mass confusion.
We will be closing the retail store for the summer months so that we can make some changes to the space we were originally located in before we had moved downtown. (We were originally going to only be closed until mid June but due to the slowness of this season we have decided to take the summer to make the necessary changes)
Why the changes?...well the store will be downsizing and will be moving back to its original location but with a different layout and a completely different focus.
Why you ask??
Well due to the demand of the custom design aspect of The Hope Chest (which is the primary of the business) as well as the lack of everyday support of the retail store it has become difficult to run the store in a traditional location as well as be in 2 different locations.
We had to be split in two different locations due to space availability which is something that we have struggled with since moving the business to Delburne.
When we originally made the decision to move onto Main st. we were thinking we could make it work and thought that it may be better for the retail store itself in a more busy area of town. But as it turns out that is not the case. In fact it has probably hindered the store slightly for it has left me stretched between 2 locations and has left on occasion people wondering "where is Michelle" when really I am just down the street at the old location working.
Even though I would post which location I was at, sometimes the notice would get missed leaving the odd customer questioning?? My sincerest apologies to anyone who had encountered this problem over the past months.
I have had tons of positive feedback about moving back to the house and focusing more on retreats, kits and teaching classes and after long deliberation, this is the approach we have decided to take.
We have taken the last couple years to experiment as to what the needs are surrounding the store in this community and this is what we feel will be the best approach for everyone including our family.
The focus will be mainly on scrapbook retreats, custom design clients and students and we will then go back to “by appointment” for any other customers. It has simply become clear that the demand is not here in this community for a traditional 9 to 5 scrapbook store.
I realize that this may be slightly of an annoyance to my existing customers that once again we are moving and I apologize profusely! However, trial and error is sometimes what is needed in order to best figure out what will make everyone happy, most importantly my family.
Due to the very little everyday support, we as a family had actually discussed closing the store completely however I strongly feel the need to keep things going for all the retreaters. The groups of retreaters have been hugely supportive and I would hate terribly to let them down. This is why we are going to focus mainly on retreats which have been the heart of our business in this community. Thank you for all of your support!
I hope all of you can understand and offer your patience to our once again decision to make a change. We are hoping to have this all organized, moved and up and running by the end of summer.
We felt this was a good time to make these changes due to the slowness of the season.
Thank you again everyone for your patience.
Michelle and Family
The Hope Chest Scrapbook & Gift Co.
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May 18, 2010 |
| I'll be Back!! |
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I thought perhaps I should let everyone know that I will be disappearing for a short time so if you dont hear from me on the blog periodically this is why. My store will be closed over the next few weeks for we have some changes going on with the store, with our home and some family business to go along with it. Also. my oldest son is graduating in 10 days!!! aaaagh!
So for the next few weeks, I apologize, for I will be slightly absent. I will try to get on here and keep everyone updated however thought I would give everyone a heads up that life over here is taking over for a bit!
However if you are having a scrapbook emergency..please dont hesitate to call me on my cell, Im not far away at all.
(403-348-7499)
Michelle
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May 18, 2010 |
| Scrapbook your Heart - 2010! |
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PHOTO BY ALLISON ORTHNER
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Well everyone, I am now back home from one of the most amazing weekends ever! The Scrapbook your Heart Retreat put on by an amazing group of ladies who have truly out did themselves! I can honestly say that this Retreat is bar none the best retreat I have ever attended!
From the amazing sessions, classes, the location, the non-stop pampering, the atmosphere, the inspiration and the new friendships! The list goes on and on! I honestly have trouble putting it into words of how this retreat left me feeling like I had a whole new approach on life. It is definately like no other! To all my scrapbook and non scrapbook ladies out there, if you have not had the opportunity to attend this retreat I am here to tell you that next year it is a must to do! Ladies put this on the top of your list and I promise you you will leave asking yourself "Why have I not been to this before?"
This is an Alberta wide retreat so I was fortunate enough to meet amazing women from all over Alberta. Thank you everyone for this incredible, uplifting and soul searching weekend. I am greatful for the new friendships, the laughter, the hugs the cry's and the positive feeling of opportunity! My only regret would be that my bestest soul sister wasnt there to share in this experience, cause the more I think about it she would have absolutely loved it and could have benefitted from this experience..so next year Charlene!! I will pack your bags for you!!
Have a Great week everyone and again...thank for the incredible experience!
To Rita,
Thank you soooo much for your kind words! You were a pleasure to have in my class and again I am thankful to have had the opportunity! I look forward to seeing you again if you make down to this neck of the woods. Take care!
( I did try to email you however it kept coming back undeliverable, so I hope you see this!)
P.S. I had to steal this photo off of Allison for in the crazyiness (good crazy) I never snapped a single photo! Can you believe it?!! So any of you generous ladies who wish to share your photos with me please email me at thehopechest@telus.net. I would looooove to see them!
Please visit Allisons website to see the fabulous photos that she took during this amazing event!
Happy scrappin'
and remember everyone to
...LIVE LIFE CREATIVELY.
Michelle
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May 6, 2010 |
| 8 MORE SLEEPS! |
8 MORE SLEEPS people! Yes that is right, 8 more sleeps until the
Scrapbook Your Heart Retreat where you will dare to spend an entire weekend being inspired!
And I am not just meaning inspired to design.
This is a Retreat that is offered to women accross Alberta who wish to meaningfully and artfully explore the important matters of the heart.
This years theme for the weekend is "A Time For Everything" and right now is a time to get excited! For this truly unique, inspiring and uplifting experience is only 8 sleeps away!
So if you haven't registered yet, please visit the SCRAPBOOK YOUR HEART Website to do so. Be sure to read the BLOG for all the pertinent information surrounding the weekend including some sneak peeks about what this group of fantasic women have in store for you!
I believe there are only a few spots left out of a of 100 so if you were thinking of coming, now is the time to Register!
Allison has came up an inspiring challenge for those last minuters that refer a friend. So check out the SYH BLOG for more information. You wont want to miss out!
For those of you who dont know, I have been so blessed as to have been asked to be a guest instructor at this Retreat this year. I am very exciting to have been given this opportunity to spend the weekend with this group of amazing and talented women! I am looking forward to new experiences, new friendships and the chance to share, learn, grow and inspire! Thank you Christy and Allison for thinking of me!
Looking forward to a fantastic weekened! xo
Happy Scrappin everyone and remember to always...
Live Life Creatively!
Michelle
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April 30, 2010 |
| National Scrapbook Day |
SATURDAY MAY 1st is
NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY!
and we are celebrating with a SALE!
Be sure to pop in and check out all the great deals we are having
on New and SELECT product.
HAPPY SCRAPPERS DAY!
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April 21, 2010 |
| New! Fresh Clothsline by L.Y.B. |
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Fresh Clothsline by LYB
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Oh this new line by LYB is just so fantastic! You will absolutely love it!
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April 21, 2010 |
| New Products galore!! |
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My Four Favorite Outlaws!
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I have been super busy creating layouts and such with all the new lines that have come in. Love Love Love the Mamarazzi Line by Bo Bunny, it is so versatile! I have done an "us" layout as well as a Hockey layout to demonstrate how you can use this fabulous line! And for my latest fav...the fresh clothsline collection by Little Yellow Bicycle. It is just so soft and inviting..I just love it! I think I just may have to create a mini album with this line. It is just so yummy! Also, NEW INSTORE would be the latests from... Basic Grey, Websters Pages, Prima, Tim Holtz, Fancy Pants, Graphic 45, Shabby Green Door, the Girls Paperie, Pink Paislee, New Smooch Spritz and more!
To see all of the latest creations go to the Designer gallery and check out the new layouts!
Remember to always ...Live Life Creatively!
Michelle
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March 14, 2010 |
| Every Scrapbooker... |
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My kitchen table at work!!!
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Happy March Madness everyone!!! Michelle is in HOCKEY H***!!! I was thinking the other day when I was putting together a wedding album that I did for my friend and I was wondering...How many scrapbookers have a room with all their stuff and collection and how many of us actually use the use that room to work in?? I am a kitchen table and island worker who runs back and forth to the room that holds my collection. I wonder how many of us buy a table with scrapbooking in mind?? My guess is alot because lets be honest the room that we needed isn't big enough and doesn't have the right lighting..Right it's lighting that's the issuse not that there is to much stuff in there that makes it impossible to work...(LOL) Anyways just a thought and wanted to let everyone know that with wedding season coming up quick we are able to design and order your invites as well as put them together or just give you an idea. I will post some photos and there are some in store already that have been done. Anyways have a great day and enjoy the weather!!
Jaclyn
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February 18, 2010 |
| HOCKEY OVERLOAD!! |
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Well I figured maybe it was time I actually sat down and blogged for a change! It seems that I never get the chance. Thankfully Jaclyn at least gets on here or we would never have any news! LOL!
Its that time of year for my family that I can only describe as "Hockey Overload" With 4 kids in hockey ranging from Pee Wee to Midget - the overload of tournaments, playoffs and provincial playdowns, one can only guess how much time we spend at arenas not to mention driving all over the province! After just wrapping up our Hockey Day in Delburne Tourney and then the Girls Pee Wee Tourney immediately followed. Our midget team playing a ridiculously amount af back to back games and our Bantams are playing provincial playdowns, you can imagine that I haven't had a whole lot of time for scrapbooking. ALTHOUGH! I did manage however to put something together for one of our drawtables this past week. However I am going to have to now find the time to create a few more for there have been few requests from the non winners. I do have to say I LOVE collages! Its truly my thing. Especially Sports Collages! But I have to say there just isnt enough sports papers out there....so on this collage I created my own paper by scanning an official game sheet onto an old ledger style patterned paper. I loved it! It turned out really well, in fact I made several copies for later. And naturally the majority of the letters I altered individually were grunge alphas by my boyfriend...you know who! lol.
Speaking of my boyfriend...aka. Tim Holtz. Be sure to keep posted for all the fantabulous products coming in from his latest CHA release. Oh My Gosh there are so many goodies coming I dont even know where to begin! I cant wait!! And as alway this time of year brings lots of new goodies arriving weekly, be sure to pop in and check out whats new! Thanks for checking in!
See you soon!
Michelle
REMINDER: The store is closed this weekend due to Hockey Provincial Rounds. I will be travelling around on a bus cheering for our Bantams. GO OUTLAWS GO!
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2010
New Blog!
June (1)