Is it irony that we woke up today on the day we celebrate our independence to rain (tears from Heaven)?  I wonder.  I have always had a stong patriotic heart.  I have studied and read the lives of our founding fathers and taught from primary sources the greatness of their lives to my students.  It is always exciting to think about July 4th, but I wonder today, how far we have come from the freedoms that were intended for us to possess by those who were there at the inception of our country.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. ~ The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776
Today I wish for all a day of celebration, regardless of what weather your day is met with, may all the important things, the experiences that really matter be celebrated this day.  Celebrate the people in your lives; family and friends, young and old.  And of course, don’t forget to capture a part of this on film to record for those who will come behind.  Many of what was good from the days of our parents has been lost.  What will our kids loose?   I hope today is more than fireworks, hot dogs and hamburgers and as much about gratitude and prayers for our great country and those who are in office now as leaders.  May they all be true to that stewardship.

Happy Birthday America.  God bless you and all of us who hold this land dear. 

We are so excited to have our project sample in the store now for everyone to see and admire.  We hope many of you will sign up to take this class and learn from one of the great teachers in our area.  The recipe project featuring the 7 Gypsy photo spinner (alternative binding option available) is full of some amazing layouts.  The colors are stunning in blacks and browns and greens, yet neutral enough to be encorporated into any kitchen theme. 

Sign up soon - space is limited.   Class scheduled for Saturday July 18th. 10:45 AM

  Friday is the day we have been waiting for.  We are anxious to introduce a new teacher to STI!  A very talented and forward thinking scrapper who brings to the table very exciting ideas.  Come meet Amy (if you haven’t already had the pleasure) and sit in on a class that is sure to hook you in.

Class begins this Friday at 6:30 PM.  Seating is limited, so please pre-register.

Cost of the workshop is $49.99.

Please bring a snack and beverage.  Snacks to share are also welcome but not required.  This may be a long class and we also have Saturday morning reserved to finish up if we do not get enough done on Friday.

See you in class!

Sweet Deal Pre-order Special now being offered on the hottest tool release from Quickutz.

Pre-pay for your machine before July 3rd and receive an instant rebate of $20.00 and a mail-in offer for 6″ die valued at over $20.00. 

The Epic 6 is a table-top die cut machine that is sure to become a leader in the die cut industry.  The Epic 6 comes with everything you need to cut and emboss all Quickutz dies as well as all other leading brand dies.  This is truly an Epic (majestic, impressive, surpassing the ordinary) tool and one you will want in your die cutting station.

Epic 6 Features:

1. Cuts and embosses — both platforms will be included with the machine

2. 6″ wide opening with a 13×6 platform

3.  Works with all Quickutz and leading brand dies

4.  Lifetime warrenty

5. Light weight and portable,  with high quality metal parts

6. Personalize your Epic with a choice of decorative skins

7.  Instant rebate for pre-pay by July 3 and an additional mail-in rebate from QK.

8.  Regular Retail Price will be $89.99  -  Pre-order a Sweet Deal!!!!! and save $40.00

Only a small  pre-sell selection of tools will be arriving at STI!  next month.  To ensure you are the first to receive yours and to be invited to our launch party, stop soon to pre-pay and take advatange of the promotional offers.

We love classes and this month we have some awesome ones.  Starting on Wednesday with a patriotic-themed album featuring Clear Scraps acrylic/chip albums.  This is hugely technique driven, but very fun.  Cost is $29.99 and seating is limited — so hurry in and pre-pay for this class.

Thursday June 18, we have another great class scheduled featuring Basic Grey’s tabbed album.  This is a quick and easy album that would make a perfect gift.  Cost $25.00 - limited seating.

More classes and pics to post soon!