Last Day!

Whew, what a week! It's been great, and it was so fun being able to give you all some great deals! I wish I could do that every week!! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.  However, it still seems like there is LOTS left to count. Wish me luck. LOL

So...Saturday's Special Sale items are ANYTHING TIM HOLTZ. If it's got Tim's name on it....you get an additional 15% OFF!

One last day of 25% OFF everything in the store.

Stop by and get in on the deals before they are over!

Enjoy this very last day of 2011!     I know I am going to!

Friday's Special

Good morning everyone!

The sale is still going on at the Playground!


25% OFF everything in the store and today you get an additional 15% OFF all solid colored card stock. This includes the already embossed Core'dinations.


This is a great time to stock up and take advantage of the versatility of the Core'dinations card stock. You can use it just as it is...the front with texture and the back for a smooth surface. You can emboss with your embossing folders, sand it or ink it. It cuts great in the Cricut or other electronic die cutting machines, not to mention cutting dies or punches.


Don't miss out on this deal! Stop down and stock up!


See you soon...and enjoy this beautiful day!!

Thursday Special

25% OFF everything in the store all week long.

Today, take an additional 15% OFF ALL STAMPS! 


This includes all stamps...even Skipping Stones Design stamps. It's a great time to stock up!

I look forward to seeing you!

Wednesday Special

Wow! Yesterday was a very busy day and it was so great seeing all of you. Thanks so much for stopping by!

There is still  25% OFF store wide  and the special today is: Patterned Paper! Take an additional 15% OFF all patterned paper...even the Holiday paper, so if you didn't get in on yesterday's deal for holiday items, you can still get the holiday paper on sale today.

Have a wonderful day!!

Tuesday Special Sale

Good Morning!!
 I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday weekend.  We went back to North Dakota to spend the weekend with 2 of  our 3 kids, and we had a beautiful time, but missed our oldest a lot.  None of the stress of decorating, baking, and cooking this year. I did just a small amount of baking, a very simple meal, and the only decoration we had was a little tree I picked up at Walgreen's for $2.49 on the way out of town. It was all about family this year. Spending time with them and enjoying them instead of slaving over all the details.  Wish I would have learned this lesson YEARS ago! Better late than never. :o)

Are you ready for some deals this week? I am!

Remember, EVERYTHING in the store is 25% OFF all week long.

But, today.....take an additional 15% OFF ALL Holiday items. This includes patterned paper, embellishments,  kits, and stamps. It also includes....any holiday...Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter etc.

Happy Shopping everyone! I look forward to seeing you this week.

(Sorry, Today's Deal coupons cannot be used during special sales or promotions...and this is a special sale)

Merry Christmas!

I wanted to take a moment and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and hope you have the most peaceful time with friends and family!!

After Christmas Clearance Sale

It's inventory time, so that means great deals for You!

Before I give you the details of the sale......

....I want to say THANK YOU to all of the wonderful customers that have been in since I bought the store in August. I love your smiling faces when you walk through the door. I appreciate the encouragement and support more than any words could say. I love it when you bring in the projects you have been working on and share your ideas, it's so fun to see the excitement and talent of so many of you.  I thrive on the questions and the chance to share something new with you, that is really why I wanted to be in this business in the first place...and it totally makes my day! (so please, don't ever be shy about asking questions or wanting to see how something works!) You are all fabulous, and I appreciate each and every one of you! Thank you!

Now, about that sale.
It's time to count inventory and to give the store a little face lift. In order to make that all a little more manageable, there needs to be less stuff....and what better way to "make less stuff" than to have a SALE and give my great customers a deal?

So....from December 27th to the 31st The Playground is having a Clearance Sale

25% OFF Storewide all week 

(includes clearance section items!)

and then

Take an additional 15% OFF special items each day!

Tuesday - All Holiday items (including paper, kits, stamps and embellishments)

Wednesday - All patterned papers

Thursday - All stamps

Friday - All solid card stock

Saturday - All Tim Holtz products


I look forward to seeing you!

Holiday Store Hours

Happy Holidays! 

The Playground will be closed Christmas Eve.  The store will be open normal business hours the week after Christmas. 

Clearance Sale Dec. 27th - 31st. 

It's time to reduce the inventory!  I have some plans to spruce the place up a bit and would like to make it easier by not having so much stuff to move around. It's also time to count the inventory, so, if it's gone, I don't have to count it! More details later.

The Playground will be closed January 3rd - 7th. 

Closing this week to count inventory and get the "sprucing up" done. 

Have a very Merry Christmas, and enjoy every moment with those you love!

Northridge Magazines and some FUN Ribbon

Yes! The January issues of of the magazines are here! As always, a ton of inspiration right at your fingertips.

Scrapbook Trends

Another great issue. The fabric ideas are great for those of you that are friends with a sewing machine. I, however,  have never made friends with any sewing machine. I manage to make an enemy within the first 5 minutes. Maybe that should be a goal for 2012...make friends with a sewing machine...any sewing machine??

One thing that really caught my eye in this issue was a mitten mini book.  The Bo Bunny Snowfall collection makes me think of mittens, and I think it's the perfect match for a mitten mini!

CARDS

I love the color inspiration in this issue. Their is a card that matches a stack of Oreo's...how fun is that?! Lots of Birthday card ideas, and don't we always needing new ideas for those? They have introduced a new article in CARDS....Inspiring Sketches. If ever you are stuck and don't know what to do...sketches are a wonderful starting point. Grab your favorite papers and embellishments and go to town! Easy, peasy.

CREATE

Ohhhh, they had me at "Vintage".  I love vintage looking things, and this issue covers it all...scrapbook pages, cards, mini albums, and home decor...all with that beautiful aged look. (I totally have my eye on the old wooden hanger project in this one.)

SIMPLY HANDMADE

Another reason to make friends with a sewing machine this year. So many fun things in this issue. So many things that caught my eye. A really fun clutch made from canvas/burlap, the cutest onesie with a sewn necklace that looks a lot like the circle garland that is part of the My Mind's Eye Kraft Funday collection, a great button necklace, a cup cozy and lots of card ideas and more.

CRICUT MAGAZINE

The first thing to stand out in this magazine was all the bright colors! It's a party for your eyes, for sure...and it almost seems impossible to see all that color and not feel happy.  Along with the rainbow of color, are some really fun projects. There are some little snowflake trees that are so adorable! Instructions to make a pop-up card, you could use that inspiration all year long with any images and/or die cuts.  There is also a card with a bird wearing a football helmet that cracks me up! Even if you don't get any inspiration from this one (which I highly doubt can happen), you should at least walk away with a smile on your face. :o)

Fabulous Ribbon

Check out this ribbon that arrived today! 

1 1/2 inch Black Sheer Ribbon Rosettes from May Arts

1 1/2 inch  Satin Pleat Ribbon in brown, ivory and burgundy.

I love the classy look of the rosette ribbon.  I also love the look of the pleated ribbon...and the big bonus? I don't have to sew it!! It's already done for me!  Pleats are just plain fun. 

That's all I have for now. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

 

(don't forget to LIKE the Playground on Facebook....you can click on the blue fabric f, up and over on the right of this page and it will take you there!)

"Enchanted" Layouts for Tuesday's Class

Hi everyone! I finally have some photo's of the fabulous pages we will be creating on Tuesday night....I LOVE them! We are going to have some messy, creative fun for sure! I hope you get the chance to join us!

Chelsea did an amazing job, as usual...and we will be using Glimmer Mists to add some fun color, making some great flower embellishments and blinging up some plain old buttons to create these beautiful pages.

Come join us...you won't regret it!! But for now...take a look at all this creative goodness!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend...and I hope the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is here in The Black Hills today!

Tuesday's "Enchanted" Layout Class

Hey everyone! Here is a quick look at what we will be doing for Tuesday's Layout Class. This will be the last Layout class before the New Year (can't even believe how fast and furious this year went!). If you need a creative fix...this is just what the doctor ordered. :o)

It's Bo Bunny's Enchanted Collection. It's a beautiful, classy Collection.This kit has 18 double sided papers and a sticker sheet included...so lots of extras and creative goodness in this one!  We will be adding a punch of color using Bo Bunny's Ocean Flourish paper, and some Glimmer Mist just to jazz things up a bit.

I don't have photo's of the layouts quite yet, I will get them up as soon as I can...but it's sure to be a blast, Chelsea is a creative genius! If you've been to any of the classes, you already know that. :o)

Here are the details:

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 20th

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Cost: $25.00

Bring your paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots along with you! 

Call 721-PLAY (7529) or email scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve your spot.

We would love to have you join us for an evening of creative fun!

Christmas Card Class - Saturday Dec. 10th

Here is what we will be creating on Saturday. Six 6x6 cards and an adorable box to hold them. This is actually a card kit done by Donna Salazar, who is all about Girlie Grunge, you can find out more about her HERE . This kit comes with EVERYTHING....it's amazing! It comes with the card stock, the cardboard to make the box from, cardboard cut outs, card stock cut outs, buttons, ribbons, paper flowers, glitter, paper to make 6x6 inch envelopes AND a template to make them!  Oh, and a step by step instruction booklet, with tons of options to do or make other things...very fun!

Class Details

Date: Saturday,  Dec. 10th

Time: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Cost: $15.00

Bring a paper trimmer (that can accommodate 12x12 paper), adhesive and a scissor (preferably a small, sharp tipped scissor).

You can call 721-PLAY (7529) or email scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve a spot in class.

See you Saturday!!

Tuesday's Layout Class - December 6th

This week's layout class is using the Lost & Found Christmas papers:  elegant, vintage, with a splash of sparkle.
Really beautiful paper, and fabulous layouts once again from Chelsea Van Wyk.
Here are 4 of the 5 layouts we will be putting together on Tuesday night:

Class Details:
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6th
Time: 6 - 9 PM
Cost: $15.00
Bring: Paper Trimmer, Scissors, Adhesive and Pop Dots.

So, if you need just a little time to yourself, some time to create something beautiful and not think about that never ending To-Do list,  the phone number and email are on the top right of this page, give me a call or shoot me an email and reserve your spot in class. It's 3 hours...just for YOU...you really do deserve it.

See you soon!

It's getting cold....my creativity is heating up!

I know it's November, I know we live in a climate where snow is inevitable, but I'm still not ready to deal with the snow (snow banks, the puddles left behind or the ice).

However, it seems when it gets cold, my creativity starts to kick in a bit more. Now, THAT I can live with.

Yesterday I was working on getting  materials ready for tomorrow's Flower Necklace class.

(here's a sneak peek at the flowers for tomorrows class)
There is still room if you want to join us @ 10am
Call to sign up or get more info.

A small order of product came in the afternoon. I unpacked it, priced it and put it out on the shelves. I tried really hard to get back to cutting flowers...but...there was one particular embossing folder that came in that  kept calling my name. It was the Winter Botanicals set from Sizzix and Basic Grey. 

Not a great photo here....but this is what comes in the set.  

I couldn't resist the calling to create. This is what resulted:

This one was made with Core'dinations Whitewash Collection (Grandpa's Trunk), a kraft card base and a little Candi dot from the Dotted Coffee Bean set. Soooo quick and easy! I love the subtle look.

Then I thought about the Easy Folder Frames...HAD to try that!  Another kraft card base, then cream card stock, ran through with an oval Easy Frame. I used Frayed Burlap Distress Ink to stamp the sentiment, and to  "smoosh" over the embossed parts. I used my blending sponge and very lightly rubbed it over the tops of the embossed areas. Of course, I had to ink the edges just a little more to add that look I love. The Candi dot  seems like it belongs in the middle of that flower, so I added another. Again, quick and easy and so subtle.

Now for some color. This seems to be my favorite color combination these days, and I decided I could make it work for Christmas, too. I started with a white card base, layered with a sheet from My Mind's Eye 12 Days of Christmas line, then a layer of teal Core'dinations Vintage Collection. The embossed layer is a lime green that I found in my scraps. Once more...so quick and easy...just emboss, sand, add a quick stamp and adhere it all together. It takes  minutes to finish a card like this, and I love the way they turn out!

I had no idea what I was going to do for Christmas cards this year, or even IF I was going to do them. But after yesterday's creative burst, I think it might happen! I love quick and easy...and there is just something about watching that image emerge from either sanding or inking that delights my soul! 

May you find the time to do something that delights your soul. :o)

Update on Tuesday's Layout Class

I really messed this one up....forgot to tell you all the date and the time for this class...and I posted the wrong paper line!

Take a look at the great layouts Chelsea has done for us this time using My Mind's Eye 12 Days of Christmas Collection pack.

And here are the correct details for this class:

When: Tuesday, Nov. 22nd from 6:00-9:00 PM

Cost: $15.00

Bring a paper trimmer, scissors and adhesive & pop dots.

Call or email to reserve your seat in the classroom. 721-7529(PLAY) or scrapandplay@rushmore.com

Classes, What's NEW, and Black Friday!!

 I can't believe how fast time flies...and that the Holidays are just around the corner!! Are you ready? I'm not, but ready or not...here it comes!

Saturday's Class
We are having class this Saturday, Nov. 19th at 10:00 AM. Cheryl Webb will be showing us how to make some magnificent flowers and making necklaces from them. These necklaces have been in the store for a while now and many of you have showed a lot of interest in them. We won't be making these exact flowers but they will be awesome and so much fun to create! Once you learn the technique, you will be a flower making fool and be making flowers for everything!

Cost: $20

Bring a pair of scissors...everything else will be provided for you.

Call 721-7529 (PLAY) or email scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve your spot!

Tuesday's Layout Class

Brought to you by the very talented Miss Chelsea Van Wyk. We will be using the Lost and Found Christmas collection pack from My Mind's Eye. This is a stunning set of papers...very vintagy (spell check says that's not a word....hmmm) , but with a touch of glitter to make it dazzling and beautiful.  Here is a look at the collection pack and I will have photo's up as soon as I can.

Cost: $15.00

Bring paper trimmers, scissors and adhesive

Call 721-7529 (PLAY) or email scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve a seat.

Smash Books

These came into the store last week...and they sold out before the week was over!! (never fear, more arrived this week and more is on the way) I have been wanting one of these ever since I heard about them last year. I still don't have one, but I will when the next shipment comes in. I love that they are an "in the moment" kind of scrapbook. You can add photo's, notes, receipts, tickets (like "Breaking Dawn" movie tickets) fortunes from fortune cookies (I have one just waiting to be smashed into my new book!), quotes...silly things your kids say, silly things your husband says (some days that could fill a whole book on it's own). I love the freedom of smashing stuff into the book as it happens, without having to work out a layout, make it all match and be beautiful. Because honestly, when I do that kind of scrapbooking....it takes me weeks!

I have said this before and believe the saying "It's the little things that make life BIG." I think once you fill a SMASH book with the little things that happen in your everyday life, you will see how BIG your life really is!

Winter Distress Inks

Oh yeah, Tim Holtz did it again. Another set of amazing seasonal inks. And they are IN THE STORE!! I'm in love with the Evergreen Bough. Everyone is always searching for a bright red and Festive Berries is definitely that. Iced Spruce is pretty, but when you add some shimmer to it, it is fabulous! 

If you haven't seen Tim in action with this new set of inks, check him out on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L_fCOQ38Nw&feature=player_embedded

Black Friday Shopping

I still can't believe this is next week already!

Stop by, browse, shop and enjoy a cup of coffee and some homemade treats.

First up for this crazy, special day of shopping is the Black Dot Sale. Everyting in the store with a Black Dot will get 40% OFF the retail price.

Second, all 40% OFF clearance items will be 60% OFF.

Third is a SUPER SALE....I am so excited to be able to offer this to you!! 

Organizing all of our supplies always seems to be a struggle...but this awesome Clip It Up Ribbon Organizer from Simply Renee will definitely help make things easier!

I love that you can see it all, know what you have and USE it! 

Each comes with:

• a ribbon tray
• 2 scissor holders
• 2 metal rods
• Two 1 foot measuring stickers
• 40 chromed metal swivel clips
• Wall mounting hardware
• Instruction sheet

36 Inch Ribbon Organizer $24.00 - $60 retail value!!

18 Inch Ribbon Organizer $20.00 - $52 retail value!!

Quantity is limited, so hurry in to get yours! 

That's it for now. Have a great rest of the week and weekend!!

Special Guest at the Playground

I am excited to introduce Fisk-a-teer Cheryl Waters from Fiskars!

Cheryl will be coming to the store on Saturday, November 12th to do a FREE make and take! She will be showing us how to make this mixed media card using various Fiskars punches and Smooch Spritz.

.

It is an honor to have Cheryl coming all the way from California to share some of her creative fun with us!  Let's give her a BIG Rapid City Welcome! Stop by and say Hi and get a chance to play with some great products and have some fun! 

TIME: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

COST: FREE!!!!

RSVP: No need....just come on in!

We will try to accommodate as many as we can, come in early to make sure you get in on the fun!

Get to know a little more about Cheryl HERE.

Be there or be square!! (you really don't want to miss this!)

See you on the 12th!!

TP Mini Books

Here is a look at the mini books we will be making from Toilet Paper rolls in this Saturday's class (October 29th).

We will be putting this together using the Authentique GLOWING 6x6 papers and die cut sheets. I will provide other embellishments. If you are attending the class you will need to bring 4 empty toilet paper rolls, scissors, paper trimmer and adhesive.

Class Cost: $15 (you take lots of extra's home with you)

Class Time: 10 AM and 2 PM

See you there!

November Magazines are here!

Yes, they are here and full of fun and inspiration as usual!

Scrapbook Trends has a great section about using Spray Mist, Paint and Ink. If you've been a little intimidated by using any of these items, this might be the issue to get you going. I thought it was refreshing to see a section dedicated to Teens. Sometimes those are the hardest pages to do, so it's always great to get some new ideas and inspiration. Also great ideas how to use stamps in your scrapbooking...it's nice to have multiple uses for those stamps! Remember....you can stamp on just about anything that doesn't move...or bribe them with chocolate if they do!

Cards is full of felt, twine, lace and chipboard. The Baby cards are beautiful, I can't wait to make one! The tutorial in this month's issue is for a Simple Quartered Flower. Looks fun to me! Oh! Do you still have all those decorative scissors we all had to have "back in the day"? They have great examples on how to put them to use. (mine have been sitting unloved and unused for a very long time...maybe they will have to come out and play someday soon.

Simply Handmade has it's Holiday issue out and it has ideas for cards, decorations, and gift ideas. There is a Woven Ribbon Mini Album that really caught my eye. They use a combination of ribbon and burlap string and I love the way it looks! There are great wreath ideas and the most adorable little mitten to use for your tree, or decorating or a gift tag...I like that idea, too.

The Create issue is all about Christmas Cards. Lots and lots of inspiration here, if you are stuck and don't know what to for your Christmas cards this year, this is the place to get motivated! I love the non-traditional Christmas colors that they use to really spice up a card. What I love most is that there are so many cards that are easy to make...but they don't LOOK that way. Gotta love that!

This month's Cricut Magazine  features a lot of Thanksgiving and Fall ideas...and LOTS of baby ideas. (Is this the time of year for babies, and I never knew?) Again...fun and full of color and inspiration.

I don't think there is any way to look through these magazines and not come away with ideas and inspiration to create something fun and wonderful. When I am in a rut...this is where I always go for inspiration.

So, enough talk....here is a look at the front covers of these great publications.

Stop on by and say Hi, and pick up your monthly dose of inspiration!

See you soon!