Beautiful Frost Design Inspiration

It's nearly Christmas!  We are sure that your craft rooms are buzzing with last minute Holiday preparations.  Snowflakes are in the forecast for this afternoon so we thought it would be fun to share some beautiful frost inspired cards from Linda.  

Aren't those snowflakes amazing?!  These unique decorations were crafted using the Snowflake Die from Impression Obsession.

Stop by the shop today to see these beautiful creations in person!  While your there, enjoy 25% off of our gift section (excluding consignment and BeJeweled items).  It's not too early to start thinking about Valentine's- here's a peak at one of the beautiful cards designed by Linda for this special Holiday.  December 26th would be the perfect day to stock up on frost paper and our new Valentine collections... For this day only, enjoy 40% off your entire purchase!*

We wish you happy crafting adventures over the next couple of days!

*excludes new Hero Arts stamp sets, Artisan's Attic, BeJeweled, ReCreate, and consignments

Interview with Susan, Robyn, and Linda

We are concluding our blog series introducing you to the faces of Checkered Cottage with a special interview with the dream team: Susan, Robyn, and Linda.  These amazing ladies share a glimpse into all the magic that goes into this this special store.

Spotlight on Susan, Robyn, and Linda

How it all Started:

Way back in the early 90s (1990s)!!, Robyn and Linda worked at a little shop in Kirkwood called Stenciled Duck and Susan was a regular customer.  The 3 became friends and in early 1999 when  The Duck closed, Susan took the opportunity to reopen her own shop in their vacated space with Robyn as manager and Linda as designer.   

The Name Game:

What to call this new little endeavor??  Susan wanted it to have a cozy feel, so  'cottage' would work and at that time country checkerboard was all the rage, soooooooooooo Checkered Cottage was born!!!!!   

In the Beginning.......

The main focus of the Cottage in the beginning was wall stencils, and wood kits along with a few templates, a little card stock and some candles.  My how things have changed!!  Stencils and wood have given way to an extensive hand picked line of paper crafting supplies, a wide selection of classes taught by the best teachers in town, a beautiful gift line, and a one of a kind area called ReCreate for resale and purchase of gently used craft items.  Change has been good!!

We Get Inspired by....

Our customers!   We listen a lot to their needs and the ideas they share with us.  Inspiration also comes from attending CHA for our paper lines and our buying trips to Chicago for our gift line.  Our reps are fantastic as they get the latest and the greatest to us in a timely fashion.
 

Our Travels: 

Most memorable was being invited by Lasting Impressions to attend their Top Brass weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah  January 2006.  One evening we had dinner at the top of a ski run via a sleigh ride up to a restaurant called The Snowed Inn.  WOW!!
Craziest by far trip was our CHA adventure out in Anaheim, CA.  Attended the show all day and at night took that rental car out cruising the streets. Oh, the sights we saw  -  'nuff said!!

Business and Pleasure:

It's great that our personalities are alike... but it's really our differences that keep things fresh and always changing.  These differences help us to see things in a broader view here in the store and on our buying trips.  Three good friends working together for over 13 years continues to be great fun!

Want to read more? Click on the name below to read past interviews:

Kathi Anderson, Jan Conway, Candice Meyer, Barb Ogden, Maggi Zesch, Laura

Staff Spotlight: Interview with Laura

This post is part of a new series on the blog with a focus on introducing you to the fabulous faces of Checkered Cottage. We thought it would be fun to pick their brain about crafting and life in general!

Spotlight on Laura

 
Laura makes jewelry at Checkered Cottage.  She has been in love with jewelry ALL of her life  (just ask Linda)!  Her addiction with crafting started around 10 years ago- to the point that her husband told her that she needed to get rid of some of the beads she was collecting.  So, she took him up on his idea and has been making and selling ever since.

What inspires you?

My family 

What are some of your "go-to" supplies for crafting?

Beads, beads, and more beads... I have more beads than Carter's got pills!

What is your favorite crafting technique?

I love working with silver... and would love to work with diamonds!

How would you describe your crafting style?

Traditional

How long have you been creating beautiful jewelry?

9 years

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Anywhere there's antiques!

What is your favorite snack to munch on while making jewelry?

Ice cream!

Favorite song of the moment?

Anything by The Beatles

When you aren't teaching classes at Checkered Cottage, how do you spend your time?

Taking care of my family, pre-school teaching, and attending bead shows.  When I go to a bead show, I feel like a KID IN A CANDY STORE!  My heart races and I can't wait to get to the tables fast enough.

What do you love most about Checkered Cottage?

Everyone.

Thanks Laura, we are happy to have you as part of the Checkered Cottage Team! Here is a peak at one of her gorgeous jewelry designs:

Stop by the shop today to see all of her inspiring creations.  A necklace or pair of earrings would make a perfect Christmas gift for that special someone on your list!

Want to read more? Click on the name below to read past Spotlights:

Kathi Anderson, Jan Conway, Candice Meyer, Barb Ogden, Maggi Zesch

Design Inspiration

Are you looking for a bit of design inspiration heading into The Holidays?  If you haven't seen these beautiful cards created by Linda, stop by the shop today for a first hand look!

Two very different color combinations on these cards... but fantastic effects on both!  Ribbon, jewels, and glitter add so much charm to these festive greetings.  Full instruction sheets on how to make these beauties are available at the shop!

Christmas Fun at The Cottage

Did you know that there are only 31 days until Christmas?  The season is in full swing at The Cottage!  We hope you will stop by to see our wonderful assortment of papers, embellishments, ribbons, and design ideas.  And, if you shop with us today (Friday, 11/23) or tomorrow (Saturday, 11/24), please enjoy 20% your entire purchase.*

Here's a peak at all the fun we had at our Annual Open Christmas House this year:

We have a fantastic variety of Christmas gifts available in addition to our paper and stencil lines.

Susan, Robyn, and Linda

 Fantastic Make-N-Take Opportunities

*Discount excludes consignments, Bejeweled jewelry or Recreate.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Full of Gratitude: Thanksgiving 2012

The sunshine and mild temperatures of this week are forecasting a glorious Thanksgiving Day tomorrow.  We can almost smell the sweet aroma of pumpkin pies baking!  We asked two of our wonderful teachers to share they love about this Holiday... here are their responses:

Jan looks forward to setting a beautiful table each year for Thanksgiving.  This Fall, she decided to switch things up from her traditional decor and incorporate some handcrafted pieces using her die cutting machine as inspiration.  

Don't you just love her paper flower centerpiece and those adorable pumpkin place cards?  Jan is a master at incorporating different textures and products into her designs... like adding buttons to the middle of the napkin rings!

In addition to celebrating with her family, Candice hosts a potluck "Friendsgiving" each year.  This year, 15 people took part in this annual Turkey Day tradition... almost more than could fit around 1 table in the dining room!  She looks forward to sampling all the delicious dishes that everyone brings, as well as catching up with close friends.  In her words, "there is just something magical about gathering everyone around a beautiful table, toasting to the great moments of the year, and sharing what you are grateful for."  This year, she started a scrapbook to document the tradition and looks forward to adding a new page next Thanksgiving!

We spy our paper in the center panel, as well as a Memory Box Snowflake die cut in gold!

Thank you for the inspiration, Jan and Candice!  

Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude this year- we are so appreciative of our dear family and friends, and especially our WONDERFUL CUSTOMERS!  We are grateful for not only your business, but also your caring hearts and inspiring creativity. 

Thank you from all of us at Checkered Cottage.

Teacher Spotlight: Interview with Maggi Zesch

We are starting a new series on the blog with a focus on introducing you to our fabulous teachers. We thought it would be fun to pick their brain about paper crafting, stamping, and life in general! We invite everyone to experience their first class knowledge of crafting, as well as their fabulous personalities, by signing up for a class today!

Teacher Spotlight on Maggi Zesch

When Maggi's crafting took over her kitchen area, her darling husband built a room for her over their garage.  He totally understood the need for her to have a special place where she could escape and get creative.  Plus, it is nice not to have to clean up after every project... just close the door and leave it until later!  Her two grandsons love to go up in "Nana's room" and use all the fun supplies to draw and paint and stamp.

What inspires you?

 Color is probably my greatest inspiration, especially the colors and textures in nature.  Finding new color combinations is a great challenge.

What are some of your "go-to" supplies for crafting?

DIES, DIES DIES...  the more the merrier, and of course the Stardust gel pen.  Just enough bling without being too obvious.

What is your favorite crafting technique?

Using Copic Markers for coloring has been such a fun thing to learn.  You feel like a "real" artist when you complete a project.

How would you describe your crafting style?

Eclectic, I like traditional and also being a little funky.

How long have you been crafting?

Since I was a little girl, I have always had my hands on scissors and paper.  I remember discovering my first hole punch.  Just love the sound and smell of paper, especially when a good pair of scissors cuts through some great paper.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Santa Barbara, California - a very creative place.

What is your favorite snack to munch on while crafting?

No munching, just a huge Diet Coke.  Of course, I have had to re-do many a project because the cup sweat leaked all over the paper and several times I dumped the entire drink on my work table.

Favorite song of the moment?

Adele, Rolling in the Deep

Are you on Pinterest?

But, of course.  I have a S'mores board with over 100 recipes  who would have thought 3 ingredients could create so many variations.

When you aren't teaching classes at Checkered Cottage, how do you spend your time?

Making cards to sell and for the Card Ministry at my church.  And, my greatest joy is helping home school my 8-yr old grandson.

What do you love most about Checkered Cottage?

 I love the creative atmosphere that the store brings out the moment you walk in! The staff is amazing.  The product selection is so good that you will always leave with a hundred ideas.

Thanks Maggi, we are happy to have you as part of the Checkered Cottage Team! 

Maggi has several fantastic classes coming up in the next several weeks.  Check our class schedule HERE to learn more about these amazing projects: Portfolio with 4 Cards, Six Festive Tags, Ornament Class, and Nativity Class.

    

Click on the name below to read past Teacher Spotlights:

Kathi Anderson, Jan Conway, Candice Meyer, Barb Ogden

Graphic 45 Papercrafting Club

Announcing the Checkered Cottage  

Graphic 45 Papercrafting Club!

Join Jan on the third Saturday morning of the month from 10am-12:30pm and enjoy papercrafting with the Graphic 45 paper line- "A Place in Time."  Here's the scoop on this exciting opportunity:

What will we do at club?

Each month, the club will complete a 2-page 12x12 scrapbook layout and another mini project or two.  Club projects are exclusively for club members and will not be on display in our shop.  Each month, club members will get a sneak peak of the next month's projects.

What is the cost?

Club membership for 2013 requires the purchase in advance of a 12x12 paper pack, an 8x8 paper pack, 3 sticker sheets, and 2 chipboard tag sheets from the "A Place in Time" paper line at a cost of $55.  Any other supplies will be included in the monthly club fee, which will be approximately $14.

How do I sign up?

Club supplies will be ordered on December 1st with your deposit of $10.  Let Jan or Susan know if you are interested by November 30 so we can order your supplies.

When is the first meeting?

The first meeting is January 19, 2013.

Teacher Spotlight: Interview with Barb Ogden

We are starting a new series on the blog with a focus on introducing you to our fabulous teachers. We thought it would be fun to pick their brain about paper crafting, stamping, and life in general! We invite everyone to experience their first class knowledge of crafting, as well as their fabulous personalities, by signing up for a class today!

Teacher Spotlight on Barb Ogden

 

Barb is a native St. Louisan and married to her high school sweetheart.  She has two great kids, Jim and Ginny, and a wonderful son-in-law, Jerry.  Since her husband likes to "antique," her passion for decorative painting and his hobby go hand-in-hand.  Barb is a member of the National Society of Decorative Painters and the local chapter, Gateway Decorative Artists.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by nature and the colors in nature.

What are some of your "go-to" supplies for crafting?

Good paint brushes!

What is your favorite crafting technique?

Here are two favorite painting techniques:

Dry brushing: uses a specific brush that is not moist to apply color in a circular motion, which allows the painter to deepen the color in a specific area.

Floating: a technique that is used to apply color that gives an object shape.

How would you describe your crafting style?

I would call myself a traditionalist.

How long have you been crafting?

I started painting in the Fall of 1978, started teaching in the Fall of 1990, and have been teaching at Checkered Cottage for 13 years.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would like to revisit Spain.  My husband and I were married there.

What is your favorite snack to munch on while crafting?

Popcorn.

Favorite song of the moment?

I like classical music playing while I paint.

When you aren't teaching classes at Checkered Cottage, how do you spend your time?

I regularly paint pieces to sell and make samples for classes.

What do you love most about Checkered Cottage?

I love the people I work with and the new classroom area.

Thanks Barb, we are happy to have you as part of the Checkered Cottage Team! 

Barb has several inspiring classes coming up this Holiday Season including a Copic Flying Santa class, Santa and Friends Ornaments, Copic Christmas Penguin, and Rejoice! Rejoice!  To see a picture and description of these fun projects, click on the class schedule HERE.

Click on the name below to read past Teacher Spotlights:

Kathi Anderson, Jan Conway, Candice Meyer

Our teachers have been busy designing these wonderful Make-N-Takes for our 14th Annual Cottage Christmas Open House.  Hope to see you there!

Teacher Spotlight: Interview with Jan Conway

We are starting a new series on the blog with a focus on introducing you to our fabulous teachers. We thought it would be fun to pick their brain about paper crafting, stamping, and life in general! We invite everyone to experience their first class knowledge of crafting, as well as their fabulous personalities, by signing up for a class today!

Teacher Spotlight on Jan Conway

Jan teaches Spanish at Fox High School.  She has been married to Mickey for 37 years.  She is mom to Corey and Claire, mother-in-law to Rachel, Grandma to Nathan, and soon to be Grandma to Lucas (12/17/12).

What inspires you?

 I am inspired by new product.

What are some of your "go-to" supplies for crafting?

I love paper, die-cut machines, and stamps.  I also like to use unconventional items in my projects.  One example of such a product is roof flashing!

What is your favorite crafting technique?

I love finding new ways to add texture and dimension to projects.

How would you describe your crafting style?

Simple, fun, and whimsical.

How long have you been crafting?

I started sewing in Sister Lucienne's Home Economics class at Notre Dame High School in 1968.  Unfortunately, she called my project abominable and made me rip it apart and start over because she didn't like the way I put in the zipper.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Any beach, but my favorite is La Costa Brava in Spain on the Mediterranean Sea.

What is your favorite snack to munch on while crafting?

I try not to munch, but when I do, it is usually chocolate.

Favorite song of the moment?

International Love by Pitbull

When you aren't teaching classes at Checkered Cottage, how do you spend your time?

I teach Spanish at Fox High School, spend time with my family, drink wine, and work out.

What do you love most about Checkered Cottage?

No doubt, my favorite thing about the Cottage is the people, whether it be the employees or the customers- love them all!

Thanks Jan, we are happy to have you as part of the Checkered Cottage Team! 

You can get a first hand look at Jan's beautiful crafting style this Friday at the Cottage's 14th Annual Christmas Open House.  She is hosting a make-n-take while supplies last starting at 6pm!

Click on the name below to read past Teacher Spotlights:

Kathi Anderson and Candice Meyer

Save the Date: Cottage Christmas Open House!

Dreamweavers Weekend Recap

The Cottage welcomed special guest teacher, Louise Healy, to the shop this past weekend (October 19th-20th) for several outstanding classes exploring the amazing possibilities of Dreamweaver products.

These technique rich classes were a hit!  Participants LOVED Louise's FX molten magic lava cards.  If you couldn't attend, the shop hopes to host another class in January or February demonstrating this specific technique.  Keep an eye on the calendar!

A special thank you to our guest teacher, Louise!  If you enjoyed the weekend and would like to keep up to date with Louise's projects, check out her blog: http://artfullyarticulate.blogspot.com/

Teacher Spotlight: Interview with Kathi Anderson

We are starting a new series on the blog with a focus on introducing you to our fabulous teachers. We thought it would be fun to pick their brain about paper crafting, stamping, and life in general! We invite everyone to experience their first class knowledge of crafting, as well as their fabulous personalities, by signing up for a class today!

Teacher Spotlight on Kathi Anderson

Kathi is married to a wonderful husband who is an "enabler" with regards to her paper crafting addiction! He has cheered her on through all her endeavors with teaching and being a Sales Representative in the industry. He is the love of her life. They have two married children and three wonderful grandchildren.

What inspires you?

COLOR... All my life I have been inspired by color. My favorite colors are the bright colors of the rainbow!

What are some of your "go-to" supplies for crafting?

Genesis paper cutter, Scor-Buddy, May Arts ribbon, rubber stamps, Dreamweavers stencils, and ink pads.

What is your favorite crafting technique?

I actually have two favorites... stamping backgrounds and stenciling with embossing paste. Many of my classes will feature paste, embossing, and double glitter techniques.

How would you describe your crafting style?

I have been told that my style is very classy and elegant.

How long have you been crafting?

Practically all of my life... my mom showed me how to thread the sewing machine when I was 6 and I have been sewing ever since. I actually sewed rag-dolls when I was in elementary school. I discovered paper crafting 15 years ago and began teaching classes in a local stamp store very quickly after. I became a sales rep in the industry about 9 years ago.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I have been many places but never to Alaska so I think I would like to go to Alaska.

What is your favorite snack to munch on while crafting?

Suprisingly, I do not munch when I am crafting. Most of my crafting now is done for store and class samples and I would be too afraid that I would spill on one of them and destroy my hard work.

Favorite song of the moment:

I totally love listening to golden oldies from the 60's and 70's.

Are you on Pinterest?

Yes, but I have trouble finding time to pin anything to my boards.

When you aren't teaching classes at Checkered Cottage, how do you spend your time?

I have three wonderful grandchildren that I love spending time with. Also, I love to read... right now I am totally into the zombie genre! Go figure!

What do you love most about Checkered Cottage? 

I love the people!!! Susan, Robyn, and Linda will do anything to help you find what you need to complete your special project that you are working on. I love that they are always in a great mood when you drop in and that there is lots of laughter! You can tell that they love what they do and that is very important! I love being a small part of the Checkered Cottage teaching staff!

What can you tell us about Checkered Cottage's upcoming Dreamweaver's Trunk Show?

Checkered Cottage has the largest selection of Dreamweaver stencils in the St. Louis area. We welcome you to visit the shop this Friday and Saturday (October 19-20th) for a special trunk show featuring these wonderful products. Guest teacher Louise Healy will be showing students how to create incredible effects with paste, distress powders, alcohol inks, and stencils. The shop will be open extended hours on Friday, October 19th from 10am- 9pm. You won't want to miss this exciting opportunity!

Thanks, Kathi! We are happy to have you as part of the Checkered Cottage Team!

Click below to read past Teacher Spotlights:
 Candice Meyer

It's not too early to think about Christmas!

Christmas has come early to The Cottage this year!  We hosted 3 fantastic classes the first week in October- all designed to spark your creative genius.  

On Monday, October 1st, Kathi Anderson taught participants how to create 2 beautiful cards using stamps from Impression Obsession.

Isn't it amazing how layering card stock adds to these simple and elegant designs?  We love the soft shades of green on the "Believe" card- it almost creates an ethereal effect!

Students were busy on Wednesday and Thursday crafting this delightful ornament set:

Wouldn't these be great on your tree or displayed on a mantle?

And, finally, on Saturday, Jan led participants in an all day Christmas card-making extravaganza.

Students completed 8 cards (yes, 8!) using cheerful paper, stamps from Penny Black and Hero Arts, and fun embellishments.

The Countdown Begins:

There are 70 days until Christmas....

... and 18 days until our Christmas Open House!

Fun Halloween Embellishments

Have you seen these adorable Halloween spider embellishments at the shop?  These cute little spiders are actually brads, making them very easy to adhere to your next card or scrapbooking layout.

We love how Linda used one of these embellishments to add interest and texture to her Halloween card.

Happy Haunting from Checkered Cottage!

Teacher Spotlight: Interview with Candice Meyer

We are starting a new series on the blog with a focus on introducing you to our fabulous teachers. We thought it would be fun to pick their brain about paper crafting, stamping, and life in general! We invite everyone to experience their first class knowledge of crafting, as well as their fabulous personalities, by signing up for a class today!

Teacher Spotlight on Candice Meyer

 Candice is married to her college sweetheart and is a mama to 2 adorable Shih-Tzu puppies. She has a passion for making homemade cards, discovering new recipes, and savoring travel adventures. Candice and her husband are looking forward to welcoming a sweet baby girl next February to the family!

What inspires you?

I am constantly inspired by beauty in nature. The Botanical Gardens are probably my favorite spot in the city and we try to go there a couple of times per season.  

What are some of your "go-to" supplies while crafting?

I seem to use the following products on many projects: Zig 2-way glue pen, Scotch ATG tape runner, Cutterpede paper cutter, x-acto knife, Krylon gold leafing pen, Quickie glue pen, and Bo Bunny dot papers. 

What is your favorite crafting technique?

I love to edge my cards in either a Krylon gold leafing pen or glitter. While this technique can be a bit tricky to manage at first (and sometimes temperamental!), it adds so much interest to your finished product.

How would you describe your crafting style?

Classic, fun, and sometimes with a vintage twist. In my world, there aren't mistakes- just additional opportunities to create!

How long have you been crafting?

My mom has been an avid crafter and stamper for as long as I can remember, which means that she passed along the desire to create to me! I remember putting together a entry for a Valentine's stamping contest for a local stamp store while in elementary school. 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would go back to Turks and Caicos in a heartbeat. My husband and I spent our honeymoon in this gorgeous location 3 years ago.

What is your favorite snack to munch on while crafting?

Since I've been pregnant, I've switched from drinking Diet Coke to either water or fruit juices. My favorite drink right now: Izzie's Sparkling Peach Juice. I've also been craving cheesecake for the past couple of months.

Favorite song of the moment:

Anything by Il Divo, Mumford & Sons, or Adele. 

Are you on Pinterest?

Yes! Check out my inspiration boards by clicking HERE.

When you aren't teaching classes at Checkered Cottage, how do you spend your time?

I had the honor of joining The Dating Divas team this past July. This site is dedicated to strengthening marriages by sharing creative dates, as well as quick and easy ideas to show your spouse love. You can check out my recent posts by clicking HERE.

My husband and I recently hosted a gender reveal party for our close friends and family.  Now that we know our sweet little one is a Baby Girl, I am excited to start decorating the nursery!

What do you love most about Checkered Cottage?

Their cute tag line that they are "The Cheers Bar of the Crafting World" is actually true! It is wonderful to work with such a friendly group of crafters that offer quality products. I also adore their selection of Bo Bunny Dot papers. They have the most extensive selection I have seen in the city.

Thanks, Candice! We are happy to have you as part of the Checkered Cottage Team!

Save the Date for Louise Healy!

The Cottage has a special guest teacher lined up for October 19th and 20th!  We are so excited to welcome Louise Healy, who will be teaching several exciting classes.  Our classroom area will also be stocked with an incredible array of Dreamweaver products available for purchase.  

There's still time to sign up for Louise's In the Forest Class offered on both Friday and Saturday.

Participants will practice working with distress powders, acetate, and alcohol inks.  Check out this detail image of one card- sign up today to learn how to achieve this textured sandpaper effect on your next project!

At 3:00pm on Saturday, Louise will be showing students how to make a beautiful framed flower picture using 3 templates and translucent paste.  This homemade masterpiece would be the perfect Christmas present for a special person on your list.

For more information or to sign-up for these classes, please call the shop at 314-909-7233.  Even if you aren't able to take a class, we hope you'll be able to stop by the shop to see all the Dreamweaver products that will be for sale.  

The shop will be open extended hours on Friday, October 19th from 10am- 9pm.  We hope to see you there!

Haunted Village Pail

Linda has just created a one-of-a-kind Halloween treat that we couldn't resist sharing on the blog today!  She adorned a plain paint bucket pail with colorful papers and the Impression Obsession die, Haunted Hill.  The pails are available to be purchased at the shop for $4.95.

We just love all the fun details that accompany this versatile cutting die.  Pick yours up today from the shop- hurry, though, all the Impression Obsession dies have been flying off the shelves!  This fun and easy treat would be the perfect gift for a neighbor, child's teacher, or anyone that has a sweet tooth!

How would you decorate this fun little pail for Halloween?

Halloween Happenings!

There wasn't a shortage of Halloween inspiration at The Cottage last week!  We hosted 2 fantastic classes designed to spark your creativity surrounding this fun Holiday.  Here's the recap in case you missed it!

Jan Conway's Halloween Card Class:

Don't you just love how Jan created dimension in these cards by utilizing paper rosettes and a scalloped flourish behind the witch?

Candice Meyer's Haunted Trio:

In this class, participants practiced layering papers, using intricate Memory Box dies, and edging borders with glitter and a gold leaf pen.  The Cottage just received a new shipment of the beautiful papers utilized in this "Spooktacular" class!  Stop by today to see our array of Graphic 45 designs. 

We would love to see what you create!

Goin' to the Chapel...

Did you know that after June and July, September and October are the most popular months to get married?  If you find yourself all booked up with weddings to attend this Fall, be sure to stop in Checkered Cottage for a little inspiration.  Linda has created several gorgeous samples using new papers from Fancy Pants County Boutique Collection.  We know the bride and groom will be swept away with these classic designs.  The possibilities with this elegant line of papers are just endless. 

 

Do you want to find out how to make this stunning card?  The shop has detailed instruction sheets available through Artisan's Attic.

Cheers to crafting the perfect wedding wishes!