Talking In Circles

May was a Whirlwind: Recap on Michigan and Orlando

May was such a busy month for The-Whole-Kit-N-Kaboodle.  I traveled (via car!) over 2,500 miles – taught 13 classes – and released a record number of designs (32 pages!) on the website.  I LOVE my “job” though, and one of the things I love the most is meeting fellow scrappers.  Here is a recap of my recent two travels.

Michigan

I love to be able to go back to a previous store and reconnect with students. I spent the first of the month, traveling back to Michigan to visit four of their local scrapbook stores: ScrapTales in Brighton, Scrapbook Emporium in Shelby Township, Scrapbookers Inc. in White Lake, and Scrappy Chic in Livonia. Thanks, Michiganders for your Midwest hospitality! ScrapTales will forever stand out in my mind – because it’s my very first class in eight years to end in a student trip to the emergency room!  I’m still talking about that story!  {Beware of the Tim Holtz scissors – they are indeed sharp and do not mix well with blood-thinning medicine.}  Here are a few random photos from up north:   

Orlando

I was so excited to travel with my Mom to the Scrapbook Expo in Orlando, FL.  We used to take yearly vacations – just the two of us – when I was a little girl. This wasn’t a “vacation” by any stretch of the imagination… but was fun and bonding none-the-less.  Mom taught the morning make-n-takes in the booth, while Julie worked her sales magic.  I met so many enthusiastic people, passionate about their hobby!  It was definitely one of the best road trips of the year.  Here are a few snapshots from the week: {I didn’t take a SINGLE photo – can you believe that?!  Good thing Mom brought a camera!}    

My travels in June and July are personal travels J  But I will resume my teaching tour in August.  First fall stop: Chicago!  Be looking for my schedule and class samples as we update them on the blog!

The-Whole-Kit-N-Kaboodle is Hiring!

I'm looking for 2-4 new employees :)  Persons must be in the commutable area {Noblesville, IN} and maintain work hours at The-Whole-Kit-N-Kaboodle (day and evening hours available, Monday-Friday).  Please email me your interest at [email protected]. I will accept applications through Sunday, April 18, or until the positions are filled. Postions to begin immediately.

Position #1: Production Assistant (1-3 persons, 5-20 hours/week) 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

1.   Cut and assemble scrapbooking kits as assigned: including (but not limited to)
-- use of the diecuting machines (such as the Big Shot and Cricut)

-- knowledge of paper cutters and measurements to the 1/8 inch
-- ensure quality control that ALL pieces to kits are included

2.   Maintain a clean office; all papers, embellishments, diecutting tools, etc. must be put away after each shift.  The sweeper should be run and the trash bins emptied as needed.

3.   Perform other related duties as assigned.

4.   Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

 

Position #2: Office Manager (1 person, 30-35 hours/week) 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

The Office Manager is responsible for ensuring the accurate completion of the following activities {through self-completion or assigning other production staff}.

1.   Coordinate scheduling for all part-time, contract, and seasonal production employees. This includes, but is not limited to: scheduling staff as needed for various on-line kit releases and classes; coordinating tasks for each employee’s shift; stocking time sheets and making copies as needed.

2.   Work with the President to maintain and organize a list of needed kits {name and quantity} for upcoming classes and on-line releases.

3.   Maintain inventory control:

a. Inventory completed kits, inks, and adhesive twice per month; work with President to update the inventory of said items on the website.

b. Inventory basic items needed to complete kits {for example, but not limited to, Cricut cutting pads and blades, Sizzix cutting plates, 12 x 12 bags, embellishments bags, 9 x 9 card bags}; work with the President to replenish supplies as needed.

4.   Open boxes of incoming shipments and check invoices against contents.  Put away supplies in the appropriate locations.

5.   Maintain a clean office; all papers, embellishments, diecutting tools, etc. must be put away after each shift.  The sweeper should be run and the trash bins emptied as needed.

6.   Cut and assemble scrapbooking kits as assigned: including (but not limited to) use of the diecuting machines, paper cutters, etc. Ensure quality control that ALL pieces to kits are included.

7.   Coordinate the shipping of orders in the absence of the President. This includes printing the order, filling the order, creating the mailing label, marking it as shipped in the database, and delivering to the post office.

8.   Coordinate the completion and shipment of birthday presents for Kit Club members.

9.   Perform other related duties as assigned.

10.  Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

On the Road Again

I LOVE TRAVELING!

I know it sounds crazy (as I have three kiddos at home - and who loves to live out of a suitcase?!) ... but I love meeting new people who share my passion of scrapbooking.  Enthusiasm is contagious - and I definitely have a lot of it to share :)

We started out over a week ago, cargo van loaded, for the 1,600 mile trek across country. (Look at all those orders we dropped off at the post office on the way!  THANK YOU!) Starting point: Indianapolis, Indiana... Goal: The Scrapbook USA Expo in Sandy, Utah. We allowed three days travel each way.  Things went pretty smooth on the way out, until we reached....

WYOMING!  Of all days to drop 18 inches of snow, we picked that one to drive through the vast desolate state.  And when they close roads, there are no alternate routes... you just sit and wait.  I've never seen anything like it!

But it was all worth it when we pulled into Sandy (near Salt Lake City).  What a beautiful area!  Breathtaking!  Check out this Starbucks.  Who wouldn't love to wake up to that every morning?!

The consumer show lasted two days.  I met so many wonderful people!  I'd love to go back and teach at some of the many scrapbook stores (hint, hint - Utah!). Here are some pics of the convention center and the booth: (Aren't you lovin' those hand-painted canvas frames?!)

 

 

I also taught four classes (ya'all know that's what I love the most!). I'm pleased to say we actually completed the projects... as ya'all also know how much I love to talk!  lol

 

Here are just a few of the comments from class:

• "Loved Andrea!"
• "She was the best teacher of  all Expo classes I've done over the past 5 years!"
• "This class was wonderful! The project was adorable and surprisingly easy!"
• "(She) explains well and is fun!"
• "Lovely!!!!"
• "Great info! Fun class!"

A HUGE thanks to my right-hands Tasha and David! Tasha flew to Utah from Ohio - which ended up being as "fun" as driving there! She helped work the booth - and was a godsend when it came to tearing down and packing up!  And to my hubby David ... who single-handedly, with a bad back ... drove the entire trip.  I'm blessed with a strong support system!

It was so fun making new friends in Utah!  Thanks for a great adventure!  Hope to see you again this year!

Wonderful Weekend in the Buckeye State!

I'm back from Ohio - and what a great trip it was!  Even though I only lived in Ohio a few years, I still feel "at home" when I go back for a visit.

Celina, OH

I taught "2010: Flutter Butter New Year" on Thursday night in Celina, OH at My Scrapbook Paradise.  What a fabulous store!  It really was a "scrapbooking oasis" ... complete with a tiki hut as the classroom! They made me feel welcome from the second I walked in the door.  If you're in a few hours radius - you must visit!

 

Findlay, OH

On Saturday, I spent the entire day in Findlay, OH at The Scrapper's Place.  It was such a fun day - and we completed six 12 x 12 pages in the three different classes!  I'm back to Findlay on September 20 and October 1... and they'll be at their new location, just down the road from their current one. 

There are a few extra class kits available: Celebrate Spring and I Can't Live Without...

 

Thanks to everyone for making my trip so wonderful!

That's Life: That's a Wrap!

What a great weekend!  I hosted the annual "That's Life! Mega Scrapbooking Event" in Noblesville, IN this past Friday and Saturday.  We had four classes, time to crop, and lots of food!  The sold-out event was a fun way to spent Valentine's Day weekend. (Well, maybe not for my hubby!  lol) Here are a few photos from the event.

 

The next Indiana events include:

Saturday, April 24 - CropTacular - Noblesville, IN

Saturday, September 25 - ScrapPink - Greenwood, IN

Friday-Saturday, November 19-20 - Christmas Mega Scrapbooking Event - Noblesville, IN

On-line registration should begin in the next two weeks.  Hope you can make it!

Ohio Class Image... and a Prism Update

The-Whole-Kit-N-Kaboodle's

 

last shipment of Prism just arrived!

 

 

{Pictured: Chaleen and Patti. View the complete Whole-Kit-N-Kaboodle team here!}

 

It's Your Last Chance for Prism!

Many of you may heard that Prism has permanently closed.

 

I have been a very loyal customer of their cardstock since they opened their doors, and I am very sad to see them go. :(  With that, The-Whole-Kit-N-Kaboodle will remove all Prism from their website Friday, February 12. (If you attend the That's Life! Scrapbooking Mega Event, I will have it available for the weekend.)

 

So if you need cardstock to coordinate with your kits, be sure to get it now! I'll keep you updated on *fingers crossed* a NEW cardstock provider! 

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Ohio Class: "Mom upside down is WOW!"

 

 

Date: Saturday, March 2

Time: 2 to 3:30 pm

 

The Scrapper's Place

520 S. Main Street

Findlay, OH 45840

 

*You must call the store at 419.423.6672 to register* 

Buckeyes, Mark Your Calendar!

I'm visiting Ohio very soon!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 6!

I will be at The Scrapper's Place in Findlay, OH

teaching THREE classes & offering several additional kits!

{Call the store to register: 419.423.6672}

 

And The Winner Is...

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  Sorry for the delay in this post... David has been on the computer for several days wrapping up the 2009 financials for The-Whole-Kit-N-Kaboodle. Men - when will they learn that creativity and chatting comes above silly financial statements?!  ;) JK, D!

So - without further ado... drum roll please... here is the winner of the $50 gift basket {chosen randomly from everyone who posted on my CHA posts}....

Jessica Stant

Jessica, please email me {[email protected]} your US mailing address and I will get that right out to you!  Thanks everyone for all of the comments!

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To wrap up a few other purchases... From SandylionI purchased more Disney!  Imagine that :)  I got these adorable Tinkerbell chipboards, so be looking for a few Tinkerbell kits in the near future.  {And, hey, if you haven't seen this - I recently created an altered Mickey album.}

Here are a few items from Little Yellow Bicycle:

 

I ordered the Lucky Me (on-line doesn't do this collection justice!  It's so beautiful in person... definitely using this one for the March Inner Circle kit!) and the Generation Z (great for teen boy and girl!).  These are the two coming out in the next few months... so I haven't ruled out ordering the rest of the collections that will be coming out later this summer.

That's all for now. Going to work on orders and designs today! If you haven't registered for my That's Life! Mega Scrapbook Event next weekend... better hurry!  There are only 6 spaces left! Hope to see you then!

CHA Purchases Recap 2 (Part A)

... I promised David he could use the computer today - but I wanted to at least provide you one little update to get your excitement flowing :)  More to come tonight!

There are still other manufacturers that I'm considering ordering from, but these are the additional six with whom I've already placed orders: Clearsnap, Sandylion, Quick Quotes, Queen & Co., We R Memory Keepers, and Little Yellow Bicycle.

Clearsnap

Can you say FOUR new colors of ColorBox Fluid Chalk?!?! Wooooo Hooooo!  The four new delicious colors are Butterscotch, Blackberry, Berrylicious, and Deep Lagoon. 

 

Yep, ordered lots of each of them! In addition, I also ordered six more colors that aren't new to Clearsnap... but will be new to The-Whole-K-N-Kaboodle: Blue Lagoon, Azurite, Ice Jade, Burnt Sienna, Blue Rose, and Dark Peony.  With all of the new inks, we will now carry 42 colors of chalk inks.  We'll be in chalk heaven! I think I'm even more excited about another one of their new product: Smooch Pearlized Top Coat!  I talked them into giving me a sample so that my "That's Life! Mega Event" will have the opportunity to "play" with it "hot off the press."  It really adds a perfect, glimmering touch to any project!  Trust me - if you are a die-hard "inker" like me... the Smooch Top Coat will be a must have for you! (I've ordered a number of bottles that should be in stock for the "That's Life! Mega Event."  No worries if they sell out... I'll get another shipment in shortly thereafter.)

 

OK - Off to design and hand over the computer.  More later :)

CHA Purchases Part 1: Creative Imaginations, Bo Bunny, and Bella Blvd.

I've decided to break my purchases down into two separate posts... after all the stock market must have reached a two-year high in the last two days with how much product I have purchased!  :)  I'm actually still buying... so keep those comments coming! (I'm in the midst of my Basic Grey order... any suggestions?)

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Creative Imaginations

I can't believe I haven't said a word about the new Creative Imaginations products!  Of course, I purchase and promote everything the sell... so sometimes I just take it for granted that you already know if it's CI, I'll carry it! They recently welcomed two new artists: sisters Josie Celio and Sally Griswold, Iron Orchid Designs. WOW!  Are they talented!  I can't wait to start designing with their amazing product!  Check it out:

  

The collections ship in March and April... so you better believe there will be lots of classes and kits with these!

Also - I've never used it, but CI recently purchased Luminarte and Mudd Puddles. Luminarte is a watercolor paint that adds sparkly detail and glimmer onto your projects; and Mudd Puddles add dimension and texture.  Let me know if you're interested, and I'll check into the retail prices on these.

Another new CI product is Real Wood. You can emboss it, die-cut it, stamp it, crimpt it, paint it... and more! It is available in Birch or Cherry, two thicknesses, and three different sizes.  I'll be using it in my March 6 classes in Findlay, OH... so if you're there you'll be able to "play" with it first hand!

 

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Bo Bunny

Bo Bunny released SIX new collections this Winter! ... And TEN new Double Dot colors! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bo Bunny - and, yes, I ordered all of the new stuff! Here are all the paper collections (they also have coordinating stickers, chipboard, rub-ons, iCandy, etc.).

Jazmyne

 

Mama-razzi

 

Sophie

 

Flower Child

 

Paradise

 

Roughin' It

 
  

 

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Bella Blvd.

I think I may have told you about these AMAZING frames I saw by Bella Blvd?????  :)  I'm telling ya, I'm the most excited about offering these!!!  Anyway.... lol... I did order their three new product lines, also.  I didn't bring home any catalog this year, so I don't have images. But you can view Estate Sale; All Inclusive; and Man of the House by clicking here. 

Even more CHA posts to come.  Off now to work on orders and kits!