SoCal Shop Hop 2009

SoCal Shop Hop 2009 - Passports on Sale Now!
Shop Hop is August 7-23, 2009

The 3rd Annual SoCal Shop Hop begins August 7th. With over 40 scrapbook and craft stores signed up to participate its sure to be a success! Last year, we had 25 customers participate and the feedback was very positive. Their highlights included being with friends, seeing the other stores and of course getting such a good discount!

To participate, you will need to purchase a Shop Hop Passport at Treasured Memories for $9.99 by June 12th. The price increases to $14.99 on June 13th, so save some money and buy yours early.

Your passport entitles you to a 15% discount at ALL of the Shop Hop stores during this three-week event.

Receive 20% off at all participating stores when you display your passport, lanyard and Shop Hop lapel pin! Make-n-takes are planned at each store as well as raffle prizes and a grand prize!

To stay up-to-date with prizes and discounts visit www.socalshophop.com

March Newsletter

The past month has been a roller coaster of emotions. From the loss of a wonderful person and customer to cancer, learning that my friends' scrapbook store is closing, discovering new store possibilities at PMA and life changes for members of my staff I have had a busy month.

Farewell to Friends
First, and most importantly, Scrapbook Safari in Woodland Hills will be closing its doors at the end of the month. I am deeply saddened by this and frankly, it hit really close to home.

Many of you have shopped, cropped and taken classes at Safari. I've known the owners, Jill and Vera, for over 10 years. We have attended annual scrapbook trade shows together, shared many a dinner where we'd discuss what each of us liked at the show and talked about the new trends we'd seen in scrapbooking. We've been sounding boards for each other in times of need and have always tried to help each other with our businesses. We have shared many laughs together and more recently many tears. When Jill and Vera first opened, all those years ago, countless people would ask me "Wow, you talk to each other? Aren't they your competition?" And I would always answer, "No, we are great friends."

I have always believed that it is smarter to work together to make scrapbook retailers stronger than to pit stores against each other. Anyone who owns a retail business, or any business, knows how much heart and soul must be put in to survive, particularly in our current economy. It breaks my heart knowing that Jill and Vera's journey has come to an end. We still have our friendship, which I am so grateful for and I look forward to getting together in the future to scrapbook and tell tales of "the good 'ol days." Their silver lining is that each will be able to spend more time with their families - in the end, that is most important in life. Who knows, maybe they'll get to scrapbook more often - now, that will make me jealous for sure!

Even during this difficult time for Jill, Vera and everyone at Scrapbook Safari, they are thinking of Treasured Memories by promoting TM with flyers and encouraging their customers and teachers to come our way. In the past few weeks, we've welcomed many Safari customers who say they are literally in shock and mourning the loss of their special scrapbook haven. That is a true testament to Safari's character and they can close their doors knowing that they made such an impact on people's lives. I may have lost my trade show buddies, but they still remain my personal friends, who I know I can continue to call and count on in the challenging times ahead. Thank you Jill and Vera - I wish you the best in your next adventures!

Changes in the Classroom
At TM, we will be saying goodbye to Laura Sullivan as a teacher and full-time staff member beginning April 1st. Laura has worked for TM for seven years as both a popular teacher as well as managing TM's behind-the-scenes operations.We are going to miss seeing her day-to-day and her attention to detail. Fortunately, she is teaching one final class in May and has agreed to work a Saturday or Sunday store shift now and then, so it's not a final farewell.

Beginning in May, we welcome two of Scrapbook Safari's teachers to the Treasured Memories' teaching staff. We are happy to have Rebekah and Kerry join our team. The closing of Safari has been difficult on them and we appreciate that they want to continue doing what they love, which is teaching classes. They both come with a loyal following of students who've enjoyed their amazing work. You will see for yourself when their May classes are posted on April 1st. As always, you can still expect terrific classes from our on-goining teaching staff of Beth, Christy and Molly, so check our class schedule online or better yet, come in to see the class samples in person.

Treasured Memories' Future
Finally, I'd like to talk a bit about Treasured Memories' future. First, I want to assure you that Treasured Memories is not going out of business. I am still working as a dietitian to infuse what money I earn into the store in order to keep it going during this economic slump. The downside to this is that I'm not in the store quite as much as I used to be. I am grateful to my amazing staff for stepping up to the plate and I can't thank them enough for their continued support. This is a tough time for ALL companies and it just forces us all to work smarter.

One of the ways TM is working smarter is by looking at the future of scrapbooking and the photo industry in general. Molly and I attended the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Show in Las Vegas two weeks ago. We attended several seminars that focused on ways to help our business grow. We saw some time-saving products that we realized we need to incorporate into the store in order for us to be competitive in the digital era. We left with our heads filled with fabulous ideas and most importantly, we left with a vision of what Treasured Memories can and will become in the future. There will be more to come on these wonderful opportunities in the weeks and months ahead!

On a final note, I believe that scrapbooking is NOT a dying industry. As people go through life they will always want to capture memories and preserve them for future generations. Thank you for all of your support for the last 12 years - we wouldn't be here without you and we look forward to many more years of inspiring you one memory at a time.

Happy Scrapbooking,

February News Letter

We got back from the CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) show last Tuesday. While walking the huge convention halls is tiring, it's always great to hang out with my employees and talk about our new finds. Even though we were just in Anaheim, it seems like we are far, far away from home.

The CHA show had a different vibe this year. It was definitely less busy; we had plenty of room to move around in the booths and view the new products. There were less manufacturers and we missed, Scenic Route and October Afternoon who both pulled out of the show at the last minute. On Tuesday, Roni and I were turning in some last orders and honestly it seemed so quiet it was weird - and the show didn't end until Wednesday!

All around me I could hear conversations about the state of the economy - it was definitely on everyone's minds. "Are people hurting?" Absolutely. "Is it going to be good in the long run for the U.S.?" Absolutely. Things were getting out of control on such a broad scale in so many areas of our economy and now we need to reel it in and take care of business and be smart. "Is Treasured Memories affected like so many other retailers?" Of course, but we are making the necessary everyday changes that are needed to stay in business. That included buying smarter at CHA and sticking to a smaller budget so that we will still be around in 2010.

The current economy was a huge part of the show and I always learn from industry businesses and I try to evolve and make changes as necessary. Now, enough business talk - let's get on to the fun stuff!

Our Favorite CHA Booth

With over 320 scrapbook manufacturers at the show you would think that we would have difficulty choosing a favorite but we were all unanimous... Graphic 45! By far, the Graphic 45 booth was amazing, beautiful, classy, fun, and the buzz of the show!

It was just the unbelievable way their booth was displayed, and their three product lines were awesome. You may think of Graphic 45 as a heritage company and yes, they tend to have a lot of heritage, but look closer at the back of many of their papers - they can be used for anything and they all coordinate so beautifully!! We bought all three lines. Communique & Fashionista are available late February and Transatlantique is available in March.

Our second favorite was a new company to the USA we found in the "New Product Section" of the convention. ScrapFX has made a name for themselves in Australia. They specialize in laser cutting chipboard shapes and words. Their shapes are very detailed and look terrific! These photos don't do them justice. We ordered flowers, animals, music notes, dinosaurs, a beautiful gate, keys, clock hands, flourishes, alphabets, some great words and more! They can be painted, inked, or covered with paper. We should have this product by late February or early March. For a sneak peek at some of the other booths at CHA, click here.

How to Find Out When the New Stuff Arrives
Everything purchased at the show is listed on the New Product page of the website. We will do our very best to get the product in as soon as it is available and post it's arrival immediately!

I wish everyone a great February! Give love to your family and friends.

Happy Scrapbooking,

Happy New Year!

From all of us at Treasured Memories, we'd like to wish you every happiness in the New Year. This has been a challenging year for the scrapbook industry and we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support and loyalty. Treasured Memories exists because of each of you. Attached is a 40% off one item coupon for New Year's Day, just one of the many ways we'd like to thank you for your business!

A little housekeeping to wrap up 2008:
New Year's Eve Hours: 11am-4pm
New Year's Day Hours: 11am-4pm
FREE Crop Time on New Year's Day from 11am-3:30pm (space is available first-come, first-scrap)
Midnight Madness - Friday, January 2nd, 6pm-MidnightOur first MM of the year! Join Molly and her crazy tunes for a fun night of scrapping, laughter and maybe a little dancing on the tables! $17
CLOSED FOR INVENTORY - Sunday, January 4th Please plan accordingly
As we turn the corner toward our 12th year in business, TM has some exciting things planned! We look forward to sharing them with you over the coming months. Keep a look out for our first BIG announcement to arrive in your inbox on Monday, January 5th!

All the best to you and your family,
Christine Mesko, OwnerTreasured Memories Scrapbook Store, Inc.

Happy Thanksgiving

So it is November, my favorite month of the year! I just love Thanksgiving and the fact that it's the least commercial holiday of the year! I love that it is about family, being thankful and of course about food, something I have a crazy fascination about! What could make for a better day? Every year at this time I feel so blessed and this year is no exception. I am so thankful for:
My family, friends & our good health. Both my parents and my husband's parents live close by and are amazing. I have wonderful friends who I adore and really enjoy spending time with.
Treasured Memories (TM) - I guess you could say that beyond my family, TM is the second love of my life!
My employees, teachers & customers. What would I do without you all??????????? I honestly don't know. My life would seem so less important, my path wouldn't seem as clear if it wasn't for the store and each of you. (I don't mean to be sappy, but this is true.)
Thank you all so much for your kinds words, stories shared and for supporting the store. I hope each of you have a great Thanksgiving!
Happy Scrapping!
Christine

November Happenings

Special Savings from Treasured Memories
Thank You Bucks are Back!
November 7-26

Another year has flown by and there is no way for us to measure how important each and everyone of you is to the success of TM! To show our appreciation, to our loyal customers Thank You Bucks are returning to Treasured Memories! Between November 7-26, for every $10 spent (pre-tax) earn a $1 Thank You Buck to be redeemed December 1-31, 2008! The more you spend the more you save!

Save 15% OFF Entire Purchase at 28 Scrapbook Stores!
Treasured Memories is a proud member of the SCSRA (SoCal Scrapbook Retailers Assoc.). This group of 28 local scrapbook stores has teamed up to create the SCSRA Savings Pass! With this pass, take 15% off your ENTIRE purchase once a month at 28 participating scrapbook stores from November-January!

How do you get your pass? Come in to TM, spend $50 (pre-tax) and you will receive your Savings Pass for FREE! The pass can also be purchased for $4.99. Hurry while supplies last!


Classes and Crops
November Grateful CropSaturday, November 22nd 10am-1amJoin us for a day cropping and a chance to relax and get away from the stresses of the upcoming holiday season. This is a perfect opportunity to start your holiday cards, finish a few gifts and chat with friends. Every attendee will receive a "Grateful" Gift, 1/2 a table to spread out and work as well as snacks and prizes throughout the day. Newbies and Digital Scrapbookers always welcome! Grateful Crop - $25
At TM we understand that everyone's pocketbooks are a bit tight, so we've lowered the price from $35 to $25!
________


Family Shadow BoxThurs., Nov. 6th, 7-9:30pm Instructor: Beth $36.00
Learn to take your scrapbooking skills and create a beautiful wall art shadowbox. A one of a kind that your family will love to look at for years to come.This is a GREAT holiday gift!



Altered Wooden Mail CaddyTues., Nov. 18th, 7-9pmInstructor: Laura $21.00
It seems early, but it's time to get a jump on holiday gift ideas. This altered wooden mail/note caddy is ideal for a gift, or for your own house or for your child's bedroom. You can choose between a masculine motif (bikes with blue/green/yellow) or girly motif (glittery pink with flowers, handbag, and makeup embellishments) and Christmas themed. Even included is a small notepad, that you will personalize to match, that sits inside the caddy. This is perfect for a son/daughter or a niece/nephew gift. They'll absolutely love it!
Back to School 4 + U + 2 Thurs., Nov. 13 10am-Noon andWed., Nov. 19, 7-9pmInstructor: Christi $28.00 (that's only $2.50/page!)
This class is all about tutoring you in the principles of K.I.S.S. {Keep It Simple Scrapbooker!}Assignment: Using just cardstock, ink, UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel), Ribbon and one sticker sheet you will construct twelve pages chronicling your students entire elementary (k-5) school experience. Just imagine your sense of accomplishment at completion of this class.Test Score = A+

Fabulous Frosty Memories AlbumThurs., Nov. 20th 7-9:30pm Instructor: Monika from Tattered Angels $40.00
Tattered Angels is a new scrapbook manufacturer that has taken inking, chipboard and albums to the next level! Taught by Monika, our Tattered Angels Rep, you will create a Fabulous Frosty Memories Album complete with Glimmer Chips, Glimmer Glass, Glimmer Screens and Glimmer Mist (a $30 value). Monika will be teaching lots of techniques using Glimmer Mist and the best part is the kit will have TONS of product leftover for you to take home, embellish and play with!

Holiday Card Class Thurs., Dec. 11th 7-9pmInstructor: Beth $25.00Everyone enjoys receiving handmade cards during the holiday season. Beth has created 13 holiday cards using the latest papers and embellishments. Choose 6 to create during class as you learn stamping and chalking techniques that add depth and style to every card. The final touch is some "bling" and stickles to add a bit of sparkle. The cards are on display at the store, come see them for yourself, it will be hard to choose only six!Christmas House Shadow BoxWed., Dec. 3rd, 7-9pm Instructor: Laura $30.00
Are you ready to pull up your sleeves and get painting and crafting? Create a wooden, house-shaped shadow box that is all decked out for Christmas. There are lights (non-electrical) on the rooftop, garland, bells, ornaments, and plenty of 3-D decorations to spruce up the entire house. The house will be painted and we will use Stickles to decorate the tree. Everything is included except photos and the gold stickles (available for purchase at the store). Don't forget your tools and adhesives listed in the supply section, and feel free to bring 8-10 photos of your holiday activities.

Is Scrapbooking Recession Proof?

Is Scrapbooking Recession Proof?
 
Not surprising, the answer is no.
 
Last week we had the $700 billion Federal bailout take place. Prior to that, Bank of America took over Countrywide and now Citigroup Inc. is planning on purchasing the Wachovia banks. These are just two of numerous takeovers that have occurred in the business world of late. The same types of company mergers have occurred in the scrapbook industry.
 
Scrapbook Manufacturer Mergers
 
Over a year ago, Fiskars purchased Heidi Grace, Cloud Nine and L'il Davis. Then two of the largest scrapbook companies - EK Success and K & Company were acquired by Wilton, Inc. - yes, the cake decorating company! I am looking at the positive, at least it is a company involved with crafts! We are still adjusting to new reps, warehouses and changes in policy. Autumn Leaves has just announced that it will now sell only to "big box" stores and will no longer sell to the small independent scrapbook stores. Junkitz went out of business altogether. As I write this, I've just heard of three big scrapbook companies in Utah that are going out of business. To compound the problem, scrapbook stores are closing in record numbers. This IS a scary time for the scrapbook industry!!
 
One thing I've heard from customers over the past six months is that scrapbooking, card making or doing any other craft decreases the stress in their life and gives them an "escape" or is their "therapy".  I know this has always been an important part of why we scrapbook, but I think people are just verbalizing it more now. 
 
You do not have to give up your creative outlet in these difficult times, in fact, it would be healthier not to.  I have to remind myself of this as well!  I understand that people are hurting financially which affects people's emotions and stress levels. As the Today Show discussed yesterday, the events of today's world affects us women more because we are the nucleus of the family and we tend to take on EVERYTHING.  Therefore I am encouraging you (and me!) to not give up on a hobby that makes you happy - we as women need an outlet too! 
 
Inexpensive Scrapbooking Ideas
 
Scrapbooking or crafting in general does NOT have to be expensive. Below are some ways to save money, which will enable you to still engage in your favorite hobby despite feeling the money pinch.

 

• Choose embellishments to compliment the product you already have in your scrapbook stash.
• Use your punches. These are great for pages, projects and cards - they can be used over and over.  EK Success has the best punches in terms of ease of use and styles.
• Come crop at the store during the week! It's free during day-time use and you'll only buy what you need for the page/project you are working on!
• Bring a Scrapbook Shopping List to find the specific items or themes you are looking for, it will keep you focused on what you really need.
• Bring your photos and use our crop room to spread out your photos while you match paper & embellishments, thus only buying what you really need.
• Use our Cricut Die-Cut Center to make titles instead of purchasing alphabet letters. It's just 50 cents a cut!
• Make your holiday cards this season instead of purchasing ready-made cards, which can be a savings of $1.00 a card!
• Create and print photo collages using the TM Digi Center. Create a multi-photo 8½ x11 for only $3!
   

Christine's Big Decision

 

As people start to adjust to this new economic world, I too am making a change. Starting shortly, I will begin working part-time as a Registered Dietitian.

 

Don't worry, I'm not deserting Treasured Memories - it is too near and dear to my heart, but with the economy tanking I need to do whatever it takes to keep the store going. I will still be working at the store Monday, Wednesday and Fridays so stop in and say hello, come scrapbook for a few hours and escape the stresses of life.

 
I am going to leave you with a poem that Molly - my website guru and TM teacher - wrote in the middle of the night last month. I think it is fitting for the times we are in.

 
Scrapbooking is My Haven
By
Molly McCarthy
 
Scrapbooking is my haven.
It is my refuge from the troubling world and sometimes
monotonous days.

 

Scrapbooking relaxes me.
Pushing photos, paper and embellishments around on a page transports me to a world of my own.

Scrapbooking gives me peace.
I embrace the fact that I have taken so many photos
that will help me express my thoughts.

Scrapbooking invigorates me.
I am rejuvenated every time I try something new and
create a story through photos, papers and embellishments.

Scrapbooking allows me to write my life stories.

Scrapbooking is my haven.
 

 

Take care and as always, Happy Scrapbooking!
 
  

 

Christine, Owner