Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

 Here are some of our favorite sweet treats!

hearts made by kiddos in preschool- it's a Valentine tradition to wear these

Hoping your day is full of chocolate, treats, flowers and an overabundance of love!

6 boxes arrived this morning so I'm off to unpack- what a great present!

Soul Restoration

Drats! I had planned on posting today about the new Echo Park lines that were scheduled to be delivered  but I guess UPS and old man winter had different plans. As I walked around the store today nothing was shouting "pick me." It's a bad sign if after a week I have writer's block. Then it hit me- Thursday is the one day a week that I have a very different routine. Although at some point in the day I end up at the store, gotta chat with Franc, the rest of the day is what helps me to stay grounded and keeps things in perspective. I really need that because I have a tendency to get way, way off course.

The first thing I do on Thursdays is go to my woman's bible study at All Soul's. I'm not really sure how I ended up there, that isn't where I go to church and a far far cry from my Baptist upbringing but after the " troubles" that is where I landed. For the longest time I didn't say a word but just had this feeling that was where I needed to be. At times I really had a yearning- strange word hard to define but that's really how I would describe it. I have done a whole library of Beth Moore bible studies (at times, one at All Soul's and another on my own. I'm truly not being pious I just needed it during those times- kinda like I need a pot of coffee in the am). I can tell you that during each study, there has been a moment when I swear she was talking directly to me and me alone. If you haven't taken a Beth Moore study you are missing out- she is very real and very very funny. It's kinda like Sunday School and you and your best girlfriend are at the same church. Beth also played a part in meeting Prince Charming but more on that later.

After a little "big girl time" I then head to my favorite school for a little " little girl time." Years ago when my oldest was in kindergarten, I mentored a little girl in her class- or should I say she mentored me and our whole family. I realized this summer that I really missed that so I asked our principal to find me a mentor- I now realize I get so much more out of these sessions than they do, it's purely selfish on my part.

As I'm sitting in the principal's office she calls for my mentoree but it wasn't one but 5 of the tiniest, cutest "little bits" you have ever seen. They entered the office from tallest to shortest, just like the von Trapp's and just like Maria, I was hooked. We have the best time just reading, doing homework and talking. They have the funniest little stories and get so much enjoyment from the smallest things- who would have thought a pink paper clip could make a girl do a cartwheel. They have taught me a lot but some things they keep to themselves- "Ms. Cindy you don't wanna know what chitlins are you,wouldn't like it but I sure do"

my favorite girls

If you love kids and have never mentored a student I highly recommend it. I guarantee you will walk away each time with a new perspective and a heart that has been blessed.

So that's how I spend my Thursdays- it may be my most important day of the week! And thank you girly girls for skipping, hopping jumping, dancing, singing, giggling, hugging and rapping into my life- I'm the lucky

one!

This Week's Classes- Maybe!!

Snow, snow GO away and don't come any other day! We have it again- forecast of 6-12" of snow barreling into the state as I type. It was fun at first but now is a little old. I'm tired of all those cold weather meals (stew, soup, breakfast for dinner, even hot chocolate), tired of salt sledge everywhere, tired of rescheduling and I'm really tired of those zeros for the day's sales.  However, it has provided a much needed halt and I actually read a book, did my ATC cards, filed 6 months worth of paperwork and removed that 6" of dust from dresser- so i guess all in all it evens out.

We are open today for all your snow day crafting supplies and if you participated in the ATC Swap, your cards are ready.

Franc and Alice's Wonderland Book

Thursday, Feb. 10th

5:30-8:30, $45.00

If I was a betting gal, I would place my money on a reschedule for this class on Thursday BUT... on the off chance every meteorologist in town is incorrect- we will wait until tomorrow to reschedule. If we have a lot of snow tonight, this class will be rescheduled for next Tuesday, February 15th. There are still a few class spots available so it just might be your lucky day. If interested, call the store to reserve your spot.   



Valentine girlie

Saturday, February 12

11-4, $85.00

Saturday looks good, 50's, so Ann Denise should be able to cross the Red River and inspire us with another wonder class. There are a few spots still available in this paper clay class. you know the drill by now, just call the store, 848-2389, to reserve your spot. After being cooped up inside for a few days this will be just what you need! 

Hope you all stay warm and if it's a snow day make it an incredible art day! c 

Kid's Camp

This is one of my favorite 3rd graders- just the right mix of sweetness and sass- and I'm so glad she and her sister "lil bit" came to kid's camp with mom today. As you can see, she takes after her mom and is a wonderful artist.

For those of you that haven't heard, Hillari and I teach a kid's art camp once a month on Sunday afternoons. The projects range from painting, sculpting, paper arts- you never know what we might come up with but it is always fun. The cost and whether it is a one or two session camp depends on the project. Today they created a 3-d heart which we referred to as a "tinker toy" heart. They were all so very unique and absolutely beautiful.

The kiddos have done some wonderful pieces over the past several years. Here are a few of our favorites-

Honestly these were done by little kids, not one over 5th grade

As you can see, this is artwork you would love to display in your home. Actually we often have adults that come into the store and want to sign up for Kid's Camp. 

Hillari and I are so delighted you share your wonderful children with us- I can't think of anything I would rather do. One nice thing about kiddos, they believe everything you say and on occasion I admit I've had to wing it.

Kid's camp is open to any child who has finished 1st grade. Classes are usually from 1:30-4:30 and we provide a healthy- with an occasionally not so healthy - treat. Anytime we load them up on sugar you can be guaranteed it was the last 30 mins. of class- we did that once and got to experience a group " sugar high" - Never again!

Our next Kid's camp is Sunday, February 27th from 1:30-4:30. This will be  "Meet the Masters" where the kiddos will create three mini projects representative of three of the art world's greatest masters- can you tell we haven't narrowed down the last artist. Cost for "Meet the Masters" is $80.00 and you can contact the store for more information or to reserve your spot. 

Hope you all are enjoying the Superbowl and may your team win!    

Really....AGAIN!

Grams is getting snowed on...Again! It was definitely nice for a few days but it's getting old, especially with the prospect of more next week.  The store is open however I will warn you, the roads getting here are not good- very icy. I'll be here most of the day but much to my newly licensed 16 yr olds dismay, I may be closing for awhile this afternoon to pick him up after school.  The ultimate in embarrassment but I don't care.

Looks like the next couple of days might be a good time to stock up on Valentines goodies for rounds 3 and 4 scheduled to hit next week. We still have plenty of amour treats and what would be better than a homemade Valentine. Here are some peeks at the ATC cards, this should get those creative juices flowing-

Brenda received this Valentine from her aunt on her 1st Valentine's Day.
 Brenda soldered the charms herself - man, we have talented teachers and students!  

It was Kay's 1st swap and she did a fabulous job

If you are looking for a Valentine's treat we have the neatest bracelets from Nepal. These are all the rage with the tween to twenty girls but those of us much older- me-also love them. We have a shipment of 300 so come while the selection is still good. These are made to wear in multiples. I like 3; however, I have seen the younger girls do 6-9. We are hoping this will be our cash cow so we can buy a register for the front. The handwritten tickets are getting old- well not exactly this week.

The bracelets are $10.00 for one or 3 for $27.00. Valentine's is just around the corner; it's the perfect gift! 

If you are feeling brave we would love to see you but please be careful. The roads are slick- Really! Stay warm! C

Thanks for all your sweet comments and encouragement. I think I can do this.

For those of you following from yesterday- 

Prince Charming's comments-

 1. why is he a Prince and not a King- he will be at the coronation

2. he's glad to know I don't have any type of addictive behavior. "How do you know? " I smugly ask. " It's a twelve step program baby not 10! " oops!

A Fairy Tale

Another snow day here in OKC. It's amazing how much you can get done at home when you actually are at home. Clean house, filing done, wash caught up- yipee!

 Two posts in a row- I feel like I'm in a 10 step program- one day at a time. It does feel good and thank you to all who have left a comment. It speaks to your tenacity, loyalty and/or persistence that you even still check this thing. Thank you.

After I finish this I am going to try and make it to the store; I miss my peaceful little haven. Since I'm still at home I am at a loss on what to post - can't show you any of the new goodies. Umm...On occasion I'm asked how the heck I got the store. Guess that would be a good topic since I'm starting this whole new chapter. It was sorta a fairytale....

Once upon a time a fair queen with her king, princess and two adorable but quite rambunctious princes ruled the kingdom on 16th. It was a happy kingdom, or so the queen thought and she had many royal tasks to keep her busy. Her duties were not those of your typical royal nature such as weaving, spinning or dancing. Her royal duties included carpooling, Junior Leagueing, PTAing, mentoring and meetinging- lots and lots of meetings. The queen filled her life to the brim with stuff, all of it was good stuff to help others but it was too much. Truth be told,  she would have been wise to spend more time with the royal family and her charming castle.

The queen, however, was not alone in her busyness. She found a trusted lady in waiting who worked with her on all her crafty projects. Whether it was creating sets and costumes for plays, planning an auction, creating holiday extravaganzas, or taking the trip of a life time, the two were a team and worked well together. It seemed that prosperity and goodness would rule in the kingdom but alias like in all good fairy tales, there was a dark cloud brooding on the horizon.

One evening after the final play of the year and while working on an auction set for the next day,  (yes,  the queen was crazy I realize that now- and yes,  this is the same queen that until today, wasn't able to complete two blog posting in a row- same person I swear!)  the king made a royal proclaimation. He was leaving and the kingdom was being divided. The queen had been blindsided; she never saw this coming and after many tears, prayers, counseling (both professional and the girlfriend kind), and some excellent detective work by her very own Charlie's Angels (some day I will post about this episode- it is the only event from the past 5 yrs I wish I could relive. It's a testament to womens' intuition, wisdom, loyalty and smarts- way to go girls!)  the queen discovered that the king liked her lady in waiting even more than she did- a lot and the lady in waiting was waiting no more! 

The queen was at a loss for what to do next. She had to regain her kingdom and provide for the royal heirs. Years before she had worked for a solicitor (attorney) but it wasn't the most flexible- why prince Em was still in school- and a paralegal was definitely not the least bit creative; choosing between red or blue labels on an exhibit file was as creative as it got. She decided to go to her favorite art store, 7 Minutes Later , to see if they needed help until she could figure out her life.

 The store owner did not need help but did want to sell the store so she could have more time with her grandchildren. For months the queen said " I don't have the money, I don't have the time, I don't have the experience (she had never once set foot in the business school), I don't know what I'm doing." The shop owner was very patient and remained true to her plan. Finally one day while the royal family was vacationing in FL the shop owner asked the queen what she was willing to pay. The queen watched as the princess was flying in the sky on a para sail and she threw out a number knowing - like her daughter, it was a pie in the sky- and to her great astonishment at that moment she became a shop owner. Her friends Brown and Kathryn vowed to never leave her on the beach alone!

Now the transition began to make the store her own. Although the queen can't take credit for the name Paper Crown, it seemed so very fitting " he will give a crown of beauty for ashes" Isaiah 61:3. That is exactly what he did. He took the queen's darkest moment and turned it into the most peaceful creativity sanctuary- with a whole lot of help from some wonderful people.

Over the past 4 years, almost 5, the store has transitioned into a wonderful creative haven. This fairytale kingdom would not have happened without the help of so many. Thanks to Corrine who kept the store afloat during that 1st tumultuous year- I thank you for all your help when it was just an accomplishment some days to get out of bed.



Cheri normally isn't on her side but I've spent the past 30 mins. trying to rotate and I give- sorry Cheri!

 Thanks to Ms. Cheri. Actually Cheri has been here longer than anyone and we hope she always will. Cheri teaches 1st grade during the week and works and sings at the store on the weekends. We love your beautiful voice and contagious laughter. You are a team player and we are so lucky to have you.

Next is our beloved Franc- Franc Franke what a great name. She is our bubbly people person who makes everyone smile. I know people come in on Thursdays just to see Franc- I do. She has a way of making everyone feel welcome and completely at ease. Franc also teaches classes and has quite a following.

Jackie- how many times have I told you you are my own personal angel?! You have gone above and beyond to help the store succeed whether it's dressing Girdie, posting on your blog, or helping plan an event you have done so much simply out of the desire to help.

Thanks also to all our wonderful teachers. You have inspired so many - Holly and Donna we miss you! You Red River girls I still can't believe you drive 3 hours to teach, are we lucky or what!

 Thanks also to all our loyal customers and friends. We have all gone on this journey and many of you have been with us every step of the way. We value your support but even more your growing friendship.

So you can see,  the queen decided to create a new kingdom, one where creativity rules and she is surrounded by those of the most noble character. Like all good fairytales, this story has a Prince Charming (however instead of a white horse,  he has a white pick up and boots) but we will save that chapter for later. Let me just tell you I love the Pioneer Woman but she and the Marboro Man have nothing on this love story : ) Like all good fairy tales this has a happy ending.

That's how Paper Crown came to be and hopefully I can get to the store so you won't have another long and rambling post tomorrow. It was kinda fun and probably a little therapeutic. Just so you all know- I realize I'm not in any way, shape or form a queen and I definitely don't have a kingdom- just a fun way to tell my story!
Stay Safe and warm!    

and yes, she was my best friend!

Snow Days!

This is what we have had to contend with the past few days- snow and a lot of it, at least for us southern girls. The weekend was 75 but by Tuesday am, 11 inches of the white fluffy stuff. Most of OKC is enjoying a good old fashion snow day- or two. The roads are just too dangerous to risk opening the store-or getting stuck. Now is a good time to go through that stash, that way you won't feel guilty for buying all the fabulous new stuff I've been ordering for the past several days.

This probably should have been addressed sooner but the Paper Crown inclement weather policy is if the OKC schools are closed, it's a pretty sure bet we will also be closed so definitely call before you come. 

We have decided to postpone Franc's Alice in Wonderland class until Thursday, February 10th. We are just not sure what the weather will be like tomorrow but chances are the roads will ice over at night and we don't want to take that risk. 

Hopefully the roads will get plowed today and we will be open on Thursday. Since the ATC cards are snowbound at the store and I'm snowbound at home, if you could give us until Friday to pick up your cards it would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sure some of you are still in shock at a new blog post. Believe me, I understand but hopefully the third time is the charm. The first blog was created by Claudia,  the previous owner, then sweet Jill tried to help out by posting but I decided that it is something I need to do so- here we go.

A special thanks to Catherine at Avalon Rose Design who created the blog and website  and Melissa at Designher Brand who has helped me put it all together and make it look wonderful. They have been great to work with and so very helpful and patient. We still have some things to work out but boy does it look great. Thank you again.

With my first post out of the way I'm off to tackle this. Yes,  those are my Christmas decorations which have been artfully piled- not really- on my coffee table. I must say they look beautiful but it is time go to the attic.

Hope you all enjoy the snow day- please be safe and stay warm and hopefully we will be open on Thursday!