REMINDER – Card Donations for Our 2nd Annual Christmas Card Collection for the Jesse Helms Nursing Center Due by DECEMBER 19th

Thank you to all who have donated Christmas Cards for the nursing center so far. We are making progress toward reaching our goal but still have quite a way before we reach it. If you have handmade Christmas cards that either you have collected in a card swap or those that you have taken time to make some cards yourself, please consider donating them.  Your generosity will make the Holidays a little brighter for the patients and staff. This time of year is especially hard on families with loved ones in nursing homes or those that are sick. For those who may not know, this card donation effort has a special place in my heart because I lost my Daddy while he was at the nursing center on  December 29th, 2007. (To read the full story on the painful journey my family and I endured with my Dad and the inspiration behind this effort, click here.) In an effort to keep his memory alive and as a way to show the unconditional love my family and I have for my Dad, I started this card drive in 2008. Last year my family and I was surprised and thrilled at the response that we received. We had enough cards for every patient and all the staff at the nursing center. We are hoping to be able to continue that with this years donations. Remember: This year just as last, I’m offering a 20% discount on your entire purchase with the donation of 5 or more handmade cards. The inside of the card can be blank and should be unsigned.

Once again, thank you to everyone!!!

Monogram Card and Envelope Gift Box Class Saturday 11/21/2009 and Saturday 11/28/2009

The Holidays will be here before you know it and if you are wanting to give a gift from the heart this Holiday Season, this is a perfect Class for you! In this Class, you will create a beautiful personalized gift. The completed gift set includes 5 cards and 5 envelopes, monogrammed with the monogram of your choice, and  packaged in a clear box tied with beautiful bow. There are 3 different colors to choose from. We are offering this class for the next 2 Saturdays. It is self paced and self guided so feel free to drop in during regular store hours. If you don’t have time to take the class, we are selling the complete project kit which includes ALL materials pre-cut. The project kit will sell for the same cost as the class itself.

Note: We have a limited number of seats and kits available so we strongly recommend that you call and reserve your seat or kit.

Dates: Saturday 11/21/2009 & Saturday 11/28/2009

Time:  12:00 to 4:00

Cost: $15.00

 

Below are samples of the colors available:

 

 

Finally, the completed gift set. Stunning!

Join Us for a Fun Fall Party Wed - October 28th

Fall is in the air and with that comes the time for La Carta Bella’s 2nd Annual Fall Party!

Those who attended last year know what a wonderful time was had by all. At our 1st Annual Fall Party, we created 2 super cute Halloween Treat holders using our Scor-Pal and several fabulous Thanksgiving Day and Fall cards.

This year, we plan on doing it even bigger and better. With the help of some of LCB’s most talented and creative friends , we have planned some fantastic and versatile projects planned along with unique, wonderful Fall and Thanksgiving themed cards. The Projects and Cards that we have lined up are some of the most unique and creative ideas that we have ever offered!!! You will be amazed!!!  (Hint: One of the Projects planned is one that was praised by Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box , himself and was posted on Twitter!) The night will be packed full of stamping and cardmaking tips and tricks. This is the perfect opportunity for beginning and advanced stampers alike. There will definitely be something for everyone.

Tools we will use: Copics and Scor-Pal

For creating our projects and cards, we will be using Copic markers along with the ‘must have’ for every cardmaker……the Scor-pal. There will be 2 certified Copic Instructors on hand to answer your questions and to give you tips on how to get the most out of these markers. Have a Scor-Pal and not sure how to use it? Have you been contemplating purchasing a Scor-Pal but just not sure about making the investment? This will be a perfect opportunity to use our Copics and Scor-Pal while being able to ask questions and getting some valuable information on both.

Details:

Date:         Wednesday, October 28th

Time:        6:30 to 8:30

Place:        La Carta Bella

Cost:           2 Projects and 2 Cards $15.00 per person

                       3 Projects and 3 cards $20.00 per person

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This year, our projects and cards are better and more unique than ever before. Due to the time and cost involved in preparing for the projects and cards, we ask that you Pre-Register AND Pre-Pay. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Deadline for registering is Sunday 10/25 or until all spaces are taken (whichever comes first).

What to bring:

Click here to find out what tools you should bring with you.

 

Open Catalog Stamp Ordering: Featuring New Stamp Companies at a Discount!

We are adding to the fun and excitement of our Fall Party, by allowing Open Stamp Catalog Ordering from NEW Stamp Companies. If you are not familiar with what this is, let me explain. We will have catalogs from several NEW stamp companies available for you to browse. You can go thru our catalogs, pick out what you want and we will order it for you! Now for the best part of all….any orders placed the night of the Fall Party will receive a 25% discount! All we ask is that you pay a deposit of 50% when you place your order and the remaining 50% when you pick your order up.  We will call you when your order arrives (usually within 1 week). If you are unable to come by the store to pick up your order, we are happy to ship it to you for little or no cost.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity get unique stamps that you can’t get anywhere else.

The following Stamp Companies will be offered:

• Unity Rubber Stamps
• Rubber Romance
• Lockhart Stamps
• American Art Stamp (Karen Stophler stick chicks)
• Lizzie Anne Designs
• Stamping Bella
• Memory Box
• AMuse
• Savvy
• Impress

Reminder: Time is Running Out......Sign Up Today!!!!

Dave Brethauer of Memory Box Hosts Classes at La Carta Bella August 22nd & August 23rd

Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box, is coming all the way from Washington to host 2 classes at La Carta Bella! Don't miss out on this opportunity to take a class from such a talented person as Dave. We all love, admire and wait anxiously for Dave's new stamp images so this is a perfect opportunity to see him in action.

The classes are 2 hours long with a half hour to an hour between sessions - 16 people is probably max so that everyone gets some good attention. Class fees are $40 per class or $70 if you sign up for both. The Saturday Classes will be at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. The Sunday Classes will be at 2:00pm and 5:00pm.

Dave will provide colored pencils, watercolor pencils and brushes; however, if you are more comfortable using your own pencils, brushes, or paints, you can bring your own too. Dave does ask that you bring a paper trimmer and adhesive (strong double stick tape works well for the watercolor class). Below are some details on each class being offered:

Memory Box Colored Pencils

Come and learn about color, blending and shading while using Memory Box images and papers. Each student will make 5 cards using colored pencil techniques that will make you color like a pro. We'll put color to work in analogous and complementary colors schemes to really make your greeting cards stand out!

Memory Box Watercolor

This fun class teaches watercolor through watercolor paints and watercolor pencils. Learn the advantages of each watercolor media and get some helpful tips for applying watercolor to greeting cards. Try out different types of watercolor paper while learning washes and blending techniques. Each student will create 5 cards in an informative and supportive teaching style.

Dave will be using the New Fall and Christmas images from the What's in the Box 2009 Release. He will use be using Prismacolor pencils for the colored pencil class and Faber Castell watercolor pencils. At this time, Dave has been teaching with Twinkling H2O's, but may have to switch to  a different product depending on what happens with this company. He will let me know a little more when it gets closer to the time.  Also in the watercolor class, Dave will be using 140 lb cold press and 140 lb hot press paper.

Closed for July 4th - Get Ready for AMuse-A-Palooza July 10th, 11th and 13th

We will be Closed Saturday July 4th but are getting ready for AMuse-A-Paloooza. AMuse-A-Palooza is when AMuse unveils all of the NEW Holiday Stamps and Paper. We are the first store in the area to have these fabulous stamps. All the fun happens Friday July 10th, Saturday July 11th and Monday July 13th. We will be open special hours for this Huge Holiday Event:

Friday 7/10 :  12:00pm to 4:00pm

Saturday 7/11:  12:00pm to 4:00pm

Monday 7/13:  12:00pm to 4:00pm

We are offering 2 different classes each day plus we will have 2 FREE Make-N-Takes. Be on the look out for our entire class schedule for this special event to be posted early next week.

            LCB                         

 

AMuse-A-Palooza 2009 July 10th - 19th

It's that time....time for AMuse-A-Palooza 2009. For those who may not know, AMuse-A-Palooza is a week-long paper-crafting celebration featuring the newest products from AMuse. This is when AMuse unveils their New Winter and Christmas 2009 Release. The theme for this year's event is 'Winter Wonderland'. It promises to be one of the best yet. We will be celebrating this event with special Make ' Takes and promotions. All the details on our special event will published the within the next couple of weeks. Don't miss out on this chance to be one of the first to get your hands on the AMuse 2009 Winter and Christmas Release.....even before the general public can get them. We are the only store in the area participating in this event so come out for some refreshments, make 'n takes and a whole lot of fun!

                 LCB                     

Dave Brethauer - Owner of Memory Box - Teaches at La Carta Bella August 22nd & August 23rd

We have a VERY special opportunity of having Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box, come all the way from Washington to teach at La Carta Bella! Dave contacted me a couple of weeks ago and offered to come to the store and teach. I jumped at the opportunity. It took a week or so for Dave to work out the details but he was finally able to confirm the dates of Saturday, August 22nd & Sunday August 23rd. I am posting this early because I MUST KNOW WHO WILL COMMIT TO TAKING ONE OR BOTH OF THESE CLASSES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I'm sure you can understand why considering he is making this trip just for us!  :) Don't miss out on this opportunity to take a class from such a talented person as Dave. We have all love, admired and waited anxiously for Dave's new stamp images so let's show him how much we appreciate his work. Let's work hard to get these classes filled. Bring a friend and enjoy some fun and informative classes.

The classes are 2 hours long with a half hour to an hour between sessions - 16 people is probably max so that everyone gets some good attention. Class fees are $40 per class or $70 if you sign up for both. The Saturday Classes will be at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. The Sunday Classes will be at 2:00pm and 5:00pm.

Dave will provide colored pencils, watercolor pencils and brushes; however, if you are more comfortable using your own pencils, brushes, or paints, you can bring your own too. Dave does ask that you bring a paper trimmer and adhesive (strong double stick tape works well for the watercolor class).Below are some details on each class being offered:

Memory Box Colored Pencils

Come and learn about color, blending and shading while using Memory Box images and papers. Each student will make 5 cards using colored pencil techniques that will make you color like a pro. We'll put color to work in analogous and complementary colors schemes to really make your greeting cards stand out!

Memory Box Watercolor

This fun class teaches watercolor through watercolor paints and watercolor pencils. Learn the advantages of each watercolor media and get some helpful tips for applying watercolor to greeting cards. Try out different types of watercolor paper while learning washes and blending techniques. Each student will create 5 cards in an informative and supportive teaching style.

Dave will be using the New Fall and Christmas images from the What's in the Box Release which is scheduled for July.  He will use be using Prismacolor pencils for the colored pencil class and Faber Castell watercolor pencils. At this time, Dave has been teaching with Twinkling H2O's, but may have to switch to  a different product depending on what happens with this company. He will let me know a little more when it gets closer to the time.  Also in the watercolor class, Dave will be using 140 lb cold press and 140 lb hot press paper.

 

     LCB                          

A Heartfelt Request for Your Help

I'm not the kind of person that opens up to a lot of people and I usually don't share things that are personal in nature; however, I'm making an exception this time and you will soon understand why.

In 2006 my Father was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Congestive Heart Failure is a condition in which the heart does not pump at full capacity; therefore, causing fatigue, fluid to accumulate in different parts of the body, loss of appetite, and nausea among other things. My Father's heart was functioning at 20% capacity. He was also Diabetic and in September of 2007, he was admitted into the Jesse Helms Nursing Center in Monroe for treatment of a wound that was on his big toe. After exhausting all options, my family and I knew that ultimately, he would have to have his toe and possibly his leg amputated. He went thru surgery and had his toe removed. We opted to have him admitted into the Nursing Center so that his wound would get proper care and not risk getting an infection while building up his strength in preparation for the very good possibility that he would have to have his leg amputation. While in rehab at Jesse Helms Nursing Center, unexpectedly, he moved into Stage 4 Congestive Heart Failure and was given approximately 2 weeks to live. We were presented with the option of continuing with his medication to try to remove the fluid and take the chance of causing his kidneys to fail or to stop all medication. I felt the need to tell my Father the truth no matter how difficult. After many Family discussions and many many different opinions, I finally talked with my Dad and explained his options as they were explained to us. I also told him that if he wanted to me to tell him everything in detail, to let me know and I would. He never asked any further questions. I've often wondered if he knew the truth or if he was in denial. My Family and I knew he would never be able to have the surgery to amputate his leg. After many ups and downs and a lot of prayers, I lost my Father on December 29th 2007. During those difficult 3 months, my Family and I became to know he staff of the Jesse Helms Nursing Center and were very grateful that we knew my Dad was being cared for in the best way possible. While spending  so much time at the Nursing Center, I came to realize exactly how many patients were there with little or no visitors and no Family. Since this time of year brings back so many of those memories of my Dad while in the Nursing Center, I feel I need to do something in his honor. This is where you come in. I want to ask for your help in creating Handmade Christmas or Holiday Cards for the patients and staff of the Nursing Center in Memory of My Dad. In exchange for your help, I will offer every customer that brings in 4 cards a 25% discount on your entire purchase. We will need all cards turned into La Carta Bella by December 20th. My Family and I would greatly appreciate your help in fulfilling this huge undertaking.

Thank you in advance for your help.

New Rubber Stamp Consignment Program

Got Stamps? Got too many Stamps? Do you want new stamps but just don't have the budget for them? We have a solution! Recycle those New or Gently Used Stamps into New Rubber Stamps. La Carta Bella is starting a Rubber Stamp Consignment Program. Here is how it will work:

• Gather your New or Gently Used Stamps
• Make an Appointment to have your Stamps inspected. 
  • We ask that you have your stamps cleaned. (We can provide tips on how to get your stamps cleaned.)
  • We will only consign stamps that are either new or in gently used condition.
• Pick up a copy of our Consignee Inventory Sheet
• Inventory your stamps by filling out our Consignee Inventory Sheet
• Next, price your stamps. You may choose to do this yourself, or we can price them for you based on your Inventory Sheet. (There is a small Fee.) 
• Bring your stamps into the store and we will display them for you.
• There are 2 different rates for Consignment:
  • If you choose to get paid cash for your sold stamps, then the rate of return for you would be 60% of the selling price. Please Note: The selling price does not include Tax.
  • If you choose to get paid in store credit, then the rate of return for you would be 70% of the selling price. Please Note: The selling price does not include Tax.
• There are no minimums. Consignee as many stamps or as few stamps as you like.

So starting sorting through your old stamps. Don't miss this opportunity to turn your old stamps into NEW Stamps. Remember: What's Old to You is New to Someone Else!

LCB