A new adventure~

Most of you know my youngest son Zack (aka Army Son).  He is trying something new to earn money for his education after his GI bill runs out.  When he was only 15 he started his own computer repair business called PRECISION Computer repair.   We were sure glad when he got his driver's license so he could drive himself to house calls!  Anyway, I digress!  Check out his new idea, watch the video and please share with your friends if you are so inclined!  Thanks in advance!

The Effortless Twig - Reclaimed Wood Furniture

 

New Class: Preserving the Past and Missy's Art Journal classs!

Preserving the Past for June

Wednesday, June 12 @ 6 pm

This month's 2 page layout is a tribute to Dad.  We will use papers from G45 and Bazzill in this masculine Heritage layout!  Call For Keeps Sake @ 314-487-8131 to save your spot in this class.


Missy had her 2nd Art Journaling Adventure class and it was awesome.  Since I was working I didn't get to sit in on the class but I tried my own version of her beautiful houses!  I still need to add words to this:

Some of the other Artists from last Saturday!

Check the For Keeps Sake blog for Missy's next class! 

Thanks Ladies! and a recipe to share...

Thanks to all the ladies in my class this afternoon!  Everyone finished their little book in class and I think they turned out adorable!  

I brought cupcakes this afternoon and everyone wanted the recipe so I am posting it for everyone's enjoyment.  My Mom makes this in a bundt pan but it seemed to work well for cupcakes too.  I drizzled a little caramel ice cream topping on top but this cake is great on it's own too.

 

Southern Praline Pecan Cake

1 (18.25 ounce) package butter pecan cake mix 

1 (16 ounce) container coconut pecan frosting 

4 eggs 

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water 

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9 or 10 inch Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine the cake mix with the frosting, eggs, oil, water and 1/2 of the pecan pieces. Mix until combined.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 of pecans in the prepared Bundt pan then pour in the cake batter.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

 I like to toast the pecans before adding them.  Let the cake cool completely before taking it out of the pan as it tends to fall apart when warm. 

 

 

 

 

 

Gelli Sharing . . .

 

I've been wanting to try something a little different with all the fun background papers that I've accumulated.  This giant paper mache letter at For Keeps Sake was perfect for what I had in mind.

I used gelli printed deli papers torn into small pieces and glued them to the surface of the letter.   I then pressed the whole letter onto the plate.  I think it turned out really fun and it's definitely one of a kind! 

Classes...Projects and more ...

I have been a bad blogger lately.  I have had good intentions but like everyone I have so much going on!

A big THANKS to my friend Missy for an awesome Art Journaling Class  at For Keeps Sake.  
Everyone had so much fun and created their own version of her beautiful bird page!  I was so busy I forgot to take photos but snapped a couple of these "artists"!

Now that I have a little confidence . . . I couldn't wait to get started on my own page.  I've been playing with my Gelli printing plate like crazy and chose a bright and sunshiney background for my page.   

La Dolce Vita

 

Upcoming CLASSES:

Spring Is Mini Book

Sunday, May 5 @ 12:30-3:00pm

Celebrate Spring with this sweet little mini book made with Graphic 45.   2 spaces available

Please bring Basic Supplies plus:

Foam dots/squares
Sanding block or tools
Beacom 3 in 1 Glue
Cropidile

Suggested Colors for inks etc. below:
Green Ink (Memento Olive Grove or Pistachio)
Brown Ink (Ranger Archival Coffee or Sepia)
Viva Magic Transparent Pearl Pen Lemon or Ice
Art Anthology Colorations Spray Warm
Adhesive to adhere paper to chipboard cover (Glue Stick, Matte Medium)




Preserving the Past for May

Wednesday, May 8 @ 6pm
Each month we create a 2 page layout perfect for your heritage scrapbook.   This month we will use papers from My Mind's Eye and Graphic 45. 

Call For Keeps Sake @ 314-487-8131

New Project . . .

Yesterday I took a little time out to play with Wood Icing, Stencils, paints and a 5x7 Artist's Canvas Board.  This little piece was inspired by my recent workshop with Mary Nasser last month.  In class we created this:

This is my little 5x7 canvas board.  I used a StencilGirl stencil (window), and unk stencil (bird), Inka Gold Metallic Rubs, paints, gelatoes, Wood Icing, Bronze Pearl Pen, Ranger Color Wash spray.  I like it!

New Class for May!

Spring Is . . . Mini Book 

Sunday, May 5 @ 12:30-3:00pm
Celebrate Spring with this sweet little mini book made with Graphic 45.

Please bring Basic Supplies plus:
Foam dots/squares
Sanding block or tools
Beacon 3 in 1 Glue
Cropidile

Suggested Colors for inks etc. below:
Green Ink (Memento Olive Grove or Pistachio)
Brown Ink (Ranger Archival Coffee or Sepia)
Viva Magic Transparent Pearl Pen Lemon or Ice
Art Anthology Colorations Spray Warm or another brown
Adhesive to adhere paper to chipboard cover (Glue Stick, Matte Medium)

LIMITED to 8 Students.  Call For Keeps Sake to reserve your space in this class.  314-487-8131

Another great workshop!

Saturday I was able to take Mary C. Nasser's Mixed Media Workshop at For Keeps Sake!  We had amazing time creating our own unique pieces of ART with WoodIcing, StencilGirl Stencils, paints, Inca Gold Metallic Rubs and more!

Here is the beginning of my canvas project:

This is not "finished", I'm still working on adding some text and highlighting the words. 

To get an idea how unique each project evolved, hop over to Julie Ann Johnson's Blog "Life Astonished" to see her Artwork. 

Thanks, Mary!  It was a great workshop!

Thanks Ladies! Gelli Project and a New Class!

Thanks to all the gals that attended my class last night!  Terri brought her amazing treats from Merb's Candies!  The marshmallow eggs are my favorite!

Next month's class is on display at For Keeps Sake . . . 

Preserving the Past for April

Wednesday, April  10 @ 6pm

 This 2 page layout uses papers from Bazzill Basics Papers and Graphic 45.   We will experiment with Viva Inka Gold Metallic Rub to add gold accents to this page!  Bring your basics plus we will be using Viva Inka Gold Metallic Rub and a Black Ink (Ranger Archival Black).  To make your reservation call 314-487-813.


Today I spent a little time playing with my Gelli Arts Printing Plate.  I won the 12x14 size from their facebook page and I have to say it is a lot of fun!   I took out my favorite stencils and paints and used them to alter a cheapo plain canvas apron that I've had for a long time!  This is the result, I don't know if it's good or pretty but it was fun and I can wear it when I paint, LOL. 

 



 

Thanks Mary Nasser!

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to be able to take a Book Art Workshop from Mixed Media Artist, Mary Nasser! 

We learned several bookbinding techniques including the Concertina book.  We then used papers we created with paints, StencilGirl Stencils and various ephemera to personalized our handmade book.  I love what I made and I'm so excited to work on the inside pages this week.

Thanks so much Mary!   It was an exciting opportunity for me to have personal instruction from such a  talented artist.   
 

A new class, a thank you and I won something~

Thanks to everyone that came to my class Wednesday night.  We had a great time and I'm already looking forward to our March layout!  My March Class is just about SOLD OUT (thanks ladies) but there are a few spots left!  Call For Keeps Sake to save your spot (314-487-8131).

Preserving the Past for March

 

Wednesday, March 13 @ 6pm

Each month we create a 2 page layout perfect for your Heritage Scrapbook.  This month we are using pretty papers from Carta Bella and Melissa Francis.

In addition to basics please bring a mini mister , Tea Dye Reinker, Craft Mat. 

Guess what I won?  A Gelli Arts 12x14 Gel Printing Plate!  WOW!   I didn't even know they made them that big.  Can't wait to get it and start playing. 

New Year. New Class. Something Nice...

I just realized I haven't posted since December, I don't know where the time flies off too!   My class this week is full so I am posting next month's class:

Preserving the Past for February
Wednesday, February 13 @ 6pm

Beautiful papers from Bazzill Basics.  In this class we will create customized buttons from plain wood shapes!
In addition to basics, please bring a brown ink, Bundled Sage Distress Ink, Black Archival Ink


Now for the something nice . . .

Tom and I started our day yesterday (Sunday) with breakfast @ First Watch, we had a coupon for Buy 1, Get 1 entree (courtesy of Kelsey whose Dad is the manager.  We had a great breakfast and took our ticket and coupon to pay and the young man handed us this note:

He said we had $20 to use towards our breakfast and handed us change from the $20 (remember we had a coupon too)!  Wow, we were both speechless.  You hear about random acts of kindness like this but nothing like us has ever happened to us!  The change from the $20 (about $6) went to our server.  We already left a tip at the table but I hope she had the same feeling we had when the young man handed us this note. 

Can't wait to do this for someone else!

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles

The basic recipe comes from Betty Crocker, I just added 1 cup cinnamon chips!



1/2 c butter or margarine, softened
1/2 c shortening
1 1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 c flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 c cinnamon chips
2 T sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Heat oven to 400.  Mix thoroughly butter, shortening, 1 1/2 c sugar, and the eggs.  Blend in flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt.  Add cinnamon chips.  Shape dough by rounded tsp into balls.

Mix the 2 T sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon (I always need more of this mixture so make twice aas much) Rolls balls in mixture.

Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until set.  Remove immediately from baking sheet. 

Thanks everyone!

Thank you to all my wonderful class ladies last night!  We had a great time and look forward to another year of Preserving the Past in 2013!  Thanks for letting me share what I love with you every month! 

FKS has lots of new things planned for the upcoming year, read on for some important news!

Updates from For Keeps Sake . . .

We want to give you a heads up on a couple of things we just found out:
Your favorite markers, COPIC, have been a staple at For Keeps Sake for quite some time. Copic suggested retail is $7.50 each marker.  For Keeps Sake's every day low price has been $5.50 each since we first started carrying the full line of colors.  We just found out that COPIC is raising the price on their markers effective January 1.  Stop by now and fill up on all your favorite colors before the prices go up.  We're going to get one more order in before the end of the year so you can get in on today's prices. The good news: For Keeps Sake will keep its $2 discount on each of these.  So even though the suggested retail price will be $7.99 starting January 1, For Keeps Sake will keep their prices below retail at $5.99 and our refill service will continue as usual!
Ranger is also raising their prices on some of their items. We're getting one more order in before this so stop in and pick up your favorite colors of Ranger Distress Ink Pads and reinkers before the prices go up.  Ranger is raising each of these by $1 effective February 1.  Stock up @ For Keeps Sake before the increase.
Now onto some great news:
We listen to your suggestions and make adjustments where we can and one of those adjustments involves our popular gift certificates.
Effective immediately: Purchase a For Keeps Sake gift certificate and the recipient will receive key tag punches for their regularly purchased product. Now, they can work their way to an additional $20 in free product when their key tags are full just by using their gift certificates. Additional information available at For Keeps Sake.
There's more:
We love and appreciate our class takers and we want to reward you. Effective January 1 . . . attend a class and get a 25% discount on any regularly priced purchase night of class.  

Keep in touch with

For Keeps Sake Paper Arts & Rubber Stamps

4530 Lemay Ferry Road - St. Louis MO 63129

via this blog, Facebook or in person

for more exciting news in 2013!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Class for January

Wednesday, January 23 @ 6PM
In this class we will transform an plain white frame into a beautiful keepsake. Only room for 12 in this class
Supply List:
Ranger Vintage Photo Distress Stain
Ranger Archival Sepia Ink
Foam Tape
1/2" Score Tape
Beacon 3 in 1 Glue

Preserving the Past for January

Wednesday, January 9
6PM

Each month I create a 2 Page layout perfect for your HERITAGE Album.  This month's layout uses beautiful papers from KaiserCraft.  Limited to 15 people.  Call 314-487-8131

On the 2nd Day of Christmas . . .

On the 2nd Day of Christmas . . .

 my true love gave to me . . . workshops, a make & take, specials and more!

Monday, December 3:  10:30 am - 4:30 pm: Open Studio Time:

Come in with your projects and work in our classroom.  A relaxing way to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Tuesday, December 4 @ 6PM:  Month to Remember with Missy

Missy has designed a 2 page layout highlighting this month's events. Just add photos to document your everyday and special moments.

Wednesday, December 5:  6 pm - 7:30 pm FREE Make & Take with Nancy
Pop in to see what we're up to this evening.

Saint Nicholas Day is Thursday, December 6! 
We have a special treat for all our "good" customers!  Come in and see our demo of Lucky 8 Punches from We R Memory Keepers.  We have many styles to choose from and they will be specially priced. 

Regularly $50, on sale today ONLY $24.99 while supplies last!

See for yourself how these versatile punches transform a 12x12 sheet of paper!

TOTE DAY is Thursday, December 6.  All TOTE Club Members take 40%off the cost of one regular priced item! Join our TOTE Club any time.  A one-time fee of $20 gets you a roomy For Keeps Sake canvas tote and 2 special sales each month. Our TOTE Club makes a great gift for a crafty friend.

Friday, December 7 @ 6PM:  Introduction to COPICS with Missy


Copic Markers are all the rage! Are you interested in learning to use these little gems? In this hands on class, you will learn what all the excitement is about with these alcohol ink markers. Our very own Certified Copic Instructor Missy will show you how easy it is to color, shade, blend colors & even how to take care of your markers! See just how easy these markers are to use!  And did you know . . . For Keeps Sake sells Copic Markers at an every day discount price.  We also have a refill service for a nominal fee.

Saturday, December 8 @ 10:30-4:30:  
 Pocket Calendar Workshop with Mary


The new year is just around the corner & Mary has created an adorable purse sized calendar that everyone needs.  It has tons of pockets to save receipts and notes.  The finished size is 41/2" x 6", just right to fit in your purse!   What a great gift for someone special!  Space is limited for this class.

Classes and Workshops require advance reservations,

call us 314 487-8131

Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook!

It's just another way to Connect with your favorite

Paper Arts and Rubber Stamping Store!

@

FOR KEEPS SAKE!

where your creative journey begins . . .

4530 Lemay Ferry Road - St. Louis MO 63129

St. Louis' best and largest independently owned paper arts store.

FKS Sunday!

Don't miss out!

FKS Sunday

You've shopped till you dropped on Black Friday, so how about FKS Sunday? 

We have a very special offer for you! 

Purchase $100 in Gift Certificates receive a $10 coupon to use anytime between December 1 and December 31st.   Gift Certificates can be any denomination (just so they add up to $100).  Gift Certificates are the perfect gift, one size fits all and best of all you get a little something for yourself too!

Our Hours Sunday, November 25

12 Noon-4PM

Layout Sharing

We go on a lot of little adventures, my sweetie and I.  Last weekend we took a little hike in Onondaga State Park.  I took a lot of photos of the fall foiliage and created a one page layout.  I used the Sugar Hill Paper Line from Farm House Paper Company and Spellbinder Die S4-368 Hexagons. 

A new class . . .

I usually do not schedule classes in December, everyone is so busy and it's hard to fit a class into our already busy calendar.  This year I decided to add a Christmas themed layout to my Preserving the Past series.   Hope you like it!

Great papers from Kaiser craft, Tim Holtz stamps and doiley die from Lifestyle crafts. 

Wednesday, December 12 @ 6pm

Please bring a brown ink ( I used Archival Sepia), ruler, foam squares or tape and your basics to this class.  You will receive a complete set of letter stickers so you can personalize you layout with any date/name/etc.  Limited number of seats available for this class.  Call For Keep Sake @ 314-487-8131