tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35555962606246699802024-03-14T06:22:56.874-05:00Novel Approach BlogNovel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-13202069297033744902009-04-11T22:29:00.002-05:002009-04-11T23:00:37.337-05:00Melodee Langworthy Travel Album<img style="WIDTH: 5px; HEIGHT: 3px" height="25" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="16" border="0" /><br /><div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 519px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 30px; HEIGHT: 183px"><p><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></p></div><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 570px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 412px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.aworkofheart.com/images/classimages/ml_tw.gif" border="0" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Join celebrity stamp instructor MELODEE LANGWORTHY, as she teaches this wonderful ring album. This is the perfect book for you to keep all of your travel memories and other memorabilia. Melodee will teach a class here at Novel Approach and two classes at Scrapbook Junkie. </p><p>Saturday, May 16th </p><p>2PM to 5PM</p><p>Travel Workshop: $55 per person</p><p>Please bring: Personal cutter, glue dots, zip dry, distressing inks, scissors, glue dots</p><p><strong><em>AND:</em></strong> As an added bonus, if you take one class by Melodee at Novel Approach and one class by Melodee at Scrapbook Junkie your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Gift card ($50 redeemable at The Junkie and $50 redeemable at Novel Approach). What an awesome opportunity! Registration for these classes is now open. But you will want to act quickly because these classes will fill up fast and seating is limited. Payment is due upon registration.</p><p>If you have any questions, just give us a call at: 281-992-3137</p><p>And don't forget to visit Melodee's blog: <a href="http://melodeelangworthy.typepad.com/">http://melodeelangworthy.typepad.com/</a><br /></p>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-71906357378192793662009-03-21T15:21:00.003-05:002009-03-21T16:14:30.527-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdwpAVbR9Zts3wgdkgK_YafzDcQCO2Tewy6NmW_feAu7-SjNTG29pOp2ZjohIoh5wnmgAA37pE-1cWX2H0ieT7DRDA2Gpcy03aF3xsMnDFSSL1yiUNM2YT0DX9EO1m6xTTrbKVgFEDHEc/s1600-h/P3210080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315738866405936290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdwpAVbR9Zts3wgdkgK_YafzDcQCO2Tewy6NmW_feAu7-SjNTG29pOp2ZjohIoh5wnmgAA37pE-1cWX2H0ieT7DRDA2Gpcy03aF3xsMnDFSSL1yiUNM2YT0DX9EO1m6xTTrbKVgFEDHEc/s400/P3210080.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Have you ever seen such a beautiful rainbow? Our cardstock section has expanded to the entire length of our "BIG" wall! If we don't have the color you are looking for, it probably doesn't exist!</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 11px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 190px; HEIGHT: 49px"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><img style="HEIGHT: 4px" height="16" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="10" border="0" /><br /></a></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-36074680512958821842009-03-13T10:13:00.003-05:002009-03-13T17:15:12.601-05:00What's new?<span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Everyday we get phone calls and people coming in the store asking "so what's new"? We have been receiving new Fed Ex and UPS deliveries daily, so I will give you a quick update on what is "new" since our last blog:<br /><br />Heidi Swapp's Invisibles (stickers, chipboard, and cardstock....very cool stuff)<br />Paper Adventures Tropical Collection<br />Tattered Angels Glimmer Screens and Clear Stamps (gorgeous)<br />American Crafts<br /><br />We also have some some VERY SPECIAL ladies coming to our store on April 1st to do a Wednesday evening class. The Glitz girls will be teaching an incredibly awesome 8x8 acrylic album class with 6 insert pages using their "Rebel" collection of papers. I will post a photo and more details as soon as we get them- which should be real soon.<br /><br />Have a great weekend!</span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 4px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 357px; HEIGHT: 12px"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><img style="WIDTH: 2px; HEIGHT: 6px" height="6" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="19" border="0" /><br /></a></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-64005020722808478322009-03-10T10:04:00.004-05:002009-03-10T10:38:47.389-05:00After The Round-Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzeaVDsVG52W4-Px45XFv8winBDIzLmuKTtFFsOKYSMWxKRMUEKVpIioo0DPwNJw5rpIp76OOGoanDYoa4YcCz8NLVgZpPWuuVjZB_6fiZNvp_TkMKVhz999TbNPeYLGs0pEQ3Eenzg6A/s1600-h/deadbeat+box+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzeaVDsVG52W4-Px45XFv8winBDIzLmuKTtFFsOKYSMWxKRMUEKVpIioo0DPwNJw5rpIp76OOGoanDYoa4YcCz8NLVgZpPWuuVjZB_6fiZNvp_TkMKVhz999TbNPeYLGs0pEQ3Eenzg6A/s200/deadbeat+box+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311583678377012002" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnITSXJhhEWyerrWIsz4lqiFl0GAWDohpsuWZhOLaEE6prI3C6CCGSrhaN2ppyKmMwzeFVSaOfht4jomHaqaC9ZWWkyVVoCYenzbYmSS3xd2k_jXf9ymOPrOxcbm6ax47icm5bNtYDk0Vm/s1600-h/deadbead+box+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnITSXJhhEWyerrWIsz4lqiFl0GAWDohpsuWZhOLaEE6prI3C6CCGSrhaN2ppyKmMwzeFVSaOfht4jomHaqaC9ZWWkyVVoCYenzbYmSS3xd2k_jXf9ymOPrOxcbm6ax47icm5bNtYDk0Vm/s200/deadbead+box+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311583673201649522" /></a><br /><style type="text/css"><br />body {background-image: url("http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/LickitySplitcopy.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }<br /></style><br /><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a></div><br /><br />The 2009 Houston Area Scrapbook Round-up was a GREAT success! We had a great time seeing old friends and welcoming new ones! In spite of the bleak news reports about the economy, we had nearly exactly the same amount of sales this year as last year! Just shows that we are one of those "recession-proof" businesses - scrapbooking is therapy, not merchandise!<br /><br />Still lots of new merchandise coming in from CHA. We finally received the German Gold Foil paper and Dresden victoriana embellishments! They are going fast, so come in soon! Graduation is right around the corner, and we have lots of new graduation paper and embellishments! We are also working on our Graduation Pizza and a 6-Pack, so keep an eye on the newsletter for that date. Come in to see the new garden fairy version of the dress form from Creative Imaginations!<br /><br />Our buddy Mark at Dead Beat Designs has come up with some wonderful new ideas for explosion boxes...watch for a class soon! We are going to be doing our own version of a Bluebonnet Festival in April with make-n-takes, classes, and other fun stuff.<br /><br />Also in the works is a class for all you party planners...boxes, cards, and invitations in various themes - look for graduation, birthday, wedding, and others!Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-1780442567590775392009-02-26T14:12:00.002-06:002009-02-26T14:27:23.980-06:00It's ROUND-UP TIME!<div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 150px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 30px; HEIGHT: 45px"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></div>Yee-haw! Tomorrow marks the start of the second annual Houston Area Scrapbook Round-up! All the area stores will have make-n-takes, take-n-makes, and other fun stuff! But the best ones will be at Novel Approach, of course! We can't wait to see everyone! I was assured by our American Craft rep this week that they are providing a GREAT grand prize for the Round-up! By the way, we won't be accepting competitors' coupons during the Round-up.<br /><br />We have been typing as fast as our fingers will let us, putting in all the new merchandise as it comes in! Look for the latest from Die Cuts With a View, K&Co (Que Sera Sera line - beautiful!), Bo-Bunny, Unity Stamps, Prima, Jenny Bowlin, My Favorite Things, Sassafrass Lass....and so many more boxes to open this afternoon!!<br /><br />Plans are getting underway for our visit from Melodee Langworthy in May. We are teaming up with Scrapbook Junkie for a fun weekend with this great designer!<br /><br />Thanks to all who attended our belated ScrapPink crop on Valentines' Day! We sent a check for $200.00 to the Susan G. Komen foundation from the crop!<br /><br />That's all I'm going to write today, because there is a pile of boxes calling my name! See you all soon!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="17" border="0" />Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-76305713544391221282009-02-16T10:13:00.002-06:002009-02-16T10:57:20.493-06:00OK, OK, we'll blog more!It has come to my attention that we don't blog often enough. What, once a month isn't enough for you people? OK, here we go! The new CHA things are starting to roll in now! Basic Grey Marrakech is gorgeous! One of my all-time favorite companies, Graphic 45, has two incredible new lines - Communique and Fashionista. We got the invoice in the mail for Inkadinkadoo, so that should be here any day, and they had some great new stamps! A new stamp line, Hanna's Stamps, has arrived - with a cute paperdoll stamp! Moxxie has some cute new "everyday" paper - themes like potty training, martial arts, skateboarding, baby dolls...<br />We have all the new colors of Tattered Angels - wow. And come check out the Copic markers, along with some great idea books for using them!<br /><br />We have expanded our "green" initiative - in addition to getting an eco-discount when you use our canvas bags, we have started donating 10 cents each time a customer chooses not to take a plastic bag (not counting using the canvas bag). Each month, the donations will be given to a different teacher for supplies for her classroom. This month, our "teacher of the month" is Theresa Kinzy, a special education teacher at Don Jeter Elementary in Alvin. Teachers are some of the unsung heroes of our community, and spend a lot of their own money to equip their students - this is our small way of saying "thank you"! Also, watch for green leaves throughout our store highlighting eco-friendly product lines and practices.<br /><br />We are gearing up for the Houston Area Scrapbook Roundup, which begins Friday, February 27, and continues through Sunday, March 8. Bags and Passports are available to be picked up NOW! There are still a few left, so let your friends know it is not too late to sign up!<br /><br />We have some great classes coming up in March and April - spring cardmaking on Saturday, March 21, spring paperbag book on Saturday, April 4, and March Breakfast Club on March 14 (the Great outdoors). Keep an eye on our website <a href="http://www.novelapproachonline.com">http://www.novelapproachonline.com </a><br />for more classes as we schedule them!<br /><br />I promise to be better about updating the blog! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="tag" style="position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 30px; z-index: 50; width: 150px; height: 45px;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-20226850787293384832009-01-26T22:49:00.002-06:002009-01-26T23:10:23.620-06:00CHA Day 3!!<style type="text/css"><br />body {background-image: url("http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/LickitySplitcopy.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }<br /></style>Hello from Sunny (yes, it was sunny today) California! It was a very long day, but saw lots of great things. For those of you who have requested the "German gold paper" - it is on its way! Found some fun new stamp lines - Hanna Stamps is my fave. Ordered great stuff from Basic Grey (Look for lots of Marakesh and Lime Rickie), Fancy Pants, Moxxie, EK and K&Co (WOW - the new Jolee's are amazing), Inkadinkadoo, Imaginisce, Webster's Pages, May Arts, .....<div><br /></div><div>Still working on lots of orders! Look for some really fun techniques with Copic Markers on fabric and paper, new products for encaustic art, great new idea books, Animal Spirit Stamps, a wonderful line that we have had but now has a new look - Unity Stamps, and an amazing new cutter....well, you will have to wait for that, but you will be blown away. We are also bringing in a new service for our favorite customers (that is all of YOU). Your only clue is...we had to upgrade our computer memory to get ready for it! My feet hurt and I'm ready for bed! More tomorrow night! </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, I was "This CLOSE" to Tim today - but didn't want to interrupt his demo (and his entourage). Also got to see Jane Seymour (up close and almost personal) doing some painting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Talk to you tomorrow!</div><div><br /></div><div>Melissa</div><div><br /><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-6124078722115267942009-01-25T22:00:00.002-06:002009-01-25T22:32:20.963-06:00CHA Day 2<style type="text/css"><br />body {background-image: url("http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/LickitySplitcopy.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }<br /></style>WOW! If I see another cute jungle animal or woodland creature, I may scream. But they are all (and that is a bunch!) adorable. Today I ordered, and ordered, and ordered. There are some wonderful things from Anna Griffin (with whom I had a lovely conversation in the ladies' room), KI Memories (um, cute jungle animals), Die Cuts with a View(cute jungle animals), Colorbok (yes, more cute jungle animals), Sassafras Lass (unbelievably cute), Sandylion, Impression Obsession , PRIMA - WOW - wait till you see the glitter borders and the bonnet blossoms!!!, OH, Stamping Station- NEW SPORTS paper and stickers - really great, and they also have some special new patriotic paper honoring President Obama. And some amazing camera bags and totes from MIMI for which part of the proceeds benefit an environmental cause <div>(in guess what - jungle print!).<div><br /></div><div>This isn't even the tip of the iceberg, but I'm brain-dead and can't think of everything. I hit the floor at 7:30am tomorrow! I'll try to take better notes so I can be more specific tomorrow night! And, dare I say, there will probably be still more jungle animals to report.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings,</div><div><br /></div><div>Melissa<br /><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a></div></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-21760689672876596602009-01-25T09:31:00.005-06:002009-01-25T09:41:24.709-06:00NEWS FROM CHA DAY 1<style type="text/css"><br />body {background-image: url("http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/LickitySplitcopy.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }<br /></style>Hello to everyone from sunny....oh, no that's not right. It is rainy, cold and overcast here in Orange County. The convention center is frigid, but the new lines are HOT! Yesterday (Saturday) was a day for classes, seminars, and "welcome parties". I got some tips for "greening" our business - and plan to implement many of them in the near future! Learned about some fantastic new techniques from Golden Art - how to make acrylic skins with different colors and textures that can actually be run through an inkjet printer! Photos, images, whatever printed on all these different skins - it's a mixed-media/altered art treasure trove! Definitely some classes coming up with those! I also got to experience the new STAR WARS line from Creative Imaginations - as well as lots of other great stuff! Cute new Disney Princess, adoption, beach, music, ....so many lines! And SEI has a gorgeous new line called Mimosa. SO pretty. Great travel papers, too.<div><br /></div><div>This morning I will hit the floor running, and will have lots more to report tonight!</div><div><br /></div><div>Melissa<br /><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-34855190910863944542009-01-04T15:42:00.002-06:002009-01-04T16:03:14.981-06:00Inventory is complete!We survived our inventory with only one major malfunction... I think that is pretty darn good. We are now ready to get back to "normal," whatever that may be. Don't forget that January is the month to redeem the Holly Dollars that you received in December.<br /><br />Also, CHA is right around the corner and we are starting to see previews of new products :) This is just as exciting as Christmas morning (only it lasts a lot longer)!<br /><br />We will resume our regular store hours beginning tomorrow morning at 9:30am. We hope to see you soon.Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-26364870260093660152008-12-24T13:24:00.000-06:002008-12-24T13:25:29.341-06:00Our Christmas MessageWith your support we have already received the greatest gift of all! Thank you for making us such a wonderful scrapbook store. We hope your holiday season is filled with much love and laughter. From our family to yours we want to wish you a very safe and Merry Christmas!Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-13218216211827905462008-12-20T10:17:00.002-06:002008-12-20T10:29:00.946-06:00Let There Be MusicWe are so excited- we now have our music system in place. We are still waiting our XM radio, but for now we have it hooked up through our old system. It is so nice to have all of the wonderful Christmas music playing through out the store in stereo. <br /><br />We will close Wed. Dec. 24 at 2:00pm and re-open Mon. Dec. 29 at 9:30am.<br />We want to wish all of you a very safe and merry Christmas and happy holiday season.<br /><br /><div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 150px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 30px; HEIGHT: 45px"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></div><br /><img height="6" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="9" border="0" />Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-46278499384558108432008-11-19T15:13:00.020-06:002008-11-19T17:46:46.481-06:00Classes and Mini ClassesWhew! It is already the middle of November, where has the year gone??? We have been very busy little elves getting our classes up and running as fast as possible so everyone can get back to "normal" after Ike.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>We wanted to remind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ya'll</span> of 2 upcoming classes and 4 mini classes -as well as give you a sneak peek at each:</div></div><br /><div>Radiance Snow Angel Class-<br />Decorate your mantle or table with a beautiful glittery snow angel made with several great products from Creative Imaginations: the Bare Elements dress form, die cut glitter shaped papers, sticky2, and finished it off with a genuine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Swarovski</span> crystal. Please bring your adhesive. Price $27.50<br />Date: Sat. Nov. 22<br />Time: 10:00am-Noon<br /></div><div>and again on:</div><div>Date: Tues. Dec. 2<br /></div><div>Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF09ozjyUWOZRP4KtIgRwBLP0NsF03v8OuIRnN2V15u5TOiv7I83wOazWgOyQNLJHqGQOh7jSI5CzzwYpuUgT3rC48Hudqv87B7lOPQTXD01opjPi4EnYw4r8TjiJ2WUwVlGq1R_S6p0v4/s1600-h/IMG_3632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270483256764162786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF09ozjyUWOZRP4KtIgRwBLP0NsF03v8OuIRnN2V15u5TOiv7I83wOazWgOyQNLJHqGQOh7jSI5CzzwYpuUgT3rC48Hudqv87B7lOPQTXD01opjPi4EnYw4r8TjiJ2WUwVlGq1R_S6p0v4/s200/IMG_3632.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>Tabletop Calendar Class-<br />We have rescheduled the date for Saturday, December 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>, from 9:30am until 4:00pm. In this all-day class, we will make a beautiful 12x12 vertical calendar on a wooden stand. With a 12x12 page for each month, this will make a wonderful gift for Grandma, or a beautiful decorative item for your own home! Kits for the 12 companion pages will be available for sale, so you can have an entire book of double-page layouts at the end of the year!<br />Lunch will be provided.<br />Seating is limited, so call early! Cost: $80.00 </div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBiSe1IFbWbn5QsSvyE8EmkWpD09Rip274KP7Vq9sBp5z8XG-te1N6IAP784nds_3f8zIMkNF9MboE89QU1TzdnxAIWOU5A_dq_zJJCLqr25Lsh40o3L8miEWP5uVSU7F-4-dFmnOqu_F/s1600-h/IMG_3638.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270492553859006898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBiSe1IFbWbn5QsSvyE8EmkWpD09Rip274KP7Vq9sBp5z8XG-te1N6IAP784nds_3f8zIMkNF9MboE89QU1TzdnxAIWOU5A_dq_zJJCLqr25Lsh40o3L8miEWP5uVSU7F-4-dFmnOqu_F/s200/IMG_3638.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>The following are the Mini-Classes that we have scheduled for Saturday, November 29 (I will post times on the website calendar). Each class will be $5.00</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JFp2h4TrYeTtagd4Y8-r4AbZAvpCM8FHTWJ-VI0jAjMVN82MDr9usljER3cl-Qqf8hJVKaoVGeN1MUD7ZS3rWthip6RQrauUlqID1tADWJkeH4A2vUFTTQkuYjZmGAmkp9Akit3cD2DD/s1600-h/IMG_3636.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270498454590327282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JFp2h4TrYeTtagd4Y8-r4AbZAvpCM8FHTWJ-VI0jAjMVN82MDr9usljER3cl-Qqf8hJVKaoVGeN1MUD7ZS3rWthip6RQrauUlqID1tADWJkeH4A2vUFTTQkuYjZmGAmkp9Akit3cD2DD/s200/IMG_3636.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm32rzRNsKYlq567DdGmzH3xjCtNTizo73m9J3E08ZLSuc-Ww9XMwyOZA4z04MkbRTLhqNZZ6ZxpLJNk9i8TVx5f3U1yDHSjIsWnDEg1vRDkPy-8YC6iGqeIp-SSXOJOOqydyha7glAXk/s1600-h/IMG_3634.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270498434577575394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm32rzRNsKYlq567DdGmzH3xjCtNTizo73m9J3E08ZLSuc-Ww9XMwyOZA4z04MkbRTLhqNZZ6ZxpLJNk9i8TVx5f3U1yDHSjIsWnDEg1vRDkPy-8YC6iGqeIp-SSXOJOOqydyha7glAXk/s200/IMG_3634.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270498445617329202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s200/IMG_3635.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjWB1YO2VQLLV1D9EsQuw6IcGtUakaOmPUsMd5nwFC3VJqBF21n0YkYC1ed49bNb1-9eA6uPQ7o_s-Fpwk8jsl6k6_PHyqkBh6TqyrXry1pGtnZCLOiptCk9mJpQRxJgV2UuYqzRr60Jf/s1600-h/IMG_3631.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjWB1YO2VQLLV1D9EsQuw6IcGtUakaOmPUsMd5nwFC3VJqBF21n0YkYC1ed49bNb1-9eA6uPQ7o_s-Fpwk8jsl6k6_PHyqkBh6TqyrXry1pGtnZCLOiptCk9mJpQRxJgV2UuYqzRr60Jf/s1600-h/IMG_3631.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270498440048503586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjWB1YO2VQLLV1D9EsQuw6IcGtUakaOmPUsMd5nwFC3VJqBF21n0YkYC1ed49bNb1-9eA6uPQ7o_s-Fpwk8jsl6k6_PHyqkBh6TqyrXry1pGtnZCLOiptCk9mJpQRxJgV2UuYqzRr60Jf/s200/IMG_3631.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4z0Dx4RRMKMf76MHcsiUxDvVJ_UHI7UCkcny5ZMGuSg8_wiidIaUNI4N5MKzslu8XsBhiFTskCrSvGC_uavDUcW71lwp41GCwvho08TSaGKBlJCxJwuWhB5IOONyNBrnY3eoKmgskWlj/s1600-h/IMG_3635.JPG"></a></div>We think all of these classes will fill up quick, so give us a call at the store to sign up (then you can say that you have already started Christmas shopping :) 281-992-3137</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><div><strong><em>OH... FED-EX JUST BROUGHT THE NEW TIM HOLTZ DISTRESSED STICKLES, METALLIC PAINTS ETC. AND CLAUDINE HELLMUTH STUDIO ITEMS :)</em></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-68399507134008050992008-10-31T23:55:00.002-05:002008-11-01T00:06:50.005-05:00From the Owner . . .Thanks to all of you who took the time to make suggestions for the new and improved Novel Approach. I <span style="font-family:georgia;">read--and enjoyed--</span>all of them and will say more as time permits. Today’s topic is: The Crop Room. In summary, you want a wider, larger, less cluttered, better arranged, more user friendly room with more seating, more work space, more comfortable chairs, and refreshments. <br /><br />We agree with it all! We improved our refreshment selections. M&Ms were, are and always will be on our “menu.” Canned soft drinks are still in the refrigerator, and there’s a fancy new coffee system. Please, help yourselves. We’ve changed some things we hope will reduce our clutter. As for the rest . . .<br /><br />The crop room is about all it can be--there is no more space. (Several suggested we take over what was Toddler Town. That is a GREAT idea, except that I can’t afford the extra $3-to-5k rent, unless y’all want to contribute to the cause!!!)<br /><br />We’ve had different table arrangements in the past, but what we have now is the best. It lets us seat more people, with an adequate amount of work space, than any of the others do. The crowding on the floor and on the tables is not under our control. We can’t do anything about it, but YOU can. You can bring less with you. Before you get upset, let me finish!<br /><br />One night I watched a young woman struggle to bring in 3 large rolling totes, a luggage cart with 3 plastic crates strapped to it, and several tabletop totes. Since the crop time is usually less than 6 hours, I wondered how much of it she realistically could use? Think about what you usually bring and how much you actually use. Is there anything you can do without? If everyone brings even one less item, there will be a noticeable increase in table and walking space. <br /><br />I am not saying you can’t bring as much as you want with you because you can. I’m simply saying what I’ve been thinking about. I hope you will consider my idea. If you like it, try it. If you don’t like it, don’t do it.<br /><br />Mary Lou<br /><div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 150px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 30px; HEIGHT: 45px"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-1678278170876848452008-10-30T10:09:00.003-05:002008-10-30T10:25:41.959-05:00We Are Finally OPEN!<a href="http://signmanmike.net/images/open%20sign.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="http://signmanmike.net/images/open%20sign.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After much anticipation- WE ARE FINALLY OPEN. We are so excited for you to see the new store. Also, we would like to thank ALL of our wonderful customers and reps who came help arrange merchandise, rearrange merchandise, and unwrap paper... we couldn't have done it without you.<br /><br /><br />On Saturday we will have our bag sale (and the crop room is FULL of goodies to fill the bag).<br /><br /><br />We will have our Grand Re-Opening sometime in November with door prizes, make and takes, etc. but we just could not stand being closed one more day!<br /><br /><br />We have lots of new stuff and more on the way, just bear with us a little longer as we get the boxes unloaded.<br /><br /><p> </p><p> </p><br /><br /><br /><div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 150px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 132px; HEIGHT: 377px"><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></p></div><br /><br /><br /><img height="8" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="5" border="0" />Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-78914370389810656502008-10-23T15:52:00.003-05:002008-10-23T16:39:59.998-05:00The Future Looks Bright<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zhn8yvsUDida-NfBYeb2EssnTV6tfG6EeH0SnVMdCI3xcx-DaqnzJ1fsrtiSK_bAMJu_W40BkIUZ8N5wzbBMsHIFnBPoDv3CCrTfvUPlNGNJmE-bhwQGtY3OfQ_KsCQrkXNp8fv3BG-L/s1600-h/IMG_3537.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260456059620769074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zhn8yvsUDida-NfBYeb2EssnTV6tfG6EeH0SnVMdCI3xcx-DaqnzJ1fsrtiSK_bAMJu_W40BkIUZ8N5wzbBMsHIFnBPoDv3CCrTfvUPlNGNJmE-bhwQGtY3OfQ_KsCQrkXNp8fv3BG-L/s200/IMG_3537.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, we can FINALLY see the light at the end of the tunnel! Our contractors finished last night, and we finally have the place to ourselves to start putting the shop back together! Yes, folks, we are planning to re-open our doors next week on Thursday, Oct. 30. You are going to LOVE our new look! Now, keep in mind we are still figuring out what we DON'T have, so bear with us as we continue to re-stock. The GRAND re-opening will be later in November, with make-n-takes and door prizes!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Many of you have offered to help us get ready to re-open. Next week, on Tuesday, Oct. 28 and Wednesday, Oct. 29, we would LOVE to have help dusting shelves, putting out merchandise, and opening paper packs (woo hoo!). We will be here between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm both days.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On Saturday, Nov.1, we will be having our much-anticipated HURRICANE SALE! Many of you loved our "sack sale" last November (our answer to Black Friday). This time, the crop room will be filled with merchandise that Ike left a little rippled, splattered, or wrinkled, but still very useable! You will be able to fill a paper bag for $25.00 or one of our canvas Novel Approach bags for $100.00 (yes, you can bring your own, but it is still $100.00)! Keep in mind that most of the merchandise is new stuff that we had JUST put out before the storm, so even though you may get it for a great bargain next week, you may see the same lines (if we reordered them) out in the store for full price.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are looking forward to seeing everyone! We have missed you all!</div><br /><div>Melissa, Sue, Karen, and Mary Lou<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 150px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 30px; HEIGHT: 45px"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><img height="2" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="9" border="0" /><br /></a></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-13682259689354190082008-10-15T21:00:00.002-05:002008-10-15T21:20:59.860-05:00One Step Forward...Two Steps Back<div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 18px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 139px; HEIGHT: 28px"><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><br />That is how we have been feeling when we leave the store each afternoon lately. Today, we woke up so excited because we thought we were one step closer to getting the store back in order... until we unlocked the front door. Imagine our shock to find MORE of our <em>new</em> ceiling tiles wet with rain water from our <em>new</em> leaking roof... sigh again. We placed a phone call to our property management company and started cleaning up the mess. Then after lunch when we were "un-earthing" our Accu-Cut dies that we had stored in our kitchen area, guess what we found.....yep, more mold (and yet another call to the property management, they are on speed now). BIG SIGH ! <br />On the bright side (behind all that rain), we did get our front counter about 50% completed, about 99% of our slat wall installed and all of our Accu-Cut dies back on their shelves. We <strong>are </strong>truly grateful that there were only two steps back today, it could have been much worse.Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-20467263258287995522008-10-13T20:01:00.006-05:002008-10-13T20:43:31.069-05:00Patience Is A Virtue???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAxIzz_Shm9L1bZFzupHcu1Lp6ykUR3cK0X0i26sNQlN7tzzlKiXTnRfXvimzYSncdHLa636OuWMrMf8elS7levRJfX-7lO4i0aKxRo-KFW1whJzBhvI3d-Qx17MryKHtl7NCgJlCm7ah/s1600-h/IMG_0176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256818243702489314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAxIzz_Shm9L1bZFzupHcu1Lp6ykUR3cK0X0i26sNQlN7tzzlKiXTnRfXvimzYSncdHLa636OuWMrMf8elS7levRJfX-7lO4i0aKxRo-KFW1whJzBhvI3d-Qx17MryKHtl7NCgJlCm7ah/s200/IMG_0176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxV4RBQCmAISI5NU9CO3eJP0svqGAzyBtVctOrHilLtzVSjAjS5nqGSYNgUH6c-VfBXv5zpA7LDZEsUtBw180J29r0h2rYkaA-rz0erNXyIZKpbObFUrG03pVwFrnnI64s0519n129U6N/s1600-h/IMG_0182.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256817764884500258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxV4RBQCmAISI5NU9CO3eJP0svqGAzyBtVctOrHilLtzVSjAjS5nqGSYNgUH6c-VfBXv5zpA7LDZEsUtBw180J29r0h2rYkaA-rz0erNXyIZKpbObFUrG03pVwFrnnI64s0519n129U6N/s200/IMG_0182.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYttL8OBK8bLIlJ53CJZ9b9jVEKxXOxgCwxeDHpZvv4SOOPtOLEvovnQilrupjFGmzNrjqaLnuqj3LMxSRNVR1V_0xJFrOZZToYYMxpMP8apg8qTZqkKLbNTjv1D6fY8qxP9aVMVGcCIt/s1600-h/IMG_0167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256817565192835634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYttL8OBK8bLIlJ53CJZ9b9jVEKxXOxgCwxeDHpZvv4SOOPtOLEvovnQilrupjFGmzNrjqaLnuqj3LMxSRNVR1V_0xJFrOZZToYYMxpMP8apg8qTZqkKLbNTjv1D6fY8qxP9aVMVGcCIt/s200/IMG_0167.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>In the world of <em>fast </em>food, <em>fast</em> cars, <em>fast</em> weight loss, and <em>fast</em> money- why can't there be <em>fast </em>construction??? We are ready for the store to be OPEN. We feel like we are playing the walnut shell game where you shuffle the ball around and hope you choose the right nut. That is what we have been doing with all of our merchandise and fixtures for the past few days trying to work around all of our subcontractors. I must say it is a dance of sorts. </div><br /><br /><div>To top it all off, just when we think our construction is coming to an end - We find more remnants of Ike in the form of mold in two other places of the store, our NEW A/C starts leaking on our NEW ceiling tile which drips onto our NEW carpet, we find that water has settled under the bathroom floor, the workers in the space next to us spilled water on the floor which flowed under the wall and into our space, AND our backdoor lock broke... ALL ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON!</div><br /><br /><div>Enough complaining, we truly are thankful that we even have contractors in the store doing the work at all. Our property management told us that if we had waited on them, we would still be about 4-6 weeks out. But we feel that since there is paint on the wall and carpet on the floor we should be open for business......sigh!!! Oh the plus side, it IS nice to go "out to lunch" with your co-workers :)</div><br /><br /><div>I will leave you with a few pictures of us around the store. I also want to thank all of you that have lent us a helping hand, brought us cookies and kept us in their prayers. It is TRULY APPRECIATED.</div><br /><br /><img height="5" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="8" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-5298927649307520112008-10-03T03:20:00.003-05:002008-10-03T04:24:00.313-05:00How to leave a comment.<div>It has come to my attention that a few of you reading this don't know how to leave a comment for us. Well, I am going to try my best to give a quick tutorial. Please keep in mind that it is 2:45am and I am up <strong>ONLY</strong> because our new kitten decided it was hungry (forgive me for any mistakes). It looks long and drawn out- but it is very simple:
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<br />1. At the end of each blog that we post (next to the date and time the blog was posted) will be how many comments have been left so far. <em><strong>Click on that</strong></em>.
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<br />2. A screen will come up that has the comments that others have left for us (on the left) and a box on the right that says "leave your comment". <em><strong>This is where you type all of your lovely comments </strong>:)</em>
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<br />3. Below the comment box you must <em><strong>check your identity</strong></em> (only on this blog, not in real life).
<br />A) If you choose Google/Blogger you must sign in, this is a free service that only takes a second to do and will make leaving comments in the future a LOT easier. With this feature you will also be able to be a "follower". This gives you the option to automatically receive a quick e-mail from Google when we post a blog. I highly recommend this because we won't always post a blog AND send an e-mail to our mailing list.
<br />B) Open ID (I have absolutely no clue on this)
<br />C) Name/ URL: This is where you just tell us who you are.
<br />D) Anonymous: This for the scaredy cats who don't want us to know who they are, but everyone is welcome to leave a comment.
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<br />4. At this point you can <em<strong>>"<strong>publish</strong>"</em> your comments for all to see, or "preview" what you said to see if it is correct.
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<br />OK, I hope I have cleared up some confusion about blogging. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail the store and I will try to clear it up for you.
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<br />Moving right along....we got paint on Thur. and will get carpet Fri. (and maybe into Mon.) Everything is coming together so well.
<br />Karen and Melissa went to Florida to a mini-convention to take some wonderful classes as well as buy new merchandise to fill up the store. They will be home Mon. eve. Please keep them in your prayers.
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<br />By the way, the picture below is what we mean by we can't find anything in the store right now. EVERYTHING in our store is in this room and the smaller sticker room behind it. So when you call us (during a scrapbooking emergency), this is what we mean...<strong>WE REALLY CAN'T FIND IT</strong> !
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<br />Well, it is 4:10am and the darn kitten is alseep on my lap, so I am heading back to bed! I will try to post again with more pictures.
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<br />Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-30014444243409313272008-10-02T05:28:00.006-05:002008-10-02T06:08:31.091-05:00Remodeling Has StartedIt's early morning, but I thought I would give you a quick glimpse on the progress of the store:<br /><br />Everyday we get a little closer to getting back to "normal"- what ever that may be. The crew has been hard at work making some major decisions, and some minor ones as well. We can't wait for you to see the new store.<br />We are starting to receive merchandise again, thank goodness, because I think we were all going through withdrawals not seeing our UPS and FedEx drivers (don't know if they felt the same about us as they were carrying in those heavy boxes of cardstock).<br />For those of you who have asked about classes and crops being canceled or rescheduled... We will call everyone who has signed up for any class or crop as soon as we "unearth" our sign up book (I will post a picture of that later). Most classes will be rescheduled, including our Breast Cancer crop, but if not we will issue a refund.<br />Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to check on us and the store. Mary Lou said it best...OUR CUSTOMERS ARE THE GREATEST.<br />I will leave you with a few pictures of our progress, and you are more than welcome to leave us with comments :)<br /><br />Have a great day!<br />Sue<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK6MkF3boKzg4z-W3l4fe1gOwADY13CmEYtZ91RwVlt0ZumQnysbqPeamLM1ixGQP7erTZepGXDZmK5Yclib6XYd1LSAy26z0qf50cY2DGt_caSV4ilPqQgoOylxLAnk-PaM0A70dNheU/s1600-h/IMG_3301.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK6MkF3boKzg4z-W3l4fe1gOwADY13CmEYtZ91RwVlt0ZumQnysbqPeamLM1ixGQP7erTZepGXDZmK5Yclib6XYd1LSAy26z0qf50cY2DGt_caSV4ilPqQgoOylxLAnk-PaM0A70dNheU/s200/IMG_3301.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252505743737592914" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wsKpFOCht8kFIiW5wQvQcLw7WFrG4Q-kFBWle2510yfGnHRlVjw1SJiaW7UxmAmiy0j3tSp8Ayt9jSxhMV2DzWaWWJ4ZdN0zcmueDEX9PLwfhkcUa-00mOWzyVT3euOFowZDRF5LM7Er/s1600-h/IMG_3302.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wsKpFOCht8kFIiW5wQvQcLw7WFrG4Q-kFBWle2510yfGnHRlVjw1SJiaW7UxmAmiy0j3tSp8Ayt9jSxhMV2DzWaWWJ4ZdN0zcmueDEX9PLwfhkcUa-00mOWzyVT3euOFowZDRF5LM7Er/s200/IMG_3302.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252505751339754402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiaxzKYmCP78SjrjcteH_j1UtW9et_SjbSdCADdg4PqftRY64y6fSBTVHl0B3NRmma345rqlyft2EgBDVFsUOHQzzsSqc-kE59rYxJxphfZgI4tGzcJjQux_wkOjxKrJA6hwn8MppiXNA/s1600-h/IMG_3303.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiaxzKYmCP78SjrjcteH_j1UtW9et_SjbSdCADdg4PqftRY64y6fSBTVHl0B3NRmma345rqlyft2EgBDVFsUOHQzzsSqc-kE59rYxJxphfZgI4tGzcJjQux_wkOjxKrJA6hwn8MppiXNA/s200/IMG_3303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252505753263692306" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><style type="text/css"><br />body {background-image: url("http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/LickitySplitcopy.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }<br /></style><br /><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-61279926576929029402008-09-24T22:06:00.004-05:002008-09-24T22:57:58.996-05:00We've got the greatest customers!<style type="text/css"><br />body {background-image: url("http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/LickitySplitcopy.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }<br /></style><br /><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a></div><br />Hi, Ladies. This is Mary Lou, the owner of Novel Approach. I want to thank you for your great comments. Many deserve serious consideration. Some, like the sonic machine, aren't to practical. <br /><br />As for stock, have no fear--we will continue to carry as much paper as we always have (and maybe even a little more). That goes for embellishments, etc., too. <br /><br />I think it's great that y'all are so interested in our new color scheme so I'll give you a little hint. We are definitely not choosing hot pink, bright orange, shocking red, or any other in-your face-colors. Novel Approach has had a classy, soft look, and we don't want to lose that. There will be color on the walls (other than white or beige) and the carpet will be an updated version of what we had. We think it is very tasteful and pretty. <br /><br />Keep your comments coming, especially those with prayers. We need all the help we can get. -- Mary LouNovel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-69370495789352842292008-09-24T07:13:00.003-05:002008-09-24T07:34:51.234-05:00Demolition Has Begun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJLHflGDX2JHG0XJcNLYF4RJzVmZESqZXGeB85rZUlzSi4hggJnvAbJdArOHCWwMfPCb4OkltFNvg2j1S89peQ1KCxj9cwHV0r_lTTr2N7UNexMUutLwNbk7zoFjEfum3uWL-ALKmn87i/s1600-h/IMG_3211b.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJLHflGDX2JHG0XJcNLYF4RJzVmZESqZXGeB85rZUlzSi4hggJnvAbJdArOHCWwMfPCb4OkltFNvg2j1S89peQ1KCxj9cwHV0r_lTTr2N7UNexMUutLwNbk7zoFjEfum3uWL-ALKmn87i/s200/IMG_3211b.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249564834033880258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU-MuwaCu3lrKO_OilLon_JfnEvx1g3c5Lqs73TFAQj7DNaoE3jAmdnAeiEmWm0MXi3caCaEuXvzCK6z19vUKGF-zvWyyoqSzJD5ClOwaG8uo9k74XZASGFPdSjVONTfVBhebJ-FiKmRs/s1600-h/IMG_3218b.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU-MuwaCu3lrKO_OilLon_JfnEvx1g3c5Lqs73TFAQj7DNaoE3jAmdnAeiEmWm0MXi3caCaEuXvzCK6z19vUKGF-zvWyyoqSzJD5ClOwaG8uo9k74XZASGFPdSjVONTfVBhebJ-FiKmRs/s200/IMG_3218b.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249564840667567650" /></a><br /><style type="text/css"><br />body {background-image: url("http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o401/Thecutestblogontheblock/LickitySplitcopy.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }<br /></style><br /><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" border="0"/><br /></a></div><br /><br />WhooHoo.......Good thing this isn't "smell-o-vision", because it stinks in here! Our demo crew arrived just in time to start tearing down all the muck. Ladies(and gents) let me tell you there was mold starting to grow even under the carpet....blah :{<br /><br />All that stuff that we kept saying we would get to on another day. Well these past few days has been "those days". The Recovery Crew (Melissa, Sue, and Karen) has been hard at work sorting and purging all the items we honestly don't know why we have kept. It was so liberating. Now we feel Ike should at least left us a voucher for a SPA DAY; but we haven't found that yet.<br /><br />On a side note we want to thank a few of our customers who "just showed up" to help us out the other day (you know who you are), and The Scrapbook Junkie for sharing our troubles on <em>her</em> blog. That's how the local folks stay in business- by sharing the love.<br /><br />Speaking of sharing the love, we ask that you do the same on our blog. The Remodeling Crew (Mary Lou, Melissa, Sue and Karen) has started the process of color choices, etc. so don't forget to share your thoughts on what you would like to see with us in the comments section below. OK, now I am on to get ready for work......Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-86043079418943555702008-09-20T10:30:00.005-05:002008-09-22T06:50:06.199-05:00We are "blogging" now!We have finally jumped on the "blogging" bandwagon. We felt this would be a more convient way of you to keep up with the store chit chat than if we kept sending out e-mails. You will still get your monthly newsletter with classes (when they resume) and other events, but this will just be a way you can check up on what is new in the store, progress on the rebuilding, new merchandise, etc. Please be patient with us as we learn the in's and out's of this new tool. We love comments, so please leave us some love :)<br /><br /><div id="tag" style="Z-INDEX: 50; LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 150px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 30px; HEIGHT: 45px"><br /><a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></div><br /><br /><img height="17" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="7" border="0" />Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555596260624669980.post-53708779412633169852008-09-20T10:02:00.012-05:002008-09-21T06:17:21.156-05:00Search and Rescue (well maybe not rescue)(This is a re-post of the e-mail we sent out on 9-20-08)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZFK8lVEePmSfHShXJUD_cDF7wd_fj3ajpQHaFMFD6eE32p5hRIwKK0xfF16i2nQVMbMsOEdSM7gL68gGDqm7oPK-HnaTDRtSXkSbU3M2ORjDUdiN0XJp5l1gWDgBMSHtqngZPGtNeo5z/s1600-h/IMG_2922.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248126096045475234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZFK8lVEePmSfHShXJUD_cDF7wd_fj3ajpQHaFMFD6eE32p5hRIwKK0xfF16i2nQVMbMsOEdSM7gL68gGDqm7oPK-HnaTDRtSXkSbU3M2ORjDUdiN0XJp5l1gWDgBMSHtqngZPGtNeo5z/s200/IMG_2922.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tqLZRddhKfNtHnxynI-X8G1XhEaw6xXRU77Yz6ud3iQdOyHYCYhehV5EFq2BTtDi6y6BtjBT9R6GhLT7qVpMCyEaWBB9YWzCl0RYi6Pj1AjeL6jINlt8tOt2OGxFQTkEDIjOHgOCs5Vb/s1600-h/IMG_2983.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248126090252924738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tqLZRddhKfNtHnxynI-X8G1XhEaw6xXRU77Yz6ud3iQdOyHYCYhehV5EFq2BTtDi6y6BtjBT9R6GhLT7qVpMCyEaWBB9YWzCl0RYi6Pj1AjeL6jINlt8tOt2OGxFQTkEDIjOHgOCs5Vb/s200/IMG_2983.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuYZeRXAeKgKghiYAKTPoREiPWmHlq7bbsMUQ2Sw8HKHh9Cat35dCT4zEtsMd01NkT5vANqkhfgHR0DnjMCLugAW9_QYY0WHhXQzojoWnd8HrqDVa4t2Tc78mW5V4icrMoQyyupBaa62B/s1600-h/IMG_3027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248126097594165554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuYZeRXAeKgKghiYAKTPoREiPWmHlq7bbsMUQ2Sw8HKHh9Cat35dCT4zEtsMd01NkT5vANqkhfgHR0DnjMCLugAW9_QYY0WHhXQzojoWnd8HrqDVa4t2Tc78mW5V4icrMoQyyupBaa62B/s200/IMG_3027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Once again I must say "thank you" to all of our wonderful customers who have sent thoughts, prayers and offers of help during this ordeal; it is truly appreciated. I thought I would give everyone a quick assessment on our progress with the search and rescue of the store. In the front room, the disaster team found that it has sustained critical and career ending injuries (see photos). All of those papers involved will truly be missed. The stamp room came out smelling like a rose, or at least not rain water and the crop room will need some new carpet, but other than that they are in stable condition at this time. We are currently at a stand still on progress while we get assessments from our landlord and insurance company.</div></div><div> </div><div><div><br /><br /></div><div>I do have a mission for you, should you choose to accept it, WE WANT INPUT!!! Our customers are what make our store wonderful, so we want to know your opinion on what you would like to see go back in it (orange paint, purple shag carpeting, big screen tv, live band daily, etc.), ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING will be considered. This is where you shop and we want to make you feel at home. It is very simple, just click on the "comments button" below and make out your list (even of things you might think we won't like), you can even comment on other customers comments. I will pass all of them along to the Disaster Rebuilding Team, who will then make their decisions. Act quickly, we are planning NOW! </div><div> </div><div> <br /><br /></div><div>Again, thanks for ALL of your support during this ordeal.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><img style="HEIGHT: 8px" height="8" src="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/images/tag.jpg" width="3" border="0" /></div></div></div>Novel Approachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01970529312066286048noreply@blogger.com15