The Shop Owner's Journal

So that happened

2011-11-14T15:41:00.002-06:00

For the first time in my life, I went under the knife.

Not the fun under the knife where you stand in front of a target wearing a sparkly bathing suit and a swarthy man dramatically throws knives at you while the crowd gasps in relief when you don't end up impaled.

Nope.

It was the bad kind. The kind where I reluctantly went to the emergency room hoping for a quick fix and instead ended up having a man stick a sword in me. OK, the man was a surgeon and - to use some of my newly minted medical jargon - the sword was technically a scalpel. But, I was completely unprepared for the ordeal. And it was not one little bit fun.

I won't bore you with all the myriad details, even though I have total recall of each. What I will say is that my cavalier attitude toward surgery has done a complete 180. I used to think "How bad can it be? They knock you out for the cutting part and then they give you lovely mind-altering drugs. Sign me up." Such blissful ignorance.

What I learned is that hospitals are depressing. And boring. And frustrating. And designed to keep you awake. In fact, I think perhaps we are overlooking a veritable gold mine when it comes to modifying criminal behavior. Send those ne'er-do-wells to the closest infirmary.

Let me whine a bit more.... As far as the mind altering drugs go - big, fat lie. I don't know why people pay for morphine. I was expecting to spend some time in the strawberry fields with the Beatles. I stayed right where I was (see above) with nobody but the night nurse for company. And she only wanted to make sure I wasn't sleeping. Very disappointing.

Shall I go on? Did you know that when they do laparoscopic surgery they inflate your abdomen (with a bellows, I believe) until it is roughly the size of New Zealand and then seal up all the escape routes so you can double as the Hindenburg for the next few days? It's very pretty.

Anyway. I got better. And my doctor and nurses were lovely. I think mostly because they knew they could go home as soon as their shifts ended. And, all in all, I came to appreciate how ridiculously healthy I usually am. I am determined not to take feeling good for granted. Also, as I was walking around the gray, cheerless hallways in the middle of the night, I realized that there are so many people who are really, really sick and who will probably not get better. So I am truly thankful for how blessed I am.

One more thing. I learned that while my family is comprised of very caring individuals, my unlicensed and, in one case, underaged children are not above using my car to joyride around while I lay prone in a hospital bed completely unaware. The girls tried to rationalize their complete disregard for the law by saying that they only wanted to visit me and bolster my spirit. Complete hogwash. The last time I checked, the mall was not on the way to the hospital. Considering the fact that we live about four blocks from the hospital, nothing is on the way.

We all survived.

Who Thinks of This Stuff...

2011-01-04T16:46:00.002-06:00

Who is the hands down genius head that thought up Pandora Radio?

I like music in a sort of second hand way. If it happens to be playing somewhere nearby, I'll tap my foot and bob my head with the best of them (with a few, okay, with several exceptions that I will not go into here because I don't want to bash any musical genres in print...but you know who you are). However, I don't usually seek out music and I'll tell you why.

Firstly, music on the radio is repetitive. Really repetitive. Really, really repetitive. Really, really, really repetitive. Same music. Over and over and over.

Secondly, someone else is doing the picking for me. I don't like handing over that kind of control. I (not unlike most people) want what I want, when I want it, thank you very much.

And thirdly, like any mother I've ever met, I mostly just want it to be quiet.

So, you can imagine the happy dance that ensued when a savvy friend turned me on to Pandora. That's www.pandora.com for those of you who are still wandering aimlessly in the dark morass that is FM radio.

I can't explain adequately. You have to experience it for yourself. And yes, I realize that I am probably light years behind the rest of the world, but I don't care. Let me be happy with my Adele/Weepies based station now that I have it. And look out iTunes...I'm coming in for a landing!

These are the days my friends...

2010-07-21T11:43:00.003-05:00

Let me begin by saying that it has been so long since I last posted here (how long has it been....), well, its been so long that I forgot my access information to log on.

Now, generally I am the type of person that has no problem recalling these dandelion fluff-seeds of trivia. I have a ridiculous amount of user identities and passwords and binary codes to crack before I can access my top secret quote-of-the-day or terrorist-proof easy recipe sites and they come zooming to the forefront of my brain with the greatest of ease. Usually. Apparently that is all in the past.

Anyway, that is not what I wanted to talk about. However, now it is the only thing that I can think about. Does this mean I'm on the downward slippery slope of forgetfulness? What next? Do I start forgetting the name of my dentist, or that I have a dentist or maybe I just forget to brush my teeth. Dentist, schmentist.

Maybe I have a heretofore unheard of brain condition that only affects my ability to recall passcodes, but if left untreated will mutate into an unsightly skin condition. I smell doom. And Neutrogena.

Maybe I just need to write this stuff down somewhere.

Rocked in Saint Louie

2010-05-01T12:04:00.006-05:00

On Thursday night some of my favorite peeps and I went to the Jimmy Buffett concert at Riverport (or whatever its name is this month). The lucky ducks who got there early were endlessly entertained by the thousands of parrotheads who turned out for the show - or became the show if truth be told. My neck is still a little sore from whipping around to goggle at fin-headed, grass skirt bedecked grandmas sipping margaritas larger than most wading pools.

Now, I have to confess up front that Jim isn't on my top ten list, but I do love an excuse to drink a margarita on a school night and its always fun to get together with friends. Especially friends who are true Buffett fans and are just waiting for an opportunity to stow away on whatever tie-dyed mode of transportation he has chosen for the evening.

So it was with an air of merriment and anticipation that we made our way to the entrance gate...where we were met by grim faced, professional buzz kills who searched through our blankets and backpacks and took our water bottles, our peanuts, and our happy faces.

OK. I understand that we no longer live in a country where you can bring a picnic lunch to a professional sporting event or paid venue of any type for the most part. And I guess I understand the reasons behind that sad fact. However, when you tell me that my water bottle isn't welcome I have to stop and ask WHY?! So I did. And I was told that even though water bottles are usually acceptable, Mr. Jimmy himself decided that no nourishment or hydration of any kind could be brought in while he was in the house. Hmmmmm.

I haven't checked this information. I'm simply going by what the steely eyed Frau at the gate said. Apparently, getting a piece of the action from the cheeseburgers in paradise is no longer enough. Mr. Buffett would like a portion from all the cheeseburgers (and everything else) in every geographical location he frequents. Again I say, hmmmmm.

I tend to oversimplify things. But here's what I think.

I pay (a lot) to see a game, or a concert, or a play. If you would like to offer me some refreshment while I'm there, I'll take it into consideration. If its good and reasonably priced, it is very likely that I will purchase your wares. I like options. I may decide you're a better cook than I am. And you save me the hassle of schlepping my ham sandwich across county lines. However, if you hold me hostage without food or water and in hypoglycemic desperation I am forced to purchase an overpriced, underflavored item, I will have no choice but to put a hex on you.

Can someone please back me up - does $4 for a water seem a tad steep to you? How about $9.50 for a draft beer? How about when you've purchased said beer, wandered aimlessly for 20 minutes looking for the rest of your party amidst 20,000 Hawaiian shirted revelers, finally reached your 3'x5' blanketed piece of lawn where you are promptly beaned by one of many flying beach balls which causes you to spill all that liquid gold on your flip flops.

Hmmmmmm.

He's a Magic Man...

2010-04-08T11:29:00.003-05:00

You know how when women get together to drink coffee, or iced tea, or vodka gimlets they tend to talk a little? And how almost inevitably the talk tends to meander its way around to the subject of husbands/significant others and their laundry list of shortcomings (among which is the lack of laundry skills...)?

Well, I just want to state for the record that my husband is not only very adept at tackling stubborn stains on whites, he is also very willing - dare I say glad - to do it. And thats not all. Not by a long shot. I have come to the conclusion that I have married someone who is magic. In our 18 years of marriage I have never once had to call a handyman for any reason whatsoever. He can fix anything.

In the space of one weekend I have personally witnessed this skilled Adonis install a wood floor, change the oil on the Mini, hook up a garbage disposal, make a fish casserole, and sew on a loose button - with time left over to take the kids to the library.

This is all just to say that I am very thankful that I am such a lucky duck. Is he perfect? Well, that depends on the day you ask. But I will tell you, should we ever be together sipping a perfectly made martini and the subject of husbandly shortcomings comes up, I'm afraid I won't be joining in the conversation. And if it crosses your mind to ask him what exactly it is that he needs me for, I will find you where you live and boil your Steiff teddybear in the biggest pot you've got...

So that was fun

2010-04-03T14:45:00.004-05:00

When uber-talented Annie Smith Piffel agreed to instruct a workshop here at Rock Paper Scissors, I immediately signed myself up. I have always harbored a bit of jealousy for people who can paint.

Not the house painting people mind you. I can think of no fewer than 8 million things I would rather do than tape off baseboard with that hideously colored painter's tape (too smurf-y to my way of thinking) and start dripping paint on the improperly covered hardwood floors.

No - I'm talking about the paint on canvas people. I would love to be able to do that. And so, I signed myself up and made arrangements to have the retail portion of the shop duly covered.

Things went slightly askew with my carefully made plans. Let's just say that I planned to attend the workshop. Then I couldn't take the workshop. Then I could. Then I couldn't. I finally settled for being bodily in the workshop about 2/3 of the time, running up and down the stairs 1/6 of the time, on the phone 1/8 of the time, and mentally checked-out for about 3/4 of the time. However, during the parts where I was both mentally and bodily available it was nothing short of fabulous. Annie is just that good!

I told myself that no matter how my painting turned out, I was by golly going to frame it and hang it. And so I did. And I have to say - everybody who took the workshop created a truly frame-worthy piece of art. Annie was informative, and encouraging. And I heard several comments about how relaxing it all was. Hmmm.

Musings

2010-03-25T11:26:00.003-05:00

Let Your Perfectionist Tendencies Be Your Guide...or NOT

I had such big plans for the new year. Hopes, dreams, lists galore. Someone double-check the calendar, please, and tell me that April is not peering at me from around the corner with an I-told-you-so smirk on its fat face.

I think I've figured out the problem. I need conditions to be completely perfect before I can make a move. NASA has less rigid guidelines. And if even one component falls slightly short of the mark I throw up my hands in disgust and proclaim a no-go. Well, sister, that crazy-pants behavior stops right here and now.

My idea about this journal page was that it needed to be store related. And perky. And interesting. And timely. Now, I'm not saying that it will never be that combination of things, but even though I admire those things, I like to think I encompass a broader range of interests. Here's another way to go - completely unrelated to anything. And morose. And boring. And sporadic. I say let's mix it up a bit.

Today, I'm going to post some links to items I've come across in various blogs that I follow. I find fascinating little gems every time I succumb to the siren song of the PC, and I always think that when I have more time I'll go back and really explore these things in depth. The problem is that my mental post-it notes have lost their stickiness. I know there's something I was supposed to look up, but darned if I can remember what it was. If I post some of those things here, I will have a fighting chance.

Here goes:

Here is a yummy recipe for potatoes - the worlds most perfect food.
Here is a great website for fonts. I've been on several font sites (I love text...) and this one is set up nicely and has the added benefit of being a manageable size. Very important in a font-related site.
If you need some inspiring color therapy (read eye candy), this is the spot for you. However, it should come with a warning. Days go by, dehydration sets in, children begin foraging for nuts and berries as you sit glued to the goodness on your monitor. Beware.

Alright. That is enough for now. Baby steps.

2010-01-01T14:44:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!!
We will be closing on January 1st and will re-open on January 12. I hope everyone has an optimistic and peaceful beginning to the new year. We can't wait to see you again!

2009-10-06T11:33:00.001-05:00

Three is a magic number...

Let me start by apologizing for the wordiness that will follow. Sorry.

I have three announcements and no photos.

First - Rock Paper Scissors is celebrating its 4th year in the biz (pause for cheering), and as such we would like to have a sale. Partly as a thank you to all of you fabulous people for being such steadfast patrons. And partly to clear out some of the current delightful products to make room for the new, even more delightful products (you know we have space issues...). So - Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th will be sale days here at the shop. As it is our 4th year, you will be the recipient of one fourth off of your purchases on these days (that's 25% off for those of you who, like me, have discovered that they indeed are not smarter than a fifth grader).

Second - some of you may have noticed the "For Sale" sign on the porch at 833 South Main Street. I have had breathless (thank you stairs), panicked people insisting that I absolutely cannot close - life would lose all meaning if Cavallini paper were not available when the yen hits. Never fear, only the building is for sale. I will reference the aforementioned space issues and stairs as factors in the decision to look for greener pastures. We have our eye on a different building further down on Main Street. I don't want to jinx anything by blurting out the actual address (I don't know about the Midwest, but in New England when you run around blurting things out pell mell, jinxes ensue like nobody's business...) We'll keep you posted.

Third - as you all know there are never enough hours in the day, especially the days leading up to a jam packed holiday season. And so, I have made the somewhat selfish decision to change the business hours here at the shop. Beginning now, the hours will be as follows: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00-6:00. You may have noticed that Monday is conspicuously absent. Well, let's not say absent so much as rife with opportunity...for me...to get stuff done...that would be the selfish portion of the program. BUT - I will be open until 6:00pm now, so if you need to swing by after work, we'll be leaving the light on.

We're Doing Pennants

2009-07-25T07:22:00.006-05:00

Rockin' the flag at Rock Paper Scissors - laminated paper flags waving softly in the balmy breezes. Stop by and check them out!

Inquire within to have your own custom flag banner made!

Clay Considerations

2009-05-23T14:37:00.003-05:00

I recently had a meeting of the minds with clay afficianado Mary Quallo. The idea of a polymer clay guild has been bandied about periodically since I opened Rock Paper Scissors, but to date that is as far as its gone. Thank goodness there are take-charge gals like Mary in the world who do more than just envision the good times we'll all have in some hazy but glorious future after somebody got off their patoot long enough to actually implement a plan. Mary is on the job and I can say with complete confidence that there will be happy clay guilders doing marvelous things before you can say "I wonder what Sarah Shriver's schedule looks like." In the meantime, feast your eyes on this incredible necklace fashioned by Kathleen Dustin. I wonder if she's adopting.

Scrap St. Louis Ladies

2009-05-01T11:41:00.003-05:00

Look at all the lovely ladies that visited me last Friday after a fun-filled day of creating at Scrap St. Louis! No, they are not baton-twirling majorettes (actually, they may be....that never came up in conversation....one never knows does one?) they are holding tissue wrapped rolls of papery goodness. I do so love women who have an appreciation for beautiful paper. Thanks so much to Margie Romney-Aslett (lovely and talented) for capturing this Kodak moment. And also to my friend Kathy Northup (equally lovely and talented) for corralling the shoppers and sending them my way - no easy feat as you can well imagine. It was truly a pleasure!

Noteworthy Pictorial

2009-04-25T10:25:00.004-05:00

A little candy for the eye of the beholder.

We have been quiet lately, but rest assured we are as busy as bees stocking up on goods, rearranging fixtures while spring cleaning, fine tuning workshops and thinking ever fondly of you!

...soooo keep calm & carry on!

BUY 2 GET 1 FREEEEEE!

2009-03-19T09:33:00.003-05:00

Peruse our pleasing pile of rubberstamps at a pleasantly
reduced price!

Orange Art Apparently

2009-03-19T09:17:00.003-05:00

Fresh fun in the form of Orange Art paper.
These are parent sheets used for their stationery
purposes,but we have gathered them here for you in half of all their glory,sized to use easily for covering a book,making a paper bowl,wrapping a special gift,framing or whatever YOU may choose to do with them!
We hope that you will stop by and pick some of these sheets up to add to your collections!

The Origami Club in The Journal!

2009-03-06T09:16:00.001-06:00

Check out our article in the Suburban Journal!

This Just In...

2009-02-16T07:58:00.002-06:00

Karen Lockhart's Newest Stamps!

Origami Monthly!

2009-02-05T12:04:00.004-06:00

We are happy to announce a new club meeting here at Rock Paper Scissors for origami enthusiasts or just paper lovers in general! Please read on for more information.

Paint your Town

2009-01-24T12:09:00.006-06:00

We have stocked the cubbies with fabulous
new acrylic paints from KaiserCraft and Ranger

MaryBeth Shaw will be delighting us with her
paste paper techniques using the Kaiser Colours in her
upcoming workshop at Rock Paper Scissors....there are
still a few spots open on Friday,January 30th....
MaryBeth will also be leading an artful workshop using
Claudine Hellmuth's paint line by Ranger on February 7th...
don't hesitate to reserve a spot for this one!

Rock Paper Scissors & PAINT!

What's Upstairs?

2009-01-24T11:47:00.004-06:00

The SALE table,that's what!

And more...like papier mache boxes,hundreds of 12 x 12 papers,
letterpress trinkets,dozens of sizes and colors of envelopes,pockets and
cards and plenty of atmosphere to inspire! Well worth a trip up those stairs!

The Front Room

2009-01-19T09:04:00.002-06:00

Resolutions

2009-01-07T13:57:00.003-06:00

I do love a good list. My husband teases me that I would neglect to put on my socks if it wasn't written down somewhere. And what better time to make a list than the start of a fresh new year? I think having goals keeps you headed in the right direction. Having said that, I will confess that achieving said goals has been somewhat elusive. But that's just it - we are filled with so many good ideas and resolutions every day - and the next day something or someone comes into our life and we have different ideas. The ones that stick are the ones that deserve our focus...not our stress, just some attention. So I write things down. And I revisit my lists from time to time to see how I'm doing. Sometimes they make me laugh and sometimes not, and very occasionally I get that oh-so-satisfying feeling of accomplishment. So by all means, make a list - get organized, try a new recipe each week, learn a new language - but if for some reason you don't realize that particular goal, be kind to yourself. There's always next year...

Plan B

2009-01-05T08:06:00.000-06:00

First let me apologize to all of you who traveled to Rock Paper Scissors in the last few days only to find it mysteriously closed. We have been experiencing a series of unfortunate events that began with the complete, irretrievable loss of the C drive on the store computer (for those of you who are not members of the geek squad, this means all my inventory, software, and sales have gone to the nether regions - taking my sanity with them...) and progressed to a particularly virulent strain of stomach flu (I'll spare you the sordid details). We are still trying to work through some configuration problems on the computer but we have come up with Plan B.

So - Rock Paper Scissors will open again on Friday, January 2 at 10:30 and we will continue our 30% off sale through January 10th. On a purely selfish note - the less inventory I have the less I will have to re-enter...just saying.

Pictures for Martha

2009-01-04T12:46:00.001-06:00

I was recently contacted by a dear friend that I haven't seen for ages. She asked me to forward some recent pictures of my family. Being the technically challenged person that I am, I have had to resort to posting them here on the journal. Feel free to avert your eyes and skip to the next post. Except you Martha. Here we are...

This was taken at my 40th birthday party!

Thomas - my fabulous husband

Chloe - the baby (about a year ago - she had just cut her own bangs...)

Madison - the one in the middle (with her friend Faith, and her boyfriend, Albert) taken at her 16th birthday celebration

Noah - the boy, on his way to Homecoming last year

the joy continues...

2008-12-07T09:07:00.006-06:00

the 2nd annual rock paper scissors "Bizarre Bazaar"
opened friday december 5th with a bang continuing
through saturday very enthusiastically ! stuffed to
the rafters with an amazing range of affordable art!

the good news is that this fantastic handmade bazaar
will continue through the week ending thursday the 11th
at 5:30...and the better news is that this magical shopping
experience will be open late for you on wednesday!

no bad news to report,it's all good!

click for info

-reported by denise lombardozzi (shopgirl)

Sweet and Sad-ish

2008-11-20T19:46:00.004-06:00

katy davis: love and loss animation

Take time out of your very busy day to appreciate this amazing accomplishment - and the fabulous blog that Susan Lomuto shares with us every art-filled day. Kudos ladies!!

Posted using ShareThis

And the Winner Is...

2008-10-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

Melanie Anderson!! Woo-hoo!!

I utilized the random number generator at http://www.random.org/ and due to some good cosmic karma, Melanie's number was picked.

Thank you all so much for your input. I love being a part of such a creative community!

Check out this site for more great papery ideas.

And Melanie - give me a shout via email or phone to get the juicy details...

Paper Dress

Happy Anniversary to Us!!

2008-10-09T15:03:00.002-05:00

Rock Paper Scissors is celebrating its 3rd anniversary and we want you to come! After all, we wouldn't be here without you!

To thank you for your unflagging support and well wishes and good energy, we'd like to offer you a special discount this Friday and Saturday (October 10 and 11). We will be taking 21% off of your entire purchase on both of these days. 21% you say? That's right - in honor of the newest member of our family - our dog Brody - we have translated our anniversary age into dog years and come up with a whopping 21% discount. Regardless of what the Chinese calendar says, here at RPS it's the year of the dog.

Additionally, when you make a purchase, you will automatically be entered in our raffle to win the fabulous gift box you see here. It is chock full of delightful goodies that could be yours.

So please stop by and visit. We'd love to celebrate with you!

What Do People Do With This Big Paper???

2008-09-17T15:52:00.006-05:00

I am asked this question so often that it is starting to lose its allure. I have several snappy answers at hand (not all are suitable for printing) but I often say that it depends on who you ask. Every unique one of you does something just a bit different with your paper. So, here is what I am proposing: I would like for you to leave a comment that tells me a thing or two about what you are doing with all that luscious paper (taking it out and petting it occasionally does not count - well, it counts but I am hoping for something that will make sense to the uninitiated...they can discover the joys of fondling on their own). In return, I will randomly select a name from the comment list and send that person a treat. How does that sound?

the RPS dice

2008-08-20T20:12:00.002-05:00

RPS in the news!

2008-08-16T09:05:00.001-05:00

Take a look here!

Donna Kato at Rock Paper Scissors

2008-08-11T16:02:00.009-05:00

Where do I begin, to tell the story of how great a love can be...the love of polymer clay, the lovely lady who makes it seem so effortless, the love affair between fruit and chocolate...

I have just spent the most enjoyable weekend with the charming and talented Donna Kato. You heard me sister. Donna Kato was right here in Saint Charles at the Foundry Art Centre taking our collective breath away with her amazing creations and her generous sharing of secrets. OK - not secrets exactly, I mean I didn't get any juicy scuttlebutt on any of the election candidates, but I'll tell you what, there were lots of clay-ey things I didn't know and now I so happily do. We spent two glorious days learning and making - my favorite way to spend time.

I also had the privilege of hosting Donna in my home and I can say without reservation that she is the perfect house guest. Even though my normally serene house was nothing but bedlam and chaos and loud noise - and the dog wouldn't stop trying to eat her hand - and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth compliments of my three teenagers...Donna was heard to say that she hasn't slept so well in months. Either she is extremely gracious (and a big fat liar) or she was really, really tired. Hmmmmm. At any rate, I enjoyed having her stay with us immensely and I hope to have the opportunity again. Maybe when the children move out...and take the dog.

We had a pre-workshop soiree here at the store and as usual my friends went above and beyond the call of duty to make it happen. My most sincere thanks to my oh-so-loved friend Denise for many, many reasons not the least of which have to do with glass cleaner and impressive fortitude and also to my couldn't-do-without friend Irene Heisler who pulled together the food portion of our program and about 10 seconds flat - and made it seem as if she had spent 10 days. Also - thanks (with a bit of drool) to Teresa Holt for her chocolate covered strawberry contribution. I had a dream about them last night...

Donna, if you're reading, thank you so, so much for an unforgettable experience. You have inspired me to no end.

Paste Paper Party

2008-08-03T08:15:00.003-05:00

By all accounts a good time
was had yesterday. Jeanne,Renea,
Bev,Fran,Nancy,Carol,Julie &
MaryBeth emerged from the workshop
with stacks of fabulous,gorgeous,luscious
FUN papers to use at will in their artful
creations!
Special thanks to Pat Brewer for leading
the festivities!

Call now to sign up for our
next RPSPPP on Sunday,Aug.17 at 10am

Must Have

2008-07-24T09:24:00.003-05:00

Midori ribbon by the yard~

Want some? Give me a call
I would be happy to hook you up!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-07-15T12:04:00.003-05:00

I love paper. I love polymer clay. I love color. I love my husband and children...not necessarily in that order...but maybe. So you can imagine my delight when I happened upon these amazing creations from the extraordinary Angie Wiggins. Just look at the loveliness. My children will have to fend for themselves for a bit while I try this...

chain,chain,chain

2008-07-11T21:49:00.003-05:00

scraps of paper turned into ultra fun decorations.
miles of smiles using your favorite papers from
our archives and our super easy die cut!
stop by anytime to start this super easy,pleasy project!

Cloth Paper Scissors @ Rock Paper Scissors

2008-06-17T21:50:00.001-05:00

Before and After

2008-06-16T12:34:00.005-05:00

The newest addition to the Dankocsik clan arrived on January 12, 2008. That is the day Brody came into our lives and blessed us with his unconditional, furry love. This past Thursday his furry aspect was drastically diminished. The jury is still out on the results. Personally, I think he has a certain Wile E. Coyote-esque quality now. My husband has to avert his eyes - he says Brody looks embarrassed and he doesn't want to make it worse by looking directly at him. At any rate, he will be much cooler this summer and we love him no matter what he looks like. Just like the children...

Elemental

2008-06-11T15:22:00.003-05:00

Here are some elements I will incorporate into my bead workshop on Saturday. I'm always so happy to have a "legitimate" reason to get my hands on polymer clay. There are so many things on my grown-up to-do list that playtime gets relegated to somewhere in the icy nether regions. However, no one can fault me for taking time out to prep for what is sure to be a fun-filled frolicking good time with fellow clay enthusiasts. After all they're counting on me to lead them down the cane-paved path to true poly enlightenment...no really...it's my job...I have to...

Happy Scrappy

2008-06-08T08:41:00.001-05:00

Manning the trunk show table,
happy to be apart of Scrap St.Louis ,
thanks, For Keep's Sake!!

Here Goes...

2008-06-07T12:45:00.003-05:00

I was informed that when the new Rock Paper Scissors website launched, the "What's New" blog would change to "The Shop Owner's Journal"...hmmmm.

Let me start by saying that I love reading people's blogs. I love that edited insight into their unique lives. I am especially happy when I read something that validates my own quirky thought process. However...as much as I wish and wish (and though I have a staggering collection of beautiful journals - some handmade by yours truly) - I am simply not a journal person. I have grandiose visions of my grandchildren avidly pouring through my many leather-bound tomes for sage wisdom - only I never actually put pen to paper (sorry kids).

OK - so know you know what we're dealing with.

I'm going to make an effort. I'm going to find batteries for my camera. I'm going to find my camera. I'm going to remember that I have just as many hours in the day as Einstein did (although clearly none of his precious time was spent on hair care and I am simply not willing to give up my much-needed sessions with my hairdresser). I'm going to be a kinder, gentler, wordier person.

Probably.

In with the new...

2008-05-14T12:59:00.009-05:00

We've got supplies and directions to create the most awesome accordian books ever

Paper Mache anyone? We've got round boxes, square boxes, tall boxes, 14" storage boxes, balls and baubles - all for your decorating pleasure

Just a couple of possibilities...

What will they think of next? And how did we ever live without this nifty gadget?

Our spring tree has sprouted a whole new crop of gaffer tape

Prima (or should we say primo...) ginormous stamps along with a nifty little tool to get them in exactly the right spot!

newest CPS @ RPS

2008-05-14T07:42:00.001-05:00

TWO-FER

2008-04-15T12:59:00.007-05:00

The long awaited Inkadinkadoo stamps have finally arrived - just in time for Spring that has also finally arrived (we hope...). Make cards while the sun shines - with the

"buy two, get one free" deal on these babies they'll fly out the door like spring chickens.

Brody Visits RPS

2008-03-29T07:39:00.004-05:00

Brody on the front stoop at Rock Paper Scissors!
Photo taken with a Holga using b/w film.
Unretouched preciousness!

Inspiration by the Yard

2008-03-28T08:05:00.004-05:00

Must be seen!
Come on by any day but Sunday to view our huge stock
of ribbons and trims!!!

black & white & spring all over

2008-03-28T07:55:00.002-05:00

We So Heart This Pen

2008-02-17T18:23:00.004-06:00

By far the best pen for ALL of your white writing and doodling needs!
We keep a steady shipment of these babies streaming in the
doors of Rock Paper Scissors,because as soon as we get them they are gone!

Waste Not,Want All

2008-02-17T18:18:00.004-06:00

The newest batch of terrific Waste Not Paper
has been delivered and it is raring and ready
to go for all of your paper crafting needs!
$4 per very large sheet.

anyone game?

2008-01-22T20:24:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

2008-01-16T09:45:00.000-06:00

The doors are open again at Rock Paper Scissors after our short winters nap.
We have wonderful things planned for the new year and we invite you to be apart of it all!
Boxes of papers,supplies,rubber,ribbon,polymer and more are arriving as I type this,our workshop schedule will be up very soon and work on our new website is coming along nicely.So now you are all caught up.Feast your eyes on a few of our new......

Sweet Treats

2008-01-16T09:40:00.000-06:00

Introducing Brody

2008-01-16T09:30:00.000-06:00

...our 4.5 month old Golden Doodle!
A most precious addition to the Dankocsik
brood!

Deck the Halls

2007-12-22T10:00:00.001-06:00

Warmest,most inspiring wishes to you from us!

RPS Proud Sponsor of RRCS4!!!!!

2007-11-25T08:15:00.002-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

Heartfelt,Handmade Thanks.....

2007-11-25T08:02:00.000-06:00

....to all of our loyal patrons who came by in support of our
1st annual "Bizarre Bizaar"! We are ever so grateful!

1st ANNUAL BIZARRE BIZAAR!

2007-11-20T08:23:00.001-06:00

Join us as Rock Paper Scissors presents
the first annual "Bizarre Bazaar"

We will showcase the creations of several
award winning local artists and give you an
opportunity to cross a few names off of your
Christmas list! There will be a wide and varied array
of desirable,one of a kind goods from which to choose:

Wooden ATC & rolodex boxes
Book Cradles
Handbound Journals
Paper Bowls
Knit & Crochet Accessories
Felted Brooches
Jewelry by Red Anvil
Notecard Sets
& so much more (as if that weren't enough!)

WHEN: Friday & Saturday
November 23 & 24
11am-5pm each day

WHERE: Rock Paper Scissors
833 S.Main Street
St. Charles,MO 63301
636.724.5002

WHY: Why NOT?!
OH and because our
STOREWIDE SALE
starts Friday,November 23rd!
See you there!!!!

rock paper scissors ribbon offerings

2007-11-13T20:47:00.000-06:00

Just some of our newest ribbon offerings!
See something you like?
Give us a call @ 636.724.5002 and we will hook you up
in just a flash,O'and keep watching for these and many other
very desirable objects on our new Rock Paper Scissors web site
in the New Year!

paintable paper

2007-10-20T14:54:00.001-05:00

a few of the new

2007-10-14T01:15:00.003-05:00

INKADINKADO Special Offer!

2007-10-10T22:10:00.000-05:00

NEW This Week!

2007-10-10T21:39:00.001-05:00

Cavallini Natural Wonders Stickers & rubberstamps...naturally wonderful!

The Riverfront Times BEST!!!!

2007-09-30T09:49:00.000-05:00

XXX
BEST DIY STATIONERY

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS
833 S. Main St.
St.Charles,Mo. 63301
636-724-5002
WWW.PAPERROCKS.COM

"If you think stationery is the purview of society mavens & harried brides,you really should get out more.Specifically,get out to Rock Paper Scissors,where you have the opportunity to acquire a fabulous new skill-and fabulous new stationery-every single week.This superbly stocked art store on St.Charles' quaint Main Street offers workshops each Saturday.Because absolutely no one should write letters on creepy Precious Moments cards(we're looking at you,Grandma),Rock Paper Scissors is doing more than just hosting classes;it's offering a public service.Rediscover the lost art of correspondence as you pen communiques on handmade cards and paper or jot down private thoughts in your own hand-bound journal(Pat Brewer).The teachers at Rock Paper Scissors also lead workshops on jewelry-making(Kate Valleroy),unconventional scrapbooking(Denise Lombardozzi),stamp-carving,paper-sculpting(Karyl Howard),clay creations(RPS shop owner,Corey Dankocsik) and more.Classes are affordable(typically $25 to $60,including supplies),expertly taught and just plain fun.Be sure to bring a little extra spendin' cash:You won't be able to resist Rock Paper Scissors' inventory of beautiful papers and art supplies."

We are honored & humbled...thank-you,RFT!

RPS EXCLUSIVE! Introducing the ATC Box.....

2007-09-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

Master woodcrafter Tom Kiddy has been at it again!
He has designed this beautiful,unique box to proudly display
our hundreds of Artist Trading Cards!
We are making *each one of a kind ATC Box available to you
for the reallly low price of $24.50 including a beach rock!
Call 636-724-5002 to order yours today!

*each box will vary.

O' what a tangled web......

2007-09-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

you will weave with these fabulous,easy to use
little cans o' glorious texture!
and speaking of texture how about a few pieces
of this flocked 12x12 paper...stop by for some
ideas on how to put it to good use!

eLsiE 's stuff is in the house!

2007-09-02T10:18:00.000-05:00

THEEE most adorable self-adhesive fabric
12x12 sheet you ever did see and other goodies
are waiting to go home with you...we got 'em,you
need 'em!

TwinkleTwinkle little Artiste

2007-09-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

Plenty of reasons to shine! Twinkling H2O's 4U!

Karen Lockhart we LOVE you!

2007-09-02T09:53:00.000-05:00

Well stocked with Karen Lockhart stamps & samples!

Sidedoor FriendS

2007-08-29T19:56:00.000-05:00

This faboolicious sign was sent to us
from our good friend Sarah Fishburn!
It is the perfect addition for our side
entry...designed to make you feel welcome
and put a smile on your face!
Thanks,sweet Sarah...we luv U!

COOL,when it's hot...{& when it's not!}

2007-08-18T08:50:00.000-05:00

Here is a glimpse of what is new at Rock Paper Scissors:

Our comfy sofa loaded with Mary Kiddy Creations
HALF PRICE Poppets
Special Order Customized Midori ribbons

Fabulous,big background stamps
Karen Lockhart Halloween stamps
Karen Lockhart Christmas stamps
All upcoming holiday stamps
Tons of paper,BIG & 12x12
Polymer Clay
Hand punches

Bead for Life paper beads are back!

Brass Charm...........

2007-07-21T10:37:00.000-05:00

A charm for every reason,every season!

Polymer Clay Dream Tools

2007-07-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

Well stocked!!!

Mounted & Unmounted

2007-07-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

Tools of the Trade

2007-07-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

Art Institute glitter,Lumiere paints,UHU gluesticks,Sarasa

Pens,Zutter Bind It All,Scor-It and MORE!

Cavallini & Tinkering Ink

2007-07-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

Anna Griffin NEW!

2007-07-21T10:13:00.000-05:00

Fabulous chipboard alphabets and all the new paper designs
to coordinate!

You Always Need an Envelope

2007-07-21T10:09:00.000-05:00

We have hundreds to spare,in magical colors and in lots of sizes!

Just a Touch of Basic Grey

2007-07-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Just one little image of the mannnnny new Basic Grey papers
that we have in store for you!

Dewey Howard Wrap & More

2007-07-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

So WHAT is NeW!? SOOO much..take a looksee...

2007-06-07T21:33:00.000-05:00

Hundreds of Letterpress Letters and a Reminder
not to forget DAD on June 17th!

PUNCHES can be good.......

OLIVE WIMPLE LOCKETS & MORE...
THOUSANDS of charms in all shapes,
sizes and varieties!

LATEST & GREATEST TOOLS.......

Great NEW color on an old favorite hand drill!

Amazing binding gadget you must see to believe!

Elegant monogram stamper will satisfy every finishing touch!

HANDCRAFTED GIFTS....by Christelle Lachappelle

Theeee softest,most adorable baby blankets
you have ever laid eyes on or swaddled a babe in!
And everyone needs one of these....

Logo

2007-05-14T14:01:00.000-05:00

SPRING/SUMMER WORKSHOPS & DEMOS !!!

2007-04-01T12:42:00.000-05:00

See what we have in store for you here!!!

Be Inspired Today!

2007-03-29T21:06:00.000-05:00

Check out our newest goodies to spark your cre8tive juices!

See below and beyond! OH and check us out HERE!!!

Adirondack Brights

2007-03-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

Brighten up your stamps with a new spring
color!

The Long Awaited Arrival....

2007-03-29T20:57:00.000-05:00

The Essential Glue Pad.

NEW Invoke Arts UM & Mounted Stamps

2007-03-29T20:54:00.000-05:00

No words necessary.

masked & distressed

2007-03-29T20:50:00.000-05:00

by heidi swapp.two wonderful tools to add something
special to your paper projects.

the LOOK Book

2007-03-26T09:27:00.000-05:00

Got it,get it!!!

RPS Etsy!

2007-03-25T00:17:00.000-05:00

One of a kind,unique to RockPaperScissors handcrafted items
can now be purchased online in our new Etsy shop!
We will keep it stocked with these favorites and add new items
from time to time!Please visit and we hope that you will "heart" us!

Letterpress Letters Rock!

2007-03-20T23:15:00.000-05:00

Can you spell c-o-O-L?!

Spring Cleaning

2007-03-20T22:57:00.000-05:00

We have painted & papered & catagorized our ribbon wall !

many of the die cut boxes we have are displayed in the
newest spring papers....all adorable!

new and restocked

2007-03-20T22:37:00.000-05:00

Twinkling H20's are well stocked..we have several new colors
and all of the old favorites...big and little pots o'joy!

these lovelies have been cut down from a large rubber sheet
from Lazarwerx Studio to perfect ATC size...we call them RPS
women of wisdom....they are waiting to be picked up soon!

the ribbon just keeps getting better & better,we are
featuring this luscious Midori mix.
And there are many more yards than this to drool over,on
our new & improved ribbon wall !

Rolls of heavy weight paper and fabulous light
& dark cork have been added to our "Book Nook"
for your added bookbinding pleasure!

window dressing

2007-03-20T22:18:00.000-05:00

time to break out the butterflies!
come on by and capture a few of your own...you choose
the desired paper and the size!

3rd Saturday is Demo Day!

2007-03-15T21:47:00.000-05:00

Kate Valleroy will be the RPS
featured demo artist this Sat.@ 12 noon
...you must see how her garden grows!!

KiddyBox Cards & Tabs

2007-03-09T21:46:00.000-06:00

We are busy making gobs of cards & tabs for our exclusive
KiddyBoxes,a wildly inspiring addition to your desktop/workspace!
Please inquire HERE.

PoPPeT LOVE!

2007-03-09T16:32:00.000-06:00

A delightful collection of clear stamps to create whimsical

family & friends with...in the tradition of collage artist

Claudine Hellmuth! Must have!

an ever so slight representation...

2007-03-09T06:33:00.000-06:00

..of the newest BASIC GREY papers to come off the presses!
Way to many to show you here,consider RockPaperScissors
a "Gallery" you must visit soon to see these breathtaking,
joy-giving papers!

The KiddyBox!

2007-02-25T10:51:00.000-06:00

EXCLUSIVELY for RockPaperScissors
Master Craftsman Tom Kiddy has created each
one of a kind,beautifully designed and detailed
"KiddyBox" to house your extensive addresses,
artful techniques & ideas or favorite quotes and more!
Each box comes with a generous starter set of cards
made from scraps of glorious papers,and additional
cards may be purchased for a song!

BIG ideas

2007-02-21T21:52:00.000-06:00

we have 'em!

Be Ribboned!

2007-02-17T09:12:00.000-06:00

Tie them around a box or stack of books
Drape them generously about a window
Dangle a charm
Embellish yourself
Pile them in a glass bowl or a jar
Revel in their beauty!