2016 Ends With Our Thanks To You . . .

Another year ends – hard to believe that as of earlier this week, I have gone to the same place to work for 37 years.  But so much has changed over the years – I may work at the same place, but it is definitely not the same job.  All of you were directly involved in one way or another, as we transitioned in the mid-90s from a small print shop in Southwestern Ohio into whatever it is we are now.  And we are grateful – thanks for your continued support over the years.

This year’s family Christmas picture again had a theme – the next generation makes its debut in just four weeks.  There has not been a baby on my side of our family in nearly 23 years, and there has not been a girl baby in – forever!  Nothing will ever be the same – and we can’t wait.

I took this picture of Zoe and my niece, Natalie, a year ago.  I love both of their smiles.  Zoe’s year was quite full – no surprise to any of you who followed her presidential campaign.  So now she is taking it easy as she waits for another opportunity to serve our nation.

Have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve – and an even better 2017.  Again, thanks for being part of our lives.

Thanks to Those of You Who Played a Part in This . . .

A couple of weeks ago, I shared an article about a boy from Southwestern Ohio who wanted to receive Christmas Cards to decorate his room.  The Dayton Daily News posted an update on Wednesday . . .

He has now received about 50,000 cards from the United States, with more expected from Europe, Asia, Japan, and China, where the story spread last week.

Thanks to all of you who played a part – you can click here to see the update.

Because Gary Said So -- 30% Off Practically Everything On Our Site Through January 4!

Gary walked in this morning and reminded me – we had talked about this again late last week, and because it was so popular last year, he wanted to do it again.  So here we go . . .

Save 30% on practically everything on our site through Wednesday, January 4!  The fine print is minimal – retail purchases only, online and phone orders only, excludes gift certificates, classes, Spellbinders closeout dies (they are already 50% off) and previous purchases.  And free shipping in the Continental U.S. with a $50 purchase.

So now you have something productive to do while waiting for (or escaping from) football this weekend – a break from preparing for New Year’s Eve – a task for that Monday holiday.  Go to www.marcopaper.com and save!

End-of-Year New Items . . .

There have been quite a few new items announced during December, but I have been so busy trying to do my job, my Christmas shopping, my Christmas baking, and such that I neglected to mention them here.  So here goes . . .

Ready to move on from this Holiday Season to the next?  Here is a good start – Memory Box announced lots of Valentine-themed dies and we’ll have them very soon . . .

Spellbinders announced the first December releases that I can remember, with six D-Lites and eleven Stamp/Die Combos . . .

This is a rerun – but it isn’t – Spellbinders also added 30+ dies to the discontinued list and they’re available at 50% off the MSRP . . .

And this is the answer to several questions we have received over the past few weeks – yes, we have Hampton Art’s Stamp Perfect Tool . . .

Finally, a tease for a post that will come sometime between now and the end of 2016 – containing a picture of a family milestone coming early in 2017 . . . stay tuned.

A Chance to Make Someone’s Holidays Brighter . . .

Judy Schneider just sent me a link to a story from our local news outlets – she thought it might be a nice opportunity to put our talents to good use.  So if you have an extra Christmas Card lying around, here is a way you can use it to make an eight-year-old boy in Hamilton, Ohio feel special . . .

You can click on this link to see the article

Andrew’s address is at the end of the article, but here it is again just in case . . .

Andrew Little
4181 Weathered Oaks Lane
Hamilton, OH 45011

Limited Seating Available . . .

Wednesday was the annual Holiday Carry-In Luncheon at our store.  While practically everyone knows that I am not a foodie, it is fun to see how the creativity seen in our classroom all the time translates to the kitchen.  And the crowd was massive . . .

 

It was no surprise to see tables full of food and a classroom full of folks enjoying the feast while they visited.  But everywhere I looked, there were more of them . . .

 

There was seating in the prep area in the back room, seating at the wedding invitation table up front . . .

 

Even seating at Marco’s Too next door.  Of course, any adorably cute grandchild deserves a close-up . . .

There were some who either didn’t find seating, or preferred to visit from one seating area to another . . .

And, of course, the obligatory picture of the elves . . .

Winter Wonderland . . .

Just because I know those of you who live in warmer climates love to see seasonal photos without the accompanying shiver common in northern states . . .

This is what I encountered on my way back from lunch today – actually pulled into a Taco Bell parking lot so I could get a closeup to share with you.  If we have to live through it, it might as well be at least a bit artistic . . .