Welcome Back — Come Walk Around Our Neighborhood!  Please join us for the big Upper Sims Block Party on July 16.  The party goes on all day with twin ribbon cuttings at 11 am.  There will be balloons everywhere ~ lots of sales ~ all kinds of food (we’re having an ice cream social) ~ live music & entertainment ~ demos & make-n-takes ~ and even more.  This is hosted by the businesses from Logan Street to the Hilltop Tavern and throughout the Business Park.  We all want to thank our customers for their support through the construction and invite new folks to come see us.  Please RSVP on Facebook at Upper Sims Way Neighborhood Block Party so we can get somewhat of a count.

Wow - hard to believe, but the construction project is finally nearing the end.  The roundabouts are both done, the final asphalt is going down and should be finished by early next week.  The landscaping work is being done at the west end and should be down to us next week, I hope.  Then, all that’s left is the striping and the celebration.  Look for other info on the big block party we’ve planned for July 16 and join us.

Registration is now open for the Quick Quotes 3-day Educational Extravaganza at the wonderful Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA.  This is an event not to be missed!  I attended last year and found it to be one of the best I’ve every been to – lots of great classes and tons of free gifts and prizes for only $299.  This year, it will be on September 17, 18, 19.  The $50 reservation fee can be sent now through the Cottage and the balance is paid in July.  The projects are always new and the instruction is really great.  Also, you can’t beat staying at Great Wolf Lodge and there is a special rate for attendees.

The construction of “our” roundabout is finally starting on Monday.  Much as we don’t look forward to it and are worried about business during the construction, we’re trying to stay positive.  We will have sandwich boards up on all the side streets to help guide you into the parking lot – just look for the hot pink signs.  Or call us for directions and/or an update on what’s happening on the construction.  We will also be happy to stay late if you call us to say you’re coming in after 5:30.

Our April Showers (of Savings) campaign is still going on through the month with lots of savings, a free gift with each purchase and raffle tickets for a chance to win one of three gift certificates. 

A lot of new products have been coming in for your crafting pleasure, too, from some great designers and companies such as Tim Holtz, Glitz, 7 Gypsies and Sue Cocchia’s Earth Art stamps.  (see Newsletter page for complete story) 

Check out the Classes and Special Events pages for the latest class list and events info - we’re trying to add lots of new things for you.

Today, we hear the cement trucks and other work trucks working across and down the street putting in sidewalks and curbs.  Perhaps they will finish ours today, too, with all this nice weather for working.  Not quite sure what comes next, but the telephone and utility lines have all been moved, at least in our area, so the extra poles should come down soon.  Traffic continues to be very good ~ no slowdowns with all of the work being done on the sides of the road.

We’re trying to decide where to put our sign, as they should be wanting to get it out of the way soon.  There isn’t a whole lot of room for it up the hill in front of the store.  Anyone have any ideas?  We need it to be visible from both directions and, of course, from the roundabout.  We’re also working on a landscape plan for the front area ~ and a new sign for the front of the building.  Steve made some new shutters for the east side of the building and we need to paint the trim on that side soon.  Things will look a bit different in the next couple of months, so stay tuned.

Check out this very fun event coming up.  Pre-register now to participate in the 3rd annual Northwest Paper Chase Shop Hop that runs for two weeks over three weekends March 5-21 and covers 25 stores throughout western Washington.  Here’s how it works:     Purchase your passport and pin for $9.00 at Crafts Cottage, which entitles you to a 20% discount at all of the Shop Hop stores during the Hop.  Visit as many of the stores as you wish (purchase not required) and have your passport stamped to become eligible to win one of several prizes. 

We’ll also be announcing our Pre-Shop Hop Party for all registered participants soon.  And we’ll be setting up some carpools – it’s a lot more fun to go with a group. 

All participating stores will feature a spring-themed take & make tag, while supplies last.  For up-to-date information on the Shop Hop, visit the NWPC website www.northwestpaperchase.com.

Come in soon and pre-register!

With all of the wet weather lately, it looks like the concrete work is behind schedule.  Most of the prep work is done in our area but the curbing and sidewalks aren’t happening yet.  Traffic flow on Sims Way and our side streets is no problem at all right now.  It must be difficult to keep a project on schedule in the winter.  We’re hoping the sun comes out again soon so work can keep going – we really want this project to be done as soon as possible!  Did you catch Alex Little’s letter to the editor this week in the Leader?  We agree with his sentiments on hiring local and how wonderful Seton’s management and crew have been to work with.

Don’t miss our big After Christmas ‘We Don’t Way to Count It’ Pre-Inventory Sale on December 26 & 27 – great buys!  We’ll open the doors at 8 am on Saturday to give you an early start on the sale – coffee and donuts will await.  LOTS of savings opportunities ~~ we really do want to reduce the numbers to count!  If you just can’t shop after all the Christmas expenditures, we understand, but stop by and visit anyway.

It looks like construction is coming back to our area today and next week.  From information on the city’s project website, the phone and cable companies will be pulling cable to bring the rest of the utilities underground and take down the old power poles.  Then, they will be preparing for curb and sidewalk work in our area through next week.  The project crew has been really great about keeping the traffic flow going and keep access to businesses open as well.  So, you should have no trouble getting in to us.  If you haven’t been here in a while, you just follow our signs around the back of the building to the gravel driveway that comes in to the new side parking lot. 

Below is the city info about the rest of the project work next week:

Week of December 21st

• Continuing to prepare and pour concrete curb and sidewalk on the north side of Sims Way.

• Continuing the installation of stormwater on the south side of Sims Way.

• Installing lighting on the south side of Sims Way.

• Qwest and Broadstripe pulling and splicing cables.

You’re Invited ~~ It’s a Party!

Join us for the first look at the 2010 Hero Arts stamp release

Friday December 18 ~ 6 to 8 pm

• Free Make & Take*
• Doorprizes 
• Refreshments

*while supplies last

15 % discount on all new release stamps!

Limited space ~ Contact us to sign up NOW!