2012 is here & the holidays are now over

Some people are quick to take down their Christmas decorations, but I can't find it in my heart to let go just yet. I know, it's silly to procrastinate. I just can't help it. We had such a wonderful time with family & friends this holiday season, I'm still enjoying the lingering delight.
So instead of doing what I probably should have done around the house, I spent my spare time last weekend purging Christmas from the shop & reorganizing the stock room. It never seems like there's enough time to spiff up the unseen spaces.
Then we changed up the shop to make space for new fabric scheduled for delivery every week this month. We brought in some new shelves but they were filled up immediately.

Since school started back up this week, my Christmas vacation is really & truly over.

Did I clean up Christmas from my home? No.
Did I organize my closets as I'd planned? Well, no.
Did I research some new art projects for my class? Ummm...no.
Did I do much sewing? Nope.
But I had a great time at home with family & at the shop with friends.
And, after all, I can clean up the Christmas stuff here at home next weekend.
Maybe.

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Wishing you a new year full of creativity & color!
Free shipping this weekend!
Life is short - do what you love.

New Year Planning

We've been working on our plans for 2012. Here's a quick preview of a few ideas for the new year. If you'd like to be on our emailing list, contact me. georg@calicomermaid.com
I won't bother you too much, because I don't have time, but once in a while we have some special events & sales you might want to know about.
All our classes & events are on our website: www.calicomermaid.com. You can even sign up online. You can register for our fabulous Block of the Month programs online, too.

Becky will be teaching Quilted Symphony from the book by Gloria Loughman this year.
Dion's Fabric Roses class from Valorie Wells' pattern.
Sheri's teaching the Count On It book every first Wednesday of the month.
Out of the Darkness Block of the Month from Pam Bono Designs
Ripples & Reflections Bock of the Month. Sheri will be teaching the class on Sunday afternoons.

Pockets A Plenty Class, taught by Jenny

Richard is now giving lessons & renting the Handi Quilter Avante by the hour. Call him for an appointment: 559 793 2510

In addition, plan on Cruisin' to P'ville in May. We're working with Totally Tina's across town to make stopping off in Porterville a lot of extra fun! We'll have prizes & food, of course!
It will be a luau you won't want to miss!

Merry Christmas!

All of us at the Mermaid are wishing you the best Christmas ever.
We hope your days are filled with people you enjoy, lots of creativity, & things to do
that make you smile.
We appreciate you & your support throughout the past year.
The new friendships we've made at the shop brighten our lives daily, & we
hope we've inspired you a little, too.
We have many exciting plans for the new year, so come back & visit often.
Let us know if there's anything you need. We'll do our best.
Merry Christmas!
Richard, Georgia, Darlene, Dion, Jennifer, Rae Lynne

Stocking Stuffer Headquarters

Send in your Santa & we'll help him find just the right stocking stuffers for you! We'll even happily gift wrap everything for him.
Gift Cards are always a great choice.
Here's my list - what's on yours?
Pre wound bobbins - what decadence!
Amazing Removeable Tape
Scissors & Shears
Itty Bitty Travel Scissors
Cling On magnetic buttons
Travel irons for classes
Pressing boards
Needles
Needle Threaders
Machine Needles
Thread
Silk thread assortments
Mug Rug Kits, complete with matching hand painted mug
Seam Rippers
Pins
Stone Strips
Moda Jelly Rolls
Moda Layer Cakes
Bali Pops
Anthology Batik 10" squares
Fat Quarters
Beaded Eyeglass Chains
Patterns
Books
Rulers
Replacement blades
Rotary Cutters
Fire Wand rhinestone applicator
Embellishments
Bead Soup Assortments
Marking Pens
Frixion Pens
Machingers Quilting Gloves
Template Plastic Sheets
Carol Doak's Keepsake Cards
Quilty Note Cards
Quilty Greeting Cards
Quilty Note Pads
Puzzles
Long Arm Quilting Templates
Red Snappers for your longarm

Hoffman Challenge Fabric 2012

The Hoffman Challenge fabric is in! The rules & requirements can be found:
here.
It's pretty & springy for this time of year, but Becky has already cut into it. She has 3 pieces in the Hoffman catalog this year, so she's already planning her projects. Our teachers are amazing!
Come in & see it. you might just be inspired!

Lynn's Post Card & Gift Tag Class was a hit!

Lynn's post card & gift tag class for kids was jumping this morning. Lots of glitter, puff paint, hot fix jewels, cookies, & hot cocoa helped make some beautiful Christmas cards & tags.

Lynn is giving Noah & Hope some glittery advice.
Faith was in her creative zone.





Such concentration!

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Find your last minute inspiration &
fill those stockings!
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Recipe!

One of the big hits Friday evening was this spinach blue cheese dip. It's wonderful served with crackers. I found the recipe here:
Spinach Blue Cheese Bacon Dip
But be advised: I didn't really measure much because I was in a rush to get to the shop & get set up for the party. It was delicious & so many requested the recipe that I thought I ought to share the source, & not just what think I remember throwing in. ;)

I used some leftovers as a sandwich spread on my grilled ham sandwich...decadent!

Christmas Open House

Downtown Porterville shops had Customer Appreciation Night tonight, so we had a Christmas Open House with teacher demos, double Sand Dollar Card punches, refreshments, prizes, & special one day discounts. We had a wonderful time. We hope you did, too.
I took a few pictures before the crowd arrived. I'll post the spinach dip recipe later. It was quite a hit.
Maggie was working on the Accuquilt.

Priscilla was showing her work with the Braid Maid.
Lynn was demonstrating holly berry applique with a self-stick paper technique using a glue stick.
Terry was showing her beadwork & hand made beads.
We drew tickets every half hour & Debbie won the first prize drawing.
Sheri was showing the Double Diamond Ruler. We might just have a class next month.
Crystal worked on some of the Accuquilt pieces.
Trish was working on her quilt on the Avante. Lessons & rental are $10 an hour.