Photo Expressions

Motivational video for your week

A friend sent me this inspirational video clip (power point) and I thought it was so important especially as we come up to a very busy time of year for us all. Remember to stop and appreciate the little things and make each day memorable.

Download Good life advice

Spellbinders are in

Wow, and many of them are already gone!  Don't worry, a reorder is already on its way.  These are very cool dies that you can cut and emboss with at the same time! Come in to see some cool samples.  These will fit in your Big Shot and your Revolution and we also have the Wizard machine.

Here are just a few of the dies that are in (many of them are "nesting dies" that have graduated sizes of the same die all in one package! Perfect for matting and so much more.)

Here is the information from the Spellbinders site regarding cutting with their dies.

Spellbinders Dies are designed around the Wizard® Embossing & Die Cutting System and Xcalibur™ Motorized Cutting & Embossing Machine. However, we have found that they do have limited compatibility with other systems . Please be advised that Spellbinders two-year Warranty on Spellbinders Dies may be
voided by using the dies in other systems. Spellbinders makes no guarantees about the cutting or embossing quality of any system other than the Wizard and Xcalibur’s Cutting Systems.

Please check the warranty on your die-cutting system before using Spellbinders Dies with it. Spellbinders is not responsible for any damage incurred by using Spellbinders Dies with other systems.

Big Shot® by Ellison Design™ (Black & Pink)
This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders Die. You will need two Tan Embossing Mat to cut and emboss in the Big Shot® machine.

How to use a Spellbinder Die in the Big Shot® -
Cutting (Stack from bottom up)

1. Place large platform down first with all tabs closed.
2. Place Spellbinders Die with cutting side up (that means the side with the ridges) .
3. Place paper or cardstock over die.
4. Place two Big Shot® acrylic mats on top of paper or cardstock and roll through the Big Shot® machine.

Embossing (Stack from bottom up)

1. Remove acrylic mats from cardstock and die. Leave the Spellbinders die in place with paper die cut out still in the die on the multi-purpose platform.
2. Place TWO Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mat on top of die.
3. With one piece of 12 x 6 card stock tri-fold for a shim and place on top of the Tan Embossing Mats.
4. Place ONE Big Shot® acrylic mat on top and run through Big Shot® machine.
5. Turn die over and use like a stencil with inks and chalks for added detail.

Revolution™ by QuicKutz®
This machine may be used to cut and emboss Spellbinder Dies. You will need Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mats to emboss with Revolution machine.

How to use a Spellbinder Die in the Revolution Machine -
Cutting (Stack from bottom up)

1. Place Spelllbinders die with cutting side up (that means the side with the ridges) onto Revolution platform.
2. Place paper or cardstock on top of die.
3. Place acrylic cutting mat on top of die.
4. Roll through Revolution Machine to cut.

Embossing (Stack from bottom up)

1. After cutting die in Revolution Machine, remove acrylic cutting mat.
2. Leave die in place with die cut still inside die.
3. Place Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mat on top of Spellbinders Die.
4. Place acrylic embossing mat on top of Tan Embossing Mat.
5. Roll through Revolution Machine to cut.
6. Turn die over and use like a stencil with inks and chalks for added detail.

Tracey Then & Now

Over the next while, we will be posting customer's "Then & Now" photos and PE stories.  Here is Tracey's:

Photo Express, congratulations on 25 years!

To me, Photo Express is more than a store, it is like a second home (and I’m sure you guessed that judging by how often I’m here!).  It is a place where I can come and be greeted by name with a smile; a place that constantly reinforces my belief that preserving memories is a righteous endeavor; a place to learn and be inspired; a place to find exciting products and information on how to use them; and most importantly, the place to find the lovely people who make Photo Express all that it is … the staff.

 

Many thanks for all you’ve contributed to my life and to the community.

Big Shots are back in!

The Sizzix Big Shots are back in and going fast again!  If you are unsure about what this machine can do, make sure to come in and take the "Sizzix Challenge". This week you'll get to make a free card (see the entry below this one for a picture of the card) and you will be entered to win a Sizzix Expression which is Sizzix's new motorized machine expected in late December.

The Big Shot is an incredibly versatile machine - it will cut the entire sizzix library from small sizzlets to their biggest Bigz dies, and all other manufacturer dies also including all your QuicKutz dies.  It will also cut everything from cardstock to fabric and many things in between.  Take your favourite Bigz die and even cut chipboard!  Come in for a test drive soon.

Michele

Take the Sizzix Challenge

Until December 15th, Select Crafter's Home stores (PE is one!) and Sizzix are sponsoring a contest called Take The Sizzix Challenge.  Let us show you the versatility of the Big Shot and all the Sizzix products.  Make a different FREE project each week and enter to win a Sizzix Expressions Electronic Die Cut Machine! One entry per person per day, plus one entry online @ [email protected] per day per person.

Come in this week and create this Christmas Card FREE!

Get a FREE Santa Photo!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 29th from 12-4pm.  That's when your family can get a FREE Santa Photo in Photo Express!  That's right, Santa will be visiting us for one day only and you can sit down for a free 4x6 photo.  You can also order beautiful bordered prints from wallet size to 8x10 size at special prices!  Details are below:

Thank You!!!!!

 A huge thank you to everyone who made our 25th anniversary party on Saturday so successful and so much fun!  Boy was I exhausted by the end of it all, but it was so worth it to share the day with all of you. I loved hearing all the stories of what PE means to you and getting all the hugs and congratulations. What a great job to be in! Some of you have been PE friends since day 1 and some of you are more recent friends.  All of you make PE the place it is! THANK YOU!

At the crop we raised 1361 lbs of food, another 188lbs on Saturday from the store and in total since we started a few weeks ago, 1852 lbs of food! That is almost a ton of food (2000lbs)! You guys are amazing! So be proud of your involvement at PE and the help you give to people in need and the difference you make in the lives of those around you who are touched by your memory keeping. You do make a difference and that is so important!

I thoroughly enjoyed walking around and seeing what everyone was working on at the crop.  So many Christmas cards, wonderful pages and other projects.  Fun, Fun, Fun and I can't wait until the next crop which is April 18th, 2009 (The weekend after Easter and 2 weeks before the Maple Ridge Home Show.)

Michele

25th Anniversary Door Prize Winners

Thank you to everyone who shopped with PE on our 25th Anniversary.  Just by making a purchase you were entered to win one of 25 great door prizes, with a total value of over $1600!  Pictured above are our 3 grand prize winners with Michele, and listed below are all the prize winners!

QuicKutz Silhouette + Holly Limited Edition Gift Set (valued at over $450)
Ginny D

Free Prints For A Year (600 prints, valued at over $230)
Cindy S

QuicKutz Revolution + Jolly Limited Edition Gift Set (valued at over $200)
Betty W

All My Memories Brown SLR Camera Bag ($60)
Rose K

Optex Digital Photo Album ($60)
Gina S

AVA Guide To Outdoor Photography Book ($43)
Sabriena S
Dawn D

Portrait Studio Sitting + Free 8x10 Portrait ($35)
Daryl F
Monika M
Rhonda J
Dawna B
Verona A

Prepaid Prints Card, 100 Free Prints ($29)
Andrea S
Bryan L
Elizabeth B
Tammy Y
Wendy B

Fuji Thermos Mug + 2 Optex Reusable Hand Warmers ($27)
Katherine C
Tracey L

All My Memories Pink Camera Bag ($25)
Natasha M

$25 PE Gift Card ($25)
Angela G
Sherry P
Stacee B
Robinson P
Thanh V

Congratulations to you all, your prizes are waiting at Photo Express!

Trust us with your Memories.

Then & Now Contest Winner!

Congratulations to Leyla P!  She was randomly chosen from all "Then & Now" Contest entrants and wins a brand new Pink Z20 camera, courtesy of Fujifilm Canada!  Pictured below are Leyla & her prize, her then and now photos and story, and a little preview of all the entries.  Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more "Then and Now" photos and stories!

 

What Photo Express means to me ….

 

My goodness… where to begin?  I came in a few years ago looking for supplies to make my daughter’s Baptism invitations, and I never left.  The staff of this store is what has kept me coming back again and again, sometimes 3-4 times per week (sorry, honey!)  There is a genuine sincerity when they greet you, and they never make you feel as if they are too busy to stop and chat.  They know how to make each customer feel that they are more than just a customer. 

 

After only a few visits to PE, I was easily lured into the world of Scrapbooking, and that has been such a positive experience for me.  I am introverted and reserved by nature, and have always had a difficult time sharing personal feelings, thoughts and opinions.  It has been through Scrapbooking that I have found my voice.  It has been through Scrapbooking that I have attained the confidence to let it be known what is important to me.  It has been through Scrapbooking that I have discovered aspects of my personality that I did not even realize were a part of me.  PE has been an integral part of that journey.  They are a part of it through their help with ideas for layouts, from finding supplies, to offering meaningful ideas for topics.  They are a part of it when they share their philosophies about why it is so very important to scrapbook your life story, and that of your family’s.  They are even a part of it when they scramble to get your pictures printed in time for a crop, even though they simply could just tell you, “Sorry, we just don’t have the time to get that printed.”

 

I love this hobby because it has helped me slow down and pay attention to the details.  It has helped me to learn how to take it all in and try to remember it all, so I can then share those memories with my children.  I feel so blessed to have walked into that store.  They are a vital part of the supporting cast in the telling of the story of my life.

 

Happy anniversary to you all!

Leyla

 

Entire Scrapbook Section on Sale!!!!

Holy smokes!  I have been so busy getting ready for our 25th anniversary celebration tomorrow (Nov 15th) I haven't had any time to post.

So much new product has come in including huge a new Copic Marker order, tons of gorgeous Christmas, new stamps, new punches, new tools, more Sizzix and Quickutz and so much more.

And the best part is, is that tomorrow for our 25th Anniversary - it is all 25% off!!!!  The entire scrapbook section is 25% off (no further discounts).  Plus we have some amazing deals from our manufacturers in support of our anniversary.  Most are 50% off and some even more.  Tell your friends, make sure to stop in and visit us tomorrow, eat some cake, find great deals, and say hi.

Here are some of the happenings so you can plan your trip tomorrow.

Door Crasher Specials valid Saturday only

Scrapbooking Sale (valid while supplies last) + everything else scrapbooking is 25% off!

Holiday Gift Guide (with some great Gift ideas and some more sales - make sure to check out the Revolution sale and the Silhouette sale)

Crop participants, remember to show your ticket at the counter today to receive the scrapbook sales for you.

And don't forget to bring food for the Food bank with you.  Each day you bring in food for the food bank until December 15th, you get an entry to win a Nikon D40!!!  ($500 value!) Let's help those in our community who are hungry.

Thanks to all of you for making the last 25 years so memorable and I look forward to sharing many more memories with you in the future.

See you tomorrow!

Michele

Easy Daysies

Many of you know my wife, Elaine.  As a great elementary school teacher and a mother of 3, she knows what makes kids tick.  She created a unique product called "Easy Daysies", a daily magnetic schedule for kids aged 3-12, to help them have easier days.  You can check it out at www.EasyDaysies.com, and now it is also available at Photo Express!  And because she knows how important scrapbooking time is, there is a even a specific magnet for it.

Trust us with your Memories,
Ron C

"Then & Now" Contest Extended!

For everyone who wanted to enter this easy-to-win contest but never got around to it, here you go:

For anyone not groaning yet, that's "a round tuit".  Anyway, we have extended the contest to Friday, November 14th, so you still have time to enter.  Never will you have such good odds of winning a brand new camera!

If you are intimidated by photo contests, don't be - this one will have a randomly-drawn winner!  And that winner will receive a brand new digital camera!

 

The contest is called "Then & Now" and it coincides with PE's 25th Anniversary.  To enter, submit 3 things:

• A photo of yourself or family circa 1983, the year PE opened (or, if you are not old enough, a baby photo)
• A current photo of yourself or family
• A few words on what Photo Express has meant to you.

The photos can be prints or digital files, or a mix.  Be sure to label all 3 things with your full name and phone number.  You can drop off your entry in store or by e-mail to [email protected].

Contest closes Fri, Nov 14th, 2008, and the winner will be drawn randomly on Mon, Nov 17th!  Must be 18 or older to enter.  Entered photos and quotes will be displayed in the store and made into a photobook!

 

Trivia: the sample "Then & Now" photos are of PE's own Karen.  Love the Gremlins shirt!

For everyone who wanted to enter this easy-to-win contest but never got around to it, here you go:

For anyone not groaning yet, that's "a round tuit".  Anyway, we have extended the contest to Friday, November 14th, so you still have time to enter.  Never will you have such good odds of winning a brand new camera!

If you are intimidated by photo contests, don't be - this one will have a randomly-drawn winner!  And that winner will receive a brand new digital camera!

 

The contest is called "Then & Now" and it coincides with PE's 25th Anniversary.  To enter, submit 3 things:

• A photo of yourself or family circa 1983, the year PE opened (or, if you are not old enough, a baby photo)
• A current photo of yourself or family
• A few words on what Photo Express has meant to you.

The photos can be prints or digital files, or a mix.  Be sure to label all 3 things with your full name and phone number.  You can drop off your entry in store or by e-mail to [email protected].

Contest closes Fri, Nov 14th, 2008, and the winner will be drawn randomly on Mon, Nov 17th!  Must be 18 or older to enter.  Entered photos and quotes will be displayed in the store and made into a photobook!

 

Trivia: the sample "Then & Now" photos are of PE's own Karen.  Love the Gremlins shirt!

Pittance of Time

Please take 2 minutes and watch this video - It is a song called a Pittance of time.  - Download pittance_of_time_video.wmv It is a great reminder of how fortunate we are because of these men and women who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.  May God bless them.

Whether or not you agree with war, it is important to remember those who fought before us for our freedom.

In Peace may they rest, lest we forget.

Michele

Pittance of Time

Please take 2 minutes and watch this video - It is a song called a Pittance of time.  - Download pittance_of_time_video.wmv It is a great reminder of how fortunate we are because of these men and women who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.  May God bless them.

Whether or not you agree with war, it is important to remember those who fought before us for our freedom.

In Peace may they rest, unless we forget.

Michele

Exclusive QuicKutz Holly Border Die

PE has another Exclusive Border Die from QuicKutz.  These are only available at Crafters Home Stores of which PE is one.  I think we are the only store in Canada carrying this gorgeous Holly Border Die.  It retails for $39.99 and as per our agreement with Crafters Home, there is no discounts available on this exclusive limited edition die.  These are limited edition so once our supply runs out, that's it.

Isn't it stunning!