Thursday, July 12, 2007

BLOG CANDY!!! YES I SAID BLOG CANDY!!!

Yipppppeeee!

It's time for some Blog Candy!

The package includes the NEW 6x6 Basic Grey INFUSE paper pad and some coordinating lengths of ribbon (up to 1 yard lengths of various suppliers). It's hard to tell in the photo (LOL! I don't know how you photograph loose ribbon!!!) but there is a lot of ribbon here including wide chocolate grosgrain & organdy, some gingham, some stitched, some striped and even some Martha Stewart!

Here's the photo:

Here's what you have to do:

Leave me a comment telling me what you look for when you shop in a LSS (local scrapbooking store) or when you shop for stamping/scrapping stuff online.

What attracts you to the store and makes you want to spend money there?

That's ALL you have to do but hurry up and leave a comment because this will be a quickie.

I'll be doing this draw (old fashioned paper pull) on Sunday night (July 15th at 11 pm PST or before I go to bed).

74 comments:

  1. Hooray for blog candy! :) What I look for in a stamping/scrapping store is a unique layout, lots of variety of products (papers, embellishments, stamps, etc), and new goodies.

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  2. I just LOVE these 'down sized' papers! They're great for ATCs too!

    When it comes to scrapbooking (or even stamping) stores, prices seem to be roughly the same. What's more important to me is the quality of the employees; how well do they know the business, how creative are they & how much can they help me with ideas.

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  3. Thanks for the chance at those goodies! When I shop I look for lots of color and pattern options and some coordinates. I like when there is ribbon, embellishments and paper that coordinate. It makes it easy for quick cards. I won't shop online at stores who have a very busy front page. I get overwhelmed. I like to see simple and straight forward.

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  4. Honestly? The first thing? A Clearance section, bin, basket -- I don't care how big it is, but I have to know there are some kind of clearance/sale items.

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  5. I'll go into almost any stamp store at least once... what keeps me coming back is knowing that they are keeping up with trends and bringing in new stuff on a fairly regular basis. I also like stores that always have a good stock of my basics.

    I don't have a lot of choice in shops really so honestly, what I look for in a stamp/scrap shop is one that is OPEN!

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  6. Woo hoo...count me in! The first thing I look for is DP (and usually the hard-to-find stuff that say, Michael's wouldn't carry!)...

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  7. I love new embellishments!That is usually where I start. Stamps also catch my attention, Stickers for my scrapbooking is generally the next stop and then it is a free for all (lOl)... Judy

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  8. Hi! I like to see NEW stuff. I get bored when I see the same stuff over and over again. So the store must have good turnover as well as good sales! Thanks!
    Cheryl KVD

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  9. I'm a silly bargain shopper. I usually check-out all the stuff on sale or on clearance first. I like to get as much supplies for my $$'s that I can. If it's an online store I check to see their shipping costs and restrictions. Since I live in Alaska some vendors don't ship here. It's a shame too. Why would you want to turn away customers willing to spend money at their site? I also like sites that have easy to use browsing. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to find where to checkout or a button to update my shopping cart. Sorry that this sounded more like venting than a positive comment.
    NG.

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  10. Easy browsing is important! For me, I'vebeen buying tons of stuff on line recently due to the wonderful bloggers inspirational projects. So I think that when I see the items being used, that's when I really want to purchase those items.

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  11. Thanks Marie - this is fantastic.

    HOnestly? I like to shop local so I look for companies that are Canadian first. I'm not meaning to be "snobby" I just think that boosting the local ecomony is a good thing.

    Then, I look for originality. Something I've not seen elsewhere or that gives me a "wow".

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  12. What attracts me is different products. Especially those that are most popular at the time and may be hard to find. Of course we all love stores that give out coupons for you to use as well, who doesn't love getting a % off of a product. You always feel good about buying some place if they give you a good deal every now and then.

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  13. Ok I like a store that has brand new products and a wide verity of products ...stamps,papers,punches,accessories.
    FRIENDLY STAFF!

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  14. WOW! I love the 6x6 pads!
    I must admit that I do very little shopping in actual LSS's. What shopping I do (other than my SU!) is normally done online. There are no stores close to me...you'd think they'd have a huge store somewhere central in Surrey by now! When I shop online I prefer Canadian sites - no worries about taxes and stuff. Selection is another big plus. If I can get everything at one site and save on the shipping, that's huge! I've found 2 or 3 Canadian retailers that I use and have been quite happy with.
    Thanks for a chance at some great stuff!! We'll have to get together one of these days!!
    Heather
    p.s. if those swaps don't arrive tomorrow I'll be ticked! How can it take more than 2 days to get from Surrey to West Van!!

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  15. I don't have a lot of choice in local stores, but I look for places with a good selection, well-organized stock, and pleasant, helpful staff.

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  16. Honestly, I look for things that aren't really expensive. I love the On Sale sections of websites. I don't think just because something is cheap doesn't mean it isn't worth the more expensive kind. But, that is what I look for when I visit a site online or go to a store. If something is a good price, I buy it :)

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  17. ohhhh i love the paper!! thank u for offering it. when i go to my lss i look for things that "pop" out at me... when i am looking online, i'm usually looking for a specific product. :)

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  18. I will always visit LSS's but what makes me spend money and come back is how friendly the people are. If they acknowledge my presence, ask me what I'm working on, tell me about new products; pretty much anything. I just hate going to places where you're ignored if you aren't at the cash register.

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  19. For me, I love to see lots of card samples that use the products they are selling. I also love a LSS owner who will take the time to show me how to use new products. Since we don't have any local stores, I've usually driven quite a distance and love having a store owner who recognizes and appreciates that.

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  20. If it is a LSS, I look for selection and low prices. Also staff who can answer questions. Online I look for free and fast shipping, easy moving around the website during the order process, low prices, good selection, and having items advertised in stock. Thanks for the chance at such great blog candy goodies!

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  21. I like a store that is well stocked with a variety of products, especially products that keep up with the new trends. A knowledgeable staff is a plus too. Oh and I do like coupons!

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  22. Marie,
    I look for colour and texture put together in a pleasing format. If the page is too plain (web) I skip it. Also I want links that take me directly to what I'm looking for. Not one that then takes me to a general page where I have to click for the same item I originally clicked on.

    In store I look for helpful friendly staff, willing to take the time to see what I need. Offer to order it if it's not available or offer other suggestions.

    Tanya

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  23. When I go shopping I usually have something in mind like ink or paper. When I get to the store, I spend hours looking at everything. I end up buying what I came for plus anything else that catches my eye. Its bad to do that though. I usually go needing some ink or paper so that would be my answer.

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  24. I love to look for coordinated papers. Also new flowers and ribbon.
    thanks for the nice blog candy!!!

    Marcia

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  25. I love to find new things to try new techniques so I look for things like the embossing powder that smells!

    The store in Abby sells the Bellas so I check them out.

    on line I love scrapin great deals I love their prices and for me Shelia is so nice I feel like Im buying from a freind :)

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  26. What fun! This candy looks so yummy, too. I usually look for three things at LSS's - sale or clearance markdowns, because I love a great deal; new stuff, especially paper and embellishments that I haven't seen before or can't get at places like Michael's; and overall, a good selection of pretty stuff.

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  27. You rock girl. I am always attracted to sparkly things and price. I am a very thrifty person so the price does matter to me. Thanks for sharing again!!

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  28. What do I look for? I have to admit, I go in there for the articles! (no really.. I buy books and magazines)

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  29. I actually never stop in the paper section. It's too overwhelming for me. When I find myself in the LSS I look for knick knacky things. Unique embellisments for cards and scrapbooks. I like to look for things we can't get from SU!

    Hope your beating the heat so far...
    Tara

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  30. Mainly just what catches my eye. Easy to see and if there are coordinating items next to it, that's a plus. And then the biggest is price, it has to have a price on it. I hate it when your in a store and they don't price everything. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  31. I want to see stuff I will not find at JOann's or Micheals or HObby lobby-that is the big reason to go to the LSS. 2 years ago there were 11 locally in my county and now there is 2 and one is closing and the other sucks. I only shop the internet for supplies if the stores refuse to carry new stuff. I am a paper addict so just get some new paper and I will be happy and I will pay full price.

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  32. Sales first off, current and unique products, on the web.....reasonable shipping. I go ack to a web store when the customer service is friendly and exceptional. Freebies are good too. i.e. Ellen Hutson usually adds in a length of ribbon. Makes me HAPPY!

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  33. Good sales, current and uniques items and good customer service is tops with me.

    Pat

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  34. what I look for in a stamping/scrapping store is new products and people who know HOW to use them! AND...if you have Basic Gery, you are alright by me!

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  35. GREAT blog candy! When I go into Scrapbook store, I look to see what kind of paper they have. I have recently become addicted to paper. I like to see all the newest papers available for me to buy, buy, buy!

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  36. i like to look at all the different designer paper...i could spend hours looking at it!
    thanks for the candy!
    emily anderson

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  37. Yay - thank you for the blog candy! I always look for friendly staff, and people who are just willing to help you and understand what the store has to offer. That makes it so much easier to shop!

    Amber G

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  38. Yummy blog candy...unless I have something specific I need, I just look for anything that "gets" me, which is usually DP.

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  39. When I go to a shop at a scrapbook store I always like to see if they have the latest and greatest stuff. Like if they have the newest lines of papers and embellishments. I can't stand going into a store and they never have anything new and you have already seen everything they carry. Friendly and knowledgeable employees are a big plus!
    Thanks for the chance to win that bundle of goodies.

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  40. Hello! I cannot resist looking for new stamps (especially unique sayings) and new patterned 12X12 paper...I don't neeeed any...but I can never have enough! I'm so neurotic with my paper that if I reallly like it I have to buy at least 2 because what if I can never find it again...I'm a bit of a hoarder... :) Thanks for offering blog candy!

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  41. You have a wonderful blog. I look for new items but also anything floral, I seem to be addicted. If I shop in a store I want it to be well lit, clean and have nice employees with up to date stock. If I shop on line I want an easy to navigate web site and ordering form. I also would love low price shipping.
    Claudia F.

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  42. I do a lot of online shopping just because there aren't any good LSS nearby. I look for an easy site to navigate and search. It really is important for web stores to have easy ways search and classify their goods-- I don't think many of us have time to scroll page by page through their entire inventory. I look for variety of products/mfg and unique items ---to save on shipping costs. I do not like to pay a lot for shipping! :) Also, if I can find it at M's, ACM or Joann's then I'd buy there w/ coupons!

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  43. I look for beautiful papers, ribbons, etc. that coordinate and lots of the newest stuff on the market too. Also - to really draw me to shop there - coupons, freebies, stuff like that. Now, if only I had a LSS closer to me!

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  44. Wonderful candy! The first thing I'm drawn to in our LSS is the stamps. I look for stamps that trigger creative activity in my brain. I usually think by the season. Like now, I'm looking for fall and Christmas ideas because I teach card-making classes at this LSS. I think look at papers, new embellishments and inks. :)

    Karen L.

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  45. I go straight for the rubbah! I love stamping, making cards and scrapbook pages using rubber and acrylic stamps.

    I love all the embellishments that go with it too.

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  46. Oh my, what yummy blog candy!

    The first thing I usually take note of when I go into a LSS is the organization. I like for all the matching 'pieces' to be together. Small stores that stuff too much product inside is a turn off. If I can't move in the store I don't enjoy browsing. I also enjoy stores that display a lot of examples.

    -Melissia

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  47. Hi Marie!
    Thanks for offering such awesome candy...I love anything by Basic Grey!!!

    The first thing that attracts me to a store is their stamp displays. There should be plenty of room between the shelves, or whatever they are on, so you can easily walk between them. I like stamps by one company grouped together, but I have also found it helpful to have them grouped by category.

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  48. I like when they have "the latest, greatest thing". When everybody is using Basic Grey Infuse, for example, I just want to go to my store and buy it, not shop all over the internet looking for it. Competitive prices is a must as well.

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  49. Great candy!! I guess what I am usually looking for is something new. Something different.

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  50. The most important thing to me in a scrapbook store is the friendliness of the staff. If they will take time with me to teach me something new, or look at my work and offer suggestions, I will spend and send and spend...time as well as lots of $$$'s. Favorite products are distressed/antique papers, cool add-ons and new paper punches.

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  51. I always look for a variety of different items. But usually a good selection of papers. Our LSS does not really have a good selection of paper so I usually have to look elsewhere... thanks for the opp!

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  52. I love the downsized designs in the small paper packs. I look for variety as well as pricing both online and locally. I love that the online stores provide galleries for many of their stamps..ideas are always welcome.

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  53. Thanks for sharing your creative work on your blog! I feel like I'm still building up my "basic supplies", so I'm always on the lookout for my "must-have" items - things like ink pads. But I realize that I'm also a "gadget girl" and I like my tools! So I also check out punches & recently bought a crop-a-dile, that sort of thing!

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  54. I LOVE these 6x6 papers!
    When I go into a store I look for papers and embellishments that will match the colors in my home. I love to use stamping and scraping ideas to decorate my home. If the store displays home made decor using papers stamps and embellishments I will go right in even if I didn't plan to shop there that day!

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  55. I LOVE these 6x6 papers!
    When I go into a store I look for papers and embellishments that will match the colors in my home. I love to use stamping and scraping ideas to decorate my home. If the store displays home made decor using papers stamps and embellishments I will go right in even if I didn't plan to shop there that day!

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  56. Hi Marie!
    Gosh...you are so close to 10,000...congratulations!!!

    Thanks for offering such awesome candy...I love anything by Basic Grey!!!

    What I like to see in a store is coordinated items. I hate having to look all over the store for some ribbon to match the paper I just picked up. Having coordinated products together also inspires creativity :)

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  57. Ok, ya got me all excited with that candy!! LOL I love what you show and can't wait to see more creative ideas!

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  58. I look for interesting displays, well organized stamps, paper etc. in a stamp/scrap store. Online I look for ease in getting around the site.

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  59. I look for new stock...new paper and embellishments. I don't like going in and seeing the same things time after time...

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  60. Maybe I am weird but if a store unoragnized I walk right out. It must be clean and orderly. Maybe that is why I buy so much SU - everything is always on the same pages in the catty!! Easy browzing and being able to find everything easily too. I always check out adhesives, embelishments and the sales items.

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  61. I don't want to sound like just the opposite of what I like, but I've been in a store where they don't even welcome you (in a small store, isn't that awkward?), but I absolutely hate it when they act like they can't be bothered to help you... well, that kind of attitude bothers me any where :)

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  62. I already gave you some likes, so here are some dislikes: first, if a store is dirty or dusty! Second, if it's really messy or overcrowded or disorganized. A local stamp store here is going out of business, and I actually like going there better now that half their stock is gone - you can actually see what they have! Third, a lack of variety, or too much focus on one type of taste. Scrappers and stampers come in all shapes and sizes, so too much of one thing means I probably won't be back for awhile.

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  63. Hey great for you! I look for fresh new paper designs, I need change and I need it often!

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  64. I usually go when there is something on sale, then I just decide to look around...(big mistake) and then I end up spending the money I just saved on the sale!!!! Stamping is not cheap!! Too many cute things you just gotta have!!!

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  65. My LSS is so overwhelming because there is sooo much stuff to look at I can only go there if I have tons of time to look. I don't shop a lot online, but I look around sometimes...

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  66. You asked what turns me off in a LSS. Well,it happened to me just last week, when I visited a new store in my town.

    When I walked in, the music was blaring loud. Now I love rock & roll, but this was so loud I couldn't hear myself think. If there was a bell or buzzer on the door to announce my arrival, I sure didn't hear it. Guess they didn't either...

    The store was packed with those tall racks that you can rotate, just full of paper. Displaying lots of paper is great...but the racks were so tall and there were so many of them, you couldn't see the rest of the store. It was like walking through a maze.

    I wandered around for at least 10 minutes, and nobody showed up! I could see a Coke can on a table in the back room...so probably somebody was having lunch. But, if I were so inclined, I could have just walked off with any of their inventory. I don't think they ever knew I was there.

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  67. Wow, when shopping on line I look for ease of the web site and search engine, don't like when they are so graphic that it takes forever to go from page to page

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  68. I like things that coordinate in my LSS. Online, I look at the shipping costs & how easy it is to navigate the site. Thanks for a chance to win!

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  69. Turn on: sales, coupons, well displayed merchandise, quality products, well orgainzed.
    Turn off: clutter, poor lighting,uninformed help.
    Love the Basic Grey papers!!

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  70. What I look for in a store would be a SALE...that gets me in every time:) And well stocked shelves & friendly staff keeps me coming back in.

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  71. Thanks for a chance at a 2nd entry. The thing that most turns me off about a stamp store is boxes and carts blocking the aisles. Disruptive & screaming kids aren't a desirable feature either:)

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  72. Things that turn me OFF about a scrap/stamp store are items that are way overpriced - & about an online store, is inflated shipping costs.

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  73. Things that turn me off to a craft store are clutter, aisles that you can't walk down & not enough staff to take care of customers.

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  74. Things I hate when going to a LSS is unbelievable pricing. Sometimes I have seen things for $20 more from one store to another on a tote or something similar.

    Non helpful personnel who don't go the extra mile. I love one little store that doesn't have a lot because she will order in anything she can for me. I get a call and go pick it up. That's service, and with a smile too. :)

    Things I hate when on-line shopping. Links that don't take you where you want to go immediately. If I click on a brad picture take me to the brads please!

    Also the shipping options. Sometimes I don't care if it takes 3 weeks if I can save $20 on shipping. Give all the options including Canada Post/USA Postal please.

    Don't have a link to a page that is 'under construction' or otherwise useless to me.

    Do not have a program running that doesn't allow the customer to easily leave the site and come back later where they were. Have the 'view shopping cart' at the top of the first page.

    Okay, enough rants.

    Tanya

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