oh dear, its september tomorrow. and that means I need to start my daily journal. I finally put most of the pages together. and tomorrow Virve is in the store to help me bind it with the bind-it-all. I could do rings, but I think I want a more rugged binding. I did a mis-mosh of pages from the scrap pile and I can always switch them out as I go along. join the challenge and keep me motivated. I want dinner from mrs. julie fei-fan balzer (that was our bet – you may not win dinner from me but you can get stuff from the store).

please take the time to endorse our nomination with american express. we have a change to win a huge grant to keep another scrapbook store alive. with such an active online community… we could really use your support. simply view this profile http://shinealight.ivillage.com/sbo-profile/?ProfileID=2869 and register (it takes 3 minutes) to endorse us.

Endorse PortraitBug with Shinealight!

we really thank everyone who has supported us along the way. we are almost at our year anniversary. whoo hoo. please send us some more love.

This is PortraitBug Parties to the EXTREME. Forget what you knew about crafting parties, this is no little sissors and cardstock ordeal. 

Really, these parties are for children but I may do this for my 23rd birthday in November.

Not only do we have birthday parties in the store but even better now we literally bring the birthday party to you. In your apartment (making shoes and socks totally optional)

Here are some totally legit reasons you might want us to bring the party to you:

1. You live downtown and the prospect of shuttling eight 10 year olds to the upper west side and then back downtown again sounds nightmereish

2. You have always wanted to throw a great party in your own apartment that was not hosted by you

3. You’re lazy and would rather have us do the work of coming to you (totally what I would choose)

And one more, really the most important one:

4. Crafting in your own home is just really fun

The party actually is this:

We have a few kit options (layouts, minibooks) and you and your child come into the store, choose which kit you want and then we bring it all to you on the date of the party- and by that I mean we bring the supplies included in the kit and other basic tools that may or may not include sticker makers and non-messy glitter (yes, I know that’s generally an oxymoron). The kits range from $20 to $50 plus $125 for the teacher for 90 minutes. 

I know the kits are a bit vauge right now so stay posted, more to come!

And you should comment and just say “hi” so know that there are people out there who actually read this.

its official, the fall catalog has gone to print. to download a digital version of the catalog click here.  to sign up for classes you can call the store at 212.600.4457 or go to our online store at http://portraitbug.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=97

classes begin September 8th. our classes are a unique mix of scrapbooking, photography, and mixed media arts. some highlights include:

• collage
• scrapbooking 101 + scrapbooking 102
• mixed media
• screen printing
• holiday crafts
• kids classes
• mommy and me classes

we also offer a selection of private classes and free events. everything is listed.

all of the classes and events are held in our manhattan, nyc location at 2466 Broadway bt. 91st and 92nd street. its easy access on the 1/2/3 train or M104 bus.

CHALLENGE!

Okay, here is what’s going on at PortraitBug this month – there’s a bit of a rumble. Kim and I (Mattie) are going to make day in our life September albums based off of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer’s amazing November daily album which we have in the shop. Julie  is starting her September daily album and therefore, so are we.

HOWEVER, we have a lot of people rooting against us like her husband, Pete , who thinks we will make it till September 8th and Julie who says September 4th. (really guys, you don’t even have hope for us for TWO weeks?!)

We would love it if YOU who read this wanted to join us in the challenge. We have Julie’s last November daily album in the shop if anyone needs ideas or inspiration and click on the link above to see how she is setting up her September album.

As a reward, anyone who comes in the store with their completed September book within the first week of October (see we are giving YOU a little lag time) will get 10 PortraitBug dollars to spend on anything in the store – No minimun purchase!

Annnnnnd (hands in hands in…) BREAK!

Happy Friday!

It’s Sunday and we are finally finishing up our class schedule for the fall. It has been in the works for over a month. On Monday the descriptions and photos go off to the printer for our catalog. The classes will also be added to our online calendar, meetup, and facebook. Big highlights include the addition of a Scrapbook 102 class for everyone who has taken 101, screen printing with the YUDU, collage workshops, scrappy jewelry, and art journaling.

Sign up online and in the store will begin next week.

Take a peek at the lineup. Excuse the odd format, but its the rough cut – we just wanted to share… Fall 2009 Class Sneak Peek