Going Shoppin' - Need Advice

[Crafty Math Chick]

Hi Everyone!

I will be heading back to the States (YEAH!) for surgery at Walter Reed in the DC area. I am so excited!!

Before the procedure I want to go shopping for all those goodies one cannot buy easily in Germany. I was hoping you might be able to make some suggestions, I already have a list of:

Georgia Pacific Cardstock (Walmart -Copic coloring)
BIG paper clips (Walmart - bookmarks)
Copic Markers (Hobby Lobby? Art Stores?)
Ranger Pitch Black ink (Copic coloring)
Designer Paper (Michael's)
Scrap Paper Scissors Tote (do they still carry these at Michaels?)

Anyone else have any suggestions? All are welcome...

Thanks in advance!

CMC

[wagleg]

Not a shopping suggestion...but you will only be about an hour away from the Offray Ribbon Factory Outlet in Hagerstown, MD.
Another thing. There are no Hobby Lobby Stores in the NE, but do check out the AC Moore's and there may be some Ben Franklin's still around.
Ohh....and what about Nestabilities? Did you get those yet?

[Cat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crafty Math Chick

Ranger Pitch Black ink (Copic coloring)
Scrap Paper Scissors Tote (do they still carry these at Michaels?)

CMC

Hi! I was in Micheal's just a couple weeks ago, and they had the totes. It seems they keep getting them, but each time they have new colors/patterns? You should probably find them there -- be sure to track down a coupon or two.

I noticed in Joann's recently, that they now have some of the Ranger/Tim Holtz products like alcohol inks, applicator, refills, etc.

Good luck with your surgery - haven't seen anyone so excited about a hospitalization in a while

[serialpurrs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crafty Math Chick

Hi Everyone!
Anyone else have any suggestions? All are welcome...

Do you have enough space for transport home with all the suggestions you're sure to get :mrgreen:

Don't have any suggestions for you though, since I'm sorta on a spending freeze atm.

[Joan B]

Ooh. If you have time, I'll take you to Angela's Happy Stamper in Reston. And, Plaza Art store in DC and VA have the copics. You can get a discount card for free that gives you 20% off everything.

The ribbon outlet is amazing. I got so much ribbon for $2.38 -- including tax. I mean literally dozens and dozens of yards of ribbon. It is a bit of a drive however.

There is also the Rubber Chicken and the Queen's Ink in Maryland. Michaels and AC Moore.

Wouldn't it be fun to take a Saturday and I'll drive you to all the places in Virginia?? PM me to let me know if and when you are available!! I'm the best enabler!!

[MWDStamp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan B

The ribbon outlet is amazing. I got so much ribbon for $2.38 -- including tax. I mean literally dozens and dozens of yards of ribbon. It is a bit of a drive however.

I saw a picture of all the ribbon Joan got. WOW!! I would go there, even if it is a bit of a drive. Wish there was one close to me.

If you go to Michael's look for the dollar stamps. They are really cute and for a $ you can't go wrong. I think they are a great way to stock up on sentiments.

[Crafty Math Chick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagleg

Not a shopping suggestion...but you will only be about an hour away from the Offray Ribbon Factory Outlet in Hagerstown, MD.
Another thing. There are no Hobby Lobby Stores in the NE, but do check out the AC Moore's and there may be some Ben Franklin's still around.
Ohh....and what about Nestabilities? Did you get those yet?

ooooh, ribbbbbbbbbbbbbon...

Won't bother looking for HL then, LOL.

Nope, haven't gotten Nestabilities yet. Been watching Ellen Huston's blog intently and will make a decision one of these days...

Thanks for the info.!!

[Crafty Math Chick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by serialpurrs

Do you have enough space for transport home with all the suggestions you're sure to get :mrgreen:

Nope, I do not. I am going to mail whatever I purchase to our APO address back here. I am told I can fly after 3 weeks.

[Crafty Math Chick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan B

Ooh. If you have time, I'll take you to Angela's Happy Stamper in Reston. And, Plaza Art store in DC and VA have the copics. You can get a discount card for free that gives you 20% off everything.

The ribbon outlet is amazing. I got so much ribbon for $2.38 -- including tax. I mean literally dozens and dozens of yards of ribbon. It is a bit of a drive however.

There is also the Rubber Chicken and the Queen's Ink in Maryland. Michaels and AC Moore.

Wouldn't it be fun to take a Saturday and I'll drive you to all the places in Virginia?? PM me to let me know if and when you are available!! I'm the best enabler!!

VERY cool Joan B.!! It would be terrific to be able to meet you and have a partner in crime to scope out the best crafting spots! As long as the recovery goes smoothly this would totally be doable!

Thanks for all of the recommendations on stores! (beginning list... LOVE the lists...)

CMC

[Crafty Math Chick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat

Hi! I was in Micheal's just a couple weeks ago, and they had the totes. It seems they keep getting them, but each time they have new colors/patterns? You should probably find them there -- be sure to track down a coupon or two.

I noticed in Joann's recently, that they now have some of the Ranger/Tim Holtz products like alcohol inks, applicator, refills, etc.

Good luck with your surgery - haven't seen anyone so excited about a hospitalization in a while

Ooooh - goody! (rubbing hands together)

BTW - my procedure is outpatient. And it is to hopefully restore the hearing in my left ear so I can hear normally again, so this is HAPPY surgery! Of course, I am a little scared at the thought of this laser being aimed at my head (what if they miss?) and there is no guarantee it will work, but I am trying to focus on the positive for now. I am told I will have one really, crappy, nauseous-and-in-pain week and will improve after that. Due to the pressure changes that occur in your ear when you fly, I will be in DC for at least 3 weeks, so I look forward to stocking up on goodies they don't have in Germany and visiting some of my favorite haunts while back home in the good ole USA!

I hardly buy anything over here. A few things online this summer, but nothing on the economy really. Especially with the embarrassingly low converstion rate to the Euro right now.

Thanks for the help!!

[PandaGirl]

*Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!!!*

If you have time, you should check out Recollections. I went there for the first time maybe a month ago, and I've been back twice since then. Sooooooooo much pretty paper!!

[Crafty Math Chick]

Thanks Panda! (oooh, have to remember to stop at a Panda Express while I am home...LOL).

Surgery isn't until mid-October. Wanted to have a shopping plan and budget in place before we leave.

[austamper]

Wishing you great success with your surgery!!!

Btw...I love your avatar!!

[Crafty Math Chick]

Thanks Krista!

LOL, when Monsters, Inc. came out people who knew me when I was little said "Boo looks like YOU!" (my eyes are greenish though); I figured since Halloween was approaching Boo was seasonal for an avator picture.

[se_stamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crafty Math Chick

Especially with the embarrassingly low converstion rate to the Euro right now.

No freakin' kidding. Have a great time in the states...how's about you and Joan gettin' a pic together and posting it !? I see two people with HUGE smiles in the ribbon store! LOL

When you get back, we need to do an SCS's in Germany get together ;) Have a speedy recovery!!

[Crafty Math Chick]

Thanks Susan! It will be so cool if it will fix the ear.

The 3 little ear bones grew too much and now do not knock together they way they should when they normally transmit sound. So I am hearing mainly by vibration though the skull bones, which makes me nauseous sometimes, like when people turn the base WAY up on the stereos in stores. Also, when I eat, all I can hear is my own chewing - REALLY loud! So it is has been challenging carrying on a conversation during social dinners and gatherings... I can hear when people are talking, but I do not get all the consonant sounds correct. And since I have "lost stereo" I can never tell where sounds are coming from. I sleep through alarms if my good ear is buried in the pillow in the morning. Not unliveable, or life-threatening, but definitely inconvenient.

The fact that I will be back in the states and seeing my friend and be able to stock up on goodies I can get overseas is pure gravy Baby!

[Crafty Math Chick]

I am hoping to get some of those clear Studio G stamps everyone has been raving about - and a scrap paper scissors tote from Michael's, if they still sell them. I hardly see them on ebay anymore.

[JBgreendawn]

Wow, that sounds like its going to be such a great thing for you when its all said and done.
I have seen the marker sets on ebay cheaper then the stores though, but, if someone lives near where you will be maybe they can snag coupons for you too.

good luck with this!

[Crafty Math Chick]

We leave TOMORROW! I am so excited!! (and quite nervous too). Other suggestions on new craft supplies that are "must haves" that have surfeced in the past year?

(Joan, I'll shoot you a PM after the rough part of my recovery is over).

[PandaGirl]

I hope everything goes well and you have a speedy recovery! I will be thinking very positive thoughts for you

[Stampaholic2004]

The Offray Ribbon Outlet is the BOMB! Don't forget to hit JoAnnes...Let me know what day you are going...haven't been to Angela's in Reston in a while, but maybe is you twist my arm =)

Kristen

[bobkitten]

Best wishes for a surgeon with steady hands and for a quick (but not so quick that you miss shopping time) recovery! Do you have the Marvy Uchida scalloped punches? If there's an Archiver's in the D.C. area I hope you can get to it; lots of good ideas and kewel products there.

[Crafty Math Chick]

Hi folks,

Surgery nwas Friday - recovering now. A LOT more woozy that I thought I'd be (darn it - I have shopping to do! LOL Just kidding) I am hoping to feel better soon and take advantage of some good old AMERICAN dining and shopping! Trying to convince hubby to get the Sunday paper for a Michael's coupon for me, LOL.

Thanks for your support and well wishes everyone!

[jtax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crafty Math Chick

Hi folks,

Surgery nwas Friday - recovering now. A LOT more woozy that I thought I'd be (darn it - I have shopping to do! LOL Just kidding) I am hoping to feel better soon and take advantage of some good old AMERICAN dining and shopping! Trying to convince hubby to get the Sunday paper for a Michael's coupon for me, LOL.

Thanks for your support and well wishes everyone!

Glad your surgery is over! Sorry you are woozy - hope you get over that soon so you can shop!

[My3LittleMonkeys]

Hey! I just saw this thread and I am wishing you a speedy recovery!

I was in the states in Sept and went crazy myself! I am sure you plan to visit Target...they had some neat clear stamps and adhesive 4x6 paper mat packs I picked up...(some for USAMoose as well!!).

Anyway, I shipped 6 boxes home...I challenge you to surpass me!!! hee hee

Get well soon!

[scoopy]

Hope you are feeling better and have had a chance to shop! hugs!

[Crafty Math Chick]

I FINALLY GOT ONE! A scrap paper scissors organizer tote is finally MINE, all MINE! WOO HOO! And I am actually going to be here for one of AC Moore's Moonlight Madness sales this Sunday too (sighing contently). First box already shipped home... (big smile)

Thank you all so much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers! I am so grateful for all of your support. My ear hurts less and less each day, and I am walking better and better (though I did fall over once today and almost passed out today as well, so I am trying not to overdue it. My doctor said I won't know the full extent of my hearing recovery for several weeks, but I can already tell there is some improvement, so that is a good sign.

Hope everyone is happy and healthy and enjoying life!!

[inkerzaway]

great to hear that you are already noting some improvement....way cool! and also great that you found the tote you were after and have felt up to a little bit of shopping....take it easy but don't miss the Offray store, I have never been there but it sounds like Heaven! Jan

[PandaGirl]

Hooray for happier ears! Glad to hear that you are feeling improvements already, and that you've been able to get in some shopping too!

[larue]

I wish you the very best and a speedy recovery and lots of time to shop, shop, shop.

[jtax]

So glad you are doing better and have gone shopping! Have fun at AC Moore's Sunday! Not sure where you are staying, but if you are planning to go to Hagerstown to the ribbon store and want/need company, pm me - maybe we can make the drive together. I'm in the DC 'burbs in MD. I have been wanting to go there a while.

[Crafty Math Chick]

Sigh, heading back to Germany on Saturday after getting the green light to fly from the surgeon (I am still nervous about how my ear will react with the changes in pressure upon ascent and descent - I hope I don't blow the eardrum!). I am sad to be leaving my home. I home the AF brings us home soon. Things could be worse right?

In addition to getting some of my hearing back (I won't know how much for another month, but the surgeon says he can already tell there is SOME improvement, so that is terrific, I feel very blessed), I got one of those cute scrap paper scissors bags from Michael's I heard everyone cheering about - didn't find the Toteally Cool bags in red anywhere (that is MY color, LOL). Didn't get to go to the ribbon outlet this time, but still picked out some nice spools at AC Moore, Michael's and JoAnn's. Loaded up on lots of goodies that I use up and run out of all the time like brads and pop-its. Got a nice Columbia 3-in-1 winter jacket (I didn't really have a coat and it gets cold in germany) and some warm mittens from Target. Got some more clothing but didn't go wild because I am trying to lose weight and didn't want to spend too much money on stuff I hope not to fit me in a little while. Picked up some new sneakers at Kohl's (love that store). Got to eat at PF Chang's, Macaroni Grill and DUNKIN DONUTS - WOO HOO!

The only things I did not get that I really wanted were one of those velour jogging sets (I need petites because I am short) and a new backpack purse (mine is getting quite worn - just didn't see any of these anywhere). AND I got to spend TONS of quality time with my good friend whoI hadn't seen in three years. This was a GOOD SURGERY experience!

Thank you so much to everyone who sent happy thoughts, wishes and prayers my way - you are all wonderful people who totally rock! I hope lie holds many joys for all of you.

CMC