Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – Q is for

Posted on April 19, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter Q in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.  As we go through the A to Z of things you will find at a Michaels store, we can’t forget the ever (un)popular Q-Line.

Q-Line is what the area is called where you stand in a “queue” and wait for the next available cashier (that would have been me!)  In our store, the line was in this section.  The pole in the middle of the picture was supposed to be the end of the line.

At the far end of this picture you can see the first register, next to the soda cases.  Our “goal” was never to have the line longer than this distance.

This is looking at it from the cashier’s point of view.  That black thing in the middle of the table is my scan gun.  Paper bag at the ready if you want to pay 25 cents for it (here in California anyway).

If you’ve ever shopped at Michaels during the holiday season (or when we are having sales, or on a Saturday afternoon), you know that it RARELY looks this empty.  Rest assured, however, that the cashiers understand and try to move as quickly as we are able without making errors and if we see that the line is approaching or passing the sign, we do call for additional cashiers if there are any available.  We won’t talk about the things the customers do that makes the check out time take so long.  

Of course, while you are waiting in line, there are lots of things to “look at” to keep you entertained (entice you to continue shopping).  For the last two weeks that I was working the offering was some new paint ball contraption.  The bags hold “Goblies” that are paint balls in some kind of liquid (it may be water, I didn’t check).  There are also the “guns” that you can buy to shoot the paint balls.  Personally, I am opposed to guns of any kind so they don’t trigger my buying impulse AT ALL.  (Please don’t get started on a gun thing.  This is not that kind of blog).    

As with a lot of Michaels items, there were certainly many pretty colors but I am not sure how popular they are because in the two weeks that the were there, I think I only sold two packs.  Just this week I saw an add on Michaels website promoting these for “date night?”  Not sure I would be enthused about going on a date just to get pelted with paint but again, that’s just me.

Also in the Q-line are more necessary items like coffee packets,

fun brownie mixes with Nutella and a cute little skillet,
and different things for the holidays.  Snowman Poop was a great one.  Instead of lumps of coal in your stocking, you get Snowman Poop if you’ve been “bad.” 

If waiting in line makes you hungry or you have a sweet tooth, there is candy to catch your eye.

One of my jobs when there was no line in the queue was to go along the shelves and pick up the things that people had decided they did not want to buy and just put on a shelf.  Pretty sure those Easter eggs did not belong with the Junior Mints.  I didn’t mind that because all I had to do was pick up the things that didn’t belong, I didn’t have to put them away.  Besides, I said it was my job when there was no line!  
Another item that would qualify for the “Q” in today’s theme is Quilt.  Michaels does not have the fabrics that some other craft stores do but they carry a lot of bits and pieces that you can use to make a quilt.  (Again in one of my recent emails there was an ad that Michaels is now getting different materials that you can have cut to order on the website.  I don’t think that feature is in stores yet.)  
Some pieces are bigger than others.  

Some are in coordinated groups.  

The tools you need for this craft are available as well, rolling blades 

and craft cutting mats.  

Question:  Are you the kind of shopper that leaves things in the Q-line or do you give them to the cashier and politely say “I changed my mind about this?”  Quilt much?  
Stop by the A to Z page and pick up another “Q” and come back here tomorrow for R! 
(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – P is for

Posted on April 18, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter P in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.  This year for the A to Z Challenge I am working my way through Michaels Arts and Crafts store.  As we have come to see, there are many more things that you can find at Michaels than just craft items.  P is for Picture Frames.

Framing is a big deal at Michaels.  There is a whole station dedicated to picture frames with custom orders welcome!  There are associates dedicated to the Framing Department and they would be happy to help you frame that picture your child made for you in 1st grade or the signed poster you got at the last concert.

They have recently partnered with the Scott Brothers to add to the Custom Framing Collection.  I am not a decorator or really into design so I am not familiar with them but it may mean something to you.  

There are SO many framing options.  I loved looking at all the different choices of materials.  

Some are really ornate.

Some are plainer.

Gold finish.

Or colorful to match your walls. 

And then there are the mats to go with them.  

If you aren’t in need of custom framing but have something that you’d like to frame yourself, there are standard picture frames in all sizes and finishes. 

Even tiny tabletop frames for baby pictures of the kids. 

There are also display cases for your baseball card collection or that bat you had signed,
Flag holders and golf ball displays.

Got a basketball or helmet you need to protect?

And lots of different collage type picture frames to hold a generation of photos.

Can’t forget the hardware you need to hang your treasures with, 

and my personal favorite, Command strips and hooks.  

We have stock in 3M so please buy Command products at every opportunity!  

Do you have something special you need framed?  Like to coordinate or do random assortments?  Use Command items?  Tell me and make sure to check the other A to Z “P”eeps.  

(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – O is for

Posted on April 17, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter O in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.   This year I am A to Z-ing my way through Michaels Arts and Crafts store.  O is for Organization.

No matter what you need to organize, Michaels has solutions.  From simple plastic jar containers like these,

to Mason jars in different sizes.

I use a lot of these plastic containers.  They are perfect for organizing my scrapbook papers and embellishments by theme.  I have one for music that I use for my concert album for example.  They are big enough to hold 12 x 12 paper which is not always easy to find.  (Side note:  My concert album was the subject of my last year’s A to Z Challenge.  Click above to go see that!)

These containers can be used to organize a lot of different things.  They have a tray on the top to hold smaller items.    

All different sizes and shapes.  These are from the scrapbook section again.  There are organizers for washi tape and photos or ribbons and pens.

Most of the time I like clear containers to organize things because it makes it so much easier to see what is in there!  

These are good for beads and small items. 

Not to mention the baskets!

So many baskets!  

These are like shoe box size to hold photos or other mementos.
They come in a lot of different pretty patterns. 

They also have rolling carts.  I love the rainbow colored drawers on this one.
I have one of these carts by my desk so I have things I use all the time right there handy.  Since it is made of metal, I have put magnets on the sides to hold things like hole punches and tweezers.

And more specialized storage containers.

My personal favorites are the decorative boxes.  They also come in all different sizes and patterns and change with the seasons.  

These ones look like books!

And now they have desktop organizers too.  Aren’t they pretty?  

I have some of the decorative boxes and love to use them to organize things in my craft room.  It makes it look so cheery.  

Do you use special things to organize your supplies?  Keep newspapers or magazines in a basket?  Share and stop by the other A to Z members to see what their “O” is all about!

(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – N is for

Posted on April 16, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter N in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.  This year I am working my way through the alphabet at Michaels Arts and Crafts store.  We are at the letter N and I’ve found a few things that will qualify here.

First is necklace displays.  When I talked about the Jewelry earlier I purposely didn’t mention all the display forms there are for displaying necklaces and bracelets, rings and earrings because I knew I was going to use them for this letter.

Up until now I’ve said very little about my experiences with customers during my time working at Michaels but I have to share something about these necklace displays.  There were a couple of instances where a customer came in and purchased a lot of the displays in different styles, like 15 to 20 of them.  I figured they needed them for their shop or something.  The following week they came and returned all of them!  I wouldn’t have given it a second thought except for the fact that when they purchased them each one was closely inspected for damages or wear and tear and they wanted a discount because they were a little dusty.  Of course, upon returning them, they said nothing about the wear and tear or the dust and wanted to make sure they got a full refund.  When it happened a second time I finally figured out that people were buying the displays for trade shows and then returning them after the show was over.  I wanted to say something about how this wasn’t a rental warehouse but of course you can’t be disrespectful to the customer so…How would you feel about that?  Would it irritate you if you knew someone was buying something only to use it and return it?  

N is also for needlework.  You can find all the pins and needles you want for the fine art of embroidery and needlepoint.  

Regular spools of thread for mending and other sewing needs.

All sizes of embroidery hoops.

The canvas for needlepoint.

And all the floss in a rainbow of colors, sizes and packages.  

I’ve done some needlework in my time.  I made this about 40 years ago and my sister still has it hanging on her wall.  
Lastly, on my way into the store recently I saw this sign.  Guess I left a void they need to fill šŸ™‚

Ever thought about working at Michaels?  Do my posts make you want to?  I’m happy I did but not sorry I left.   Make sure to stop by some of the other A to Z participants and come back tomorrow for the big O.

(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – M is for

Posted on April 14, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter M in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.  I was having a bit of a problem thinking of something for this letter.  At first I thought of markers.  Yes, Michaels has a TON of markers, but that seemed kind of boring to me.  Then I thought of the word “Make” because of course Michaels is all about the making of things, but I didn’t really like that one either.  Then I saw this:

Miniatures!  You have to see these adorable miniature collections.

Aren’t these cute little houses

Check out this tree house.

How about the one on the far left that looks like a strawberry!  What fun. 

Even a windmill.  Don’t those look a little like rabbit ears? 

Gnomes homes!  Fairies welcome the sign says.

What a cute little guy!

OMG a storybook village!!! Once upon a time…
…there was a castle in the forest (that lights up no less!)…

…and suddenly a purple carriage…

…drawn by a white horse appeared. 
“Oh my!” said the fairy.

Merlin cast a magic spell…

and the handsome prince…

…fell in love with the beautiful princess…
…and they lived at the crossroads of Happiness, Good Vibes and Adventure happily ever after!

Do you know how much I want to have those things in front of my house?  I have the perfect spot right underneath my front room window.  Now I just need to convince my husband!   Maybe Merlin will help with that šŸ™‚
In addition to those fairy tale and gnome scenes there are lots of other miniatures as well:

For those retirees who get in their mobile homes and start roaming the countryside:

Or for the music lover and baseball player:

Another big use for miniatures is with school projects.  I’m not sure about the rest of the country but here in California most of the kids around 4th or 5th grade are required to do “THE MISSION PROJECT.”  This is part of their history lesson because of Father Junipero Serra and all the missions that we have spanning the coast of California.  Each child is required to build a mission and do a report on it to some degree.  I’m not sure there is any parent out there who enjoys this particular school event.  Fortunately, once again, Michaels has you covered!
Early in January we started getting calls asking if we had the missions in yet.  I think the project is one of the first ones given after the Christmas break.  There are pre-cut kits that you can put together for almost each of the 21 missions.  According to the package, they are “highly detailed and easy to assemble!”

But of course you need the “inexpensive” additions to make it look more realistic, like Adobe style roof tiles.

And about a million other little things.

You need trees around the mission.

And statues.

and farm people who work the farms around the missions.

And of course the mission bell!  

I didn’t take a picture of it all but you get the idea.  There are miniature priests and farm animals, etc., etc.  When I was working I could see the surprise on the faces of the parents as I was ringing up each piece.  Some would say to the kids, “Are you sure you need ALL this for the project?”  “Do you have to have so MANY soldiers?”  It was easy for me to be sympathetic at those moments because I had gone through three of my own mission projects and of course each one had to chose a different mission so we couldn’t recycle šŸ˜¦

I think these “M’s” were much more interesting than markers, don’t you?  I know that I am going to keep my eye on those Fairy Tale miniatures and when they go on sale I’m getting a few, even if I have to put them in a box until I get the yard fixed up and ready for them.  My hubby is a bit of a romantic so if I word it the right way, he’ll cave and let me set it up.  What about you?  Ever build a mission project with your child?  Want a fairy tale garden scene of your own?  Do you think I could make it as a writer?

Make sure to stop by the other A to Z family members and come back on Monday for the letter N.

(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – L is for

Posted on April 13, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter L in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.  This year I am working my way through the A to Z of Michaels Arts and Crafts store.  L is for Lighting.

They have some really unusual types of lights you can use to decorate your house.  I love these “trees” with the LED tips.

Wouldn’t this look cool on a table?

They have string lights too.  I’ve been thinking about getting some of the smaller ones to go around the wall of my craft room.

They are good for out in the backyard too.  

I like these colored pillars.
Then there are the more functional lights that you can use for reading or sewing or other crafting. 

L is also for Liquitex.  Liquitex is a brand of acrylic paints that Michaels carries.

It comes in all different colors and sizes, tubes and bottles.

Some of it is expensive and has to be locked up!

There are even some spray paint varieties, also locked up.

They make kits for collaging and photo transfers too.  These are something I think I’d like to look into.  Even I’m learning things as I go through this store.

Whimsical creations, doesn’t that sound like fun?  

Have you used Liquitex to make whimsical creations?  Need some outdoor lighting or branches of lights?  Share!

Be sure to visit the other A to Z gang and come back tomorrow for M, it’s gonna be a really fun one!

(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – K is for

Posted on April 12, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter K in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.  For my A to Z challenge this year I am working my way through Michaels Arts and Crafts store.  K is for Kids.

From simple things like colored balls to more complicated things like model cars and science experiments, Michaels has lots to offer to keep kids occupied.

A wall of balls
Big crayons for little hands

Lots of crayons and markers, colored pencils and the like for older kids too.

50 gel pens?  Who says those are for kids?  Around Christmas time they were selling these for $5!

There are beads in the kids section but they are not quite the same as the ones for adults.

Still lots of pretty colors.

Fun masks to paint and decorate.

Feather boas, Mardi-gras type beads and other things to use for dress-up play.

All kinds of different craft kits like Lego type creature building
Scientific discovery kits

A princess castle!

Volcano making

Old fashioned model cars.  I didn’t know anybody built these anymore but I sold a few while I was working.

And make-up and spa kits too!

You can make your own dream catchers.

Of course there are dolls and doll clothes.  I think these are for the American Girl Series dolls.

If you’d rather play with animals than dolls, there are tubes of different animals from the zoo or the farm and even dragons.

And what parent hasn’t had to help their child with a school project?  

Googly eyes

poster board
felt

You wouldn’t believe it was possible but during a recent round of school projects we actually ran out of craft sticks!

craft sticks

Pipe cleaners

Tons of other project necessities like pompoms and foam pieces.

But what really makes me wish I was a kid again is the playhouses.  They never had fun things like this when I was growing up.  All I had was an empty box!
These things are big!

I’d love to sail on this Enchanted ship complete with treasure chest!

Hours of fun to be had here for sure.  
Have you had to help your child with a school project?  Have a fondness for gel pens?  Secretly want to go in that Mermaid ship?  Love to hear!
Make sure to stop by the other A to Z-ers and come back tomorrow for the letter L!

(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – J is for

Posted on April 11, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter J in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.  During the month of April I am joining other bloggers traveling through the alphabet.  My focus is on the A to Z of Michael’s Arts and Crafts store and today we have hit upon a gem!  J is for Jewelry of course.

There is a whole section for jewelry and several aisles filled with sparklies and trinkets.   
Rows of charms and bracelets so you can put together your own memory pieces.

Bead Landing is one of the brands.  I love these little travel charms with the hot air balloon, train and Eiffel Tower.  

Silver and gold, big and small.

There are chains of all lengths 
Pendants and statement pieces too.

Again, so many pretty colors.  

You can get a string of beads and use them as is or cut them apart to make your own fashion pieces.

There is a section with jewelry making tools as well, clamps and wire cutters, etc.
Not to mention the wire, elastic cord and other types of materials you can use to string the beads. 

Even the jump rings and earring backs. 
When I was cashiering if there was a sale on jewelry (when is there not a sale at Michaels?) people would buy so many of the strings of beads and would tell me that they were going to make earrings or break them down to make bracelets.  The bad thing? Having to put away all those strings of beads when people returned them or decided at the checkout counter not to buy them after all.  It is definitely one of the hardest sections in the store for go-backs.  
Jewelry making is not something that I have ever gotten into but I have used charms and beads in my paper crafting.  I’m thinking about getting a pack of those travel charms because I’m going to be making some travel type mini-albums.  They would also be good in Father’s Day items.  I think I just love all the pretty colors! 
How about you?  A jewelry maker?  Love sparklies?  Travel and want me to make a mini-album for you?  Tell me!
Make sure to stop by the other A to Z-ers if you get a chance and come back tomorrow for the letter K.
(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – I is for

Posted on April 10, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter I in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.   For this year’s challenge I am working my way through the alphabet in Michaels Arts and Crafts store.  At Michaels, the letter I stands for Iron-On.

There is a whole section of iron-on transfers that you can use to personalize almost anything.  T-shirts are the most common but you can use them for decorating an apron for mom for Mother’s Day or a reusable shopping bag that we all need to carry now in California. 

They have lots of different styles and colors

Catchy phrases and pictures too

If you are planning a family reunion, you can spell out the family name or your family motto and the date to remember the event. 

Many different styles and colors of the alphabet to spell out your own messages.
These are the T-shirt boards you put in between the T-shirt when you are doing the ironing.
Here are just a few examples:
Tie-dye alphabet

butterflies

Mandalas

dream catchers – lol

I love this peacock.

terrific words of inspiration
The good thing about Iron-ons is that they are relatively easy to use and much neater than using glitter, although with something like the peacock or even the “dream catcher” above I might add some glitter and with the “Follow your dreams…” I might use some fabric paint to outline the words…so many possibilities!  
Have you used iron-ons?  Gone to a family reunion with matching T-shirts?  Lemme know and make sure to stop by the other A to Zers.  

(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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Blogging From A to Z – 2018 – H is for

Posted on April 9, 2018 by scr4pl80 (Scrap Lady)

Welcome to the letter H in the A to Z Challenge for 2018.  Each day (except Sundays) I will be taking you through the alphabet with different things you can find in Michaels Arts and Crafts store.  H is for Home Decor.

If you don’t feel you are particularly crafty and you don’t want flower arrangements all over your house, Michaels still has you covered.  I am really in love with these table top water fountains.

There are a few different styles but all are neat I think.  Good for relaxing and meditation…ohhmmm
There was a seaside collection displayed when I was taking these pictures, although there are several different themes throughout the year.  

Some pillows on the bottom shelves here and hanging macrame, sea shells and starfish 
Some cool clocks and lanterns

Pedestals and different lanterns

 A bit of Southwestern here with cacti and message center boards

Wall decor – I like the green mail holder with chalkboard next to the map

More Southwestern Theme

Bicycle Bookends

Pretty jars and serving trays and a wagon wheel!

I need this sign for my craft room!

Even shelves that look like birdcages.

Old fashioned scales and kitchen signs

Don’t forget wine glasses!
I couldn’t get a good picture of this mirror but I think it is so cool.  It says “Happy looks good on you.”  Doesn’t that just make you want to smile?

So you see, you don’t have to be particularly crafty to shop at Michaels.  There are all kinds of things you can use to decorate your home and backyard.  What do you think?  Prefer the seaside or Southwestern feel?  Want one of those waterfalls?  Tell me and make sure to stop by some of the other A to Z-ers.

(Note:  I decided I should add a disclaimer to these posts because I certainly don’t want to give the idea that I am being paid by Michaels to do this or that they are furnishing me with material.  All pictures used in this blog series were taken by me at local Michaels stores, or are my personal pictures and every Michaels store may not have everything shown.)

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