Traveling south this summer?

Whenever we travel, I google the area for stamp and scrap stores. Sometimes I am very lucky and chance upon a good one or two or the mother lode like Kip, Jill, Janet M and I did shopping in AZ last year when we attended Creative Escape with a bunch of the Hilltop Memories gals.

So, I'd like to make a few recommendations for the area of sw Florida that I know best: Ft. Myers and then, maybe tomorrow, post about the stores in my area where we live now.
I am working my way south on Hw 41 in town.

First of all, I simply love Dee, the owner of Dee Scrapbook Store, in Ft. Myers (239-334-4333)located at 2012 Beacon Manor Drive. She is warm and welcoming and her store is so cute, all arranged in related groupings. I've never gone in there but that I haven't found something fun and new to get. Her staff is well informed and helpful.

Next stop for you should be the Owl and the Pussycat stamp store (15881 S. Tamiami Trail, 239-489-4311). Take a deep breath before you enter as you may forget to take another one...the displays are awesome. The owner, Regina, is one of the most talented paper artists in the area, perhaps the state! I've taken her classes and have learned tons and tons. Her Wed. demo days are free and she shows how to use new products. Call for times and arrive early as there is always a big gathering even in off season.

And finally, but not last by any means, is Scrapbook Etc. in Bonita Springs ( 3465 Bonita Beach Road, 239-495-9199)I have known Janet since we first moved to Florida 8 years ago this month. She is a fun gal and runs a great store. Her store was one of the first I even visited and she has grown the store into a wonder. She and her daughter, Colleen, not only have great classes and crops, but also have a good selection of product with a whole wall of beachy papers and embellishments to complete your travel album!

With the current economy and the influx of big box stores carrying scrapbook supplies, it is increasingly hard for the lss where we can crop and take classes to thrive. I am a firm believer in supporting a company where I am treated well and that is why I am recommending these three. If you have lss in your area that you love, please promote them from time to time on your blog or by word of mouth.

(you will notice that I have not mentioned on-line stores or kit companies....you just have to look to the left to find Hilltop Memories and Kit N Kaboodle!)