Hello from
Creative Escape
under new management
My name is Nina Boettcher ( bet-cher ) and I'm taking over the store from Laurie. I've been a frequent customer for the last 12 years. I found out that Laurie was moving on while at a crop with my friends earlier this year. One thing led to another, and here I am.

I love making things and I have been crafting as long as I can remember. One of my first crafting memories is learning to cross-stitch with my grandma when I was five.

I am a first generation Greek-American, born and raised in the midwest. I grew up in the retail industry with family owned restaurants and soccer shop. 15 years ago, I moved out to the bay area. I taught middle school math and then spent the last few years as a stay-at-home mom with my 4 boys. My youngest is starting kinder in the fall while the oldest is beginning middle school.

Our regularly scheduled Monday newsletter will return tomorrow (for this week only).We will continue to send out weekly newsletters on Mondays going forward.

I'm really excited to help develop and continue this crafting community that I've enjoyed so much these last 12 years. And I'm looking forward to meeting and crafting with all of you!

Nina
A message from Laurie
Today I sent off the store I have held so close to my heart for 15 years! I Loved everything about the store. But, the thing I loved most about the store was when I would have classes and crops, and friends would come together and laugh and share the love of crafting. Over the years we have seen some very talented guest designers visit. We were so lucky! We have seen trends like stickers on a roll, die cuts in little bins, and Paperkins! Ha! Who remembers those?! Now look at us, we have some pretty Cool tools that do the fanciest things! We've come a long way!

I think about that saying it takes a village, as I am writing this... I believe the Island was a Village. LOTS of hands always coming forward to make it all happen. I think of the many years of flea markets, and all the volunteers who helped. It was a Good time wasn't it?! 

I love my Island Girls! You see, I saw these ladies more often than I saw my family. I think I did a pretty Amazing job picking them over the years! A special thank you to those girls who stuck with me right up to the end. I know it wasn't easy. I appreciate You so much! You gave me your Hearts and helped endlessly.

To my husband Frank, I can't thank you enough for giving me wings, the late nights, and all the fixes of this and that. I will continue paying off my $75 dollar, and Taco dinner bills you gave me over the years. Doug and Jessie I'll always remember you up on the ladder fixing the lights, totaling flea market sales, and selling cookies. It was a family affair for sure.

I am gone from the store, but NOT gone, gone! I will still be hosting my events a couple times a year. I hope you will follow me on Facebook & Instagram at Creative Escape Events. I'm sure I'll be in the store taking classes or shopping. I hope to see you.

My wish is that you will all welcome Nina, and support her as she finds her way and adds her flare to the store. She has some amazing ideas, and I think she can take the store to a new level.

Wow! What a delightful journey! 
Thank you for being my guest, and giving me all your love and support.

Laurie 
PS. Sandy, I added just a few random caps to make you smile; you know how much I love you.  

Questions?
Answers to some common questions
Is the store closing?
No, the store will not be closing.

Are you still having classes and workshops?
Yes! As a long time customer myself, one of my favorite aspects of the store is the classes and workshops. We will be continuing to fill the schedule.

Can I use my gift cards and store credits?
Yes! All of the Island’s Creative Escape gift cards and store credit will be honored.

Is the name changing?
Not exactly. As we transition and rebrand, you will see the name will change to Creative Escape.

Are you becoming an art store?
No. We are not becoming solely an art store. Part of my love for paper crafting is that is has so many dimensions. I myself make traditional scrapbooks, mini books, cards, mixed media projects and I have been drawn to incorporating fine arts to my paper crafting projects. 
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