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Post by scrapbookwriter on Nov 9, 2014 17:44:32 GMT
Looks like I may be travelling to Minneapolis in January (brrrr!!). I will be staying in Plymouth. Are there any scrapbook stores in the area? With an online search I found Anchor Paper. Crafts Direct is an hour away from Plymouth - probably a bit too far for me. I haven't been able to find other stores that are still open.
I know Archivers used to be the scrapbook presence at Mall of America. Has anything else taken its place?
Thanks for any help you can offer!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 9, 2014 22:58:30 GMT
I haven't been to Anchor Paper Express in Plymouth for a long time. There is a second location for Anchor in Roseville that is small but they have some different things. Nothing has gone in at the MOA to replace Archiver's that I know of.
There is a new store called Paper Made in Apple Valley about 30 miles away that is pretty nice. They are in the retail space on the opposite side of October Afternoon's warehouse, so if you google that you'll find it. I don't know if they have their own website yet or not.
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Post by mikklynn on Nov 10, 2014 1:25:32 GMT
Sadly, there is really nothing less than an hour from Plymouth. I think if you can make it work (and the weather cooperates!) it is worth the drive to Crafts Direct.
Welcome - we are getting a taste of January tomorrow, 6-12" of snow.
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bloom43
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Post by bloom43 on Nov 10, 2014 4:37:56 GMT
Thanks for the tip on Anchor Paper Express and Paper Made in Apple Valley. I was checking for scrapbook stores in the area just a couple of days ago and came up with October Afternoon store, but have not been out there yet. Do they have a lot of inventory, and how does it compare to Archivers (which I miss at the mall).
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Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 10, 2014 15:03:20 GMT
Thanks for the tip on Anchor Paper Express and Paper Made in Apple Valley. I was checking for scrapbook stores in the area just a couple of days ago and came up with October Afternoon store, but have not been out there yet. Do they have a lot of inventory, and how does it compare to Archivers (which I miss at the mall). There's no way a small store like Paper Made could compare to Archiver's, either in terms of inventory or square footage. It's not apples to apples. However, it IS a very nice store with a lot of popular lines represented. My friend and I went to check it out when we were over that way for the OA warehouse sale and we saw October Afternoon (of course), Doodlebug, Crate Paper, Basic Grey, Simple Stories, Echo Park, Tim Holtz/Stamper's Anonymous, lots of the American Crafts brands like Pebbles, Maggie Holmes, Amy Tangerine, etc. That's just off the top of my head. There was more, I just can't think of it all now. It was late in the day and several weeks ago  and I didn't take notes, LOL. They also had quite a few different kinds of dies such as Spellbinders, Sizzix and some of the newer thin ones plus some Lawn Fawn stamps that had matching dies as well as a few other stamp lines and lots of fun mixed media stuff, adhesives, etc. The store is set up in several smallish connected rooms (which kind of makes me feel a little claustrophobic to be honest with all of the racks and slatwall displays in them) and there is a separate classroom/crop space that I didn't take the time to look at since it's not likely I would go that far for a crop since it's close to 45 minutes away from me. |
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Post by elsiej on Nov 10, 2014 15:54:13 GMT
There is a store in Pine City (Pine City Scrapbooking Co) (about 45 mins north of the cities on I-35), that is worth the trip. It is very cutely set up, and has lots of goodies and it is a scrapbook store like the old, with lots of projects and eye candy. Totally Worth the trip!!!! It is virtually the opposite direction of crafts'direct (which is like a big hobby lobby type craft store).....
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Nov 10, 2014 20:23:06 GMT
Thanks for all the great responses! Sadly I will not have a car. DH will be there on business and I am just coming along to hang out  I will rely on the hotel shuttle service and hotel-arranged transportation. I should be able to get to the Anchor Paper store, and I am kind of excited to visit the Blue Bamboo Quilt store. I hope they will happen to have a fun class going on while I am there and will be willing to let me use one of their machines. I'll call them in December to see what their schedule might be. Also, I should be able to get to Mall of America one way or another. What would you recommend I do or see while I'm in Plymouth? My husband warns me that it's an industrial town. I can just bring my cross stitch if nothing else, but that seems a waste of a plane ticket. I would like to see or do something fun. Something fun and indoors Any recommendations? |
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Post by mikklynn on Nov 10, 2014 22:58:53 GMT
Is there any way you could stay downtown and your DH drive to Plymouth? If you stayed in downtown Minneapolis, you could take the light rail to the Mall of America. Or, could he drop you at the MOA for the day?
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Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 11, 2014 5:29:45 GMT
I think Plymouth is more industrial, not really a lot of shopping or other fun things that I know of that goes on there. There is obviously a lot of shopping in/around the Mall of America, IKEA is right there too if you could get there.
Closer to where you will be is The General Store of Minnetonka, I LOVE that store! It's about seven miles away from Anchor in Plymouth and has loads of Minnesota stuff, fun gift items, unique kitchen things and vintage inspired/styled home decor, cute (but expensive) boutique clothing. Even though it's not a scrap store, I could easily kill an afternoon wandering around there. Plus they have a very nice café in the store where you can get a great lunch with sandwiches made to order on hearty bread, homemade soups and wonderful desserts.
You might find some fun places to go in Wayzata as well and it's not that far. I haven't been there in years but they used to have some nice shops there.
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Post by Jamie on Nov 11, 2014 19:42:27 GMT
You said a magic word - cross stitch - Stitchville USA is in Minnetonka (next city over from Plymouth) You could spend hours in there and not even see everything. The samples on the walls are amazing. I live about 10 min from there and am still amazed every time I walk in
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peasquared
Drama Llama
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Post by peasquared on Nov 12, 2014 0:10:41 GMT
I think Plymouth is more industrial, not really a lot of shopping or other fun things that I know of that goes on there. There is obviously a lot of shopping in/around the Mall of America, IKEA is right there too if you could get there. Closer to where you will be is The General Store of Minnetonka, I LOVE that store! It's about seven miles away from Anchor in Plymouth and has loads of Minnesota stuff, fun gift items, unique kitchen things and vintage inspired/styled home decor, cute (but expensive) boutique clothing. Even though it's not a scrap store, I could easily kill an afternoon wandering around there. Plus they have a very nice café in the store where you can get a great lunch with sandwiches made to order on hearty bread, homemade soups and wonderful desserts. You might find some fun places to go in Wayzata as well and it's not that far. I haven't been there in years but they used to have some nice shops there. I love the General Store! I could spend a day there too. Especially during the holiday season. |
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amom23
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Post by amom23 on Nov 12, 2014 0:49:27 GMT
You really can spend a whole day (or several days) at the Mall of America. You can also catch the light rail from MOA and go downtown to shop too. Downtown is pretty much all connected with skywalks so you wouldn't have to brave the cold quite as much.
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cohala
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Jun 27, 2014 18:36:43 GMT
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Post by cohala on Nov 12, 2014 1:09:26 GMT
So glad you asked this question. I will also be in Minneapolis in January and will have the opportunity to shop on the 5th and the 6th. Glad to hear there is a rail that goes to MOA because that is one of the places I wanted to see. We will be right in the middle of downtown I think, at the Hilton.
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bloom43
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Post by bloom43 on Nov 12, 2014 1:11:58 GMT
Thanks, crazy4scraps, for the good review of Paper Made. I will definitely have to get out there soon. Looking for some double sided Christmas paper and I haven't had any luck at Michael's or Joanne's.
As far as visiting the Twin Cities, you will certainly want to spend a couple of days at the Mall of America. If you haven't been there before, you can easily fill up two days there. Lots to see and do there, and your hotel shuttle will take you there. The General Store is also a good idea. It's a fun store and I'm sure a shuttle driver would know about it. And for a Cross Stitcher, Stitchville is great. Have a good time here, but bring a warm coat. It snowed here this week.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 12, 2014 1:30:30 GMT
bloom43 the lady at Paper Made said they were still working on getting all of their inventory put out the weekend I was there, and they said they were still getting Christmas in. I didn't see a whole lot of overlap between what they had vs. what the chains carry. The chains are moving toward only selling their own house brands more and more, so anything anyone else sells will be different. 
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Nov 13, 2014 0:50:20 GMT
Great additional hints! Thanks so much!
We will definitely be staying in Plymouth. My husband's business meeting is in the hotel where we will be staying.
I am adding the General Store and Stitchville USA to my itinerary! I am pretty excited for this trip now
Thank you all so much for your input and advice!
ETA: Just called the hotel and found that Stitchville USA, the General Store, Anchor Paper and Blue Bamboo Quilt Store are all within the range of the free hotel shuttle. The concierge recommended the shuttle to Ridgefield Mall, then taking a bus from there to Mall of America.
Thanks again for all your help! |
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Nov 13, 2014 0:50:45 GMT
And hey, I just made Junior Member!!
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bloom43
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Post by bloom43 on Nov 14, 2014 4:23:04 GMT
crazy4scraps, I made it out to Paper Made today, and it's a great store. I found my double-sided Christmas paper, and a bunch of other things--$40 worth. They had all the name brand paper brands, some stamps, inks, and a little of almost everything. The woman who was working told me that they bought a lot of their display cases, etc. from Archivers when they closed, so it looks really nice. Thanks for the Heads Up on the store. I never knew that October Afternoon was made right here in the Twin Cities.
Regarding the Mall for those of you who will be visiting, the light rail line will take you right into the mall, so it's very easy to get from downtown to the mall. We were over there yesterday for lunch (it's my local shopping center), and all the Christmas decorations are up. They have been renovating the mall for most of the summer and fall, but it looks like it's almost finished. I love the mall and it's a great place to visit. Have fun!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 14, 2014 16:02:52 GMT
Glad you were able to find what you were looking for! It's kind of a hike for me coming from the northeastern metro, but I am going to try to make it over there from time to time. I wish it was a little more centrally located, but oh well! It is a nice store.
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Sept 4, 2015 13:37:25 GMT
Bumping this thread - My January trip was cancelled, but I will be in Minneapolis in October. We will be staying very close to the Mall of America (without a car). I'd love any additional insights/updates on scrapbook and craft stores in the area. What should I plan to visit while I am in the area? I would actually like to see more of Minneapolis than the mall (and eventually even I will get tired of shopping!) |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 4, 2015 14:21:06 GMT
October is a MUCH nicer time of year to visit than January! I think you might not be far from Crafter's Haven in Minneapolis. I've never been there so I can't say if it's worth the trip or not, but maybe someone who has can chime in?
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Post by mikklynn on Sept 4, 2015 14:44:11 GMT
The Blue Line train runs from the MOA to Fort Snelling, Minnehaha Park (walk to falls) and downtown. If you get off at the government center station, you could walk to the Stone Arch Bridge. It's lovely with a view of St Anthony Falls on the Mississippi river. The Mill City Museum is there, too. Here is a link to the train stops/map: link
ETA - If you visit the Stone Arch Bridge, it's a little bit of a walk, but you can cross the bridge to St Anthony Main on the east side of the river. There are several great restaurants and a place that offers Segway tours. I took a friend from St Louis on one and it was a blast. For the Segway tour visit: www.humanonastick.com |
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Oct 21, 2015 17:05:25 GMT
It's time for my Minneapolis trip! I'm excited!
Any last thoughts on things I should see or do while I'm there?
I'll be staying at the Doubletree in Bloomington with free shuttle service to the Mall of America.
Thanks so much!!
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Post by mikklynn on Oct 22, 2015 2:07:51 GMT
Have a great trip. Nordstroms at MOA has a cafe with excellent food and you can have a glass of wine.
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Post by elsiej on Oct 25, 2015 19:19:25 GMT
Not sure if you're here, but if you take light rail to downtown and get off at the VA hospital, and walk up 54th about 5 blocks, there's a cute little store call crafters haven......54th is at end of light rail station....take a left and walk up....Google it
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Oct 27, 2015 19:25:22 GMT
Not sure if you're here, but if you take light rail to downtown and get off at the VA hospital, and walk up 54th about 5 blocks, there's a cute little store call crafters haven......54th is at end of light rail station....take a left and walk up....Google it , I'm here at Crafters Haven today making Christmas cards Thank you so much for the suggestion! Yesterday I spent the day at MOA. Tomorrow I will go downtown and perhaps take the Segway tour, if it's not too cold. Minneapolis is beautiful. Autumn leaves are everywhere. I am glad I came! |
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Oct 29, 2015 13:46:25 GMT
Just reporting on my Minneapolis trip for anyone interested!
Monday - spent the day at Mall of America. The mall is gorgeous - lots of white tile and natural light and twinkling golden Christmas lights. I read that it's 42 million square feet but it is laid out so well that it's easy to get to any store in under ten minutes.
I am also impressed with the transportation options. Light rail, bus, taxis and hotel shuttles all come in underground. Ample parking too.
I shopped all three floors of shops and had dinner at Hard Rock Cafe overlooking the Nickelodeon amusement park. Just a totally wow day.
Tuesday - I took the hotel shuttle to the mall, then took light rail to 54th, then the 22 bus to 34th, then walked two blocks through gorgeous autumn scenery to Crafters Haven. I fell in love with a sample Christmas card on display. I bought the supplies and spent a happy day there crafting Christmas cards.
I took the bus and the train back to the mall and met up with a friend for dinner at Crave. The hotel shuttle took me back to the hotel. Another lovely day.
Wednesday - my friend rented a car. We drove to Plymouth to see The Church Basement Ladies at Plymouth Playhouse. Delightful show! Shopped at Blue Bamboo quilt and fabric shop. Also shopped at The General Store. Loved them both.
Drove to Ridgedale Mall for dinner at the Lakeshore Grill. This was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Seriously so good. The bread basket was full of popovers with honey butter. Carmelized salmon entree so good I didn't want to talk while I ate. Apple strudel with pastry so moist yet light and flaky it melted in my mouth. Oh my goodness.
Today, Thursday, dh will be done with meetings. I'm taking him to the mall because he's never been there and wants to see it!
Tomorrow we will take light rail to downtown and explore all day until our evening flight out.
Thank you for all the advice and suggestions and recommendations. I love what I've seen here and look forward to coming back!
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Post by mikklynn on Oct 29, 2015 15:19:37 GMT
I'm so happy you are enjoying your stay! If you are downtown, I can recommend Hell's Kitchen for lunch or dinner I could not believe when someone posted a long time ago that the Twin Cities are boring and there is nothing to do. |
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Post by elsiej on Oct 30, 2015 0:50:06 GMT
Not sure if you're here, but if you take light rail to downtown and get off at the VA hospital, and walk up 54th about 5 blocks, there's a cute little store call crafters haven......54th is at end of light rail station....take a left and walk up....Google it , I'm here at Crafters Haven today making Christmas cards Thank you so much for the suggestion! Yesterday I spent the day at MOA. Tomorrow I will go downtown and perhaps take the Segway tour, if it's not too cold. Minneapolis is beautiful. Autumn leaves are everywhere. I am glad I came! I am glad you made it to crafters haven and had fun. It's a cute little store. |
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Post by ihaveonly1l on Oct 30, 2015 11:21:00 GMT
Just reporting on my Minneapolis trip for anyone interested! Monday - spent the day at Mall of America. The mall is gorgeous - lots of white tile and natural light and twinkling golden Christmas lights. I read that it's 42 million square feet but it is laid out so well that it's easy to get to any store in under ten minutes I am also impressed with the transportation options. Light rail, bus, taxis and hotel shuttles all come in underground. Ample parking too. I shopped all three floors of ships and had dinner at Hard Rock Cafe overlooking the Nicklelodean amusement park. Just a totally wow day Tuesday - I took the hotel shuttle to the mall, then took light rail to 54th, then the 22 bus to 34th, then walked two blocks through gorgeous autumn scenery to Crafters Haven. I fell in love with a sample Christmas card on display. I bought the supplies and spent a happy day there crafting Christmas cards. I took the bus and the train back to the mall and met up with a friend for dinner at Crave. The hotel shuttle took me back to the hotel. Another lovely day. Wednesday - my friend rented a car. We drove to Plymouth to see The Church Basement Ladies at Plymouth Playhouse. Delightful show! Shopped at Blue Bamboo quilt and fabric shop. Also shopped at The General Store. Loved them both. Drove to Ridgedale Mall for dinner at the Lakeshore Grill. This was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Seriously so good. The bread basket was full of popovers with honey butter. Carmelized salmon entree so good I didn't want to talk while I ate. Apple strudel with pastry so moist yet light and flaky it melted in my mouth. Oh my goodness. Today, Thursday, dh will be done with meetings. I'm taking him to the mall because he's never been there and wants to see it! Tomorrow we will take light rail to downtown and explore all day until our evening flight out. Thank you for all the advice and suggestions and recommendations. I love what I've seen here and look forward to coming back!
It's such a small world! I live about an hour away from Minneapolis (about 10 minutes from Crafts Direct) and was at the Ridgedale Mall Wednesday night!
I'm glad you are enjoying your time. There's lots to do around the Metro area.
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and I didn't take notes, LOL. They also had quite a few different kinds of dies such as Spellbinders, Sizzix and some of the newer thin ones plus some Lawn Fawn stamps that had matching dies as well as a few other stamp lines and lots of fun mixed media stuff, adhesives, etc.
I will rely on the hotel shuttle service and hotel-arranged transportation.
