FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07-11-11 950AM

Art Inspired Studios in Brentwood is teaming up with international crafting supplies manufacturer We R Memory Keepers, powerhouse magazine Scrapbooks Etc’s Craft It Forward program, and vacation company Cruise and Crop. The businesses have joined forces to launch Operation We R Grateful, a major initiative aimed at bringing cheer to active duty soldiers of the U.S. military.

“We’re so excited to partner with We R Memory Keepers’ retailers and Operation Write Home to show appreciation for our troops and veterans,” said Bethany Peterson, marketing supervisor of Scrapbooks etc. “Together, we can make a difference, one card at a time.”

Operation We R Grateful collects thousands of cards to send to deployed troops through the organization Operation Write Home. OWH sends blank cards to troops to use to send home.

OWH received its millionth card a few weeks ago, and We R wants to help them reach their second million as soon as possible. “We’re so grateful for the help of companies like We R,” says Sandy Allnock, president of the nonprofit. “It took a nation to reach the first million – and the second will be no different.”

To help achieve this goal, We R Memory Keepers has teamed up with their retailers, such as Art Inspired Studios, to help promote OWH through traditional and social media channels by holding a large contest. Retail stores are participating by becoming drop zones for card-makers to drop off their cards to the cause. The stores also hold card classes to collect even more cards. We R Memory Keepers is giving away prizes to those who participate, including a Royal Caribbean Cruise sponsored by Cruise and Crop.

Art Inspired Studios is sponsoring Make & Give events for any skill level of card makers at their Studio, located at 3860 Balfour Road, Suite F in Brentwood. Join them every Wednesday and Friday in July from 2 to 7 p.m. All ideas and materials are prepared, so you need only adhesive and a willingness to help. The store’s Celebrate Our Heroes Event will be held Sunday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy hot dogs, snacks, home-baked goods, face painting and balloons for the kids.

All card-making participants will receive special discounts and chances to win prizes. The store is accepting donations of scrapbook paper, adhesive (no glue sticks, please) or cardstock for the event. A display area for framed photos, layouts or albums of your special service man or woman will also be provided. “It’s our small way of honoring these amazing men and women who sacrifice so much for all of our freedoms,” said co-owner Diana Daijogo.

Art Inspired Studios is also a collection center for those who simply want to drop off their completed cards. The last day to drop off cards is July 31. “We are so excited to be a part of this wonderful cause,” said Daijogo. “With both our husbands being retired and reservist of the Air Force and Marines, it was no question as to our participation in helping our heroes.”

By the time the campaign is over in late July, the team will have accumulated approximately 2,500 volunteer hours with the help of We R Memory Keepers retailers, customers, OWH and other participants. “We realize this is a major undertaking, but it’s for a cause that we feel very passionately about,” said Bonnie Randall, marketing manager for We R Memory Keepers. “Without our military, we would not have the protection we need to ensure our country’s life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We all know someone who has served, and understand the sacrifice they have made for us. This is the least we could do to give back. We invite all to participate.”

ABOUT ART INSPIRED STUDIOS

Since opening in June of 2010, Art Inspired Studios has become a crafter’s dream come true. The store carries the leading products in the industry and offers unsurpassed service for all skill levels, plus classes, crops, free product demonstrations, make-and-takes, birthday parties and more. The staff will help you preserve your memories for future generations to enjoy. Art Inspired Studios earned the Best of Brentwood 2010 Gold and Silver awards for Best New Store and Scrapbook & Craft Store.

ABOUT WE R MEMORY KEEPERS

Over the last 90 years, We R Memory Keepers has evolved into one of the world leaders of scrapbook and paper-crafting suppliers. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, We R is an international company that manufactures high-quality, functional and creative scrapbook products designed to preserve and enhance memories that last for generations. Products include innovative tools, quality albums, photo sleeves, page protectors, unique paper lines and coordinating embellishments.

ABOUT OPERATION WRITE HOME

Operation Write Home is a registered 501(c)(3) organization made up of thousands of crafters across the United States and around the world. More than 1 million cards have been lovingly handcrafted, sorted and shipped to service members deployed in 16 countries – and to all branches of the military. OWH packages include cards, letters and children’s drawings, providing the thanks of a grateful nation to encourage those serving so far from home.

ABOUT CRAFT IT FORWARD

Craft It Forward is a charity crafting movement created by Scrapbooks etc. magazine. Craft It Forward encourages crafters to use their passion for creating to make a difference in their local community. A patriotic card can show appreciation to veterans, floral topiaries can bring joy to someone in intensive care, and a fun banner can brighten the day of adults in residential facilities. Together, we can make a difference.

For more information about Art Inspired Studios, e-mail Patti Snyder at info@artinspiredstudios.com or call 925-684-7056.

For more information about We R Memory Keepers, e-mail Bonnie Randall at bonnie@weronthenet.com or call 801-539-5000.

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