The date for our next World's Largest Shoebox Party retreat is set for
May 2, 3, & 4, 2008 in Issaquah, Washington!

What is a Shoebox Party?  Click [HERE] to find out! 

Our theme is "Vegas" and we already have a lot of fun stuff cooking up for that!

Get ready for the WLSBP by purchasing apparel and souvenirs here:  http://www.cafepress.com/pennywisearts
 

Click [HERE] to download The World's Largest Shoebox Party's Information Packet and Registration Form.

Basic Information:
We will start at 7:00PM on Friday, May 2 and conclude at 5:00PM on Sunday, May 4. Everything you need will be on site - so plan to truly "retreat" with us into a world of shoebox party fun! (If you must leave the event prior to 5:00 pm on Sunday, you will need to make arrangements to leave your project to allow all participants the opportunity to complete it.)

Single Occupancy is $230.00 per person for the weekend.
Double Occupancy is $195.00 per person for the weekend.
(If you choose double occupancy it is your responsibility to find a roommate!)
 

Double Occupancy Room: Single Occupancy Room: Click on the button below to submit a $25.00 deposit for a Double Occupancy Room Click on the button below to submit a $25.00 deposit for a Single Occupancy Room If you have already placed a $25.00 deposit, please click on the button below to submit the balance of $170.00 for a Double Occupancy Room If you have already placed a $25.00 deposit, please click on the button below to submit the balance of $205.00 for a Single Occupancy Room Click on the button below to submit full payment of $195.00 for a Double Occupancy Room Click on the button below to submit full payment of $230.00 for a Single Occupancy Room

This price includes ALL meals in the cafeteria (total of 5). Each guest will be provided a twin size bed to sleep on, clean sheets and blankets in a dorm style room. There is a sink & closet in each room. All rooms have locking doors for your security and safety. Clean towels and washcloths are provided for each guest. There is a shared bathroom/shower facility. The showers are "discreet" with a curtained off changing area.
 

Secret Sister Swap -  Instead of an "Under" swap, we will be having a "Secret Sister Swap".  Sign up on your registration form if you wish to participate.  Bring with you ONLY THREE small handmade by you items with a combined cost to make of $15.00 - $20.00. (Not more than 3 and not less than 3 - just bring 3!)  The items cannot be cards.  You are welcome to bring cards in addition to the handmade gifts but they will not be counted as one of the three gifts.  Think about handmade books, jewelry, boxes, magnets, etc.  You will be assigned your secret sister when you check in on Friday Night, more details of the logistics will be provided at that time.

Our group has reserved the swimming pool for Saturday evening if you want to take advantage of this opportunity to stretch and relax.

A deposit of $25.00 will hold your place. Multiple payments can be made as long as the balance is paid in FULL by April 10, 2008. Registration ends on that date, and no late entrants can be accepted. Due to limited space, only the first 50 applicants with deposit paid will be able to attend. Confirmations will be sent by email.

The college does not allow alcohol on the campus. The only outside food permitted is snacks and drinks. It is expected that everyone will take their meals in the buffet style cafeteria. If you have special dietary needs, these will be taken into consideration. There is an outdoor smoking area available.

All transportation will be the responsibility of the retreat guests. PWA is happy to provide airport shuttle and taxi information upon request.

Our annual shopping road trip is planned for Monday, May 5th and is always a big hit with the guests that wish to stay and participate. Cost to ride along in one of our "Party Vans" will be $25.00 per person. Reservations must be made by April 10, 2008.
 

Shopping Road Trip Join us on Monday, May 5th for our Annual Shopping Road Trip!  $25.00 secures your seat on one of our Party Vans!

Please scroll down for answers to questions you may have!

Please join Pennywise Arts in our efforts to collect funds to provide scholarships to The World's Largest Shoebox Party, 2008. 

In memory of our dear friend Lynn Jennings (1947-2007), who never missed a single World's Largest Shoebox Party, our scholarship has been renamed to "The Lynn Jennings WLSBP Scholarship". Your donations will make it possible for those with a true financial disadvantage to have an opportunity to attend the WLSBP 2008 in Issaquah, Washington.

Please click [HERE] for our scholarship information and application packet.

If you would like to donate to our scholarship fund, please click on the "Add to Cart" button for the appropriate amount below. 
All donations are greatly appreciated!

Please contact us at pwaoffice@pennywisearts.com
for other ways to donate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. On what day do most people arrive? Do they arrive the day before and get a hotel so they can rest up?

A. Some people arrive early, some arrive on Friday afternoon - your travel schedule is totally up to you and what you want to do.  You may stay additional nights, before or after the retreat, at the college for $50.00 per night plus the cost of meals. 

IMPORTANT CHANGE: PWA will no longer be officially coordinating any travel arrangements to or from the airport. You will need to connect on your own with beadie buds in the area directly or through group posts to arrange rides if they are needed. This task just got to be too huge so we are now stepping back and allowing each of you to network and make your own arrangements. There are LOTS of local members willing to help you, but you will have to ask for what you need. Additionally, PWA will provide public shuttle/taxi information when the time gets closer for anyone who wishes to go that route. We highly recommend that you network your travel schedules if possible and share rides if you can!

Q. On what day do most people depart? The day it ends do they go to the airport?

A. Some people leave on Sunday night, others will stay for the shopping trip on Monday and leave on Tuesday. If you're coming this far, you really should stay and go on Monday - even if your budget is tight! It's a fun day with many surprises!

IMPORTANT CHANGE: PWA will no longer be coordinating to find private homes for retreaters to stay in before or after the retreat. We will be accepting "additional night" bookings for the college which means that you can arrive early or stay late and be in the same dorm room you will be assigned all weekend for an additional fee of $50.00 per night, plus meals. If you want to try to find someone local to stay with, you are welcome to network and do so! This was another task that just got to be too huge for us to manage on your behalf.

Please note that I will no longer be able to host any overnight guests at "The Castle" before or after the retreat. I need to be focused on what needs to happen to make the weekend a success, not on cleaning my house for guests! If you want to come for a visit, I'm happy to host you any other time of the year!

Q. What is the weather like up there that time of year?

A. May can go either way - might be short sleeve weather, might be cold and rainy. Bring a sweater/sweatshirt and a light jacket with a hood and you'll be covered!

Q. When and how do you pay? - I need to start saving - I'm no rich person you know :)

A. Start saving now! Double occupancy is $195.00 per person.  Single occupancy is $230.00 per person. The price INCLUDES all your meals, your room, EVERYTHING except for travel costs & The Shopping Trip. For bookkeeping reasons, PWA won't start taking deposits until January 1, 2008. All payments must be received in full by March 1, 2008

Q. How good is the shopping trips? Are we talking awesome powerhouse craft store dreamland? Like I should bring my charge card, or typical ladies day out shopping trips?

A. Provided that there is enough interest (minimum 30 riders) PWA rents a charter bus for the shopping day which is a total blast and a do not miss event! How much you spend is of course up to you, we have seen it run the gamut of $10 to close to $1,000 depending on the shopper's budget! We carefully select stores that will offer you the most for your shopping dollars and almost all of the stores will be offering special discounts/perks for PWA members only! The bus will be starting and ending at the college, so no additional transportation expenses will be incurred that day. Bus tickets cost $20.00 to $30.00 per person depending on the number of people attending.

Q. When do we find out about the projects we need to start working on?

A. You can start planning your project NOW! If you need more information on the "what" of a shoebox party, you can visit our event page of the website where there is a link that explains IN DETAIL what you need to do! Think SIMPLE - something that will take only 10 to 15 minutes to complete and plan for 50 people.

Q. Do we bring our Basic Supply Kit with us?

A. Yes, you will want to have a few basic supplies with you for the weekend! While all the projects should provide the essentials, many find it more convenient to have their own scissors and extra adhesive with them!

Q. When can we register?

A. Starting 12:01am on January 1, 2008.

Q. Do our projects have to be related to the theme?

A. Nope - they can be whatever you want them to be - just KEEP THEM SIMPLE and within the 10 to 15 time frame - NO EXCEPTIONS!

Q. Will there be an ATC swap?

A. Yes, the total amount to make will be announced on April 2nd, once all registrations have been received. 35 to 50 is a good estimate for now. Participation is optional and they MUST be done in a Vegas theme.

Q. Will there be any free time?

A. Yes! The entire weekend! You are totally at choice as to what you want to do and when - the only exception is meal time, those are set by the college. Don't bring extra things to work on during the weekend, you won't have time to do them if you plan to do all of the projects!

Q. Will there be an Under swap?

A. We have decided to try something new this year in place of the under swap. On your registration you will have the option to sign up for a Secret Sister Swap.

Q. When can we apply for the scholarship?

A. Applications are available now.  Please click [HERE] for an information/application packet.