Weekend in Indianapolis

It was a blast! Not only did I get to hang out with a good friend, but I met and made new friends as well :) Here are a couple photos from the class at Memoirs in Carmel, and one of Val and I. I'll post some more very soon (waiting on a friend to forward them to me). Valerie Salmon, her son, Ian, and I were able to share a wonderful lunch with Julie Scatteregia. I had met her long ago when I took one of her classes at CKU (Nashville, I think). I've always been an admirer - not only of her work, but also of her teaching style, and her sincere smile. I wasn't disappointed in the close up version either ;)

I taught classes at Creative Resort, and I met the owners Julie and Ron Sturgeon. Julie has the most incredible blue eyes (no photo, so you'll just have to believe me), and a positive attitude that won't quit. She and the ladies at CR (you know who you are!) made my time there a joy.

But, after 4 days, I was missing my family, so I was glad to see them on Sunday :D

Introducing Zeke and Zorro

The girls are thrilled to have 2 new kittens to lavish their attention on. I haven't taken many photos yet (it's been so hot here), but you can see they are like 2 peas in a pod. Zorro was being bashful :)

Creative Resort/Indianapolis

I'm knee deep in product, kitting for my upcoming classes at Creative Resort in Indianapolis. I'm excited about visiting Julie at her brand spanking new facility for scrapbookers, paper crafters, parties - you name it. Lots of space, all the tools we scrappers need, and space to store your supplies, if you want that "scrappy home away from home." To celebrate her Grand Opening, she's giving away 2 Cropper Hopper backpack/luggage carriers (worth $129 each). One name will be drawn from the people registered for one of my classes that weekend (Aug. 24th/25th). Each class you purchase is another chance to win. The other will be given away on August 31 from among the membership sign-ups during her opening month. In addition, I'm bringing along a $50 prize package of scrappy goodness. I'll also draw a name from everyone registered for my classes - and this includes people who are purchasing kits. (To spread the love, the winner of the backpack will not be eligible for the $50 scrapbooking prize package.) Stop by Julie's place and see what she's been up to :D Come by on Friday night or Saturday (24th and 25th) and say hello to this gal from Mississippi! www.creativeresort.com

partying with Dee and the girls

Last weekend Dee (in the orange) celebrated her one year anniversary of Dee Scrapbook Store in Ft. Myers, FL. I was pleased to meet and hang out with her and all her scrappy customers for a couple days. Thanks to Jen White (in the white baby doll tank) for sending the photos! Please ignore my red nose and bloodshot eyes (suffering from a sinus infection), and while you are at it, just ignore the 10 lbs I've gained this summer too! lol

Memoirs class peek

Still putting finishing touches on the 2 double page spreads I'll be teaching in a couple weeks at Memoirs in Carmel, IN. With a little help from a friend (and she knows who she is), I think I'm finally happy with this second layout (peeks of the first layout posted below). This one will work for lots of different photos and themes - boys, family, pets, fall, etc. No flowers, I promise! :D Actually, I love flowers and all kinds of floral embellishments and papers. But, they don't work for every occasion.

back in the groove

I was beginning to worry. It's been 4months since I scrapped a "just because" layout. I've done a few for assignments or for classes, but this week is the first time I've tried to just have fun and create. I was reeeaaaalllllyyyyy rusty. Meaning it took me a long time to get it going on :) Here's a peek at my latest. Words of advice - JUST DO IT :D Go scrap something!

PS. Those rhinestones aren't red - but I did have a red shirt on, lol.

Can you hear me

SCREAMING?!!!! Can you see me jumping up and down, and smiling like an idiot?! I just found out who'll be sponsoring my class next April at the Scrap Etc. 2008 Event!!! Who makes the COOLEST papers and embellishments? Want to guess? Should I keep you in suspense? Well, you know it isn't Scenic Route (a fav of mine), because they are sponsoring Vanessa's class. It isn't 7Gypsies, because they are doing their very own class on Thursday night. It isn't Fontwerks or Junkitz, because they are going to be there too, with something up their sleeves. Danelle and her Creative Cafe are going to be all over the place on Friday night. And Gretchen snagged American Crafts and their super cool products for her class. So, who is left? How about





















BASICGREY??????????!!!!!!!!!!

Simply Southern Update

One of my classes for SSSC sold out pretty quickly - "So Very Beautiful Mini Album". We added 10 spots this morning, so if you were wanting that class, better grab it fast. We won't make it any bigger, as our room will only hold 40.

Last time to get summer kits

Just wanted to give you a heads up on 2 summer classes that are being retired at the end of this month. I will be teaching "Beat The Heat" (3 12X12 layouts)and "French Twist Tag Album" (5X6.5 mini album) for the very last time at Creative Resort in Indy. I don't expect to have any leftover to sell (as I sometimes do with retired kits). If you want one, I know Julie will ship. Click on the link in my sidebar, and you can get her number and email. Thanks to everyone for their support of my classes!

if you are on the fence

about attending the Scrap Etc. 2008 Event, now would be the time to JUMP! Jump and register, I mean. With over 350 people registered in the first 3 days, I don't think the remaining spots will hold up long. If you've never visited Nashville and the Opryland Hotel, you are in for a treat. And add that together with a jam-packed weekend of inspiration and classes and make & takes and freebies, and you've got scrapbooking bliss. It's a huge party that you don't want to miss, so act now! www.scrapetc.net Oh, yeah, and I'll be there to party with you :D

fire trucks on the runway

Lots and lots of fire trucks. Thankfully, whatever caused our pilot to issue a "state of emergency" with the tower in Atlanta wasn't serious enough to have us exit the plane under emergency conditions. After landing, the Fire Marshal circled the airplane, gave us the thumbs up, and allowed us to taxi to the gate. I never know when I go on these scrapbooking trips exactly what will happen going and coming. But, I do know that I will meet some AWESOME scrapbookers, and I'll enjoy myself - well, I did enjoy myself at Dee Scrapbook Store in Ft. Myers, despite having a terrible sinus infection that caused me to cough and blow my nose quite often, lol. And despite the fact that I arrived home at 1:30AM this morning, and had to be up bright and early for the first day of school for my girls. My hubby tried to convince me to just get a hotel in Memphis and drive home after I slept. But, although I've missed a few birthdays, I did NOT want to miss the first day of school if I could pour enough coffee down me to keep me awake for the 2+ hour drive home. I can nap today, right? :)
Thank you to Dee and all her lovely ladies who came out for classes and cropping this past weekend. I know they gave up precious time with family and friends to hang out with me. Dee is so much fun, and I'm glad I was able to spend her first "birthday" with her.

K&Co paper crafting kits

K&Co released a bunch of new kits at CHA this past July. I designed 4 different ones (as shown here). 3 door hangers (front and back), and 1 frame design that comes with a mini clipboard (not shown).

Class Kit Info

Many of you have expressed interest in purchasing kits from my classes. Usually, you post on my blog, and Blogger won't allow me to email you from that posting. So, I'm responding here, in hopes that you guys will see it :)

Most of the stores that I visit are very willing to sell my kits to long-distance customers, plus shipping charges. On my sidebar here, you can click on the link to the stores that I'm visiting, and it will take you to their website where you can find their phone number. Give them a call, and ask to purchase a kit for an upcoming class. If we use stamps in the class, I will stamp the items before I leave, and they can then ship the kit to you.

I typically teach a set of classes for 5-6 months. These summer/fall classes will be retired in October. 2 of the classes (Beat The Heat and French Twist Tag Album) will not be taught again after August, so contact Dee Scrapbook Store or Creative Resort, if you are interested in those 2.

If you purchase a kit and have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me :) Thank you!

another oldie

But it's one of my very favorites, and it took many hours to complete. One of the last times I spent this kind of time on one spread. But, in the end, it was worth it. Click on the photo for a larger view. Most of the product is K&Company.

New Scenic Route in the house!

Scenic Route Paper is one of my favorite scrapbook companies. And, their new papers and embellishments don't disappoint :D I'm teaching a class at Memoirs in Carmel at the end of August, and that new class will become part of my spring lineup. We'll be creating 2 double page spreads. Yes, you heard right. I've gotten SO MANY requests for 2 pagers that I decided to add a class for you all of you "strictly double page" scrappers to my next round of classes. The ladies at Memoirs will be using the very HOT Scenic Route papers, chipboard, and shaped journaling die cuts, along with buttons, brads, Prima flowers, ribbon, cardstock, and some of the new Mustard Moon alpha stickers in one of my favorite fonts. Here is a small peek of one double page spread!

sad goodbye

Our dear kitty, Puddin', was accidently killed yesterday. We are very sad that he won't be with us anymore. He was more like a dog, than a cat, and was much loved by all of us.

These are 2 pages from my Family Life Mini Book Class that I'll be teaching this weekend in Ft. Myers. I'm really glad I have photos of the girls with Puddin' in my little book.

New Class Dates

I updated my travel schedule with my spring dates. I'm excited to be making return trips to Lasting Memories, Savannah Scrapbooking, and Crop Paper Scissors (dates to be finalized soon). Seeing all the new CHA products was just what I needed to get me in the mood to cook up some brand new stuff! Scenic Route papers just released at CHA Summer are ON THE WAY for a new class I'll be teaching at Memoirs in Carmel next month. Stay tuned for sneak peeks :)

Enjoying summer?

I hope so! I know I am. Our kids go back to school really early here, so we don't have much summer left. We are ringing every drop out of it :D I'm also kitting for my upcoming trip to Dee Scrapbook Store in Ft. Myers, FL. Dee is celebrating her 1 year anniversary, and I'm pleased to be included in the party! Pictured above are 2 of my class kits. Lots of little details, but I wouldn't have it any other way :)

Digging around

in my older files, and I found some layouts that I don't think I've ever shared. Here's an oldie with some favorite summer pics. I created this one for Deja Views a good while ago.

K&Co CHA Summer Valentine

More yummy pinks! And glitter paper, and pearls :D