I'm back! Warning: pull up a chair & grab a cup 'o joe...
So sorry, my friends out in there blog land. I haven't forgotten about you. Alas, after returning from my whirlwind trip to Phoenix, I came down with the crud. Major crud. The same thing I get every summer. I thought I'd escaped this one summer without it since summer's pretty much over, but it came outta nowhere and kicked my ass! But, I'm feeling better today. I finally got everything unpacked from the trip. Oh, the trip! And what a trip it was. Kick off your shoes, unless you're a fast reader. This may take a while.
Can I just say, OMG!!! I had the BEST time ever in Phoenix, and without alcohol (for the most part). I flew in on Tuesday morning and hooked up with my partner in crime, Josiane. We got to the hotel and immediately started working on RAKs (random acts of kindness-where you just randomly show some love by giving away cool stuff to whomever) and filling gift bags for the little sum-sumpin's that we had made/bought. Here's Josiane madly tying Japanese ribbons to
the RAK bags. She is so attentive to detail. After that, we got ready to do the Luxury Shopping Tour, hosted by new friend Megan (http://thischickisfascinating.blogspot.com/) with 19 other crazy scrapbooking friends and made our way around town (Phoenix and surrounding areas) in a bus/limo type vehicle. N.I.C.E. (that's just nice in case you're looking up the acronym) shopping, singing/karaoke, drinking, some pole dancing (Hi, Megan's mom!), gift exchange (wow-these ladies outdid themselves), chatting, etc. It was da BOMB!
We had so much fun! I met some of the nicest, most fun people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting on that day. Everytime I saw my girls after that, we laughed and sometimes hugged, just thinking about the fun we had. It lasted all day and ended at Pink Taco for dinner. It was yummy, but I was a little tipsy by then, and ate very little as a result. I spent way too much money that day and had so much fun in the process. Can't wait until next year! I hope I can snag a spot on the bus! Hopefully Megan can be persuaded to host it again with a little help from her 19 new BFF's!
That was just Tuesday. On Wednesday, Josiane and I were signed up for the Bazzill warehouse tour at 9 am. Can I just say, OMG again, or would that be overkill?! Seriously, folks, this was the one thing you didn't want to miss. Luckily, those who didn't win a spot in the 'lottery' got to come and go to the warehouse throughout the day at their leisure, so everybody who wanted to go had the opportunity to visit. I thought that was pretty cool of Bazzill to do. Getting back to the tour: the tour itself was very interesting.
Mr. Bazzill (Doug Jones, owner) led the tour and took us through the part of the factory where paper was cut and sorted. So cool. We even got to see the special CE '07 paper packs being put together for the big event. (Wish I had bought more...*sigh*). After the tour part was over, we got to go shopping in a sectioned-off part of the warehouse. Can I give you a visual: sharks at a feeding frenzy. It was on!!! Paper, albums, Heidi bling, Heidi blossoms, paper, embellies, envelopes, paper....all at a deep discount. I went back a couple of times to make sure I didn't forget anything. I had said before the tour I wasn't going to get any cardstock. Well, let's just say I had to ship 25 lbs. via Fed Ex at the end of my trip, largely in part to 'not getting any cardstock'. So worth it, though. What an experience, one that I'm very thankful to have been a part of. When the tour was over, we grabbed some pre-made boxed lunches, ate on the bus en route to the next stop, Scrapbooks Etc. This is the store that is owned by Mrs. Bazzill in Mesa, AZ. I had been to this store the previous day when I was on the Luxury shopping tour, but I managed to purchase a few more things that I couldn't live without. This is one of the biggest stores with one of the BEST selections of products that I've ever been to without a doubt. I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area. Since they are tight in the industry, they have the latest and greatest of just about everything. So, I picked up some patterned papers that I've been lusting over for a while, and some Maya Road albums, and some Scenic Route chipboard...whew! We spent about 2 hours there and headed back to the hotel.
I met my friend/roommate Anna at our hotel room and we went to Melrose Vintage (my 2nd trip there, as I'd been there the day before, but such a cute store that sells Jenni Bowlin products-hello?!). After that went to dinner and turned in early in preparation for the following day.
So Thursday was the 'big' day: registration and Technique Boutique (basically a make n take type of thing, but just with the products and techniques that we would be using on our projects that weekend. But first, Josiane, Anna & I were signed up to go on a Hummer Tour of the desert. That was from 8:00 to noon. It was so freakin' hot! I kept waiting for the dry heat that some refer to in Phoenix, but that never happened. Call it a fluke but the locals said they were experiencing humidity from the 2 hurricanes/tropical storms that were on either side of us (Coast of California & one in the Gulf) at the time. The tour was lovely nonetheless. Now, if I'd been paying more attention to our tour guide, I could tell you what desert it was, but I was so tired from the day before (I know, lightweight) that I didn't get that part. It was very hot, we got dirty (went to an abandoned turquoise mine-got to dig around a little and came back with a few pretty rocks). Got some good photo ops, but I left my camera in the Hummer. Smart, huh? I think Josiane or Anna may have gotten one or two of me up there. Proof that I made the climb. Holler at me, girls, if you've got a pic or 2. Anyways, that lasted until about 12:00 and we had to get showers before registration started. So off we went to make ourselves pretty and have some lunch. We showed up for registration and there was a mix-up in groups that I was assigned to. But the powers that be fixed it, and all was well with the world again. After that, we went into Technique Boutique, which was CRAZY busy. Not really complaining here, because it ran pretty smoothly for the most part, but it was like organized chaos. We managed to get all of the techniques done (some of the stations were prep work for some of our classes) and got out at a reasonable time. Then we headed to the Trunk Show next door, which was unbelievable!
Every teacher from the event was there showing off their styles of crafts: soldering, cards, altered canvases, home decor, altered journals, etc. I mean these people are soooo talented. I definitely have to say that I was very excited afterwards and really anxious to start and let the creativity flow, or just copy the book that was given to us at registration :) I say this because alot of attendees are pretty convinced that the project should look just like it does in the book, otherwise it's just not right. I like to think outside the box a little. I mean I do my share of lifting, and some projects were just too cute to change up, but I tend to give my LO's and projects a little tweaking or rearranging or whatever I'm feeling that day. Call me a rebel, I'm okay with it!
After the Trunk Show, we had the Welcome Event. It wasn't at all like a CKU where there's cheering and talent shows and all that other schtuff. It was short and sweet and Heidi Swapp introduced her family. So cute, all of them. She seems like a really nice gal. So I don't remember what we did after that, but I do remember turning in early that evening and that I fell asleep in my bed with a pair of scissors in one hand and paper flowers in the other-preparation for Rhonna's class (which I didn't have until Saturday, but oh well! I was caught up on all of my other "homework". Overachievers unite!!!)
Friday rolls around and it's the first day of actual classes-2 before lunch, 2 after. (I will post pics of my projects when I've finished them, which may be a while, but I'm working on it!) All of the projects were nice. Very well thought out and well executed. There was plenty of time to do the grunt work in class and finish up the easy stuff later. Chris Randall's soldering class was really good. I love to learn new techniques. I have never soldered so this was a first, and I can tell you with confidence that it won't be my last! I could see that getting addicting, so I'll hold off on that for now. The file folder project by Tracy Niehues was absolutely adorable. The finished project is soooo pretty. I did manage to finish that one and will post a pic when I can. That lady is talented. I mean really, who looks at a clear poly envelope and sees "BEAUTIFUL JOURNAL"??? This was one of my favorite projects for sure. I also took the card making class by Lesli Spafford, sponsored by Making Memories. These were cute! I can't wait to send them to my unsuspecting family or friends! The last class of the day was sponsored by Bazzill and given by Heidi Lynn Schreiber. t was 5 layouts for a calendar. I must say that although the clean, graphic, symmetrical design isn't my "thing", her layouts always look so new and fresh. She's got a great eye for color. I think I'll probably shabby my calendar up a bit. And who doesn't love more Bazzill? That evening we had a Mexican buffet and then it was time for the Friday Extravaganza. This is where last year's CE teachers get to come and do a really quick project for us. It was hectic but alot of fun! Everything was pre-packaged and pre-cut so there was very little to do but paste. We used Heidi Swapp's playing cards for each project, kind of like her cards were the base of all of the layouts. This project turned out super cute, too. Saturday: 3 more classes. These were the labor intensive ones. Fortunately, our group was assigned free time that morning, so we didn't have to be in class until 9:45. The first was Rhonna Farrer's journal project, which was mostly stamping. I'm looking forward to the completed project, as I'm not in love with the color scheme we used. I will probably change this up a bit. I'll finish this project last, as I need time to think of what I'll be using this journal for. I need to think of something inspirational and relevent, and I've been too tired to do that lately. Then we had Jennifer Wagner's Purse album class. This turned out sooo cute! I'd been wanting to make one of these since, like, forever or at least when they first came out. The papers and embellies she chose were gorgeous. She used Crate Paper...I *heart* Crate Paper. Can't get enough of it. I don't even use it. I HOARD it. I know, I have issues. But moving on! I did mange to finish this one while I was sick this week. I'll post pics another time, promise! Then last, but not least, Heidi Swapp. Her project was an altered canvas, which will look very pretty when it's completed. I will be changing things a bit (you knew I would!) so that it's not as busy looking as the book shows it to be. It will be a great piece of wall art when it's completed. I can see myself making a few of these for gifts. That night was the closing dinner, prizes/giveaways (I WON SOMETHING, TOO! I NEVER WIN ANYTHING! I won a cute rolling backpack half-full of adhesive!) And the speech by Alison Tyler-Jones-now SHE is inspirational. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. She made us all laugh-this lady is FUNNY!-she made many cry, and her photo presentation was brilliant. I could listen to her talk all day long. She talked about letting go of the past, living in the now, and being the best YOU, being happy with what you have, live every day like it's your last...I know this all sounds really corny, but I guess you had to be there. They were words that really hit home for me with all that has happened to me in the past year. If this speech is ever available anywhere, you will definitely see the link posted here, my friends. We hung out in the ballroom afterwards, just soaking it all in. We took the Yahoo CE 2007 photo, and chatted/exchanged emails with new friends, and were already talking about returning to CE next year! Keep your fingers crossed! I'm really hoping I can go. I hope they get the glitches worked out of registration by then. Ugh! It wasn't pretty this time around. But I'll save that story for another time.
Well, I warned you it was going to be a long one. Hope you enjoyed my version of CE 2007. It was a blast. Wore me out, too. But I wouldn't trade the achy back and sunburn for anything. I promise the pics in my next post, okay? Okay! But for now, smooches and peace out!
Can I just say, OMG!!! I had the BEST time ever in Phoenix, and without alcohol (for the most part). I flew in on Tuesday morning and hooked up with my partner in crime, Josiane. We got to the hotel and immediately started working on RAKs (random acts of kindness-where you just randomly show some love by giving away cool stuff to whomever) and filling gift bags for the little sum-sumpin's that we had made/bought. Here's Josiane madly tying Japanese ribbons to
the RAK bags. She is so attentive to detail. After that, we got ready to do the Luxury Shopping Tour, hosted by new friend Megan (http://thischickisfascinating.blogspot.com/) with 19 other crazy scrapbooking friends and made our way around town (Phoenix and surrounding areas) in a bus/limo type vehicle. N.I.C.E. (that's just nice in case you're looking up the acronym) shopping, singing/karaoke, drinking, some pole dancing (Hi, Megan's mom!), gift exchange (wow-these ladies outdid themselves), chatting, etc. It was da BOMB!
We had so much fun! I met some of the nicest, most fun people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting on that day. Everytime I saw my girls after that, we laughed and sometimes hugged, just thinking about the fun we had. It lasted all day and ended at Pink Taco for dinner. It was yummy, but I was a little tipsy by then, and ate very little as a result. I spent way too much money that day and had so much fun in the process. Can't wait until next year! I hope I can snag a spot on the bus! Hopefully Megan can be persuaded to host it again with a little help from her 19 new BFF's!That was just Tuesday. On Wednesday, Josiane and I were signed up for the Bazzill warehouse tour at 9 am. Can I just say, OMG again, or would that be overkill?! Seriously, folks, this was the one thing you didn't want to miss. Luckily, those who didn't win a spot in the 'lottery' got to come and go to the warehouse throughout the day at their leisure, so everybody who wanted to go had the opportunity to visit. I thought that was pretty cool of Bazzill to do. Getting back to the tour: the tour itself was very interesting.
Mr. Bazzill (Doug Jones, owner) led the tour and took us through the part of the factory where paper was cut and sorted. So cool. We even got to see the special CE '07 paper packs being put together for the big event. (Wish I had bought more...*sigh*). After the tour part was over, we got to go shopping in a sectioned-off part of the warehouse. Can I give you a visual: sharks at a feeding frenzy. It was on!!! Paper, albums, Heidi bling, Heidi blossoms, paper, embellies, envelopes, paper....all at a deep discount. I went back a couple of times to make sure I didn't forget anything. I had said before the tour I wasn't going to get any cardstock. Well, let's just say I had to ship 25 lbs. via Fed Ex at the end of my trip, largely in part to 'not getting any cardstock'. So worth it, though. What an experience, one that I'm very thankful to have been a part of. When the tour was over, we grabbed some pre-made boxed lunches, ate on the bus en route to the next stop, Scrapbooks Etc. This is the store that is owned by Mrs. Bazzill in Mesa, AZ. I had been to this store the previous day when I was on the Luxury shopping tour, but I managed to purchase a few more things that I couldn't live without. This is one of the biggest stores with one of the BEST selections of products that I've ever been to without a doubt. I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area. Since they are tight in the industry, they have the latest and greatest of just about everything. So, I picked up some patterned papers that I've been lusting over for a while, and some Maya Road albums, and some Scenic Route chipboard...whew! We spent about 2 hours there and headed back to the hotel.
I met my friend/roommate Anna at our hotel room and we went to Melrose Vintage (my 2nd trip there, as I'd been there the day before, but such a cute store that sells Jenni Bowlin products-hello?!). After that went to dinner and turned in early in preparation for the following day.So Thursday was the 'big' day: registration and Technique Boutique (basically a make n take type of thing, but just with the products and techniques that we would be using on our projects that weekend. But first, Josiane, Anna & I were signed up to go on a Hummer Tour of the desert. That was from 8:00 to noon. It was so freakin' hot! I kept waiting for the dry heat that some refer to in Phoenix, but that never happened. Call it a fluke but the locals said they were experiencing humidity from the 2 hurricanes/tropical storms that were on either side of us (Coast of California & one in the Gulf) at the time. The tour was lovely nonetheless. Now, if I'd been paying more attention to our tour guide, I could tell you what desert it was, but I was so tired from the day before (I know, lightweight) that I didn't get that part. It was very hot, we got dirty (went to an abandoned turquoise mine-got to dig around a little and came back with a few pretty rocks). Got some good photo ops, but I left my camera in the Hummer. Smart, huh? I think Josiane or Anna may have gotten one or two of me up there. Proof that I made the climb. Holler at me, girls, if you've got a pic or 2. Anyways, that lasted until about 12:00 and we had to get showers before registration started. So off we went to make ourselves pretty and have some lunch. We showed up for registration and there was a mix-up in groups that I was assigned to. But the powers that be fixed it, and all was well with the world again. After that, we went into Technique Boutique, which was CRAZY busy. Not really complaining here, because it ran pretty smoothly for the most part, but it was like organized chaos. We managed to get all of the techniques done (some of the stations were prep work for some of our classes) and got out at a reasonable time. Then we headed to the Trunk Show next door, which was unbelievable!
Every teacher from the event was there showing off their styles of crafts: soldering, cards, altered canvases, home decor, altered journals, etc. I mean these people are soooo talented. I definitely have to say that I was very excited afterwards and really anxious to start and let the creativity flow, or just copy the book that was given to us at registration :) I say this because alot of attendees are pretty convinced that the project should look just like it does in the book, otherwise it's just not right. I like to think outside the box a little. I mean I do my share of lifting, and some projects were just too cute to change up, but I tend to give my LO's and projects a little tweaking or rearranging or whatever I'm feeling that day. Call me a rebel, I'm okay with it!After the Trunk Show, we had the Welcome Event. It wasn't at all like a CKU where there's cheering and talent shows and all that other schtuff. It was short and sweet and Heidi Swapp introduced her family. So cute, all of them. She seems like a really nice gal. So I don't remember what we did after that, but I do remember turning in early that evening and that I fell asleep in my bed with a pair of scissors in one hand and paper flowers in the other-preparation for Rhonna's class (which I didn't have until Saturday, but oh well! I was caught up on all of my other "homework". Overachievers unite!!!)
Friday rolls around and it's the first day of actual classes-2 before lunch, 2 after. (I will post pics of my projects when I've finished them, which may be a while, but I'm working on it!) All of the projects were nice. Very well thought out and well executed. There was plenty of time to do the grunt work in class and finish up the easy stuff later. Chris Randall's soldering class was really good. I love to learn new techniques. I have never soldered so this was a first, and I can tell you with confidence that it won't be my last! I could see that getting addicting, so I'll hold off on that for now. The file folder project by Tracy Niehues was absolutely adorable. The finished project is soooo pretty. I did manage to finish that one and will post a pic when I can. That lady is talented. I mean really, who looks at a clear poly envelope and sees "BEAUTIFUL JOURNAL"??? This was one of my favorite projects for sure. I also took the card making class by Lesli Spafford, sponsored by Making Memories. These were cute! I can't wait to send them to my unsuspecting family or friends! The last class of the day was sponsored by Bazzill and given by Heidi Lynn Schreiber. t was 5 layouts for a calendar. I must say that although the clean, graphic, symmetrical design isn't my "thing", her layouts always look so new and fresh. She's got a great eye for color. I think I'll probably shabby my calendar up a bit. And who doesn't love more Bazzill? That evening we had a Mexican buffet and then it was time for the Friday Extravaganza. This is where last year's CE teachers get to come and do a really quick project for us. It was hectic but alot of fun! Everything was pre-packaged and pre-cut so there was very little to do but paste. We used Heidi Swapp's playing cards for each project, kind of like her cards were the base of all of the layouts. This project turned out super cute, too. Saturday: 3 more classes. These were the labor intensive ones. Fortunately, our group was assigned free time that morning, so we didn't have to be in class until 9:45. The first was Rhonna Farrer's journal project, which was mostly stamping. I'm looking forward to the completed project, as I'm not in love with the color scheme we used. I will probably change this up a bit. I'll finish this project last, as I need time to think of what I'll be using this journal for. I need to think of something inspirational and relevent, and I've been too tired to do that lately. Then we had Jennifer Wagner's Purse album class. This turned out sooo cute! I'd been wanting to make one of these since, like, forever or at least when they first came out. The papers and embellies she chose were gorgeous. She used Crate Paper...I *heart* Crate Paper. Can't get enough of it. I don't even use it. I HOARD it. I know, I have issues. But moving on! I did mange to finish this one while I was sick this week. I'll post pics another time, promise! Then last, but not least, Heidi Swapp. Her project was an altered canvas, which will look very pretty when it's completed. I will be changing things a bit (you knew I would!) so that it's not as busy looking as the book shows it to be. It will be a great piece of wall art when it's completed. I can see myself making a few of these for gifts. That night was the closing dinner, prizes/giveaways (I WON SOMETHING, TOO! I NEVER WIN ANYTHING! I won a cute rolling backpack half-full of adhesive!) And the speech by Alison Tyler-Jones-now SHE is inspirational. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. She made us all laugh-this lady is FUNNY!-she made many cry, and her photo presentation was brilliant. I could listen to her talk all day long. She talked about letting go of the past, living in the now, and being the best YOU, being happy with what you have, live every day like it's your last...I know this all sounds really corny, but I guess you had to be there. They were words that really hit home for me with all that has happened to me in the past year. If this speech is ever available anywhere, you will definitely see the link posted here, my friends. We hung out in the ballroom afterwards, just soaking it all in. We took the Yahoo CE 2007 photo, and chatted/exchanged emails with new friends, and were already talking about returning to CE next year! Keep your fingers crossed! I'm really hoping I can go. I hope they get the glitches worked out of registration by then. Ugh! It wasn't pretty this time around. But I'll save that story for another time.
Well, I warned you it was going to be a long one. Hope you enjoyed my version of CE 2007. It was a blast. Wore me out, too. But I wouldn't trade the achy back and sunburn for anything. I promise the pics in my next post, okay? Okay! But for now, smooches and peace out!
Comments