Sunday, June 28, 2015

Summer Class Schedule

Hey all!

I finally got a few things straight with my summer schedule so I can now post it for you!

July
July 8-11: I'll be at CTMH's Convention in Disney Land!!
July 17th, 10 am -11:30am: My Crush Workshop. All supplies available to choose an purchase at the event. RSVP by 7/15, space is limited to 6.
July 24th, 9am - 5pm: Free Crop. Bring your own project to work on. Free wi-fi available. Kids are welcome (please chip in for the babysitter).

August
August 5th, 9am - 5pm: Free Crop. Bring your own project to work on. Free wi-fi available. Kids are welcome (please chip in for the babysitter).
August 26th, 6-9pm: Scrapbooking Workshop. Cost/Project TBD mid-July.

September
September 1st - New Idea Book Launch!!
Fall Open House - TBD
Christmas Card Workshop - TBD

You can RSVP to me by the date specified (or the day before for free crops) so I can make sure to have enough materials and seats ready for you. As always, call me if you have any questions!!

Friday, June 5, 2015

Why do you create?

This is a question I've been contemplating lately. It's a question I get asked frequently by people who are making small talk or simply by those who are really wondering (but too polite to ask) "What is the purpose of making stuff?

The answer is individual, much like the creative process. The answer for me is simple but complex:

"It makes me happy."

A lot is meant in those little words. When I first started doing crops, I really had to figure out my "why". Setting up a day or weekend crop is a big endeavor. It takes a lot from my family and there's little monetary gain. The simple answer I give my hubby when he gets frustrated during these times is "This makes me happy". Happiness is something that is given and it's even better when it's given away. Planning time for my customers and friends to spend doing something for them is something that makes me happy (my spiritual gift is serving, so it makes sense). I'm happy when I give happiness away.

Early in the Bible, God explains that mankind was created in His image. This little tidbit of information explains mankind's desire to create: we were created in the image of the Creator. Of course we should use our minds and hands to create things of beauty and function!

When I create, it's finally something in my day (or week or month) that I feel competent at doing. There's very little about parenting two little ones that I feel competent about. I'm not inherently a clean person (we have a dog, she keeps the floors clean),  I only do laundry when little man is out of socks (I have been known to buy more just to avoid the washing machine). Meals are a pot luck - I'm constantly running out of key ingredients because I don't want to go to the grocery store with the littles in tow. But when I sit down in my craft space (or Mom Cave as little man has acknowledged), whatever happens is good. There is no right or wrong with creating. The project evolves, changes from the plan to something that works. There is no "perfect". There is only a release of positive energy.

I haven't created a lot recently. This past year and a half has been really hard. I may not recover, I can only move on but I can create something new. Something beautiful. Something that makes me happy. And we all crave a little happiness.

Why do you create? What makes you happy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Monday, June 1, 2015

It's been quite a year!

It's been awhile since I've devoted any time to my scrapbooking, or anything creative really. It's been a wild ride this last year and my free time evaporated overnight.

I was able to sneak away for two weekends over the winter but all my tools & scrapbooks just sat where I left them when I came home. In fact, they're still there now.

But I do have plans to get back into my (brand new) scrap room soon and when I do I will share with you the layouts I created while I was at my weekend crops as well the as start up to my summer classes and workshops. I have some plans to start up a card class and scrapbooking workshops soon.

I wanted to share with you the June specials this month because they are super cute.



My Crush books are a quick and easy way to preserve your summer memories while you make them. Simply add your ticket stubs, park maps or memorbilia into the pages then add your photos when you get them developed. Easy!

The Stamp of the Month is perfect for all the ice cream parties, root beer floats and melted goodness that are sure to show up in your summer photos. They also make a super cute party invitation!






I am really excited because Convention is right around the corner! After the chaos of the last year, I am looking forward to spending some time with my sister consultants playing and learning together. This is also my first year I am able to attend the Leadership Day which is an extra free day from Corp where we learn some great business building information. 



The best part of convention this year is that it's in Disney Land - simply my favorite place to be! 

Check out the tabs above to see what's new. I'll talk to you again in a few days! 'Bye!