Hope you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

Fabulously Charming!

Last night I hosted a charm swap at Scrapbook Oasis. We had 20 participants and every charm was a work of art. I just love seeing everyone's different charm ideas in mass. Our colors were red, pink and turquoise. Everyone came ready to receive their charm bags from my dressform tree and make a few extra charms of their own to make their bracelet unique to themseleves. We had sweet treats and felt mats and beads sponsored by the store.

Thanks to everyone for a great kick off to the holiday season.

Tis the Season . . .

Well, my Santa Baby came through 6 months early this year with a new car for my birthday, so I can truly say there isn't a thing I need or want. I'm so looking forward to enjoying the sites and sounds of the holiday season with my family and friends. Hope you have a FabUlous holiday season as well.

Gobble Gobble

Hope you have a FabUlous holiday with family and friends.

I am in AWE! (Silver Bella part 2)

After the opening dinner, the much anticipated swaps began and there were 32 of them! It was like Christmas. I tried to see as many as possible, but it was pretty much a zoo. First were the group swaps and then very late in the evening were the one-on-one swaps and we stayed up for all of them. I particpated in the Holiday Fabric Fat Book hosted by the FabUlous Michelle Geller. Here's the finished masterpiece and my page . . .



There were receipe book swaps, embroidery swaps, apron swaps and crown swaps just to mention a few. The ooo's and ahh's, smiles and tears of joy continued for hours. There just aren't enough words to express the talent of these amazing women.

We also gave out hostess & roommate gifts as well. I made personalized gifts for my peeps by starting with a pearl initial and created a charm dangle with a Tim Holtz fragment with each girls' blog banner and coordinating beads. Michelle took a much better photo of hers . . .



Friday started 2 full days of classes and my favorite was Rebecca Sower's cigar box. I brought my own photos to use as a tribute to my mom & grandmother. It's still a work in progress, but here's a close up of the photo collage. . .

Friday night was vendor night and night of 100 aprons. So many yummy things to choose from.

I think eveyone had on an apron of some type, but not me . . . Honey, I don't do aprons! So, I made myself a hostess skirt in true Lucy fashion! It ties in the front with a big double black satin bow and I added a huge vintage rhinestone buckle I found at the Brass Armadillo - perfect!

More classes on Saturday and a closing lunch where Jo Packman of Where Women Create gave a truly touching and motivating speech. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. She also made eveyone a bookmark that was wrapped and waiting for us at each table setting.

I met so many wonderful women . . .

Michelle, Cheryl & Me

Karla


Mendy from Texas

Take a good look at that "mum corsage" she's wearing; it was incredible! The Texas Bellas did a pre-bella swap and wore them for all of us to see. I so want that one, Mendy! Think I'm going to have to make my own cuz I don't she's gonna give hers up!

Chantal and her mom, Maryse - such lovely women

Lastly, here's a pic of some of my Silver Bella goodies. Can't wait til next year!

I am in AWE! (Silver Bella part 1)

Silver Bella women are beyond amazing! I was agasp with utter and complete awe the entire event. I have so much to share; where to start . . .

Here are the So. Cal girls arriving in Omaha, ready to hit the ground glittering.

Kim, Valerie, Joy, me, Gina (bending over) Rebecca, Cheryl & Jenny. Maija (our AZ girl) forgot her camera but got this great shot with her iPhone.

We checked into the hotel and headed out for a FabUlous dinner at Upstream. Ok, can I just say, Omaha rocks! It didn't matter where we ate, at the event, sit down restaurants or fast food, ALL the food was delicious! These people know how to eat!

We had all planned to come in a day early and do some shopping on our own and then the FabUlous Scrappy Jessi offered a day-long bus trip for 60 of us and ya know we were all on that bus, baby! The first stop was Brass Armadillo, a huge antique mall where I found a few baubles & struck a Scrappy Jessi pose.

Next stop was St. Peffer's Italian restaurant where we had the whole place to ourselves for a delicious buffet lunch. Before chowing down, Tiffany took this great photo.

But, we didn't linger over lunch because Hobby Lobby was just across the parking lot and for those of us who don't have one in our state, we were on a mission.

Next stop, Archiever's (another store the So Cal/AZ girls don't have; whatz up w/that?). I had a list from 2 of my BFF's who were not attending Silver Bella and was able to get it all, baby!

Jessi thought of everything. She was our official tour guide, gave each of us a prize, a goodie bag with store coupons, copies of the current sales, snacks, a bottle of water and most importantly shipping tags to ID our purchases at each stop and when all was said and done, the overhead AND under storage on the bus was packed!

We made it back to the hotel in time to freshen up and find a table at the opening dinner. I had the best roomies, Cheryl and Rebecca.

There's still so much more to share. I don't want to leave anything out, so I'll post more soon.

Is it November already?

Yikes! Where has the time gone? I've been jammed with classes, projects and swaps and now I'm headed to Silver Bella next week. Good thing bags fly free on Southwest cuz if this is what I look like on the way there, who knows if you'll even be able to find me on the way home!



I think I have everything packed but I'll be double checking this weekend. As a first timer, I only signed up for one swap knowing that it had to be over the top FabUlous and I'm must say I'm quite proud of myself. Its called a "Holiday Fat Book" and it's made up of 6x6 double-sided decorated fabric pages. I can't wait to see all the beautiful glitz and glittered creations that Silver Bellas are known for. I'll be sure to post pictures when I get back.

Vintage Masquerade Revealed

Vintage European masquerade balls are the theme for this mixed media project. We will create a 6x6 mini book housed in its own box with a coordinating hand mask. This is a project that’s perfect for display and will definitely be an inspiration for the season’s upcoming masquerade events.

Opulent fabrics & trims, vintage beads and extravagant feathers all in rich colors are just some of the elements used to create this project. You’ll learn lots of techniques using some of my favorite products including Glimmer Mist, Distress Ink, embossing powder, vintage glass glitter and even some jewelry making. Each kit will also include an exclusive, hand-made mini masquerade charm.

This class will be held at Scrapbook Oasis on Friday, October 16 from 7 to 11 pm. You can sign up on line here or by calling the store at 949-756-2729 to reserve your spot. Hope you can make it.

Mystery and Intrigue

Le Maison Rocco Masquerade is coming to Scrapbook Oasis in October! Here's a glimpse . . .

Details will be revealed soon.

Catching Up . . . .

Wow, where did the week go? I had such a great time at Mystic Paper's event.

We distress, glittered and Glimmer Misted our hearts out. Thanks to all the ladies who attended my class. I hope we can do it again when it's a tad cooler. And FabUlous news . . . I have a few kits left! If you'd like to purchase one, just shoot me an email and I'll hook you up.

Following my class in the same room was Mike Putnam's class, The Dark Side of Youth. So I just cleaned up the space and switched gears from instructor to student. What a cool class! I was so excited to be able to take one of Mike's classes, he's so talented. Here's my (unfinished) version . . .

I also have another class announcement coming soon, so please keep checking back.

Vintage Shore class date has changed!

Kim and Jennifer at Mystic Paper have asked me to move the date of my Vintage Shore class to be part of their Five Year Anniversary Celebration; another FabUlous honor for me! The new details are Saturday, Sept.12 from 2:30 to 6pm. You can check out all the event details here. It's going to be a great event and I'm so excited to be a part of it.

Over the Moon Excited!

I'm over the moon excited to announce that the latest class in my vintage series, Vintage Shore, will be held at Mystic Paper in Mesa, AZ on Saturday, August 29 from 10:30 to 2:30.



This will be my first time teaching at Mystic Paper and what an honor it is to have been asked by Jennifer & Kim. I’m so looking forward to meeting all you AZ ladies.

We will turn a 7 Gypsies 5x7 naked album into a one-of-a-kind project in muted tones of the sea with an eclectic collection of papers, rich fabrics, pearls, beads & shells.

You’ll learn lots of techniques using some of my favorite products including Glimmer Mist, Distress inks, embossing powders and glitter. We’ll also be doing a little ribbon embroidery and even some jewelry making. Each kit will also include an exclusive hand-crocheted vintage seahorse charm. Vintage images will be provided or you can use your own.

The class is already posted here and the sample will be at the store by the end of next week. Seats will be limited, so please sign up early if you plan on being in the neighborhood. Class will be held on CE weekend, so if you're on one of the bus tours, you'll also have a chance to see it in person. And if you've never been to Mystic Paper, you're in for a FabUlous treat!

Twenty Two Years!

This weekend we celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary. Of course, I was a child bride . . .

July 18, 1987


July 18, 2009

Vintage Shore

The next in my series of vintage mini books is coming soon. Here a cool peek . . .



Keep checking back for date and location.

The Best Birthday EVER!

All I can say is . . .

Yesterday was actually my birthday, but it stated out with this adorable card from my second mom in New Orleans on Thursday along with a box of cute treasures that she always sends me. This was just a peek at what was to come.

Then on Friday I got a nice card and home-make chocolate cupcakes at the office. DH had come home late Thursday night and the dinner plan when he's home is usually sushi. He called me around 7 Friday night & told me he had car problems yet again during the day & the mechanic had dropped him off at our local sushi bar. So I headed up to meet him, eat & enjoy the company of friends. When we were done, one of the chef's told me he had gotten me a pair of shoes for my birthday & they were in his truck parked in the back. They all know how I love shoes and while I thought it was sort of odd, I followed him out the back door. After all, there was a pair of shoes involved! He was leading me to this little beat up truck so I just went along. Then he made a quick left and this is what was parked just a few spaces away!

OMG! START THE CAR!! DH had the whole thing planned and while I was hoping for a new car, I kept telling myself he took me to Paris last year and that was worth a million gifts. I truly don't need a thing except a new car and he came through. We had done some shopping and test driving a few months ago so he had my list of pre-approved requirements if I did get one. I'm just a tad difficult to buy for; ya think! LOL He was just as excited to buy it and he was to give it to me. What a guy, I love you Baby!

By the way, his car is just fine!

What a FabUlous gift!

Take a look at these babies! I rceived these today from my friend Yeissen. She's just the sweetest. She told me she was inspired by one of the techniques she learned in my Vintage Vanity class. They even come with a large glue dot on the back so they're ready to add to that special project. And, guess what? She has them for sale in her Etsy shop. Please stop by & take a look at all the FabUlous embellies she's created for you.

Vintage Vanity Class Photos

Sumptuous textures, colors and brownie bites . . . just doesn't get any better!

Thanks again for joining me and I look forward to sharing my next project in the Vintage series coming in July.

The Feathers were flying!

Yes, they were definitely flying along with the glitter Friday night at Scrapbook Oasis! I'm still finding them all over the place! We had a great time creating our wild and fluffy Vintage Vanity mini books. Thanks to everyone who attended; I'll post pictures soon.

And, great news . . . I have a couple of extra kits this time, so if you're interested please drop me an email.

Vintage Vanity Update!

Just wanted to let everyone know that class will start at 7pm, not 6 as stated in my last post. We will get the extra hour, but it'll be on the back end. The sample is at the store and it's a must see. The pictures just don't do it justice. It's really a touchy feely project that I know you'll love.



Gotta get to kitting all this FabUlousness!

Vintage Vanity will be posted today!

I can't wait to share this FabUlous mini book with everyone.

The class will be at Scrapbook Oasis on Friday, May 15. We'll start at 6pm this time, so we have more time to play. We will work with sumptuous plumes, elaborate fabrics and wild papers. Each kit will also include an exclusive hand-made vintage mini powder puff charm. Seats are limited, so please sign up by calling the store at 949-756-2729. Hope to see you there!

Happy National Scrapbook Day!

Reflections was such a great way to celebrate NDS! I had a great time meeting new friends and seeing lots of familiar faces and as well. As promised, there's a link on my sidebar to the instructions for my Make 'N Take. You can also double click on the photo in my last post to view a large detailed image of the project. If you have any questions or need any further help, just drop me an email.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and gets lots of scrapp'in done.

Reflections Isle Carnival!

I'll be teaching this beachy Make 'N Take at the Reflections Isle Carnival this Friday night which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach . . .



And it's now open to the public! Here's all the details . . .

"This is your special opportunity to join us for Reflections Isle Carnival for only $25.00! This means you will be able to get a little taste of all the fun taking place at Reflections 2009.

On Friday, May 1 there is a party within a party planned! Our Isle Carnival will be a fun filled evening brimming over with special Vendors, desserts and tons of Make 'N Takes, all taking place at the same time! It has all the components of a fantastic evening. It's an evening of fun and then more fun! During the Isle Carnival there will be a Vendor Fair and Make N Takes happening with over 12 stations. You will be able to stroll from the Vendor Fair to the Make N Takes and vise versa the whole evening while enjoying a delicious dessert bar! "

Hope to see you there!

Vintage Vanity Peek-a-Boo

It's coming along quite FabUlously!



The second in my "Vintage" series of classes, Vintage Vanity, will be held on May 15 at Scrapbook Oasis. You won't be able to sign up until it's announced on their blog, but keep checking and please sign up early as seats will again be limited. Hope you can make it.