Scrapbook Expo 2016

Hello Crafty Friends,

I survived the Scrapbook Expo and what a fabulous experience it was this year. Although I didn't meet any of my on-line blogging friends, I did enjoy talking to lots of people who are just as addicted. It was a two day adventure that was well worth it.

On the first day, I was focused on the Early Bird deals between 9 - 10am. As I was standing in line I reviewed the coupons and listened to the vendors promote their products. I made a plan on my map to which booths had the best deals that I was interested in and as soon as the door opened I scooped them up.  Bling was 50 cents, MME paper pads were $2, sequins were $2 for eight colors (two free Mickey heads), washi tape was $1 (free Queen and Co box with twelve rolls) micro beads (no deal-just had to have them), pop dots, Stamp of Life pads were BOGO, and Graphic 45 pads 40% off.

Then I had my first class (which I was late to because I got distracted with shopping), but I was able to catch up and learn some new techniques. My first class was all about layering stamps to create backgrounds. Definitely very cool! The first card activity was "smooshing", so I didn't miss much. Only missed the info about the markers...I think they were Kuretake Markers, which were nice. Then we used Just Rite background stamps and even got a coupon to pick one from the booth (I selected the crackle). The last technique was with Gelatos. I have a small collection, but barely use them; therefore, it is time to pull the out again! What a marvelous background with all the shades of turquoise. I then had a some time before my next class so I made a a couple free Make-N-Takes...a 12x12 layout and a lemonade card (received a free stamp too). My second class was 3 Ways to Watercolor. We used these FABULOUS watercolor paints...Kuretake Gansai Tambi. I already asked my husband to look at Amazon for me. This is my next set! We used Spectrum Aqua markers and experimented with a couple different ways paint. Lots of fun.

Back on Day 2 (hubby and daughter dropped me off while they went to Disney, so I didn't have to pay $14.98 for parking again)...I volunteered the majority of the day and I was fortunate to be Teacher Assistant. You always learn while listening and helping others. I was with Debra from Pinecone Press (8 - 11:30). These mini albums were gorgeous! The first class made Disney albums, the second was Cat/Dog, and the third was Legacy. 

Here is my lanyard with four buttons, but before the end of the day I had five! I added I shopped (bottom picture has it) because I picked up a few more pieces to bring my total spending to the required amount. 

In the afternoon I volunteered again (2 - 4pm) in a watercolor class and then afterwards I checked the prize board. My Golden Ticket number was listed! Wow! I was surprised! I won a $100 gift certificate to Craft Fantastic. I had no idea what booth that was...and I didn't care...I won! I went to the booth and it was make your own jewelry. Very neat! I had to do a free make-n-take, so I would know how to create these pieces. I just loaded my little basket with a variety of pieces and hoped my daughter would like them too.

What an experience! I surely did enjoy both days and I am looking forward to next year. Maybe I will be able to actually meet up with some crafty blogging friends. I will be back later today with my Project of the Day. Although I didn't post one separately yesterday, you can tell I have been busy making lots of projects.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana