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 

Spellbinders and Gelatos

Hello Crafty Friends,

Hard to believe the weekend is just about over already. I think the more you look forward to them the quicker they go by. Spring Break is in two weeks and there are only 10 weeks of school left this year. Time sure flies by!

This first card I am sharing I made at the Scrapbook Expo. It is another from the Spellbinders class. I was so excited about learning new techniques that I made two more after I got home using similar materials.

Here are my designs...

First, I used a couple different embossing folders to create the background since I did not have any similar Spellbinders dies. Then I used Gelatos and water to add the color. I was very quick with my painting just to see what type of effect the raised embossing would create.  Now that I know it works I will be more careful next time. Lastly, I added 3 Girl JAM ribbon (gold trim and purple striped), polka dotted vellum, and pink skittles/gold sequins. The sentiments were cut with my Cricut Expression.

Other Materials:

white, purple, and black cardstock

What is the most recent technique that you have learned? I know there are plenty more that will keep me busy. Can't wait for you to share!

Have a FABULOUS week!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana 

Scrapbook Expo Update

Good Evening Crafty Friends,

Hope you have been enjoying your weekend. Hard to believe it is almost over. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about the Scrapbook Expo ~ Orlando.

The day started off bright and early. I left the house around 6:15 am and got to Orlando by 7:45 am. I used the GPS since I thought it was suppose to take the quickest route, but yesterday Garmin went the scenic way. Next year I am going my way!

I checked in early and received a Golden Ticket for a door prize (didn't win) and then walked around the resort until the floor opened at 9 am. The Expo was at Gaylord Palms and it is beautiful place. If you have the opportunity to go next year, stay for the night. I wish I could have.

Here are my Expo goodies...

Some of the items purchased include...

ribbon

pearls and gems

2 SEI 6x6 paper stacks ~ Cherry Brights and On the Coast

lace (pink and blue)

charms

flowers

mini album kit

scissors

brads

adhesive

Some of the freebies...

Dot -n- Go

window frame laser cut

holiday stamps

I was a volunteer at the Will Call window from 11 - 3. I actually got paid too, which was very nice (and they gave me a free ticket for another Expo). Then I was a Teacher's Pet at 3:30 for an hour class, Great Gift Cards with Andrea Deer. I paid $5 for the class (Expo price was about $25) and got all the materials to take home. Can't wait to make them!

Needless to say, I had a good time. I plan on going back next year and volunteer again. If you have the chance to help at your Scrapbook Expo be sure to sign up. It is definitely worth it!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

My New Goodies from the Scrapbook Expo and Orlando Trip

Today was a wonderful day, except for the little goof I made this morning...I forgot my cell phone at home on the charger.  I worried most of the day that someone would call me or I would break down and not be able to call anyone. When I got home this evening it was still on the charger with a dozen missed messages. No emergencies though. Thank goodness!

I was reminded what it was like before we had cell phones and life still went on! Now I wonder why I even worried.

I did get lots of goodies today and talked to a bunch of really nice poeple while standing in the lines. I watched a few Make-n-Takes but did not do any. They were very basic layouts which looked more like free exploration time.

Eyelet Outlet and Brads ~ $1.00 per bag ~ lots of variety. I purchased poodles, saws (for Father's Day), lightbulbs (love your idea), sparkles, winter critters, dalmations, and flowers. If you want to go to the site I have a coupon code for 20% off. It is good only for this month. The site is: http://www.eyeletoutlet.com/ and the on-line code is: April2011.

DollarScrapbooking.net ~ ALL items I picked were $1.00 

 ScrapYard 329 ~ green and brown fibers and a pack of metal sheets ~ $1.00 each. This vendor had such a great selection of scrapbooking supplies such as Basic Grey and Tim Holtz products.

 Scrap-mart ~ Flowers embossing folder ~$3.49

After I left the Scrapbook Expo I planned on going to Michaels. I was hoping to pick up a few more deals before heading home. One of the tables actaully had a manager from one of the stores. I asked for directions and she said turn left out of the parking lot. Well, I turned left but ended up at Disney. After turning around and driving by the resort again, I realized there was another exit she must have been referring to. I finally found three more Michaels after a few tolls, trying to search with the GPS, and remembering where I had seen one in the past. It is a good thing no one was with me. They probablly would not have enjoyed the ride as much as me.  : )

 Michaels ~ Tim Holtz paper was on clearance for $4.99, plastic containers also on clearance for $1.99, the variety pack, brown gems, and bird images 99 cents. I used my 40% off coupons for the bottom two pieces (red florals and cupcake stickers).

Ross~ Martha Stewart edge punch ~ $3.99

Now I need to get busy! Lots of projects must be made.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana