New Experience - Scrapbook Retreat

I just returned from a weekend filled with scrapping creativity, inspiration and friendship. I attended my first Scrapbooking Retreat, and what a wonderful experience! I have to admit, my initial reaction was that of total frustration. I am used to working in a large space, where I know exactly where my things are, and I have plenty of space to spread out! When we arrived we were led to our designated space for the weekend...a 4 ft. craft space, located in the middle row, surrounded by fellow scrappers, with stuff all over. Talk about being overwhelmed! Wow! I thought to myself, oh boy..I gotta get out of here! But, once we settled in, organized "our stuff", and began to scrap that first page, I was able to convince myself to settle down and give the whole experience a chance. And I am proud to report...I ended up having THE best time! The weekend wasn't just about scrapbooking...it was about sharing my passion for scrapbooking and paper crafts with others that share my passion. I met so many talented crafters and was able to come home with a mind full of new, wonderful ideas! And several new friends!
Reflecting on the weekend, I believe what warmed my heart the most, was listening and watching the other scrappers, as they recounted their most precious life moments and put them into albums made with love to share with all their family and friends. I don't know if people realize how much LOVE goes into every page that is created by a scrapbooker. They are preserving precious moments in time to be recalled for years to come. It is a priceless gift that will give joy to others forever!

I am so grateful to have met these wonderful women, and I look forward to spending the weekend with them again!

Simply Beautiful Gift Ideas

Paper crafting isn't just about scrap booking. You can create beautiful handmade gifts that will be treasured by family and friends. The Creative Memories Power Palettes are filled with beautiful papers, co-ordinating flowers, ribbons and other assorted embellishments. Here are a couple of wonderful, yet simple gift ideas, that showcase the versatility of these "fabulous" products.

Using paper and embellishments from the Reflections Power Palette, I created this adorable paper purse. Fill them with candy and they make the perfect little "thank you" gift. These would also be wonderful to use as favors for a bridal or baby shower!

Next, I took composition notebooks (from the dollar store), and using paper from the Enchanted and Fabulous collections respectively, I was able to transform these simple notebooks into beautiful works of art!

I love the embossing on these papers!

Love the bright, beautiful, fun colors of the Fabulous collection! These notebooks would be great gifts for a "bride-to-be" or "mom-to-be"! An adorable way to document the all the details of their showers!

Touch of Love

WooHoo! Another wonderful sale is being offered by Creative Memories. All of the beautiful Power Palettes are 30% off this month. To encourage participation in this sale, I thought I would use this opportunity to show you a few creative ideas using these wonderful products.

                          First, a traditional scrapbook page using the Fabulous Power Palette!

The soft colors of these beautiful papers provided the perfect background to display this gentle moment between these adorable cousins! I started this page using the Cricut and the Reminisce cartridge to cut the doily for the center.

I decided to stamp this sweet design along the bottom of both pages. To create the border I used the Scallop punch (Stampin' Up) along one edge and ran the co-ordinating Fabulous paper ribbon down the center, finishing with 3 gems from the Enchanted collection. 

Fabulous paper flowers adorned with pearl centers, inked stems and mini bows add a beautiful accent!

And you have to LOVE the Cricut! It allows us to add the perfect title to every page!