Lots of new stuff tonight!! (midnight, central time)

A new Papercrafting Kit. . .

A new Project Kit (6 placecards - just in time for Thanksgiving or just simply for everyday decoration!). . .

A new Add-On kit. . .

A new jewelry kit (this time with glass bubbles - no need for a gel/resin fill and long waiting!). . .

new vintage thread spools (find them under Vintage Finds ). . .

new German Foil offerings (butterflies, alphabets and a mixed lot). Find them under Supplies. . .

And. . . find class kits from my summer classes including Pom Pom 101

and "Simply the Best" mini album. Find both of these under Past Kits.

See you tonight!

(oops- almost forgot! We have a handful of September's Project Kit to put back up for sale (the sweet Halloween houses)!

House update. . .

We have walls!

and doors, and windows. . .! So much fun to see something we planned for so long take shape. Honestly, we had no idea since this was our plan (not anything that had been built before) of what it would actually look like framed. And although there were a few surprises, everything was easily fixed and we continued on our way. TN (the south in general) has had major rain for the past two weeks but somehow these guys worked almost every day for at least part of the day. We are now under roof so the rain won't be as big of an issue anymore. Yeah!

We were in Ohio last weekend and brought back a truckload of things for here and there:

I LOVE the color of this mantle. It matched my dining room (see the chair!) but alas, it is not going in my dining room (and the chair will be reupholstered in linen for a less formal look). White it will be. . .

Old schoolhouse lighting I have been collecting here and there for my kitchen and the powder room. . .

a piece (late 1800's) I picked up at the flea market for $100 last year that will get fitted with a bowl for our powder room sink. . .

an awesome chest that was at a price we couldn't pass up in Ohio. It will go in our guest bedroom (look Mom - you will finally have a dresser)!. . .

a nine foot worktable I brought home last week (I am dangerous with Jared's truck)! Not sure if it will find its way into my studio or the warehouse. Either way, the color is fabulous! We use almost all old tables for the business. I figure the girls need to work in style too and they are usually cheaper than folding tables!!

and finally, just a fun photo of some awesome wooden spools with thicker thread (you can't live without this thread!) that I have set aside for Silver Bella (and our little event we have planned for late this year - are you curious yet)??? Although. . .I will put a few up on the site on the 1st. . .check back on Wednesday for more info.!

For those of you near Knoxville, I will be there all day this coming Saturday, Oct. 3rd teaching two classes at Scrappin in the City. Scroll down for the class previews.

Happy Monday!

New Classes!!

Thought I would post the specifics on my classes for the events you see at the left. Here are some photos of each as well as the class descriptions and where I will be teaching them (at the moment - still working on more dates).

2009 Year In Review

Not only will you learn several new techniques (including masking with punches, chipboard pieces and die cut papers) but you will also complete a keepsake that highlights your favorite memories of 2009. You will leave with a little ink on your fingers and a little glitter in your hair (the perfect accessories in my opinion)! Class kit is full of JBS products – enough to complete this project and some!

This class is being offered at Scrappuccino, Scrappin in the City and the Simply Inspired Event currently.

(I channeled my inner "Dina" for this project. I'm so proud of my inky friend - she was on the cover of Art Journaling this month!! Had to use her idea for the sun chipboard mask and then I just went mask crazy from there!)

Wonderfully Vintage Altered Collage

If you ever wanted to create a detailed collage but didn’t know where to start – this is the class for you! You will learn new techniques (masking, creative sewing and crepe paper rosette making) while creating an 8 ½” x 11” collage, backed with chipboard and ready for your favorite easel! There will be lots of JBS products in your class kit (enough left over for other projects) as well as several one-of-a-kind vintage goodies.

This class is being offered at Scrappin in the City and the Spectacular Spectacular event currently.

Shabby Framed Collage

It’s all in the details! Tiny squares make up a detailed collage full of vintage papers, stamped images and “mini” versions of JBS products, all neatly presented in a die cut wood frame ready for display. Keep for yourself or give as a gift! Bring your own photo (black and white works best sized to 2 ¼” wide by 3 ½” tall) or add it later (or use the “adopted relative” shown here and included in your kit)!

This class is currently only being offered at the Spectacular Spectacular Event.

Just click on the event/store links to the left for more info on how to sign up. I hope to see you somewhere!!!

Don't hate me because I'm going to Greece!!

Ha! - Yes its true (but you can come too)!! Tricia over at Cocoa Daisy is putting together a yummy event that will include me as a teacher as well as two of my most favorite people in the world: Ali Edwards and Karen Russell. Below is the info. you will find on her blog as well as some photos of this amazing place!!!!

If you could put together the perfect scrapbook getaway, what would it look like? Would it be in an exotic locale? Would it have some of the most sought after instructors? Would it be at a beautiful boutique hotel? Would it be with a small group of supportive woman and with ample occasions to interact with the celebrities? Would there be lots of delicious food, great giveaways and fabulous make-n-takes and so much more! Are you visualizing a scrap getaway that is in fact a journey to remember for a lifetime?
My vision of the perfect scrapbook retreat includes all those elements and we at Cocoa Daisy are about to make it a reality!

I am very excited to announce that in September of 2010 Ali Edwards, Jenni Bowlin and Karen Russell will be traveling with us and several members of the Daisy Divas to create not just a scrapbook trip but what will ultimately be an unforgettable adventure! Our event will take place at the gorgeous Kouros Hotel overlooking the blue waters of the Aegean Sea on the Greek island of Mykonos! If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Greece – and scrapbooking at the same time – here’s your chance!

We are keeping the event to an intimate number so that participants will not only have a chance to get to know one another and form new friendships but will really be able to interact throughout the week with some of their favorite scrapbook celebrities. Every participant will take the classes offered by each of the instructors including a 2 part photography course taught by Karen. On the last day of the event, we will all cruise to the nearby mythical island of Delos where you’ll have a chance to practice your newly acquired photography skills with Karen there to give you pointers and answer questions.

Each evening there will be a social hour where participants can kick back and relax. Afterwards we’ll break into smaller groups for dinners out with the instructors for a traditional Greek meal (and Greek dancing!) and nightly we’ll hold crops, make-n-takes and other special events (to be announced later)!

One very special thing about the Kouros Hotel besides being absolutely stunning and just completely remodeled, is the proprietress, Elina Koutsouradi. Elina is an avid scrapbooker and has herself gone on several scrapbook getaways around the world. She knows what it takes to make not only an event but a scrapbook event absolutely spectacular! What could be better than holding a getaway at a hotel owned and operated by someone who truly understands the needs of scrapbookers?

We would love to have you be part of the fun! If you’d like more information please feel free to email us at mailbox@cocoadaisy.com. Look for registration to open mid-October. I fly to Greece on Friday to make sure everything will be absolutely perfect for next year. If there is anything that you would like to details on (handicap accessibility, dietary restrictions, or whatever else) please feel free to email me with your questions and I would be happy to check on those for you while there.

I can’t wait to experience Greece with Ali, Jenni and Karen and hopefully you too!

Better late than never!!

I have loaded my one and only layout for this month's Mercantile Kit into the gallery (yes I know, a sad showing but I am managing to get something done). Awesome stuff over there by the way!!

I was thinking as I was working on this that its so nice that we can all play well together? Here I have two of my own designs mixed with several of my industry favorites - 7gypsies, Prima and Tim Holtz. What a boring place it would be, creatively (and otherwise!) if we were all exactly the same?

Happy Saturday! I am off on a mission today to find some good, tall, brown leather boots for the winter. Wish me luck!!

(and check back next week for information on my fall classes! Notice all of the new "Road Trip" dates to the left)!!

The best fair ever!!!

I talk about it every year, but the Wilson County Fair has got to be the best fair there is anywhere! We look forward to it every year but this year the weather was PERFECT and that was a huge plus. No humidity and upper 70's the day we went.

Christian insisted on drinking when I took the picture- he thought that would look cool!

Hillbilly Bob's Homeade Soda (Black Cherry - yum)!!

There is a little town set up at the fairgrounds and it includes an early 1900's schoolhouse. There are alot of windows and everything is painted white which makes for GREAT lighting! I always make the boys pose.

Jared signed up for bee-keeping class information (so far he has slated chickens, goats and now bees for our little farm)! This is all in his free-time mind you (we both seem to have a problem being idle)!

By the way. . . my friend Donna has a new digi boutique set up over at the digi chick. If you are into digital and vintage I think you just may like it!!

New photos coming on the house. . . poured the concrete today in the bottom floor. Should start framing by the end of the week. I purchased an old claw foot tub this week (just needs a little TLC) and some old schoolhouse lights. Will get some photos of all soon!!

Digital Fun!!

In case you haven't heard, we have partnered with a new digital website - ScrapHD!! What I love about them (and what sold me on it!) is 2 things:

- they are subscription based. No more paying $5 for this, or $8 for that - you pay one low fee each month and have access to hundreds of images (from your favorite manufactures and more)!

- they promote a hybrid product. I like to cut and paste (and not on the screen)! This won't take that away from me. And. . . they are getting your local scrapbook stores involved so that you can print and play at the store and then pick out your embellishments to enhance it!

- (okay 3 things!) - Subscribers can print from home!!

Click HERE to access the beta site now and read all about it for yourself!!

AND. . .find out HERE about their current contest to give away a year's subscription (a $99 value)! Hurry- the contest ends Friday!