This and That. . .

First of all, I forgot to post specifically about an upcoming class I have scheduled for next weekend (Saturday November 7th at 4:00) in Clarksville, TN at Memories In Bloom. I will be teaching the 2009 Year in Review Mini Album below:

If you are considering signing up, please do so by this weekend (November 1st). Keep in mind you get the 3 hour class full of techniques with a completed project (gift?) to take home, but you also go home with enough product to use on several more projects!

Also, my friend May Flaum is getting ready to launch "Adventures In Scrapbooking Using Kits" over at Big Picture and I am going to give a seat away for her class! Just leave a comment on this post between now and November 1st (thats this Sunday!) and I will pick a winner randomly on Monday the 2nd.

And in other news, as a professional shopper (that's what my husband calls me anyway) I have been very busy lately! Our big flea market was last weekend and I filled my granny basket twice to the brim! Here are a few of my finds (not spectacular photos, but you get the idea. . .)

Victorian trade cards. . .

Some old graters to display my earrings at Silver Bella, some tins for our CHA booth and some Double Cola bottles for my new farmhouse kitchen (the cabinet guy thinks I'm crazy I know for wiping out all of the upper cabinets for farmhouse shelving). . .
Some more Silver Bella goodies - gotta love these velvet Japan reindeer with just a touch of glitter. Yummy!

And finally, this is a little vignette of things waiting for my new studio. I got the chandelier at Melrose Vintage in Phoenix last year when I was teaching and the store display and Arm and Hammer full size ad (for their bird card series) were recent flea market finds.

New kits coming this weekend! Check back for peeks on Saturday!

Registration for the Greece event. . .

opens tonight (for Cocoa Daisy members) and tomorrow for everyone. Midnight CDT. Find out more here.

This is going to be one amazing adventure!!

Just confirmed. . .

We have finally confirmed the date for our 2nd annual JBS class/shopping event here in Mt. Juliet! We are "glitzing" it up a bit and I will be offering two different classes on Saturday with a break in between for a short shuttle over to the 30+ booth antique mall where I keep my little space. We will also be offering lunch this year. AND. . . of course lots of shopping on site for vintage finds (and lots of it!), JBS Products and Mercantile Kits (including deep discounts on misc. papers and tons of great scrapbooking products leftover from a year's worth of kits)! Shopping will be open to anyone all day Saturday at no cost for entry.

More details in about a week on the two classes themselves and how to register. Some of you asked me for the date so I wanted to go ahead and post it. Stay tuned!!

(P.S. - I will also be announcing other classes/events I have scheduled for the rest of 2009 into 2010 this week)!

Quick Note On A Cancellation. . .

Sadly, the Spectacular Spectacular Event scheduled to be in Clarksville this weekend has been cancelled. They may try again in the Spring - I will keep you posted!

I will be adding a few more events to my sidebar this week and will post about them here (including our 2nd annual JBS retail event and classes here in Mt. Juliet)!!

Thanks so very much for the posts on the new line!!! They were so much fun to read. I really have a fun job - so very thankful for it every day.

And here is one little thing I forgot. . .

New Die Cut Circle Mini Papers (the girls told me they squealed when they say these in the catalog today)!

Kit previews coming soon too. . . so much to do!!

New Product Is Coming. . .

The JBS October release is here! And as is our tradition, we always go back to our roots each October and add 6 new papers to our classic Red/Black Line. I think this is my favorite yet (Doris already gave her vote)!

Here is a closer look at my personal favorite. I must say, the journaling cards for this line rock too!

And also as is tradition, we have a new 6" x 6" 2010 calendar set (this time as die cut circles). . .

and new General Calendar Cards (this time as 2 1/4" x 4" cards) available in 3 color choices.

We have also brought back some of our popular Spring Picnic papers, but added two baby specific patterns as well as these adorable new Baby Girl and Baby Boy Mini Bingo Cards.

And last but not least, 4 new sets of Printed Tickets (and these are no doubt my favorite yet)!

Wholesale newsletter will go out late this Sunday with ordering information available at that time. Shipping will begin November 1st.

Hope you enjoyed the peek!!!

just a few updates. . .

First of all, I have loaded my layout for this month's kit in my gallery. I have decided to stop drawing attention to the fact that I only have 1 in there (like its a temporary thing) - the fact is it will likely always be only 1 but I keep telling myself it's something! That's why I have an amazing design team to show me up month after month. Thanks guys! There are actually only a few of these kits left (and less than 4 of the add-on kits left) if you were contemplating whether you needed it or not (aren't need and want synonymous)? ha!

Also, looked what showed up at our building site yesterday: the remnants of a 100 year old tobacco barn (soon to be given new life)! Don't you just love the grunginess?? I am a very dark brick girl typically so I am anxious to see these on the house as they are more red then I would pick out. I know it will look great, but I need to see it all done. I wonder if the bricklayers would mind if I hung around for a few days and directed? I really think there is an art to doing this - the walls are one big canvas you know!!

Here you can see on a few of these bricks some smoke damage (I call it character)!

And just a reminder if you were thinking at all of coming to the Spectacular Spectacular event in Clarksville, please sign up now! See my two class offerings if you scroll down below. And if you needed more persuasion this amazing lady will be there too with her wares. . .

Happy Thursday!

More info on Greece!

Here is the info. Tricia just posted on her blog. I will post here again once registration is open!

I’ve been blown away by the initial response to our event in Mykonos next fall! With the help of the Hotel Kouros, Ali, Karen and Jenni, we are going to make Cocoa Daisy Destinations Mykonos a truly remarkable experience and we would love for you to be a part of it!!

Many, many people have been contacting us for additional information. I wanted to go ahead and supply you with some now before the registration site goes live. I’m waiting to hear back from our web designer on an exact date for that. It will be before the end of the month and we will definitely keep you updated on developments.

I can tell you that registration will open a day early for Cocoa Daisy subscribers. We expect that this event will sell out quickly and we want to give our loyal customers the first opportunity to join in the fun.

The event will be held from September 20th through September 26th at the luxurious Hotel Kouros on the island of Mykonos, the ultimate holiday destination!

Our goal of our trip is to bring you a one of a kind scrapbook retreat with the top names in the industry at one of the most beautiful locations in the world! Elina, the owner of the gorgeous hotel where we’ll be staying, is a very talented scrapbooker in her own right and knows what we as scrapbookers need to make a getaway absolutely perfect. (It’s almost serendipity the way all the pieces of the puzzle have just fallen right into place!) And Mykonos in recent years has become internationally famous for its beaches and as a haunt for the rich and famous. You’ll love the captivating scenery, the winding maze of narrow streets and squares, the windmills and lighthouse, the more than 500 churches and the exquisite sunsets viewed from your hotel balcony!

While you are with us we want to make sure you are completely pampered in an intimate, luxurious setting. Small class sizes, many opportunities to interact with the Ali, Jenni and Karen, and the spectacular setting will make this event exceptional. If you’vebeen waiting for ideal scrapbook trip, this is it! The emphasis of this trip will be to scrapbook on an island paradise with some of the top names in scrapbooking while also having time to relax and to explore this gorgeous island.

The Hotel Kourosis spectacularly built into a cliff side overlooking the turquoise waters of the Aegean and is just 300 meters from the city center. Each room has a private balcony with panoramic views of the sea and the nearby island of Delos. The already beautifully appointed rooms will be remodeled this winter and all the bathrooms were remodeled just this year. The hotel has both standard and deluxe rooms for double and triple occupancy. The triple rooms are considerably larger than the double occupancy rooms.

Cocoa Daisy Destinations: Mykonos includes all of the following:

• Classes with all three instructors, Ali Edwards, Jenni Bowlin and Karen Russell in a small group setting
• Double/triple occupancy for 6 nights
• A deluxe buffet breakfast each morning
• A pool side social hour with drinks and appetizers each evening
• All dinners (a variety of delectable Greek & continental cuisine prepared by the hotel’s professional chef)
• One evening out in a small group with all three instructors at a superb restaurant with a charming ambiance in the city center
• Mini workshops with 3 of our Daisy Divas: Christine Drumheller (Memory Makers Master ’09), Ronda Palazzari (Memory Makers Master ’09) and Sue Mylde
• Nightly Make-n-Takes and Crops
• Boat trip to and a tour of the picturesque island of Delos
• Greek Night with live classical Greek music and Greek dance lessons
• Shuttle service to and from hotel
• All hotel taxes
• Goodiebags, lots of special extras surprises and pampering all in an intimate, luxurious and supportivesetting with unique opportunities for personal interaction with the instructors
• LOTS of giveaways!!!
  

The cost of the trip is $2995. There will be a payment plan available and we will also be offering a 5% discount for early payment.

This is the only time Ali will be teaching in person in 2009 and 2010. If you have dreamed of taking classes with Ali — this is your one and only chance in a more than 2 year period!!!

I also want to emphasize a couple other special features of Cocoa Daisy Destinations — Mykonos: this event will be limited to just 75 participants. We will break the group out into smaller sections for classes and scheduled evenings out with instructors. We want this to be a very personalized event from which everyone leaves feeling they’ve recieved individualized attention and have gotten to know the other participants and the instructors as well! Another very important and unique aspect of this event is that the hotel will be reserved entirely for our event creating a one of a kind atmosphere in which to create and learn.

We have heard from several people who would like to come to the event with their spouse. Spouses are more than welcome to come. However, because we have a limited number of rooms for attendees and due to fix costs, we are only able to discount the rate for spouses by the cost of the kit materials. Spouses are welcome to join us for all meals and events. There will be tours and other activities available to spouses with additional fees.

We will also be offering other special tours and cultural experiences that can be added on to your trip. For example, participants can sign up for exclusive events with the instructors.
Ali will host a dinner party for a lucky few at Nammos, the island hottest restaurant situated right on Mykonos’ hippest beach.
Jenni will host an intimate lunch at Ithaki, another top rated island restaurant.
And join Karen as she goes on a photographic tour of the island and finishes up at Mykonos’ other popular beach and restaurant, Elia.
In additional we will also be offering jeep tours, cooking classes and other island and sea excursions!

We hope that you’ll be able to join us on this unforgettable getaway!! Look for postings to come on sign up dates and additional information.

If you have questions, please let us know and we’d be happy to answer them as quickly as we can. Please contact us at mailbox@cocoadaisy.com. If you have already emailed with specific questions, the number of emails related to the trip has been staggering and I am slowly making my way through them. I will back to you as quickly as I can.

There is one caveat to all the fun – if you have impaired mobility I want to warn you that this may not be the trip for you. At the hotel you will need to be able to access approximately a half flight of stairs to reach the elevator and in town, most roads are far too narrow for even the smallest of vehicles to maneuver through. Taxis can reach one square in town, but in order to explore further, you will need to be able to get around without assistance. I’m not sure if a scooter could even fit down most lanes. I really want to spell that out as I would hate for someone to get to Greece and realize that they are not able to enjoy the trip fully.
Thank you and we hope to see you in Greece next fall!!!

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!