My Creativation Adventure 2017

February 14, 2017January 27, 2023Leave a comment

It’s been a few weeks since the Creativation Trade Show in Phoenix…

and I’m finally getting around to sharing.

You might want to sit back and grab a cup of coffee. (it’s a long one)

The Creativation Show was a fast, busy few days.

Getting the opportunity to see old friends, meeting in person online friends you’ve known for years.

And the best part making new friends.

Creativation, for me, is more than seeing the latest and greatest in the Creative Industry

(although that’s great too)

it’s about the opportunity to meet and network with people from all over the world.

When you’re at a show like this, you sit by a stranger on the convention bus and talk the whole way.

You go to lunch by yourself and instead of looking for a empty table, you sit with a group or

a table of one and the conversations flow. That’s where we share ideas and inspiration.

We ask… “what did you see that excited you?”

During one of those conversations I heard someone say this is where our “tribe” is.

(The cactus in front of my hotel.)

This was my first trip to Phoenix and the first time this Midwest gal saw cactus this large.

Can you tell I was impressed?

I wish I would of been able to see more of Phoenix, it poured the first evening I was there

and the sun didn’t come out until the last day. Most of the time, it really didn’t matter as it was

dark outside when I left and it was dark when I got back to the hotel.

I didn’t even notice the mountains out my hotel window until the second day.

I left the hotel before 7:00 on Saturday morning to take a class before working all day

in the Deflecto booth. We made mini desk calendars using Deflecto’s 3″ x 4″ clear acrylic

frames, paper from Paper House Productions “One Big Happy Family” collection and cute

little calendars from Taylored Expressions.

Also in the booth was the “Caddy Challenge”. ↓

Each challenger was given two empty caddies and a variety of craft supplies.

Every caddy container had to have at least one craft item and put back into the caddy,

each layer had to be locked and put on the base.

The whole thing was timed and the timer stopped when the caddy was lifted.

It was so much fun watching how competitive it became. (there were Visa gift cards at stake)

Co-worker against co-worker, friend against friend, husband against wife.

SO…What’s NEW at Deflecto?

An interlocking wheel base for the craft caddy and the Interlocking Marker Organizer.

Right next to the Deflecto Booth were my good friends at

Canvas Corp Brands, 7Gypsies and Tattered Angels.

So many new things there. They introduced their new line called “Architextures”.

I can’t wait to get my hands on all that vintage inspired goodness.

Coming Soon from Canvas Corp Brands… Relics and Artifacts.

A lot of mixed media potential.

On Sunday afternoon, I got to hang out in the Paper House booth where I helped attendees make

the Discover USA travel mini book project. I’m so lucky to work in such a fun industry.

For full Discover USA project instructions click here.

Monday was the last day of the show and a half day for me.

After working in the booths all day on Saturday and Sunday,

I decided I needed to take some time to do something fun.

DecoArt, 3M and Pinspiration had a clear acrylic booth set up called the “Splatter Room”.

Dressed in a hazmat suit and goggles…

I went to town choosing paint and splattering onto a 12″ x 12″ canvas.

Oh, what a glorious mess. It was the highlight of my day.

After painting and splattering…

I walked the show floor, taking pictures and making connections.

I always wish that I would have taken more pictures and maybe even a video or two.

Time at these shows go fast and I needed to make the most of that time.

Below are a few of the booths that I remembered to take pictures of. (Enjoy!)

Probably one of the most photographed booths is the Tim Holtz Idea-ology booth.

For Vintage lovers this is serious eye-candy.

Lovely Mixed Media from Rebekah Meier Designs.

Somehow my camera setting got changed and I didn’t get a lot of sharable pictures of the Sizzix booth.

And the always impressive Graphic 45 Booth. ↓

Of all the wonderful things I saw, do you want to know what impressed me the most?

Let me start by saying, I’ve been a stamper for 20 years and it takes a lot to impress me…

the clear animated stamps from Uchis Design did just that. (it’s the simple things)

Below is the business card they gave me.

I hoped you enjoyed my adventure to Creativation.

I just want to say…

I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to work with all the wonderful and talented people

and companies in the Creative Industry. I am one lucky girl.

Discover USA Mini Album

February 8, 2017July 24, 2019Leave a comment

No matter what part of the country you visit, Paper House Production’s

New Discover USA collection has you covered. I used this new collection along with

Eileen Hull’s adorable suitcase die from Sizzix, for a cute little make and take project

in the Paper House Productions booth at Creativation.

It’s a fun project that could be used with Vacation Memorabilia or even as a going away present for someone getting ready to retire and travel the good ole’ USA.

Products Used: (*affiliate link)

Discover USA Collection
STDM-0276 Discover USA 3D Stickers
Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die – Bag, Suitcase by Eileen Hull*
Sizzix Little Sizzles – 6″ x 13″ Mat Board Pack, 6 White Sheets*
Sizzix 660425 Big Shot Cutting/Embossing Machine*
Sizzix Accessory – Cutting Pads, Extended, 1 Pair*
Xyron XRN900 9-Inch Creative Station Multi-Function Crafting System*
Home & Hobby Extreme Double-Sided Tape, 1/4-Inch*
3L Scrapbook Adhesives E-Z Runner*
Brown Cardstock
Scoring Board*
Paper Cutter

*This post uses Affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase from using one of the links, I will receive a small commission that helps offset the cost of running this blog. Thanks!

destinations-suitcase-inside-sues-creative-workshop-3115

Directions:

Cut a 6″ x 12″ piece of P-2123 “woodgrain” scrapbook paper.
Run the paper woodgrain side up through the Xyron Creative Station using permanent adhesive.
Adhere paper onto the mat board.
Die-cut covered mat board using the suitcase die and Big Shot Machine.
Fold each piece along score lines.
The larger of the four pieces is the suitcase body. Using extreme double sided tape, adhere and secure the four corner pieces.
The next largest piece is the lid. Apply extreme double sided tape to the flap. Place the lid over the opening of the suitcase body and slide into position. Adhere the flap.
Attach the closure flap at the top of the lid using extreme tape. Leave approximately twice the thickness of the mat board used between the hinge of the flap and the top edge of the lid. The lightly folded tab will press against the inside of the suitcase to keep it closed.
Attach the handle and embellish with the 3D stickers.
Cut a piece of brown cardstock 3 3/4″ x 11″. Using a score board and the scoring tool, score the cardstock lengthwise 2 3/4″, 5 1/2″ and 8 1/4″. Fold along score lines to create a mini accordion book.
Choose one of the Discover USA tag 12″ double sided scrapbook paper. Cut tags just slightly smaller than 2 3/4″ x 3 3/4″
Adhere tags onto the mini book using the tape runner and embellish with 3 D stickers.

Hugs & Kisses Valentine’s Treat Bag

February 6, 2017January 30, 20171 Comment

Make your little Valentine feel special with a handmade “Hugs & Kisses” treat bag.

It’s quick and easy to make – just cut two hearts from felt and glue the bottoms and sides together.

Add a sentiment or name on the front with Joy iron-on embroidered letters.

An easy way to share the love and lots of chocolate kisses!

Graphic 45…”A Place in Time” Valentine Frame

February 2, 2017February 2, 2017Leave a comment

A little throw back Thursday…

to one of my favorite Valentine projects. (made 4 years ago)

On the frame, I used Graphic 45’s “Place in Time” collection and a little cut and paste .

Which is now available as a Deluxe Collector Edition.

(*affiliate link)
Graphic 45 4501470 Deluxe Collectors Edition Place In Time
*I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you choose to purchase from Amazon using the above link, I receive a small commission that helps offset the cost of running this blog.

a little Valentine Love

February 1, 2017February 13, 20172 Comments

When I flipped over the calendar this morning it hit me.

Less than 2 weeks until Valentine’s Day.

After all these years…

it’s still fun to throw a few hearts around to make sure he doesn’t forget.

I created this cute little Valentine’s decoration using a clear 4″ x 6″

acrylic craft frame from Deflecto Craft Solutions, scrapbook paper and stickers.

The sticker in the middle says “I belong with you & you belong with me”.

I think he’ll get the hint.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

Splatter Painting

January 26, 2017January 26, 20171 Comment

After working in the booths all day on Saturday and Sunday at the Creativation Show,

I decided on Monday I was going to take some time to do something fun.

At the show they had a clear acrylic booth set up called the “Splatter Room”.

It was sponsored by Pinspiration, 3M and DecoArts. (so much fun!)

Dressed in a hazmat suit and goggles…

I went to town choosing paint and splattering it onto a 12″ x 12″ canvas.

Oh, what a glorious mess. It was the highlight of my day.

Here’s my finished Art. (still need to remove the masking)

I already have it hanging on the wall.

If you ever get the chance to do some Splattering. I highly recommend it.

I’m home from Phoenix, but I haven’t had the chance to sift through all the pictures and stuff I brought home. I will be sharing my journey in the next day or two.

Creativation…Here I come

January 19, 2017Leave a comment

cha

In just one more day…

I’ll be heading out to (hopefully sunny) Phoenix to the Creativation Show

to see the latest and greatest in the Craft and Hobby Industry.

I’m a little excited to say the least.

The last time I attended a Winter Show, I got stranded in Los Angeles for two extra days

while the Midwest was pummeled with snow. (good thing snows not in the forecast)

I will be working in the Deflecto booth all day on Saturday doing make and takes

and in the Paper House Productions on Sunday afternoon.

I will also have time for a few classes, walking the show floor and taking pictures.

Next week, after I have time to process it all, I’ll share my experience here with you.

My favorite night of the week…

January 17, 2017February 4, 2017Leave a comment

If you could choose any night of the week, which would be your favorite?

For me…Tuesday nights is my favorite night of the week.

Nobody wants anything from me, nobody needs me and I can selfishly watch all my favorite shows.

I don’t even cook. It’s my night.

I don’t have many shows that “I have” to watch on TV. If I miss one, “no big deal”.

But Tuesdays? That’s a different story.

Between Fixer Upper and This is Us. I’m one contented girl.

All my favorite shows now wrapped up into one entertaining night.

Last month, when asked for a Christmas list, I put The Magnolia Story* on my list.

I have been a fan of the show Fixer Upper since the beginning.

I love the sweet way these two have with each other.

(*affiliate link)

Last week I finally got the chance to sit down and read The Magnolia Story*.

The book didn’t disappoint. I can honestly say, I love them even more!

You might say they’ve been blessed along the way. Which would be true.

Their journey wasn’t easy.

But…with faith, dedication and determination they made it through even better.

Between their non-sugar coated stories and Chips crazy antics it’s just a fun read.

If you’re a fan of the show, I’m sure you’ll love the book.

*I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you choose to make a purchase using the above link, I will get a small commission that helps offsets the cost of running this blog. Thanks!

Planning on Getting Organized

January 4, 2017January 4, 20172 Comments

If I were the type to make New Years Resolutions…

One of my goals would be to GET ORGANIZED.

Now that he house is a bit calmer and my to-do list quite a bit shorter,

I’ve been able to work in my office again.

It feels good sitting down, organizing my thoughts, throwing away old notes…

Planning for the New Year.

I’m a planner, a list maker.

I love the clean slate that a new calendar gives.

(*amazon affiliate link)

One of the ways I like to organize is by giving items a “home”.

By putting “like” items together everything starts making sense.

This 4 Drawer Stackable Cube Organizer* works great for small items on my desk or anywhere

I might need a little organization. Great in the kitchen, bathroom and even the garage.

For fun, I personalized my organizer by adding buffalo plaid scrapbook paper around the outside

and labeling each drawer with chalkboard stickers.

I even made myself a mini desk calendar using a 3″ x 4″ clear acrylic stand, leftover scrapbook

and a cute little calendar from Taylored Expressions.

Even my coffee mug matches.

Did I mention I love Buffalo Plaid?

I’m happy when everything is neatly organized. (not that it always is)

Next up is the closet in my guest room where I keep the extra design team product that

won’t fit in my tiny little office/workspace.

Big job, Big plans. I’ll keep you posted!

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

*I am a Amazon Affiliate. If you choose to purchase from Amazon from the above link, I receive a small commission that helps offset the costs of running this blog. Thanks!