I think I say this every week, but.....WOW, the weekend is going by F-A-S-T!!!
My report from Portland CK Convention
On Friday, March 25th, I took a trip to Portland with my friend, Jennifer, to attend the CK Convention. This is the first CK Convention of the year. The year ends with a convention in Bellevue, WA (which is the one I attend each year, as it's just across the street from my work) in November. Our other friend, Vicki, met as at the convention.
In all honesty, I had expected a lot more from this convention....being the first one of the year and having seen so many "new" products from companies online. I was a bit disappointed that the vendor faire seemed to be quite slimmed down from years past. I think part of the reason is the recession. It is so sad to see so many wonderful companies going out of business and in the last 2 years, I've seen too many closures of LSS and online stores. I hope the future brings new business (YAY!! for A|S) for us stamping addicts! LOL!!
It sure didn't stop me from buying stuff!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!! I found some fantastic deals on paper. As my stamping friends know....I HOARD paper!! I can't remember the name of the store, but how can I pass up on $3.00 paper packs of 25 sheets? Yes, they were all the same design and released within the last year or two, but when you pay $1.00 - $2.00 per sheet at a LSS, $3.00 on a pack was just too good of a deal. I bought 11 packs!!! LOL!! Scrap-Mart always has something for me to buy and they didn't disappoint me this year....found some great Spellbinders that were on clearance. I also bought a couple Sarah Kay stamps at another store. And last but not least, there was the return of a vendor (who wasn't at the last Bellevue convention last year) where they sold fairly large sheets of bling for $1. I think I bought 35 in various colors and designs.
I did take a peek at the CK Store (just outside of the vendor faire) and was pleasantly surprised to see new card kits. I didn't buy any....I really hope they will have them when they come to Bellevue in November.
On our drive home, we stopped at a stamp store that my friend, Joan, raves about. It's called Cindy's Simple Stuff and is located in Centralia, WA. We were about an hour away from the store driving from Portland and calculated that the store would be closing just as we would arrive to the store. We actually called the store and asked the owner if she would be willing to stay a little late. SHE DID!!!! I was grateful that she did because I found some cute, cute stamps. This was my first trip to the store, but would definitely go back if I'm in the area.
Well, that's the end of my adventure to Portland. Oh....forgot to mention that on the way there, we stopped by the Craft Warehouse just outside of Portland. BAD idea....found way too many things to buy (and we hadn't even made it to the convention yet...LOL).
Easter Projects
With Easter just about 3 weeks away, I thought I would get a head start on some Easter goodies. The theme I chose was PINK and BUNNIES:
This is something that I cased from A Muse's make and takes from the last 2 weeks. I had some pieces for the basket leftover from last Saturday and decided to change it up a little bit. The edges of the basket and the handle were punched using Martha Stewart's Lace Doily Border Punch.
When I have time (which is a difficult thing for me to come by so far this year), I will bake some goodies for friends and family. I thought a cute little gift tag would go well with the baked goodies. I love the tiny pom poms for the tails.
And, finally....a card with a chocolate bunny. The bunny on the front of the card was made using punches. I found a tutorial on making this bunny a while ago and now, I can't seem to find the blog with the tutorial to give that person the credit for the design. I have to say that punch art is one of my favorite techniques to use. They are so much fun!!!....PLUS, I have almost 150 punches!!!
I think for next week's blog, the theme will be YELLOW/GREEN and CHICKS...so check back to see what I come up with.
A|S Color Charts
I love to create charts. I decided to send everyone who sign up directly through me to become an A Muse Studio consultant a welcome packet. The packet included a hard copy of the A|S handbook, the color charts below and some fantastic goodies and tools. If you decide to become an A|S consultant through me, you will receive the fabulous welcome packet as well. So, please email me at
bjlee717@comcast.net if you would like to join our team.
Spring Solid Smooth Cardstock, Ink, and Markers
Summer Solid Smooth Cardstock, Ink, and Markers
Fall Solid Smooth Cardstock, Ink, and Markers
Winter Solid Smooth Cardstock, Ink, and Markers
I included a chart (swatch) with all of the paper available through A|S because I just didn't think the catalog did justice to the "
lusciousness" of the paper, especially the shimmer. You just can't get the same feel from a picture than you can from seeing the real thing.
Polka Dot and Vintage
Gingham and Other
Shimmer Solid
Shimmer Damask
Well, that's it for today. I better get some house chores done so that next week isn't as stressful. Make it a great one, everyone!
Blessings,
