TERESA COLLINS

So motivated...

I have been so motivated lately.

I have refocused my attention to 1. MY HEALTH- the past two days have been spent doing TAKEOFF with my LA Weight Loss Program. Basically, you drink this liquid all day and eat only 6 oz. meat, choose from a small selection of greens that you can eat unlimited (green beans, cucumber, asparagus, etc.), and 2 LA lite bars (which SAVE me!!!!). It does help me restart my losing pattern, when I have been in a plateau. The gals at LA think that since I've lost so much weight and do not have ALOT to loss, that my body is thinking MAINTAIN. So since it has been a YEAR now- it's time to kick it up. I worked out again yesterday with my friend. Lesson learned: be accountable. She showed up at my house at 8:40 am and we hit the pavement for an hour. Second- for me WEIGHING in three times a week keeps me ON TRACK. I feel healthy again- I have energy. I can now wear Taylor and Gentrys clothes again. I don't know if this is a good thing, since technically- they can wear MY CLOTHES, and they seem to like them!!!! I go in this AM to get weighed...hope TAKE OFF works...

2. CREATIVITY- I have been working on cleaning up my "junk". I can officially say that my scrapook supplies are now in the final stages of being ORGANIZED, donated to worthwhile causes, and FREEING up my creativity. I am working on so many projects right now...if you only knew. Once again, thanks for all the emails and *letters* Thank you-Susan Shintaku (loved the card you sent me!!!!- beautiful)  I am working on getting my event calendar posted on my blog. I have alot of things planned and in the works that I am excited about. 

One thing is this:

The ULTIMATE SCRAPBOOKING CRUISE in Jan, 09-a 7 day Carribean CRUISE.  It seems like such a long time from now, but really the time will fly by!

The instructors are:

DONNA DOWNEY

TERESA COLLINS

KAREN RUSSELL

MARGIE ROMNEY

MICHELLE HILL 

MICHELLE VAN ETTEN 

****You will be able to take every one of our classes. I love this!!!!

You will see full page ads in CK Magazine, Simple Scrapbooks and Papercrafts Magazine,  and check out the ScrapMap website and get all the details.  They are starting signups online in a week or you can call and signup now.  They are giving away something BIG on this cruise...it will blow you away...If you are interested in going NOW you can call them with a deposit.

Speaking of which, they have set up a really nice payment plan for the scrapbookers, and so it will be affordable for you to join us.

Time to get my kids up and out the door for school. My son Zach loves his grits every morning.  It's the southern girl in me, I love grits too. Oh, and livermush. Do you even know what this is???? I've never found it out west...only get to eat it when I am back home in NC...miss it!!!!

So LET's do ANOTHER PRIZE- just because!!!! I found some some cool products as  I was cleaning...and I will do a HUGE box full of goodies to a winner! Tell me what you feed your family for breakfast when your in a hurry or anytime really. Hey- I will be without a kitchen for 6 weeks really soon...and I appreciate any good tips!!!!!

have a great weekend...

TERESA

Tuesday...

I mailed out the kit to FRECKLE FRIENDS today. I had a lot of fun decorating the book last night.  I have to admit, the book is just the cutest book ever. I love the spider web on the kraft. So I wanted to share a few pages from the project...

Hocus Pocus the BOOK cover...that is my little son Ty in his HULK costume. No the muscles are not real... he does think he is pretty tough!

This is another view in the book. The circle stamp and the } is from a stamp set that I designed, it matches the new Whimsical Halloween Paper line available through Junkitz and Hampton ARTS...isn't McKay's stockings cute????

Did I mention how much I love these Making Memories stickers???? so cute!!!

Another view of the book. The book is 20 inside designed pages - plus the cover! I like to take photos of our Halloween decor.

*last sneak peak...can you believe that

Taylor

is SEVENTEEN!!! My baby is growing up. So many people think that she looks like me. I don't see it, but wow- I'm so thankful for her. I am often so busy that she steps in and carpools and makes dinner, while I am attending to other children. Today we had flag football game, baseball game, and dance lessons at the SAME TIME!!!

So this is the kit. I have been promising to do a blog kit for a long time. I have not been able to fit it in, but you can now get THIS KIT- HOCUS POCUS- complete with instructions, precut papers, all materials- glitter, stickers, bling, everything....at FRECKLE FRIENDS website.

I have WONDERFUL news, the products I donated to Stephanie to auction for the breast cancer fundraiser brought in over $200. I was so happy to hear this great news. Steph- your amazing!!!! BTW- you need to check out Stephanie- her doodling is simply AMAZING. This girl inspires me!!!! http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/

I am a huge advocate of adding yourself- your handwriting into your projects…and she does it like no other.

Tomorrow, I have to spend the day finalizing my kitchen appliance selections, and granite/flooring, etc. Plus, that dreaded WEIGH IN. I worked out last week 3 times and I gained weight. So not right! Hope the scale is nicer tomorrow. I will be STRONG…I will not CRY…well- maybe…

Oh, I finally have a DATE for when I will be in

TEXAS

teaching. It is going to be quite the event. FEBRUARY 1st and FEBRUARY 2^nd 2008...at The Scrapbook Junkie in

HOUSTON

. I believe BETH is going to go all out on this one- so stay tuned for more info. My next teaching trip will be November 1st in

Puerto Rico

...so I am enjoying a few weeks at home and working on lots of creative things!!!! Lots of things that make me happy.

Teresa

Wow...

what a FABULOUS WEEKEND! I want to THANK you for all the emails that I got after my last post. I honestly felt that I was lifted and inspired by your STRONG and WISE words. I know that when I am in low...and overwhelmed that I must go to a higher strength, a higher power. So I shut myself in my room and I spent a great amount of time on my knees in prayer. I know that I am nothing with my faith and my trust in a loving Heavenly Father who hears my prayers and knows the intentions of my heart. I found peace and strength almost immediately. My heart was lightened of all the weight that was weighing on me. The comments on the last post were truly wise words, and I need to print them out. I am a firm believer in being positive and looking at things with a CAN DO attitude.

I always tell my kids- THAT the only thing that sets you back from accomplishing what you want in life, is yourself.  Anything is possible- ACHIEVABLE....YOU can DO ANYTHING you set your mind too! I know that I have mentioned this before...but its TRUE for ALL of US!!!

Good Good THINGS are happening in my life!!!!!

I am working on the kit right now that will be sold through FRECKLE FRIENDS.  It is the most darling selection of various Halloween products. I will post a peak as soon as it is done...I am using this paper that I designed last year- because I love it-and mixed it with lots of other surprises and the new stamps from my latest Halloween line. I do not have the newest papers- I will let you know when I hear that the papers are shipping.

I love Halloween, and so I went shopping on Saturday for 1. Halloween decor for the home 2. design inspiration...Woo Hoo- I found BOTH! I was so inspired that Saturday night, I was up until 4am sketching, drawing, doodling, and imagining the possibilities. I went to my FAVE store dear lizzie. It is the most inspiring place to shop. It is located in Highland Utah- about 30 minutes from my home. It is a boutique full of home decor/furnishings/vintage treasures/french soaps & lotions, jewels and accessories,etc. I bought a darling SALLY JEAN charm... Check out the website!

I love to throw Halloween parties for the kids- and plan to do it again this year!!!! The boys always want to be something SCARY...and the girls (well Teenage Girls, just don't want to dress up like they used too!!!!)

On Friday I went on another POWER WALK- and LOVED it. I think I am hooked on it again. I say again, because I think once you *realize how good it feels to be moving* it makes it much easier to do on a regular basis. So now...that is what I must do...

Time to go EXERCISE!!!! It's even raining outside today....

Oh, the winner from the last post is :

I find you so real. Thank you for reminding me TODAY, what I struggle with often. Teresa, keep your chin up.

Posted by: Monique | September 20, 2007 at 09:53 AM

Please send me your address! 

Well....

I have been away from my computer for the past day almost two. I spent the entire day with Ty looking at countless slabs of granite, flooring and such. My mind is now officially MUSH! Can I tell you how overwhelming these decisions can be? I admit it- I have shed some tears today. With so many decisions to make it has stressed me out a bit. For me, when I get stressed, I tend to shut down. So now I am behind ALOT on emails. That is one thing that I am very thankful for- the many friends that I have. I am grateful for the support, the emails- everything---truly I know that when I am weak, my friends uplift me and make me strong. So thank you- you KNOW who you are!

I was feeling sorry for myself today, and something profound happened to me. I was at lil Ty's football practice. I was sitting on the grass watching Ty, and thinking how I did not get alot of my things done today (getting to the post office, getting the house in order, returning emails, getting to the grocery store, etc.-basically feeling sorry for myself and being negative. I saw my friends father in law near me. He is paralyzed from the waist down and has a hard time even breathing. He was in his motorized wheelchair watching his grandson play. He was smiling with a huge smile of happiness- the light in his eyes was evident. I just found myself watching the love and expression on his face.

I told my friend, how wonderful I thought it was that her father in law could make it to the practices with his numerous health problems and difficulties. She told me, that "yeah, he has been so sick, he has been in the bed for the last three weeks. He LIVES to go to his grandkids games." I looked at my friend, and told her, how I had been feeling sorry for myself...and that I should LOOK at the BIG PICTURE! I got tears in my eyes and had to stop myself from crying. I NEEDED this reminder today. I NEED to look at the GLASS half FULL instead of the Glass being half EMPTY. As I looked at this dear man, I realized that I could learn alot from him and his outlook.

I have many people asking about the EXTREME BOY STAMPS that I designed. They are clear acrylic stamps that are manufactured by Hampton Arts/Junkitz. You can purchase them from Hampton Arts or Junkitz. I know that creativeinspirations sells them online, but I know there are other online sources too. If you are a online store and sell them, let me know and I will post your site. I have had alot of emails wanting to know where to purchase the stamps.

I have not done a prize in a few weeks- so time for a giveaway. I will give away a box full of assorted product- all you need to do is post a comment!!!! I promise you wont be disappointed!!!!

too much...

Yesterday I did TOO MUCH, TOO SOON. I went to my weigh in. Check...I am at a plateau. So I agreed to STEP it up. So I agreed to meet my overzealous friend for a power walk right after my weigh in. I thought- no biggie, and choose to do this rather than met her at the gym. We belong to the same gym, but it's been MONTHS since I worked out. (I know, horrible!!!!)

I met at her house, and we start on our hour long power walk. She did not tell me that she had HILLS that were INSANE by her home. She choose the walking course- and she had us going up HILLS and walking fast (for me!) for 70 long, hard minutes. The hills were so INTENSE- I could not talk through them. That says alot for me! I admit it- it KICKED my butt.

Okay, it did feel good too! I knew upon completion that I had pushed it a tad too far. Today, my lower legs are sore and hurting. Thanks FRIEND!!!! I needed someone to give me that boost....I have a new trainer...smiling!!!!!

I have my first photography class in a just a bit. I am looking forward to finally figuring out all the bells and whistles on my camera. I've made so many excuses, but its TIME to make TIME to do something I enjoy. I have my Canon Rebel, but Ty bought us the Canon EOS-1 Mark II a couple years ago and it's never used.... I am lucky if I can figure out how to turn the thing on. I thought I would post what I am learning on my blog.

I wanted to also tell you about my friend JAMIE HARPER. She is an amazing photographer and she travels all over and will take your photos for you. She is located out of AZ, but I know she likes to go to California, etc. I had her do our last family photos and they turned out AMAZING! Her rates are very reasonable and you get alot for your money!!!! Check her out here....JAMIE HARPER BLOG ....

Good NEWS- Stephanie got her results back yesterday...she is HEALTHY...no CANCER!!!! That is the best news...love you girl!!!!

off to go to Photography class.

Teresa

want to share....

I wanted to share with you, something that I feel strongly about. I am blessed, and I feel grateful everyday for my numerous blessings. I sometimes feel like I need to do more to serve and help others. I always feel like I fall short. I realize that anything we can do- as little or big as it is to help others- is ALL that matters. So this is just a small way in which I hope to help raise money for Breast Cancer Research.

I put together this large assortment of products that I designed.  I and am sending it to Stephanie. She is going to AUCTION off this large assortment of products that I have donated on her blog. All proceeds are going to the cause. You can read more about it on her blog. She is the beautiful girl that I posted about a couple of weeks ago. Please pray for her- as she is facing many medical tests to see if she has breast cancer herself. Read her blog and you will feel uplifted- STEPHANIE'S BLOG This auction is not up yet, but the link is to her blog. She does have other auctions currently going on too!!!!

Here is some photos of the items which are headed to Stephanie tomorrow!!!!

I posted a few photos since there is so much product. I have been busy in the past two years- doing all of this. PLUS MORE- some I just did not have any left. I have included products that are not even released yet. I got a box from Junkitz with two samples of some of my newest releases- and I will part with one of them-... also, I happen to have TWO of the EXTREME boy stamps (yes, they match the paper collection) and one will be donated to this auction. 

Here is what is included in the auction:

*all products are designed by Teresa Collins for Junkitz. The only product not from me- is the large Ruler Book (Tim Holtz for Junkitz)....

*Glitterz- Black, Glitter-Silver, TH Ruler Bookz, 46 sheets of 12x12 sheets of my various paper designs-extreme boy, whimsical halloween, shabby chic, holiday, etc., TIN Book, Index Tab Book, 5x8 Mantle book, Newspaper Flowers, Journaling Spotz, Large Chipboard Letters, med. Box Books, Extreme Boy Transparency Ribbon, Cream Accordion Book, Whimsical Halloween Chipboard Titlez, Whimsical Halloween Cardstock Stickers, Love Line Ribbons, Extreme Boy Rhinestonez, Sunflower Foam Stamp, Cream Alphabet Tilez, Extreme Boy Tilez, Halloween Book Platez (orange/black) & (cream/green), Shabby Chic Book Platez (Cream w/ black dots), Paisley Foam Stamp, White Tag Bookz (12 tagz), Black Accordion Envelope Bookz, Stitched File Folder Book, Extreme Boy CLEAR STAMPZ, Ruler Ribbonz, Pumpkin Foam Stamp, Dots Foam Stamp, Red Alphabet Tilez, gingham ribbon, Holiday tilez, Bag of Bling, Christmas chipboard titlez, Extreme boy rub ons, Extreme Boy glitterz, large Fabric Flower, Extreme Boy Chipboard Titlez, Love line Rub ons, Halloween tilez.

RETAIL VALUE is $285.00

I am so happy to help and if you feel so inclined, bid on the auction for a very worthwhile cause. Thanks!!!!

It's family night, so I am off to go play games with the kids!!!!

Teresa

Blown AWAY...

That is all that I can say. I stopped counting at OVER 100 emails on the day I posted my resignation from Junkitz on my blog. I was on the computer all day. Thankfully my family understood. I not only had stores emailing me, but they wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to back out on coming to teach. I absolutely will be at ALL the events that I have planned. Off the top of my head, I know I will be going to teach in Puerto Rico, Southern California (a few stores are lined up!), Houston Texas, Florida, Cruise in April 2007 with Donna Downey and Leah Fung, Oregon, and Northern California. I know I am forgetting some- but as you can see I'm keeping myself busy...

I had to laugh at some of the emails. I guess many of you THINK I am starting my own company. I even got emails of interest to WORK for me. Let me just say...THANKS for the confidence in me- I am very flattered....Also, NO I am NOT pregnant either. No more babies in my future...I'm DONE!!!!! Can you see why I was emailing all day long???? Thank you for all he support. It means more to me than you will ever know.

Also, FINALLY...I can let you know that I am doing a couple of fun things in the month of October. I am in the process of designing a kit- HALLOWEEN- that you can purchase directly from FRECKLE FRIENDS. I realized I was not going to be able to do a blog kit right now, so Susan asked me to design it and her online site will KIT it-ship it, etc. and give it the same care and attention that I do with my blog kits. Make sense????

Oh, let me warn YOU...the KIT is absolutely WICKED!!!! I am using my (TC/Hampton Arts-Junkitz)Halloween stamps in the project too. I LOVE the album in the kit. It is the Making Memories one with the cute black spiderweb over the craft book. Go and signup for their newsletter and they will email you when the KIT goes up for sale. I will post it on my blog as well.

I am the guest designer for CREATING INSPIRATIONS for the month of October. I know they are putting together a KIT- Halloween (yes, there will be lots of my Whimsical Halloween in it mixed with some other fun goodies!!!!) that I will do a couple projects and do a online chat at the site. Good thing I love Halloween so much!!!!!

So today, I spent the entire morning at a design center. After about 15 minutes all the stoves, refrigerators start to look the same. I became pretty overwhelmed with the decisions I had to make. Ty went with me, and we picked out all the appliances. Ty and I have decided to sell some of our appliances (refrigerator) and donate some of them to individuals in need.... with the kitchen remodel.  IF you live in Utah, and you are in need of cabinets, then you can have them...no charge- FREE! You would have to come and take them out and such, but the cabinets are MAPLE and still in excellent condition. Please email me- the counter tops are granite but they cannot be salvaged- or you could have them too. I also have a large wood kitchen table that I would like to donate. If you or you know someone in need PLEASE do not hesistate to contact me.

After this, we headed to Matts apartment in Provo. He turned 22 on Monday and you will never guess what he wanted for his birthday. He called up and said...will you come and decorate my room in my apartment? I was so flattered. I have not been doing alot of interior design projects for quite some time. Scrapbooking has keep me busy!!!!

I was a little nervous... So we took him to a home decor store, and I picked out several items (large oversized mirror, red pillows for his bed (his comforter was tan)- easy choice, floor lamps, etc. It turned out beautiful and it really made my day that he asked me to do this for him. Happy Birthday Matt...love you tons bud!!!!

Okay, long post...and it is 3:30 am. I am such a night owl- crazy! I have signed up to take photography classes. I decided it is time that I learned how to use my other camera. I use my Canon rebel on a daily basis, but I NEVER use my other Canon. So I signed up for two different photography classes...different locations, etc. I learned pretty much everything I know from JANNA and  Candice Cook - we had the best time in NJ playing with our cameras and taking photos together-and also, Karen Russell. I am actually teaching at an event in Jan. 2009 with Karen. I plan to TAKE her classes. Can I do that???? If I'm not teaching, I will be there. Check out her blog...she has the BEST photography advice. She says it in a way that you can undersand...KAREN RUSSELL. I just bought a new lense because she recommended it.

Must go to bed, I have a photographer friend coming by my house at 10am to take some photos for me. I painted the girls room PINK and it is the PERFECT PINK. I wanted her to take some photos with the PINK as my background. When she posts them on her photography website...I will share.

Teresa

A TIME OF BIG CHANGES....

News To SHARE…..

Hello friends,

I have some news to share with each of you.

 

On Aug.31^st, after two years at Junkitz I resigned- I will no longer design my signature line of products for them. I appreciate all the opportunities Junkitz gave me and I cherish my memories there. I also want to thank Stacey and Kenny for believing in me from the start. I am at a point in my life and career where I want to explore new opportunities. My family and I have worried and prayed over this decision and in the end, I realized it was time.

I feel a sense of peace and strength in this decision, which is anchoring me - as is the love and support of my family and friends. Change is never easy!!!!

I will continue to teach independently while I explore where my path will lead. I have many events planned up until 2009- yikes!-- that I will be at, and I will fully support the products that I have designed as well as Junkitz as a company.  I appreciate all the years of support so many of you have expressed to me through my blog, attending my classes and through personal emails.

Thanks so much-

Teresa

A big THANKS

to Wendy and Kelly at the SCRAP SHACK. I had the most WONDERFUL time teaching at their store. I bought some really cool NASCAR items at their store-BONUS! The girls were so friendly- and I loved every minute with my new friends.

I recognized one of the girls-and asked her if I had met her before- and yes, she was at CKU DETROIT and we had met briefly. She is CUTE- and her photography was stunning! I can't believe IZZY- I met her at CKU Atlanta in 2006. She drove from Atlanta-brought her husband and family along- to take the class- Thanks IZZY- she is truly a gem and I am touched. The entire room was filled with the kindest, most talented woman...and I left inspired by them in more ways than one. Thanks to everyone who came-so appreciated!

It was definitely a cool experience to be in NASCAR land. I took photos because this was a first for me. The class room was too small to accomodate the class size. So the owners moved the class to Dale E. Jr's (go #8- what will his new number be????) private office building- JR MOTORSPORTS. It is a brand new facility and it is COOL!!!! We had a huge room to do the class in. I think it is their meeting/planning room. After the class was over, I was able to do into another part of the building- the main room with all the various race cars that his team drives. I saw car #88 that was in a HUGE wreck last weekend. It was the worst wreck they had- and the car was severly mangled. I saw Dales HUGE trophy...anyway, I asked to take some photos- and so I took a few shots. Sorry- I'm still in NC and left my camera/card reader. Would you would like to see them????? Dale Jr. was racing in Richmond Virginia this past weekend. I have to say, I could not have asked for a better time. We took lots of photos and I made some wonderful new friends. SCRAP SHACK is located in MOORESVILLE, North CAROLINA. They have a GREAT SELECTION!!!!!

I will post more photos from this project after I teach it one last time- I was asked to teach it in November in Puerto Rico!!!! I am sorry to say, that I do not have any extra kits.

Last night, after the class- we (my sister and nieces) went to TEXAS Road House (love the sweet potatoes!) and came home to watch a movie. THANKFUL for this short visit with my family. I dread leaving today- this afternoon- but I am READY to see my family. I have a direct but LONG flight tonight (over 6 hours!!!!). I will have major jet lag tomorrow...but it will be worth it!!!!

NC class

Hey, if your in the class tomorrow at the SCRAP SHACK in Mooresville, NC- due to the class selling out and they felt the class room would be a little too tight....so, I will actually be teaching the class at JR Motorsports. Kinda cool, huh! I am a big NASCAR fan growing up in NC, so I am thrilled to be teaching here. So check in at the store, and then you will get directions to the Motorsports building. I plan to head up early to shop a bit in the store-

Today I spent a few hours working on designs- I woke up at 5am with a million ideas and so I decided to get out of bed and start sketching. My sister thought I was nuts....

We spend the day shopping and we went to a day spa. Its my sisters birthday, so we did a facial and a body scrub-my treat, since I never am here on her birthday. I *think* I fell asleep. Not quite sure- but I was very relaxed.

Tonight, my sister has invited over 3 of  her best girl friends and we are having a GIRLS NIGHT OUT. Well, I should say...a GIRLS NIGHT IN. They come over, for dinner, and we rented movies, and a girls only sleepover. My sister does hair and so she is doing one of the girls hair color tonight. I guess it is something they do every few weeks. My nieces are going to friends houses too. So tonight, it should be fun!!!!! ***

Have a great weekend!

Teresa

North Carolina

I'm here in Hickory...yes, I am here in my hometown- NORTH CAROLINA. I love it here! It is beautiful. I love all of the beautiful trees and southern hospitality. I got in yesterday about 5:30pm and I've been running around ALOT. I did carpool for my two nieces this morning, and then I went shopping. I bought a PINK CAROLINA shirt. My family will not be surprised. I went to Michaels and then ACMoore. We do not have AC Moore in Utah. I was pretty excited to see my Extreme Boy stuff in the store. I did a double take...I looked at my name on the packaging and said to myself- WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT????

I left my glossy accents at home by accident, so I had to purchase another bottle. It is the only liquid adhesive that I use. I used to like diamond glaze, but a friend corrected me of my ways...he he...and I am hooked on Glossy Accents (Ranger). I use it in every single class I teach. Good stuff!

I am super pumped to teach my class on Saturday at the ScrapShack. If you are in the class, I sent the store a complete list of what to bring to class and the photos that I used. Also, if you are in the class- you will be happy to know I have some surprises in store for you- lots actually!!!!!  The class is sold out- but if your in the area, please stop by and say hello!!!

Now, I am spending the day visiting my old stomping grounds- Hickory High School, the Mall, etc. I bought flowers this morning to take to my mother's grave today. Man, I can hardly type this. I am pretty emotional still- and in two weeks, it will mark the 5 years since she passed away. I don't think you ever get over losing your parent(s), a child or someone who you loved so dearly. Not a day goes by, that I don't think about my mom, or something will remind me of her (music especially) or  I will want to call her up to chat or discuss a problem with her, etc. Nothing like motherly advice!!!!!

There is nothing like the love of UNCONDITIONAL love. My mother was my best friend and I shared my dreams and heart with her. When she died, my world crumbled- and I struggled with my will to go on- not saying I was suicidal- I wasn't but it was just so unexpected and I was not ready to lose my mother. I went through several stages- SHOCK (she was only 52years old), SADNESS, ANGER, etc. I gained a lot of weight- fast, and I just kind of stopped caring for a while.

However- her death and all the emotions I was going through... is the REASON I started to scrapbook. It was the OUTLET for me, to help me move forward.  I view life differently now- and it has helped me to appreciate the LITTLE THINGS. Life is so short and I want to make a difference each DAY in all that I am doing- as a mother, wife, friend, and I try hard to tell my family (i love you!)- EVERYDAY- and how much they mean to me.  Memories are so important- not only do I want to remember them and preserve them- but I want to MAKE MEMORIES.
So today, I am so thankful to be able to take beautiful flowers to my mom. Okay...I am just so grateful to be HERE and that I feel blessed to be HOME and be able to do this.

Teresa

a little MOJO

a little MOJO Thought I would post something that I did for A MILLION MEMORIES- for their MOJO room. You can check it out at their website. Michelle asked me be a guest designer- and share a little bit of my MOJO with them... here goes-

teresa With TERESA COLLINS *MOJO ROOM* A MILLION MEMORIES- September 1, 2007

QUESTION and ANSWERS FROM MICHELE-

Q: Where you came up with the idea of doing the Extreme Boy line, or the Halloween lines?

INSPIRATION COMES TO ME AT THE ODDEST TIMES AND PLACES. OFTEN I WILL BE UNABLE TO SLEEP DUE TO AN IDEA. THE EXTREME BOY WAS SKETCHED OUT IN THE BATHROOM WHEN I WAS AT A CHA TRADE SHOW ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO. I DID NOT WANT TO WAKE UP MY ROOMIE, JANNA WILSON- SO I WENT TO THE BATHROOM TO SKETCH OUT MY PAPER LINE. I FIND THAT WHEN I AM DESIGNING A NEW COLLECTION, I AM INSPIRED BY ONE ELEMENT THAT THEN INSPIRES THE REST OF MY LINE. FOR THE EXTREME BOY LINE, I WAS WANTING A REALLY COOL LINE WITH RED, BLACK AND CREAMS…AND I STARTED WITH THE FLAME PAPER.

I get asked often if I ever RUN OUT OF IDEAS. I think I am the opposite…I am always dreaming up hundreds of products, which is fun to then narrow down the top ones that I feel with be the best *of the best* of my ideas to produce. Thankfully, it is something that comes to me quickly. One of the nicest compliments I had came from Tim Holtz…he told me once that I was a like a machine…a nonstop idea factory- because I am always coming up with a lot of product ideas. It’s pretty funny, but true…I dream scrap booking.

Q: What inspired you to use those colors, the skulls, all the cute details in those products?

MY BACKGROUND IS IN INTERIOR DESIGN, SO I AM ALL ABOUT THE COLOR, THE COLOR COMBINATIONS AND THE MOOD OF THE LINE. WHEN I DESIGNED THE HOMESPUN CHRISTMAS LINE, I KNEW I WANTED TO DESIGN THE LINE WITH THE NONTRADITIONAL GREEN COLOR. THAT COLOR BECAME THE FOCUS OF THE LINE. AT THE TRADE SHOW, I HAD MANY STORES WHO LOVED THAT I USED NONTRADITIONAL COLORS IN MY LINE. WHEN I AM FIRST DESIGNING A LINE, I GO TO THE PAINT SECTION OF THE CRAFT STORE AND I CHOOSE MY COLOR PALLETE. I THEN FOCUS ON MAKING MY PRODUCTS CONSISTENT AND BALANCED IN THE COLOR DEPARTMENT. I HAND PAINT AND DRAW MY PAPER LINES! I SKETCH OUT WHATEVER IMAGE I LIKE- LIKE THE SKULLS, FLAMES, SHOOTING STARS, ETC. AND TRY TO OFFER PRODUCTS THAT ARE UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT IN THE INDUSTRY. I STRIVE TO DESIGN LINES THAT CATER TO THE BEGINNER TO THE ADVANCED SCRAPBOOKER!!!! One of my objectives when I design a new line is not to do something that is already done or available in the scrapbook world- but I want to be the trendsetter in that its new and fresh. Some of the products that I have designed such as the Newspaper Flowers, the TinZ books, wood box books, etc. are products that I knew would be “fresh” and I am inspired by *new & innovative* products.

Q: Do you have a routine that you follow when you scrapbook, or create altered projects?

YES, I GET MY PHOTOS OUT…MY INSPIRATION TO CREATE IS FROM MY PHOTOS- THEN I PICK OUT MY PRODUCTS THAT I WANT TO USE- HEAD TO MY SCRAPBOOK ROOM- AND I SCRAPBOOK ON THE FLOOR AS I WATCH CLICK FLICKS….WELL, ACTUALLY I DON’T WATCH THE MOVIE, BUT I LISTEN TO THE MOVIE OVER AND OVER. I ADMIT, I WILL WATCH A MOVIE ABOUT THREE TIMES BEFORE I PUT IN A NEW MOVIE. LAST MOVIE- Win a Date with Tad Hamilton…I know, such a silly movie!!!!

*created for the MOJO ROOM- Noteworthy Clipboard- designed 9/1/2007

Photos above.....

Designed in less than 30 minutes today. I loved the photo of my friend Tammy’s little girl, Ashley. I was instantly inspired by the PINK in the photo. The photo inspired me to create a very girly girl clipboard- clipboard available at the .99 cent store…(cool clear frame that I altered and blinged up!!!!) I got out a few of my fave things and created a little something fun. I love the pink elements and the *feel* of the page. If you see the cool black A- that is my from my latest GLITTERZ line. I added the black Glitterz to go with the Whimsical Halloween line. I find I never limit myself- my style is consistent in that I love girl elements, hence the bling, I love simple but go for EYE CANDY. I love to add BLACK into my work- I painted around the edges of the clipboard, photo, etc. Also, I’m a huge fan of stamps. The perfect accent for easy journaling. *also, under the photo is a black file folder with hidden journaling. LOVE the added REAL ESTATE!!!!!

I also, really do not limit myself to what I can and cannot do- there is no rules! *okay- don’t tell my college professors this!!!!* So if you have any clipboards hanging around, maybe you’ll feel a little MOJO to create something too.

Q: Do you flip through home interior magazines to get inspired by color?

Of course, but I need to go one step beyond. I am a visual girl- and my environment often inspires me. I will go shopping and visit furniture/design stores. Last weekend, I spent the afternoon shopping at Gardner Village -a cool village of shops ranging from furniture, clothing, holiday décor, to a quilt shop. I came home *inspired* in so many ways. I also found the perfect bed for my teen daughters bedroom- bonus!!!!!! Inspiration if EVERYWHERE!!!!

Q: Do you use sketches?

For paper and product design…yes, yes, yes- ALWAYS. I love to have sketches in details of my ideas and vision of the line. I always travel everywhere I go- even the grocery store- with my product idea book. You never know when inspiration will hit you!!!! Wow, it’s hard when I’m in the shower and ideas will come. I have to hurry up and shower so I can write it down, I have learned I will forget it, if I don‘t… However, for scrap booking layouts- I NEVER sketch. I go with what feels right and is visually eye pleasing. I am a fast scrap booker. I don’t force the creative process, and I try to be myself.

Q: What you do to get your creativity flowing on a daily basis. I remember when we sent you our monthly kit to work on. I think you had all of your projects done in like 24 hours and when I saw them my jaw dropped because they were so beautiful! My first thought was ~ how can she do something so beautiful in such a short period of time?

Thank you!

Well, I am a fast scrap booker. I embrace my style but I am always experimenting with trying new things. Everyone tells me that I have a very classic, distinct style that they can tell is my work. I am the type of girl who is never late, always does my product deadlines before it is due, etc. It is just me! I hate to have things to weighing on my mind- so I tend to just get it done. Thank you so much for the compliment- your very sweet!!!!

Q: Did you have an idea in your head already for what you were going to do?

In product design, always. I have sketches and design ideas for a year and beyond at any given time. I love to have ideas formulated so that I can think about the line (over and over), and often improve on the original idea and concept. In layout designs, honestly- not really. I may know that I want a alter a clipboard- but that is about it. Thanks for letting me visit your MOJO room. It’s been a lot of fun answering your questions and designing a little something for you!!!!

Enjoy- Teresa Collins

just wanted to share with everyone on my blog. have a great weekend!