TERESA COLLINS

Last day in Portugal- I'm home

I'm home. I'm majorly tired. This is normal. It was worth it. I simply adore the country, culture and the people. I love Patricia and am so thankful she invited me to come again. It was a honor to go and something I will forever hold special in my heart. I want to thank everyone at the event for making my time there so very special. I get emotional thinking about all the special moments. 

This was my last day here in Portugal. Look at what this beautiful girl created with my papers and my fabrications flower. It was amazingly beautiful!

I am very grateful for Yolanda. She was my Spanish translator. We had ten women who came from Spain to the event. These girls were beyond sweet and crazy(in a very good way). I even taped a video of this class since everyone was cheering and so happy to be there. ALL the workshops were extremely welcoming. They loved having me there and showed so much love and appreciation. They gave me gifts to take home. My family is loving the candy from Portugal. It's yummy!!!!

These girls were the just always smiling and so happy. They just warmed my heart!!!!!

She is so very nice. I simply can't explain how rewarding and lucky I feel to have had this experience again. 

The cute girls from Spain. I did spend quite a few hours in Madrid Spain on this trip. I hope to go to Spain and teach as well. They are a large and growing group. They could not have been nicer.

My last class at the event. They were tired but you would have never known it. I feel the girls truly create from the heart. They share so much and there is such a connection.

The teachers at the event. Tiffani Smith (Pebbles), Pete Huges (Sizzix), Patricia (she hosts the event)- I consider her the dearest sweetest friend and I adore her...words can't capture how much she inspires me in life, and Aimee (Graphic 45). They are a group of the most talented wonderful teachers. I loved being able to talk and really get to know each of them better. This was my first time meeting Pete. What a talented guy! I can only say the nicest things about him. We enjoyed many lunches and dinners together. 

 

We simply had the best time together. I would go again ANY time. It is worth the jet lag and feeling tired for the special memories in my heart.

My family is thankful I am home. Zach has a baseball game tonight. Gentry got her wedding dress yesterday. It was beautiful and I cried. We are so happy. The wedding is in THREE weeks... oh my... THREE weeks. SO much to do and get done. Then I am headed to teach in New Zealand with McKay. I simply feel so thankful and LUCKY. 

Saturday in Portugal...

Today the workshops began. I taught three workshops. This event has both women and men who attend the event. I always worry about the language barrier. Most students are Portugese but we have ten students from Spain and speak Spanish. I was worried that they would not understand me. I was so thankful that my workshops went so well. My heart was thankful and very relieved that they enjoyed my workshops and project. This is very important to me. I encouraged the students in my classes today to "CREATE from the HEART." Add meaning and purpose into "the story." It was a great day. 

Look at these beautiful women. I honestly can say that I am a better person from coming here. I feel like I see the world brighter and realize that what I am fortunate to be able to get to know each of them.

It is always so nice to teach and see happy smiling faces back at you. They are truly beautiful inside as well as on the outside.

I simply loved the view and the location. We had a wonderful day.

I

II am having the most wonderful time here. I will post more pphotos of my next workshops. 

PS... I am so thankful for SKYPE. I love seeing and talking to my family back home. Zachs team swept Herriman High School last week. McKay flew to Seattle with her best friend from BYU who lives there. She wanted to see what the city was like and have a little break after finals. Devan graduated from BYU. It has been a busy week.

DAY 2 PORTUGAL...

I am thankful for SIX hours of sleep last night. I didn't wake up once. We spent the day touring Porto and having the most amazing day. We saw the most amazing buildings and the history here goes back centuries. The people truly are wonderful. 

Our first stop was the library. It actually is a famous book store. (they would not allow photos to be taken inside). I purchased playing cards for my kids, postcards for my scrapbook and magnets.

I saw beautiful fountains and the most beautiful buildings. We walked up and down the streets. It was a sunny warm day. 

This is my partner in crime. Tiffany and I came together for the second year in a row. She is the sweetest and the girl makes me laugh.

I had never seen anything like this Catholic cathedral. It was amazingly ornate, gold and beautiful. THIS photo does not do it justice.

The shopping was very inspirational. Can you see me in the sign????? I often find so many influences in the places that I visit. This was a very good day for me.

I love the tile work and the various colored buildings. 

Again, walking up and down the streets was great cardio. 

The detail in the buildings simply are stunning. 

We went to the ocean and the waves were intense. We decided to get a little wet. We wanted to put our feet in the sand. (me, Tiffani, Pete (sizzix) and Kenzi (Tiffani's daughter). I even made a little message for my husband in the sand....

The sand was more like little rocks. I don't know if you can see I HEART YOU... but I wanted Ty to know that I love him. 

We had the most amazing lunch right by where we took the photo. It was a restuarant on the sea. The waves would crash right in front and below us. I had the most delicious tuna steak. I love seafood so I find the food here perfect for me.Patricia and her husband are the perfect hosts. They have taken us sightseeing and treated us to the MOST exquisite restarants. 

Oh and the event SOLD OUT!!!!!!! They literally are doing so well here. The scrapbook and crafting hobby is growing and this is just a blessing and joy to see come true for not only Patricia but the people here. I am so fortunate that she loves my products and distributes them. She is fabulously talented. 

We set up our rooms and they will rotate for the workshops. We have some great teachers here. Pete (Sizzix), Tiffani Smith (pebbles,inc), Patricia (Distributor/ Maggie Holmes project), Amy (Graphic 45), and me. I am honored and can't wait to start teaching later today. 

Oh, so cute... we have ten women from Spain. I ran into a few of the girls today in the hotel lobby. One lady said..."Oh, it's Teresa Collins." I smiled and said Hello. She then started talking to me in Spanish. I am sure it was a question. I just stood there since I did not understand her. This is ONE of my regrets... WHY did I not take Spanish in high school and college? It would have really helped me. Oh well, I can speak a few words in French. Well, it's pretty bad, but I did take 4 years in high school and at BYU. 

One last thing. All day today I bought postcards, journaled in my travel notebook, took 60 photos, and purchased gifts for my kids. It was a wonderful day. I love documenting what I did and where I was. I love free restaurant business cards so I can remember where I went. I love free maps and brouchures. Traveling is a indeed a creative adventure!!!!

Here in Portugal

It is Friday morning here and I'm blogging from my hotel room. I am having some serious jet lag. I think the fact that I could not sleep on the 9.5 flight from DFW to Madrid did the trick. Normally I sleep, but I just tried everything and could not sleep. 

The flight was fine, but going without sleep for me is really hard with the time difference.

We landed in Spain. My flight was 1.5 hours leaving and was then late leaving Dallas and I missed my flight to Porto. They gave me a travel food lunch voucher and told me the only flight would be 6.5 hours later. 

This is what I got with my voucher. I stayed in the ARC restaurant for a couple hours to kill some time. Then I walked the airport. Thankfully, I ran into Tiffani (another teacher going to the event) and her daughter. We all waited for the next flight. It ended up being 1.5 late leaving. It was a LONG day at the Madrid airport. 

Thankfully we arrived at the hotel. The event is at the Holiday Inn. This hotel is so nice.

The hotel lobby is so nicely designed. I was so thankful to be here. All I could think about was a shower and resting a bit.

This is my hotel room. 

I must say that showers are a very good thing... 

After a quick rest, we went to dinner last night. This is downtown Porto. Oh how I love this beautiful place. 

This is where we had dinner last night. I love the food here. I had the most amazing pasta (I'm not even a pasta girl).

This is the outside of the building me ate at. I simply love the details in the tile work and wood.

I loved the gold and blue table and restaurant decor.

The restaurant had all this beautiful gold chandeliers. Oh soooo pretty!

We are sightseeing today and setting up for the event. Looking forward to a great day!!!!!!!

Thoughts from the airport

Well, It's almost time to board my flight. I am the gate. My heart is always a little (lot) heavy to leave my family. I am going to even miss two baseball games. I hate missing the games so my husband will be skyping with me to keep me all updated.

I am so lucky to be going back to Portugal again. I love Patricia. She is the kindest woman and friend. This was my trip there ONE year ago this month.

I loved loved loved the women. I can't wait to see them again. I think these women as so beautiful. I can't wait to see them again.

TEN MINUTES until I board- headed to Dallas, then Madrid Spain and then Porto, Portugal. It's going to be a LONG day. It will be worth it. I am so very honored to go again.

Off I go.... 

*to my family- ILYMTAYCTSOF... xoxoxo FOREVER

I'm going to PORTUGAL.... tomorrow!!!!!

I'm so excited. I fly to Madrid Spain and then Porto Portugal tomorrow. I will be teaching at the most amazing event again. I am so blessed to be asked to come back. My heart is full and thankful. If you have never been to Portugal- GO!!!!!

It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Today is super busy for me and I'm just going to check things off one at a time. I have meetings x2, a doctor appt, and Zach has a baseball game. Oh, and I am doing Gentrys wedding invitations with her. Yes, it's busy but I know that I can do it. One thing at a time!!!!

So I thought I would share some projects that Julie Jacob did with my SHE SAID collections.

She said collection- papers, stitched garland and enamel dots. Oh my... I love how she used the stitched garlands and cut some apart. GREAT IDEA!!!!

I am loving the gold stamping and embossing with my stamps and just love how she did this layout. 

I love your work Julie- your amazing!!!!!!

Now... time for me to get busy.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GENTRY!!!!

Today is my daughter Gentry's 21st birthday!!! It is also one month until the wedding. So we had a family party at our house yesterday to celebrate. It is a tradition that we take lots of photos each year. I think it's so important to document every birthday. 

The kids were all home yesterday and I actually got a photo of all of them together. Gentry and McKay are taking finals this week at BYU. They all helped Gentry celebrate turning 21!!!! I loved McKay and Taylor going to church with us.

The best part of this past year has been Gentry dating Devan for the past year, getting engaged and being so happy. I am so thankful that she finally said yes to going on a date with him. Devan is truly one of the sweetest young men you will ever met. He adores my daughter.

Devan is perfect for her. He treats her like a princess and with so much respect. If you know Gentry she is very mature for her age. She has always been "an old soul" and they are best friends. Devan graduates this Thursday and Friday from Brigham Young University. He will start the Masters program at the U of Utah in the fall in the accounting program. 

We had the best day just laughing and having a wonderful birthday dinner. *note- Ty was not happy to have mom take so many photos. He is 14!!!

So Ty decided to make the photos even better by being so "unhappy" in the photos. I love these moments. 

This was how he wanted to take all his photos- hat and sunglasses. ha! I let him. I want to remember his personality. He is in 8th grade. 

Yes, the boys really don't like me taking their photos much at all anymore. So when they agreed to let me take photos, I did not complain. Yes, he wanted sunglasses and his Capri Sun.

They kids got so silly. I loved my neighbors driving by and seeing me "yet again" out taking photos of the family. We had just got home from church.

OKAY, I have to explain. We have a birthday sash and crown that the kids wear every year for birthdays. McKay and I looked and looked and could not find them. So we quickly "made a sash" out of linen fabric, safety pins and a black sharpie. Oh my... it was not pretty. However, it gave us all a good laugh and Gentry loved it.

We decorated the table with sequins and McKay and I made pink flowers out of crepe paper. So easy and it just was a litte pretty accent.

Taylor made dinner for her sister. I thought this was so sweet. Gentry wanted enchiladas and her favorite brownie/carmel dessert. The girls are so close and it's my greatest accomplishment that they are best friends.

They are actually all so close and they have their own sweet and personal relationships. It was my greatest desire as a mother to have them be so close. Trust me when they were younger, it was always a battle to have five kids so close in age. I had all five of my kids by the time I was 29 years old. I look back now and realize how little I knew and am so thankful they have come out so happy and know that family is everything!!! Trust me, I have had many doubts if I was doing this parenting thing right. Days like today make me feel like I did okay.

Yes, I was even in some of the photos. Taylor said "Mom, I want a photo with you." This always makes me smile. I was having a "bad" hair day and yet it really does not matter. I need to be in my family story. 

I asked each of the kids to let me take some photos of just them. I feel this is so important. Zach was so silly. He is 15 years old and a Freshman. He just acted like he was modeling and the entire family was laughing at his antics. Hey, I will take any photos. I love them!

Taylor is 22 years old. Yes, I had two babies so close. Oh my... it was hard at the time. I am so thankful NOW that they are close. 

This is the "baby"girl. McKay is 18 almost 19 in May. She is just the most kindhearted sweet girl. She is preparing for her mission to Seattle, WA (Spanish speaking). I cry pretty much all the time since I am emotional with the wedding and McKay going on her mission. I am so happy they are doing good things, but wow... hard for a mom to let go. 

I love being a mother and find this my greatest joy and accomplishment in life. It goes by so fast... in a blink of an eye they are older. It's so important to live each day loving where you are at. I always tell young mothers, don't wish your days away. Enjoy where you are at!!!! I know I did and it really helped me to remember to "celebrate" each time and season.

Gentry, I love being your mother. I love you so very much. I am proud of you and your desire to be such a good person. I always and forever will love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

Update on Italy event....

*Laura posted a great blog post on Italy today and I thought I would share the latest news about the event I will be teaching at in June 2013. I am so excited. Here is her post-

Hello everyone,

I am in the THICK of planning a VERY EXCITING week in Lake Como this June!  I feel really BLESSED right now and everything is coming together so perfectly. Little surprises and ideas I had hoped and dreamed would happen are coming TRUE!  It's all OVERWHELMING this week... in a GOOD way!

I can't spill EVERYTHING that I've been planning but I do want to start sharing some of it with you.

First, I wanted to say THANK YOU to Fancy Pants Designs for SPONSORING our Creative Retreat!  They have graciously offered to support this event and have some wonderful goodies for each student!  So THANK YOU Fancy Pants!!!

Now as you know,  we have some AMAZING teachers for this years Creative Retreat!  I am so honored that they both want to join me in the journey with YOU to Italy and be a part of something that is truly beautiful.  And these teachers have made some BEAUTIFUL class projects for this years event!

So TODAY I'm going to share some SNEAKS from one class of each of the teachers.

I'll start with Teresa Collins.  She is teaching 2 classes during the week and I have to say when she emailed me pictures of the 2 projects I was SO EXCITED!!  I was like kid in a candy store looking at the pictures of her projects!  So here's a SNEAK into one of those classes:

Our 2nd teacher is Jeanne Oliver.  She is also teaching 2 classes and these will focus on mixed media art.  She has some AMAZING classes for us and I can't WAIT to sit in on these classes and learn some new things!  So here's a SNEAK into one of her classes:

Lastly, I am teaching one class.  I wish I could teach 2 classes but with all that I have to organize during the week it's just best for me to teach one.  So I like to teach the first class and have it be a travel journal that everyone can useTHROUGHOUT the week!  I like to have lots of pockets, lots of journaling pages, some art pages and just lots of interactive pages for you to put your thoughts in, hold all your ephemera from the week and put your photos in when you get home.  So here's a SNEAK of my Travel Journal:

So there you have it!  These are the 1st three SNEAKS of the classes.  I will share the other class SNEAKS next week.  All of these class projects are on their way to Italy and we shall see them in 2 months almost from the day...

Now I have quite an INCREDIBLE week planned for this event and some things will be kept SECRET until the event, but one of the things I have planned for that week is SO AMAZING, I want to share it with the world!!!

A little history before I do though...

In this age of technology it is just FASCINATING how "small" the world is.  At a touch of my phone or a click on my computer I can see anywhere I want through the eyes of people all over the world!  That brings me so much JOY because as you probably already gathered... I LOVE Italy!!  :)

So when I am missing Lake Como and want to "see" Italy I can communicate with friends over there on Facebook or look at pictures of Lake Como on Instagram.  I've always loved looking at "hashtags" on Instagram and seeing all the photos for #lakecomo or #lagodicomo and this is where the story unfolds.

One such photo on Instagram opened a whole new world to me.  And I made a new friend out of it too!  You see I was browsing #lakecomo on Instagram and found a picture of someones blog that lives in Como and it was SO CUTE!  It's called Live Love Create Inspire and the girl who created this website lives on Lake Como!  Of course just the title of her blog/website alone peaked my interest.  But then when I saw how LOVELY it is and full of inspiration I just HAD to email her!  Well that was quite a few months ago and now we have someEXCITING news to share!!!

We have joined forces for ONE INCREDIBLE NIGHT in Bellagio on June 25th!

Here's a PEAK at a flyer/poster I'm still creating that will be posted all around Lake Como... hopefully soon. But it's SO EXCITING to share this NEWS WITH YOU TODAY! How fun will this night be!?!

Evelyn, the owner of Live Love Create Inspire, will gather some of her friends and local artists on:

 Tuesday June 25th,  at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni for  "A Night of Artists" in Bellagio, Italy!

It will be a VERY SPECIAL night where local ARTISTS will come and share their work with us.  These are some VERY TALENTED people who are taking the time to come to our event and show us their beautiful designs, give us a chance to meet them, see their work, purchase some of their VERY SPECIAL handmade items AND enjoy an evening together with music and food!  I am THRILLED BEYOND WORDS to have a chance to bring together our group and these talented local artists to be a part of their community and share a night like this together.  This event will be OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and if YOU live in the Lake Como area, PLEASE JOIN US for this wonderful night!

Evelyn will have more details on her blog and we will both be sharing about these talented artists and more information about this event as we get closer to the date.  I plan to have some of our teachers doing some things that night as well to showcase their talents too!

ALSO, for those who live in the local area...  THE CLASSES all of us teachers are teaching will be open to SIGN UP FOR!!  All the teachers have made a few extra class kits for anyone who is interested in joining us throughout the week for one class, 2 classes or ALL of the classes!!  So please feel free to email me if you are interested in joining us!  These are some AMAZING teachers who teach all over the world and I know you will learn SO MUCH from them!  You can email for times and costs for each class at Laura@akissonthechic.com

So there you have just a few details on some AMAZING things going on during our Creative Retreat this June!!  If you want to join us for the whole week, I am holding ONE SPOT OPEN!  The time is coming to a close though, so sign up SOON if you want to be a part of this INCREDIBLE week! 

Have a WONDERFUL weekend everyone!!

Hugs to all,

Laura

P.S.  I'll leave with you a little tidbit of good news I just got this morning... One of my FAVORITE restaurants in Bellagio has just opened up their restaurant to us for one night during our week there!!  This is VERY EXCITING because he does not normally take big groups!!  But my dear, dear friend worked his magic and made it happen!  You are in for a TREAT!!

FABULOUS FRIDAY-

I am at my office. I am working on TWO new collections. I love feeling inspired by life and moments that I want to remember. TODAY after all the tragedy this past week, it makes me even more grateful that I scrapbook. I tell my classes...

I am my family Historian. I really feel that what I do is important. I hope those of you who craft do too. That is why I loved my new stitched notebooks. They come already stitched and have been addicted to journaling with them. It is an instant journal. 

This is a travel book with Far & Away that Julie Jacob did-

I love how she did her book...

I am headed to Zach's baseball game today. I am so loving that he is having a great experience. He is the starting catcher and plays on the Varsity team this year. I was worried the older boys would not love a 9th grader on the team, but they have been so wonderful and welcomed him. 

This weekend we are celebrating Gentry's birthday and enjoying family time. I love these kind of weekends. Hope you have a great weekend too.

 

I'm a little obsessed with my Fiskars stamps...

I'm a little obsessed at the moment with gold and my stamps. I love the look of gold in my crafting projects. So I wanted to share these "FABULOUS" cards designed by Keisha Campbell. They are designed with my brand new TC/Fiskars stamps. I designed a line of stamps with my brand for Fiskars. I have had so many people ask who can buy them- any retailer or consumer. They are rubber cling mount stamps and they are so beautiful and great quality.

Right now, they are distributed from Notions and they are all over the country. I have had people tell me that they saw them at Archivers, Joann Craft Store and more!!!!! So retailers you can order them now.

I saw them shopping one day at Joann for fabric with Gentry and the wedding.

Also, Michaels has my adhesive line in now- my pink TC Xyron Stickermaker and the TC Pink Mega Runner. I heard that 221 stores now have them. I am so excited that these great adhesives are now available and easier to find. Retailers can also can order directly from Product Performers.

Today I am doing the yearly mammogram and I always am never to do this. However, it's so important. I would be dishonest if I said I just worry. Did you know 1 in 8 women will develop/get breast cancer? This is alarming. 

I do look forward to Gentry and McKay coming home today. We have Gentry's FINAL dress fitting. This is the reality... it a month she is getting married. I am so excited for both of them. I just want the wedding to be her dream day. 

Here are the beautiful cards that Keisha Campbell designed with my new stamps. I love them!!!!!

I loved this card with the lace hearts!!!

This Christmas card is so beautiful and I love the wreath.

Keisha http://abiteast.typepad.com/abiteast used my NOW & THEN collection with the stamps, my brads, buttons and gems too. If you like the cards just click on the photo to PIN them on Pintrest. 

I hope you have a wonderful day!!!!!!

SNEAK PEEK- my monthly kits

My heart is truly heavy over the horrible attack and tragedy yesterday in Boston. I did not hear about the attack until I was driving home from my office. I just started crying. I am angry that someone did this. I am angry that someone or group would want to hurt innocent people. I have been praying for all the victims and their families. I pray that we will find out who did this and justice will be served.

I have been having the most productive couple of days designing and tried hard last night NOT to live in FEAR over the horrible trajic things that keep happening in our world. I decided that I need to create even more from the heart to document and share. It could any one of us. We just never know when our time is up. I had been feeling so inspired to create. I love it when ideas just come together. So last night I designed the monthly TC retailer kit yesterday. I did a really cool mini book for a A-Z story book. Have you heard about this program? I personally design a kit that comes with the instructions, photos and products in a kit. Then they sell them or teach them each month in their store. They have been a HUGE success and I so love this!!!

I wanted to share a sneek peek of our MAY 2013 kit. Now this kit is really cool. I have a double page 12x12 layout and a complete mini book from my stitched notebook. All from my brand new collection- Summer Stories. I did a STORY book that is A-Z about telling your story. I am loving it. I will show the book on My Craft Channel soon too. 

If you are a retailer and would like to sign up for our monthly program please email or call Brian Orr (brian@teresacollinsdesigns.com). 

The kit for THIS month is a HE SAID/SHE SAID file folder workshop. Yes, you get TWO books in the kit. They are shipping right now.

I wanted there to be a book for a girl and a boy. This kit is so cool and I'm so happy that I could offer two projects in one kit.

FULL view of He said-

Full view of She Said-

(

Inside view of She Said-

I wanted to offer my stores and customers a way to scrapbook with my kits since I can't visit each store. (as much as I wish I could!!!!)

Okay... I really have the best design team. Honestly, these girls are so amazing. I wanted to share what Julie Jacob designed using the Stationery Noted Collection.

Stationery Noted layout using the stamps, the stitched notebook (this is the little one in the package of 2 stitched notebooks), the stitched garland and the die cut borders. I love this layout! 

Stitched notebook used for journaling... I LOVE THIS!!!!!

Inside stiched notebook- OKAY this makes my heart happy? Look at his writing? I love that this is real, authentic and he will LOVE looking back on this someday.

I love these beautiful cards. The heart is from my SHE SAID stamps and the LOVE THIS MOMENT. is from Stationery Noted. Look how cute the stitched garland is on the card.

I love how Julie used the stiched larger notebook from Stationery Noted. These come with 10 thick white pages inside and she stitched on the cover. How cool is this? LOVE this and love the stamping. Okay... I am a little obsessed with the stitched notebooks and garland right now.

Check out Julie's blog-http://juliejac.typepad.com/crazy_little_thing_called

I would LOVE if you would share your projects with me. I am on facebook at www.facebook/tcdesigns. I would love to see what you are particularily creating with the stiched garlands, stamps and notebooks. 

I am hoping the weather will decide to be more Spring here in Utah. I am missing the sunshine and hope that Zach's baseball game does not get cancelled. No more snow please... I am ready for warmth.  Have a great day!!!!

It really does matter...

I completely love traveling and teaching. I feel 1,000% that I get more from the experience than anyone that comes to my workshops. I love the connections and talking to each person in the classes. I love to hear what they love, about their families, and lifes. I know there is a connection that we each have together. I love to see the foundations of what I show them and they get inspired and add to it. I love this! 

I believe in sharing from the heart and I hope that I inspire the crafters to want to add meaning and purpose in their crafting and into their life. I feel like I had so many heart to heart connections. I am definitely an emotional girl and I live each day with gratitude and I try to emulate that. 

This is my third time visiting Claudia and the girls to teach. However, Claudia and her partners recently closed their store. Claudia and partners reopened a new store in a new location Villa Park, IL. The store was absolutely beautiful.

They had an entire WALL of my products, my adhesives with Xyron and so much more. By the time I left she was really low in products. The classes were right by her store at a local church to allow for all the students. We are even missing so many of the girls in the workshops. 

I wanted to tell you about JUDY who is a teacher at the store. She showed me her "far & away" camera album that she is teaching. It is my products mixed with COOL Tim Holtz metal embellishments. I loved seeing the project. If you are in IL you can take the workshop. 

We went to a group dinner at 100 NORTH on Saturday night. I really appreciate that 20 girls wanted to go with us. I can't tell each of them enough how much I appreciated the hospitality. I am so fortunate that I am able to visit stores and events and get to know the owners on a personal level. I want to know them and their families. I think of them often and always want to support them. I truly consider them my friends. I got to spend time with Claudia's daughters- Mia and Dana and met her husband. THIS really makes me happy. I always feel thankful that they have invited me into their life and heart. 

My next trip is later this month to Porto, Portugal. I did not hesitate when asked to come back for the second year in a row. I completely fell in love with the culture, the people and the country. 

As for the wedding, we have finally got the invitations designed and at the printer. The girls are at BYU and will be taking their finals soon. Devan will graduate this month too. We have a couple of bridal showers coming up for Gentry and we are down to the final weeks before her wedding. I love that she wants me to help her with everything. Every day is so busy and that is just the way I want it. I cherish every moment of the journey!!!!

HERE WITHOUT YOU

I'm in the hotel room in Elmhurst, IL. I have been so richly blessed by the past two days. I am inspired in life by the gracious, good and kind women that I have spent this time with. I was so honored to be here for the GRAND OPENING. I love passionately what I do. I love Claudia and thank her for asking me to come teach. I was "overbooked" and I just knew I had to come and celebrate with her. I had girls driving from very long distances to be here. The classes were so full and we had a great time. YES, I am coming back! I have photos and more to share tomorrow.

I was done teaching today and I checked my phone for any messages from my husband or kids. I got a email with this song link from my husband. I instantly felt his love for me and I wanted to let him know how much I truly love him.

 

3 Doors Down - Here Without You from mikelp13 on Vimeo.

I want him to know how much it truly means to me that he supports and loves me. We have been together for 17 years now. Is it crazy that when I see him I still get butterflies? As we have both got older, wiser, and changed... I love him so much more. So Ty I want you to know that I feel the exact same way about you!!!!!!!!! I know that Gentry and Devan have found THIS and it makes me so happy. I know in my heart when the time is right Taylor will find someone that adores her and she him. 

I am headed to bed and feeling so much gratitude tonight. I will be up at 4:30 am to head to the airport. I will be home early enough to head straight to church. I am definitely going to enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon with my kids. Thank you girls who came to the event. It was FABULOUS!!!!!!

 

 

The Biggest LOSER....

Yesterday I went on Good Things Utah. I love that the show is LIVE and I never know what I will end up talking about. It's very much a "home" to me. I have been a crafting guest for more years than I can count now. Often, I get to meet other cool guests when I am at the TV studio. Today I met Jackson Carter from this past season of The Biggest Loser.

Hey, if you know anything about me... I don't have time to watch TV, but I have a few shows that I love and record. Yes, The Biggest Loser is one of my all time FAVORITE shows! It inspires me to see the contestants CHANGE, EVOLVE and FIND themselves in this journey.

I had got done with my segment when I walked off the set. I noticed Jackson and instantly "knew" I knew him. Of course, I went over and started talking to him. I was a HUGE cheerleader and fan of Jackson. Oops I accidentially called him Jared and felt so bad. Oh my...I knew his name... one of those moments.

I will tell you he was so geniune and nice. I am now a bigger fan. So as we talked I wanted to know the "behind the scenes" with the show and him. Jackson has lost MORE weight since the show ended- finale- a couple of weeks ago. He now works out 1 hour each day and eats 2,000 calories a day. He mentioned that on the ranch they would work out every day 4-5 hours a day. 

He talked about his "mancation" with Jeff during the season. I was worried he would slip with Jeff. He laughed and said HE loved it. He loved the break from the house and being with the same people all the time. That so makes sense!

Jackson said he LOVED Bob and Dolvett. He just had a great experience on the show. I asked him if there was a secret to his success. We had discussed eating and what to eat and not to eat,etc. He said he learned...." There is no secret, it's simply your diet and excercise and MODERATION." He is adding more carbs and food back into his diet. I was so impressed and found myself giving his cute young self "business advice." I bet he thought I was CRAZY. I just felt so strongly that he has a gift for helping others and I know he will be doing this. He is very busy doing appearances, helping organizations and speaking to groups. He is determined to keep the weight off. 

So I had to ask him a really odd question. When I work out I love MUSIC. It keeps me going, engaged and upbeat. I noticed there is NEVER music when they work out. WHY???? He said they can't when the cameras are there... it's in the contract as a no no. He mentioned he does work out to music and they could if no cameras were around. Okay... I know silly question right? 

I wish him the VERY best in this journey. He really was so nice and I am so inspired. I am doing a 5 week health program again because I believe in it and my metabolism is being wacky right now. I lost 2 lbs last week of the 10 that I gained back. Yes, lost 32 and then gained 10 back. That is my reality. I can look at food and gain weight. Actually, the dietician that I am working with is trying to help me with my MEGASLOW metabolism. I am eating every 2.5 hours and there is NO calorie counting. I simply am not eating any carbs or sugar. I need to remember how great I feel when I eat so "clean." I feel fabulous and the weight gain has not really "mentally" got to me like in years past it would. I choose to love myself today...faults and all. I am so happy and I think true happiness comes from being surrounded by love within my family. 

I am on my way to the airport now- I am teaching at the GRAND OPENING celebration of Creative Card & Crafts. I will be flying to Chicago. The store is in Villa Park, IL and before I teach tonight I will be there for a meet & greet and ice cream social. Call the store for details. We would love to see you. I am so honored to be asked to come and be the first GUEST designer to teach. All the workshops sold out so fast and I am looking forward to seeing new and older friends. I so appreciate all the crafters who signed up and are coming. 

Today I wanted to show you a few of the pages from this fabulous travel memories mini book that Julie Jacob designed.

Julie mixed a few collections to do this really cool album. I really love her style and how she really does document and tell the story through her crafting.

 *love the HE SAID stitched garland on the cover.

 I really love that Julie loves and uses her typewriter mixed with her handwriting in her projects. She loves to stitch and often uses her own "humor" in her projects. I love this! She is a super sweet girl and I always laugh reading her blog. You can see many MORE beautiful pages-  on the TC Design team blog today. http://teresacollinsdesignteam.blogspot.com or on Julie's blog- http://juliejac.typepad.com/crazy_little_thing_called

Here is the video from my appearance yesterday on Good Things Utah. I showcased the brand new SUMMER STORIES and how to use those cute enamel dots.  The collection should be coming to a store near you SOON! Make sure you ask for it.

 

I am now OFF to the airport. Hope you have a great weekend!

Going on Channel 4 TV this morning...

I am headed to the TV studio and I'm going to debut Summer Stories for the first time on Good Things Utah at 9:00am. I wanted to highlight the latest trend of enamel dots. I am officially addicted to them. I use them in almost all of my projects and wanted to show how to use them in crafting.

So I wanted to share Dedra's project that is using the enamel dots as well. I was so inspired by my talented friend and design team member Dedra Long. I knew you would want to see what she created. You can see every day on my design team blog the most amazing and inspiring ways to create with my products. 

Here it is... introducing Dedra Long-

"Hi everyone! I wanted to share a mini album today featuring a mix of the Teresa Collins collections: Memories and Stationery Noted Collections. This binder clipboard album was perfect for documenting Shelby's 16th birthday.

I still love the file folders that come with every collection. This one from the Stationery Noted collection became the base of my cover page. Super fun! Oh, and product packaging is so cute these days, don't be afraid to use it when you like it.

 

 

We handmade all of her invitations and I had her fill them all out in her handwriting. I know my handwriting has changed since I was 16 and I think she will love seeing her invitations when she is my age. Enamel dots....be still my heart! Who thought this little embellishment could be so awesome!

 

 

I'm going to be completely honest here, every time we see a new collection from Teresa I can't wait to see the stamps she designed. It is my most favorite thing. I gotta get better at embossing with stamps like Keisha.

 

 

I had her friends write notes to her (the notes turned out to be mini novels).

 

 

 

 

 

I loved that this album turned out to be a little more interactive using file folders, pockets and envelopes to hold extra photos and to incorporate memorabilia as well.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!"

Find more inspiration from Dedra by following her blog:

http://dedralong.blogspot.com

So watch Good Things Utah Channel 4 TV- the new time is at 9am MST and see my projects. I am excited to show Gentry's engagment book projects that I have been working on. Today is going to be amazing!!!!

 

YOU are my happy....

I wanted to share my Monday with you. I knew Gentry was coming up from BYU to go to her first wedding dress fitting. Then I got a call from my office that my brand new mid-release had just come in.

So we headed to the office so I could gather supplies to create projects and send to my design team. THANK YOU KEVIN- who would never read my blog- who got me my products today even when they have not even been stocked and unboxed.

I was so happy to see ALL the Summer Stories products in house. Gentry was with me and tried to help me get boxes together, but it was SO BUSY at the warehouse that I decided to assemble it all at home. I think I got in the way of all the shippers. They are just too nice to tell me!

I have a little problem, I love to chat and talk to everyone and I think I slow everyone down. I just really want everyone to know how much I appreciate them and to get to know them. 

It was pouring rain (I mean Torrential) and I had to get both my boys from Jr. high school. We left the office since I am always rushing to make sure I am not late. I know it may should crazy but I LOVE taking my boys to and from school and practices. I know soon it will end when they drive. I cherish the talks in the car. They loved that Gentry was home for the day.

Then Gentry and I went downtown for her dress fitting. I could tell she was nervous. Here is where I am going to take the easy route and share Gentry's blog from Monday. I hope you don't mind.

Monday, April 8, 2013

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Yay! Everything with the wedding is coming together. Today I had my first DRESS fitting!!!! I was sooo nervous because I had never tried it on before and with only about a month until the wedding there was no going back, but I am SO happy with it:) I cannot wait until my April 22nd when it will be finished and I get to pick it up (Happy 21st birthday to me!).

We got our finished engagement photos back. When I first looked at the basic edits a couple of weeks ago I felt so down. I felt like I looked so ugly in all of them, but then I started thinking and realized we are all our own worst critics. Now that I have had time to look at them more I am completely in love with them and so happy with the results. I think they really capture how much Devan and I love each other. We have a great photographer named Lyndsey Fagerlund who we found through a mutually friend (thanks Stephanie!) You can visit her website athttp://lyndseyfagerlund.com. Can't wait to take Bridals and then have our actual Wedding Day photos.

Here are some of my favorites... sorry there are so many! It was impossible to narrow it down!

One of my favorites!

Bridal Veil Falls was still half frozen at this point, but a completely gorgeous backdrop!

I just love him!

 What can I say... I love him."

I LOVE that she is documenting this time.

I LOVE that she shares from her heart.

I LOVE that she realizes how important it is.

This truly makes me happy.

Now I have something else so cool to share with you today. I am a very visual girl and when I saw this video that Cheri Piles (DT co-head leader) filmed- I knew I needed to share it with you-

 

Don't miss my weekly My Craft Show this week...

Envelopes have quickly become the hot trend to put in your mini books. Watch today to see how to add envelopes in all your crafting projects.

http://www.mycraftchannel.com/shows/Teresa-Collins-Designs-Show/Teresa-Collins-Envelopes/

Welcome to the Teresa Collins team-

I am thrilled to be adding to the Teresa Collin's team. I have to explain how this happened. I decided a while ago to not hold an "offical design team" call for the next year and if I needed to add to our team that I would look closer... when I'm teachings, on my business facebook page and even instagram as crafters post projects and or email me so that I knew they used and loved my products everyday.

I flew and taught at the Scrapdoodles event in Virginia and I met a girl named Tessa Wise. Her cute girlfriend told me that I should see Tessa's work. She was so cute and telling me how fabulous her friend was and that she was published in card magazines. Tessa was very sweet and humble and was pretty quiet about her talent. I loved this about her!

The last day of the event I got the opportunity to attend a 400 plus crop at the event. I walked around and looked at the projects and enjoyed the time chatting with everyone. I went over to talk to Tessa and her friend as they were creating. I asked if I could see her work. I had already asked her what she LOVED to create and it was cards. 

Little did she know I was looking for someone who I would be adding to my team as a card design specialist. I saw her cards and I was seriouly loving them. I watched her create and I just felt a connection to her. Little did she know that I was going to surprise her when I got home. I emailed her and asked her to join my design team. How lucky am I that she said YES!!!!! 

Hello!  My name is Tessa Wise and I'm so excited to be joining the Teresa Collins design team!

I live in Northern Virginia with my husband Jeremy and two little girls, Zoey and Natalie.  I love being a mom and have enjoyed staying home with them for the last few years. They are sweet girls and love to craft, just like their mama! 

I have always enjoyed arts and crafts but none compare to my love of card making and scrapbooking!  I love to shop for cute stamps and fun patterned papers, especially the 6x6 mini pads!  I like to use different techniques and also try out different design styles.  I share my projects at my blog, Crafty Girl Designs.  You can also find my work at my local scrapbook store, Scrapdoodles, where I teach and coordinate the class schedule.

 

(Tessa's cute family)

I am so excited and honored to have the chance to design for Teresa Collins Designs.  I can't wait for the fun and friendships that this opportunity brings!

(TC Memories Collection)

 

(TCD MEMORIES collection)

I know why I fell in love with her cards. I felt she was fresh, original and created cards that others could and would want to emulate. I really love my design team and I knew her sweet spirit would only add to our family.  

Tessa's card using HE SAID/she said collection. (papers, enamel dots)

She Said- collection with stickers and enamel dots.

(TCD Memories Collection)

(TC- He Said, She Said, Far & Away Washi tape)

So welcome to the team Tessa! I am thrilled that you said yes. Oh and guess what I am going back to Scrapdoodles in 2014 to teach again. 

Weekend....

I have been enjoying a great weekend with my family. Spring break and school begins tomorrow. I have loved having the noise of so many kids at our house. We listened to General Conference this weekend. The boys go to a special conference on Saturday night called Priesthood Session for those 12 years and older. We have a tradition in our family for the women to go out and have "girl time" while the men are away. I love that my husband takes our boys out to eat at Red Robin after the session. This is a tradition and they love it.

We went to go buy McKay boots for her mission. She will be in Seattle and wanted rain boots. They are very cute on her! Then we went to Desert Star Theatre. It is based on a play that is a funny adaption. SO funny and it is right by our house. Taylor and McKay both worked as hostesses a little during high school.

 We really missed Gentry coming up with us. She is coming up tomorrow and we are going to her first dress fitting. I'm so excited and a little nervous. If she hates it then we are in BIG trouble since this is a custom made dress. This has made me a little...a lot nervous. I am really looking forward to spending this time with her. She will get married next month and we still have a lot to get accomplished.

I wanted to post the three prize winners from Summer Stories. Please note the prizes are not shipping until the end of this month. We are taking orders for the collection right now and they will be shipping to our retailers soon.

Winners:

 Winners please contact customerservice@teresacollinsdesigns.com with subject line- MID RELEASE prize winner and your name and address. Thanks so much!!!!!

All good things must come to an end...

Well, it's officially the last day of my son's school spring break. It is pouring rain outside and one of those days that you just want to stay inside and cuddle. Well, I'm not sure what 14 and 15 year old boys wants to cuddle very much with their mom anymore. HA! I do still get hugs. So I am thinking it might just be a good day to take them to the movies. I could chase them around the house and try to get them to kiss me but they can out run me. It would be fun though.  

I am taking the next few days completely off for family time and told everyone that I was not going to be seen at my office. It is also General Conference for my church this weekend and I stay home and watch all the broadcast on TV. It really helps to remind me of the things I need to be focusing on in my life. I always have those little "moments" that hit my heart and soul to remind me what I need to hear.

Late last night I had one. I was up late doing instructions for my workshops in Puerto Rico. The house was quiet and asleep. I had recorded the MARIE (marie osmond) show on Hallmark and it was on "in the background." Then I stopped when I saw Marie being interviewed with her young adult daughter and a psychotherapist. The girl talked about how hard it was having her mom for a mother. How she was always with a nanny and busy. She said when they did have time together it was always shopping. Her mom would take her two hours to just mindlessly shop and buy her things. That is how she would show her that she loved her. Then the daughter said, "but all I really wanted was her to listen to me for TEN minutes about what was going on with me. She wanted to talk about herself and have her mother just listen... just listen."

Well, I was so touched. I am a true believer that this is true with kids and even other people in our life. Do we stop to LISTEN to just be silent and CARE? Oh my... I loved this reminder. I have been reminded once again that our kids need our love and caring much more than anything. 

Are you following my design team blog? I will tell you if you are not you are missing out. Julie Jacob and Cheri Piles head the design team and post Monday- Friday beautiful projects using my products. 

 

I am so lucky to have a fabulous design team. Today you can see the talented Keisha Campbells project. Make sure if you are on Pinterest that you follow us there as a design team- Teresa Collins Designs. http://teresacollinsdesignteam.blogspot.com- check it out!

So today I am sharing you these beautiful cards that Rachel McAffee designed- she is also on my design team, with my new mid-release SUMMER STORIES. (shipping by the end of this month!) You can see more of her work here: http://fawnprints.blogspot.com

Thank you Rachel and Keisha for your inspiration today. 

I am going to PICK the three winners of SUMMER STORIES prizes this weekend so make sure you come back and see who the lucky winners are. Have a GREAT day!

What can you do with one 12x12 sheet of paper?

Wow it has been super busy at the office. THANK YOU retailers for calling in and ordering the new release. Yesterday was crazy busy and I walked around with a smile on my face all day. I loved this line so much and was so thankful for how busy we are taking orders with the new release.

So I wanted to show what you can do with just ONE SHEET of 12x12 paper from my new collection. I created this mini book-

This is my 3x4 notecard paper. Do you know how many people contact me daily to tell me that they are using my lines with their Project Life? This is the glittered on one side of the paper. 

Basically you cut the paper in 3 sections 3" h x 12" wide. You take all three paper pieces and then over lap them. Next, glue two tags together to become one to create this accordion book. 

I don't print my photos 'special' sizes... I simply cut down photo to fit the space that I need.

So yesterday I had my montly visit to the health clinic. Oh my... I did not expect what happened. I had gained 8 lbs. Oh my, it was a wake up call. I have been more lax and it caught up with me. So instead of beating myself up I focused on the fact that I only gained 8 lbs back of the 32 I lost. ha! However, I met with the dietician and she said, "You are going back on the program for 5 weeks starting NOW." Many of you might remember that I mentioned how hard the program is. It's no sugar, no carbs, and it is very organic and unprocessed. I had not planned on this. I have been doing maintenance and enjoying much more freedom. However, after a few hours I was so thankful that they cared and knew I needed to refocus on not sliding back into bad habits. Did I mention they gave me the 5 week program free? Now this made me super happy. How could I refuse? 

*I will be posting the three SUMMER STORIES prize winners on Saturday. 

Summer Stories... teaching in South Africa

I really want to thank you for the comments on my blog and facebook yesterday. I read every comment and loved to hear from those of you who expressed how much you like the new line. THANK YOU! 

I went to my office yesterday and had the complete pleasure of having Gentry go with me for the day. She is an natural and helped in the design of a brand new line. She loved it and got to see how it "happens."

I got to show the new office building with her for the first time. She got to sit in on meetings I had today and she said she had a great day and learned alot. 

I thought I would share another project that I designed with my new mid-release. The entire project is posted today. I created the entire book with Bazzill Cardstock and my new line. I wanted something very clean, fresh and white to do the engagement photos.

I am in love with the 12x12 chipboard accents. There is so many pieces to the set. Along the top right of the book is the stamps from the line. 

This is the 12x12 Chipboard Set-

*The Summer Stories Stamp Set-

I used alot of chipboard, decorative tape and stamping in this project. I am wanted to mention that I am teaching my workshop in S. Africa using this BRAND new collection. I can't share the project yet, but it's very interactive and pretty. I hope they will like it!!!!

New Mid- Release Debut- SUMMER STORIES

Here is the preview of my latest collection that I am debuting today. Did you know that I literally dream about new paper ideas? I guess you could say I am a little obsessed.

This collection simply makes me smile and want to create. I decided to do yellow for sunshine, summer and to "catch" the feel of all things pretty. 

I am seriously in LOVE with my new release. This brand new collection is called "Summer Stories." I was inspired by my daughter Gentry's upcoming Summer wedding. I wanted a line that was could be universal in theme, but would be a beautiful mix of Summer colors.

 

I wanted some sparkle to line so three of the 12x12 papers are golden yellow glitter. The line is soft whites and creams- with a huge mixture of color. I am truly so HAPPY how the collection turned out. I even squealed when the collections starting coming into my office. I don't ever plan to release a line that doesn't inspire and make me squeal. That is my secret!!!

So today I am going to give away THREE prizes with this brand new line- Summer Stories. It will be a mixture of the papers and embellishments. This line will be in your local stores within the next month. TODAY is the first day that retailers can buy the collection. Make sure you ask for my new line!!!! I would love your help today by posting about the new line and helping others to know that I have a new line. 

Now I will show some projects that I designed with the collection. I will be sharing more projects this week.

This is a NEW workshop that I will be teaching- SUMMER STORIES Memory Binder workshop. I am IN LOVE with this project and can't wait to teach it. (July 12-13th- The Scrapbook Attic & More in Searcy Arkansas) (August 2-3rd Hannah's Home Accents Antioch, IL)

*TC Memory Binder- Summer Stories papers, Stamps, Decorative tape (cameras), brads, and enamel dots. 

I am so excited to be teaching this brand new workshop at the two stores in IL and Arkansas. The stores have images of the other two workshops that I will be teaching and I will post them here as well later this week.

*more visuals from the collection- Chipboard, brads, glittered dot paper, enamel dots.

Showcasing the decorative tape and die cut garlands. I am loving this line so much!!!!

 Summer Stories Memory Binder...

*brand new workshop that I will be teaching.

I wanted to share this layout that I designed for Gentry and Devan. It is with their engagement photos... After all this line was inspired and designed for my daughter Gentry. 

Lyndsey Fagerlund Photography (credit)

Summer Stories- glitter paper, chipboard, diecut borders.

Watch for more projects with my brand new release!!!!

So I have been "a little" busy and wanted to share my schedule so that you can find where I will be teaching. I have added a few events to my Summer schedule. I can't thank the stores and events who ask me to come teach. I feel honored to be asked to come.

 

Where you can find me:

April 12-13th- Creative Cards & Crafts Grand Opening Event-  15 East Park Blvd Villa Park IL (630) 782-9999

April 26-29th- Chocolate Quente XL PORTUGAL 2013 event 

May 4th- NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY HEARTFELT CREATIONS UT

MAY 21ST- GENTRY IS GETTING MARRIED!!!!! (HAD TO POST THIS IMPORTANT EVENT)

MAY 22ND-29TH- New Zealand EVENT- Creative Adventure Downunder *taking McKay with me!!!!!

June 6-9th- PUERTO RICO- The Scrapbook Store event 

June 19th- McKay enters the MTC!!!!!!

June 20th- ITALY event- A Kiss on the Chic Event

July 12-13th- The Scrapbook Attic & MORE *newly added Searcy, Arkansas (501) 278-5700

July 22-25th- Las Vegas CHA Trade Show

August 2-3rd- Hannah's Home Accents Antioch, IL (847) 395-3355 *newly added.

August 29th- South Africa Convention

September 19-21st- Teresa Collins Inspiration Unlimited NV event

September 22nd- Archivers Scrapfest event

October 20-27th- EMI Caribbean 7 DAY Cruise w/ Teresa Collins leaving from Port Canaveral FL (770)888-2417

Nov. 1-2- Scrapbook Island San Jose, CA

Nov. 15-16th- Clipper Street Scrapbook Company British Columbia CANADA (604) 514-2229

I hope I did not forget anything or give any incorrect numbers. I am so thankful for a TEAM that makes this happen. So often I am asked how I travel, design and teach and maintain having a family. I am so blessed that Tyler decided to work less so that someone is always with our kids. We work together as a team. I am so thankful for his support. Most events I am in and out so fast that the worst part is the major jet lag. Thankfully, I can sleep on flights now. I have learned to come home from events and REST and thankfully I can work/design from home. My husband is so hands on and will do laundry, cook dinner and never even waits to be asked. He believes in me and my talents and encourages me as I run my business. I truly love him and my family so much. If you have any questions about any of these events you can email customerservice@teresacollinsdesigns.com. 

TODAY I am giving away three assorted prizes with the brand new SUMMER STORIES. I would LOVE if you would leave me a little comment on what if your favorite crafting projects to design and create. Good LUCK!

Not a prank... April Fools

I am debuting my brand new mid- release TOMORROW here on the blog. I am pretty excited about this line. I can't wait to share with you. I will tell you the collection name is...

SUMMER STORIES

I am going to show a little SNEAK PEEK today.

This is the DECORATIVE TAPE with the collection. I am seriously in LOVE...

Here is a upclose of a project that I will show tomorrow with the tapes-

MUCH more tomorrow!!!!

I did do a good April Fools today on my show at MY CRAFT CHANNEL. I couldn't help myself. I hope you will watch my show today showing HE SAID collection and how to scrapbook the men in our life.

You can watch it here-Teresa's April Fools Show

Have a great Monday. It's Spring Break here and my boys and I are just "chilling" at home today. I love that they want to do a movie marathon. 

 

Easter Sunday....

I am home from church. My girls are with their dad this year. So it's a little quieter here at the house today. So the boys and are are having a special barbeque dinner to celebrate. I am thinking so much today about how blessed I am as a person. I just want to focus on the good things. The things that make me happy. I am a firm believer that positive thoughts make a happier and healthier person. 

So I thought I would share some of the little things today that make my heart happy. I love that Gentry has started a blog. 

It means so much to me that she realizes how important it is to document to remember "her story." Her kids will so appreciate this. As her mother, it makes me very thankful.

www.devanandgentry.blogspot.com

I am so happy for them. I keep buying house stuff for them. They are both going to be in college after the May wedding. Devan will graduate next month from BYU but is going on to get his Masters Degree in Accounting. I feel completely different this time with Gentry getting married. I have felt so much peace in knowing that they both are ready and are perfect for one another. So our family is so happy they found each other. I am also VERY happy that my sister Shelley is flying from NC to be here. My best friend is coming too. I am so fortunate and blessed with a great family and friends that I love.

I am so greatful today to be able to celebrate and worship as I wish. So thankful to live in the United States and the blessings of living in the land of the free. This world is so scary with war, rumors or war and I have to focus on living in PEACE. Trying to make my home and surrounding peaceful. It's hard not to live in fear, but I have faith that no matter what things are going to be alright. I am so thankful for my testimony and belief in God. It is what makes me who I am. I have had experiences- truly personal that have given me this knowledge.

I love that McKay was on the TV news this past week. Channel 2 News at her BYU apartment complex. They interviewed her on going on a mission and how her apartment complex will be turned over next month as new missionary housing due to how many sister missionaries are going on a mission. I admit, I cried when they mentioned that she was serving a mission to Seattle, WA Spanish speaking. I was so proud of her and her decision.

This is the first photo that we have from Seth from the MTC. He loves it. He expressed how he is learning the Spanish language so well and that he knows God has helped him with this. He is eager to get to go to Mexico to serve his mission. Seth (far right)...

Maxson and Azelea are in CA, but I am so thankful for online communication- instagram and facebook make keeping close so much easier. I think Maxson looks so cute in his Easter suit.

I love seeing Azalea and Kayla doing the Easter egg hunt. I wish we could be there with them. However, how grateful I was to see these adorable photos of my family today. I love them so much!!!!

I spent yesterday at Taylors house. I love that she is super organized and does all my kitting for my events. There are thousands of kits each year and she wants (she tells me she loves her job!) to help me be successful. It is not a small task. I am so thankful that we work as a team as a family.

We had to go buy her another shelve to fit MORE supplies for my upcoming classes. I will be announcing a few events TOMORROW. 

It's time for dinner with my boys. I can hear my boys wrestling in the background. I want to cherish this sound. I am beyond fortunate to have the noise, the large family, the non-stop carpooling. I remind myself of this everyday. 

Hope you have had a wonderful Easter day!

I'm headed to LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas going to Searcy

I am going to teach in Searcy, Arkansas in August. It is JULY 12-14th at The Scrapbook Attic & More. I have to say that I am just announcing it, but the classes already have over 25 women in all three workshops. I am amazed that prior to me announcing it that the workshops are so full. So I am officially announcing it for the first time today on my blog. The workshops look like they are going to sell out and they haven't even seen my projects. They are BRAND NEW with my new CHA releases... so that is why I can't share them yet.

If you want to join Denise and I make sure you call and sign up. I can't wait! This is my very first time ever teaching in Arkansas. I have been so impressed with Denise and can't wait to visit her store. 

I want to thank all of you that commented on yesterdays blog post. It is something so hard and so many of us have had to deal with cancer either personally or someone we love. I hate CANCER. Thank you Heather for your brave spirit that has inspired all of us. It broke my heart to hear from many of you with stories and some that were not so positive. 

It reminds me to truly CHERISH each and every day we have. LOVE each other and honestly don't let things get to us that simply don't matter. Tell your loved ones every day that you love them... every day. 

My fifteen year old Zach is just the coolest. He tells me everyday...Mom, I love you! It's random and heartfelt. It melts my heart. I know it and it comforts me. I think the world would be a better place if we lived with daily gratitude more and expressed our love MORE and fought less.

Thank you for reading my blog. I really appreciate each of you!!! 

I am a survivor.... a message of hope!!!!!!

I got an email the other day from a woman who has an amazing story of survival. She has an amazing story and I have found it so inspiring and have learned so much. You can also learn more about her here!

Today she is sharing her story here on my blog as a special guest. I find her so inspiring!!!!

Motherhood and Mesothelioma

My 36th year started off as the best year of my life. My husband and I became parents when I gave birth to our adorable daughter, Lily, on August 4, 2005. Many of our loved ones shared in our joy after her birth, and we had never been happier.

We never would have guessed that everything was about to change. After I returned to my job, I noticed that I was not feeling well. I was always tired, and I was losing weight rapidly at a tune of about 5 to 7 pounds per week. Something told me that this was more than just tiredness from being a new mom, so I made an appointment with my doctor. After a ton of different tests, the doctor finally received my results and delivered the shocking news. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. I was no longer just a wife and a mother of a 3 ½  old daughter. I was now also a cancer patient.

This type of cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. I discovered that I had been unknowingly exposed to asbestos when I was younger, and this exposure had caused my cancer. My condition was very serious, and the doctor believed I only had 15 more months to live if I chose not to receive treatment.

 

Not treating my cancer was not an option. I wanted to be around for a long time for my husband and to see my daughter grow up. Since we decided to treat the cancer aggressively, we were required to make some tough decisions. We lived in Minnesota, but my doctor recommended a mesothelioma specialist in Boston. I had a major surgery, extrapleural pneumonectomy, on February 2, 2006. This procedure removed one of my lungs, part of my heart and chest lining, as well as part of my diaphragm. I was in the hospital for 18 months, and after another 2 months of recovery I began both chemotherapy and radiation.

As you can imagine, there was no way to properly care for an infant when I was in the hospital. My parents offered to watch Lily, so she flew with my mom to my parents' home in South Dakota. I missed my baby girl every minute of every day, but I will be forever thankful to my parents and other family members who took such good care of her.

Cancer is a terrible disease, but I found that it was important to not just dwell on the negative. We all have things happen in our lives that we do not want, but we can choose to remain positive and maintain a good attitude, while also look for the lessons that you can learn in every situation.

Thank you Heather for sharing this story with us. I am truly believe in your message of hope and attitude. THANK YOU! So loved having you as my special guest on my blog. I wish you and your beautiful family only the very best!

 

Currently thinking...

Going to the expo was really fun for me. I met so many sweet women who love to craft. I was thankful that the make n takes went so well. I loved meeting new friends...sharing stories and realizing that what I do really does form connections. I love to meet the people who use my products, read my blog, etc. It really inspired me to hear the stories and just feel like what I do in some small way is appreciated. 

I love being able to be around such talented fun girls. This is Sherry Mendoza. She works for My Craft Channel. She helped with line control. Everyone loved her Australian accent.

 So thankful that Sesil was able to come help me on Friday. Then we had a very productive meeting and dinner with my dear friend Julie Conyers. She works with Xyron so we were having the best time "discussing" upcoming TC Xyron products. Oh... can't wait to share!!!!

I loved meeting all the crafty girls at the show. SUCH a highlight!!!!!!

It was really a great day at the expo. I love that my girls came and helped me on Saturday for the demos. 

This is Brad. I call him Brad Paisley. His company is Scrapbook Liquidators. He was one of the vendors at the expo who carried my lines. I appreciate the support! 

Then a really special thing happened for McKay. She went to the Temple for the very first time. I went with her as her escort. She was so darling and ready for this opportunity. It was really special and very sweet. We went to the Oquirrah Mtn. Temple. 

I am very thankful to be her mother!!!!

I'm busy, busy... busy

I am headed out the door this morning for the Scrapbook Expo in Sandy. I will be doing the make n takes today and tomorrow from 11:00am to noon. There are several booths that are carrying my products. I hope if you are in Utah that you will come by.

Seth went into the MTC on Wednesday. That is the Missionary Training Center. He is learning to speak and understand Spanish and the gospel. We are so proud of him. 

My new mid-release is at the office and I was preparing samples with the new line. This line is GORGEOUS. Okay... there is glitter too. Oh my... soon I can share!!!! I was inspired by Gentry's wedding (no, it is not a wedding line though).

Today more than anything I am feeling a great need to say thank you again to all of you who support me in my life. I have the best of friends, a wonderful family, a thriving business and loyal customers that I so appreciate. I have felt so much gratitude and mere words cannot express to each of you and to my Heavenly Father how much I appreciate it. I was getting dresssed today and I heard this lady on the radio talk about "not being very pretty" and I instantly thought of something my mother always taught me. She said... "beauty is from within... if you are good and kind- your spirit with raditate outward and others will always see your REAL and true beauty." I do believe that beauty is a heart that is good and I'm striving so hard to be a beautiful kind person and one that appreciates everything. So thank you!!!! I wish I could meet and talk to all of you that visit my blog and support me. It truly means so much to me.

I thought I would congratulate and mention- the GRAND OPENING this week of CREATIVE CARD & CRAFTS in IL. I will be there April 12th and 13th. You won't want to miss out on the fun- the classes are big and we made room for EXTRA for the celebration. This is going to be a great weekend. Sign up here: 15 E. Park Blvd., Villa Park, IL.(630) 782-9999

Also, I announced that I will be teaching in PUERTO RICO for the 5th annual event of The Scrapbook Store. This is my first time at this event, and second time teaching in Puerto Rico. I am so excited about this!

Calle San Luis #342 Paque Industrial Bechara, San Juan, Puerto Rico(787)200-2582 / (787)994-6741

Did I mention that I am also planning Gentry's wedding and McKay to go on a mission? ha... super busy and I love it. I'm often asked how I do it all. Well, I take it day by day and always put family first. Plus, I have the most amazing husband that helps me. PS It's his BIRTHDAY today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ty... I love you so much!

(notice: no photo. Honoring his request...)

Scrapbook Expo this weekend...

This weekend is going to be so fun. If you are in Utah you can join me at the Scrapbook Expo in Sandy Utah. I will be doing a make n take in the www.mycraftchannel.com booth at the show.

This is the project that I will be doing-(yes, they told me that it needed to be a five minute quick project- I couldn't help myself!!!!)

 Come and make a Teresa Collins MEMORIES FILE FOLDER BOOK. Since we only have five minutes per rotation of the make n take so if you are coming please bring the following so you will be good to go- trimmer, adhesive, scissors and bone folder (scoring board). This way you will not have to share supplies. 

I love the pockets and tags in the file folder. This is going to be a great weekend to join us this weekend. I will be doing this make n take for only one hour each day at the show- Friday and Saturday from 11:00am-12:00. I look forward to seeing you there! 

My next trip out of town to teach is April 12th and 13th in Villa Park, IL at Creative Cards & Crafts (630) 782-9999. I will be teaching this BRAND new MEMORIES workshop-

This project is so big!!!! 

I am also teaching a Far & Away Travel book and Stationery Noted file folder workshop. Call if you are interested. I am not sure how many if any spots are left in the workshops. 

I also will be going to Porto, Portugal to teach in April. The kits are all done and will soon be on their way to the event. Oh my... I loved teaching in Portugal last year and am so honored to be asked again. 

 

Family weekend- saying goodbye to Seth

The past few days were so wonderful. WONDERFUL doesn't capture how special it was. My entire family was together for the first time since Thanksgiving. Matt, Kayla and the kids came to stay with us and visit for the past few days. Zellie is now talking lots and walking like a pro.

We had so much going on. Our church threw Gentry her first bridal shower on Saturday. Thank you so much Rachel for hosting a beautiful shower. I was completely blown away with how special it was. Plus, we had girl time this weekend. We had so much fun. Zellie was not happy in this photo!!!!

I can't leave out my boys. My heart is truly so overflowing as I write this blog post. Wow, who would have thought when I married Ty that together we would blend and create this BIG and awesome family. Now we have Kayla and Devan, Maxson and Azalea. It shows me that it's true... LOVE grows and expands/ multiples.

This is Seth in the center of the photo in the plaid. He is not often here with us. I am truly so proud of him. He gave a talk in church yesterday. It was his mission farewell. He leaves this Wednesday for the Missionary Training Center. He will learn Spanish and serve his mission in Mexico. This young man expressed from the heart a testimony of God that was so strong. He had a hard time in high school and did some things that he was not proud about. Seth talked about this and how he was unhappy with his choices and knew what he needed to do to feel Heavenly Father in his life and heart. It was a beautiful talk and I shed many tears for his honesty and being so strong and brave. We are truly going to miss him. We will write him every week as a family and support him. He will serve for two years.

This photo means so much to me. It is our last photo together as a family for TWO years. I would have loved to have a professional photo done, but I simply wanted to capture OUR kids. I wanted Seth to have this photo to take on his mission. (Ty, Zach, McKay, Taylor, Gentry, Devan, Seth, Kayla, Azalea, Matt and Maxson) That is my gang and I'm super thankful that God blessed me with this crazy crew. We are certainly not perfect and yes, we have fights and misunderstandings, but we always forgive and love each other.

Maxson loves the attention from his aunts and uncles. He can pretty much get away with anything with them. 

We celebrated that Seth was going to Mexico. The kids love to do silly photos.

I guess your never too old to do things like this. Right?

I am super proud of this young man. He is mature for his age. He is a really hard worker and he is just a sweetheart. He never lived with us and honestly, I wish he had. Zach and Ty really have looked up to both Seth and Matt and I'm so thankful for them. 

This morning I watched Matt and Kayla load their car and leave again. This time they drove to their new home in Huntington Beach, CA. They moved for Matt's job and are going to their new home for the first time. I tried to not cry, but I broke down. You would think that it get's easier... I admit I am very emotional. We want our kids to grow up and be on their own and be happy, start their own family, make good decisions... and with that we have to let them go. I never realized how much my heart would be conflicted with happiness and sadness to see them leave. 

So to keep myself busy I started to craft today. I have some big news that I will be able to share soon. It is something that I am so thankful about. It has been keeping me busy and I have not been able to share anything about it. 

I debuted a new MY CRAFT CHANNEL segment today on my new file folders. You can watch it here: www.mycraftchannel.com/shows/Teresa-Collins-Designs-Show/Teresa-Collins-File-Folder-Albums

Also, Utah crafters. Join me this FRIDAY at the Scrapbook Expo in Sandy Utah. I will be in the MY CRAFT CHANNEL booth doing a free make n take from 11:00-12:00 am on Friday and Saturday morning. I would love to see you there!!!!!!

It's Friday... What is going on?

It's a beautiful day here in Utah. It is record breaking high the last couple of days. The family is here for Seth's mission farewell. It was fun to go out last night and spend time together. Last night was girls night out. We went to Cafe Rio and then downtown SLC to shop. Ty and the boys stayed home happily and watched Maxson and Azalea.

This is the early morning jam session in the undies for the kids.

We also had four baseball games this week. So exciting to watch Zach finally get to play on the high school team. Zach is playing on all the teams as a 9th grader. We are learning all the players name now. 

The girls even came up from BYU to watch and support their little brother. We were really excited to see him play so well. He even hit his first high school home run. When it went over the fence, I was so happy that the season started off positive. He plays Sophmore, JV and Varsity. He is catching and occasionally 1st base. Baseball is a very mental game. Zach has been working really hard so that he can get selected to play for a division 1 college team- his goal is to play for BYU baseball. Zach is going to a BYU baseball camp this Summer so that we be a great experience for him.

 Then we shopped yesterday for Gentry's ribbon for the wedding. Then we went to Goodwill thrift shop shopping too. We found about TEN frames that we are spray painting and using at the reception for signs and photos.

I love her colors. She is doing shades of pink and rose gold. We have had so much fun planning the May wedding. Countdown is 66 days. 

Now for the MARCH free TC Stampmaker download. You can visit Photocentrics blog to get the FREE download.

http://photocentric-imagepac.blogspot.com/2013/03/free-march-2013-download-stamp-designs.html

 Have a GREAT amazing Friday!!!!

And it begins- Yes, I am ready!!!!

Last night, I was reading a magazine and I saw this quote. It really hit home to me. I thought it was just a great reminder to me once again... to focus on what matters most.

It really is something that I feel is true. It is my greatest desire to make others feel that they matter and that I am a friend to them. I know we can't possibly be friends with everyone, but we can be kind and make others feel important. Anyway, this is going to be added to my quote book. I wanted to share it with you.

Today...(I'm so excited)is Zach's first baseball games in high school. He got suited up last night and we took a couple of photos. I want to remember this. He has worked really hard to be playing and to be playing on Varsity as well. It really is not something he ever thought would happen as a Freshmen. However, he worked so that he would be good enough. That is what inspires me about him. 

So this afternoon, I will be watching two back to back games. Good thing I love BASEBALL. McKay has been home a lot working on her papers and she will be able to see his games today too. I will be taking lots of photos today.

Matt and his family are coming home to visit us TOMORROW. We have not seen them since Thanksgiving. Hopefully, the kids will remember us since we did SKYPE each other. The kids have grown so much already.

Okay... wanted to share this weeks TC video at MY CRAFT CHANNEL.

Here is the link to the show- ROLODEX TC SHOW. I know you will LOVE her ideas and cool ideas. Plus, she is super cute with her Australian accent. Thanks Sherry for being my special guest!

 

 

 

 

Leaving Georgia... cruise next time

I have had the best weekend. I was talking to my husband late last night and he mentioned that my southern accent is really strong again. This always happens. I can't tell the girls thank you enough for coming. The workshops sold out so fast and everyone was excited to be there. We shared many stories, laughs and good times. My heart is truly full and blessed.

A special thanks to TC for being the BEST tour guide, friend and chauffuer. I can't tell you what a gift it is to know her. She truly is a sweetheart and made my trip so special.

When I arrived we drove to the store and stopped by a few antique stores and went to Pier Park in Florida. We event went to the ocean for a little bit. I needed this break so much. I am such a LOVER of sunny warm weather. Just what I needed.

Her husband Jesse is a Blackhawk pilot for the Army so I got a special tour at Fort Rucker. It was so cool. Can you tell it was a very windy day? Oh my... what a special treat.

I taught three workshops. We had a great time together and I really loved having it at the hotel again. Susan Moore hosted the event- her store EMI SCRAPBOOKING in Cumming, GA is just down the street from the hotel. The store is FULL of my product lines. I'm not kidding when I say she gets EVERYTHING that I come out with and produce. I love her and appreciate Susan and her support. Everyone that works for her is so super nice.

A few things displayed at the event. I love being surrounded my projects with my family photos. Did I mention my ENTIRE family will be together this coming week? Seth goes on his mission in 12 days and Matt, Kayla and the kids are coming to Utah this week. I'm happy!!!!!

These cute girls are so lovely. They drove 14 hours together to come to the workshops. We have Cheryl, Judy and Judy. I just felt a instant connect to them. It makes me feel thankful to have this opportunity to meet special ladies that only enrich MY LIFE. Thank you TEXAS girls. I love all of you!!!!!

The store was beautiful as always. This was my third visit to the store. It is well worth your visit to see all the kits, some pre-made, products and selection at Susan's store. 

We had so many girls at the event and when it sold out so fast, I agreed to do many kit onlys. I am looking forward to our event which is.... 

The Caribbean JOURNEY CREATING at Sea... Scrapbook 7 day Crusie with EMI Scrapbooking and Special Guest- me!!!!!

It's not to late to join us. We have so many girls coming. Yes, many are bringing their spouses and friends to join them. This is going to be a full week of sunshine, good times and crafting while we are on sea days. This ship is full of things to do while on board. The cruise leaves from Port Canaveral. We will be visiting the following places: Cococay * this is Royal Caribbeans private island. We are having a beach barbeque and party. Then we will also visit St. Thomas, and St. Maarten islands. 

The ship we will be on is the FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. I have loved the Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the past and this one is the second largest (I think) in the fleet. 

Yes, the ship has a rock wall, ice skating rink, surfing wave and we are going to have fun!!!

Here are some of the details-

Sail Date- 20 October 2013

7 Nights Eastern Caribbean

Ocean View (Double) $729.00 USD

Inside Stateroom (Double) $609.00 USD

To book your room contact Royal Caribbean International at the following...

Number 1-800-465-3595

Group Number 5953562 (Give this to the Guest Service Agent)

Rooms will be held at a Group Rate

Scrapbook portion of the event- Participation fees of $200.00 USD are to be paid through EMI Scrapbooking. Event fees are separate from your cruise fees and will include the following:

Teresa Collins will teach THREE large exclusive workshops true to her signature style. Expect fun suprises, and prizes and much more!

7 nights of Cropping, Group Activies such as dining together each night, Event T-Shirt, Daily Make n Takes, Tote Bag, many prizes and much more. Excursions are optional at your own preference and will be signed up through the cruise ship. 

Class participation is optional, and therefore not included in the cost of the cruise. Spouses and non crafters are welcome to come on the cruise. We would love and encourage this. However, only paid participants of the crafting/scrapbooking event will be included in the workshops and activities. 

Payment for class workshops and scrapbook participants are DUE NO LATER then June 30,2013.

Please contact Susan Moore at EMI Scrapbooking at 1-770-888-2417 or TC at tc2cute2scrap@aol.com. Feel free to call or email with any and all questions. We would LOVE to have you all join us. 

McKay Mission Call

 

 

Hi all,

I am super excited to share this news with you. My daughter McKay is going on a mission. I know I shared about it earlier last week. I am so thankful that she is such a good, kind and sweet young woman. She truly inspires me. Every time I watch this video I cry. Yes, that is the mommy in me.

I hope you enjoy this. Our family is all very excited in the background.

xoxo

Teresa

Scrapdoodles event...

I wanted to share about the FABULOUS event that I went to last week. I flew to Richmond, Virginia to teach at the Scrapdoodles event. It was held here...

Yes, there were more buildings like this one. It was so colonial and gorgeous. The estate was absolutely stunning and it was the BEST food ever... I mean ever... at the event. Yes, they had a buffet daily for the event. These were unlike ANY events I have ever attended. Maybe it was the grits that they served at breakfast? I was in heaven. I thought I would gain weight, but I didn't and that makes it even better.

This is Cheryl. She is the store manager. We are honestly so much alike that we just "click." We had a lot in common and I loved her spirit. Her attention to detail and sweetness to everyone at the event was truly heartwarming. I found the event to be a true inspiration to me. I loved walking the crop and talking to the crafters. These girls were super friendly and kept thanking me for coming. YES, I can't wait to go back!!!!!

I have to share what happened to me Friday morning. I always seem to have the BEST travel stories. I was going through airport security in SLC and of course took off my zip up boots. I once again was searched because of my "blingy" butt jeans. This literally happens EVERY time I go to the airport. 

I gathered my belonging and went to the bench to put my boots back on. As I zipped up my left side boot the zipper broke. I sat there and thought, "What can I do now?" I had no other shoes in my carry on. I thought of all the stores at the airport and realized none of them had shoes for sale. So I decided to "pretend" that my boot dragging on the floor was something that I didn't notice. You may wonder... Why did she just not tuck her boot in her pant leg? Well, I was wearing my "skinny jeans" and yes, the pants were way too tight to allow the boots to fit underneath them.  

So I walked to the gate and sat down promptly. I wanted to go buy water, but I was noticing I was getting stares. ha! I was so thankful to board the plane. The flight attentant looked down and said "Oh dear, your boot is broke." We talked about how there was no shoes in the airports. Maybe somebody should do this as a business.

After I arrived in Detroit, I was getting off the plane when I got another weird look from an airport worker. I have to admit, it was uncomfortable with all the stares that I was getting. So I went into the restroom and decided to take off my boots and throw them away. I had on long thick black socks so I don't think it was as noticeable. Yes, I boarded the plane in socks and arrived and met Cheryl in Richmond in my socks. Ha ha... it was really just one of those days and I added another funny travel story to my growing list.

I was really thankful for all these amazing women who came to the workshops. Thankful for sold out classes and for those women who drove several hours to come. I was really touched by the stories and felt inspired in so many ways. I feel like I gain so much more than I will ever be able to give. 

This is Oprah and Gayle. Yes, they had me laughing and enjoying what FRIENDSHIP truly is. I loved their humor and kindness. I even loved that Gayle knew so much about me. I was beyond flattered. 

 I wish I could have taken a photo of everyone at the event. They were the sweetest girls. I felt at home and I bought a huge stash of American Craft Alphabet Thickers!!!! Scrapdoodles is an amazing store and event. Their events sell out fast so if you want to go- contact them to get on their waiting list. I can't wait to go again.

Now for some family news... I am happy to share that Zach made the high school baseball team. Zach found out Friday. When he went to pick up his jersey he was told that he will be playing on the Varsity team, JV and Sophmore. He is a 9th grade Freshman. I am super excited that they noticed his hard work and dedication. I will be at LOTS of baseball games. Good thing I love the game. 

Here he is wearing his new practice wear. He is 15 years old and is now much taller than all of us girls. 

Well, this week is so emotional for me. We will find out tomorrow or Thursday where McKay will be going on her mission. The letter is in the mail and we are all excited to see where McKay will serve for the next 18 months. We are going to videotape McKay reading the letter and I am going to post it here on my blog and on my facebook. 

 

Headed to Virginia

It's time. I'm headed to Virginia. It's a long day of traveling for me this today, so I am up early. I have never been to this area before.

I feel like I'm headed home. I can't wait to meet all the women at the Scrapdoodles event. I teach a workshop tonight after I arrive. I am going to try really hard to take a little nap on the plane. I like to read and sketch designs when I am on the plane. I am not a fan of airport food, so I pack my own food and snacks when I can. 

 

TSA always opens my suitcase. I try hard to be prepared. I'm sure they think I'm crazy for bringing food in my luggage. Right now, I am loving grapefruit with Stevia. YUM!

Off to the airport.....

Join me in British Columbia

I leave tomorrow to teach at the Scrapdoodles event in Virginia. I am super excited to visit Cheryl and all my friends back East. I feel like I am going home. I am teaching projects that I love and can't wait to meet all the crafters this weekend. The workshops this weekend and next week at EMI Scrapbooking are SOLD OUT!

We kept adding more students and more kits but we hit the limit. We over over sold out- ha! So if you are interested in these workshops I will be teaching the workshops ONE last time in the USA at Creative Cards and Crafts in Villa Park, IL- April 12th and 13th.

I have another fabulous trip to my teaching schedule that I wanted to share with you. I am going back to Canada. However, it is my FIRST time teaching in British Columbia.

Please join me November 15th and 16th at....

 

This is the first time that I will  have taught in BC! I am really looking forward to my visit.

 

I am super excited to be invited to teach at Clipperstreet Scrapbook Company.

Here is the link to the facebook page--  https://www.facebook.com/ClipperStreetScrapbookCo  Make sure to  LIKE them so you get advanced notifcations of what they are up too. 

 

The store website is http://www.clipperstreet.com/index.htm and you can sign up there for their newsletter so they can keep informed of class sign up dates etc.

 

I am so excited to make this announcement!  I really appreciate Deanna asking me and working with my schedule. She worked out all the details in a way that made it possible for me to come. I know this weekend will be amazing and I hope all of you girls in Canada will join us.

 

Clipper Street Scrapbook Company
604-514-2229 (telephone)

Hope you have a wonderful day!!!!!

 

Big news in our family....

I am so excited to share some news. My daughter McKay is going on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

Mckay has turned in her papers into the church and will know next week where she will be assigned to serve her mission. In our religion when a young man is 18 or graduated from high school or a young woman is 19 years old they have the opportunity to serve a mission for our church. It is a choice that each worthy individual person makes and McKay has decided that she wants to serve the Lord.

The men serve for 24 months and women serve for 18 months. They leave their homes and are called to serve somewhere in the world where the Lord needs them. It is often referred to as "the Best Two Years" by those who have served. They devote all of their time, talents and efforts to serving the Lord and helping others come to know of Him. 

We have no idea where she will go. It has been fun to try to guess... Seth is going March 20th to serve a mission in Mexico. 

This really means alot to me personally. I did not grow up as a member of The Latter-Day Saint Church. My senior year of high school I started taking lessons from the missionaires and knew that I had found "my home." I always believed that there was life after death. I learned that families are forever and I wanted this so much. I wanted to raise my "future" family knowing Heavenly Father and living a life that was focused on having Jesus Christ as the center of our faith. This especially has comforted me when both my parents died and I KNEW I would be with them again.  

 

 This video is worth watching. I believe in it's message. Warning- you might cry. I do everytime I watch it. 

This is what matters most to me- FAMILY... 

We are truly thankful for each other and thankful that we have each other. I know this is going to be life changing experience for her. 

She will finish her studies at Brigham Young University when she get's home from her mission. I know she will really miss her best friends.

We talk every day and she is a mama's girl. I will be writing and supporting her. She will be 19 years old in May. Right after we go to New Zealand together she will be able to go on her mission. 

This is the BEFORE photo- McKay decided to color her hair dark when she decided to go on a mission. She was ready for a change. 

I feel like a very blessed mother. I am so happy she made this decision. I am so thankful that she wants to do this... that she wants to serve others. I am going to miss her (yes, I cry all the time thinking about how much I will miss her). If you would like to know more you can go here: www.mormon.org, www.mormonchannel.org or www.lds.org

 

 

What do you do with 6x6 paper pads?

Seriously, this album is AMAZING. Sesil Cratin made the book entirely out of paper. All the visuals and how to are on the TC design team blog today. I had to share it here too!

Sesil's comments:

I have to tell you the truth.  I did use cardstock to create the base pages of my mini and then I added the 6x6 patter paper to the entire album.  I did not have a single sheet left when I completed this mini.  There are so many pockets and tags I loved creating this mini.

There are so many flaps and tags and pockets throughout this mini.  Here are a couple of some of my favorite pages.

This is just a simple pocket page with a sticker and a tag with a border strip on the tag.

 Here on this page I used the washi tape and layered some stickers to create my own embellishment.

 Here I layered up some of the flowers and added a gem to the center. I used the washi tape to attach the flap to the page.  I was inspired to do this by our very own Cheri Piles.

 Here is an insert that I created in the album using a tag.  I love tags and so I had to add them to the album.

 This is another flap that opens up. I loved using the border strips and brad to create the top element.

 Another pocket with tags stuffed in the pocket.   Have I told you that I love tags? Can you tell?

 Here I created a small waterfall flip. I love adding more space to the page and the waterfall flip is so fun to add on any page.

My final page I ended with a pocket that holds a TAG!!!"

I love how Sesil can take paper and turn it into something this amazing. I love the SHE SAID collection. It's fresh, pretty and goes with any theme. Make sure you go to the design team blog for a change to win a TC PRIZE today-

teresacollinsdesignteam.blogspot.com/2013/02/6x6-challengeby-sesil-cratin.html

We are moved...

Yes, we moved. It's just like moving to a new home. We have boxes everywhere and we have lots to do to be fully moved in. It is going to take some time for the transition. I really can't wait to be all settled into our new space.

On Friday we moved the office and pallets- truck loads of product. This is Jared W. He is the assistant sales director for my company. He is truly a great young man and everyone has loved working with him. 

This was Friday. This is the TCD and MME crew. We truly are like family and are thrilled to be moving to this much larger facility/office space. I honestly just appreciate each of them so much. I love working with every single one of these wonderful people.

 This is where I am working today. It's so much bigger. We are moving in as I type. I will miss the other building... I am not great with change. 

RETAILERS- please note that we are not shipping for a few more days. We are getting all moved in and hope to be up and running by Thursday again. 

Today my show on MY CRAFT CHANNEL was on my new Stitched Notebooks-

You can watch the video here: www.mycraftchannel.com/shows/Teresa-Collins-Designs-Show/Teresa-Collins-Stitched-Notebooks

Hope you are having a great day!

Oh so pretty-

 Malika Kelly shared these beautiful projects with me when I visited The Scrapbooking Studio in Bloomington IL. I am completely in LOVE with her and her style. I love how she used my new MEMORIES collection. These hearts are so SWEET!!!!

TODAY is her BIRTHDAY too! So Malika Happy Birthday... I think you are amazing!!!!!

Malika also created this beautiful book. I LOVE her stitching and how she used my border strips... SWOON!

 

LOVE how she used the enamel dots with the line...
She does project life... a daily memory keepsake of her life- I love that she used my products.
I love how she stitched through the alphabet stickers. Her daughter is so cute. 
Her son is quite the charmer too. 
I love that she put herself in the story. THIS is what it is all about.

I just can't tell you how much I love seeing how crafters use my products. I am always just so honored that they choose to use my lines. I am always inspired to keep doing what I do. Thank you for sharing with me. I encourage you to share your designs with me on facebook- www.facebook.com/tcdesigns

Today is a GREAT DAY!!!!! I have something really special to share with everyone. Watch for my blog post in the next couple of days. 

Moving to a large space-

I am at work. We have been so busy and I am pretty excited that on Friday we are moving. I share a office space with MY MIND'S EYE. They are FAMILY to me!!!! Well, I love them and I love that we are able to manufacture and produce our products to save money due to our volume to the end consumers. Anyway, we are moving to a larger office/facility. We have grown and just could not fit two companies in the building we are at now. This is a few photos of the NEW building. Here are a few photos-

This is the before- lots of painting has happened. This is a very exciting and somewhat stressful time. Can you imagine moving two entire companies and warehouses? Wow... so looking forward to this move. Please know if you are a retailer that we are moving now and on Friday our phones and communications will be temporarily shutdown. 

I was at work yesterday when I got this text photo...

She just knew the perfect way to make me laugh and cry at the same time. I love that she is so thoughtful and expresses her love for me. I will treasure this. Just to clarify- I cannot dance or sing and I'm okay with this!!!!

xoxo

BEHIND the scenes...

Today you can watch a little "behind the scenes"...www.mycraftchannel.com/shows/Teresa-Collins-Designs-Show/CHA-and-Behind-the-Scenes-with-Sesil-Cratin

I'm home enjoying the day with the kids since it is a holiday. We need to go buy more glitter for Gentrys wedding. Looking forward to my husband and Zach coming home today after four days away at a baseball event. I really missed them.

I'm headed SOUTH

It's a kitting weekend. Making hundreds (well about 

1,000 kits) for my next teaching visits & workshops. 

Taylor kits each of these kits. I don't know

how she does it. I seriously could not do these

events without her. She pre-cuts every single

paper, puts the kit in order page by page.

I really should post the photos. I put color photos 

of each page of my projects for my students.

You could say Sams Club photo department knows me

well. They said I am their #1 customer in my city.

I love this!!!!!

My two boys are headed to a weekend of BASEBALL- I am home

with the rest of my family. I am finalizing my project 

designs for Italy and New Zealand this weekend. I wrote

it so it will be done. I have been so busy with work and 

design deadlines that I LOVE weekends to create and "free"

my mind to just "play" with paper.

Just had to tell you my MID-RELEASE is slowly coming in. 

I am officially going to say... I LOVE GLITTER and SUMMER-

That's all I will say. I am over the moon in love with 

designing and I hope I help others feel that need, desire,

and inspiration to create from what I create.

I am going to go on a date this weekend. It's a HOT date

with my favorite 14 year old son. It will be a late night 

date at the movies. Yes, I will pay. It's only fair! ha-

So I am headed to my stomping grounds- I'm headed back South

to teach two back to back fabulous weekends.

First, I'm headed to Fredricksburg, Virginia next to 

teach at the Scrapdoodles Event on 

March 1st-2nd. Oh my...I love Cheryl and am super lucky

to finally get to visit her store and customers.

This makes me VERY happy! It was announced recently

and I changed my schedule to go. I worried with such 

a quick turn around no one would be able to come. I was

way wrong. THANK YOU girls for making me feel so welcome

and for taking the time to come and take my workshops.

I truly am grateful. I know we are going to have a 

FABULOUS weekend together.

The following weekend, I am headed to EMI Scrapbooking

 Store in Cummings, GA March 8th and 9th.

This is my third year with Susan- we have so much fun.

Susan, are you girls not sick of my stories yet?  I

sure love you girls and I LOVE that you let me crop

at nights with you at the hotel in my pajamas. {yes, 

true story- these girls have fun!!!!}

 The workshops are ALL sold out. However, 

I just talked to Susan this morning and we are 

adding more spots in 

two of the workshops- we had so many kit 

onlys so we decided to 

 open up a couple spots in the class. Yes, there is crops

both Friday and Saturday night at the hotel- ask Susan

about how this works. You do have to sign up and have

taken the workshop(s).

So we hope you can sign up now if you want to join us. 

It is at a local hotel to fit all the sign ups. I think 

everyone has heard how much fun the Southern girls are.

 Last time, we were trapped in the hotel laundry room 

due to the impending tornado headed towards us. These

crazy girls were still having a great time and attitude.

I was not as calm and was having a little mini breakdown

inside. I am so happy they helped calm me. This 

year I am praying for good weather and NO tornadoes.

 Can't wait to see you Scrapdoodles and EMI girls!!!!! 

HAPPY LOVE DAY!!!!!!

card by Sesil Cratin- TCD MEMORIES collection

I am a fan of glitter so this card makes me happy.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!

I am working today and all I want to do create love stuff. I have not done a LOVE line in forever. Thinking I should reconsider. If you are a crafter, do you use Valentines/love lines? I would love to know.

This is what I did for my husband and kids this morning. I loved that my boys told me HAPPY VALENTINES DAY as they got out of my car to go to school. It was so simple but it was so cute to me.

I loved this book. I filled in all the pages. I love that it was a book with blanks so I could personalize.

I am absolutely in LOVE with the vinyl decal that I purchased from DECORATING YOUR LIFE. It is a brand new company. Check them out here: www.decoratingyourlife.com. 

I hope you have a wonderful VALENTINES and are able to spend it with those that you love!!!!

xoxo

 

Paper clipping SHOW & going to Portugal

I wanted to share my last minute ideas for Valentines and showing your love. My show this week at My Craft Channel focused on this. I am a big of Valentines!!!! I must admit, I am not a fan of the crowded restaurants, so I am so good to celebrate at home or on another night. I have Valentines for my kids and like to surprise them with something new each year.

I'll never forget one year when my dad brought home a HUGE box of chocolate for me. It was only one time... and honestly, I was about 9 years old. I will NEVER forget how much it meant to me. I remember thinking he loved me by doing this. I kept the empty box for several years. 

You can watch my show here-

www.mycraftchannel.com/shows/Teresa-Collins-Designs-Show/LOVE-IS-GOLDEN-displaying-your-love

I was asked to be on the Paperclipping show- to be on their panel. It was on the Signature Series of idea books and featuring a few of the designers who had their own books. It was such a honor to be asked to do the idea book. The show was a panel discussion of a "behind the scenes" of doing the idea book. There was lots of discussion and insight from Amy Tangerine, Heidi Swapp and myself. 

This was so much fun to talk about what each of us love so much. I hope you will listen to the broadcast. Noell and Izzy were the so professional and I really enjoyed the experience.

Paperclipping wrote:

"You know how we love getting the real story from our Roundtable panelists?

Well, that's what we got from three very creative talented guests
you'll be excited to hear from:

Amy Tangerine, Heidi Swapp, and Teresa Collins!

Come listen and enjoy!"

http://www.paperclipping.com/prt146-always-gotta-look-fly/

www.paperclipping.com/prt146-always-gotta-look-fly

I was at my office working when it was time for the taping. I went into my office- shutting all doors closed. The shipping department was super loud today. I was really afraid during the taping that others would hear all the craziness and commotion going on. It is my reality... 

I can share NOW that I am working on my NEXT Teresa Collins Idea Book with Northridge. I was honored to be asked to do it again. 

I am over the moon excited to announce that I am to teach in Porto, Portugal in April. I was so blessed to teach in Lisbon, Portugal in 2012. Pinch me!!!! I feel completely in LOVE with the country and the beautiful culture, and people. It was a trip that forever is in my heart.

This is the event: www.clubechocolatequente.blogspot.com

I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and being asked to come again.

I had to share this information- I cant read it... but I know it's GREAT news to share!!!!

XL 2013 - E o designer é Teresa Collins

Parabéns Ana Rita Alves!  Ganhou um vale de 15€ para gastar no XL 2013!

Receberá este no dia 27 de Abril após check-in no evento.

Relembro que para participar e ganhar este concurso tem de:

- estar inscrito no evento XL 2013;

- ser seguidor do blog;

- ser amigo no facebook do clube;

- e comentar (acertadamente) via blog!

Na próxima segunda-feira há mais!

 Sim! Teresa Collins no XL 2013 !!! 
 
 

Ao longo desta semana revelaremos um pouco da pessoa e do seu trabalho.

Fique atento!

I am blessed to be able to do this. Thank you Patricia for having me again. I am thankful you are my distributor and my friend. I can't wait to see all of you again in beautiful Porto. 

LOVED this... my weekend

I am home from a fabulous weekend in IL. I am working on some crazy deadlines so I thought I would share a few of photos... and get back to my designing. 

I visited The Scrapbooking Studio in Bloomington, IL.

This is my friend Amy Sprague. She owns the store. I love her- she is amazing, smart, and inspires me.

I went to visit my best girlfriend Amy during the weekend. We have so much fun together. 

Thank you Terri for driving 8 HOURS to take the workshop! Wow...these girls were so special and sweet. I had the best night with each of them.

It was fun to show the class my new TC/Xyron adhesive kits. 

This is my friend Stacy Rodriquez. She is on my design team and she makes books that are beyond cool. She had mad paper skills. I love her funny, cute and sassy personality. I really appreciate this girl!

Sorry to jump around- I got to hang out with Amy's daughter Jaycie and go downtown Chicago for her birthday party. It was so much fun. We went to the American Girl store. Her mother hosted the perfect day and party. She will be seven years old this week. I honestly love this little girl... she has a very place in my heart.

As does her mommy... 

The class was sold out. I felt such a connection with these girls. It was a very special night for me.

Here is the teachers and Amy... the staff from The Scrapbooking Studio. I honestly love them! I want to thank Jennifer for my wonderful treat bag... oh how I love my baked pork rings. HA!

Okay... I want to thank you AMY for having me. I loved this weekend. Just what I needed. More photos from American Girl party soon. I'm back to work...

I am such a lucky girl.

How often do you FLY???

I am at the airport this morning. I once again set the security alarm off. Today it is the gold sequins (many fabulous) on my top. The cute lady behind me in line watched me "undress" to go through security and then "get pat down." I know the routine well. The lady went after me and then asked me... "I can tell you know what your doing? How often do you FLY?" Then she wanted to talk about why I travel and was was surprised when I told her I own a scrapbook company. She looked at me like I had horns. She was a little speechless. Outside of the crafting world- it's unknown.... even maybe a little "people do that?." They come to classes to scrapbook and craft, etc. is a familiar question I get. I LOVE what I do!!!

Tonight I am teaching at The Scrapbooking Studio in Bloomington, IL. The workshop is sold out, but if your local and want to come by, I would love to see you. Amy is a huge supporter of TCD and carries my entire line of products. I am excited to see Stacy Rodriquez there. She is on my design team and teaches at Amy's stores. 

Also, I was so in love when I saw these projects-

They were designed by Megan Klauer. She designs for Amy as well. I loved that she shared her beautiful creations with me and asked her permission to share them here with you.

*Products- Teresa Collins (SHE SAID collection: PAPERS, die cuts, sticky notes, enamet dots, and stitched garland)

I love how PRETTY her work is. 

 

This is 

Here Megan is using the HE SAID and SHE SAID papers mixed....

More of SHE SAID.... I love it!!!!

I really LOVE this card she designed. So simple yet it even tells a story. I so want to make this card.

 

If you want to see more of Megan's stuff visit her blog here! I love her softness and eye for design and I know you will too. 

Okay... boarding the flight... so looking forward to a creative weekend and staying with my best friend and her family. I hope Jaycie still likes Hello Kitty... we celebrate her birthday tomorrow in downtown Chicago at the American Girl store.

 

Filming FIFTEEN SHOWS... & STORE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Today I am filming FIFTEEN brand new shows for my weekly show for www.mycraftchannel.com. It is completely free and you can watch ALL the shows online anytime for instant inspiration. I debut a new TC show every single Monday. I have so much on my agenda with family and career that I needed to film as many as possible today. 

Yes, I have something VERY cool happening within our family. I will be sharing very soon. Also, planning a wedding is no small task. Let's just say I am in design heaven.

I thought I would share a little person information. I check in every month now at my health clinic. They weigh me and it's basically a way to keep me on track with my goals and accountability. Yesterday I visited and was so happy to know that for the last month I had maintained my current weigh exactly... however, she told me that my fat % had went UP 4%. I was so in shock. She immediately said- are you going long periods without food. Hmmm... guilty... I guess you really need to feed your body every 1.5 hours and not go hours without "fueling" your body. So lesson learned and I will make sure I keep carrot sticks in my bag. 

Today is a very good day to announce that I will be teaching April 12-13th at the GRAND OPENING celebration of CREATIVE CARDS AND CRAFTS in Villa Park, IL. 

GRAND OPENING... LOVE to support our stores!!!!

CREATIVE CARDS AND CRAFTS

15 E PARK AVENUE

VILLA PARK, IL

You can find the new store on facebook- www.facebook.com/CreativeCardsAndCrafts?fref=ts and the blog- www.creativecardsandcrafts.com. 

I will be teaching a BRAND new MEMORIES collection workshop, Stationery Noted file folder project and this large Far & Away travel book.

Far & Away Travel book-

Stationery File Folder book-

I will post the MEMORIES project soon- it is BRAND new and I still need to take the photos. 

Okay... got to get to the studio to film the crafting shows. This is going to be an amazing day....

 

Join me in ITALY this Summer...

I am not sure what happened to my segment on Good Things Utah yesterday. Normally the TV Station has the segment on their website within a couple hours. So far it has not been uploaded. I will post it they share it.

I am feeling so fortunate to be going and teaching at this amazing event this Summer. I am going to Italy for the very first time. I am taking my husband with me too. This retreat is so much more than crafting- although this will be amazing too. I have designed TWO projects that are exclusive to this event.

Are you ready for an unforgettable experience... in Italy? Have you dreamed of visiting the charming old world towns, the beautiful scenery or the magnificent architecture around every corner? Do you love to CREATE, be INSPIRED and make MEMORIES you will cherish forever? How about combining all of these things into a wonderful week with me in Italy? 

I am teaching at an amazing weeklong event on the shores of Bellagio, Italy that will have all of that and more and I would love for you to join us!! Laura McCollough is a mixed media artist and designer that has fallen in love with Lake Como, Italy and wants to share it with us! She has organized an incredible “Creative Retreat” with amazing teachers, inspiring classes, incredible excursions, gourmet dining and relaxing moments that I know will have you falling in love with Italy too!

She only has a few more spots available, so don’t miss out on this “once-in-a- lifetime” opportunity!

Yes, we will enjoy a lunch and boat tour during the week.

 Sign up TODAY and join us on this amazing journey to Italy!!

You can find out all the information about the teachers, the event location, whats included and the payment plans available at: http://akissonthechic.blogspot.com

Don’t miss out... You too can enjoy the Italian architecture, stroll the cobblestone streets, relax by the lakefront pool, explore the enchanting villas and taste all the amazing flavors of beautiful Italy!

Doesn't this place look fabulous?


I wanted to share of few of Laura's photos that she took last Summer. We would love for you to join us on this week long creative retreat.

Today I am super busy with CHA Summer around the corner and prepping for 15 shows to film tomorrow at the studio for My Craft Channel. The biggest thing for me is to try to be super organized so that the day goes smooth. I even have some special guest designers on a few of my shows coming up. This is going to be exciting. 

Last, a little inspiration to leave you with-

I am loving the new HE SAID collection. Sesil Cratin created this darling layout of her son. Isn't he cute?