TERESA COLLINS

CKU update- CHIC & SCARY PILLOWS

I am having a wonderful time here. I have really enjoyed the girls taking my album track. Today is a FULL day of creating and making their own travel album. I hope they will enjoy the album. It is also great to see the other teachers and get to enjoy their company. Today will be a FULL day of being creative. I am very fortunate that I LOVE what I do!!!!!! I know today's hardest part will be being on my feet all day and my back issues. I have faith it will all work out! That reminds me- last night Hilary Weeks performed here at the event. Have you heard her sing? She has a voice of a angel. I came back to my room last night and listened to some of her music on youtube. Hilary sings Christan music. Ahhh... her voice is beautiful. 

I know Halloween is just around the corner. So it's time to show you the handcrafted/ created pillows that I showed on my Channel 4 Good Things Utah TV segment last week.

 These pillows (purchased from IKEA) were created with my images on the Cricut TC Chic & Scary Halloween cartridge. These were made with the Provo Craft YUDU machine. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these so much! 

These were made by Shannon Lerner. Are they not just so adorable?

The witch is just one of my favorite images from the cartridge.

Love the spider pillow too! Endless possibilites... The YUDU machine is really just too cool! 

ENJOY today... go create some fabulous memories. Thanks for the comments sent to me about remembering my High School friends. I feel MUCH MUCH better. Great advice too! THANK YOU.

At the airport... December at EVER AFTER

I got up early this morning. I am headed to San Diego, Califonia. I guess I brought alot of stuff. One bag was 71 lbs. Can you believe they did not charge me extra? It was full of Bazzill cardstock in my defense. I hope I have everything that I need. The hotel is so beautiful where I am headed. I always worry about all the details. I have been working nonstop for the last few weeks and sometimes these work trips actually help me to recharge a bit. I love getting to see the result of the months of product design and development. It's very rewarding to see crafters using the products. This weekend we are working on a 8x8 travel book. CKU has some great things planned for the event so this is a treat to go there. I always come home inspired. This year one of the keynote speakers is my friend Lisa Bearnson. She is truly the founder (in my opinion) of scrapbooking. I have greatly admired her for years. She started her own company with Creating Keepsakes magazine. It grew it into a huge success and helped scrapbooking become world wide and what it is today. 

This is where the event will take place- 

I have been thinking A LOT lately about some things that concern me. It's somewhat specific so I'm just going to be totally open and honest here. I hope that someone will KNOW or maybe has had this experience. As many of you know, I suffered a stroke with my last baby ( I was 7 months pregnant).  Of course, it changes you. I have my loss of vision that reminds me of what occured. However, something recently came up that has made me question a few things. I was informed that my graduating class was doing a REUNION. They created a facebook group and about 150 of my high school friends joined. The reunion actually was LAST weekend and I was already going to Texas and could not attend. However, as I went on the facebook page for my High School group I simply do not remember 95% of them.

I know I should when I read the name (the name I will recognize somewhat but I draw a HUGE blank) and I don't remember even what they look like. Is it my age???? or could this be a result of having a brain injury? It makes me feel uncomfortable in that I have forgotten so many of them. I remember the girls I cheered with, and a few girls that I was closer with...but the rest...I can't. I would love to know if anyone else has had this happen to them or someone they know. I do not see anyone from High School since I live in Utah now. I went to college at 17 and never have lived in my home town since. That is one of the reasons why I doubt I would have went to the reunion if I had not been busy- I could not remember who many of them are now. Imagine going there and not really knowing who I was talking to...but should know. MEMORY LOSS is a scary thing... I know my stroke affected me in this area. That is one of the reasons why I journal and write so much.

FINALLY- it's time to announce my NEXT visit to EVER AFTER Scrapbook store. This has become a tradition. I go to the store every December. I look forward to seeing the girls and being with my friends. I always strive to design projects with meaning. This year I felt really inspired to offer these brand new (never taught) before projects that offer just that. 

FRIDAY December 9th 2011

CAROLINA BREEZE 

chipboard album

Join Teresa Collins as she teaches with her newest release Carolina Breeze- a beautiful collection of yellow, gray, black and white. This beautiful collection is perfect to scrapbook any occasion. Teresa will teach you how to make your own chipboard albums. You can use this technique over and over to create your own customized projects.  Learn how to create flaps and embellishments that you can create over and over! You will be getting the entire Carolina Breeze collection with your class kit. Please bring 7-8 4x6 and/or wallet sized photos to place in your album (optional). 

Saturday December 10th 2011- ALL DAY workshop with Teresa Collins 

Create TWO large albums 

Time: 9:00am- 5:30 pm *lunch break (last year a group of us went to In n Out and enjoyed lunch together- it's across from the store)

DECEMBER 

daily countdown binder album

Each year I create a December Daily Countdown album. I have a page for each day of the month. Each page is 1-25 and has the options of making it a full 31 day album. At this busy time of the year, having an album ready helps me feel more prepared. We will be using a 8.25 x 9.25"h  binder album that we will be altering and painting RED in class. We will be adding a beautiful FRAME to the cover and sparkly jingle bell ornaments to the binder spine. We will do all the interior pages and the binder album will allow you to later punch holes in photos, cards and add anything to my book. Each day of the month starting in December take photos and take notes to represent our holiday season and thoughts. Please bring these to the workshop with you- yes, a little homework. Journaling is an important part of the process. In this day long workshop, we will be hands on painting, stamping and SEWING! Note: Sewing will be completely OPTIONAL. Things to think about including in your December binder album: your children’s “WISH LIST” in their own handwriting, the food you are creating, photos of your home, holiday plans, who you visited, the service you provided, etc. It is a way to truly capture your holiday month and how you celebrate those special times!

Album is 8.25 x 9.25"- binder album

*ornate frame on the cover of binder album. Please note- there will be a selection of beautiful ornate frames to choose from for your album cover.

*

SOME OF THE PAGES of the BINDER ALBUM- this workshop will be all day so that you can completely finish both projects!

Did I mention we are SEWING????? I hope you won't be scared away. It's so fun!

The second project we will create on Saturday is a canvas travel journal. This is going to be the book that I journal and document ALL my travels in 2012 in. 

TRAVEL JOURNAL 2012

During our all day workshop will will be creating a TRAVEL JOURNAL to document EVERY WHERE you travel to in 2012 (or you could do any year!). This brand new workshop has never been taught and you will love it's size and texture. Create a large CANVAS 8x10 trip journal to document all the places you go to... near or far- for the next year. We will paint on canvas and have a completed album ready to document your upcoming travels.

I hope you can join me for a creative fun filled weekend with friends!!!!

EVER AFTER SCRAPBOOKS
1954 Hacienda Blvd, Vista CA 92081
(760)-630-2767

*there is already a waiting list going (not sure which classes) so PLEASE call if your interested. We are going to try to fit as many as we can and still maintain nice cropping space. You can call the store directly if you would like a kit only. For those of you who may not get into the class or simply cannot travel to the store location, the kit can be mailed to you. You will be provided with a CD with page by page color visuals of the projects along with your kit. 

Time to catch my flight. Have a wonderful day!!!!!

 

Ghosts & Ghouls- going to CKU REUNION!!!!

I know it's bad but I stayed up ALL night last night to met a BIG DEADLINE. I wish I could talk about it. I listened to my favorite music to keep me awake and watched infomericals. Late a night, I like to have a little company. ha! Wow, that informercial with Cindy Crawford always makes me want to buy her "meaningful beauty" line. ha! Seriously, has she NOT aged in 15 years. Why is it at 4am in the morning we thing about buying some of these things? Is it just me. ha!

Anyway, I am finishing up the deadline and packing. I have three PINK suitcases loaded with product and a few clothes. I am going to San Diego, CA to teach at The CKU REUNION event. Oh, I am excited. I love California, and I love the girls that are going. I have been so fortunate to have so many friends through scrapbooking. I have lots of surprises for the students who took my album track. I just feel so LUCKY!!!!! Plus, I honestly love the girls at CK Media. I can't wait to hang out with them too. So it's work but for me because I LOVE what I do so much- it's truly a PASSION.

ANNOUNCING I will be going back to visit my friends at SCRAPBOOK ISLAND!!!!!!!! I will be teaching workshops again. I LOVE Laurie and her staff SO MUCH! I consider Laurie a REAL friend and I am looking forward to visiting everyone there. The date is FEBRUARY 17-19th 2012. Mark it on your calendar if you are in Northern California and want to come.  

So today I am sharing more projects from the design team.

There is so many cute Halloween crafty things but OH MY... look at this wreath:

Post by Maridette Cachola

Ghouls and Goblins....

  Who says that Halloween is just for kids.  It's just as fun for adults too.   What will you be dressed up as this year?  Every year we get together with family and friends for dinner then take the kids out to go trick or treating.  I love that we all get excited for Halloween.  It's so fun seeing all the scary Halloween decorations, the different costumes cute and scary.  Also,  stopping over to our nearby Halloween carnival  in our neighborhood.  I especially love all the Halloween collections that come out.  Teresa Collins Haunted Hallows is a simple yet elegant and a touch of spookiness to her collection this year.  I love her stamps that coordinate with the paper collection.   If you haven't bought your copy of her Cricut cartridge CHIC and SCARY well...you are missing out!  It's the perfect addition to your Halloween projects.  Here is a wreath I created using TC Chic & Scary Cricut cartridge and Haunted Hallows papers which included black and silver glitter cardstock paper.  Don't they look awesome!  Thanks Teresa for designing such awesome images!!

Isn't that gorgeous!  I mean SPOOKY?  

I used Haunted Hallows Poison paper to cut out the labels and attached to Tim Holtz's apothecary bottles which you can add anything into the bottles.  I just put red glitter.   I also added some flowers. black&orange damask ribbon and a skeleton from michaels.  I used my Cricut Expression 2 machine which I totally love!  So user friendly... cut out the haunted house, bat and spider with TC black glitter paper.  The haunted house was cut at 2.75"; bat 2.5"; spider 2".  Cut the spider web at 3", spider web border at 3.5" and mask at 2.5" using TC silver paper.  Add one bling to each end of the mask.  To attach all elements I used hot glue gun.  Now your wreath is ready to be hung on the front door or in your home.

Another layout I created using TC Haunted Hallows collection.  I used my iphone photos into the calendar and embossed the witch frame using TC Haunted Hallows stamp.  It was pretty fun using her stamps and embossing...a technique I haven't used in a long time.

Have a Spooktacular Halloween night!  

blog: Inspiration Found 

 

 

BIG NEWS-Inspiration Unlimited 2012

It is official- INSPIRATION UNLIMITED 2012 is sold out! This is the 5th year we have sold out. 

 We are over the moon excited that so many of you are interested in attending Inspiration Unlimited. It is an overwhelming feeling. Ginger and I are honored and thankful…so thank you! As soon as we start IU signups the participants are offered a spot in the order that they registered. We have tried to be fair and have worked so hard to keep adding more students each year and somehow maintain the smaller event feel. If someone does not sign up for IU then we go to the next person on the registration list. THANKS all of you who have registered and want to come to Inspiration Unlimited. THANK you for supporting something that I believe in & love. It is truly an experience. If you have been to IU then you KNOW what I mean. 

 As you know this makes me sad knowing so many did not get to sign up for IU. The truth is we can't fit MORE people into the event.  I wish everyone could come that wants to, but we simply have run out of room and know our limits size wise to maintain the event expectations.  It leaves us with a heavy heart that we are unable to reach out and have everyone that wishes to attend be able to attend Inspiration Unlimited.  With lots of searching, and planning since last year, we think we have come up with a “mini” solution! 

For the past few months, Ginger (event coordinator) and I have been working hard to figure out a way to give those of you who did not get into IU a chance to experience what IU is really about. We have been thinking about this for about 3 years, but KNEW it was time to take the plunge.

HOWEVER...we realized that we could not do TWO events like IU. It takes a full year to plan this event and the sponsors from the manufacturers is truly over the top generous and we knew doing two events a year would likely be hard for manufacturer (aka PRIZES) to support a second event.  So we came up with something that made us BOTH happy.

We are going to do another event and those girls who are registered but DID NOT get into IU may have the opportunity to attend this OTHER event. 

Yes, you have to be registered and Ginger will be starting with the list to notify the girls next on the list the opportunity to come to INSPIRED JOURNEY. That is the mini- version of IU. However, it is really it's OWN smaller event. 

Here is some of the details:

For all of you on the waiting list for 2012 and did not receive an option to register, you will remain on the waiting list, whether you wish to participate in our “mini” event or not.  As we have mentioned before, a lot can happen between now and June 30^th, when final payments are due for Inspiration Unlimited. Each year we have girls who get in due to unforseen circumstances and need to give up their spot.

 

 “Inspired Journey”

 Manhattan Beach, California

 May 18^th and 19^th, 2012    

 

 

"Inspired Journey"

Teresa Collins & Friends

A Mini Inspiration Unlimited

A Weekend Filled with Inspiration, Creativity, and Friendship

May 18^th and 19^th, 2012

Manhattan Beach Marriott

Manhattan Beach, California

*photos of the hotel

Now for the DETAILS:

 

Teaching at Inspired Journey-

 

Teresa Collins

Teresa Collins Designs

www.teresacollinsdesigns.com

 

Rebecca Cross

Pink Paislee

www.pinkpaislee.com

 

Sande Kreiger

7 Gypsies

www.sandekrieger.typepad.com 

This event will be truly Inspirational!  We wanted to offer an event without the frills (we have no idea how many prizes will be available- just being honest), and get down to the basics of what we love… creating and being inspired by some amazing teachers and manufacturers.  Your weekend will be filled with four amazing workshops, time to meet up with friends and make new ones.  This event will be small, intimate with fellow attendees and our teachers, and more!

You know there will be a surprise or two. Guaranteed!

 Those on the waiting list now will have the first option to attend this “mini” event.  Registration will begin October 27th.  Ginger will send out invites to the first 100 people on the waiting list. Yes, there is only 100 spots at
Inspired Journey. This event is truly smaller and very intimate. The focus is on the workshops and creating.

I was thrilled to ask Rebecca Cross and Sande Kreiger to join me on this "new" journey. I know that you will not be disappointed in the workshops and the locations.  We are thrilled to be planning a “mini” event in 2012 and grateful it will allow more crafters the opportunity to attend. Thank you Pink Paislee and 7 Gypsies (Teresa Collins Designs) for sponsoring our FIRST "journey."

Whew... I know that is a TON of information. I am excited and a little nervous. There is no going back now... TWO events. If you have any questions please email Ginger at

GingBugg@cs.com or me at teresac8@msn.com. Please be patient in allowing time to respond to any questions you may have. 

Today I am filming more segments for My Craft Channel. I hope you are watching all the shows. I am so honored to be apart of such a talented line up of hosts. The shows are all so informative and inspirational. Check the craft shows out at www.mycraftchannel.com.

Have a great Tuesday!

 

 

 

 

 

PUMPKIN centerpiece

 

Okay... I can't believe HALLOWEEN is almost here!!! I have a "thing" for painted pumpkins. I love decorating and doing "nonscary" things. I will not go to the Haunted Houses. I don't like scary movies or anything to do with evil forces. Just not my thing. I do LOVE the fun things of dressing up and giving out candy and going to parties. I want to share with you the crafty cool designs from Colette Nederhoff from my design team. This is her write up as well:

" I love all the Seasonal Decorating - and thought for sure I needed a new Halloween Centerpiece this year, so it was time to come up with something fun using Teresa's Haunted Hallows line.   I also incorporated the brand new Cricut "Chic and Scary" cartridge that Teresa designed.  I had ton's of fun decorating this pumpkin and hope you enjoy seeing the process.

Haunted Hallows Pumpkin Centerpiece
Designed by Colette Nederhoff
http://nederhoffco.blogspot.com
Supplies:
Plastic carvable pumpkin:  Hobby Lobby
Flat White Krylon Spray Paint
Silver glitter spray paint:  Hobby Lobby
Black Flocked Vinyl wall decor paper: Hobby Lobby
Cricut Expression machine
Teresa Collins Cricut "Chic and Scary" cartridge
Teresa Collins Black Glitter Paper (World traveler)
Teresa Collins Blingage:  Donna's gems & Shelley's stars, Brooke's flower
Haunted Hallows Spiderweb paper
Haunted Hallows Decorative Brads,  Trims, Chipboard elements, and Stickers
Orange Polka Dot ribbon. Orange sparkle ribbon, and black stitched ribbon:   Hobby Lobby
1/4 inch wooden dowel -- 14 " long
Black spray paint
Hot glue
3 inch scallop Circle Punch

Here's how this fun centerpiece was created:

Using the "Chic and Scary" cartridge, cut out a Mask from the glitter paper. It measures: 4" tall x 10" wide.
Set aside.
Using the Black Flocked Vinyl,

Cut the BEWARE with Bird to measure 4 inches tall and also a Candelabra measuring 4 inches tall also.
Set these aside also.
Next, I covered the Stem of the pumpkin with tape before spraying the pumpkin white.  It was actually Ivory- but I wanted it white.  On the top edge, I sprayed the silver glitter and sprayed it heavy so some would run down the pumpkin.  It gave it a cool look.

After the paint dried, I applied the flocked vinyl candelabra and word across the front of the pumpkin.

The next step was to create the decorative Mask.  The Donna's black gems look awesome along the bottom edge.  MY mask did require me using 2 of the gem strips.  One full one and one partial.  In my opinion, no one can ever have enough gems!!  I also added the orange rhinestones to the top center of the mask.
A cute spider chipboard ended up in the very center at the nosepiece.
This mask is mounted on a dowel that I first sprayed black and then wrapped with orange glitter ribbon.

To attach this mask to the stick, I hot glued it to the back of the mask, tipping the mask slightly pointing the end that is not glued down a little bit.  I covered the Hot glue with ribbon just to make it look nice on the back.
Next, I wanted to accent the end of the mask that was attached to the stick with a flower. I love the Teresa Collins Brooke's black flower, but it actually ended up being a little bit big.  I decided to make slightly smaller by cutting the petals down a bit and cutting them into a "V".  You can remove the center bling, and then overlapping a few petals at a time, cut a "V" in them until they are all done.  To make a different Center, I punched a 3 inch scallop circle from the Spiderweb paper.  The black and white side with words made a cute center.  By clipping "Petals" from the scallop circle- by making slits from the outside to the center, you can make a dimensional flower center.  The photo shows how I bent the petals a bit to shape this.  In the center, I added a little Bunch of the tulle trim, and a decorative brad center.

The last addition to this flower was made by tying a Shelley's star to each end of a baker's twine string that measures 8 inches long.  You can wrap this around the center of the flower and let them dangle by hiding the string behind the words layer of the flower.

Lastly, stick the dowel down into the pumpkin and when you decide how tall you like it, glue it in place with Hot glue.  I tied the polka dot bow around the
bottom of the stick to cover my glue.  Cut a piece of the black ribbon to 4 inches.  I folded the ribbon in half and wrapped it around the stick. To make a tag, stick a bird chandelier sticker over the ends of the ribbon and then you can cut a small piece of cardstock to line the back of this tag.
Now I have a wonderful Halloween centerpiece!!!  ENJOY

 

Thanks Colette for sharing your beautiful creation!!!!!!!

I'm in DALLAS, Texas...

I just got back to my hotel room. I taught my Carolina Breeze workshop tonight and then spent three hours talking to all the women at the event. I love doing what I do! I love the connections, sharing heartfelt stories and spending time with the girls here. This event is truly amazing! The girls here are mostly Texas and Oklahoma girls and I met a few from St. Louis. I am sure there are more. The girls here could NOT have been nicer. *girls send me photos!!!! I took two quick ones with my cell phone.

This fun group of girls were so in the "spirit." I love it! They made the hats and they really know how to have a good time and enjoy themselves. Girl time is so important! They were darling and so cute together. 

Then I met this sweet girl-

Take a CLOSE look at her shirt.....

SCRAPBOOKS ARE NOT EXPENSIVE... THEY ARE 

PRICELESS!!!!!!!

I knew I needed a photo. I absolutely AGREE with her shirt!

If you scrapbook you KNOW exactly what this means...if you don't then WE need to talk. wink!

Okay... the TC Chic & Scary Cartridge winners are:

*picked randomly

 

Theresa Kelly said:

I've been trying to get me one of your Chic and Scary carts and having a heck of a time, day late always, (gotta work to buy all your goodies, lol) Hope I'm not to late! I was going to go to the Dallas event with Quick Quotes (I'm on the Design Team) and sceduling problems got in the way (Boo Hoo) so I'm going to miss you! Love your projects and papers, I've had so much fun with the Quick Quotes kits (hope you pop in over there and check out all the re-do goodness) Working on your Gratitude mini now and will post next week, hope you check it out! I'll keep my fingers (and toes, lol) crossed maybe I'll win a cart before they quit making them and can't seem to get my hands on one, lol! Thanks for all you do! ((Hugs)) Theresa (with an H, lol)

and the second winner:

DeAnn said:

I've been a big fan of mycraftchannel.com and saw you on it. I have a cricut and could sure use a new unique cartridge from Teresa Collins! Thanks so much! DeAnn

Please email me right away so I can get you your cartridge right away- teresa@teresacollinsdesigns.com- and make sure you send me your address.

Time for bed since I have a very early flight in the morning!  Thank you Stacy and Quick Quotes for giving me this great opportunity to share this experience with you. 

 

GOOD THINGS UTAH this morning... ENTER TO WIN HERE!!!!!!!!!!

I have TWO highly in demand (thank you so much!!!) TC Chic & Scary Cricut cartridges to give away TODAY on my blog. Thank you Provo Craft for your support! As you know this cartridge is LIMITED EDITION and sold out completely. They finally got them back into stock this past week at www.cricut.com. However, any moment they will be GONE! I was warned that they are going to sell out again. However, I am NOT sure if they will ever be back in stock. 

So all of the projects on Channel 4- Good Things Utah today were made from my newest Halloween line- HAUNTED HALLOWS and the Chic & Scary TC Cartridge!!!!! I am so biased but I love love love love it! Here are some visuals. I will post the video from the show tomorrow.

This circle pendant is just so pretty! Designed by Sesil Cratin- she created the large pendant by taking Haunted Hallows paper and folding the paper into the circle shape. Next, she cut the crow on the twig from the Chic & Scary Cartridge from my black glitter paper. The OCTOBER word is from the HH calendar paper. The glitter around the edge is Gentry's glitter (so sparkly!!!!) from the TC Blingage line.

Black glitter cat from Chic & Scary cartridge- all other papers, tulle and brads from Haunted Hallows collection.

This is something that I love too! Designed by TC Dye- she cut all the Chic & Scary images with her Cricut machine and vinyl to cling to Halloween pumpkins. So simple YET so beautiful!!!!!!! 

I am showing these cards on the show today.  Love the black stitching... All projects designed by Sesil Cratin. Love the treat bag!!!!

This is a pendant banner created with the pendant images from the Chic & Scary cartridge. Loving the black feathers!!!!! Project by Shannon Lerner.

I am showing the candy jars from my house too. YES, I have had to keep refilling the candy over and over! I am giving you the 2 pdfs of all the labels from todays show FREE- just print and adhere to your own apothocary jars, or candy treats.

Download TCD2labels-1

Download TCDLabels

I am in LOVE with these diecut circles (Haunted Hallows & TC Jesses Gems Blingage) that were sewn together to create this garland.

Project by Sesil Cratin

UPCLOSE so you can see the stiching and the individual circle. I am seriously LOVING  these garlands!


So today you can leave a comment RiGHT HERE on this blog for the chance to win a TC Chic & Scary Cricut cartridge!!!!!

I will have more to post tomorrow with more projects from todays TV segment. I will be flying out tomorrow early for TEXAS...excited for the Quick Quotes event. 

a simple HALLOWEEN...

 

*layout... I love how simple yet cute it is. Designed by Jamie Harper.

I just got home from taking my kids to school. It's UEA here in Utah. We do not have school for the next two days. I have filming for My Craft Channel and Good Things Utah TOMORROW. I am going to take my kids with me. I love when they want to go with me. 

If you are in Utah- watch me on Channel 4 tomorrow. I am showing lots of Haunted Halloween- home decor and Chic & Scary projects from my Cricut cartridge. PLUS- I am giving TWO cartridges away. These cartridges are so hard to get and I am told they are selling out AGAIN at any moment- www.cricut.com. However, TOMORROW I will giving away TWO!!!!! 

I'm headed to the gym now. I still dread it almost every day. However, it the BEST feeling when I'm on my way home. HA!  

 

 

 

 

 

HH2603 Haunted Hallows: Spiderweb

HH2608 Haunted Hallows: Damask

HH2620 Haunted Hallows: Sticker Sheet

HH2612 Haunted Hallows: Decorative Brads

other, black and white cardstock

 

Start with you base of the layout, Spiderweb.

Add black cardstock trimmed to 14x9 (add a 2x9 strip to piece it together).

Inside the black trim your Damask paper to 13x8 (add a 1x8 strip to piece it together).

Add another piece of black cardstock to mat your photos trim to 12x7 and adhere to the top leaving a 1/2 inch border.

all of my photos are 3' tall and 2 3/4 wide or double that for the longer photos. Mat with a tiny bit of white cardstock.

Add the spider scallop to the bottom of the photo block.

Using pop dots pop up "OCTOBER 31" to the left of the bottom photo.

Add the banner going up the side of the layout.

Add a photo under the "OCTOBER 31".

For your finishing touches add an October sticker tab and a crow brad to the upper right corner of the upper photo.

Finish with journaling.

 

Have a FABULOUS Wednesday!

 

FREE download- TC Stampmaker October images

Today was so SWEET. I teach the little kids at church. We had our Primary singing program today. I love my littles so much. They are the cutest four year old kids. I love that they love me as much as I love them. Zane was in my church class last year and now is five and went to another class this year. He was sitting behind me on the stage. He leaned over and was stroking my hair and then grabbed my hand. It was so cute. Last year, he would come to class and tell me often how much he loved me. AHHHHH... talk about loving going to church each week. I have always had a special place in my heart for children. I love them! They remind me of God in their simple and pure (honest) thoughts and putting life in sweet perspective. 

I love being able to teach these sweet children each week. I admit, I get MAJOR bonus points because I bring them "gummy bears or worms" every week as a treat. ha! 

Here are a few photos that I wanted to share-

Friday night at the football game- McKay is blessed with great friends (RIO TINTO stadium).

Gentry is having a INSANE amount of good times with her best friend DANI at college. PS...apartment 51 boys- I am watching ALL of you. Gentry mentioned to me that she is NOT getting enough sleep with all the fun times happening at BYU...HMMMMM.... I wonder why? ha-

This is Maxson. He is getting SOOO big! I wish we could see him more. We miss him!!!! He is now in the stage where poor Kayla has her hands full. You know saying "NO" and sometimes hitting and wanting to be the boss.

 I am home today enjoying a quiet Sunday. My favorite day of the week is always this day. It is the day of focus for me. I do nothing work related. It is my day to ponder and dig deep on what is going on in my life... in my family. I wish I had more days like today. I am home with my boys. I am happy... Zach even made us dinner. He is learning to cook in 8th grade. LOVE THIS!!!!!!

 

 

Teresa Collin's Stampmaker is back on Create & Craft TV selling the AMAZING Teresa Collins Stampmaker this week! As always, there is a bumper offer with the Stampmaker that includes extra sachets & imageblack film.

We have 2 shows on Tuesday 18th one at 8am & the second at 6pm. Last time in July we SOLD OUT in less that 50 minutes! We have more stock and more shows ready to meet the demand this time around.

If we don't sell out on Tuesday, we have another show at 4pm on Wednesday 19th.

You can find Create & Craft TV on Sky 671, Freeview 36, FreeSat 813 or watch on line at www.createandcraft.tv. I will be in Dallas Texas teaching this weekend- so I will not be flying over to the UK to be on this live broadcast. However, check it out- you will LOVE this machine.

 

This is THIS month's FREE stamp images for you to download and print. You will find the download link at: http://photocentric-imagepac.blogspot.com 

Here is some visuals of the stamps after they were created and used. These tags were created by Lara.

Seriously love these darling tags that she created!!!!

Weekend....

Yesterday afternoon, I went downtown and taught a workshop for fifty women at the Scrapbook Steals retreat with Lisa Mack. The girls could not have been nicer. There is a connection that I always feel when I attend these events. I am so fortunate for WHAT it brings to me...to my life. Nick came to help give out lots of TC goodies. If you are a retailer, you know that Nick is the sales director for my company. I got to meet his beautiful soon to be bride last night. Ahhh... young love! It was a fun night. KC from My Mind's Eye was there too. He is seriously hilarious! Melodee from Authentique papers was there as well. She is really funny!!!! Anyway, it was so nice to get to teach at an event and not have to venture too far from home. 

After the event ended, I drove straight to see my girl McKay perform at RIO TINTO stadium. They did their hip hop routine and it was AMAZING! This was the LAST footgame game that the drill team will perform this year. How fast this year is going!!!! I was the crazy mom taking lots of photos. McKay and I are starting to do her college applications. I am going to miss her so much. She is really not sure where she wants to go to school- so I have encouraged her to apply at all of the ones that she is considering. (about 4).

Gentry and McKay- July 2011...

This morning, I did KICKBOXING. I really LOVE the class. It is a great workout for the entire body and it's really alot of fun. My favorite thing is PUNCHING and the music keeps you pumped and going. Then I quickly got ready to head down to Provo to visit Gentry. I had been having a feeling all week that I needed to visit Gentry. It was a last minute trip and Talylor went with me. We went to the University Mall. Oh, this is crazy to think that when I was a student at BYU- I went to this SAME mall. This time I had my two daughters that helped me pick out some new fall clothes. I remember going to this SAME mall with Taylor as a tiny baby in my arms.

 We had lunch at PF Changs and chatted for a few hours. Gentry lives literally right by the apartments that I lived in when I went to school there. It is so strange how fast time goes. I drove to show Taylor the house we lived in when we brought her home from the hospital. Wow, I was a "baby" then having a baby. Gentry is the same age as I was when I got married. I look at her at age nineteen and think how YOUNG I was. I don't regret that decision. Even though the marriage did not work out. I have my three beautiful girls and it was a life lesson that has helped me to be WHO I am today. I am fortunate that there is no bitterness or bad feelings involved. Taylor, Gentry and McKay have grown up with two parents who support and love them completely. There has never been the parent bashing and all that unnecessary bashing that sometimes happen in a divorce. The truth is getting married at age 19 for ME was way too young. I was not at all mentally ready to be a wife and then soon after a mother. Anyway, today was amazing! I am so lucky to have my kids. The are now my closest friends too! 

Now... I need to be creative. I'm on Channel 4- Good Things Utah on Thursday (Halloween segment). Have a great weekend!

 

It MATTERS to ME....

It's Friday!!!!!

I went to boot camp this morning and am feeling GREAT! I figure if I give it all I've got for ONE HOUR then the rest of the 23 hours of the day will be so much better. It works for me. I am definitely more toned and that was one of my goals.

 

I am happy that the kits for the QUICK QUOTES event are kitted now. So excited to be going to TEXAS- Dallas in ONE week. Thankful that McKay and the girls do the kitting now. It came to a point that I knew that I can only do so much. I am picky about my kits and I want them as easy as possible for the students to understand and create with. I knew for years that I was letting the kitting part of what I do... weigh on my shoulders. They take many hours and so I taught my girls how to kit and it has been a HUGE blessing. Sometimes you have to let things go. I want my girls to know that I really appreicate how much they do. They help me so much and it allows me to focus on the things that they can't really do...like design my collections. Although, my girls are the first ones to see all my lines. Nothing like your children to be HONEST with you.

Today, I will be teaching a workshop to 50 woman who have come to UTAH from all over the country (& international). I LOVE this!!!!! I had someone ask me yesterday if I was burned out after so many years. I can honestly say that I am not. I still LOVE the process. I love going on inspiration trips. I love when an idea comes and I write or sketch it out. * I always have a notebook in my purse- always!!!! To me- being creative is what brings me to life. It extends to my home, the way I dress, the jewelry I make or wear, decorating my life...so to speak.

It is more than that to me. It's sharing my story. That is one of the reasons that I blog. I am writing my blog to my family and myself really. I love that my kids read my blog, my church friends, my baseball friends, my drill team friends, my kids friends, my mother in law...to me it is sharing LIFE as it is for me and my family. Honestly, each day we have is a GIFT. We do not know what the next day holds. It's important to share your thoughts.

For me, I keep a blog and create scrapbook projects so that my others will know what is most important to me. I want my kids to have a reminder of all the cool things that they did and said- since they probably are NOT going to do it right now... it's up to me to do it. It's a role that I love and I take seriously. Wow...did not mean to talk so much about this topic.

I guess you could say... IT MATTERS  to me.  I am INVESTED in this... I am the FAMILY HISTORIAN so to speak.

If I could say something to those of you who are not scrapbooking... think of it another way. Think of things you can do to write down, take photos and really record what is going on in your life and family. Trust me- if you don't write it down YOU will forget the details. Take the time to share your feelings. Keep a journal if that is your thing. I will FOREVER regret that I will never be able to ask my mother or father questions in my mind. I have so many things I wish I knew. I wish I had kept a journal when I was younger. Oh well...nothing can CHANGE the past. However, I can change the future. I promise your family will cherish that you took the time to preserve memories for them. If you do this on a blog- make sure you print out your blog too. I have on several occassions.

As a scrapbooker- do I scrapbook everything? NO WAY...there is not enough time in the day. I want to LIVE my life and focus on that- creating those memories with those that I love. I document as much as I can and embrace that I will never ever be caught up. I'm doing the BEST that I can. Some people think it's ALL or NOTHING. I'm okay accepting that I can just do "some" of it.  I want my family to know...WHAT really MATTERS most to me.

Today... sharing a little Haunted Hallows layout with you!

These cute projects are designed by:

Laura McCollough

http://akissonthechic.typepad.com

http://akissonthechic.blogspot.com

Witches Brew Layout:

Products used:

 

Haunted Hallows - Chandelier Crow

Haunted Hallows - Spider Web

Haunted Hallows - Words

Haunted Hallows - Die Cut Sheet

Haunted Hallows - Trims

Haunted Hallows - Stamp Set

Haunted Hallows - Witch

Haunted Hallows - Brads

Tattered Angels - Frame mask

Maya Road Mist - Dark Grey

Tim Holtz Sizzix Die - Paper Rosette

Martha Stewart Punch - Gate

Black Paint

Bubble Wrap

Versafine Ink - Black

For this layout, I used the gorgeous Chandelier Crow paper as my base.  I then used a frame mask on the paper and misted it with the grey ink.  I also took a small piece of bubble wrap and applied some black paint onto it a used that as a stamp on my layout is several areas.  After that was dry, I tore the Spider Web paper randomly across the 12" paper for the top of my layout.  I attached that with some pop dots to the top of the page.  Then I took some of the black lace trim and tucked that underneath to let a little peak out.  I then punched some of the left over Spider Web paper with the Martha Stewart punch and set it aside.  Then I trimmed the Spider Web paper and the Word paper slightly larger then my photo and tore and distressed the edges.  I attached all these papers (including the punched paper) onto the layout slightly off center and then added my photo with more pop dots and then added some orange tulle from the trim pack to the side of my photo.  Then  I ran the witch paper through the Tim Holtz Sizzix die and made a paper rosette by adding a brad to the top of it and attaching to the side of my photo.  Then I took some of the Haunted Hallow stamps and randomly placed the spiders and 31 on the layout.  Lastly, I took the "Witched Brew" die cute and used it as my title by adding some black lace trim to the back of it and adhering it with pop dots to my layout at the bottom of the page.

Boo Star Ornament:

Products Used:

Haunted Hallows - Spiderweb

Haunted Hallows - Words

Haunted Hallows - ChandelierHaunted Hallows - Damask

Haunted Hallows - Chipboard

Haunted Hallows - Trims

Haunted Hallows - Brads

For the Halloween Star ornament, I used a paper mache star and turned it upside down to trace each star point onto the Halloween paper.  I painted the star black and let it dry. Then I cut out each star point and glued it on with a tacky glue.  After the star was assembled, I had fun with some embellishments and the tulle that comes in the trim pack!  It's a simple and easy project that's perfect for your Halloween FUN!!

 

Halloween Party Invite:

Supplies Used:

 

Haunted Hallows - Die Cuts

Haunted Hallows - Witch

Haunted Hallows - Words

Haunted Hallows - Trims

Black Brads

 

For this inviation, you will need to cut the Witch Paper to approximately 6x8.  Then cut the Words paper to approx. 4x6.  Score the word paper about 1/4" from the left side and fold over so it will open like a book when attached to the invitation paper.  Punch 3 small holes down the left side of the word paper and attach to 6x8 paper with 3 black brads.  Then take the skull die cut strip and adhere to the top of the invitation and the "party" die cut on top of the skulls with pop dots.  Hand cut a witch frame and adhere to left side with pop dots.  Cut the orange tulle about 3" and attach under the witch frame with some glue dots.  This would be a GREAT invitation for a Halloween party and you can write all your details inside the card!  

 

Warning Sign:

Products Used:

 

Haunted Hallows - Spider Web

Haunted Hallows - Damask

Haunted Hallows - Chandelier

Haunted Hallows - Die Cut Page

Haunted Hallows - Trims

Haunted Hallows - Chevron

Teresa Collins Blingage - Jewel

Teresa Collins Silver Glitter

Martha Stewart Halloween Candy Stickers

Chipboard

Vintage Plastic Skeleton

To Make:

 This cute sign took me about 15 minutes to make!  It's super easy and what a FUN little sign to hang up in your house for Halloween!!

Cut a plain piece of chipboard to 8x6.  Cover with Spider Web paper.  Then take a chipboard frame and adhere TC Glitter over the entire frame.  Cut a piece of the Chandlier paper to fit behind the frame and then cut out from the Damask patter one damask pattern with skulls surrounding it.  Layer the cut Chandelier paper with the Damask cut out and then the frame on top.  Attach to the covered chipboard and add the plastic skeleton on top.  Punch out the diamond shaped die cut strip and the Fleur die cut strip and attach the diamond shape to the top of the sign.  Cut out a strip of the orange Chevron paper that is about 6x3.  Attach this strip to the bottom of the sign and add the Fleur die cut strip to the top of the Chevron paper. Adhere the Martha Stewart candy sticker to the right side of the glitter frame.  Add the black lace from the Trim pack to the bottom of the sign.  Then lasly, punch two holes at the top of the sign to thread the orange tulle through and hang the jewel and some ribbon to one side!

 

 

 

Getting ready for HALLOWEEN

I have been a little crazy busy. When one deadline ends, it is the beginning of a new one. I am not complaining, since being busy is a good thing. However, I know that I need to slow down a bit. I am trying hard to do everything while my children are at school. Somedays are better than others. I wish I could share all the good things, but you will all get to hear what is keeping me so busy at CHA W. It's more than one thing too!!!!! Anyway, I am so happy and grateful that my cute husband is helping me to juggle, balance and cheer me along. He is 100% there for our family and me. This morning, I started the laundry and when it was time to switch loads- without asking he went and finished it for me. Now that is team work!!!! 

I am teaching at a event in UTAH tomorrow afternoon. I love this!!!!! I can't wait to met all the girls that will be there. Thanks Lisa for inviting me!!!!! Then I get to go to Rio Tinto to watch McKay dance during half time at the football game. Excited that Gentry is coming home to help me at my class and to go with me to see her sister perform. 

I will be going on Good Things Utah in one week- HALLOWEEN projects!!!! For now, I wanted to show you some things that the design team has been creating. They are so talented!!!!

I am LOVING Haunted Hallows and hope you like it too.

Haunted Hallows QUICK and EASY treat CAN by Collette Nederhoffe featuring Teresa Collins Haunted Hallows Supplies: 1 plastic can -- recycled after using all the flowers in it. This little can measures 4 1/4" tall and 3 1/2" diameter. Could also use a small empty paint can. Something like this could be bought at Michaels, but mine is a re-cycle. See photos  Haunted Hallows Black Glitter Paper Haunted Hallows Spiderweb paper Haunted Hallows Poison paper Haunted Hallows Sticker Sheet Haunted Hallows Chipboard elements Haunted Hallows Die Cuts Haunted Hallows Trims Blingage: Donna's Gems Black ribbon and orange sparkle ribbon: MIchaels Spider: Pier 1 -- or a party supply store Adhesives: Bazzill Mega runner and Glossy accents, Close to My heart foam dots Instructions: 1. Cut a strip of the black glitter paper to the height of the can. My can was a perfect fit for the 12" length of the paper and the height I measured was 4" tall. Attach the paper to the can by using a tape runner and I used the glossy accents to glue where the paper overlaps after going around the can. The Glossy accents makes the glitter paper stay better. 2. Using the sticker sheet-- apply the Flags around the top edge of the can. Again mine fit perfectly, but you can adjust it to fit your can. I also added a border on the bottom edge. 3. Cut a circle to fit top of can lid that fits the opening. Mine is a diameter of 2 3/4". I used the Spiderweb paper. I used the Boo die=cut popped with a dot as an accent to the lid. The Spider is attached with glossy accents on the lid. 5. To make the Bat flag, I cut a strip of the Poison paper 1 1/4" x 6". Fold in half and before gluing, cut the pointed flag edges. I stuck this on the handle of the can and then glued it together.  Add the Bat chipboard and Trick or treat Die cut. 6. Embellish the top edge of the can with Donna's gems. There were 3 leftover after going all around the edge, so I used them to highlight the flag. 7. Tie the ribbons and tulle to the handle under the flag.  This will make a darling candy can to give as a special gift!

Haunted Hallows
Witchy Women layout
by Julie Jacob
www.juliejac.typepad.com

Supplies Used:
HH2603 Haunted Hallows – Spiderweb
HH2602 Haunted Hallows – Chandelier Crows
HH2620 Haunted Hallows Sticker Sheet
HH2617 Haunted Hallows Rhinestones
HH2612 Haunted Hallows Decorative Brads
HH2619 Haunted Hallows 6x6 Designer Paper Pad
HH2616 Haunted Hallows Trims
Black cardstock
Doily
Letter Stickers – foam (American Crafts Thickers), small (Making Memories)
Border Punch – EK Success
3D Foam Squares – Thermoweb
Sanding block
1 – 8x8 photo

Instructions:
1.  Use 12x12 black cardstock as the base of your layout.
2.  Cut HH2603 (orange side) 10”x11 ½”.  Sand edges.  Adhere to black cardstock, towards left side.
3.  Mat photo with black cardstock.  Adhere to HH2603.  Don’t use adhesive on the edges…then you can tuck in your border pieces.
4.  Cut 3 – 1” strips of HH2602 (dot side) and scallop border punch.  Sand edges. 
5.  Adhere behind 3 edges of photo mat…leaving the right side open.
6.  Cut words ‘spooky’ and ‘witch’ from word paper from 6x6 paper pad.  Adhere to top left of photo.  Add brad beneath words.
7.  Adhere doily  to top right area of photo/patterned paper. 
8.  Punch small hole in bottom center of ‘witches brew’ sticker.
9.  Cut out witch silhouette from 6x6 paper pad.  Punch small hole in the top.
10.  Thread orange and white baker’s twine through holes to connect the sticker and the witch silhouette.
11.  Add small black bling to corners of sticker.  Adhere sticker + dangling witch to doily with 3D foam squares. 
12.  Add title with small sticker letters and foam letters.
All done! 

 I love these projects!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

ENJOY THE JOURNEY....

This is my latest collection- World Traveler

This project is designed by the talented Dedra Long.

I love what she did the with the WT trims, tulle, and breads- and the Notations kit elements.

I love everything about this project!!!!!!

Thanks Dedra-

 

Enjoy the JOURNEY 

by Dedra Long

www.dedralong.blogspot.com

Products used:

World Traveler 6x6 paper pad

World Traveler Brads

World Traveler Ribbons

World Traveler Cardstock Stickers

World Traveler Die Cut Paper

World Traveler 12x12 Paper - Maps

Notations Tags

Teresa Collins Bracket Shape Chipboard Covers

Other Products: Frame, EK Success punches, Black Spray Paint

 

MY CRAFT CHANNEL- todays show

Did you see my show today? Well, I did something special for my show segment today. I created apothocary jar labels for my show. I have them in my home filled with yummy treats. Yes, I have had to watch myself from constantly eatting from the jars. The kids visiting our house seem to love my candy decor jars. I decided that it would be cool to share the labels with YOU so that you can create them too.

This are what they look like: (sorry some of the image is cut off on the blog- but the PDF is the full 8.5 x 11 sheet of TCD exclusive labels.

Go to www.mycraftchannel.com to watch my show today. It was all about Halloween Decor!!!!!

Here is the link to download and print your own TCD print out to create with the same labels- FREE of course!!!!!

Download TCDLabels

Download TCD2labels-1

I hope you enjoy them.

Okay- this weekend was FABULOUS!!! Zach turned 14 years old yesterday. We started the weekend with about ten guy friends who came to spend the night. They played football, games, and had a great time. I ordered lots of pizza, lot of candy and they created quite the MESS. It was so fun! The best part was that Gentry came home from college for a night and Taylor and Spencer visited. It became a little family reunion. I have to say that to me THIS is what makes me over the moon happiest. We laughed so hard... such a good night of memories. Gentry and I watched two movies from REDBOX- chick flicks!!!!

Saturday was such a busy day. McKay and I had to be at MHS early in the morning to help with the all day fundraiser. I ran the concession stand (other parents took shifts to help). Thankfully, Gentry was home making sure the boys were being watched. I really enjoy working with the other drill team parents this year. It has been a wonderful year so far. 

Since Zach's birthday was yesterday we spent a nice day at home after going to church together. We are celebrating with him today by taking him to his favorite restaurant. Ty and Seth got home last night from their trip. We are so thankful they finally got home safe. Ty finally told me how scary the situation had really been. Life is so fragile and I think Tyler had many many cold and hungry hours to think about things stuck in his truck. I asked him what he was thinking about for two days while he was stuck on the mountain. He told me, "YOU...getting home to YOU...and how all the other things are so not important- the house, the car, the things...I couldn't care less about anything like that...I just wanted to be home."  We are thankful that he was helped by the other hunters. I hope that Tyler will be more careful in the future. It was a scary situation that I hope to never have happen again.

Hope you have a GREAT Monday....

 

FRIDAY... BE YOU

New- CAROLINA BREEZE

Layout by Julie Jacob

I love this cute layout!!!!!

I love Friday's...and I'm headed to the gym now to sweat. Then I am home all day to work on "the project." TODAY is gonna be a great day. I love having days when I can be home and just be creative and enjoy the family. We are having a big sleepover tonight with Zach's friends. It will be a full house. I am thinking we will be ordering pizza and the noise level will be quite high. I love these times...seriously!!!!!!

PS Ty's friend finally made it to him late last night. They had food for them. Things are looking better now!

 

Breathe.....

It is so funny that everyday I am reminded to BREATHE. Yes, Aaron at the gym (every morning) is always telling us to BREATHE. I am guilty of holding my breathe. Often I have to tell myself to breathe. Then I also have been doing another workout- kickboxing. I am even worse there. As I am punching the bag and hitting it as hard as possible...Master Jones is coming by and often says..."Breathe Teresa!!!!!!!!." He knows me too well. I have a confession, I often am going a million miles a minute and forget to breathe. I am a full time mom and wife and struggle to balance my work every single day. My typical day is carpool, racing to the gym, racing home to shower to get ready for a meeting at the office, or a phone conference or...you know what I mean. Typcially, I start laundry and clean while I am on the phone or am multi-tasking the entire day. I know we all are just like this...right? We are going and going and we have to remind ourselves to BREATHE. 

Yesterday, if you are a facebook friend (crazy but they limit your friends and I cannot add anyone else- so join me on the Teresa Collin's Designs facebook page), you will know that I posted that my husband got into some trouble yesterday. He goes hunting once a year and he LOVES it! Around this time each year he goes with his buddies and they meet up in the mtns. He enjoys it so much. The way I am about crafting. This year, Ty and Seth went up together.

I was at my youngest son's orthodontist appt. when I got a weird text. Rewind a bit..my cell phone is DEAD and I am waiting for my new one to arrive. Note- having your phone drop into a huge amount of liquid will ruin your phone. ha! Anyway, our orthodontist is in the same medical building as my husband. I was in Tyler's office talking to Taylor (she works for my husband) and Zach. We were waiting for Ty to get his routine check up done. Zach and Taylor get a text at the same time from their dad. He said, " NEED HELP" and then send another text "TEXT ASAP." At first I thought they were joking with me. I realized Ty had indeed sent that text and it was NOT like him at all to ever ask for any kind of help. This immediately scared me. 

We immediately texted him back on both phones. NOTHING...

We called his phone over and over. NOTHING!

By then I am going crazy with worry. Ty appointment is done and I told the boys we need to head home fast, to see if Ty had left a message on our home phone or the cell phone at home. We get in the car and I felt that something was wrong. I asked the boys if we could pray together. Zach offered to say the prayer. I was amazed at his words. He asked that Heavenly Father would protect his dad and Seth. He asked that they would be able to deal with any situation that they would face and be safe from harm. Then Zach asked a prayer for the family (us) to know that they would be okay and that we would feel peace. I have to say that I felt PEACE instantly.He blessed us to know what to do and how to help them.  I can't express how much it meant to hear my 13 year old son to say these words. 

We get home and we run into the house. On the family cell phone, there was the same message from Ty needing help. I KNEW it was not good. It had been 45 minutes since the text and there was no answer on his phone or any new texts. I was just thinking all the worst thoughts. I start getting texts from Ty (he could not call- no reception).  They needed help- a tow truck or winch- the truck was sideways and they could not get out the door. It was rainy, muddy, snowing and wet. He was stuck 1/2 way up the mountain. The problem was that I had no idea where to send help. I knew he was in Duchesne and that a few other details thanks to Zach (he went last year), but I was not sure exactly where to send help. 

I called the Sheriffs department of the county where they are stuck. They informed me that they don't handle those type of sitatuations and I needed to call a towing company. The first towing company said that they were not equiped to help them. I called the second tow company. I tell them the story and the man on the phone said it was almost dark and too dangerous to go rescue them. He said, my wife won't let me go up there it's dangerous roads in the snow and that when he dies he has asked his wife to scatter his ashes or bury him there. I begged him to go help them. I told him that Seth was there and they are literally stuck inside the truck. He agreed finally to call/text my husband and try to help him. I was still so worried at his point. I wasn't sure he would go up the mountain. I worried for their safety in trying to help my family.

Every hour or so a text would sometimes come in. They were in the truck and no signs of any help. They were in the truck about 6 hours when a hunter came up the mountain and were able to help them. The tow driver finally came and wanted $500.00. Since the truck was now no longer sideways, Ty gave him money for his efforts to help them. The man appreciated this. They are no longer stuck sideways in the road, but they had to leave their trailer with all the food and equipment down at the bottom of the hill. At this point it is very dark and late and they put up the tent. It was snowing so heavily that the tent breaks. They had to get back into the truck and sleep. I just assumed everything was great at this point...but it wasn't.

Ty's friends were coming but they were stuck due to the heavy snow. Many tree branches broken on the street going up the mountain. Ty could not try to come back down, since they were snowed in at this poitn. I thought they had a tent up and were setting up camp. However, that was not the case. I starting getting text around 2pm today. The tent had been up but was destroyed by collapsing snow. They were still in the truck stuck. They were without all their stuff (food, water, etc.) which was back in the trailer. They had to stay warm by staying inside the truck and wait for their friends to arrive. They were without food and water since the previous day. The snow was coming down so heavy that they had to stay put and hope their friends got there soon to help them. It was snowing so bad that they had to move the truck since they thought a tree branch would fall on them. 

Their friend was going to be there at noon to help them. He made it there about 10:45pm tonight. The boys have been in the truck since yesterday. Again, no food and water (they were using SNOW for water) and they were very uncomfortable. I was home getting texts that they were still in the truck and how bad the weather was. I had to keep reminding myself to stay positive and breathe. 

I have to admit, I had a time tonight where I was "angry."  Maybe frustrated is a better word. Not at the boys, but the situation. I felt like I could not help them at all. Here I am...at home...no way to help them. They were so cold and I knew miserable. I felt guilty to be home in a warm and safe environment. Due to the weather, they will be up deep in the mountain for the next couple of days. I have to just keep praying for them. I have no idea how this will effect him. I know it has made me feel all kinds of anxiety, worry and concern. I will do better as soon as I know that they are headed home. At the end of the day, Ty loves hunting and I hope he has learned from this experience. Isn't life all about learning from what life throws our way?  Sorry, if your reading this... I wanted to journal and document something that I know our family will never forget. 

REAL LIFE...

The week of IU, McKay learned she was nominated for Homecoming Queen. I posted about it on my blog and facebook. I was really excited for her that she was one of five girls nominated. However, I cried for TWO days. It was late Monday when I found out. I was so happy that she had so many friends who had nominated her. It was just so sweet to know that others felt the same way about her as we do as her family. I was leaving for my event on Wednesday. I wanted desperately to be at BOTH places. I knew that I had around  300 women coming to my event and I wanted to be there too. I love IU, I love the women that come and yet my heart was torn to be there for my daughter. My family is my first priority and somehow my business has been blessed with this focus. Of course, there are times when business matters have to met.  When you own and run a business you know that there are times when you have obligations that you have commited to. I am very lucky in that my family supports what I do and they are proud of me. My husband Tyler is my BIGGEST cheerleader!!!! 

Anyway, McKay was telling me it was NO BIG deal and not to worry about not being there. My heart was just so sad to not be with her. So I made a decision. I would leave IU on Friday afternoon and fly back that night (or drive if the flight back to Vegas was not available.) I called my best friends and I spoke to both of them. They both offered their support to me. I made my plan and only they knew what I was going to do. THANKFULLY, they know me well enought to know that it was the only option for ME. I am lucky that Vegas is a quick plane right or a 6 hour drive.

 I knew it would be so hard on me physically to do this super quick trip BUT it would be okay. McKay came home that day and told me that the high school would  announce who is Homecoming QUEEN on Friday morning. I had never heard of this before. Weird but a blessing to have some notice if she would be crowned. I went to IU on Wednesday as planned. I planned to make the trip back on Friday evening to be with her.  The plan was for McKay to text my daughters and let us know if she was going to be crowned Homecoming Queen that night.I would be teaching my classes. I had my plan in action but had not told McKay I would be coming home. I did not even tell my girls until we got to Vegas. They thought I was crazy.

Friday morning, we get the text. She was not selected.  McKay was so cute. She loved the girl who won and felt she was the perfect girl to win. She would not be crowned that night. I felt happy knowing that McKay was truly okay with "not" winning.  I realized that I would stay at IU that night for the IU Crop night. It all worked out.  I just wanted to share what was happening "behind" the scene.

I also have some cute photos from the last two weeks of McKay-

McKay loves to take the photos from the computer with her friends. Is this just a teenage girl thing or what? I love these funny photos. 

Hmmm... I wonder if she will hate this photo? 

The drill team performs at the football games. I get excited to watch them! I love going to the games. 

McKay went to the Homecoming dance with Mason. I love him! He was a gentlemen and was so sweet to her. She had a fabulous night!!!!!

Did I mention that they do DAY and or NIGHT events with their dates here in Utah? This is what they did on Saturday. It was quite messy. 

Oh, this was the BEFORE photo! I love that the girls were willing to get "messy" and have a great time. Her last HOMECOMING in high school. These are fun times!!!!!

This was Saturday afternoon- we were watching Zach's team play in the Fall Tournament. I asked little Ty to take our photo together. I have this thing...I try to get my kids to take photos of just US together. I want them to have these reminders. I found that there was not nearly enough photos of me and my mom. I WISH there had been more. I can't change the past, but I can do little things now that I hope will mean something to my children.  Anyway, I am savoring every day with this GIRL. I am helping her get ready for college. I am so fortunate and blessed to have this girl. I love you McKay!!!!!

Now... more CAROLINA BREEZE projects.

Sesil Cratin did these beautiful cards-

 

“just for you card”

Designed by: Sesil Cratin (http://sesilcratin.blogspot.com)

Featuring: Teresa Collins Designs “Carolina Breeze” (http://teresacollins.typepad.com)

 

Supplies:

CB1308 Shelley

CB1306 Nellie

CB1311 Sticker Sheet

 

Other: Gray cardstock, White Cardstock, paper crimper, sentiment stamp, ink

 

Preparing your card components:

1.       White Cardstock – Cut at 5.5 x 8.5, Then score paper on long side at 4.25” and fold card. Finished card should be 4.25” x 5.5”

2.      Cut Shelley paper 5.25 x 4

3.      Cut a strip of grey paper 6 x 1 and run it through the paper crimper.

4.      Pull the Large Oval sticker off the sticker sheet and stick it to the gray cardstock and trim around the sticker to create a boarder around the sticker.

5.      Cut out 4 flowers and 3 leaves out of the Nellie paper

6.      Trim the yellow loop sticker to 5.25” and set aside.

 

Assembling your card:

1.       Using your gray cardstock as a base attach Shelley paper in the center of the base cardstock.

2.       Attach the yellow loop sticker to the crimped gray paper and attach to the card in the center.

3.       Stamp a sentiment to the large oval sticker.

4     Layer and adhere the cut flowers on top of each other to create a layered/clustered effect to the left side of the large oval.

5.       Attach the large oval to the center of the card using foam squares to give extra dimension to the card.

6.    Place the card front to the white folded card to complete the card.

 

“damask card”

Designed by: Sesil Cratin (http://sesilcratin.blogspot.com)

Featuring: Teresa Collins Designs “Carolina Breeze” (http://teresacollins.typepad.com)

 

Supplies:

CB1305 Myrla

CB1311 Sticker Sheet

HH2617 Haunted Hallows Rhinestones

 

Other: Black Cardstock, white cardstock, yellow fabric tape, black ink

 

Preparing your card components:

1.       White Cardstock – Cut at 5.5 x 8.5, Then score paper on long side at 4.25” and fold card. Finished card should be 4.25” x 5.5”

2.      Cut black cardstock 5.25 x 4

3.      Cut Myrla paper 2.25 x 4 and tear off the top bit of the paper.

4.      Cut fabric tape at 2 x .5 (twice) and .75 x .25

 

Assembling your card:

1.       Using your white cardstock as your base, fold the card and ink around the edges with the black ink.

2.       Attach the black cardstock to the center of the card front.

3.       Attach Myrla paper to the left side of the card.

4     Attach fabric tape (2x.5 size) to the bottom right of the Marla paper in a step like pattern.

5.       Attach black damask sticker on top of the Nellie circle sticker. Then attach the layered stickers to the middle of the stacked fabric tape.

6.    Attach the fabric tape (.75x.25) to the left top of the black cardstock.

7.     Attach black rhinestones in an alternating patter to mimic the pattern of the Myrla paper on the fabric tape.

8.    Attach black rhinestones randomly on the black centers of the Myrla paper.

 

“Family Card”

Designed by: Sesil Cratin (http://sesilcratin.blogspot.com)

Featuring: Teresa Collins Designs “Carolina Breeze” (http://teresacollins.typepad.com)

 

Supplies:

CB1303 Mckay

CB1311 Sticker Sheet

 

Other: Black cardstock, White Cardstock, Gray Cardstock, edge punch

 

Preparing your card components:

1.       White Cardstock – Cut at 5.5 x 8.5, Then score paper on long side at 4.25” and fold card. Finished card should be 4.25” x 5.5”

2.      Cut two strips of  white cardstock at 5.5 x 1 and punch with any edge punch for a decorative edge.

3.       Cut Black Cardstock 5.5x4.25 for the base of the card front

4.      Cut two strips of black cardstock 5.5”x.25”

5.      Cut Mckay paper 5.5 x 2

6.      Cut gray paper 5.25x4

7.      Place “family” sticker on black cardstock and trim around the sticker by hand to create a frame around the sticker.

 

Assembling your card:

1.       Using your black cardstock as a base attach gray sheet on in the center of the base cardstock.

2.       Attach the white edged paper on the Mckay paper on either side of the paper.

3.       Attach the black strips to the seam of the white and pattern paper.

4     Attach assembled pieces to the gray cardstock

5.       Attach the “Family” stickers with foam squares to the bottom left side of the card.

6.    Place the card front to the white folded card to complete the card.

Winners & Headed to TEXAS

I am having the most fabulous day! I am doing this crazy 28 day challenge. It is kind of extreme for ME, but I am really enjoying it. I work out each morning- Monday thru Friday at my gym (boot camp style). It is still TOUGH every single day. I signed up for a 28 challenge to do KICKBOXING in the afternoon. Yes, it's a little crazy doing 2 hours a day at this intensity. However, it's just so much fun and it's only for 28 days (zero exercising on Sunday and Saturdays are only 1 hour). I know it seems like alot and it is, but I decided to do this to really challenge myself on a new level. I have girlfriends that I meet at both the gyms that are my support. It's kind of like training for a marathon BUT I am not. ha!

I am working on a BIG project right now. It's so cool and it will debut at CHA W. The deadline is less than 2 weeks. It's probably the most meaningful thing I have ever done. Hmmmm... I can't wait to share it with you. I am thankful for this opportunity and for the partnership that happened over what I'm doing. PS This is a first for me!!!!!!!

I still have more to talk about with Inspiration Unlimited and I even have some "big things" to announce about IU in the next month too. As many of you know, IU is sold out EVERY single year. We limit the number to 300 crafters. Well, we still are going to limit IU 2012 to this number. It is important to me to keep it smaller. I love the smallness of the event. I love that I can personally talk to every single girl there. I love that it feels like a girls weekend away. I love that the girls who come "feel" like they know me and know how much scrapbooking really means to me. I love that my girls go with me each year. My business is inspired by my beautiful family and I share my family and my heart with not only those at IU but when I go teach. Anyway, there is "things" that are happening. Yes, it's all good. PLEASE make sure that you are on the waiting list if you are not already. If you are not sure, email me and I'll forward to Ginger (event director). Sorry to be so vague...I love surprises though!

Now... some MORE Carolina Breeze inspiration. 

This project is a book that I will be teaching in TWO WEEKS in Dallas TX- at the QUICK QUOTES event.

It is a MAKING MEMORIES album. I only have 45 minutes to teach this...yikes! Here is a few of the images.

Can I tell you again how much I love the YELLOW in this line? The mixture of yellow, gray and black is really nice. I appreciate all your kind comments. Thank you!

The winners of the Carolina Breeze paper collections are:

Please email me with what you won and your address- teresa@teresacollinsdesigns.com. THANKS!!!!!!

Congrats!!!!!!

I am super excited about the debut of My Craft Channel. Their website had so many hits yesterday that they had some technical issues. The showed by first show yesterday- A to Z about the project that I first did for my mother. It was my first scrapbook project ever. I made my own book and shared it there. www.mycraftchannel.com THIS is what I love. It's WHY I do what I do...I am honored to be apart of the channel and to be apart of something so meaningful. I hope you check out the daily shows there. I am honored to be in the midst of such great talent in the crafting world. 

 

INTRODUCING- CAROLINA BREEZE mid-release

I am so excited to share my latest paper collection- CAROLINA BREEZE with you today. Starting today you can contact Nick and start ordering the new papers and stickers. This line has the most beautiful colors that reminded me of FALL. The color yellow is the line is my all time favorite yellow. I am not normally a yellow person, but this line makes me swoon.

                                         

 

The collection is 9 papers that are double sided TEXTURED heavyweight papers. There is a matching die cut sheet, a cardstock sticker sheet and a 6x6 paper pad  in the collection. You are only seeing 9 sides of the lines but there is 18 different patterns.

I named each paper after the girls in my family. I am from North Carolina and the line is named Carolina (where I was born and raised). I loved the BREEZE since it reminded me of a Southern night or my visits to Myrtle Beach.These non-themed papers are named after my mother Myrla Jean, my grandmother Nellie, my sister Shelley and her daughters, Miranda and Kayla and my three daughters Taylor, Gentry and McKay. I have LOVED working with the papers!!!! 

Here is a project album that I created with Carolina Breeze. I took these photos of Taylor and Gentry last week at IU and wanted to document that time together. I cut the butterfly out of the black and gray damask paper. The ribbons and trims are from the WORLD TRAVELER collection.

I love how soft and pretty the line is. The colors in the line are yellow, gray, black and white.

My daughters have given this line their seal of approval-ha! That is always a good thing. They loved the variety of flowers, the pattern designs and the happy sunshine yellow in the line. I don't think I have ever done much yellow in any of my previous collections. I think I am hooked!

 These are the stickers on the page, book edge etc. 

I simply feel in love with this Carolina Breeze that was designed by Julie Jacob-

I love how she cut out the scallops to match the yellow paper design. Just a pretty page!

Julie cut these papers with the Mother's Day Cricut Cartridge and added my WORLD TRAVELER brads to the center of the flowers. I LOVE this!

 Here is a side view. 

Julie also designed the cutest book with the new collection:

I hope you like the new collections as much I do! I am excited to be able to share it with you.

I will be teaching the project above with my girls at the Scrapook Create FL retreat event. I will be teaching at in November 18-20th. It is a 3 day event. Check it out at www.scrapbookcreateflorida.com. I will be there teaching along some great industry designers- Jenni Bowlin, Donna Downey, The Glitz Girls and many more!!!!

Today I will give away THREE collection packs with CAROLINA BREEZE!!!!

All you need to do to enter is leave a comment here on this post.  I will pick THREE winners tomorrow!!!   Wanna win?????

Also, later today is the debut of www.mycraftchannel.com. You will be able to see the videos that I filmed for MCC and see all the other fabulous craft hosts shows as well. THIS is such a great addition to the crafting industry and I'm so thankful and proud to be apart of it! TODAY is a great day to celebrate.

 

CKU REUNION- join us in San Diego

I have kitted my kits...we are all ready to go. I hope you will join us. It will be creative magic! You don't want to miss this very special REUNION. 

HAUNTED...

Haunted Hallows - Halloween Card

Happy October 1st! It is the first day of October. Signs of fall are starting to happen, and we are excited that Halloween is right around the corner... So with out further ado I wanted to share a very cool card created by Sesil Cratin 

“Poison Card”

Designed by: Sesil Cratin (http://sesilcratin.blogspot.com)

Featuring: Teresa Collins Designs “Haunted Hallows” 

Supplies:

HH2606 Haunted Hallows: Frames Paper

HH2609 Haunted Hallows: Witch Paper

HH2607 Haunted Hallows: Poison Paper

HH2613 Haunted Hallows Chipboard Elements

HH2616 Haunted Hallows Trims

Other: Sewing machine with black thread, Black cardstock

Preparing your card components:

1.       Black Cardstock – Cut at 5.5 x 8.5, Then score paper on long side at 4.25” and fold card. Finished card should be 4.25” x 5.5”

2.       Cut Frames Paper  - 5.25”x4”

3.       Cut a poison label off the Poison Paper – The label used for the card is located on the top and center of the paper. 

4.       Cut out a witch out of her frame from the Witch paper

5.       Cut the tulle 7” 

Assembling your card:

1.       Stitch the frames paper to the card stock.

2.       Attach one side of the poison label to the skeleton chipboard piece and set aside.

3.       Attach the tulle on the back side of the card and bring it over to the front of the card.

4.       Grab your witches cut frame and weave through the tulle and attach to the front right side of the card.

5.       Attach the skeleton/poison label to the middle of the frame.

Hope you are having a great day!

 

PHOTOS- from Inspiration Unlimited

This week has been so wonderful. It has been VERY busy, but so many good things that makes me thankful and appreciative! Most of all- my family has been busy with baseball, drill and BMX racing. Tonight, Ty had his last race of the year and took 2nd place. I am truly trying to SAVOR every single moment with them!!!

I have been back working out every day this week. It's my 6th month anniversary since I joined my PW bootcamp gym. Yes, I started thinking... CAN I DO THIS? I hated and dreaded every day. Then something clicked and I love it. I feel so much better. I am kickboxing too. I find that I am feeling energized and happier from the daily "essential" of working out. I don't see much of a change in "myself", but I FEEL it mentally and that is most important. I love working out with my friends and pushing myself beyond self-imposed limits. 

Here are more photos from IU 2011.

Yes, if you want to get in on the list for IU 2012 then you will email me or Ginger. She has the list and takes care of signups, payments, well...she keeps IU organized and makes sure everyone is "in the loop." I love her and am truly thankful for hard work and how much she does behind the scenes!!!!

We started with pre- IU workshops on Thursday this year. This was a new element to the event. We had a HUGE response to the workshops. Thank you to all the teachers who came to teach and inspire!!!! It was a ala carte day. I saw some beautiful projects being taught!!!!

I have to say that my FAVORITE part of IU is seeing my friends. I consider every single person at the event my friend. That is why we have limited the number of students who can come. I know it is hard since the event has sold out ALL four years so fast- BUT I feel like the event is as large as both Ginger and I could handle and feel like I was personally able to talk and share with those who come. 

I think you could say IU is really a place where crafters can go and get "crafty" but also have a good experience. It's a girly girl weekend. We do lots of hugging and laughing. Okay...Atlanta girls- you know I can't wait to see you all again March 2012. Lisa- you are way crazy over the Greek Salad!!!!

This is my girls- Taylor and Gentry. I love that my girls come and work with me at IU. I am thankful that they love what their mom does. They see it upclose and realize how important all the little details are to me. This is outside by the pool. I took some photos so I could remember this weekend with my daughters. Gentry is the organized problem solver. Taylor is the event photographer and she is the runner. She makes sure all the supplies and details are being met. 

As I always tell my students- make sure YOU put yourself in YOUR life story. So I had the girls take photos of ME! I know my children someday will cherish the photos that they have of their mother. That is WHY I want photos of me taken. NOT for me- ha! I know that every single photo of my mother- I truly cherish... I wish I had more!!!!!!

 
There was always women hanging out and enjoying the event. This is late Friday night- 11pm at the CROP NIGHT. top row: Jason from my mind's eye, Gentry, Julie Jacob (she is on my design team), Amy Coon who taught a pre- IU workshop from The PAPER LIFE, Layle Koncar (pink pasilee). front row: taylor taylor, Amber Packer from my mind's eye, and ME!!!!! We had a great night. Each year, we change things up so you never know what we do on Friday nights. Jason- forgive me for trying to find you a girlfriend and giving you away with the My Mind's Eye prize. ha!!!!!!!!

FABULOUS friends and teachers this year at IU!!!!!!

Layle Koncar, Amber Packer, and Joey Otlo (Janet Hopkins not in photo). 

The girls teaching this year went above and beyond. Beautiul projects and lots of inspiration. Janet taught on Friday and she was so sick. She taught all day and then flew home early since she was so sick. That is dedication. I love these girls and am so thankful that they came and inspired so many. I am lucky to know each of you!!!!!!! 

On Thursday night we do a meet and greet with the teachers. Each of the teachers do a table displayed with their favorite projects. This was Amber's creations. I know....GORGEOUS!!!!!!  I only heard rave reviews about Amber and what a great class she taught. I am blessed to call her one of my closest and dearest friends!!!!

Janet Hopkins table was full of Halloween inspiration. I LOVED her table. I have to say that I feel that Janet is one of those designers who is always creating the most beautiful projects. Everyone loved her book project. It was meaning and just so beautiful. She does stunning projects!!!! It was quite the day for her to teach when she was so sick. I think she is AMAZING!!!!!!!

We have three large rooms so that we can teach three classes at a time. The students get to stay in their assigned room for the entire event. As teachers we rotate to allow the students to relax and not have to pack up all their supplies and move. We have done this for four years and it works for us. 

Did I mention there is a large on site store by Down to Details?  This is the ladies waiting patiently to buy their products. Ginger runs the store and makes sure that the latest and greatest is for sale there. Her cute mom is there cutting ribbon the entire event. 

We had a YUMMY and SWEET table of candy jars. Thank you Mellanie for donating all the delicious candy. Her family owns the business and it was serioulsy the BEST candy and chocolate. I had to limit myself to a few pieces. Oh... I think the girls loved this new addition to the event.

 
 This is Dave and Jill Strausburg. Jill was our keynote speaker. I want to blog more about her and her message tomorrow. For now...just know that she has INSPIRED me in a way that I will always remember. 

Hope you enjoyed the little preview- I have MORE photos to share!!!!!!

Enjoy the weekend with those that you love-