CKC Convention - Mesa Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

My sassy friend, Ilene, and sweet friend, Gwen, @ our CKC Convention in Mesa on Friday morning. Suffice it to say that we had a fabulous time, got loads of exercise walking & "weight lifting" (our totes full of product & class supplies), had 2 fantastic classes (not bad - 2 out of 3), were totally exhausted by Sat. @ 5:00 p.m. and spent waaaay too much money (but please don't tell our hubbies)!!! ;-) Though we were heartbroken that Spellbinders did not host a booth, we still managed to have a great time, find lots of bargains, and enjoy ourselves tremendously! The Technique Tuesday card class, A Greeting for Every Reason, was AWESOME, both in terms of product, techniques, prizes, useful tips and quality teaching! Best teacher I've ever had in any class (a former college professor, so not surprising)! Our Paper Crafts Joy of Card Making class by Phoenix's own Kim Kesti was equally fabulous!

Only thing better would have been IF Deva and Caryn could have joined us! Judy was also there with her BFF Kristi from TX, but they took different classes & though we saw them, I forgot to take their picture - darn! If you ever get an opportunity to attend a CKC Convention anywhere, we wholeheartedly recommend it!!!

Also pictured are the adorable free Make 'n Takes hosted by Scrapbooks, Etc., a different one each day!

Gwen's Share

Gwen shared this adorable spring card made with PTI's Wishing You. . . and Mega Mixed Messages stamp sets! These 2 are definitely on my ever-growing PTI Wish List and Nichole releases even more the 15th of every month -- sigh!!! She creates fabulous projects -- you definitely should go look, but a warning -- you WILL fall in love!
The exquisite Swiss Dots embossing folder, MS Doily Lace punch and gingham ribbon really popped this card's spring beauty. For even more fun Gwen created a fabulous inside for her card and matching envelope to top it all off!
Papers: PTI's White & Raspberry Fizz CS; black CS
Tools: MS Doily Lace Punch
Bling: Black/White Checked Ribbon

Marge's Contribution!

I shared a card made with one of my favorite recent PTI sets, With Sympathy. Though not popular or fun to make, we all sadly need sympathy cards sooner or later - just a fact of life. Of course, this set could be used for so many more occasions, which is one reason it's so popular with everyone who adores PTI!!! Actually the sentiment I used here is great for an "encouragement" card too, as Gwen so aptly pointed out! I also have this card posted here on my personal blog & another version here. I'm anxious to try some variations in ink/cardstock soon! I absoutely LOVE the sketch I followed too, which is from Card Positioning Systems. If you're ever needing inspiration, check out CPS.
Papers: PTI's Vintage Cream & Berry CS
Stamps: PTI's With Sympathy
Inks: PTI's Berry Sorbet & Ripe Avocado
Emellishments: Robin's Nest Island Blossom & Grapes & Leaves Dew Drops; Pink Stickles

Judy's Contribution!

Judy shared this great card idea, new to me, where you use your various Cuttlebug embossing folders to emboss just 1 1/2" on the folded edge of your quarterfold card. Next you score the top "flap" so it opens nicely and glue down your embossed section completely on the inside. We then added our DP, gorgeous ribbon, and decorated cupcakes on Nesties scalloped squares and a verse (if you wished ) to finish off these darling cards!!! She even brought 2 fun designer papers, so I had to make a second card, of course!!! ;-)

Designing Deva's March 2009 Get-Together

My photography skills are still sorely lacking, but by being the (albeit lousy) photographer, I didn't have to be in any of the photos -- LOL!!! This was our DD (not Dear Daughters, but Designing Deva's) get-together at my house recently. Thought it was high time we posted some photos here on our blog that's been vacant for far too long! We have 6 in our group. Such a fun bunch & these ladies are so very talented!!! It's always sooo exciting to see what each has brought to share!!! ;-)