Blog Hop and Giveaway…Join Us and Create Your Future at CRAFT!

Welcome to the
CRAFT: Creating Reflective Art for Transformation
Blog Hop!

This event is brought to you by our team at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, the premier source for inspiration to explore your inner world. Six talented and well-known instructors will be leading creative and meaningful workshops using our generous sponsors’ latest and greatest products at this intimate, boutique event right on the beach in beautiful

Santa Monica, CA, November 11-13, 2011.

You’ll spend a magical weekend focused on embracing who you truly are and gaining the skills, techniques and tools to use our craft to understand yourself more deeply on an ongoing basis.

Are you just beginning at this blog? Make sure you stop at all the blogs on the list so you don't miss all the project, venue and special event sneak peeks
and your chance to win one of six kits!

Here's a sneak of one of my favorite parts of the event - the beautiful and beachy decor we're creating to make you feel welcome, comfortable and creative!

If you get lost, a list of all the stops on the hop is at the end of this post.

CRAFT:

Three full days of crafting, creativity and camaraderie for only $450

(three consecutive monthly payments of $150 each.)

Spots are still available for this unique, pampering and heart-expanding getaway.

Register now at the event blog HERE.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 6 emotion-focused, technique-teaching personal workshops ~ All CRAFTers participate in every class. No need to choose ~ they're ALL yours in
CRAFT’s ocean-view, beautifully styled, creative space

• 4 special Art and Soul experiences

• Scrumptious breakfasts and lunches from Hollywood hot spot Urth Caffe

~ Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Sweets, treats and beverages all day long

• Transportation from The Ambrose to and from the Annenberg Beach House for all workshops and activities via the CRAFTy Cab

• Oodles of workshop supplies
(you’ll just need to bring your basic tool kit – checklist to be provided later)

• A fabulous welcome gift, a CRAFTy tote filled with goodies,

valuable giveaways and fun prizes!

*Lots more details on girls’ night out dinners, airport transportation, location, hotel and event venue and more are available HERE.

For questions, comments and special requests, please email me here.

The Dates:

November 11-13, 2011

The Times:

Workshops from 9-5 each day, broken into two sessions.

WHY SHOULD YOU COME TO CRAFT?

 What really sets CRAFT apart is unique mission of Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, kit club, inspiration source and online community. Thousands of participants all over the world have used SFTIO’s resources to explore their deepest emotions. They’ve lifted themselves and each other exploring Freedom, Gratitude, Anticipation and Wonder. They’ve faced their inner doubts and fears delving into Regret, Yearning, Loss and Vulnerability.

SFTIO’s trademarked and industry-exclusive approach to artistic motivation is the heart and soul of what makes us unique. Our monthly inspiration page with hand-selected music, stock photography, quotations and deep journaling prompts elevates scrapbooking to an expressive art form where members are guided to truly explore their inner worlds.
Click here for links to past Inspiration Pages to see more.

SFTIO raises the bar even more by providing challenges using the prompts that add a design twist, teaching members to use ‘visual journaling’ – powerful symbolism – to combine right and left brain expression. The result? Meaningful, rich, pages and projects that reflect all of who you are, Inside and Out.

CRAFT workshops will incorporate a variety of tested, proven multimedia inspiration tools combined with the special talents and techniques of a stellar teaching staff, supported by Art Therapist Rita Coufal, PhD and Artist/Therapist Joy Mauldin, PhD.

Growth is a journey…not a destination. And it’s a most personal one…only you know what you need out of this experience. In the intimate, supportive setting we've created for you, you’ll have the opportunity to practice being more and more yourself.

Our take on scrapbooking and creativity isn’t about a quick fix, or a set of ‘positive thinking’ reminders. It’s about a deeper approach, telling your truth – pretty or not, looking at both sides of the coin, and leaving our weekend together with the
creative skills and tools to be more fully expressed in your life.

THE INSTRUCTORS:

While you’ll be learning amazing techniques, styles, tips and techniques in every workshop, these are not cookie-cutter sessions – you’ll be challenged to dig deep, learn about yourself and personalize your project to reflect who you are and who you want to be.

American Crafts Design Team and Product Designer

Hambly Screen Prints Design Team

Mixed Media Designer

Copic Certified Designer

Creating Keepsakes Dream Team 2011
Lily Bee Design Team
Jillibean Soup Design Team

Copy/Creative Editor for Northridge Publishing
American Crafts Blog Hostess/Design Team

Founder and President,
Scrapbooking from the Inside Out

Creating Keepsakes Dream Team 2011
Prima Design Team

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? REGISTER NOW.

And now for a giveaway!

In celebration of CRAFT, SFTIO is giving away FIVE kits to FIVE lucky readers…make sure to leave a comment (before Noon Pacific Time on 9-15) on each blog you visit in the hop to increase your chances of winning. Tell us please, in your comment, what emotion you’d love to explore in your scrapbooking! Winners will be chosen from all blog comment entries and will be announced on 9-16 on the SFTIO blog.

For your next stop, make sure to check out Amy Tan's Blog here. Good luck and we hope to see you at CRAFT!

Hop List:

SFTIO: http://scrapbookingfromtheinsideout.blogspot.com
Stacy Cohen: http://stacycohen.blogspot.com/
Linda Barber: http://milesofpaper.blogspot.com/
Paige Ramos: http://thebumpyride.blogspot.com  
Amy Tan: http://amytangerine.blogspot.com/
Paige Evans: http://chrisandpaige.blogspot.com/
Tammy Onderdonk Klass: http://createdreamlive.blogspot.com/
Seven Gypsies: http://www.sevengypsies.blogspot.com/
Ly T. Le: http://www.lytlescrapper.com/
Melissa Elsner: http://theprofoundbrunette.blogspot.com
Jillibean Soup: http://www.jillibeansoup.typepad.com/
Rita Barakat: http://letsembellish.blogspot.com/
Kai Baldwin: http://www.enjoytheridetoday.blogspot.com/
CRAFT Blog: http://craftbeachretreat.blogspot.com/

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-344) Twenty Questions

It's been a while since I chose a writing prompt from Mari's "Memories and Thoughts" jar, so I went diving in looking for a topic.  It was getting late and I didn't want to choose something that I'd have to give too much thought to; but overachiever that I am, I found several that appealed to me.  I put my thinking cap on, let my creativity flow, and decided that tonight I'd answer Twenty Questions.  So, in no particular order:

1.  "Is there a brand of tortillas that you MUST buy?"  Funny thing about this question is that Kelsie read it to me, and I considered using it, but providing my answer for tortilla chips (Santitas) instead of tortillas, because I'm not as particular about the tortillas as I am the chips.  Anyway, I considered doing a whole post on this and telling you about Luis' Guacamole recipe, so I put that piece of paper aside.  A while later I decided to do the 20 questions thing and thought that this would be a perfect one to use, but I couldn't find the piece of paper.  Kelsie and I went through the pile that we'd put back in the jar, and I went through the pile that I'd put to the side; but we never found it.  A while later I realized that I'd seen a piece of paper that said "Is there a brand of TOILETRIES that you must buy?"  So, I'm thinking that Kelsie misread toiletries for tortillas; and that answer would be "No", so on to question #3.

3.  "What kinds of things are you working on right now?"  Well, of course there's my job, which entails both commission collection and high school reunion coordination.  I'm currently working on five reunions that will take place between Sept and March.  I'm the event coordinator for the CRAFT Beach Retreat by Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, I'm the secretary of my kids soccer league and tonight I had to revise a contest announcement, a camp announcement and a cleat swap announcement.  I'm trying to re-organize my house, prepare for my trip to New York, lose weight, write my daily blog, AND be the best wife, mom, cousin and friend that I can be.

4/5. "What is your favorite fantasy?  What have you done to make it happen?"  It's an oldie but a goodie! English announcer's voice "Now dancing the Samba, Observational humorist Paige Ramos and her partner Maksim chmerkovskiy"  Sadly, other than writing the  DAILY "Ride" I haven't done anything to make this happen.  Which leads me to #6.

6.  "In the next year you plan to..."  Work on getting my writing published!  Instead of writing my blog daily, I will write one to two times a week, and use at least two other days a week to submit articles or writing samples. 

7.  "Do you like taking naps?"  I'm sure that I would if I could, but I can't so I don't.  Unfortunately, unless I'm sick or totally exhausted, I can't seem to nap.

8.  "What was your first car?"  A 1984 White, Buick Skyhawk

9.  "When's the last time that you made a new friend?"  A couple of weeks ago at the pool.  My friend Kailene introduced me to her friend Kristen, and we're now part of the same swim team cheering squad, as well as Facebook friends. 

10.  "You're truly afraid of..."  Death

11/12. "Do you visit your local library?  Do you remember to have books back on time?  I LOVE to visit my local library and they have a very reliable reminder system, so I don't necessarily HAVE to remember to have the books back on time; BUT if they didn't have this system I feel confident that I would get the books back on time.

13.  "Is writing a form of Self therapy?"  Most definitely!

14 /15.  "Describe your yard as a child?  Did you help with the yard work?"  The yards at the condo were very small. 

Richie Howell prided himself on his as he had it decorated like a small Japanese garden, including a little pagoda in the center.  My mom tended to her Peonies and hydrangeas and Richie Howell took care of the rest, so I wasn't required to help with the yard work.

16.  "What needs cleaning in your house?"  EVERYTHING!

17.  "You feel ___ years old inside because..."  I'll say 26.  At 26 I met and married Luis.  It was the happiest time of my life, and things have only continued to get better with each addition to our family.  I may have previously said that I feel 16 but at 16 I didn't really know anything about life and by 26 I knew more.  I had experience, but I was youthful, and I still feel that way.

18.  "When you're over-stressed, you..."  Get a knot in my stomach and can't stop thinking.

19.  "What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done with your hair?  That's a toss up between dying a curl cotton candy pink, during my senior year of high school, and getting my hair cut really short, almost three years ago. 

20.  "You would call your autobiography _____________ because:"  "The Bumpy Ride" - Need I say more?
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-322) ASPIRE

I've written about my friend Mari on numerous occasions.  So much so, that I'm sure at times "The Bumpy Ride" seems like I'm campaigning to be the President of the Mari fan club.  But if you've ever seen any of Mari's scrapbooking layouts or craft projects, then you KNOW that I have not exaggerated her talents one bit.  And if you haven't had the privilege of viewing any of Mari's masterpieces;let me just say that I can't imagine that it will be long before you do.

If you're not a first time rider, then you know that I frequently mention my interest in the (say it with me) "Greater good."  Usually I refer to the Greater Good of  mankind, but I'm also dedicated to encouraging individuals to strive towards achieving their "personal" Greater good;  which is why I praise Mari so much.  I think that Mari has an incomparable talent and I see how happy her creations make people.  One of Mari's current projects is what I'm going to call, "Inspiration charms";and last night while we were chatting about them, she asked me, what word I would choose if she was to make me a charm.  M first inclination was to say "BELIEVE", but I really wanted think about it and make sure that I chose the most appropriate word for me right now; and then I said "ASPIRE."  

The definition of ASPIRE, per Dictionary.com is:
1. to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous, especially for something great or of high value (usually followed by to, after, or an infinitive): to aspire after literary immortality; to aspire to be a doctor.
2. Archaic . to rise up; soar; mount; tower.

YES, I think ASPIRE is the perfect word for me right now, as I feel incredibly, inspired, not only by Mari but by another frequently mentioned friend -  Rachel K.  I have been so impressed and influenced by Rachel's achievement with Scrapbooking from the Inside Out and how her dedication and diligence have manifested itself into the CRAFT Beach Retreat.   Registration opens for CRAFT on Saturday, June 18th  at 9am Pacific time and I'm so excited about it, that I added the CRAFT blinkie to my sidebar. 
If you haven't been following the CRAFT blog to date, please check it out.  Not only because you might be interested in attending; but because I want you to see what my remarkable friend has created. (OK, with a little help from me.)  
 
To quote James Howell, "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."
Well Rachel truly is a candle.  Rachel has been able to pursue her dream and at the same time promote and encourage others to reach their own potential - myself included.  Rachel's example inspires me to ASPIRE; and I hope that I've done the same for you.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING   

(43-311) CRAFT By The Numbers

I promise, promise, promise (and ya know that if I say it three times, I REALLY mean it), that this is NOT becoming an all scrapbooking blog. BUT, I just couldn't resist the opportunity to share this exciting news about the Creating Reflective Art For Transformation ( CRAFT) Beach Retreat that I'm working on with my amazing friend, Rachel K.

Once again, I offer my apologies to the non-scrapbooking riders, and ask that you indulge me while I sharesome info on the retreat. Just think, it's not so much that you're reading about an event, but in following me onmy journey, you're learning about what I'm spending my time working on, how I'm assisting my friend and creating a wonderful opportunity and experience for others. So really if you think about it, this post is allabout (say it with me), "The Greater Good!"

More detailed info about the CRAFT Beach retreat will be announced soon, but in the mean time I'll share "By The Numbers" as seen on the CRAFT Beach Retreat blog:

SIX meaningful classes.

FIVE amazing instructors.

FOUR special FREE bonus activities.

THREE incredible sponsors.

TWO girls' night out events.

ONE magical experience.

I'm so excited to be working on and at this retreat and I promise, promise, promise that it's going to be beyond compare!!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-279) The FRIENDSHIP Kit

I've written many, many, times about my amazing friend, Rachel K; and tonight in honor of her birthday, I'm going to do so again.  Rachel is an extraordinarily, busy woman.  In addition to her job as a fundraising consultant, Rachel operates the Scrapbooking from the Inside Out kit club and online community, and is currently planning the CRAFT Beach Retreat, which I previously mentioned in a blog of the same name.

When I wrote about the retreat, I told you how honored I was that Rachel had asked me to be a part of her team; and I am equally thrilled to be doing some more work for her on her website.  If you're not familiar with the Scrapbooking from the Inside Out kit club, each kit is based on an emotion, and you may find inspiration for your lay outs through various quotes, images and a song play list that are provided on the website. I am delighted to announce that after offering my assistance to Rachel, she asked me to create the play list for May's brand new kit FRIENDSHIP and it was my pleasure to do it.

As soon as I started thinking about friendship themed songs, I immediately thought of Lucy and Ethel's "Friendship song" from "I Love Lucy."  I suggested it to Rachel, and she thought that it would be fun to share the video; so we did.  In honor of FRIENDSHIP, I'm also going to share this classic clip with you.  If you'd like to hear the play list, or check out the kit club to see what it's all about, please stop by Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.   And just to peak your curiosity further, I'll tell you that "The Friendship kit includes a carefully curated selection of paper from four different manufacturers’ lines – American Crafts’ joyful and feminine Peachy Keen, Basic Grey’s playful Hopscotch, Crate Paper’s homespun Neighborhood and Cosmo Cricket’s colorful Saltair." 

12 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper: * American Crafts Peachy Keen Thing of Beauty *American Crafts Peachy Keen Heavens to Betsy * American Crafts Peachy Keen Mother Always Says * American Crafts Peachy Keen Easy as Pie * Basic Grey Hopscotch First Dance * Basic Grey Hopscotch Tire Swing * Basic Grey Hopscotch Monkey Bars * Crate Paper Neighborhood Chores * Crate Paper Neighborhood Friendly * Crate Paper Neighborhood Together * Cosmo Cricket Saltair Coral Bloom * Cosmo Cricket Saltair Seagarden

Embellishments: * AC Thickers Sunset Printed Chipboard - Blush * AC Peachy Keen Bits, Decorative Tags, 4 pcs * AC Peachy Keen Flair - Good Golly, 2 pcs * Basic Grey Hopscotch Chip Sticker Shapes, 1 sheet * Crate Paper Neighborhood Border Stickers, 1/2 sheet * Jillibean Soup Corrugated Shapes, Houses, 5 pcs * Maya Road Zipper Trim, Sky Blue, 2 ft * My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose - Gertie You and Me Title * My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose - Gertie Friends Forever Journal Card * Prima Soft Rose Trim Aqua 14 inches * Sassafras Mini Alphas Yellow Paper
* Websters Whimsies Roses in Bloom - Periwinkle, 3 pcs * Websters Yacht Club Princess Petals Florettes, full package

Technique: * Cosmo Cricket Glubers, 3 pcs, one of each size

Cardstock: * American Crafts Mint * American Crafts Blueberry * American Crafts Charcoal  *American Crafts Parfait

Color: * Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Stain - Spun Sugar

Now if you're not a scrapbooker, I know that the contents of the FRIENDSHIP kit may not be of interest to you, and I thank you for indulging me; but if you scrapbooking is your thang, then you KNOW that the FRIENDSHIP kit is something special.

I'm so happy to take a more active role at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out; and I hope that you will visit me there.  In the name of FRIENDSHIP, I would also like to say that I wish Rachel the happiest of birthdays.  My dear friend has had a year of devastating losses (some of which I've told you about before,) and it is my fervent hope that this year is her best yet.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rachel!!  I love you MY FRIEND!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-258) CRAFT Beach Retreat

Don't let the title fool you.  Even if you're not a crafty guy or girl, this post isn't ALL about the CRAFT Beach Retreat per se.  In a nutshell, it's also about courage, fortitude, vision, entrepreneurship, and friendship.  It's about my AMAZING friend, Rachel K.

I have written about Rachel K numerous times, since "The Bumpy Ride" began; as we've been friends for almost 20 years, she was in the delivery room with Luis and I when I gave birth to my oldest daughter, Lyndzi, (and she is one of Lyndzi's Godmother's.)  Rachel helped me plan and execute my 40th Birthday Scrapbooking Extravaganza Weekend and she invited me to work with her when she developed her business, Scrapbooking From The Inside Out.  It's been my pleasure to watch Rachel fulfill her dream with her Scrapbooking kit club and online community and now she is ready to take her business to a new level, by offering an exclusive experience which she is calling CRAFT Beach Retreat.  

CRAFT is an acronym for Creating Reflective Art For Transformation, and the very first retreat will be held in beautiful, Santa Monica, California on November 11-13, 2011.  I'm so excited that Rachel has asked me to be a part of her Retreat team, and surely I'll have more information to follow. If you're already interested, you can sign up on CRAFT Beach Retreat so that you'll be updated with information as we share it.

I can tell you that this event will be like no other of its kind, because Rachel is one of the most thoughtful and thorough women that I know; and she likes to give people experiences that are nothing short of perfection.  I make these claims as someone who has been blessed to be on the receiving end of Rachel's gracious, generosity countless times; and someone who has been cheerleading her vision since inception.

I am so very proud of Rachel and all that she's accomplished thus far, and I feel privileged to be working with her on CRAFT.  Rachel has taught me many valuable lessons through the course of our friendship, and she was instrumental in my decision to start "The Bumpy Ride."  Rachel is a shining example of what one can accomplish when they dare to pursue their dream; and she inspires me on a daily basis.

I look forward to telling you more about CRAFT in the future and I encourage you to follow Rachel's example and pursue your passion.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING