what's new in Susan's scrapbook studio?

Lately, I've been focused on Buddy's recovery, both in blogging and in real life, but wanted to post about a few exciting things that are happening in my world of scrapbooking.

I was kind of out of the loop, but as Buddy continues to recover (he's doing well !!), I've been joining back in some sb'ing activities, little-by-little. And it cheers me up, too.

Recently, one of my local sb stores, Cherry Blossom Studio (formerly Scrapbook Central), moved to a new (& fancy!) location and had a day of grand-reopening festivities. It was great fun to catch up with some of my sb'ing pals, plus the store had make 'n takes, raffles, etc. (nope, I didn't win anything). It's still in Coconut Creek, but is closer to me now.

And the store owner announced some great news! For some time, I've been requesting that she invite Donna Downey, a super-creative sb'ing designer and celebrity, to come and teach workshops at the store. AND SHE DID IT! Donna will be at the store in July, woo hoo! I can't wait to meet her and take both of her fabulous workshops, "Gotta Love The Everday" (fabric scrapbooking, all featuring Donna's new canvas album and embellishments) and "Bloom" (a mixed-media album).

That's the same weekend that another sb'ing celeb, Debby Schuh, will be teaching 3 workshops at the store. What a great lineup, huh?

(Aren't they gorgeous albums??? )

I forgot to mention during my Utah blogging that I noticed that one of the sb stores I visited would be teaching a really neat class in late April. Since I obviously wouldn't be in Utah at that time, I inquired if they'd be willing to package up a class kit and ship it to me? Well, it pays to ask because, sure enough, they readily agreed to do it! It already arrived. It's a set of wood letters that spell the word "WISH", and you decorate them with festive papers and embellishments. I plan to display them on a shelf when it's one of our birthdays. I just love the cupcake as the "i" ... how cute is that?

While in Salt Lake City, we spent one evening browsing in Barnes & Noble ... I love to look at books of "local interest" when we travel (you learn lots about a place!). Plus I picked up a couple of magazines with the intention of reading them on the long plane ride home (however, I was so exhausted that I slept for the entire flight, and read nothing!). Anyway ... they are both excellent special issues, I strongly recommend them (and not just because I'm a sb magazine junkie!). One is Scrapbook Play With Photos and the other is Studios (by Cloth Paper Scissors), featuring the studio of The Man himself, Tim Holtz. Good reads, chock full of inspiration!

P.S. ~ Next Saturday, May 2, is National Scrapbooking Day. Can't wait to see what fun my local sb stores have planned!

Have a creative day,