Saturday at IU: more fun & surprises!

The second day at IU, Sept 21, began bright & early with a class by Rebecca Cross, Founder & Creative Director of Pink Paislee.  While making a fab album, we played with lots of fun media... Heidi Swapp's Color Shine, paints, and fiber paste + stencils for texture on our album cover design.

(like!)

And another fun IU tradition... surprises galore!  During classes, the IU "Prize Patrol" would make the rounds to the classrooms passing out gifts to all of us--- lots of fun scrapbooking goodies from event sponsors.  Always fun, fun, fun!  :-)

My IU pal Margie and her husband Chris generously went to nearby Nothing Bundt Cakes to pick up a ginormous order of mini-bundt cakes in whatever flavor(s) we wanted ... I chose the white chocolate raspberry...delish!

Between classes and during lunch were more opportunities to catch-up with friends, chat, and yes, I'll admit--- another stop in the IU store... waving hello to Renee and Susan!

Our next class was with Teresa Collins.... a mini-album attached cleverly to a clipboard.  It had lots of accents that we could sparkle-up at the "glitter station", so you know I was covered in glitter by the end of the day!  (I wasn't complaining)

Our final class of IU was all about card-making with Kimber McGray.  Lots of cute, interactive designs!

Afterwards it was time to relax during dinner (as if we'd been working all day?).  A huge group--- 16 of us!--- went to a Mexican restaurant and had a blast... don't we look happy?

I really enjoyed the company, my (virgin) mango margarita, my dinner (lots of great veggie options!), the live music, all of the festivity of the evening.  
 
Plus--- it was Jill's birthday!  So of course we let the waiters know!  She got to wear a sombrero while they sang to her --- ole!

But the fun wasn't over yet!  We scurried back to the resort in time for the IU Closing Ceremony.  Lots more good times shared with friends...


The Ceremony is when we thank the teachers, Teresa gives an inspiring talk about the meaning of scrapbooking, they draw names for prizes, and announce the teachers for IU 2014.

As they revealed the 5 amazing teachers (one of whom is of course Teresa), the excitement was building!  Kelli Collins (Bazzill)... Paula Cheney (Tim Holtz/Ranger)... Jodi Sanford (Fancy Pants Designs).  And before they announced the final teacher, I thought to myself "could it be Heidi Swapp? what are the odds?".  And then, up on the screen--- Heidi's photo appeared !!!  Well, I am told that I got just a WEE bit excited!  

(when Heidi saw this photo of me on FaceBook, she said "Susan, you've made my day!")

I think I was a mix of stunned and elated!  Heidi Swapp is my scrapbooking hero, my crafting rockstar, my muse!  I've met her several times, have had the privilege & pleasure of taking her classes at Creative Escape.  And I sure have missed her since then (Heidi--- please come teach in Florida sometime!).  

Can't wait for IU 2014 !!  Til then, we said our good-byes.... 

...(and paid our deposits for next year!)....

I'll be back again soon with how I spent my Sunday at IU.  Although the event was 'officially' over on Saturday night, I stayed an extra day to enjoy an excursion into the Nevada desert.  Can't wait to share it!

Friday at IU: bling it on!

Friday Sept 20 was the official first day of the 2013 Inspiration Unlimited (IU) event at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, Nevada.

And after my relaxing spa day, I was ready....

The 300 IU attendees were split into 3 groups for the classes, and I was in the "Bling Babes" group... and I took that very seriously, of course!... I was bedecked in sparkle!  From my blinged-out lanyard + nametag, to my jeweled wrists and sandals, complete with pink glittered toes... So. Much. Fun.

(sidebar: the pink felt flower on my nametag was a sweet gift for IU alumnae; this was my 2nd time attending-- some lucky gals have been to all 6 IUs !!)

First up, a class with Layle Koncar... a fun & colorful travel mini-album titled "Go See Do"!  Um... way to begin the day, how perfect for me?

My tablemates (along with our snacks & our artistic mess) ... (from left) Susan S., Mona, Angie, Jennifer, Michelle & Shannon... you gals were such fun, lots of laughs... miss you !! 

Throughout the day, my sweet IU friends surprised me with RAKs (random-acts-of-kindness) ... gifts that they hand-made... so very thoughtful!  Thank you Susan S., Margie, Renee, Mona!

The 2nd class of the day was with Paula Cheney, who works with Tim (yes, that Tim!)  We made a "shadowbox album" full of clever techniques... 

And all of Paula's class goodies came packed in this fab Tim Holtz messenger bag tote!
Just one of many nifty gifties from IU !! 

 






















 
Friday's 3rd class (yes, IU keeps us busy!) was with Teresa Collins, scrapbooking designer extraordinaire and founder of the IU event.  We made a mini-album jam-packed with pages using one of her new collections, Memorabilia, including sequins (yes, more bling!).

Friday evening was packed with activities... make-n-takes, demos, and fun "photo booths".

Another fun-filled day awaited on Saturday, and since I was still a bit jet-lagged (dang it!), I had enough energy left only to FaceTime Sal & Aruba and then I hit the hay.  (Getting old?)

Back soon with deets & pics of Saturday's IU festivities... which included an announcement about the 2014 IU that ... BLEW... MY... MIND !!