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Another one of my favorites at CHA was 7 Gypsies. Their Conservatory collection was gorgeous! They have knocked it out of the park with this one. This is another collection I can't wait to get my hands on. I have always loved 7 Gypsies, and this week was certainly a reminder of why. Their hardware was exactly what I have come to expect, and the samples were stunning.
While at CHA I saw so much beauty and splendor, but I must admit I had a favorite. I thought Graphic 45's display was the most creative & intriguing, and pulled me right in. Their Steampunk Debutante collection was definitely a "stand out." I loved the modern colors, but vintage design & appeal. The contrast between dark vintage tones and the bright teal is genius. The steampunk style & theme is perfectly done. My teenage daughter introduced me to steampunk jewelry about a year ago, and I love it! I'm glad to see steampunk making its way into scrapbooking. This collection is absolute perfection. I also loved their new Graphic 45 Staples collection. All of the pieces look like a perfect add-on to just about any of their other collections. I'm extremely excited to see them coming out with mini albums and embellishments! Hallowe'en In Wonderland had already hit stores, so I have it of course, and it wasn't a big surprise, but the display was magnificent.
Here's just a small sample of what I saw. If this doesn't inspire you, nothing will. I'm dying to get my hands on some and start creating!
Diane Schultz (Creative Genius) giving away very generous & coveted prizes.
Wow!! That's all I can say! I'm blogging from CHA in Chicago, and my head is absolutely spinning from all the beautiful product. I have seen so much eye candy in the last two days it's almost unbelievable. I have learned new tricks & tips that I'm dying to share.
Here's a few pictures to hold you over while I'm on the road. As soon as I get back I'll post more pics along with more of my adventure.
~Melissa xoxo
As we speak, I am packing to leave for CHA. I'm so excited, and can't wait to see all the new product! I've been getting sneak peeks from manufacturers and following blogs, so I'm almost giddy about seeing all that eye candy in person. I hope to post lots of pictures & videos from the road in Chicago, so don't forget to check back often next week. Unfortunately, I haven't made anything new to post, so I thought I would leave you with one of my favorite cards. It's a re-post from awhile back, but it was only on the blog for a couple of days before it was out for publication and had to be taken down. Enjoy, and see you soon!
~Melissa xoxo
My online store is now up and running! I have just added another inspirational kit that is in stock & ready to ship.
My Cigar Box Kit contains all of the inspiration you need to make a beautiful decorative cigar box that would be perfect for storing photos, cards, or small mini books.
Available for pre-order is my Canvas Mini Album Workshop with Kit. It is expected to ship this week, and is packed full of all the product you will need to make this beautiful canvas album. In addition to the kit, you will have access to a video workshop that takes you step-by-step through creating this album. I make it easy & fun!
I have sooo much to do in the next week I'm not sure how I'm going to get it all done. It always works out, but I can't help but be a little stressed. This morning I decided I needed a little "time out" to play. I didn't have a lot of time, so I made a little card. I'm feeling better already. I'm ready to jump back into work!
My all time favorite Prima flower is Fleur Danseur. I love the pairing of fabric with tulle, and the added touch of sparkle in the center. I even love every color Prima has in this flower...can't get enough of them! For some time I've been thinking about making my own version, so here is my stab at them. I think it was a good first attempt. I'm sure I'll be making LOTS more. I'm thinking about doing a video tutorial because they were so much fun to make.
My online classes & kits store is coming along nicely. The website is still being designed, but it's getting close to completion. I'm so excited I could scream! My first product design is finished, and you know I can't keep a secret...so, here's the first class with kit I will be offering. It's a canvas mini album with cute little canvas pockets done in my favorite colors. It's very similar to the one that will be published next month in Scrapbooking.com Magazine. I hope you guys like it! The kit comes with everything you need to make it (except adhesives & basic tools). It should be ready to ship in approximately 2 weeks, and of course the class is downloadable. I would be happy to take pre-orders. Just send me at email using the "Email Me" link under my profile, and I'll send you more info.
UPDATE: My website is now up and running http://www.melissasamuels.net/
My friend Brenda made this delicious lemon pound cake for my birthday back in March. It is so light & fluffy, and the perfect blend of sweet & tart. Being the generous and sweet person that she is, she made it again yesterday when we got together for a mini crop. It is the best cake I have ever put in my mouth. Wish you were here to share...wait, what am I saying?! Mine, mine, mine....
I started assembling and painting this project
last night, and ending up working on it the entire day today. It was a
lot of work, and it's actually still not finished, but it's coming
together nicely. I love the little drawers, despite that fact that
there are 24 of them I had to cover in paper! I haven't done the top
row yet, but my plan is to spell out my name. I'll let you know if I
finish it in this lifetime:)
Now to start all of the housework that has been waiting for two days!
I was so excited when I found this photo frame on clearance for $3.49! It has three frames for photos, which means it's perfect since I have three girls! I know you're probably thinking what I was when I was in the store, "$3.49 is all it's worth, it should be on clearance." Well, I had to use my imagination. I remembered the golden rule, everything is pretty with Prima flowers on it.
Here's what I did.
A coat of gesso and acrylic paint, and it was the perfect canvas.
Some stamping, a touch of Prima flowers, and rub-ons transformed it into something pretty.
Change is Good
