Great American Scrapbook Convention

I missed this convention last year and, since it was 100˚ this weekend, I almost didn't go this year. Sure glad I did! It was exciting to see lots of people on the show floor. Scrapbooking, stamping and crafting in general are alive and well! A great variety of classes, crops and lots of vendor booths with demos and Make It Take Its (MITI) continue to make this show one of the best. And, of course, who wouldn't want to come to Arlington, Texas in 100˚ weather, especially when the convention center is next to the Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor. This would definitely qualify for a family weekend getaway with lots to do for dad and the kids while mom shops and crops!

One of the most popular classes was the Michaels class taught by celebrity spokesperson, Jo Pearson, host of "Where Creativity Happens". As I mentioned earlier this year in my report about CHA trends, canvas is definitely "hot" (and not just because it was 100+˚ outside.....). Jo provided each person with a 12" x 12" canvas surface to work on and everyone walked out with a very "cool" altered canvas piece, using paper, glue and a plethora of embellishments.

Altered canvas is a great example of mixed media crafts. You can put anything on it - paint, paper, glue, jewels, charms - everything but the kitchen sink, and I'm sure someone will try that at some point.

Tim Holtz and Darcie were demonstrating on the show floor at the Art Gone Wild booth. Not only can Darcie's artwork be found on rubber stamps, she also has a line of CDs so you download the artwork then print it onto Shrink Art sheets to create the most adorable embellishments.

Tim was demonstrating a wide variety of rubber stamping techniques. What can I say except that I never cease to be amazed at his creativity.

"Everything's coming up roses" and every other flower imaginable. Made from paper, fabric, crochet techniques and whatever else, some booths were a veritable flower garden. This selection was created with Spellbinders dies and coordinating stamps from Heartfelt Creations . The simpler flowers were created by layering graduated sizes of circles. These were paper, but would also look great in a variety of fabrics - organza for example - yummy......

Creek Bank Creations had lots to offer its customers and I just loved this project at....... OMG, I am SO sorry, I do not remember who had this project, but the shadow box is from 7 Gypsies.

Quick Quotes is another company that always inspires creativity. They have a great variety of surfaces to craft with including lots of canvas and great embellishments. See below.

I saw luscious velvet paper at SEI and glitter was everywhere. Stamping Station had adhesive rub ons in letters, words and lots of shapes. You simply transfer these onto your surface, remove the top/carrier sheet then sprinkle with glitter. Rub the glitter into the adhesive, tap off the excess and you now have a perfectly glittered shape.

Sandy Rayburn's booth, Crafty Secrets, was full of eye candy. It's not just the vintage product that she carries that makes it so special, but the projects that she and her designer come up with. I just love this artsy, vintage, shabby chic look - and it's so easy - as long as you have the right product to work with.

And how about a ribbon smoothie to end the day...... creative packaging at its best!

Visiting scrapbook/craft shows and conventions is a great source of inspiration. It's also a great way to meet new friends, learn something new and get information on local stores. There's usually an admission fee, but it's well worth it! Enjoy!

Yours truly,
Julie :)