I didn’t get a lot of sleep last weekend but I sure got a lot done!

I spent the weekend pigging out on more than just food, I had my fair share of paper too!

Last weekend was Paradise Scrapbook Boutique’s 3rd Anniversary crop!  I had a blast spending time with all my scrapbooking pals in California!  It was worth the 13 hour drive to get there.

Karen, the store owner had set up beautiful product displays…check out her fantastic Halloween display:

Karen even hung purple lights wrapped around black branches from the ceiling.  Brilliant!

I know, it totally makes you want to create right?

Karen purchased  some of the new Graphic 45 Domestic Goddess paper to display in her refrigerator. My little G45 book is on the top shelf (I know, I know…it’s a shameless plug).

There was a whole Kitchen/Cooking theme for the crop. They gave away wonderful Cooking Themed goodies and product all weekend! We were so spoiled. I even won the grand prize on Friday night!  A brand new White Ribbon Box by Making Memories!  Thanks Karen!

(I tried to find a photo of the Ribbon Box online, here’s a link: Ribbon Storage).

Karen gave everyone a naked recipe box and the new Haute Cuisine Paper by, Teresa Collins as a free gift (along with other goodies) at the Saturday Crop.  Karen asked me to make a sample using the recipe box and TC paper for her display.

Me?  Play with paper?

Gosh, twist my arm.

I totally obliged.

Here’s a couple shots of the recipe box on display with the Teresa Collins paper:

I had tons of fun at the two-day crop and laughed until my side hurt all weekend!

…totally worth the 13 hour drive back home again.

My amazing friend Barb, (a very creative woman indeed) made this for me:

And my “so sweet you could eat”, creative friend Cheryl, made this for me:

And yet another brilliantly creative woman, Karen, made this card for me:

I’m such a lucky woman!  It’s good to have creative friends!

I already miss my scrapbooking pals!  I was surrounded by such amazing, creative women on a regular basis. Each woman so unique and beautiful, each one special to me.

My friend, Diana H., summed it up in a comment (about Karen) on THIS post:

Diana, also a wonderfully creative woman, has a way with words.

You said it sister.

…

These lovely, talented women have blogs, they’re just a click away.  Check them out:

Barbara’s Blog: Road’s End

Cheryl’s Blog: Crafty Hands

Karen’s Blog: Paradise Scrapbook Boutique

Linda’s Blog: Craft Junkie

…

Thank you to all my lovely scrappin’ pals at PSB!  I am so inspired by all of you.  And thank you for the lovely gifts and cards!

Paradise Scrapbook Boutique is not only the cutest little Scrapbook Store ever, it’s also my FAVORITE Scrapbook Store ever!  It is hard to move away from my comfort zone, from California.  Moving away from my little “Scrapin’-Family” at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique makes it even more difficult.

I love every nook and cranny of PSB.  I love all the memories that have been made within the walls.  I love that whenever I walk through the door, I instantly feel creative!  I love the women who crop and take classes there.  I love every single thing about the place.

This is Karen, she owns Paradise Scrapbook Boutique:

Thank you Karen, for creating such a special place.  Your store has become my special place.  Your friendship means more than you can possibly know.

I am sure that all of the ladies that come to play at PSB feel the same way I do.

I’ve finally found a minute to post the K&Company Mini album that I created on National Scrapbook Day at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.

When I arrived at PSB there were all sorts of inspiring goodies waiting for me at my table.  Inside my goodie bag was beautiful K&Company paper, a chipboard album, lace, ribbon, all sorts vintage dictionary and music paper, vintage wall paper, and tons of fun embellishments.  They’re so very generous up at PSB!

Needless to say, I felt inspired.  I couldn’t wait to get my hands on all my new goodies.

I ended up making a mini album using the chipboard album, paper and embellishments in my goodie bag.

Do you want to peek inside?

This post may get a little long…there are a lot of little details so there are a lot of photos.

The cover details (click on photos to enlarge them):

And the rest of the album:

I had fun Creating this Christmas Layout with my Graphic 45 Paper stash.

Last year my baby brother, Seth enjoyed his First Christmas with his beautiful new wife, Kristin.  I’ve thought about sticking this layout in a shadowbox and giving it to Seth and Krisitn for Christmas this year.  Should I?

Here’s a couple more close-ups:

I had a blast today hanging out with the ladies at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique for their Holiday Gift Workshop. It was so nice to spend time with good friends while creating fabulous handmade Christmas gifts.  Hanging out with the “Sistas” feels like being surrounded by family, I love those gals!  I am blessed to have such talented friends, they constantly inspire me.

Thank you Karen and Deb for making me feel like a “Sista”!

Paradise Scrapbook Boutique is having their Annual Gift Workshop this Saturday.

I’ve designed these little Vintage-Style tags for a mini class at the workshop.  I’m super-excited to be participating in the workshop, Paradise Scrapbook Boutique is my home away from home!

If you live in the area, stop by PSB.  There will be all kinds of handmade gift classes at low-low prices!

I’m hoping to get quite a few projects finished up this weekend (more blog fodder, YAY)!

Here’s to a productive weekend!

XOXO, Christie