Scrapbook Expo 2014: Somerset, NJ -- Review and goodies galore!

This past weekend was the Scrapbook Expo in NJ. I created a video today revealing my overall thoughts about the expo, as well as the classes, what I created or got in the classes, and the goodies I bought on the show floor. I had a great time, and plan to do it again next year! A few things I will do differently... sign up for LESS classes OR go to TWO expos... leaving one for classes and the other for shopping, make and takes, cropping, etc! I just found myself too busy to really "enjoy" everything there was to offer. Check out my video for more information!

September OHDEERME Kit (PLUS additional birthday kit!)

Heeeyyyy! I just received my September OHDEERME kit and additional Birthday Kit in the mail today. I gotta say that I'm not too impressed with this month's kit. The stamps were nice, the flair was cute and tiny, the cork words and frame were nice, as well as the wood alphas, but overall I didn't really care for this kit. The theme wasn't clear. It seemed like it had to do with reading, but then it reminded me of school with the plus signs and number washi tape, as well as the reading, arrows, alphas and so forth. If you got this kit, what do you think you will do with the embellishments? What theme do you see?

I did like the birthday kit, but you get what you pay for. It was only $10 when I bought it (it still is, so it's not like I got any type of deal on it...), but it has only 5 types of embellishments: stickers, wood veneers, enamel stars (pretty colors!), 2 flair, and a cork word banner. It's cute though.

Anyway, I made a video revealing all the goodies, so check it out!

First Scraptastic Club Kits for August and September! (and the bad experience...)

Yesterday morning, I went to USPS to pick up my Scraptastic Club package. When I received it, it had a note saying "Damaged on arrival." There was a hole in the box and the 12x12 papers inside the box were bent on one of the edges. This was very disappointing as it was my first order! :( I've had this happen when I ordered Simon Says Stamp kits. Does anyone else seem to have this problem? Anyway, I contacted Scraptastic ASAP, and they agreed to resend the 12x12 paper for both kits. I'm still doubtful that they will arrive in good condition. If not, I've decided I might just sign up for their This Life Noted kit as it doesn't contain 12x12 papers and is less likely to get damaged. I cut down my paper anyway, so it's not like I need full 12x12 sheets. I'm actually starting to just collect 6x6 pads of paper instead as the 12x12s take up too much space that I just don't have right now!

On other news, I revamped my craft room, AGAIN! Pictures and video to come soon ;) I'm also catching up on some swaps for swapbot.com. As soon as I finish some of these ATCs and my partners receive them, I'll post pictures to share :)

I made a reveal video for the Scraptastic Club kits that I received. The first one is the August kit called "Celebration Kit" and the second is the September kit called "The Girl Kit." Check out the video, let me know what you think! Remember to like it, subscribe, and share!

Sender's Choice Card Swap - August

I just received my card for this swap from Cristina's Creations. It's beautiful and inspirational as I am still new to paper crafting and hope to grow as a crafter, especially with making cards! Pictures of the card are below. Be sure to check out her Blog! Thanks Cristina :)

2014 Scrapbook Expo!!

Heyyyy! Anyone signed up to go to the Somerset, NJ Scrapbook Expo? It's not the closest one to me, but it's the closest one that hadn't occurred by the time I found out about it! Jersey is a place my husband and I visit every summer starting a few years ago. We even went to a B&B there for our honeymoon :)

http://www.scrapbookexpo.com

The Scrapbook Expo is in 2 weeks (Sept 13-14). We will be leaving that Friday night and staying at a hotel there (it's 3 hours away from us), so that I can wake up early in the morning for registration at 7:30am. From the pictures and videos I've seen, those lines are longggggg! All I'll need to do is go to Will Call to pick up my tickets.

I decided to go alone (the hubby will be staying at the hotel), because I couldn't find anyone to go with me (not many of my friends are into scrapbooking), and even though my hubby offered... I wasn't going to torture him and make him go!

I signed up for 5 classes, so I'll be kept busy during the entire event. I will only have 30 minute breaks to do Make and Takes and some shopping, which is probably a good thing ;)

The classes I signed up for are:

• Always Fabulous Folds 2014
• An Embossed Surprise
• Cool Tools
• Cricut Explore 101
• Sun Kissed Fleur Class

3 of the classes I signed up for are instructional, so I will be learning some new techniques that I will share with you! The other 2 classes are lecture type, but I'll be leaving with $40-$80 worth of goodies from EACH class. All of the classes offer some type of goodie, whether it be a package of things, a stamp set, embossing powder, glitter, or other supplies to remake the projects from the classes. 

I'm super stoked and can't wait to go! I know I'll have to pack my large Vera Bradley bag to carry some supplies for the classes (Scor-pal, scissors, stamp blocks, heat gun, etc.), along with a 12x12 case to carry all my completed projects. It'll also have to hold all the goodies I get from the classes, along with any goodies I buy on the floor ;)

So those of you that have already gone this year (or have gone in the past), what are some things you wish you would have known before you attended the Expo? Are there supplies you should have brought? Prepare a lunch? Sign up for more or less classes? Engage in specific Make and Takes? Buy more or less than you did? Anything you'd like to share, please comment below!

Michaels Mini Haul and Sequin/Confetti Organization

Heeyyyyyy. I just posted my second video on youtube.com. Somehow it didn't seem like this one took as long to load, but I DID sneak in a nap while it was uploading... lol. This video is about the mini haul I had at Michaels. I just bought some stamps and sequin/confetti organizers. Check it out and let me know what you think!

September 2014 OHDEERME Kit Release!

Just saw the pictures for the Sept. OHDEERME kit release! Can't wait until I receive mine! I will do a video of the kit once I get it so you can see everything more up-close. Don't forget to stop by to check it out!

September 2014 OHDEERME Kit