Monday, September 17, 2012

Scrapfest!

This past weekend I traveled to Scrapfest and I want to say that it was one of the best experiences ever. Why?  Because it was soooo "out of the box" for me.  Seriously, this is so far out of my comfort zone that my family is still in shock.  The unusual part of this weekend was not that I went to Scrapfest per se....it was more because I drove 6 hours to spend the weekend with app 15 people who I have only "met" online.  In fact my fam dam laughs that I have broken the rule that I have drummed into their heads for a decade+ and that is "Do not EVER travel to meet an internet "stranger" in person at a hotel"....and here I was....meeting a whole slew of them!  And it was wonderful.  Each and every person was a delight.  And it is amazing how "honest" each of us are in our blogs...on our flickr groups etc because, in my opinion, everyone was so true, so like their online personalities.  Anyways, just about everyone in the group had never met each other in person before and I am so happy that each of us put forth this effort to connect.  I only had a 6 hour drive but there were quite a few who traveled much further.  In fact, we had people from Minn, Wis, Texas, Indiana, Canada, Ohio, New York, Mass, Alabama and California.   Scrapfest itself was also really fun.....how many times do you (except perhaps attending a sporting event or concert) spend so much time under the same roof with hundreds of people who all share the same interests?  Standing in line for the make n' takes was a pleasure as it gave me the opportunity to meet and chat with so many other people. We exchanged tips, ideas and just generally made a "connection" if even for a short time.  As for our own group, we split up through the day, reconnected, paired off in smaller groups, took classes together, ate lunch, oohed and aahed at Archivers (and all probably spent waaaaaay too much $  there!!!) shopped at non scrapbooking stores and then finally, each night we all met up for a nice dinner together.  Both nights we had the pleasure of having Virginia and Lin's husbands join us. And, both nights we also had the pleasure of Judy's daughter Kathy dining with us and it was wonderful to see such a warm and loving mother/daughter friendship at the table.  One night one of my own daughters was able to make it to dinner and I cannot tell you how proud I was to introduce Bessie around to everyone!  We also made cards for a Saturday night card exchange and Judy got my card.  I loved making it and I know that the image I used is one that she really likes so I am tickled that she was the recipient!  Here is my card.....


And here is the inside.....I think that the sentiment is a bit "off" in placement but right on in message ;-D

 
This second card is one that I made for Barb.  Barb lives very close to where Scrapfest is held and so was kind enough to coordinate the weekend for all of us.  It was so nice, at the end of each day, to have dinner plans set at a place that could accommodate such a large group!  I just love these colors together....and the sentiment is a sticker that I stuck onto some coordinating paper.  I had only known Barb from her online presence and one characteristic that struck me from her avatar was her wonderful smile....hence the sentiment.

I do hope to post some pictures from this weekend.....I just need to get some laundry done, a nice meal made, some major housecleaning accomplished...etc.....then some wonderful sit down time to craft with my new goodies ;-D  Thank you for stopping by and I hope your weekend was as nice as mine!

Be well,
Sheila


9 comments:

Maureen Morton said...

So glad that you were able to do this. What a year you have had! I love hearing that everyone is just like we already "know"! Love both cards, but Barb's has my heart. I know this is her fav color combo and the composition is spot on, girl!So feminine and sweet, just like her. Glad you had a fun and safe trip!

joy said...

Hi, Sheila! I think it is wonderful that you were able to go to Scrapfest and meet up with all the Hero Arts gals! I have been to several of these kinds of things by myself, without knowing anyone, even from the internet!! But, it doesn't take long to make friends when there is paper crafting involved.

I love both of these cards you made and I know that Judy and Barb will treasure them!

Can't wait to see what you make with your new goodies!

Elizabeth Allan said...

A wonderful creative adventure Sheila!!

Barb said...

Hi Sheila! Boy, I sure am missing everyone already! It was really strange driving to work instead of the mall today. I'm so glad to know you really enjoyed the weekend - it was quite amazing having all of us there together, wasn't it?

You already know how much I ADORE that gorgeous card you gave me! Thank you again! I wish everyone could see it in real life. Love the one you created for the exchange too - so perfect for Judy! It was such a joy getting to know you better these past few days - sending love and hugs! :)

rcwidow (Linda) said...

Was a great weekend and experience! Love your cards and your daughter was a delight. I can see why you so proud of her!

Greta said...

Oh how wonderful! I so hope that I can get to Scrapfest & meet some of my on-line friends. I know what you mean--hubby & I constantly say how crazy people are to date on-line, but this is totally different, I say--right?! Look forward to seeing your pictures & maybe someday we will meet in person. Your cards are so neat--I know they were thrilled to get them.

Dawn T said...

what a lovely post Sheila. How lucky for all of you together like this. Love the cards you made for Barb and the swap.

Lin said...

You told our story so well, Sheila! It was a true joy to meet you finally and to see your beautiful craftsmanship in person.....here's hoping that we can all do this again soon! Loved meeting your sweet daughter, too, and look forward to seeing your pictures from the weekend. Big hugs!

Kathy (krolski) said...

I had such a great time meeting you and all the other ladies. Your daughter is a special young woman...and beautiful too! I loved seeing your cards in real life. They are so detailed and gorgeous!