A Crafty Weekend I'll Never Forget!

Hi everyone!

I'm back from a wonderful, crafty retreat in Ohio, where I met some of the most amazing women! We laughed, we cried, we got creative and I was so inspired by them all! Oh! And we hugged . . . . . A LOT! 

I thought I would feel a bit intimidated when I first arrived but everyone made me feel so welcomed and like I belonged there.

Before sharing some photos, I have to tell you how blessed I felt being there. I was so grateful to be a part of it all! I must have said, "I'm in heaven right now!" a gazillion times. Today, I'm home, the house is so quiet and I'm feeling lonely, missing them all so much!

I tried hard to make some cards and did get a guest design team assignment finished, which I'll be sharing in December. Other than that, I created a few more cards, which I'll share at the end of the post. 

It was just too much fun talking with, and getting to know all the ladies, to get more card making done! I really enjoyed walking around the room a few times a day, stopping at each of their tables to see what brilliance they were working on. Such inspiration!

Warning - the rest of the post is photo heavy. I took most of them in one day. Here we go!

Just to give you an idea of all the crafty goodies everyone brings along, here is one of three, long tables in the room. Dawn from WPlus9 and Kim from Paper Smooches are both so beautiful!

 

Jennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner working together. Brilliant, talented women!

Ginger working hard - I lost count at how many scrapbook layouts she finished - it was amazing! You can see Windy and Ren-Yi behind her and if you look over to the left, that's Sarah Moerman.

I love my Judy! ♥♥♥ I was lucky enough to sit right next to her! We did a lot of laughing and she was a card making machine! I think the last count was 15!! 

Can you say, FUN? Oh, my goodness! Kelly and Dawn became fast friends! The laughter we all had together? Well, Let's just say we made some wonderful memories! Love these girls!

Here's Candy and Sandi! Such kindness from both! Two more amazing ladies! ♥

If you don't know this lady, you should! Sandy Allnock, of Operation Write Home is the hardest working woman I have ever met! She cares so much about others, is very selfless and giving, not to mention her talent - wow! I admire her so much!

Jana and Jennifer - it's mind boggling to think of all that goes into planning this amazing event! Jana works so hard for months getting the details ironed out and planning it all so we can have fun. And Jennifer brings just a TON of her crafty goodies for all of us to use! I am soooo thankful to them both!

Photo Bomb! I can't even explain how much fun Tina is! Oh, did that lady ever have me laughing! She is such a joy and I am lucky to now call her friend!

I couldn't wait to see Kathy, Linda and Judy! We have all met before at past Scrapfests and what a treat it was to see them all again! And some new friends here too! Bottom left is Joy and Heather. Joy was another one of those card making machines! Heather has amazing talent, but I have a feeling you all know that already. In the middle is Ren-Yi. One of the sweetest gals ever! She has such a kind heart and a gentle soul - love her! And then there's Tina again. I seriously wish she lived next door to me!

It was so cool sitting next to Kristina Werner and watching her color! She's funny, kind and oh, so talented!

"Squeal!!!" Just looking at Julie Ebersole makes me smile! She is even cuter in person, I'm not kidding! And it sure was fun to hear that adorable laugh in person!

Getting goofy with Kathy Racoosin. This women is not only filled with talent, she is so beautiful, inside and out! ♥

And look who surprised everyone and showed up on Saturday! Yup, Shari Carroll! No one thought she could come, so when she walked into the room - oh, the happiness! Absolutely LOVE her!

Had to share one more with Jennifer! Kind, giving, beautiful, generous, talented . . . . I could go on and on! ♥

There are a few ladies I did not get a photo with and I regret that. But they all know how much I enjoyed their company and the fun we had!

Here are the cards I created. Not much explaining or any links - this post is too long already!

 Love this die from Simon Says Stamp!

I had the idea of a first snowfall coming soon here to Minnesota. Not looking forward to it but it's fun on a card.

I was able to get in a bit of practice with my Copic markers too.

Whew! Thanks for hanging in there with me for this long post. I'm walking around the house today, feeling a little sad and lost, missing each of these awesome ladies! But I am also feeling blessed, loved, very lucky and so grateful!

It's back to reality for me tomorrow. I never like the first day back at work, especially after such an awesome weekend! I hope you all have a good week! ♥