Just a quick update to let you all know about an important and fun event.  BostonAreaScrapFanatics is hosting a fundraiser for Cooper Griffin.  100% of the proceeds will go to Cooper's family to assist with expenses related to his recovery from a traumatic brain injury.  You can read more about Cooper here:

http://www.eagletribune.com/haverhill/x1289991800/Friends-jump-in-to-help-Haverhill-boy-hit-by-car

Contact me at onlycarol1@comcast.net or sue_clarke@hotmail.com if you have any questions.  We would love to have you join us to make this a successful fundraising event.  Thanks for considering it.

Phew!  Life has been a bit of a whirlwind since returning from our retreat.  I still have to get back to everyone that's emailed me, and I will do that, honestly.

Since returning I've started a new job, Mic has had surgery and I've begun renovations in my kitchen and upstairs at Eligio's apartment.

I've managed to get one layout done and that's about it!  I still need to finish up my "Unforgettable Memories" canvas from Lynette's class.  And, speaking of that, on Tuesday of this week, Lynette emailed me a set of complete step-by-step instructions.  If you would like a copy, email me at onlycarol1@comcast.net and I'll send you a copy.  I do hope that those of us that haven't finished our projects will do so.  I cannot wait to proudly display mine in my Living Room.

Enjoy the crisp air and fall colors.  We'll chat again soon.

So far, week one on the new job is going smoothly.  I really am enjoying the folks I work with.  Of course, there's always something new to learn and that's a bit stressful, but I'll get it soon enough.  As internet-connected as I am, there's so much I know nothing about.  I need to familiarize myself with Google Voice, Google Documents, a website based email and a host of other stuff.

Thank God for relaxing moments in my scrap room.   I've been wanting to try to create a quilted-look background and because I don't sew it's been a challenge trying to pull off the right look.  Here's what I've come up with so far:

I scored the cardstock, at an angle, in one inch increments.  Then I folded it on the score lines, inked those edges and added some knots.  I am pleased with how it came out!  Not bad for a woman that is sewing machine phobic!  Of course, I had to keep checking in with my friend, Shari, to ask her about the knots (wasn't sure if they were knots or bows) and placement of them.  All in all, I like the end result.

Fall is in the air, and I LOVE it!  I am so enjoying this cooler air!  And with Fall comes some awesome opportunities to play with paper.  There's layouts, home decor, Halloween decorations, etc.  Look at what our Shari found in her web travels.  It's an awesome template to create a witch's shoe.  Love it!

http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/witchshoe.pdf
http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/witchshoeinside.pdf

Just click to open and print.  I am hoping to find some time to play with it myself.  I love free printables.  Thanks, Shari!

Well it's Wednesday and I think it's safe to say that I am fully recovered from our weekend Retreat.  I was overwhelmed by all of the positive responses that I received from all that attended.  And as requested, I have reserved the Inn again for 9/27, 9/28 and 9/29, 2013.  Most thought it would be an awesome weekend, a little later in the year, so that we could enjoy some of the Fall decorations and foliage!

Let's see - what other news do I have to share with you all.  Oh, we are having another weekend away in February.  The dates are 2/15, 2/16 and 2/17.  This time we will be escaping to the Staybridge Suites in Burlington, MA.  I will be working out the details in the next few days and will post them sometime soon.
(Can't wait to see everyone again!)

A very special thanks to Mishe for the awesome job she did on the letterboxing clues!  Our own Becki Warshow was the first one to return with all of the letters stamped.  Congrats Becki!  So glad you played!

And, that Grand Calibur was won by a newcomer to our events - Sally Cook.  I was so happy for her as it was something that she really wanted!  It's funny how those things work - Sally had but one ticket in the  pot and Frances had 18, yet Sally won!  Congrats Sally.  Enjoy!

Also, thanks to those of you that took the time to FB me, or email me or message me on the forum to tell me how much you enjoyed yourself and how you felt it was a well run event.  I really do try and it's nice to hear that folks appreciate all that goes into hosting a weekend retreat!  I am committed to hosting events that are not only fun but affordable!  So thank YOU all!

As usual I got very little done.  But I did manage to finish Maria's haunted house/mini book for the swap over at www.bostonscrapfanatics.com  However, I forgot to get pictures of it for the blog, but I'm hopeful that Maria will take some and forward them to me!  Maria? LOL

I also managed to get one layout done - just one! It's another to add to Avery's first year book.  I hope you like it!  I loved the photo and knew it needed to go into her album.

Well that's about it for now.  Chat with you all soon!

Woo Hoo - last blog post before our weekend retreat!

I just have a few more pieces of clothing to pack and then I'm out the door.  Maria Moore and I are going today to make sure everything is ready for your arrival!

So I guess it's time for one more way to collect an extra ticket toward the door prize.  Let's see ... I've posted the supply list for Lynette's class and the suggested size photos necessary to complete the project.  So this time, if BEFORE Sunday morning you show me your FINISHED project, COMPLETE WITH PHOTOS, I'll give you TWO tickets.  That about wraps up the extra tickets and door prize.  Good luck everyone!

Now, for an added surprise.  I've organized a hay ride for us.  Yup, as extra seats became available and last minute folks signed on for Saturday that put more money into the pot.  And in true BASF fashion, it's about having fun.  So as an add-on we'll enjoy a hay ride on Friday at 5pm.  Amy and I will be leaving the Inn at 4pm.  Meet us at the front desk, and we'll carpool over to the farm!  If you want to check out all that the farm has to offer:  www.verrillfarm.com  I cannot wait to grab some nice, crisp, tart apples!  Yay Fall!

That's about it for now.  I'll be checking in from the Inn later tonight.

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!

Howdy folks!  Just a quick little post today.  As you can imagine, I am super busy putting the finishing touches on our weekend crop.  But I did want to take a minute to let you in on another way to earn an extra ticket for the door prize.  This time I want you to show me a receipt from Amanda Moore's Lia Sophia shop.  Yup, just show me a receipt from a purchase you made with her and I'll give you an extra ticket toward the door prize.

And with that "see ya soon"!

I met with the Colonial Inn yesterday to dot my "i"s and cross my "t"s.  We are all set to go.  I am so excited.  This promises to be an exceptionally fun weekend for all.

And, speaking of fun, look what our CTMH consultant, Joyce Combs, has for us!

See what Close To My Heart has for you in September:

September is National Stamping Month and Close To My Heart has an Exclusive Acrylix Double Stamp Set for $5.00 during our September Campaign.  Visit my CTMH website www.joycecombs.myctmh.com for details how you can earn one for your very own and a video showing how versatile this awesome Stamp Set is.  It's a "Must Have" to add to your Stamp collection!    

The first Crop attendee to place a qualifying website order to earn this exclusive Stamp Set for $5.00, will win their choice of a $9.95 Paper Pack from our new Autumn/Winter Idea Book, FREE, as a gift from me!  

Thanks for the little 'extra' Joyce.  See you in 3 days!

And, now back to additional ways to earn tickets for our Door Prize (the Grand Calibur)!  Let's see, it's Sept. 11th and I do have a friend in Afghanistan so bring me a thank you card and envelope and I'll give you TWO more tickets toward the door prize.

That's about it for today.  Be sure to check back tomorrow because I'll have a surprise add-on fun event to share with you.  Who says BostonAreaScrapFanatics don't have fun! We are all about the fun and laughter!!!  Soooooooo LET THE FUN BEGIN!

 

COUNTDOWN TO CONCORD

I leave in just 3 days for Concord.  I am soooo looking forward to this.  I'm meeting with The Colonial Inn today at 3pm to finalize a few details.  Once that's done, all I need to do is pack my 'stuff' and my suitcase and I'm ready to roll!

I also want to remind folks - check Lynette's supply list.  It's in the August section of this blog.  It is important to show up to her class prepared and ready to go.  Her work is extremely detailed and we will need every minute of the 4 hours scheduled for the class.  You do not want to lag behind because you do not have the materials or tools.  Just sayin' ...

One of our vendors is 31 Gifts.  Here's what Janice has to say about them:

Every Thirty-One style was designed with you in mind.  They're all solutions that make your life a little easier.  Whether it's style, organization, the perfect giftable item - you've come to the right place.

From totes or purses you can wear while you’re out and about, thermals to help you transport food and drinks to a party, or organizational items to help you keep your house neat and tidy, Thirty-One has a solution! Our Consultants will have you believing in styles that fit you perfectly.  

When you host a Thirty-One Gifts party for your girlfriends, you get so much in return!   September Special: For every $31 you spend, get 31% off anything in the NEW Fall Catalog!

Janice Guazzo, Independent Senior Consultant

********************

The retreat is almost here!  I cannot wait.  My living room looks like a warehouse with box after box packed and labeled.  

I'm printing out instructions for the make and takes.  Then I'll kit them up tomorrow.  

I have a meeting at The Colonial Inn tomorrow at 3 to give final numbers for breakfast.  And I have a few questions to ask.  When I get back tomorrow, I'll let you all know about wireless connections throughout the Inn.  And, yes, the floor in the crop room will have electrical outlets so feel free to bring OTT Lights and electronic cutting machines.  If you have any specific questions, shoot me an email at: onlycarol1@comcast.net or message me on Facebook.

And, it's time for another way to earn a ticket for the Grand Calibur.  So for this one, show me the make and take you created with Joyce (a CTMH Consultant) and you'll earn an extra ticket!

See you soon!

Oh I see I am a little behind on new ways to earn extra tickets for the Grand Calibur.  So sorry.  It's been an exceptionally busy week.  Today is my last day at Glass and Mirror and my mind has been preoccupied.  At any rate, let me catch up here:

For Sept. 5th:  Bring me a receipt for at least $10 in sales from Memories and Moore and receive 1 ticket.

For Sept. 6th:  Bring me a canned good for my local food pantry and receive 2 tickets.

And for today Sept. 7th ... mmmmm ... bring me a comic book for Cooper (who is 13) and receive 3 tickets.

That should catch me up!

See you tomorrow with yet another way!

Have a totally awesome day!

September 4th - new day new way to collect an extra ticket for the door prize at our September Retreat.
Bring a box of cereal which I will then donate to my local food pantry - receive 2 tickets.  It's that simple!

Let's recap all the ways so far that you can earn extra tickets:

- bring a handmade get well/thinking of you card for Cooper - earn a ticket
- using the color combo further down on this blog, create a layout incorporating all 5 colors - earn a ticket
- purchase a $25 ticket to the fundraiser for Cooper - earn 5 tickets
- bring a mechanical pencil for Mishe - earn a ticket
- RAK someone at the retreat that you do not know - earn a ticket
- bring a box of cereal to the retreat - earn 2 tickets

Oh yeah we're gonna have a good time!

It's a new day so that means it's time for another chance to collect an extra door prize ticket for the Grand Calibur.  Yup, that's right - today is day 3 with 3 new and different ways to earn an extra ticket.
And, it's simple - just bring a new mechanical pencil for Mishe.  What you say?  Well let me explain.  At one of our BASF weekends away, Mishe lost her coveted mechanical pencil.  Over the course of the weekend and the following months, no wait, years, yes it's been years, she continues to ponder and point the finger at who MIGHT have taken it.  So in an attempt to put the "Great Pencil Caper" to an end, all you need to do to help us out is to bring a new mechanical pencil to the retreat, show it to me and I'll point out who Mishe is (for those that don't know) and you'll score an extra ticket.  EASY PEASY!

Let the fun begin!

It's September 2nd and that means it must be time for another way to earn an extra door prize ticket at our September Retreat.  And I'm thinking we need to be neighborly.  So in order to earn an extra ticket you must RAK someone at the crop that YOU DO NOT KNOW.  Once you have RAK'd that person, come find me and tell me.  Yup it's that easy!  

Also, let me introduce another of our wonderful vendors,  Amanda:

On the evening of Friday September 15th and during the day on Saturday September 16, 2012 Lia Sophia Advisor Amanda Moore will be displaying a variety of jewelry and the newest Lia Sophia catalog. Looking for a perfect hoop for everyday? Or for that special piece to wear to a very special event- Lia Sophia offers so much and all with a lifetime replacement guarantee! She will have catalogs and order forms if you would like to place an order, and will also be available for booking parties!

If you would like to take a sneak peek at Lia Sophia’s catalog in order to create your wish list prior to the event, please visit www LiaSophia.com . Find that your wish list is just a little too long? Hosting your own party is not only a great excuse to get together- but you get so much jewelry FREE! Questions, or inquires about purchasing and/or hosting feel free to contact Amanda at a2moore@mac.com.

Let the fun begin!

September 1st already!  I must admit I am looking forward to cooler, less humid weather.  I've about had it with the humidity this year!

And, being that it is September 1st, it's time to play along with some more ideas on how to collect extra tickets to our awesome door prize for our Sept. crop:

Just to recap:

• bring a get well card for Cooper Griffin - 1 ticket
• use all of the lucious colors in the following color combo on a layout - 1 ticket

• purchase a ticket to our Nov. 3rd fundraiser for Cooper - 5 tickets
• purchase an item from our Tastefully Simple vendor, show me the receipt - 1 ticket

Yes, it's that easy to earn extra tickets!  And, I will be adding additional ways every day from now until the crop begins on Sept. 14th.  Be sure to check back here often!

Now for some additional news and an update on another fun activity we have planned - our Letterboxing adventure.  

It occurred to me that folks would probably be drifting into the crop at various times and not necessarily when it begins at 10am on Friday morning.  This means that our letterboxing clues and directions will not be handed out to WEEKEND ONLY croppers until Friday afternoon at 3pm.  

This is going to be an awesome weekend, and I'm so happy that you'll be joining us!  

Let the fun begin!  Woot Woot!!!