Registration is open for March 16-18 at the Novi Sheraton!

Registration info was posted to my Lisa’s Workshop group on Facebook and sent out via email.  Our March weekend always fills up fast so please, don’t hesitate to send in your registration!

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Digital artwork is from the Imagine collection by Creative Memories!

Save $20 on Weekend Scrapbooking Retreat

Today is the last day to register for our weekend at the Early Bird rate. Please make sure your registration is postmarked by September 16 to save $20!

Not familiar with our retreats? We specialize in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with great food, hotel space and no drama  Take a peek at our retreat blog for more info.

Last Call for the Sheraton!!

 

We’ll be scrapbooking October 17 – 19 at the Novi Sheraton, located in Southeastern Michigan – not too far from Hobby Lobby, IKEA and a wonderful local scrapbooking store, Scrappy Chic,  (among other wonderful places.)  Michigan has some other wonderful places, too!

We still have a few spaces available but final counts need to be turned in this Wed!  Please contact me asap if you’re interested in attending our weekend retreat at the Novi Sheraton.  

I love our retreats.  They’re not bargain basement priced but the retreat organizers try very hard to make sure that they are worth every dollar spent! We know how hard it is to get away – even for an afternoon, let alone a whole weekend! We’ve done our best to keep costs down while upping the pampering factor as much as we can!

Our retreat has somewhat of an unconventional set-up.  Scrapbookers are in one ballroom on the first floor as well as in all the conference rooms on the 2nd floor.  This set up allows us to host a large numbers of croppers (50 - 100) while keeping the rooms filled comfortably - making it easy to carry on a conversation, move around, etc.  I’ve been involved in weekend retreats in one mega-room.  I didn’t mind them until we switched to this layout.  Gone are the never-ending rows of tables smooshed up against one another, where we’re struggling to talk over the din of the other croppers.  Yes, we’re separated a bit but we’re just across the hall from one another.  Mingling is encouraged and happens frequently  

Scrapbookers are the nicest kind of people! 

We know how valuable your time away is and aren’t going to keep bugging you with sales pitches or product demos during our retreat.  Hoping to help you make the most of your time, we keep the interruptions and extra events to a minimum – and they’re always optional.  We do have scrapbook related products for sale throughout the weekend and there are lots of door prizes that can be won by any retreat attendee.

The Queen of the Crop (QOTC) raffle is a favorite (one lucky winner gets her next weekend on the house complete with extra pampering and spoiling!)

We also have a vendor show on Saturday afternoon (in a room separate from croppers.)  A masseuse and also an album embosser are available throughout the weekend for an additional charge if you would like to use their services.

It’s just a few days away from our next retreat (thank goodness!!!!!) so maybe there isn’t enough time for you to arrange for your departure to make it this time (trust me, I KNOW how much work it is to get away!)  I hope that if you’re looking for a fun, relaxing weekend you’ll consider coming to our retreat.  If you can add an extra day (or more) I’m happy to play tour guide & suggest some spots to visit based on your interests & time available.  I love Michigan & am happy to pass on some suggestions for side trips if you need them.

One thing I have to say is that we try very, very hard to keep our retreats drama free.  We work hard to make sure that everyone receives the same, fair & consistent pampering (except the QOTC who gets extra!) We know that not everyone will find our retreat a good fit & that’s o.k.   We try to be as up front as possible - you can read a bit about our weekends on our blog and if you have any questions please, don’t hesitate to contact me! 

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This is a pic of the hotel rooms before the Novi Sheraton recently remodeled but the beds are still the same. THANK GOODNESS!!! I’ve never slept on a better bed!

We eat very well during the retreat!

2 things that are very popular & I don’t see changing in the near future:  Roasted veggies as part of the offerings for Sunday lunch and Chocolate Mousse for dessert (at least once during the weekend!)

See you at the Sheraton! 

Side Kick 2.o - Cup Caddy & Tumbler Available While Supplies Last!

I have been waiting for CM to update the Side Kick – a drink holder and scrap catcher – ever since it disappeared from our product line.  This new, updated version was introduced last year as a hostess gift and I’m so happy that it’s now available to purchase.  It’s not available on my CM website – you’ll have to order through me.  If you’re local let me know ASAP how many you’d like & we can make arrangements for you to pick up your order.  If you’re not local and would like to place an order via email & I can ship it to you.    Cost for the set is $40 and shipping will be $8.50 on orders  under $100 and 8.5% on orders over $100.  Please email me if you’re interested and we’ll work out the details.  I can include other current CM items with your order if you like, too.

Includes Freedom and Happiness 24 oz. Tumbler with lid and straw (Not a Tervis tumbler – but very similar)

Here are the features of this great combo:
Cup Caddy
Cup holder with ribbed base
Extra holder for cell phone
Hook for scraps bag (bag not included)
Adjustable vice
Table protection pad
Tumbler
Double wall
Dishwasher safe top rack
7 5/8" height
2 5/8" bottom diameter
3 7/8" top diameter
Lid
Color: Blue
Snug fitting
Fits most straws
Lid has open/close slider
Bendable Straw

I will be very surprised if these last much longer before selling out!

Packing Tips for A Crop

Have you noticed the amount of time and energy you spend packing up EVERY SINGLE scrapbooking tool/supply that you own, just in case you may need it?

- Then most of it gets packed back up and taken home, even though it was never touched!

Do you sit at your seat, surrounded by so much stuff that you can’t think straight?

Take comfort – you’re not alone!!

Here are some tips to help eliminate these problems:

• Sort your pictures ahead of time. Get an idea of what layouts & projects you want to work on.  The Power Sort Box is a great way to store and/or transport your photos. Depending on how many photos you have you can bring just use one or both Compartment Covers paired with the Compartment Boxes, which allow you to transport up to 400 photos.

• Visit the Project Center or Creative Memories Catalogs for inspiration.  Decide on some layouts you’d like to create.  Use the C.A.S.E. method – Copy And Steal Everything!  Scraplifiting is encouraged – why reinvent the wheel? 
• Select your cardstock, patterned paper, Photo Mats for your layout along with coordinating elements.  If you know you’ll be using certain punched shapes go ahead & punch those out ahead of time.  Same goes for Cricut cuts.
• Use POWER PALETTES! Consisting of lots of coordinating papers, stickers precut photo mats & journal boxes - this fantastic system takes the guess work out of creating beautiful pages in a snap.

CM’s newest Power Palette – Vintage Chic

• Make a list of the items needed for your layouts, include a sketch or picture of your inspiration. Note any items you need to purchase at the crop to complete the layouts. Let me know when you arrive what you’re looking for & I’ll help you find it.
• Store these pre-planned layouts in the Daisy 12x12 Filemate or the Racking System in the Daisy Cart.
• If you can’t pre-plan your layouts consider packing items from the 2-3 colors families that you use most often and leave the rest behind. This will significantly reduce your choices and help you to work MUCH faster! I will have lots of paper & embellishments for sale if you come to a page that just has to have a color other than what you brought.  You can always add embellishments later, too.
• Then there is no need to bring your entire Custom Cutting System with you. Bring only your mat, blades and the CCS patterns you use the most. If after you get there you change your mind and need to cut a wavy frame, or a heart, I will have all of the CCS patterns available for you to use.
• Assuming you have at least one buddy going with you, have just one person in your group bring their Shape Makers. Or, have one person bring the large ones, and another person bring the minis. That way you can all share. If nothing else, bring those you use the most and use mine (I will bring them all!)
• Tools fit beautifully in the Tools Organizer

Pack light – most people don’t use half of what they bring and you can always go back to your layouts and add something when you get home!

Think Vertical! Tips to Maximize Cropping Space!

As scrapbookers, most of us seem to have quite a few items we just have to have while cropping.  Here are a few tips for maximizing your space while cropping – at home or away – using some items you might have already.

A portable shelf or two can help make the most of your cropping space. Stackable baking/cooling racks are great for this as well as locker shelves that fold up or those white wire shelves used in cupboards. This is a great place to keep your Personal & Rotary Trimmers, Tape Runner & other tools that you use frequently.

   

Stackable Locker shelves – you can usually get a good deal on these when the Back to School sales are going on.

A coffee mug tree is a great place to hang your Custom Cutting System pieces & scissors.

Most wine racks can be a used to store your Pen Cases filled with your CM pens. You may need to put a piece of cardboard on the bottom of each opening before placing your pen cases in first.  You can also use plastic cups to hold items.

Kitchen/desk organizers – especially the kind that spin and have spots for different utensils - can be a great place to store scissors, rulers, pens, etc.

Think out of the box – you never know what items you have around the house that can help you get organized while cropping.

Camp Crop-A-Lot– only a few more weeks!

 

Thank you to those who have already registered for our weekend retreat at the Novi Sheraton and a special thank you to those that have shared our event with your friends & family.  Below are the registrations I have received – color coded by group.  Please let me know if I’ve misplaced someone!

Lynn D.

Joanna E.

Jaclyn S.

Barb S.

Jill G.

Suzanne D.

(Hoping to keep this group in the same group as below)

Sheryl P.

Sharon C.

Hedye C.

Deborah K.

Dawn H.

Cheryl G.

Teri P.

(Hoping to keep this group in the same room as the group above)

Kimberly B.

Kristy L.

Jennifer S.

Christine G.

Laura G.

Nikki J.

Carol W.

Bridget J.

Amy R.

Sarah K.

Kim P.

Wendi S.

Lisa J.

Jodie O.

Renee V.

Aimee A.

Nichole E.

Jennifer S.

Susie S.

Rochelle W.

Cheryl R.

Gina T.

Diana S.

Cindy C.

Laurene K.

Jeanette J.

Lisa F.

Cindy D.

Mary Jo C.

Delcia T.

Cathy C.

Shayna T.

Jodi K.

Gwen M.

Leslie R.

We will be on the 2nd floor at the Sheraton – I’ll send out an agenda for the weekend and also what room you’ll be in closer to the event.

Be sure to check the Camp Blog – updates coming soon!

Camp Crop-A-Lot deadline is Friday, Feb. 1st!!

Need a registration form?  You can download one here.

Thank you to those who have already registered for our weekend retreat at the Novi Sheraton and a special thank you to those that have shared our event with your friends & family. We have had such a wonderful response and space is filling up so fast that after Feb. 1^st (this Friday) we will be going onto a waiting list. We want to make sure everyone has enough room and is seated with their friends. If space allows we will take more croppers but to guarantee your spot please be sure to send in your registration so it’s received by the Early Bird deadline.

Below are the registrations I have received – color coded by group.  Please let me know if I’ve misplaced someone!

If you know of someone that is planning on attending please remind them to send in their registration as soon as possible!! 

Last updated 1/31/13 after the mail arrived. 

Kristy L

Nikki J.

Laura G.

Christine G.

Jennifer S.

Carol W.

Bridget J.

Lynn D.

Joanna E.

Jaclyn S.

Barb S.

Jill G.

Suzanne D.

Sheryl P.

Sharon C.

Deborah K.

Cheryl G.

Dawn H.

Amy R.

Sarah K.

Rena’ V.

Aimee A.

Nichole E.

Jennifer S.

Rochelle W.

Cheryl R.

Diana S.

Laurene K.

Lisa F.

Jeanette J.

Mary Jo. C.

Delcia T.

Cathy C.

Shayna T.

I’ll update as registrations come in.

Be sure to check the Camp Blog – updates coming soon!

Fall 2011 Camp Crop-A-Lot Registration is Open!

Below you’ll find the registration form for our weekend retreat at the Novi Sheraton.  It is a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun, ideas, great food & company!  You can view more information about the weekend at our Camp Blog here:  www.cropalot.blogspot.com

Please note that you’ll need to register by September 1^st to get the Early Bird price & save $15!

If you will be coming to Camp Crop-A-Lot with me you may be interested in participating in an optional activity that is a lot of fun - a Goody Bag swap.

To participate in this event you need to bring one gift for each person in your group (including you) and these would be swapped on Saturday with the gifts from the other people in your group.  You’d bring home one of each of the gifts contributed in your group (including one of your own). Final numbers will be determined after sign ups are finished – but I like to keep the groups around 10 people. 

Past gifts have included items for scrapbooking, pampering items, snacks, handmade items, store-bought items – we always get a wide variety of items.  Let me know if you have any questions or need more info!

The deadline to sign up for the goody bag swap is September ^1st.  To participate you can email me and/or mark your registration sheet.