Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Hi and Welcome! I know it's been a while. I'm really trying to get better at this blogging thing..but there never seems to be enough time in the day. I wish I could find a way to add a few more hours in my day...I guess that will be a New Years resolution...again...LOL!!!

Hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving! Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm sure you are in full swing for Christmas. I know I am. Tree is up, decorations abound and Christmas gift crafting is in full gear. Do you know its only 20 days til Christmas and 26 until 2018? Where did the year go? Well I don't know about you, but between working, family and teaching and hosting Silhouette retreats my days seem to fly by. Have you gotten all of your shopping or gift crafting done? I know I haven't. But while I listen (and occasionally put my full attention...ssshhhhh) to the Hallmark Channel playing Christmas movies I'm steadily crafting and gift wrapping. 

   

                         

And while I continue to wonder where my year has gone...let's have a recap of my last few months....

Seems I've been going nonstop about every weekend since September. It started off with a pop up event in Powder Springs, GA with Mandy and her girls from SparklebBerry Ink. I met a lot of great ladies who love SparkleBerry Ink vinyl as much as I do. I was able assist some sweet ladies I met with their Silhouette software. They had been trying to figure out how to do some things within the software and just couldn't figure it out. I showed them several things including how to bring in SVG files and how to turn the cut lines on. I even showed them how to fatten fonts up so they were easier to work with. While at this event, I also participated in my first Facebook live with Mandy. She had me demonstrate the use of HTV on acrylic blanks and ceramic tile. Did you know you can do that? If not, you should pop over to SparkleBerry Ink's Facebook page and check out the video. Or click the link below. But be warned...I was really nervous. Not my best performance. But...as time goes on..I'm getting more comfortable (Not!)...LOL!  Facebook Live

Next, I was invited to attend the Everything Embroidery Market in Chattanooga, TN. There I team taught with Mandy from SparkleBerry Ink. We showed attendees, utilizing the Silhouette Studio software, from start to finish, on how to layer HTV and also demonstrated the use of glitter overlay on adhesive vinyl and cut decals out for attendees. Who doesn't like a little bling? Glitter overlay is the best product. Who knew you could turn solid and patterned adhesive vinyls into glitter vinyls?

Then along came preparation for ATS - The All Things Silhouette Conference. It takes place in Peach Tree City, GA. If you have never been and are a Silhouette enthusiast then you are really missing something. I normally work the conference, working the registration desk, ticket taking at classroom doors, assisting instructors in their classrooms like Melissa Viscount from Silhouette School Blog and whatever else is needed of me. Well this time, I got a really big surprise a week before conference. I was asked to team teach with Whitney Wadsworth (That's Sew Grammie) on how to use the Silhouette Pixscan mat. For those of you who don't know anything about the Pixscan mat. It is definitely a game changer for applique. You can bring your applique designs into the software and cut your fabric with the Silhouette. No more time consuming fussy cutting. I had a great time teaching with Whitney and it was a lot of fun having one of the All Things Silhouette Instructors attend our class. Busy weekend, but lots of fun!   

Then to finish up my run...the weekend before Thanksgiving, I hosted my last Silhouette retreat for the year. It was in Powder Springs, GA. I had a great group of ladies with all skill levels, from beginner to more advanced. The ladies loved their goody bags and we were fortunate to have very generous and gracious sponsors. 

A big shout out to our sponsors for goody bag donations, door prizes and project supplies: Silhouette America, SparkleBerry Ink, Craft Chameleon, US Cutter, SewingMachine.com, Expressions Vinyl, My Vinyl Direct, Etchall, Swing Design, Siser North America and Pro World. And I also want to thank LOVESVG.com for their SVG files that they generously share for free with the crafting public and with which we turned out some really cute projects.  

The theme of our projects were holiday gift giving and I think everyone went away with new knowledge of techniques, ideas for gift giving and a few new crafting friends. That's what it's all about. Crafting brings about kinship and friendships that last a lifetime. We completed several projects and you never know what projects your are going to get to do at my retreats. I like to always change it up and keep you guessing.  

           

Whew! I think I might need to hibernate for the winter with all that I've had going on. Makes me tired just thinking about it. Wishful thinking though. It's end of year at my full time job. Busy busy busy. But I will hopefully be able to slow down on the weekends and spend some much needed down time with my family. Christmas you know is only a little less than three weeks away. Slow down and think about the little things in your life that you are grateful for. Cherish the little  moments that God grants us each day with those who are important to us, because in the scheme of things, they really are what matters most in our lives.

January will bring New Year resolutions (including possibly working on tutorial videos & Facebook live projects) as well as planning new crafting projects for my hosted Silhouette retreats. Stay tuned for upcoming Silhouette retreat schedules. Working on finalizing a few and will post dates soon! Until then....

Merry Christmas & as always, Happy Crafting!

Julie

Well, let's just say, this blogging thing isn't as easy to keep up with as I thought it would be. With so many oars in the water, I keep finding my kayak spinning in circles when it comes time to blog. 

Read anything good lately? Well I have. I was introduced to this independent sci-fi writer's works by a friend. The writer is Will Webb and his books are One Way Ticket and Life on Mars. I really enjoyed them. And not only are they good, they are also currently free to read. However, I do have a warning to give...the second book is not complete...so you'll have to be patient like I am and wait for the chapters as they are released. So far, it's been worth the wait! Go check them out at www.wattpad.com/story/5320051-one-way-ticket 

So lets see, what's new? 

Well I've had a few mini retreats, all with new great projects. 

 I've decided to sell some of the items I make in a retail space - Shops on Main in Pembroke, GA. Never heard of it? Well its a quaint little town not far from Savannah, GA. The shop is great and has a great variety of vendors and products. I've had to keep myself out of the place, or I'll end up spending everything I make and then some. If you are looking for gifts for baby, family, friends, teachers or even yourself, they've got you covered.

My oldest nephew got married and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. The venue was lovely as were the flowers. (Wonder who that talented floral designer was?) A dear friend of mine owns the venue and also happens to own the retail space I was talking about, "Shops on Main". 

      

And lastly we went through the whole prom process. This year my youngest is a junior. Next year is bound to be bigger and better. I think they all had a great time. It's so crazy to see all of the young men and women grown up and dressed up. Where does the time fly? 

 

I had the pleasure to visit a fellow business owner and very special friend - Mandy with SparkleBerry Ink. I spent the afternoon with her and friends, let me tell you..she has got some great new patterns in both adhesive and HTV coming down the pipe. The summer is just going to be filled with color and pop! So make sure you keep an eye out and visit her site often. You won't be disappointed. Here are a couple of pictures from her studio. 

Currently, since it has started warming up again, thank you Mother Nature, I'm walking again. And I've so needed the outdoors and fresh air.   

Well...in closing, I am in the process of getting some venues set for some upcoming Silhouette retreat/instructional events. I'm looking into working with a very sweet friend and supporter on a few "secret" projects. I'll give you a little hint...I'm soon going to be seen and heard more than normal! Which is so not me...well at least the seeing. The hearing, well anyone who knows me, knows that's a given! LOL! Though she may be little, she is loud. Check back soon for updates and maybe a few surprises. 

And as always Happy Crafting!

Julie

Hi. And thanks for stopping by. I know it's been a while. I'm really trying to get better at this but it's hard to keep up with everything I have going on in my life right now. As you may know, or if you don't, I'm now a licensed Terri Johnson Creates Silhouette instructor. Yay Me!!!  Well, now I'm putting it to use and I have started hosting crafting retreats, one on one instruction and now working on setting up painting parties. All the while I am still working my full time job.

And with everything else going on in everyday life, my sweet MIL is turning 80 and we are having a birthday party in a few weeks, we're having a bridal shower for my oldest nephew and future niece and I'm on the go every weekend with something Silhouette related until the first weekend of April when my nephew is getting married. I have to slow down long enough because I'm doing all the flowers for his wedding/reception. Not only that...my youngest son is going to prom on the same day and of course he needs a corsage and boutineer as well...so wouldn't you know it..I'll be running around like a freight train on a collision course.

I know...when do I sleep? Never! LOL! With all of this going on..I've been invited to put all the great and pretties that I create in a store to sell with several other talented crafters/artists. This store is opening up in about a month or so. Can we say CRAZY!!! But it's what you do when you are trying to get your name out there and try to start your own business. Ah the things we do for self preservation.

Well here are a few of the goodies I've made recently. Holler at me if you would like me to create for you as well.

 

 

Before I close, I wanted to share my upcoming event. I'm hosting a weekend of Silhouette instruction, crafting and fun in Byron, Georgia (right outside of Macon), March 24th and 25th, 2017! I'm offering a two part retreat, with a Pre-Day session on Friday from 12pm to 4pm for those who are beginners or just feeling a little rusty with their Silhouette skills. This session will give an opportunity for you to become comfortable with the Silhouette Cameo, before moving on  to more intermediate projects during the 2nd part/Crafting Retreat which begins Friday from 7pm - 11pm and Saturday from 9am - 6pm. If you are interested and would like more information, please email me at juliehcrafting@gmail.com or PM me on face book at the Sew Craft N Spired face book page. Spaces are limited so don't delay! 

Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Crafting!     

Julie