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