Enjoy the Journey - Spellbinders Retreat

Hello Blog Friends - I am excited to share the first of what I hope to be 'many' layouts from the 2014 Spellbinders Retreat - it was the most amazing and life changing time - one of those moments where you realise you are 'living your dream!'   I hope I can capture some of the 'magic' that we all got to experience.

 We were treated by a whole day in Sedona by Stacey Caron - not only is she an amazing lady, her love for her designers is second to none - it was wonderful - what an extravaganza for the eyes - such a beautiful place.    

We made a few stops along the way and each of those will be the focus of more layouts - hopefully they will not take a year! LOL!  I have used patterned paper from My Mind's Eye, along with embellishments from     

One of the highlights of the day trip was lunch at the Enchantment Resort Restaurant that was down at the very bottom of Sedona - the views were breathtaking and the food divine - so much to choose from - on the waiters recommendation I had Grits and Shrimp Gumbo - divine!  Much to my surprise some of the Americans there had not tried Grits  can you believe that!?!  A little like polenta but very creamy.

The International Ambassadors and the Design Team are an exceptionally talented group of designers/artists with syles from CAS to Mixed Media and everything in between - so much inspiration in one place is an amazing experience!

    

The Prickly Pair Spellbinders® Shapeabilities®  is perfect for this layout - those little lizards are the cutest things and have been cut using the   Platinum Die Cutting and Embossing Machine.  I have also used Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Crafty Foam Tape and E-Z Adhesive Runner.

No journaling on this layout - the paper and the embellishments do that for me - I love it when that happens! Corrugated cardboard has added texture and dimension - a bit rustic - perfect for the feel of the layout.  I have created a stencil using the Grate Effect Spellbinders® Nestabilities® Card Creator and texture paste for some dimension, 

I hope you have enjoyed the layout - I have to say - the photo does not do it justice at all, but I am sure you get the idea!

This layout is liked to the following challenges:

Love to Scrap - Anything Goes

Love To Scrap Challenge - Anything Goes

Not Just Cards - Always Anything Goes

Karleigh Sue Challenge - One for the Girls

The Crazy Challenge - Everything Goes

Crafting From The Heart Challenge - Anything Goes

We Love 2 Create  - Anything Creative/ Mixed Media Goes 

Word Art Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Scrappers Delights - Always Anything Goes 

Craft Your Passion Challenge - Anything Goes

Brown Sugar – Anything Goes

Simply Papercraft - Always Anything Goes

Aud Sentiments Challenge - Anything Goes + A Sentiment 

You can see more photos of the Retreat in my facebook Album HERE if you missed them at the time or would just like to check out what we were up too - but just know that what happened in Phoenix - stays in Phoenix!! LOL!

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{Hugs}}} and happy creating!

Reflecting - on the Spellbinders Retreat

You would think this post would be easy to write, but it is just the opposite infact - how can you capture the ultimate experience of bonding, inspiration, heartfelt friendships, generosity, teaching, learning, love and laughter in words - not possible - so I will try with photos.

It has to be said - these ladies are amazing - so many countries represented, along with those from the USA, we came from across the globe - Canada, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, England and the Ukraine. We shared some amazing days together, filled with laughter, tears and bonding.  The support and encouragement was amazing and each one appreciating each others styles - no ego or insecurities - just positive stuff happening - love that!

Stacey and the Spellbinders Team spoiled us - the trip to Sedona was amazing, breathtaking and so much more. 

The Desert is an incredible place at the best of times, but to be surrounded by the beautiful red rock formations was just surreal - each of us was taken in by it's beauty!

Yes, there were photo opportunities - and many of these will be seen on scrapbook layouts and canvas' over time I am sure!  For more photos, you can see my facebook Album HERE

Stacey took the time each day to gather us and encourage - bonding is not to be underestimated.  One of the highlights for me was the Class that Stacey taught - going back to her first love - Mixed Media - for some of us it was way out of our comfort zone - but that is what made it inspiring.

Here is a little sneak peek of my canvas - I am putting the final touches on at home and will share it when it is finished.

I don't want to overwhelm you with photos - I will spread them over a few posts - I hope you are okay with that!  We have been so blessed and I am wanting to share that with you and also honour the person who made it possible!! 

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{Hugs}}}