Sunday, July 19, 2015

Christmas in July

Yes, the title is correct!  I spent yesterday in Cambridge with two very dynamic demonstrators Leena Girsa and Jamilla Ivits who put together an all day "wow" Christmas in July event.

It was partly business tips, and a lot of make-and-takes (8 in total), with a lot of new techniques learned.

I will be making cards using these new techniques in the future so watch for them.

I was completely exhausted by the time I got home, but" pumped up" at the same time.  My brain was in overload so I'm taking time to review all the information I was given in the form of a thick package.  No, we did not need to take notes!

Here's one of the business tips I learned - how to minimize the cost of making your cards.  They suggested that our goal should be to keep the consumable costs (cardstock, ribbon, adhesives etc) under a $1.00 if possible.
Some tips:
  • Use small bits of ribbon rather than large lengths
  • Use DSP or stamped images instead of embellishments
  • Minimize layers
  • Use heat embossing to provide metallic look
  • Use twine rather than ribbon
  • Use embossing folders for texture reather than ribbon
  • Use techniques for WOW rather than embellishments
  • Use sequins for touches of bling
  • Use punched shapes
  • Use small bits of glimmer paper.

Today I thought I would post a few pictures of some of the display items.  Tomorrow I'll put up some more.


Rather than get up early in order to be in Cambridge by 9 a.m. (it's a 2 1/2 hr drive for me) I decided to go Friday afternoon and stay in a hotel.  BIG mistake.  The traffic was a nightmare (even in the afternoon) being bumper to pumper all the way from Oshawa to Cambridge.  There were accidents, lane closures (due to the Pan Am games), construction, and of course the inevitable rain coming down so hard you couldn't see your nose to save your face.  Instead of taking 2 1/2 hrs, the trip took me over 5.
I stopped for coffee at one point, and promptly spilled it on my white pants (down one entire leg), and of course there were no paper towels in the bathroom.  I put my pants to soak when I got to the hotel, but I think they are ruined.
In Cambridge I found a clothing store advertising 70% off their clothes, so I bought a new pair of white capri's.
So, a misadventure turned into a wonderful Christmas in July event.

More pictures tomorrow.

1 comment:

Heather A said...

Thanks for the update on this event. I'm off to convention this week therefore I didn't consider going. Sounds like I missed a good one.