Creative Escape 2010 Wrap Up!

Left to Right: Heidi Swapp, Claudine Hellmuth, Teresa Collins, Pam Black, Maggie Holmes, ME, Jessica Sprague, Margie Romney- Aslett.

WOW! As I sit here in my cluttered kitchen (I still have a tonne of unpacking to do) and begin to think about all the amazing happenings of this past weekend, I am blown away. Absolutely each and every detail was taken care of for each and every facet of the amazing event we all know as CREATIVE ESCAPE. I knew going into it that it would be unlike any other event in the industry but in no way was I prepared for the magnitude of perfection we encountered. A HUGE thank you to Doug Jones (Mr. Bazzill) for having the faith in me as a teacher/designer to bring me on board for this event. To stand alongside of the most talented ladies (my own personal idols;) was indeed an honour. Their talent is outstanding and even more so are their sweet personalities that shone through with all they did to welcome me to their team.

The Bazzill team (Lisa, Mona and Franni... along with all of the other fabulous people involved) are like a well oiled machine. It was amazing to see the fruits of their labour. I know we have all been planning this event for at least the past 9 months (i referred to it as being similar to having a baby or getting married). Very few "glitches" occurred (if you can even call it that) and they were rectified almost immediately! With an even of this magnitude, that was VERY impressive! I am so thankful for their hard work and I know all attendees feel the same.

The volunteers were AMAZING! I am not sure what I would have done without my two lovely gals... they were lifesavers in my extremely large classes. They knew their stuff and were absolutely BRILLIANT TA's! Thanks girls:)

OH! And I have to mention Shye and her amazing sugar cookies and cupcakes in a jar. Simply amazing girl and your sweets were such a heavenly treat! THANKS!

The attendee's were just as amazing. Their excitement truly made this event spectacular! I loved being able to meet so many new friends and I look forward to hopefully meeting them all again one day soon in my travels. Hook me up on Facebook ladies (search: Trisha Green- Ladouceur).

And the sponsors. WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Now I need to take a minute and talk about their amazing participation. I knew going into this event that it would mean asking A LOT of the people that I work with in the industry to support my classes. The numbers of kits that would be needed was not a small number (it was MASSIVE). Their financial investment was substantial. I knew that going into it. Yet, these amazing companies still felt they could trust me to represent their companies and products to the attendees. I had no idea though really just how large of an investment it was until I saw the pallets of boxes that were labeled for my classes (the above pic is only one of a few). I actually got a bit emotional when I saw it firsthand and was happy that I had a few minutes alone in my classroom to soak it all in. To say THANK YOU just does not seem like enough but from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate all that each and everyone of you did! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I mentioned to my students in class that if you would please take a minute to show your appreciation for their generosity, I KNOW they would love it! Feel free to email me at trisha.lado@gmail.com and I will forward it to the powers that be at each company OR visit their websites and blogs and I am sure you could leave a comment for them there! So without further adieu here are their websites (Just click on their name).

Tattered Angels: (They provided the Glimmer Kits for all attendees. Wendy and Rachel came to handle the misting components of my project)

Prima: Flowers, Crystal Swirls, Lace, Say it in Pearl Center Kisses

My Mind's Eye: LUSH papers

Graphic 45: On the Boardwalk papers and die cut tags

Riff Raff Designs: Laser Cut Chipboard Elements

Hambly: Screenprint Overlays

Bazzill: Cardstock, tulle

Stix 2: Double Sided Tape, ATS 50 guns and adhesives, Foam Mounting Squares

Ranger: Crackle Accents, Black Paint Daubbers

Westcott: Scissors

Vintaj: Arte Metal Butterfly

Tombow: Metal Glue

Thanks again to each and everyone of the companies listed above. Please know that I truly appreciate your support as always and could not have had such an amazing experience with you:) Love you all not only as business associates but dear friends:) (((HUGS)))!

OKAY! Now how about some of the fun stuff???? Now that we have the "business" out of the way, let's get to more of the fun details!

First... the Wild Horse Pass Resort.

For being in the middle of the Arizona, it truly was a little piece of paradise!

The only downside, with the temperature hovering around the 105-110 mark, it was just too darn hot to enjoy too many activities outdoors, but I did try to take a few minutes at a time to absorb some of the peaceful surroundings. If you ever get a chance to visit this resort... DO IT! You will not regret it! Everything about it was wonderful:)

Getting to hang out with some wonderful ladies whom I proudly call my friends was priceless! Teresa (as well as the others) were absolute gems and I will cherish their new friendships always!

So onto the actual event. Thursday was Trunk Show day for us teachers. This was an opportunity for attendees to come and check out some of our work and to meet us. It was such an honour to meet these lovely ladies! They were so sweet and kind. I was blown away by their kindness and sweet words. Here is a pic of my display:)

I also made new friends! Isn't this the cutest cricket EVER?! I loved getting to play with the Provo Craft Cricut Cricket:)

For now, I am going to bed and I am going to try to catch up on some much needed sleep tonite! I know I promised many of you ladies pics of my class project. I will get it up Tuesday, I promise. I am not finding the pics on my computer so I will retake them in the morning and post them as soon as possible! I know you all have a few finishing touches to put on your Trinkets and Treasures Box and I want you to be able to do it my project was intended! Plus... it means you will have to come back and visit me here again... heheheheh! Just kidding! I just can't seem to find the right file... aaaaaaargh!

Anyways, I would LOVE to hear your feedback! What dod you think of the event? What did you enjoy best? What are some of your favourite memories? I'd LOVE to hear some good stories:)

Have a great night and remember to be creative everyday:)