Sara's Blog

It feels like autumn here in Amsterdam…gray skies, chilly temps (where did I put my gloves?) and dramatic rain showers, complete with thunder and lightning. I’ve learned to always carry an umbrella, ever since I got caught in a sudden shower earlier this week. There are very few buildings here with awnings, so when you get caught, you really get caught.

The plus side is that I’ve had some time for my new adventures in felting. Since I’ve invested a ridiculous amount in instruction books, roving and needles it’s high time I started learning this craft. My friend LeNae is also getting into it, so she’s been emailing me with her projects too. I’ve started on a felted flower pin, which I proudly showed to Keith the other night. Captivated by the rugby game on TV (since when is he so keen on rugby?) he only glanced at it and said, “Hmmm, that’s interesting.” He must have sensed my disappointment because he then added defensively, “It’s a fuzzy flower. I’m a guy. What do you expect?” He’s got a point. See what you think of my progress so far—I’ve posted a few pics of my “fuzzy flower”.

Wow, what a busy week! On Saturday night I left Portland for Las Vegas, for the annual MemoryTrends trade show. Let me tell you, Saturday night in Vegas is no fun when you’re by yourself…especially if your idea of a good time is a cup of peppermint tea and a new book. On Sunday morning, I taught the first of HOTP’s five workshops—Paulette joined me on Sunday evening and we co-taught retail classes on everything from the latest trends to product spotlights to a Teach the Teacher session on giving great classes. We finished up with the last class on the morning the 3-day trade show started.

Despite the busy schedule, we did have time for a little fun: Dinners with the HOTP team, catching up with friends in the industry and the chance to see the Blue Man Group (a very cool performance but I live in fear of being one of the people they pluck from the audience to join them onstage). I got to Amsterdam early this morning and Keith met me at the airport for breakfast before heading in to work (I’m surprised he recognized me after so long!). I headed straight to my “office” too…today I’ve got articles to write for our Stamping101.com and DigitalScrapbooking101.net websites, plus a meeting to arrange in London with Dawn at QVC and then I think I’m going to curl up with the latest issue of Somerset Studio (hand-carried all the way from Oregon) and that cup of peppermint tea. (Yes, another wild night at our place!)

PS. You’ve got to check out this week’s Webisode on our new School Finished in a Flash!™ page kit…Paulette and I demonstrate why it’s important to always put the lid back on your package of tiny embellishments!

Oh, my gosh…did you get your copy of the new Paper Wishes? Keith and I are going to be eating beans on toast for the next month because I found way too many things I just can’t resist! First, I love the Gift Boxes on page 67—these little plastic boxes can be decorated with paper, alcohol inks, stamps and embellishments. Of course, this means I need more embellishments too, and I’ve got my eye on those sweet little Gingerbread Men and Christmas Mugs brads—wouldn’t it be cute to tuck a plastic bag of gingerbread cookie or cocoa mix in a gift box decorated with those brads? I also love those Christmas Adhesive Ribbons on page 45 and the gorgeous metallic outline stickers on page 47. I’m broke already and I haven’t even competed my wish list!

The other great thing that came in my mailbox? The September issue of Cardmaker magazine, showing two of my cards and matching envelopes—hurray! I just love doing that shabby chic, super-inked and distressed effect on cards…not only does it look good, it’s also forgiving!

It’s good to be back in the States, where I don’t have to fumble with my baby Dutch and the grocery store checkers bag your things for you! (Unlike Europe, where you bring your own bag and frantically pay for your groceries, bag your items and get out of the way as quickly as possible.) I arrived last night and today we’re filming a new DVD for the Personal Shopper kit, plus Webisodes—then tomorrow it’s our all-day Girlfriends Getaway event. (Can’t wait!) Sunday I get to spend some time at Mom and Dad’s and then back in the office for more filming. Next week is the MemoryTrends trade show in Las Vegas, where Paulette and I are teaching 5 different workshops. Whew! I’m sure I’ll be sleeping well on the plane ride back to Amsterdam!

In the meantime, we’ve got some really great new resources for you online. First is digitalscrapbooking101.net. Whether you’re a traditional scrapper or a digital one, this site has tons of real-life photography hints, tips and techniques. It’s packed with ideas on taking better photos, including information on perspective, angles, taking group photos and more. And it’s all explained in a non-technical way so you can take better photos, no matter what your experience level or camera type!

Then on the weekend of September 15, we’re debuting our new site, stamping101.net. It’s full of stamping techniques, perfect for the beginner or experienced stamper who wants a refresher course. Stampers of all skill levels will pick up tried-and-true tips on caring for stamps, different types of stamps, different inks, different papers, using alcohol ink, walnut ink, etcetera.

Check them out—and be sure to let me know what you think! See you next week!