CHRISTMAS 2008!

I don't even know where to start, it has been soooo long! I could lie and say I've been really busy crafting, but it's more like busy doing everything else BUT crafting! So, to remedy this situation, we are getting ready to have a Craftaganza Event at NorthBridge Baptist Church, just north of Valley Watermill Road on North Glenstone. We did this last year here at the house for a smaller group of ladies but we've already outgrown the basement space this year and we're opening it up to anyone who would like to attend. Since the church is so close to the house, I can still fetch (or better yet, have the DH fetch) anything I didn't think to bring (as IF!!). Plus, the four-footed party crashers will be left at the house, so we'll be cat free for the evening. Since there are so many details to relay, I'll dish on the generalities of the event and then continue to post on the details, including pictures of the projects available and costs for each project.

This open event will be a great time for you to get away from the everyday and spend some time working on Christmas projects and cards with friends and church family in a Christian atmosphere. We know times are tough and finding cute, economical and personal gifts for our friends and family can be difficult, so let us make it easy! Whether you scrapbook, stamp, or work on paper projects, we'll have plenty of project ideas in all areas. We will have oodles of samples on display to inspire your homemade gift giving and card making. Several of the project display samples will be available as class kits you can purchase at the event that you can work on during the event. You can also feel free to bring your own projects to work on during the event, so don't feel like you have to purchase a class kit to participate. We will also be conducting make-n-takes of several projects and cards so you get the feel of how to do a part of a larger project or how to use a new tool or technique. Bring yourself and be prepared to have a good time visiting, playing and, of course, snacking the afternoon away.

Tentatively, we are looking at Saturday, November 15th from 2p to 8p for the first date, at NorthBridge Baptist Church, at the corner of Hwy H (3765 N. Glenstone) and StoneRidge. If we have enough response, or enough people who need an alternative date, we'll schedule an additional date and time. In traditional Baptist fashion we're asking that everyone bring a snack dish, and we'll provide the drinks (tea, coffee and water, bring your own soda if you prefer soda).

Finally, here is a list of class kits that will be available. Each project will be sold as a kit with everything you need to complete the project, including instructions. Purchase and complete your first one at the event and if you want to do more, buy a few more to do in your spare time! No time? We can do them for you for an extra fee. If you are interested in doing any of the projects below, PLEASE contact me BEFORE the event to reserve your kit. Otherwise, it will be first come, first serve! You will need to bring some basic tools and adhesives, we'll detail those with each project as we finalize them this week and post final pricing for the projects.

Tools we'll have on hand will be the Cricut Expression (12"), Cuttlebug, Crop-A-Dile, Big Bite Crop-A-Dile, Zutter Bind-It-All with supplies and whatever else I can dig up. Bring your own dies, embossing folders, and cartridges. We will have some on hand.

Advent Calendar
This is an AWESOME project and I have a very limited number of kits. This is LARGE 16 x 20 canvas with pull-down containers ready to be filled with goodies and to help your family count down the 24 days before Christmas. The containers store away in a nifty box so they don't get lost or damaged during storage. We use Basic Grey Christmas papers, glitter, Star Dust pens, lots of ribbon and paper, velcro and paint for this one. You won't see another Advent/Countdown Calendar like this anywhere in Springfield! Watch for pictures of this one!

Days To Celebrate Book
This is a wire bound book that keeps a list of birthdays and anniversaries. A great gift with limitless opportunities to stamp and embellish, or leave plain, whatever suits you and your recipient. We'll learn how to use the Zutter Bind-It-All with this project.

Monogrammed Mini Magnetic Notepad
A cute mini notepad to fit in your purse or pocket with a magnetic flap complete with your monogram or a Bible verse. A great gift for a friend or co-worker, easy to make.

Old Time Christmas Place Settings (we will have a free sample make-n-take)
This is a unique project using wood blocks as place settings for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Make them elegant or fun, each includes a card for the name and an additional card with a Bible verse. You can even use these on a daily basis to display a picture or card. Super cute, super easy!

Rodney Reindeer Nuggets (we will have a free sample make-n-take)
This a a super cute gift to fatten up a friend! We'll be making a sample "nugget" using the Rodney Reindeer stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps and some Avery labels and Copic Markers. Once you learn how to create these super cute nuggets and see other examples on display, you won't be able to stop yourself from making them. Just don't eat all the candy first! Another Super cute, super easy idea courtesy of Clear Dollar Stamps! Of course, everything you need to make a complete gift can be purchased at the event.

We will be doing card make-n-takes throughout the event, if I get REALLY energetic, I'll post those samples, but no guarantees! We'll be using stamps from Clear Dollar Stamps for our make-n-takes, you can preview their selection at www.cleardollarstamps.com. We will have the stamps we are using for our make-n-takes available for purchase during the event, as well as some embellishments and other basic supplies.

Watch for more details and pictures of each of the projects. If you have questions or requests, email me at vconquest@conquestkeepsakes.com and don't forget to reserve your class kit, only a limited number are available. Again, we will try to have some supplies available for sale if you find yourself without, along with stamps that go with each of the projects. To reserve your seat, call 350-4569, or email me at my Conquest Keepsakes email address given above.

Hope to see you there!