TERESA COLLINS

Just sharing some SUNSHINE

Baseball has officially started (big time) in our home. In fact, Zach is playing in a tournament this weekend. We have spring break next week for two of our kids and it seems like keeps getting busier. I am loving this "stage" of our life. It makes me happy. Each day we have in life is just a "gift." I am especially grateful for the warmth that is coming. I LOVE to power walk. It's really my favorite physical activity. I like to listen to music and use this hour as I walk as a way to THINK about life. It helps me to focus, relax and BONUS- exercise. I think we each have to find something that we love and feel we do well at. When it comes to exercise- walking is a natural fit for me. Anyway, I love the longer days now... the sunshine and will be walking much more.

Here is a layout that I really enjoyed and reminded me to enjoy the SUNSHINE- 

"It's always sunny" layout by Stacey Michaud.

Supplies:12X12 Carolina Breeze TC Paper:  Myrla Side B, Kayla Side B, Nellie Side BDie-cut shapes and borders World Traveler Maps, Haunted Hallows Brad

 Use the World Traveler Maps paper featuring the red grid.  It makes a neutral, yet interesting pattern.  The red really coordinates with the yellow and black, picking up on the colors of my photos.  Spray with blue mist.Use a ¼” wide strip of the Kayla paper to go along the top and ground the page. Cut a circle about 2.75” in diameter from the Nellie paper.  That will represent the sun.  Place the two die-cut circles in the middle and finish with a brad.Cut the scallops from the Myrla paper.  Cut one that it two scallops wide and 6.5” in length.  The other is 3.5 scallops wide and 7.5” long.  Tuck them near the sun.Place cut scallops randomly around the page, overlapping two strips.  I love how it gives the feel of sunbeams.Place your photos on the bottom right, tucking a circular die-cut underneath.  The Place ticket and felt heart are from my stash and are meant to add a touch of red.Use the Always banner from the die-cut sheet as a part of the title.  Tuck an artisan die-cut under it to hold the title.The photo corner provides a stopping point for the eye.

 

Here's to many SUNNY days!!!!!

Time for SPRING FLING

It is that time of year where I am itching to wear my capris and wear my short sleeved shirts. I got a little taste of it last weekend in California. I love the beautiful colors in my newest collection- Spring Fling. They make me happy. I wanted to share some beautiful projects with you designed with the line.

Isn't this 12x12 layout adorable and FUN????? I love it. 

Sesil Cratin designed this sweet layout. Of course, I love the gems and the whimsical feel of the page.

Sesil's Blog: sesilcratin.blogspot.com

Another project that I loved was this mini book-

This book just grabbed me. I loved how Cheri customized and made the stamps for this book with the TC Stampmaker!!!!

Here are the views of the negatives that Cheri created:

You can see these projects and more at Cheri Piles blog- www.cherinspirations.blogspot.com or the TC Stampmaker blog-www.photocentric-imagepac.blogspot.com or visit my design teams blog at www.teresacollinsdesignteam.blogspot.com for more constant inspiration from the design team using my latest collections (& past collections).

Hope you feel inspired too!

NATIONALS...drill team

We are home!!!! This was amazing. I truly am so thankful that I was able to go and watch my daughter and her team perform. It was my LAST drill team competition to watch as a drill team mom. I was so emotional during the awards. My heart was tender and they asked the girls to stand and look at their parents. They told the girls to thank us for allowing them to dance and have these experiences. I lost it...cried like a baby as I watched McKay look over at me and mouth.... thanks and that she loved me from across the crowded room. It was worth everything for this sweet moment. I cried again as I told my husband and Taylor about that special moment at the competition.

On yesterdays blog post I showed and talked about the IMAGE TRANSFER sheets- I purchased mine here:

www.dotcalmvillage.net/sheerheavenpricing.html

I wanted to share some photos. Unfortunately, McKay was robbed last night at the train station in Six Flags. Someone stole her camera (with hundreds of photos from the trip) and her ipod. She is my "trusting" girl and had them on the top of her bag. The bag was by her feet. Yes, a hard lesson to learn. I felt so bad in that I wanted the photos that she took...they were from HER perspective. I have lots but not the same as her's. I took some photos off of facebook to share on my blog. WARNING: There are a LOT of photos in this post. I know our family will be waiting patiently for these photos. 

They arrived at Disneyland on Thursday and decided to do a handstand. I love it! These girls were all about having TWO days of non-stop fun at "the happiest place on earth." Everyone watching them loved how happy and carefree the girls were.

They were having so much fun!!!!!! Ahhh... such fun times.

Here they decided to be asleep on the ride... oh, they are such fun girls!!!!

McKay wanted to be the first one on the SPLASH MOUNTAIN ride. Can you see me in the photo? Yes, I am the girl with my head down. I get afraid on any ride that goes straight down. I got soaked. I do love this ride.

Josilyn and McKay... these best friends are so wonderful for each other. I love to watch them together! I love that no matter what they are there for each other. They have been the closest of friends since the beginning of 7th grade. Next year, they will go off to college together.

They stayed at the Knotts Berry Farm hotel. They never stopped taking lots of photos!!!! (grateful scrapbooker here)

Cassidy, Lexi, McKay and Josilyn.... 

I was so lucky to get to hang out with cool moms!!!! Tammy, Jill and Becky and I had a TOTAL blast. We wanted our girls to be with their friends so we spend a lot of time together. Our daughters seemed to find us when they needed money or wanted to shop! I need to thank them for always going to restaurants where I could find a nice healthy salad. I really appreciate that they support my efforts to be healthy.

McKay loved the leather shop in Frontierland. She got a bracelet engraved with her name and one for Gentry. It's fun to be able to personalize stuff since their names are never available premade.

On the Jungle Cruise and McKay was tired of me taking photos. Lucky for us- I did not listen or we would not have any photos since her camera was stolen.

It was a warm 80 degree day and I loved just being with my girl. It was so much fun! Plus, I got lots of exercise at the park. I lost one pound while I was on vacation. Ha!

The group prior to going on Tower of Terror. THIS was votest the BEST RIDE by all the girls and MOST of the mothers. They loved it! I reluctantly went on it for the second time ever. I am not a fan of the falling. I did it to be with them though. Plus, all the mothers went and I wanted to give it one more time. I liked it LOTS more the second time. FACED the fear! 

In Frontierland they did handstands AGAIN for the man playing the fiddle. I don't know how they do this without hurting their heads!!!!

I

I drank so much water and decided to not get any of the YUMMY treats at the park. I knew if I started I would not stop. ha! I bought the pink hat and the pink Mickey shirt. Yes, I was in DISNEYLAND MODE. Plus, I love PINK!

We met up at the end of the day on Friday and then we all went to BUBBA GUMPS as a group  for dinner. I happen to love shellfish and love the restaurant. Just the mom's went BACK to Disneyland to see the COLOR waterfall show. AMAZING!!!! It was a long day. 

Then on Saturday it was NATIONALS competition. It was a long 12 plus hour day. The school that hosted it was amazing and was the perfect host. 

Our drill coach loves bling and the girls have the BEST drill bling. You know I love it!!!!

This is the girls in the HIP HOP routine. They did amazing. They love the routine because it is fast, fun and they dance to INSANE by Brittany Spears.

This is the second number- DANCE. The song is EXPRESS YOURSELF remix. McKay had not been feeling well and was on lots of medicine. However, by this point she was smiling and feeling a bit better.

This is our girls during Military!!!! The girls were spotless- not a mistake and the routine is by far their BEST dance. They were so great and everyone was impressed with their level of difficulty. We took second in Region here in Utah and always felt that the girls deserved to win in this category but dance can be very political. So it was nice to perform it with judges who were unbiased. 

The girls were feeling so pleased and happy with their routines at this point. 

Here is Josilyn (drill mistress) and McKay (head captain). 

Next was the CHARACTER dance. This was a tango/latin dance and some of the girls dance with full size manniquins. It is a fun and very upbeat routine. McKay is a boy in this routine. *no she does not really like having a mustache. ha!

The last dance is POM. It is a really cute dance. The song is STAR SHIP by Niki Minaj. Again, it was so entertaining to watch.

Then they had the awards for the girls. This is the results for our team:

 

1st in division MILITARY and 1st in OVERALL military

They beat all the teams there. This was a HUGE accomplishment. Hillcrest, Cottonwood, Union, Lehi (all teams from Utah) and all the other teams. In our Region in Utah- Hillcrest always beat us- but not at the National Competition this year. Many tears were shed. It was a special moment for the team!

1st in division prop

1st in division dance

2nd in division hip hop

2nd in division character

2nd in division pom

The photo below shows how happy the girls are. The coaches Jordan and Mary Ann did a wonderful job and I'm so thankful for their positive influence. 

 

Everyone wanted a photo with this special trophy. It is made of glass.

I was so happy and could not stop smiling. The girls worked for months for this competiton. What a way to end 3 WONDERFUL years of drill for McKay. She said she is already missing it. I could not have asked for a better way to end my FIVE years of drill watching both Gentry and McKay dance. I am grateful for the lessons that they have both learned from their efforts and time on the team.

The fact that someone stole her camera and ipod devastated her until I told her to put it in perspective. She was crying and felt so bad. I told her that it was just material things and at least she had not been hurt. Plus, we have the memories.... SHE could not stop smiling!

Today's Show- Easy Photo Image Transfer

Today's show on My Craft Chwnnel is showing you how to easily create your own photo image transfers. I show you my own personal favorite way to print out photos on an inkjet printer. Using sheer heaven transfer sheets to easily transfer your photo to a porous surface. It's so simple and the creative possibilities are endless!!!!

These sheets are AMAZING!!!! PS they cost around $1.00 per sheet plus shipping.

I even did photos on doilys...

This is on my FABRICATIONS 10x10 covers. (fabrications trinkets on book corners)

I'm home doing TONS of laundry. Post tomorrow about our trip for Nationals. Check out my video today at www.mycraftchannel.com.

 

Time for Disneyland

It's finally here... spending the next few days with these cute drill team girls. I will SAVOR this TIME & experience. I love each of these girls. I love the parents. It has been a great year for drill. No drama and lots of cherished memories. This weekend will be filled with MORE great memories. I can't believe my baby girl is going to graduate this year. Time flies TOO fast! Next year, she will be at college. I have peace in my heart- she is ready. I am not. Isn't this always the case?

McKay has a camera and so do I to capture the moments. I will make a special book to document this trip (like I did for Gentry's to NYC). I am so fortunate to have a super supportive husband who will take over carpools, watching the boys and more. Next week, Ty will be gone on a baseball trip with Zach. We are crazy busy and I would not change a thing!

Now to enjoy the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH.......

 

Getting ready for NATIONALS- Cricut Style...

I am going on another trip tomorrow. The school drill team is headed to Southern California to attend a Nationals drill team competition this weekend. 

It is a tradition to decorate the drill team lockers right before the girls performance. Carol did the lockers this time using the Cricut machine and cartridges. McKay and I went over and helped place "all her hard work" on the lockers last night. Thank you Carol- the lockers are super cute!!!!!!

 The girls are super excited to get to go to Disneyland together. I think they are excited to get away from the cold and snow for a few days too. The parents and girls are all going so it should be a really fun time. The girls stay together and I will be with the drill mom's (most dads are not attending!). It's a big girls weekend. 

I loved the Mickey Mouse balloon by the girls locker. I asked McKay to please let me take a photo. 

The lockers upclose- I think having a CRICUT is just a necessity for things like this.

I went to my last visit to the doctor yesterday. I finished 12 weeks...and it was definitely NOT EASY but I did it and I have decided to continue on my own in this journey. I went the entire time with not cheating once. I made a 100% commitment and gave my word "to myself" that I would do it. That helped me to know that I can do anything that I put my mind too.  I have decided to continue to eat the same way and keep at it. They suggest that I add more food back into my eating program but still maintain the same calories and keep eating clean. Day by day... I'll keep going on my journey. Trying to find healthy food at Disneyland... is this even possible????? I will have to make it work. Losing weight when I'm motivated is the easy part...maintaining is my hardest battle. 

Taylor had gum surgery this week. I am thankful that it was successful and that she is doing well. It was her second surgery since high school. They were more aggressive this time since the gum's had grown to be a problem again. Her gums seem to be thick and want to cover her teeth. 

Today is all about getting McKay ready to catch the bus tonight to head to California with her team. A group of mom's are flying out in the morning. This should be fun!!!!! I am headed to my office today to work on my "Christmas" related products for next year. So I'm thinking all kinds of JOLLY thoughts. ha!

 

 

EMI- visit to Georgia

Where do I start? I had a WONDERFUL time in Georgia this past weekend. I traveled early Friday morning to Atlanta to visit my friends at EMI Scrapbooking. I arrived to a very warm welcome... I felt a big ole southern connection instantly with the girls. 

 The store is beautiful and they have a entire wall of TC products. They even have a big tree of "BLINGAGE." It was so fun to visit Susan's store. I loved that they have pre-made kits that you simply put together. I mean these kits are amazingly designed and they prep it with great detail. They had instructions and photos. I was impressed. 

The workshops were all full and we had the workshops at a local hotel. It was a really nice hotel. When I arrived in my room I found some gifts.  I was so touched with the thoughtful of the roses, a sweet card thanking me for coming and a necklace that Susan made for me.  Susan truly went above and beyond in her thoughtfulness. 

Then I noticed a letter and gift card to Charming Charlies from a girl who was not able to come to the workshops but wanted to let me know some of the sweetest thoughts that she felt about me. I don't want to share who sent this to me...but I want her to know that I cried as I read the letter. I felt overcome with feelings of gratitude for her gift of words and for sharing with me how I had inspired her. SHE inspired me. It really went straight to the heart. I can't thank "YOU" enough for doing this kind gesture to me. I will forever keep the letter and yes, I did truly appreciate the gift certificate. Thank you--- you KNOW who you are!

Then I got some really thoughtful surprises from TC Dye. She made Azalea TWO little tutu's, plus more stuff for me and boys. She knew I drink a TON of water and she loaded up my refrigerator with water. I was just overwhelmed with kindness when I arrived. Thank you TC for being so wonderful! 

I arrived for the first workshop and the woman were outside the room waiting to get in. I noticed a familiar face- MARGIE ROWLES. I was in utter shock. Yes, she flew all the way from CANADA to take the workshops with her friends. YES, they kept it a surprise from me. I was overjoyed to see her and all the girls attending!!!!!

I finished the first workshop and then our phones started buzzing, sirens were going off outside and we were told to leave the room in the hotel right away. They wanted everyone to go to the hotel laundry room that had no windows. There was a TORNADO coming right at us. Here is the moniter from the hotel. The wind was crazy- the trees were swaying  and I was a little in shock.

Everyone tried to keep calm, but I know we were all very nervous!

Ev

I was on my phone non-stop with my family. I kept praying for peace and calmness in what we were facing. 

I remember taking this photo and someone commented..." I can't believe we are smiling." I think we were all just trying to stay positive. I went to bed Friday night with so much gratitude for the safety that we had. However, when I heard of the devastation that others had faced and life's lost it was heartbreaking. 

Through it all- we had a great weekend of creativity!!!!!! We had lots of girl bonding. I can't tell you how much I gained personally from EACH of the girls who attended the workshops. I always feel like I am the LUCKY and blessed one. 

 

This is one of the workshop girls. I wish I had ALL three workshops! I want to personally thank EACH girl for coming. We had girls from TEN DIFFERENT STATES at the event. Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Alabama, Canada, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York and Utah. They either flew and or drove at great distances to be there. I even made new friends this weekend. It was simply AMAZING to be surrounded by these talented and beautiful girls. THANK YOU GIRLS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! 

This is Susan Lepore. I was humbled by how many girls had purchased my new idea book and brought it to the event. It really warms my heart!

CONFESSION- I could not keep myself warm. I think it because I drink so much cold water. However, I finally gave up and put on my pink hoodie. I am always cold and so I am looking forward to warmer weather. ha!

Then a few of us went to CHARMING CHARLIES...

I think we were there for at least TWO full hours! Here I was with TC Dye and (yes, we have the SAME name!) shopping for the good bling! It is a very good thing that there is not a Charming Charlies in Utah. I love how the store is color codes and you can find all kinds and styles of jewelry.

We also went vintage/antique shopping. No one would get in the photos with TC and I. Oh well- we had a blast. We only had 1.5 hours and we shopping FAST and with great purpose. ha!

We both bought the FRENCH papers that were over 100 years old. They were crumbling along the page edges. They were beautiful and I know that I will be loving all my new images. TC is a sweetheart. She drove from Alabama and she is so FUNNY and KIND!!!!! I really enjoyed getting to know her.

If I lived closer this blank chandelier would have been coming home with me. It was just my style and I really loved it. Oh well, it was not meant to be. 

I'm home preparing to go on another trip on Thursday morning. Yes, this is for NATIONALS DRILL competition in Southern California with McKay. I am over the top giddy to go with my girl.

It is a NO WORK weekend. Yes, Disneyland and more is on the agenda- along with the competition on Saturday. I'm home doing laundry and playing catch up while spending time with the family. 

I wanted to share my DESIGN TEAM blog for MORE inspiration with my new collections-

This project is from our guest designer for the month. To see more, please check out the blog at www.teresacollinsdesignteam.blogspot.com.

ENJOY!!!!!!

My CRAFT CHANNEL- Chic Embossing

I'm home. I am posting a blog all about my time at EMI Scrapbooking, the TORNADO scare and more tomorrow. GA girls PLEASE send me photos today!!!! I am trying to "regroup" today. 

On My Craft Channel show tody it features me showing how to emboss with my new TIMELESS embossing folders. Learn how to take embossing to a new level- Chic Embossing. Watch as I show how to use the Cuttlebug machine to create beautiful embossed cards, envelopes and even using materials like reflective paper. I hope you will be inspired to emboss your own affordable customized stationary, cards and more.

Images from my TC TIMELESS embossing set with Provo Craft.

This is the TC REFLECTIVE paper. Oh, I love this 12x12 paper. 

Check out my video at www.mycraftchannel.com.

I am home doing laundry and trying to recover since I got home. Have a great day!

Headed to Atlanta...countdown

I should be in bed. I only have a few hours before I need to get up and head to the airport. I will be going to Atlanta for the weekend. Teaching at EMI Scrapbooking!!!! Thank you Susan and to all the students (friends) coming. My bags are packed and I am looking forward to a great weekend.

I promised to post more visuals of the workshop that I will teaching at Brentwood, CA at ART INSPIRED STUDIOS. I posted a few the other day, but did not show the details and some of my favorite parts of the workshop-

 

I am so in love with tags and tabs!!! I add them to all my projects.

We will be stamping  ALOT in the caledar album. *ALL OF MY PHOTOS lift up to reveal the calendar pages-

I am even using some of stamps that I designed for Stamper's Anonymous- to this day... I keep using them!!!! I love them. *Remember THIS circle stamp. Flower- Everyday Moments

Oh yes, I still love this stamp from my FREESTYLE collection. I have a HUGE stamp drawer (two actually) that I have close by anytime I create. I will be bringing lots of stamps with me!

Oh, and we will be using the CUTTLEBUG too! I love to emboss and use cut & emboss. 

I used my FABRICATIONS collection for this project. 

I have no idea if there is room in the workshops. If interested, please contact the store directly. THANK YOU! 

Sleep...sleep... sleep. I am going to try really hard to sleep for a couple of hours. 

Zellie girl's first pig tail!

 I had to share this PRECIOUS photo that Kayla took of Azalea. Oh, she is a sweet girl. She is getting so big! Her nickname is Zellie... so her.

The girl loves to eat! I miss her and Maxson. On Monday, Maxson fell and cut his chin open. Poor guy had to go to the ER to get stitches. I am sure Kayla was a distraught mother. I remember when McKay did a similar thing. She fell on a fireplace ledge and split her head open when she was only 2 years old. I still think about it... I was a big mess.

Okay... seriously, thank you girls for signing up for the workshops at ART INSPIRED STUDIOS! I got an email a couple hours after we posted... asking if I could get more supplies and add more students to the workshop. Thankfully, I was able to add FIVE more spots. So if you want to join us, make sure you call and sign up. I have decided to change up some of my workshops that I teach. I have started to offer a HOME DECOR project to my lineup. You know something that you would maybe want to display at your home or office. I was reluctant to do home decor in the past- which is silly since my background is interior design SO If felt it was too limiting to the end user. YOU know we all have different styles, tastes, etc. So far so good and I'll see how the workshops are received. Do you crafty girls like doing home decor projects? I would LOVE your thoughts.

I even had something MADE for my event in Manhatten Beach - Inspired JOURNEY! Girls, if you got it... be prepared. I give you the PIECES and we will create it. ha! I am going to post photos very soon. No worries girls who are not at the event- yes, I am going to be offering a "similar" home decor option to my future workshops. I can't wait to show you what I designed and had created. 

Today is THE DAY for me. The day my artwork for CHA S is due. Oh yes, day to finally get my hair done (it's a mess!), a day to finish packing for GA (leaving early in the morning!), and TODAY is a day to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL new snow that is everywhere here.

Ahh... it finally feels like WINTER! I don't mind the cold as much when it's so beautiful outside. 

Before you know it... it will be SPRING! (project by Sylvia Blum) Ahh...love the colors!

These colors in FABRICATIONS make me HAPPY! Love this project by Jamie Harder.

Have a FABULOUS day!!!!!