Crafty Canvas in Canada!

A few weeks ago I had the joy of teaching MnTs at the innaugural Crop & Create event in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  While I love teaching techniques and showing people how to use Xyron products in new and creative ways - my own creative spirit is re-energized when I see people take a project and make it their own...and those fabulous Canadians did just that!

One of our MnTs was a darling fall tag using a Canvas Corp canvas tag, Maya Road mists, and the Xyron Creatopia (see bottom of this post for directions). While I created a basic project to encourage crafters of all levels - I was tickled that so many people felt comfortable experimenting with the techniques and products to create something that expressed their own personalities.  Take a look and see for yourself!

The original project:

A sampling of the projects created by Crop & Create attendees:

Thank you wonderful Saskatchewanians (yeah - I made that up...it works - right?) for sharing your weekend and your creativity with me.  I left you feeling excited and motivated and re-engaged - can't wait to come back!

Want to make a tag of your own?  Get out a few items and start creating!

Fall Canvas Tag Canvas Corp canvas tag Maya Road Mists misting mask (if desired) background stamp (this project used Hero Arts La Lettre) black ink pad assorted scraps of fabric (approx 6x6) Xyron Creatopia with fabric adhesive refill leaf die (this project used Sizzix Bigz Die Tattered Leaves) die cutting machine (this project used the Xyron Creatopia Shapez component) coordinating buttons, rhinestones, ribbon, assorted embellishments

Instructions Mist canvas tag to desired coloring, using mask for additional shading if desired. Set aside to dry. Run fabric through the Creatopia fabric adhesive. Run fabric through die cutting machine using leaf die. To get an assortment of leaf colors you will repeat this process at least three times using different colored fabric. Set extra leaves aside for another project. Determine approximate placing of leaves but do not adhere. Using background stamp and black ink pad, stamp image on "blank" areas of tag where leaves will not be applied. *Hint - for less of a "blocky" look, use a baby wipe to wipe off ink on outer edges of stamp before stamping on canvas.* Peel backing off of leaf die cuts and adhere to tag. Embellish as desired and enjoy!

The people of CHA

I LOVE craft stuff.  I love seeing it, I love touching it, I love dreaming about its possibilities...and all of those loves come together at CHA more than anywhere else.  But MORE than the craft stuff - I love the PEOPLE I get to spend a few days with every summer and winter.  Some are old industry friends, some are new store owners, some I've shared a few adventures (and cocktails) with, some I've only previously known through email or the phone.  But they are my FAVORITE thing about CHA!  Yay people!

Who doesn't love some Canadians?  Especially when it is Vicki Boutin - whose style and creativity I LOVE, and my buddy Catherine Tachdijian - head cool chick at Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine!

I didn't get out of the Xyron booth much...but when I did the first place I went was the Bazzill booth for a hug from two of my favorite people - Frani and Joey!

Celebrating a successful show with some of my co-workers (and the greatest friends a girl could ask for) - Braden, Julie, Helen and Corey.  We TOTALLY lucked in to the kitchen table at Buca di Beppo where...if you go...you MUST have their Ultimate Raspberry Lemon Drop.  HELLO!

Ok, ok...I had to sneak in a photo of one of my favorite booths.  This greeted us every morning when we walked in to the expo center - a booth filled with nothing but gianormous animals made entirely of yarn!  No demo table, no order center, no paper work, just a giant GOOD MORNING! and WELCOME! to everyone who passed by. 

And last, but not least, you might be saying to yourself "well surely Beth took a few photos of the Xyron booth - I mean, after all, she was in there for four days straight!".  But...uhhh...no.  It was SUPER cool though - and you don't have to take my word for it - Xyron was awarded 2nd place by CHA for best booth!  (I did get a photo of that - even though I didn't go to the 7am award ceremony.  I mean come on - have you met me?)  Congrats Xyron!