Tags for a Swap

Here are a couple of tags I made for a swap on the Cricut messageboards. I hope you like them.

Still Looking for Location for 1 Day Swarm/Crop

I am still working on a location and date (that is even harder to figure out) for our 1 day swarm/crop. Right now Fort Collins is seeming to work out the best as all my other options have fallen through.

I found a group on MeetUp.com who is having a 4 day/3 night crop at the Chocolate Moose Lodge in Fairplay (near Breckenridge) October 22- 25. The cost is $175/person and you have to provide food and cook 1 meal for 10 people. If you are interested in finding out more, email me at tammy@iplanitmeetings.com. I have not booked yet (and may not be able to attend), but I wanted to let everyone know just in case you are interested.

Don't forget that we have June 11-13, 2010 on hold at Traditions Mountain Lodge. We also have an October or November date, but for some reason I can't remember it. As soon as I can recall the dates, I'll update this post.

Awesome Tip for Rub Ons

I was doing some blog hopping and cricut message board surfing yesterday I came across a really cool tip for rub ons on KellpieJo's blog. You can use your cuttlebug to apply rubons and they come out perfectly. Use your normal embossing sandwich, except put your paper under the embossing folder with the rub on where you want it. A plate, B plate, cardstock or papern paper, rubon, any cuttlebug embossing folder, b plate, run thru your machine, when it comes out the other side your paper will have the rub on nicely adheared and you shouldn't have any missing or lifted spots.

I'm now a MemoryWorks Consultant

I just wanted to let you know that I've just become a MemoryWorks consultant. They carry a great line of products including BoBunny, Rusty Pickle, 7 Gypsies, 3 Bugs in a Rug and many more. They have a beautiful monthly subscription kit for $29.50/month plus shipping and taxes.

I have a website (http://tammywhite.memory-works.com) where you can place your order or you can email or call me. You can pay via credit card (via paypal), check or cash. I hope to have some catalogs in time for the retreat but if not you can see all of the products online.

If you want to be on my email/mailing list, let me know. I will not add you unless you let me know you want to be there.

Need Ideas for the Goodie Bag?

4 weeks from today and we will be on the 2nd day of our swarm! Are you ready???

Don't forget to be thinking about what you want to put in the goodie bag. Also, if you are bringing a door prize and haven't already let me know, please do so.

I know many of us are having a tough time financially in this economy. Don't feel like you have to buy something for the goodie bag. I know I have a ton of scraps and left over stickers and embellishments from old projects. Here are some ideas for card fronts and tags (they don't have to be the same) and you can use up your stash:

Father's Day (it's the next weekend)
Birthdays
Friendship
4th of July
Get Well Soon
Sympathy
Thinking of You
Halloween
Christmas (yes I said Christmas)

You know I've just given myself some ideas!

4 Weeks Until The Swarm

OMG guys! Just 4 weeks and 1 day until our swarm!! I can't believe how this last month has flown by. I'm starting to put together my page kits but so far have just gotten a few pictures printed.

Mandee B is organizing a name tag contest and determining interest in massages. Keep watching this blog for more details.

Don't forget to be thinking about what you want to put in the goodie bag. I am currently looking for the bag that will serve as our goodie bag. If you have 13 bags that would be great for our swarm let me know.

If you have an item for a door prize, please let me know.

Here is a list of our attendees (we still have 1 opening):

Name (Cricut ID)
Tammy White (Twhite)
Alison Beck ( ScrappingCieraBug)
Diana Hakenholz
Pat Shultz ( AltonGrandma)
Amy White (AmyW)
Jo Beth Steinhaus (Ziasoul)
Carol Lathrop
Mandy Barnett (MandeeB)
Lenita Hartman
Ellen Steiner (EllenSteiner)
Casandra Lucero (Casandrascreations)
Ann Buys (AnnBuys)

Using PageMaps to Prepare for the Swarm

If you are having trouble figuring out how to layout your pages or just need inspiration, try PageMaps. They have several for free online at:

http://www.pagemaps.com/pdfsketches.htm

Here is an idea: Print out your favorite page maps and put them in your bags as you create your page kits for the swarm. Then you will know how the page is to be laid out and you don't have to create your own sketch (I lack this ability).

What is nice about these is unlike the pretty pages in the scrapbook magazines these give you more flexibility in building your pages because if you are like me I want the exact same stamp, flowers, brads, etc that they use in the magazines. Although everyone says I have A LOT of scrapbooking stuff, I never have what I need to duplicate the layouts in the magazine. I don't know about you, but I can't afford to go out and buy stamps and chipboard and glimmer mists, etc just to create a page. With the page maps you can decide if you use paper, ribbon, or stickers to create a design element they show. Now if I can just get myself to prepare my kits like I'm suggesting you do!!

Rocky Mountain Swarm Just 6 Weeks Away

Now that we are about 6 weeks out it is time to start organizing your thoughts and materials so that you can make the most of your swarm time. Below are some links to some sites that you might find helpful:

http://organizedscrapbooks.com/got-photos-packing-page-kits-photos-finished

http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Ready-to-Crop-Create-a-Scrapbook-Page-Kit-in-5-Steps&id=1994964

http://danandsherree.com/2006/03/06/preparing_for_a_scra.php

http://www.ehow.com/how_2050192_pack-crop-weekend.html

Just a reminder that we will have goodie bags for each attendee. If you can, please plan on bringing at least 1 item (quantity of 13) to put in the bag.

Don't forget that final payment ($115) is due on May 26th. You can make your payment online at www.traditionsmountainlodge.com.

Rocky Mountain Swarm FAQ

Below is the start of the FAQs in relation to the Rocky Mountain Swarm to be held June 12-14 at Traditions Mountain Lodge. I will continue to add to this list as the questions come in so check back often. Read the next post below too as I've already provided several FAQs from the Lodge's website.

Does the lodge provide Cricut cartridges or should we bring our own?
The lodge has an expression, baby bug and I am also planning on bringing my Expression. I will bring my cartridges and a couple of new mats. The lodge also has several carts and I've included a list below of the carts I know will be there. I will also plan on bringing my Cuttlebug and embossing folders. I don't have very many so if you have some you might consider bringing those too. Please label your carts, mats, tools, etc with your name so there is no question at the end as to who owns what. For those who have a cricut expression, please try to bring your own mats. I will provide 2 for the group but things will go much quicker if you bring your own. If you want to bring your own cricut for your personal use, feel free to do so.

Do you have any fun activities planned for us?
I'm just starting to plan these activities and still want your suggestions and involvement. I have been corresponding with other swarm hostesses to learn more about what makes for a successful swarm. One of those lessons is to limit the number of fun activities since most people are there to craft. Here are some suggestions I've received so far:

• Goodie Bag - Definitely doing this (see below for more info)
• Trash to Treasure Swap - Bring your craft related items you don't want/use to swap with others
• Make a Name Tag for Your Desk (or another Attendee) Contest
• Bring a Layout or Double Layout to Swap
• Everyone Bring a Door Prize
• Card Front/Inchie/ATC Swap
• Best Layout Contest
• Pay Per Use Massage Therapist
  

What Should I Bring?
Anything and everything you need to work on your cards, layouts or projects. If you can, plan out in advance what you want to work on and print out your pictures. You might also want to bring your own Cricut, cartridges, mats, cuttlebugs and folders and favorite tools.

I have a craft related talent/technique I'd like to share. Can I do that?
Yes! I am setting up demonstration times so if you have a technique or talent you would like to teach others, let me know what you would like to do. Demonstrations should take no more than 15-20 minutes to teach and let the attendees try.

Demonstrations Planned:

• One-stroke painting on layouts - Pat (AltonGrandma)

Tell me more about the Goodie Bag
We will have goodie bags for everyone. If possible, it would be great if everyone could bring something to put in the goodie bag. This does not need to be a purchased item. Think ATCs, Inchies, Card Fronts, items from your stash - bags of fibers or ribbons, skittles, prima flowers, etc. Be creative!

Will We Have Door Prizes?
Yes. I will be trying to solicit door prize items from local scrapbook stores. I will also use part of the $10 donated by each person to buy a larger door prize (something along the lines of a Jukebox, cuttlebug, etc.).

Do you have an item you would like to donate as a door prize? These would be items of a higher value than Goodie Bag items. If so, just let me know.

Will We Have A Make and Take?
I have purchased a variety of 2 page scrapbook kits (1 for each person). I'm not sure how we will use them yet. There might be a contest or it might be just a fun kit for your goodie bag. Do you have a make and take project idea? Please share!!

Can we bring/drink alcohol?
Yes, the lodge does allow us to bring alcohol. Cassandra has volunteered to bring margarita fixins. I will bring Pina Colada fixins. Please drink in moderation as drunkenness will not be tolerated. This is so that we can ensure everyone has a good time.

Can I help in planning the swarm?
Yes!! Yes!!!! Yes!!!!! Let me know how you would like to help. Would you like to be in charge of the goodie bag? Would you like to contact scrapbook stores for door prize donations? Would you like to organize the demonstrations or the fun activities? Maybe you are interested in organizing the Trash to Treasure swap. Have more ideas?? Just let me know what you would like to do.

List of Cartridges That Will Be At the Swarm
If you are bringing your carts and are willing to share them, please email me your list and I'll add it here. Make sure you put your name on your carts, overlays, books, etc.

All Mixed Up
Alphalicious
Animal Kingdom
Cars
Celebrations
Christmas Cheer
Cuttin' Up
Doodlecharms
Dreams Do Come True
Fabulous Finds
George
Going Places
Happily Ever After
Home Accents
Indie Arts
Jasmine
Opposites Attract
Paper Doll Dress Up
Plantin Schoolbook
Pooh & Friends
Potpourri Basket
Sesame Street & Friends
Teardrop
Tinkerbell
Walk In My Garden

Rocky Mountain Swarm - June 12-14, 2009

Join us at Traditions Mountain Lodge June 12-14 for a Swarm!!

I use the term scrapbooking and cropping throughout this blog for simplity. These are generic terms and include cardmaking, paper crafting, swap projects, rubber stamp art, and other hand crafting projects.

The lodge's website has a great FAQ section which will answer most of your questions. Please be sure to check out the site and this blog on a regular basis for updates.

What is a SWARM?
A SWARM is defined by ProvoCraft (the makers of the Cricut) as one or more people coming together to craft using one of the Cricut machines. You do not have to own or even have used a Cricut to join us. The lodge has a Cricut machine and I plan to bring my Expression too. It would be great if those who own a Cricut can bring their cartridges so we can try out any we don't already have and enable those who don't already have a Cricut to buy one. You do not need to bring your machine unless you want to.

Where is Traditions Mountain Lodge?
Traditions Lodge is 5.4 miles from the intersection of Highway 285 and County Road 43 just 7 miles from the town of Bailey Colorado. From Denver, the trip is approximately 40 incredibly beautiful miles through hills and valleys of the Highway 285 Corridor. The mountain views are breathtaking! Click Here for the lodge's website.

How much does the swarm cost and what's included?
The cost is $175 per person. $165 of that is charged by the lodge and includes your room (4-5 ppl per room - separate twin beds - no bunk beds) for 2 nights, dinner Friday, all meals on Saturday, brunch on Sunday and snacks and soft drinks throughout the weekend. The extra $10 will be for extra snacks and door prizes and is payable at the door. If we get donations for door prizes and we don't need the extra snacks, then the $10 will be donated to a local charity.

Bedrooms are all furnished with linens, comforters, and extra blankets. Bathrooms are fully equipped with towels, blow driers, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, and soap. Your fee also covers unlimited use of the craft room, your own personal craft table with daylight light, use of the social area and big screen TV, all craft tools, the use of five bathrooms; use of the dining room for group meals, free wireless internet access, and on-site owners to assist with any special needs.

Check in time is 1:00 pm on Friday, June 12 and check out is 3 pm on Sunday.

How do I sign up?
We only have a total of 13 spaces available. You must first email me, Tammy, at tammy@iplanitmeetings.com to let me know you want to attend. I am maintaining the list of registrants and signups will be first-come, first-served unless special circumstances dictate otherwise. I will then email you to let you know that you have a spot or on a waitlist. Because life happens, I expect that not everyone who says they are planning on attending will make their required deposit by February 8th. If that happens then those persons will be removed from the list and those on the waitlist will be moved up into the vacant spots. I will email everyone reminders about making your deposit and the final payment but it is your responsibility to actually do so.

When is payment due?
A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due no later than February 8th. If you sign up after February 8th, your deposit will be due within a couple of days. The final payment of $115 is due no later than May 26th. You will make your payment directly to the lodge via their secured website payment form (click here). If you are not comfortable providing a credit card online, you may call the lodge directly at 303-816-7431. Please do not send me your credit card number. You must email me when you make your deposit (and make sure I have your first and last name) so that the lodge can apply your payment to our group reservation.

What happens if I have to cancel or don't make my payments?
The lodge requires a $50 non-refundable deposit. If you cancel you will receive back any payments made less the $50. If you can find someone to take your place (or we have someone on the waitlist) you may be able to work out with them that they pay you the $50 and the remainder to the lodge. If you do have to cancel at any point, please let me know so I can open up your spot to the waitlist or another interested party. I don't want to see late cancellations because it means (among other things) that your late cancellation may have prevented someone from being able to attend. But we all know that life happens...

If you do not make the required deposit by February 8th, your spot will be cancelled and given to another person on the waitlist. If you do not make the final payment by May 27th, your spot will be cancelled and your $50 deposit will be held by the lodge as a cancellation fee.

What should I bring?
You need to bring any supplies you wish to work with, your most comfortable clothes, slippers or cozy socks and jammies, and, if you wish to take a walk, then some comfortable walking or hiking shoes for the outdoors. It’s also a good idea to throw in a jacket or sweater even in the summer since, at an elevation of 8800 ft, we are always a bit cooler than the metro areas. The owner, Marge, is a Creative Memories consultant and has some supplies available for purchase. Don't expect a scrapbooking store nearby though.

What should I expect to accomplish or be doing?
You should expect to get to know some great people. I expect there will be a lot of talking (because I expect this to be all women) and laughter throughout the weekend. I hope that we will all learn new things from each other.

You can work on any type of scrap/craft project you desire. If you have a scrapbooking album you want to start or finish, get a head start on halloween and Christmas cards, complete those swaps you've signed up for, bring the materials with you. This is designed to be a scrapbooking/crop weekend so appropriate activities would be welcomed.

Are there other activities being planned during the swarm?
I am looking for suggestions of things we might (or might not) do during the swarm. Some ideas that have surfaced so far are:

• goodie bags (need donation of items for bags - qty of 13)
• garage sale (bring your unwanted, new or gently used scrapbooking related items to sell)
• swap (similar to the garage sale except that you swap for other items rather than sell)
• do a card or layout exchange (everyone would make cards or layouts to share with everyone else - can either do a one-to-one exchange or bring one for each person)
• white elephant exchange (scrapbooking related items only)
• name tag contest (create your own name tag to go on your work table)
• an instructor-led project (learn how to make a layout, card, etc.)

Some people prefer to just have time to scrap and don't want to be interrupted with games, projects, etc. Let me know what you might be interested in. Help me make this fun for you.

Can my husband/significant other or child come?
Chilren under 18 are not allowed at the lodge. Since this is a scrapbooking/cropping weekend it would not be approriate for husbands/significant others to be there unless they are also scrapbooking/cropping. Since we are also sleeping 4-5 people to a room it could be a little uncomfortable to have a man staying in the same room as the women. HOWEVER, I am not excluding men from attending and being a part of our weekend if they are there to scrap/crop. So far everyone who has indicated their interest have been women so that is what I expect the attendees to be. There are 2 rooms that sleep 2-3 people and as host I have reserved the right to assign those rooms based on special circumstances. We only get to use these rooms if we have more than 9 people sign up.

I need a ride
We don't have an official carpool set up but if you need a ride, let me know and I'll try to find someone near you to give you a ride.

I have more questions
First please check out the lodge's website to see if your question is answered there. If not, please email me, Tammy, at tammy@iplanitmeetings.com.


I hope you are able to join us for what will be a very fun weekend!!!! Please bookmark this blog and check back for updates. I will even try to post photos after our swarm.