While I was back in Madison we had some sneak peeks of product and one of my favorites was Steph’s new INK line.  It has a ‘Californian flavor’ and even Californian names.  I collect photos of inspiration in my Idea Book and I sketch ideas as well.  In this book I collected some photos of koi fish . . . well . . . look what we have here.  I can’t wait for you to see the rich colors.  Here are a few photos of some of the new line.  You’re going to love it!

What do you think?  There are more sneak peeks coming soon.

These next two years as a lead are already playing out to be super exciting. I have some new close friends who I will be working along side . . . Kelly Jo, Wendy Jo, Rebecca and Angela. These gals are thoughtful, beautiful, talented, gifted and I’m so excited for them to share all they have for you. I am looking forward to these next two years as ones that will nuture the community . . . fun events, activities, inspiration and more. I’m looking forward to utilizing new technology as well. Looking back I had no idea I would be here . . . in the midst of a loving, passionate, wonderful, warm community that shares my love for crafting and life!!! I’m excited to continue to share ‘life’ together and to continue to ’spread the Fiskars love’ together.

Most recent trip to Fiskars headquarters

Oh my . . . what a blessed time we had in Madison, Wisconsin this past weekend. It brought back warm memories of our first trip as leads to the Fiskars headquarters. We didn’t know what to expect . . . where this wonderful journey would lead. I look back and it’s incredible. The first two years was a lot about building the community and the future holds some different things. So there was some reminising and of course some wonderful new memories made.

It was a special time of meeting up with my Fiskars family, Brains on Fire family, and my special new scissor sisters . . . the new leads . . . Kelly Jo, Wendy Jo, Rebecca and Angela. It was such a special time. I can’t wait for them to share about their experience once the new blog is up and running . . . they each have their own story to tell . . . but here were some of the highlights of our trip.

For me it was . . .

• Spending time with Fiskars, BOF and the new leads
• Personality test and workshop
• Learning to sew/quilt - Thank you Christine and Rebecca!
• Serving lunch at the Fiskany Bistro
• Special gifts we received that will bless you too I believe
• Time with the Fiskaneers and department heads
• Visiting Su Walker’s home
• Creating time while we were there

• What stands out to me most this week is how impressed I was that all of the Fiskars employees I met from so many different departments kept referring to the Fiskateer community and how much they value everyone’s input. The surveys we complete and ideas we submit are really changing the direction of Fiskars much more than I realized. There are maps of where Fiskateer-rich areas are around the world and cards, tags and projects from Fiskateers hanging all over headquarters. It was so neat to see how much our community is appreciated and valued. ~ Angela
• For me, the most amazing part of these past few days was reflecting how lucky I am to be a part of something so special. This all started with scissors and paper . . . who knew? I joined the Fiskateer program hoping that I would learn something about scrapbooking but I have learned so much more and been enriched in so many ways. I am so excited for the next two years. ~ Kelly Jo
• Wowsiers! The next two years are definately going to rock for the Fiskateers. This past weekend proved to all of us that the Fiskars Team in Madison really listens to and values the opinions of the Fiskateers. There are definately going to be surprises around every corner. I am super excited that our community is going to see exclusive events scheduled in the very near future across the U.S. Matter of fact, you’ll be SEEING a lot of your new Leads in the next two years. I hope all of you are just as excited as we are! ~ Wendy Jo

It’s so fun to hear how excited the new leads are and they have much more to share coming up here in the next week.

Before I close I wanted to thank those that joined us on the live chat from the Fiskars headquarters on Monday evening. It was fun chatting . . . Pammie Jo won a RAK and Carlee won a trimmer signed by all five leads. I had asked those in attendance if there was something the Fiskateers wanted to share with the Fiskaneers or department heads that they’d like to see. One of you mentioned a scalloped circle punch . . . I’ve been given the okay to tell you that . . . guess what? . . . this next show you’ll see just that . . . a scalloped circle punch. So they are think’in ahead. So keep those fun ideas coming. I enjoyed sharing my ideas and this company is a lovely one that listens! And one last thing . . . can you believe we have over 4,600 fiskateers! Wow!

So save the date . . . 6/23 at 5:30 p.m. (central time). Can’t wait to chat!

So . . . what does that mean? It means I need to get a little shut eye and I’m a little wired and excited. It also means I’m a little sad . . . my daughter cried tonight several tears knowing momma’s going away for a few days. And Sunday marks our 17th wedding anniverary . . . thanks Rodney for loving me! But it also means that things may be a little quiet on the Home Front here for a day or two . . .

But don’t forget . . . you can join us and chat with the new leads (and myself) live from the Fiskars headquarters. Get the scoop . . . see the blog post below! Hope to talk with you then.

Can you hear the tune? “I’m leav’in on a jet plane” . . .

So save the date . . . 6/23 at 5:30 p.m. (central time). Can’t wait to chat!

But I wanted to announce the three winners of a Fiskars craft drill.  I picked three random winners after Jamie Harper’s guest blog post.   If you haven’t checked out Jamie Harper’s cute mini album and bonus projects, you’ll love it.  She’s one talented gal and I’m grateful she shared with us. 

The winners . . .

• Michelle L (post #8)
• Tona (post #27)
• Yvette (post #63)

Enjoy friends!  Be inspired!

http://simplycake.blogspot.com/

There are some great ideas and cakes on this blog.

Enjoy and have your cake and eat it too!

This individual is one talented person.  They have taught on behalf of 7 Gypsies and other major companies.  This happy person recently visited the Scrapbook Oasis on National Scrapbook Day.  This individual is a wonderful photographer and teacher.  This individual was inducted into the CK Scrapbook Hall of Fame.  They have a family.  Can you guess who this person is?  You won’t want to miss this individual’s creativity and innovative style!

Stay tuned . . . the answer on Saturday.

As friends, I wanted to share with you.  It started on Saturday . . . we woke up and began getting our daughter packed for her first sleepover.  How fun for her.  She was going to a friend’s birthday party . . . the theme . . . Western.  This was perfect since she had just gone horseback riding this past week with some friends who have four horses nearby us.  They even gave her a pair of real cowgirl boots.  She rolled up the jeans . . . cute.

So we packed her up and headed off to the local Chili Cookoff which was held at Cook’s Corner . . . a famous Orange County historical spot.  There were folks from all walks of life.  The ‘chili’ contestants were from all over Orange County and wow . . . there was some good chili.  On the menu . . . some were hot and spicy, others just down right tasty and some green, some red.  They were wonderful. 

After getting our fill of chili we spent a little time at the party, dropped Abigail off and then headed out for some time alone (which we rarely get).  We had planned on heading to the Getty Museum/Center in Los Angeles.  This is a wonderful place. Incredible! 

The Center itself and the grounds are stunning. Artists from all different eras. . . different exhibits including floral and fauna, paintings, photographs, manuscripts, drawings, architecture, antiquities, sculpture and decorative arts to name a few.  J. Paul Getty believed that people from all walks of life, economical status’ and ages should be able to enjoy art . . . . thus he created this center.  There is also the J. Paul Getty Villa.  But the center we visited alone houses a collection priced over 7 billion dollars.  The center serves as a gallery, resource, conservation and educational center for arts of all kinds. 

I didn’t bring my camera but this allowed for us to simply take it all in and enjoy it at a relaxed pace.  No flash photography indoors anyhow.  Some photography of certain pieces are not allowed.  All the paintings . . . oil, watercolors, tempura are showcased in natural light.  I especially enjoyed the artwork, technique, and detail as well as the history and my husband thoroughly enjoyed the history behind it.  I love just about any kind of art and it was an incredible experience.  Wow . . . the Creator sure had a sense of variety.  I’ve studied art in school in the past and appreciate how art allows us a window into historical times, talent, people, thoughts, and much more.  The collection itself is incredible and included pieces dating back hundreds of years ago.  The center houses pieces from artists such as Monet, van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Degas, Khnopff, and others.  Featured photographers are rotated since photographs fade in light.  We stayed until closing . . . about five hours and still didn’t have enough time.

We then headed out for dinner at about 9 p.m. and decided we would stop at the 3rd Street Promenade off Santa Monica Blvd.  We had so much fun watching people, browsing, shopping, and enjoying the scenery.  It was a perfect evening.  We returned home at about 12:30 a.m. to an empty house and were so tired.  We picked my daughter up the next morning.  It was good to have some alone time and it was a special evening that I’ll long remember.

I want to just encourage each of you that you have your own way of creating . . . whether it be through cooking, scrapbooking, writing, painting, gardening, knitting . . . whatever it might be . . . you are unique and special.  There is no one in the world with your genetic makeup, experience, talent, and personality.  You yourself are a unique and beautiful creation.  I encourage you to create . . . I want to see the world through your eyes and you will inspire someone!