How I wish the title to this post was "return to bliss" but alas it's not! Disney was fun (tiring) and we got back last Wednesday - then I left Thursday night for Manhattan Beach for the Seven Gypsies Gypsy Caravan retailer event. I have to save a whole 'nother post to describe that event and share the incredible projects we made that were designed by Sande Krieger, Janelle Smith, Paula Cheney and Debbie Crouse. Let me just say I will forever be a gypsy girl. The event was a full day on Friday. On Saturday, Bob flew in and we just explored Manhattan Beach a bit. On Sunday we decided to venture out to Pasadena and we ended up at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. It killed me to see so much gorgeous vintage goodness in one place and not be able to take most of it home!! I did come away with some finds - vintage buttons, some trim and lace, a few teensy trophy cups, some vintage jewelry and an antique French print. We then headed over to Anthropologie in Pasadena. Will share the photos I took there tomorrow. So much inspiration my head is spinning!
I also got my incredible Jenni Bowlin Studio kit before I left so of course I had to take it along and spent lots of time creating. I'd like to say my trip to Cali was totally inspired by Jenni's South Africa post about pushing the envelope on your comfort level. I don't travel much on my own and it always makes me a bit nervous - I don't care for flying but I'll tolerate it - I'm not terrified in the air but not exactly at home either. But I am SO glad I went - even if I had to go alone - it was so worth it. The best part was having some me time - time that I would have never gotten here with the whole fam. I've decided it's something I will do every year atleast once - find a place to go for a whole weekend all by myself - take lots of scrappy supplies to create and an adventurous spirit to go poking around in new places. I highly recommend it!
Anyway -- this will be quick - I'll be sharing lots this week (hopefully a few more JBS projects) but here's what I've created so far with the November kit - and if you haven't gotten this kit - you seriously need this kit. Check out Rita's amazing boxed Xmas tree using the bingo cards with the add-on kit too while you're at it. Jenni has posted it on her blog, including a post about a giveaway - so go sign up while you're there! Here are my JBS November projects: (the tissue paper flower and the tissue used as background one one of the layouts are from Anthropologie). The burlap bag was something we received at the Gypsy Caravan but you could easily make one. The millinery flower from Jennis's add on kit looks amazing against the burlap. And the bingo card pockets were made by sewing two of Jenni's bingo cards together, back to back and leaving the top open to stuff with candy canes and gifts. That wee little green fairy with a pixie cap - she was an Anthropologie find. Absolutely darling isn't she? More to come later...
