CU 2011 Charms Preview & Updates...

Sooo...excited about Creative University this year I can hardly catch my breathe to catch up ;).  I've been slightly neglectful the last 2 weeks in blogging.  However, I have an inspired justification for this.  Each year darling trendy adorable Fabulously Artsy Tresa Black, holds a unique event that is like none other that I've had the honor to experience and I truly mean this from my heart.  It is a time for me to get away and be educated by amazing Instructors hand chosen in our industry, Relax in an amazingly breath-taking environment, and last but not least INSPIRATION in abundance.  These are the key words and foundation of this amazing experience.  None the less I'm pretty pre-occupied with preparations for this event.  Bonus; it is the only time I get to spend an entire weekend with my wonderful friends that I don't get to see throughout the year.  So here is what I've been working on that has had my hands a little sore...but a priceless memento that I personally can't live without participating in.  It is our Annual CU Charm Swap.  I figured I would post some pre-views that are not packaged as that will be in a slideshow follow-up after the event along with all the other goodies I'm creating just for CU 2011. I will follow-up after the photos with an update. Enjoy....

Creative & Filler Charms for "Vintage" & "Under The Sea" Charm Swap Close-Up!

"Vintage...you can see that there is a similar filler that is attached to the Creative charm and it is dual sided with glass type coating on both sides.  Took hours to dry and each piece is uniquely different....

As you see these are scrabble tiles...Yes a new rage and there is so many things you can do with them.  It is fun to be able to craft an image on to them or use any kind of paper or scrap that you choose.  Again they are dual sided, yet only one side has an itty bitty sparkle on them. 

Then we have "Under The Sea" The Creative charm is a mix of small color beads wrapped then connected on a jump ring that surrounds the Turtles head...hence under the sea. :) 

Updates: 

I've been working on a few creative things lately as you can tell.  Some I can share and some I have to keep secret. shhhh  I was going to start Creatique's Live Technique Tuesday class broadcast last night, however, I was notified by my shipper of my new system that it will not be here until this upcoming Friday.  That gives me a little bit of lead way to acclimate myself to the new system I will using to broadcast on, along with the programs on it.  So the live class has moved to Tuesday, February 8th @ 6:30pm MST. It is still going to be the canvas class using a 6x6 with re-inkers, designing using the our easy How-To pattern from "Wishes".  

Newsletters: I've worked on reformatting, revising, retouching, etc. on the newsletters.  I want to keep consistent as it is one of my goals for the New Year and yet there is not enough time in the day it seems.  With that said all of the monthly promotions etc. can always be found on my side-bar link back to my web-site for you to view along with the calender link back as well.  Please bare with me through our transitions.

Without further ado: Congrats go out to my Sister & Brother-In-Law Nicole and Cory on their new bouncing baby boy!  Were happy to hear he has finally come.  

Last and certainly not the least...Our family has experienced some unfortunate events and news over the holidays.  I'm keeping my chin up as much as possible and with whole heart I can say that without Close To My Heart, my Fellow CTMH Sisters, extended Family & Friends who embrace us and my FB community I don't think I would be able to get through these times.  So my deepest gratitude for all the support, gifts, cards, e-mails, letters, phone calls and love that you all have shared with us.  It means a great deal to our family! 

With Love From the Creatique Home Studio....

So Excited About Creative U - New Addiction :)

I'm so thrilled about Creative University this year I can hardly stand it.  An entire weekend of relaxation, education, & inspiration from women that I admire with their creative abilities and for their generous hearts.  So there is a project that we get to work on prior to going to this annual event that is hosted by Tresa Black.  In fact project "CHARM SWAP" is well underway and WOW I can not begin to tell you the incredible charms I've seen thus far, the cool thing is it was open to even people who were not attending Creative U.  The theme is "spring" with insects, birds, flowers, etc. & the colors are pink, green, silver, and white.

Being a "Newbie" and also never having any experience ever making any piece of jewelery other than hand weaving pearls with white floss for my wedding in 2004 that is the extent of my background in jewelry of any sorts.  In fact it was my Mommy who created all of the gorgeous pieces for all of my brides maids with bracelet and necklace ensembles.  Having that said.  This is my very first EVER charm or jewelry piece I've made.  Yes, it is apart of our project "CHARM SWAP" for creative U.  I still don't have the loop wrapping thingy down yet.  LOL In fact Kip is better at it then I am.  He was such a sport as the first picture we took he put my charm bracelet on what a great hubby. :)  - However, I decided to go with this picture even though it isn't the best photo I've taken.  Them lil buggers are difficult to get close ups on.  This one measures the length of a Penny.   Inspired by our theme and not having a clue how where to start on the creative swap charm - I did this one as our filler since we do create 2 sets. 1 being a filler set (uhm I have to admit no clue what a filler is) the other set being one totally created from scratch using our imagination.  I do have tons of ideas in my little head but no clue how to start...so MOM calls are in order. LOL - well and a bit of help from U-Tube I think I will have it figured out.  In fact the community of my CTMH Sisters have some awesome talent and ideas on our artboard in thinking outside of the box using our exclusive products in handcrafting jewelry. 

I'm so totally blessed to have an arsenal of information out there to learn from.  Admittedly, this just might be my new niche.  One thing is definitely for sure...this got my creative juices over-flowing.  Thank You so much for this event.  Without it...well I wouldn't be posting something NEW and learning right?  May blessings to all for the NEW Year & New possibilities.  Now time to complete the first set...