A bunch of Girly Girls + Glue Stix, Jewels, & Excited Energy = The Creative Connection

There are times in life where you have to sit back and wonder if you're living in a dream, or pinch me, this is for real. Well I have had plenty of those moments in the past two days here in Minneapolis. The Creative Connection is in a word . . . amazing! I know that sounds so trite, but words can't describe this collective gathering of creative women.

One of those amazing women is pictured above with Timi and me . . . that's Jo Packham. Yes, can I say that I love this woman! She is humble, endearing, generous, thoughtful, and I can't wait to get to know her even more. She has surrounded herself with the same kind of women as she - kind beyond words. I just don't know what else to say.

Today, I crafted the most darling little crown. Check back for pictures next week. Tonight was the Gala Event featuring Keynote Speakers Mary Jane Butters of MaryJanes Farm, and one of my most favorite idols, Amy Butler. It was such a incredible evening and we all took away a huge swag bag full of goodies galore!

On Friday, I will be a student in Kaari Meng's Heart Cushion Class. Kaari is yet another favorite. Then in the afternoon, I have a Business Seminar about taking my business to the next level.

Saturday, one more class, a darling little Christmas birdy and the farewell Cupcake Party. Yes, I'm tired, but I'm completely exhilarated. Yes, I am blessed and oh so HaPpY!

Badge Blabber . . .

So, when I decided to go the Mary Engelbreit Workshop, one of the fun things that was asked of all of us was to design and create a name badge for the "meet and greet" evening on Thursday night. Of course, I procrastinated. Cindy and I met for a few hours one morning in my Studio to craft our badge. The glitter was flying, the tinsel was everywhere. I had an idea of what I wanted my badge to look like, but getting it put together was another story. I even had John in on all the fun. Obviously since I make jewelry, it had to have some bling, and I really wanted it to be a necklace rather than a pin-on badge. I knew that this thing was going to heavy after I got through with it. That's an understatement!!! Let me just say that I was quite pleased with myself after I finished it. Getting it to St. Louis in one piece . . . gads!!!

Since only the big "P" was on the front of the badge, I made a pendant that had my full name that dangled underneath along with a crown charm and a bird charm that I made out of resin.

I recycled a pair of clip-on earrings, snapped the back off and used it as the bejeweled crown, and fashioned a paper crown for the little bird.

The Thursday night event was very fun. We got to meet all of our idols including Mary herself. Barbara Martin, who is Mary's right hand gal is a scream. My personal favorite, Matthew Mead was also there with his lovely wife Jenny. Did I tell you, I'm going to be advertising in their HOLIDAY STYLE Magazine due out in October. So we chatted a little about that. Then I shopped the French General table of goodies. I purchased Kaari Meeng's new book - oh so pretty with some amazing projects. Keep your eyes open for some goodies from that! And then the moment came . . . the announcement of the BADGE Winners. Names were called, clapping ensued. Then Barbara Martin says, "Katie Mackey". WHO!!! WHAT??? Yes, got the name wrong, it was me, Patricia Mackey. So there you go - who knew!!!