Pinners Conference!

Hi Everyone,
Last week my Mum and I went to the Pinners Conference in Arizona.  I had been wondering about going and an Instagram friend told me to go, that she had a blast.  If you don't know about the Pinners you should check out their website.  It will give you all the info about the show.

We decided to go big and went VIP.  On Thursday evening they had a VIP party.  We got  a GIANT swag bag and the opportunity to do make and takes from several of the sponsors.  The swag bag alone made the VIP worth it.  We got spoiled.

On Friday and Saturday, we had signed up for several classes.  Some of the classes were free and some had a materials fee.  I tried so many crafts that I was interested in, but didn't really want to go out and spend money on tons of supplies only to discover I either hated it or I sucked at it.

I sewed.  My mum sews.  She sews beautiful, amazing, wonderful things. Sewing scares the crap out of me.  I like working with paper.  If I screw up cutting a piece of paper I am out maybe $1.  If I screw up cutting a piece of fabric, that's a whole lot of money I'm just tossing away.  I figured taking a simple class at the show would be an easy, no pressure way, to try sewing.  The teacher even walked by me at one point and said she was impressed.  Whew!

I made that banner.  It's not perfect, but only I can see where the goofs are and I could always cover them up with some nifty die cuts or a pompom.  

I told my mum I would like the machine she has stashed for me at her house, just in case the day ever came that I decided I wanted to sew.  

I tried embroidery.  Man, my old eyes did not like the teeny stitches or the tiny needle.  My pieces are a little wonky, but I did it.  I made all three necklaces in the kit. Heather was an awesome teacher.  She was so positive and also gave us tons of tips.  We didn't leave class with a full completed project, but I learned so much about embroidery.  I left wanting to complete my projects and excited to be able to do them.  My kit has patterns for a few more and I think I might need to make a few more of the little bird necklaces.  

I stamped on metal.  Like. A. Badass.  I have to say this class was a huge let down.  I made a fun piece, but not due to anything I was taught(and I use that term very loosely here) in class.  It was bad.   I won't go into detail, but I learned more reading an article from Pinterest than I did I class.  As it turns out, metal stamping is not hard.  You just kind of need to go for it!

  

We made stunning crepe paper flowers.  I haven't finished my project from that class yet(this photo is from her website).  If you get a chance look at Lia Griffith's flowers.  The woman is amazing. 

We learned how to make a billion different types of bread.  We learned some fun and easy dips for the holidays.  We just had fun.  

In addition to the classes there is a huge trade show.  There are make and takes all day at the various booths.  Best part for me was as a VIP we had access to all the soda we could drink.  Spending 12 hours at an event-I need unlimited soda!

Here's to trying new things, finding new hobbies, and new recipes.

Jess