Scrapfest revelations

I just want to think out loud & randomly write this so when ppl come across this, they will know just how happy I am ... random thoughts after Scrapfest.

1) we are getting too big now --- having 115 participants in one roof is no joke to organize (but do know it was worth to see the great smiles, and the great work they displayed --- that will leave a lasting impresion on me),.... I think bigger venue or go exclusive to say 75 ppl? Working mom wants to help us on the next one hmmm but I won't be here then --- I hope April and the rest of the group would like to do it still....

2) I finally saw how hubby supports me in my hobby. HOW? My driver didnt arrive that day and he had to quickly eat and dress up to drive me. Not only that, He helped April and Ria set the tables that day (the tables were tight but I think scrappers were just keen to scrap so its one thing they can overlook).

3) Scrappers now are more serious and more scrapconcentrated on their art. I know we stressed them to the max with all day challenges but they knew it was day of scrap --- as in sit and scrap! A little different from the usual EB atmosphere. We didnt want to just go there and burn money, its one of those days we tested their creativity levels... and really sink their teeth into the challenges. I hope those who didnt join will continue their 6x6 layouts so that they can make their own mini books in thier photo boxes. I was moved to tears to see their photo boxes kasi in truth pinangarap ko yun when we were conceptualizing and to see them decorated and mind you my sample was just oh so simple -- their photo boxes looked so great ! Even under time pressure ! Iba talaga ang PINOY -- world class !

4) Nothing like winning and seeing tears that follow... Maybelle NGO our Scrapfest Challenge winner tug my heart as she became my no. 1 in my top 5 -- I had no idea my partners thought same. IT was her first time to join and win -- I think its a great example for people to keep trying and keep honing their craft -- to be in it, in order to win - NOT to join is a cop out..... but if you join and not win -- that's perfectly fine -- at least its better to have tried than not to have tried at all.

5) April and I have been doggone tired for weeks (mas pa sya I think kasi she works pa) but to see the smiles on their faces, to see their work --to me its one great fantastic high,.. call me a masochist -- i like to see some sort of pain to see smiles, to hear laughter and to see great layouts.

6) Media is finally noticing our hobby... that makes my smile BIGGER than big.... I am super glad that Ms Letty Lopez came to cover our event.. and if she writes about it in PHIL. Star, pardon me by saying this --- but I will be 'tickled pink'.. I dare not ask.. sana lang fingers crossed. Pero I have you know --- I have been courting her to attend our event... for the past 2 events I would send pics and article hoping one day she would entertain the thought of going or writing about us ---- and finally with a little patience she emailed... GOD is good... 'pag may tiyaga may nilaga....'

7) I love my friends, even if we asked them to help us -- twisted their arms to make 6x6 layouts for sampling, even if we started shaky on directions ---- I still appreciate it immensely they took out the time to inspire others. RIA, PIA, IRIS, LIZA, Cabbie, NINA, EMS, MAYBS, Kit-- your talent truly inspires others. Thanks for your time, your valuable inputs and your work of art. I will certainly never forget this.... To Nina, who went beyond the call of duty ---- who really made herself available that day -- thank you from the bottom of my heart ! To PIA especially who rushed her 6x6 layouts,... not only is it good -- I didnt even realised it was rushed. I know you and Jeff have so much work to do pero ty for giving it time... Jeff for helping us all the time Scrapfest -- big ty to you too... I hope I can help you in some way in the future!

8) No matter how well or how good you plan an event -- it will not be as how you envisioned it to be... we had to do embossing and we had no embossing gun or powder to use haaaay.... Its hard to demo too many layouts -- if we demo next time -- we again came away with this with better learning -- demo less amount of layouts and incorporate techniques in one or 2 layouts,... I thought the display samples were to be ignored... NO -- they appreciated it. In fact they wanted more to because they needed a basis....They liked the inspiration series too, of different scrappers too (we will fix the blog to publish the layout samples for ppl to continue on the SHE layouts). The ladies noted too the newsletter of instructions are good.

9) I realised too we are just mere scrapbookers passionate about our hobby if we want it to be bigger we need professionals to help mount the event.

10) I am glad ppl found the cost of entrance not so steep because we made sure it was value for money and definitely FUN! Even better I found new girls Marianet Ngo and her SIL fussing over my sizzix machine only to find them newbies who blindly attended the event by googling scrapbooking on the NET-- tapping over 20 newbies is one fantastic feat ! WOW.. that really capped off my day.. I was happy to see the familiar faces but it is with great pride we find new ones who really fall in love with this hobby!

till next one whenever that will be......
here are some snapshots from Pia -- will wait for CD from them once its done (ty po in advance tito jeff!)