It's not a party 'til somebody cries!

Makin' some samples

Holly, when are you going to update your blog?  Well, after my splendid shopping spree at Suzi Finer's, I got wrapped up in making samples for the three classes I'm teaching at Creative Paradise Scrapbooking in Sherman Oaks.  Pictured is Summer of Fun concertina (Sun., April 20).  The cover is made from lush, orange velvet - freshly stamped!  A little more of a peek reveals cascading pages containing orange, blue, and a few hibiscus flowers (I'm dreaming of Hawaii - A spring break favorite!)

The Chinese New Year tag book (Sun., April 13) is sheer eye-candy.  You can see the sample in the store right now.  Purple Passion is a triangular concertina (Sun., April 27).  This was the project I did for Jenn Mason's book, Pockets, Pull-outs, and Hiding Places: Interactive Elements for Altered Books, Memory Art, and Collage.

These classes in addition to my day job, a couple of art swaps, time for family and friends--I'm pretty busy.  If you get a chance, send birthday wishes to Suzi.  Her birthday is April 1 (no foolin').

A Birthday Weekend!

You can't hide, Adrienne!  Happy birthday to you:)  Do you know who else is having a birthday?  Norman P. Dixon.  Happy birthday, Norman!

Harmony, Suzi and her daughter, Allie, and I met at Bella's place this afternoon.  Always a joyous time when we get together!  Bella is so gracious.  She's now dedicated an entire store wall to Bazzill papers.  What's new in die-cutting?  QuicKutz Revolution.  Who has this supreme machine?  Bella!  She also has a wide selection of dies (for purchase separately).  Personally, if you're entertaining the idea of a die-cut system, this is it!  Bella has the best deal, too!

What's next?  I talked Suzi into joining Amber Dawn's "Black & White Charm Swap."  Suzi talked me into Jeri Aaron's "Row House Swap."  I'll be teaching three classes in April.  More on that later.  It's Oscar time!

CHA: The finest with Finer and friends!

Let's start with the friends and fun before the products!  After a grueling day of browsing, nothing beats down time with the girls:  Bella and Terri, Debby Schuh, Suzi Finer (famed iamadiva.com), and Harmony Walton.  After beverages and delightful conversation, Harmony, Suzi, Debby, and I met with Michelle White and Helle Greer for a sumptuous dinner.  I had the ravioli with mushrooms and asparagus in a creamy lobster sauce. Pictured from left to right: Michelle, Debby, Helle, and Suzi. Harmony and I had a great time!  Laughter continued into the next evening when Helle, Michelle, Suzi, and I rendezvoused with superstar Norman Dixon for another fine dining experience.

Shop talk:  I mingled with the Who's Who of the craft industry:  Jenni Bowlin, Linda Woods, Teresa Collins, Anna Griffin, Mary Smilove, and caught a glimpse of Tim Holtz.  Special treat...meeting Kelly Lautenbach of It Kit Studio!  I'm a faithful member of her amazing kit club.

Favorite products:  everything Teresa Collins, Tim Holtz, and Jenni Bowlin.  Five stars for all of Maya Roads blank books, felt flowers, ribbons, rub-ons, and acrylic stamps in those signature tins.

I've got a collection of catalogs that will keep me in bliss for the next twelve months.  A big shout-out for my stylin' Diva, Suzi Finer.  Between her exclusive black t-shirts and our hand-crafted bling-bling badge holders, we definitely were the best dressed!  Looking forward to CHA 2009!!

Quite a busy weekend!

There's simply nothing better than dining with friends, wouldn't you agree?  Caroline, Adrienne (pictured here), and I met up at Claim Jumper's in Thousand Oaks for some amazing cuisine and beverages.  We rendezvoused with Margo at the Zuma Repertory Theatre for a performance of "The Shadow Box."  Clearly the performances were well done as a cried uncontrollably for half the show. 

Saturday was spent with Suzi shopping for beads, acquiring the coolest decorations for Chinese new year, taking advantage of the samples sale of 10 Deep merchandise (T-shirts, sweatshirt hoodies, and cool jackets), and dining.  Bonus...visiting with Harmony!  Sunday--my day of rest.

Fourteen days and counting...

Will you be there?

A Formal Affair

What is black and white and will be worn all over?  This fabulous charm and paperlicious origami container...Another successful, collaborative, and creative endeavor by your friends Suzi Finer (famed iamadiva.com) and Holly Dye!  The black and white charm swap is sponsored by our multi-talented friend, Amber Dawn.  Suz and I had quite a thrilling day--Can you tell?  It might be time for me to start an Etsy!

Never before seen episode!

...in Holly's hood!  To preface, my family and I have been watching 24 starting with season one, episode one (Netflix rocks!)  Every night for two or three hours, we've been absorbing commercial-free episodes in sequence.  As I'm driving home this evening (from visiting my posse), I'm unable to make my usual right turn onto my street.  A mere three houses away from my dwelling place called home, the street has been taped-off.  There are eight police units with flashing lights and more than a dozen policemen and women in the surrounding the area.  Some neighboring residences have been evacuated--not mine, though.  Watching from a distance, four trucks from the bomb squad speed down the street.  A policeman tells me there's a suspicious, unlabeled package.  Where is Jack Bauer when I need him?  Seriously, who needs TV when you've got real life?

Suzi's Dazzling New Pad!

Did you know THE Diva, Suzi Finer of iamadiva.com, has a new showroom?  Yes!  And you can check out the photos featuring the too hip color palate of wasabi green and Mandarin orange on her blog, suzifiner.com.  Hurry.  Right now.  Don't stop for a snack in the kitchen--There's simply no time to waste!!

An evening with Suzi Finer

Nothing could be finer than time spent with Finer, wouldn't you agree?  Forgive the lack of photographic luster; I'm taking baby steps.  We had a splendid evening with Chachi, Harmony, and a few others as we dined on endless appetizers and desserts that would certainly give you a sweet tooth if you've never had one.  Documented with luscious new photos, check out Suzi Finer's blog! 

A really BIG thank you to Helle, Linda, Amy, and Vickie for the very warm welcome.  I'd call it a virtual house-warming! 

Looking for a little fun this holiday season?  Check out Miss Bella's "12 Days of Comfort & Joy."  Teresa McFayden is offering 12 days of Christmas/Winter cheer.  For a mere $20, you too can receive this amazing e-Zine.  The sheer joy of a new present each morning with this talented lady defies words!

It's about time!

I know my flight was delayed, but I finally landed in Blog-ville.  Fortunately, my limo driver was waiting with a sign that read, "Dye" (How could he have known I just colored my hair?)  I've got to thank Suzi Finer for designing the ultimate banner for me!  Shoot her an E if you'd like her to make one for you.  Anyway, I'm going to make myself comfortable in this village and check out the amenities.  Can you recommend any good restaurants around here?