Recap: Creation Galore's First Scrap Retreat

Last weekend, 21 ladies headed to Fox Hills Resort to enjoy three days of laughs, relaxation, and paper crafting. This was the first scrapbook retreat Creations Galore has hosted, and it was a huge success. It was a great group of ladies. Nicole, our Creative Genius, went with the group and shared several updates on our Facebook page. She's here today with a collection of pictures and memories to share!

Fox Hills Resort was lovely, close to the store, and we can't wait to go back. The resort contained our hotel rooms, the conference room where we scrapped, a pool and hot tub, and two restaurants. We didn't need to leave the building the entire weekend! Brenda said it best, "It was great not driving for 2 hours. It was the best scrapbooking retreat I have been to. No TV or movies. Just great conversation. The demos were an added plus."

We had a large conference room with great lighting. Many brought along lights for their tables, but they weren't needed. We set up a mini Creations Galore in the room with adhesives, cardstock, tools, and embellishments. It was the perfect opportunity to pick up a last minute item. 

Many beautiful cards and projects were created over the weekend. Paper Crafter Kelly created the layout below and told us she completed almost 80 pages! 

Paper Crafter Erica learned about Distress Inks during the retreat and used the knowledge to create this beautiful card. 

Jeanne shared, " It was such a nice time. Nicole was such a great help to everyone. I cannot say enough about the group and how well everyone got along and I would love a redo!"

Not all attendees were paper crafting. We had two talented ladies creating bracelets to sell in hopes of raising money for an upcoming Relay For Life event. 

There was lots of sharing - pictures, scrapbooks, and stories. We loved getting to know each other through our craft. Sara said, "Very fun. I haven't had that much fun in a long time. I needed this."

We brought food to enjoy meals inside our hotel rooms, making use of crock pots, the fridge, and microwave. Many of us also gathered each night for dinner at one of the restaurants at the resort. 

Nicole brought new tools and supplies to show during the weekend. Everyone learned spray ink techniques, as well as design helps and tips for stamping on layouts, with the opportunity to try out all the products.

Stacy said, "I really enjoyed the scrapbook retreat this weekend. It was a lot of fun!!! I may be a newbie scrapbooker, but not for long. I'm addicted!!! So many neat things I learned this weekend!"

Each participant received a 12x12 two page layout designed by Nicole exclusively for the retreat. Nicole showed how to change the original design in order to fit different picture sizes and shared inks, tools, and a pearl pen to embellish the spread. Below, Angela and Tonya work on their layout.

There were lots of giveaways! Participants chose between paper packs, embellishments, adhesives, and stamps.

Almost everyone stayed until late Sunday afternoon before packing up and heading home. 

Phylis said, "Had a great time at Fox Hills this weekend! The only bad thing is that it is over. Off to work I go." 

Nicole didn't get as many layouts completed as Kelly did, but she was able to start on an adorable mini album using We R Memory Keepers' new Instagram albums, page protectors, and journaling cards. 

We want to thank everyone who attended our first retreat. You truly made it a success. We're looking to scheduling our next weekend for this coming fall. Be on the lookout for announcements!