TERESA COLLINS

I think Kristin is the class mascot and spokesperson.

I love love love the southern accents.

I feel so at home every time I come here.

I was born and raise in Hickory, NC. The accents really are a welcoming and happy sound to me.

I posted this video live tonight from the workshop to my Facebook page at www.facebook/tcdesigns.

I love for others to see how much fun we have.

Last night I was given so many thoughtful,

sweet, kind and meaningful gifts. I am truly

touched at the sentiment and thought that went into these

gifts. My husband told me I got a box from Florence at our home. Yes, I am being uplifted by ALL of you.

I know that Ty and I are surrounded by so many

people who PRAY and think of our family each day.

This gives me great comfort. I hope you know

how much this truly means to me.

It is a FULL HOUSE here at the Scrapbook Attic & More.
I am truly thankful for everyone who came.
I loved seeing so many familiar faces. This is my third time here and I hope not my last. I love my visit here.
Beth and Tamara came and even helped me with the large class. It truly helps when I can't bring someone with me to have help and wow... I told them they are HIRED to help me anytime!
I love them.

Kristin even decorated the front and the back of the darling store
for my visit. GORGEOUS GOLD... with gold accents.
I loved it so much!

I appreciated that Denise and Kristin wanted me to love it, and
made it feel very me. So thoughtful!!!!! I was able to put up
two suitcases of projects and samples.

This is the before design and then I added my projects.

Add caption

I truly am just thankful when I know girls like her drive a long way to be here. Her husband made these amazing cookies for me. She gave me the most beautiful journal and bookmark. Crafting attracts the most beautiful souls. I am honored to have met her.

Add caption

I simply adore EVERY single one of these girls.
I feel like they are my friends. I feel such a connection
with my friends here. We are all going to go eat tomorrow night at RIB CRIB. Yes, this is "our" tradition and I invite everyone here to go with me. This is just my favorite part of teaching. I want to personally get to know each and every one of the girls in the workshops. I gain so much from each of them. I feel like I am being blessed by getting to know and talk to each person.
To me this personal connection is the reason why
it is so important for me to travel and teach.

I want to thank PAM for her message of her daily testimony of great miracles and hope that she shared with me. I am being uplifted in so many ways.

This is BETH... (she is single if you have a brother or a fabulous nice man that you know)... sorry, I told her I was going to line her up. ha ha... I love her. She went on the cruise with me in 2013. I instantly feel in love. She is a cancer survivor and she inspires me MORE than she realizes. THIS is what happens when you KICK cancers butt. Beth- you have NO IDEA what
meeting you has done for me.

It is Saturday morning and I am teaching two BIG workshops today. Excited to use my NEW stencils too. I LOVE doing this. That is why I am working on FINALLY doing online classes. I know many of you are not close enough to a store and or event. I will be sharing my 2015 calendar soon. Let's just say, I am planning some things that have NEVER been done before. I love what I do and I LOVE to plan events that allow all creative souls to join me... as I share this journey. sidenote- I have introduced students to other students who ended up becoming BEST FRIENDS for life. This gives me goosebumps....

post signature

I love these girls!
I have had the best time this weekend.
I am leaving in a few minutes to catch my flight back home to SLC. I know that I am going home a better person from the time and memories that I have had here.

Thankfully Beth and Tamara came and helped me
the entire weekend. They are SUPER ROCK STARS
and my workshops went so smoothly with their assistance. I begged them to go with me every time. I met them on the cruise last year and could not wait to spend the weekend with them. I am grateful for the friendships that I have gained through my journey. THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT to me.

Well, this is supposed to be a SILLY shot. I have NO IDEA what we were all doing but I LOVE THIS PHOTO!
(the worst photo is the one YOU do not take!!!!)

I can honestly say I look at EACH of these amazing girls and feel a connection. ARKANSAS was the place to be! These girls are
so sweet and melted my heart. I felt like I was going home
to NC and visiting with my best friends...

Oh yeah... it was going to be a silly photo. Only maybe two of us GOT the message. HA HA!

I may or may not have went to eat at RIB CRIB twice in only two days.

I am a FAN...
LOVE the RIBS and CHICKEN...
oh and FRIED OKRA (both days)
We do not have FRIED OKRA in UTAH at
any restaurant and I miss my southern food.

These sweet girls. I think we took TEN photos and every single photo someone had their eyes closed.
Regardless... they are WONDERFUL>

LOVE that they are the sweetest girls. Darla and these girls made me a special Christmas countdown and shipped it to me last Winter. Darla bought all my products here and had the LONGEST receipt I have ever seen in a scrapbook store.
Sorry Lindsey for changing your name to Ashley. HA!
PS I want to go GLAMPING with you girls.

THIS TABLE was FULL of ANGELS. Hmmmm.... I can't even express some heartfelt feelings but they EACH know.
The BEST compliment was one of these girls who came with her friend (she was talked into taking my class from her friend)
and after the workshop she told me this. She said, " I am so GLAD I came." This means so much to me that in some small way I have made a difference in someone's life. So many people think it's just PAPER...
Oh, it's so much MORE to me.

The AWARD goes to these beautiful girls who were ALWAYS SMILING and HAPPY!

We kept really busy. I enjoyed meeting these two friends.

The Three Amigos
The are so FUN. So CRAZY...
I love how they love and pick on each other. Their bond is
special. I love to just watch them! I will NEVER ever
forget the keepsakes I will cherish that they had made for me. One was a pillowcase with a photo of my husband and I on one side and the opposite side was a FAMILY photo of all of our children. It was for when I travel to put on my pillow.
Isn't this the sweetest?

PAM look at how cute this is????
These cuties are waiting for the TC cut n' boss machine.
This machine is always so LOVED and used
nonstop in all my workshops.

I love HER...
SELFIES are the BEST!!!!!

SIGNS SIGNS everywhere.
I have a thing for NUMBER 8.
It is my FAVORITE number.
It is our number... Ty and I have this connection with 8.
I got number 8 at LUNCH at McAllisters.
It's always showing up.
I took out my CANON S110 power shot camera and asked
Beth to take this photo.
*always keep a camera in your purse!

We used my brand new SIGNATURE ESSENTIALS stencils and modeling paste. It was a hit! I love this workshop and how girls who have never used this medium end up LOVING it.

YOU know GLITTER is EVERYWHERE in a TC workshop.

I loved watching each of them create.

I gave away my TC Cratwell cut n' boss machine, new gold dies and 7 embossing folders to one lucky winner... it was a very excited ASHLEY!!!!

Did I mention I went here TWICE?
Hmmm... I may have a problem.

When can I come back??????

I will miss you all so much. LOVE YOU girls.
I will see many of you on my cruise in November.
HAPPY SUNDAY

*2015 cruise is happening. The cruise does not have schedule until January 1st. I will have a list sign up list COMING soon for notifications of all of my events, dates and how to get on this list. I have many exciting things planned for 2015. WATCH my blog and Facebook page on how to join my list of notification.

post signature

Today I am showing a fun way to use my BRAND new 12x12 NUMBER Stencil with Signature Essentials. I love the BIG numbers. You can use them individually or you can use them as one piece that you can put on a layout, bag or anything.

This layout with Maxson is 12x12. I have NEW 12x12 clear paper too with this release. This is how to do this glittered number layout with my NUMBERS stencil.
1. Take 12x12 TC clear paper. Place number stencil on top of clear paper. Fill in TC modeling paste evenly. Lift off the number stencil and clean.
2. Sprinkle GOLD glitter on top of the modeling paste. Allow to dry completely.
3. Adhere TC clear paper that has been stenciled to TINSEL & COMPANY triangle paper. Use TC liquid adhesive so that it will dry clear and or the TC stapler to attach to layout. Add photo to right side of layout. Add limited edition circle from TC Hello, My Name is paper.

I wanted to show my adhesive mega runner. So many people have no idea how amazing and easy to change my mega runner is to change. It comes with 100 FEET of adhesive.

This is the clear cartridge for my refill. The adhesive lasts a very long time. When you run out, you simply open up the pink case and put in the new refill.

It's super easy and durable. I travel with mine.

TODAY is a new TC show on mycraftchannel.com. Today you can see this beautiful project:

This is the NEW Christmas Countdown project that I designed for 2014. I am teaching this too. It's a yearly tradition. This is MERRY & BRIGHT with Candy Cane Lane & Tinsel & Company mixed. I am so excited to show it on the show today.

Today I am setting up a 10x10 booth for the SPC show here in Utah. There are 100 retailers or so coming to Utah to see new products. I will be showing video, photos and MORE this week.

Happy MONDAY!!!!!!

It's DAY 7 of INSPIRATION today.
I am definitely feeling inspired. I set up yesterday for the SPC trade show in dowtown SLC. I love decorating and so this is
just my favorite thing... PLUS I get to met my friends and make new ones.

Can't wait to show you the entire booth.

This is BUCKY and I thought his gold deer was adorable. Yes, we were facing fun during set up today.

Today's 7th day of inspiration is adding this beautiful GOLD FOILED transparent overlay to a photo.
This is NINE & Co.
I love the added effect of the gold overlays. I added my clear TC gems into a Fiskars punched seal punch.
Isn't the arrow and fox cute?
This is my darling son... 16... Zach. I am such a blessed mother.

So many people asked me what type of paper I am printing on. This is the only paper that I use. It is the Photo Paper Pro (luster) and I can print up to 13" x 19". It is a beautiful print and you thenknow you have archival saved the photo for up to 300 years. Don't skimp on the brand or quality of your photo paper. It makes a HUGE difference in the quality and the archival life span if you are using a printer (*Canon PIXMA iP8720) with the genuine ink and paper combination. I've learned so much in my efforts to document and preserve memories and this is something that I will not skimp on. Quality is so important.

I use this photo paper for my 4"x6" prints.
Canon paper plus glossy II

I am off to the trade show. I am teaching a workshop this morning to a large group of retailers in my office to. BUSY BUSY and I love it!

post signature

It is day 8
I am celebrating my birthday today and will be at SPC trade show showing all my new collections to everyone.

I am GIDDY to show you my new WOOD pieces that are die cut. They come with both of my Christmas collections.
They are actual wood and you get SIX per package. *yes, I glittered the tree on the book stand.

This is my TINSEL & COMPANY papers. I rolled them up and tied a bow around them and hung the die cut ornament. I did nothing to this. It's gorgeous. PS everyone is loving this "glam chic" Christmas line... ha ha- that is what a buyer called it yesterday. I guess I made her year. She had been wanting a line like this forever.

This is CANDY CANE LANE.

Can you see the candy cane paper?
I am in love. Oh, loving the STAR ornament.
There are MORE designs.
I am warning you now that they are going to SELL OUT fast!
Just after one day at the trade show I can see both lines are going fast and everyone loves the unique and "glam" additions I have done with two Christmas lines this year.

I taught a class yesterday to the Crafters Home group. I am so grateful for this. I love teaching... I love sharing. To me this isn't work. It's just what I was born to do.

We are at SPC show all week. This was set up day. It started with a 10x10 space. I love how truly DIY a show is for us. It was so busy yesterday and I head back today. It is in SLC and so love how close it is for me. RIGHT NOW... this is such a blessing. I am so fortunate to have Brie and Sean helping me. I will keep sharing from the show via Facebook and instagram too.

Booth set up is always fun. Sean loves all the "let's put together the tables" work. He is the best!

It's my birthday.
So I am just celebrating
this morning with my boys until
I head to the SPC show. I film a few shows
there today too.
I am so GRATEFUL for each and every day.
I celebrate each day and each year.
I don't want to take a moment for granted.
I am happy in spite of many things that
make my heart very sad.

Last night, we kneeled today as a family and prayed.
I started crying as my husband offered the prayer. THIS is what keeps me going. This is why today... is another amazing day.
Ty is struggling right now. He is fighting. We are fighting with him. The best gift ever is having him with me today and everyday. There is nothing better than having two boys... young men, age 15 and 16 kneel beside us and pray. This is a gift to have
my boys, my children... my family.
We realize Heavenly Father is in charge and
he is guiding us, loving us and supporting us. This is what I posted on my Facebook page- and yes, I was crying as I wrote it:

TODAY is my BIRTHDAY. My heart is FULL to the brim. I am so thankful and grateful. Each day we have is a blessing. I know that right now the trials only make me stronger and APPRECIATE more what I have. I am passionate about LIFE and sharing LOVE. I have the best husband, children, family and friends. My life is surrounded by those who love me. I shared on my blog today a sweet experience of my husband, sons and I last night. I know that LIFE is be cherished, celebrated and documented EACH day. I love that my son Zach wants a photo of our family TODAY together. This is GOLD. This is what matters most. I realize what matters most. TODAY I am celebrating the LIFE and LOVE that is bursting from my heart. I am celebrating ALL of you who love me... who inspire me. Many of you have NO IDEA what you bring into my life. I love and thank you all for your support. I am so happy in spite of the trials that are refining me right now. I am so busy that often I wonder how can I do anything else. Yet, I find that I can and am doing this. I hope TODAY you will celebrate TODAY with me too. I am going to pretend that CAKE has ZERO calories today. I am going to go get my favorite frozen yogurt and make it LARGE. I am going to continue to praise God for helping me with my struggles and for the daily OVERLOAD of blessing. I am happy despite the trials. CELEBRATE TODAY!!!!!

Today is DAY 9 of the 30 days of INSPIRATION.

*this is the NINE & CO monogram alpha 12x12 paper.

Please note it is blurry and faded so that it cannot be copied.***

I wanted to show how I took the papers in the Nine & Co line and created cupcake and cake monogram and word accents.

First, I punched my paper with Fiskars punch. Then I cut out the monograms letters from the 12x12. Simply spell out a word or an initial from the alpha paper. Then you can put inside the punched shape. Place on toothpick and do the same on the opposite side.

I LOVE how super FAST and simple it is... with just ONE sheet of paper.

This is an affordable way to say ANYTHING!!! An easy way to customize your next celebration.

I love to design my papers so that they are unique and give value in what they can become. I hope you like these too!
Today was the last day at the SPC Trade Show here in Utah. I am so tired. It is a lot of work to do a trade show. I love it. I love talking to the retailers and LOVE spending time with them.
My son Zach came to the show today to help Sean and I. He was having a great time and enjoying everyone already knowing who he is. I promise to post lots of photos.

Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes. I have been overwhelmed with love and support. It was the most amazing day!
My day was so special and I am truly so fortunate for all the love and support everyone gave me.

HAPPY FRIDAY. I am pretty excited. Today I am working for the first time ever from my new office space. I am completely NOT unpacked. I am on the floor right now as I blog. I have cried ALL morning. My heart is full. This week has been a busy week with a trade show, a birthday, moving my office, and just CHANGE. My sweet husband was too weak to start his 4th chemo this week. So they are going to test him next week to see if he is in remission and just proceed with the transplant. I cry nonstop. Often it's tears of happiness and then those moments of sheer sadness. Can you relate?

Each day seems to be a mixture of this. I have recently learned who are my REAL support are during this time. I got a text on my birthday from someone who came into my life about seven months ago. This person and I clicked. She saw something in me that I don't know if I saw in myself. We became friends instantly and she we shared a heart felt connection. She sent me a text that was so special to me... one of encouragement and her belief in me. I started to cry. Then she mentioned she had thought of me all day. She sent me a song to listen to. It was the SAME song that I love and was played at my mothers funeral. She had no IDEA of the connection. It was so special. I listened to the song. It is the song that I have posted inside my blog. This gives me comfort. I want to thank this very special friend for caring about me and for seeing my struggles and encouraging me to SHINE through the hard times....

When times get tough... and they do- I always think this...
BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD.

I cannot change anyone else but myself. I can't change situations, or Ty's cancer. I can't change the things I wish I could. I can change MYSELF only and be better and do better.

I am excited to go to the TIM MCGRAW concert with my son tonight. Zach and I love country music and I exposed my children from an early age to all types and genre of music. Coming from NC- country music is in my soul. It is a reminder of me of home. So I love that my girls and Zach love it! My son Ty is not really a fan as much and did not want to go. WATCH for photos!!!! I can't wait. I loved that he actually wanted to go with his mama. I'm lucky!!!!!

TODAY is DAY 10
of my 30 days of INSPIRATION
I have really enjoyed doing this?

This is is my CLEAR 12x12 PAPER SHEETS!!!!
BRAND NEW
SIGNATURE ESSENTIALS
They are THICK but can be cut with the cutting machines.

Hard to photograph anything CLEAR!
This is using my FISKARS heart punch and then you
make a clear HEART garland with added pink beads.
YES, it can be embossed, painted, glittered, misted
and MORE!!!!!

YOU get FIVE beautiful heavy weight clear papers to a package.
They were a MASSIVE hit at the show. You can't find this product anywhere... trust me I tried to find it...
so I designed it! IT is clearly beautiful and if you
do find a clear paper I know it will not be the same
thickness and quality- so try it out!

HAPPY FRIDAY...
take photos...
& celebrate TODAY!!!

I LOVE MONDAYS.
This is the day we hear from McKay and Seth online.
I made her promise to send me weekly photos. For the most part, she is really good. She has only missed a couple weeks when
she "lost" or "misplaced" her camera.

TODAY she shared the simple but powerful message of this-
LIVE HAPPY.

She shared this story (names have been changed):This week we had another lesson with Martin, the man that was in the really bad car accident, that was really great. It's interesting to teach him because we have to teach super simply, but the spirit is always so strong. The thing that I learned the most during that lesson was from something that he said right before we left. I asked him if there was anything we could do for him and he answered, "Live happy." It made me really think because if anyone had a good reason to complain about not having a fair life, it would be him. But he's just so happy all the time and tries to always help others to feel the same way. It made me think about times when I'm grumpy over the silliest things. I want to extend this same invitation to you all, live happy!

I am actually on a airplane right now. I am headed to a meeting. (wonderful things are happening)
I try to always be happy. I strive to SMILE even when
I am feeling down. I smiled today at people at the airport. I know that often they look at me like..."she is way too happy."
HAPPINESS is a choice. I smile because I see the good in each day. I see the good in life even during the rain and thunderstorms.
I want to remember to LIVE HAPPY too.

Yes, McKay is growing up. I am so thankful she is choosing to lead a life that makes her happy. (far left) I adore photos. Just think if THIS photo had not been taken. It would have been
a lost memory.

I think this so often as the challenges of cancer has invaded our life, our family, our home. I love that EACH day is fabulous as long as we are together. I love my sweet family.
It has been too long and I have to share the "babies" with you.
Okay, they are getting big. They melt me... they melt Ty.
I get to see them in August. I am flying down and teaching at Scrapbook Daisies and staying with them.

Oh my... she is the SWEETEST little Zellie...
I can't wait.

so hard to believe Tenneson is 5 months old.
Isn't he a BIG boy? I want to just hold him.

This photo tells a story. Matt taking Maxson fishing for the very first time. This photo shares a memory. I know I will be printing out all these photos when I get home.

We are at day 11.
I am showing a paper from Nine & Co.
This is one of the 3x4 cards from the 12x12 paper (tag sheet).

Simply cut the 3x4 card from paper and put inside gold frame. This frame was .99 cents at the local thrift store. I love a DIY bargain.

Well, my photos from SPC and the Tim McGraw concert are gone. Yes, I loaded on my laptop and I think I must have deleted them somehow. So for now... one photo from Friday night with my son.

We had a great time. Even though some "guy" thought we should be slow dancing together. ha! My son said, "she's my mom" and he said... "so, don't you love your mom?" Oh my... funny.
I am just grateful he wanted to spend time with me. It's important to have that one on one time together. It's important to take photos and document that time. I will definitely print out the photos this week. I don't want the memories lost or forgotten.
There is a NEW weekly TC video today at www.mycraftchannel.com
I showed my LIFE EMPORIUM tag book.
HAVE a FABULOUS Monday-
LIVE HAPPY

*wearing my LUCKY green Essie nail polish in the hotel room this morning.

I feel so LUCKY to design and own my own company. I love what I do

so much that often I forget that it's actually my job.

I am on my way back to Utah. I am at the airport and I missed my flight. Oh yes, I guess I wasn't too lucky today. I actually had the BEST day of meetings (WOO HOO) followed by having an accident in my rental car. I actually did not cry. I knew that I was running late and it was my fault. I have the red paint and big dent on the side of the car to prove it. I talked to myself and just said... "THIS IS A SMALL THING. Let it go..."

So as I told the rental car agent how sorry I was, and that I am just so grateful no one was hurt, she was very nice. She even complimented me on my honesty (yes, I owned it... it was me not seeing the RED POLE). I thanked her and decided to just SMILE and be positive. I am going to be happy even when I do dumb things.

My cute best friend will find out this week if he is in remission. I am praying so hard that he is. If he is they will proceed with the bone marrow transplant. HMMMM. I want so much for him to be in remission. I so wish he did NOT have to go to the hospital and do this again. Heartbroken and tears flow

so easily right now...

Right now, I have such HUGE great amazing things happening for me. At the same time, I have my best friend fighting for his life. I simply take it day by day and know that God is in charge. After my meeting, I called Tyler right away. He is my biggest cheerleader.
He always tells me to "GO SHINE."
He often tells me that my "LIGHT" is bright
and to SHARE it. This man sees me in a way
that I don't see myself as. Did I tell you that he googles me?
He tells everyone he knows how much he loves me
and how talented I am. I often laugh and tell him
to please stop. I am just me... but HOW can I not be
blessed to know that to HIM... he sees me as so much more that I see myself. I am just me... but because of HIM and our children
I want to be a better person.

I like to think this is how God sees us. He sees us as so much more then we see ourselves. He loves us faults and all. We are each literally HIS sons and daughters. We are royal in birth.

I hope you each have someone who is YOUR anchor.
Someone who believes in YOU. Someone who lifts you
when you are sad. We all need support and help during our life journey. I am so thankful for the knowledge that no matter what Tyler and I are going to be together forever. I believe with my entire being that we are a forever family. This is what gives me the greatest comfort.

Now today is DAY 12...

Today is day 12 of the THIRTY days of INSPIRATION with my brand new LIFE EMPORIUM collection. I wanted to show the CORK (yes, it's CORK) die cut pieces that come with my new collection.
I am LOVING the wood and cork combined and this is what inspired this line... and that it is a line for LIFE MOMENTS. This book is also a workshop that I will be teaching. I am an advocate of telling "our story." This is life right now for my 16 year old. Years from now, he will treasure the photos, what he is saying and the things that are important to him NOW.

I am going home to PRINT photos. I am very inspired today to make a collage of photos for Tyler. I want him to be surrounded by LOVE and MEMORIES in the hospital. I want him to see the moments that we have shared and the ones he is fighting for to happen. I believe in living in the MOMENT and when I print these photos... I know I can love them ALWAYS.
It's worth printing quality photos. I will use my Canon PIXMA iP8720 because I'm obsessed with the wide format, borderless prints. Yes, 13" x 19" size capability is my dream come true.

Time to board the flight. So excited to get home... even if it takes me a little longer.

Today is day 13 of the 30 days of inspiration.
I love my new Signature Essentials
stencils. I wanted to show how to make your own artwork that you can frame and display in your home, office or give as a gift.

Items needed to create:
chipboard or thick cardboard paper
Teresa Collins modeling paste
Teresa Collins palette knifes
Teresa Collins Signature Essentials stencil

Place stencil on paper and apply modeling paste with knife within stenciled area. It is best to do a thin even level of my paste. NOTE: less is more. You do not need a lot and you do not want the paste to seep under the stencil.

It's that easy and you can allow it to dry and frame.

HAPPY CREATIVE WEDNESDAY!

TODAY is day 14 of the THIRTY days of INSPIRATION

This is Tinsel & Company and I wanted to show how to use my new lines with die cuts to accent the project.

This is a workshop that I am teaching so I want to show how you can use an ordinary white envelope and emboss it with my embossing folder (triangles). I used my cut n' boss machine with Craftwell. Then I used Tim Holtz Sizzix die (gold wreath).
I did emboss it first with my wood embossing folder (8.5x12)
I love to use dies to create unique designs to my projects.

I love the circle icon paper... A LOT!!!!!

I loved this ornament that I cut with my
star paper in the collection. This is a die cut
from Sizzix (Tim Holtz).

*embossed wood grain on envelope. LOVING the white trees on the red paper.

This is the bow tie die cut. I used my wood die cut ornaments and spray painted it gold. I put one of my stickers inside the bow.

I wanted to mention where I will be teaching at next. I will be traveling to Long Beach, California and teaching three
workshops- August 22nd and 23rd. I will be at Scrapbook Daisies and sign ups start TOMORROW!!!!!! This is my first time teaching with some of my new collections. Did I mention I will see Matt, Kayla and the kids????? This is making me SO HAPPY!

Well, we are dealing with almost daily hospital appointments. It's a long story but they are don't think Ty is in remission yet. They still want to forgo the 4th chemo and head right into the transplant. It's been a major whirlwind. They will explain the results next week to us. They still want to proceed anyway.

They have Ty doing every test imaginable as he prepares for the long journey of the chemos and new BIRTHDAY (transplant). Today they took 20 vials of blood.
I just WISH I could make it all go away.

I lay in bed at night and just watch him sleep. I wake up often and check on him. I normally wake up before him and don't want to leave his side. I often reach over to just touch or hold his hand. I cherish being able to do this. I have always loved and appreciated my husband. This has only made me realize in a much deeper level how my perspective has changed. I have so much
more appreciation for EVERY single day. I used to love our weekly date nights. I now realize how just time together is precious. We don't need to do ONE thing. It's as simple as
holding his hand and sitting beside him that makes me happy. It's the REAL moments that I realize are the ones that I need and cherish most. It has been over a year with no date nights- no vacations or trips together- not going to church together... it's been a year for me to realize WHAT we have is based on a strong foundation of LOVE.

When I married Ty I "thought" I was in LOVE. I realize I liked him and loved him, but all these years later, I realize I grew into another depth of ... LOVE. I love him MORE each day and year because love does grow. It only gets deeper and expands. Through our trials and our imperfect relationship we grew to love and accept each other more. Marriage is never easy. Even now, we have our days. Cancer does not make a marriage perfect. In fact, I know it's common for many marriages to break up. It's not a time to be selfish. It's the time to act and serve each other more. It's a time to be the biggest cheerleader ever to your spouse or loved one. I tell him daily our love and our family is worth fighting for. I am so thankful he is doing just that...

I am so excited that it's FRIDAY and I can FINALLY share something wonderful. Many of you may not know that I do a yearly event. It is held in Henderson, NV each year in September at the Green Valley Resort and Spa.

I don't advertise the event because it sells out immediately. It is a great problem to have. Ginger Nelson is the event coordinator and has been working so hard to keep everything running smoothly.

I have added more Teresa Collins events in the past couple of years since so many people cannot get into the Inspiration Unlimited event. It has been hard in that it has SOLD OUT from the very first year.

Each year I invite different teachers to come and teach and inspire all of the creative people that attend. This year I am excited that we have a huge talented group of women who have agreed to come and share their talent. Each day I will show a little peek of what each teacher is doing this year. So watch my blog EACH day.

Today I am sharing the day 15 of my THIRTY DAYS of INSPIRATION

This is also my workshop sneak peek
for Inspiration Unlimited

Teresa Collins Workshop

This is my STUDIO GOLD 8.5 x 11 BRAND NEW- TC Gold Foiled ALBUM with page pockets that I designed for We R Memory Keepers. I debuted my line of albums and cards in NYC. I really wanted to show my new album and my love for pocket pages.

My workshop is titled.... LIFE is GOLDEN

LIFE IS GOLDEN is a stunning album that has both beauty and meaning. Attendees will create a beautiful memory album with page pockets that focus on what is most important. This is photo memories

in a keepsake album.

I want them to be inspired to Share their MEMORIES.

This will be a inspirational journey of life and meaning...because LIFE is GOLDEN.

This is my new album and elements from Studio Gold stationery supplies.

I love labels, the gold book plate, gold paper clips and items to adorn the book and the photos. I can't wait to teach
this workshop. I'm excited!!!!!

I love the clear cabana striped album size that I designed with Studio Gold cards. I love how beautiful and perfect the album and card set came out. Inspiration Unlimited is going to be amazing this year.

*please note: if you are going on the Teresa Collins Caribbean Cruise today is the last day to pay for the workshops. The cruise is sold out as well. We do have a waiting list, however for the last nine months we have not had any cancellations.

Please check out my cruise event blog for more information:

TERESA COLLINS CRUISE EVENT BLOG

We are planning four BIG Teresa Collins events in 2015. If you are interested in being on
the newsletter and information notification list please contact
events@teresacollinsstudio.com.

MANY wonderful things are soon to be revealed. Make sure you sign up to hear the latest and greatest first!!!!!
HAPPY FRIDAY!

Today I am sharing the workshop class from Jodi Sanford from Fancy Pants with you. I have to tell you this before I show her sneak peek. I love this girl. I have been in the industry for fourteen years now. I learned not everyone is supportive of each other. I always have and do avoid the drama. My husband will tell you that I walk away. I can't let myself be around negativity or things that just aren't good. I surround myself by people that uplift and inspire me. This girl... JODI is the REAL DEAL. I love her with ALL my heart. She is truly ONE of the nicest girls I have ever in my ENTIRE life met. She is kind, sweet and always herself. She is honest and I am so fortunate to call her my friend. I support her and her amazing family and company with all my heart. It is rare to find people who are so supportive of others especially in the same industry as she is. I was OVER THE MOON excited that she accepted my invitation to teach this year at my event. I hope when you do buy Fancy Pants designs you know that you are supporting a beautiful family. Her husband Jared and her are the owners and force behind Fancy Pants. I had the pleasure of going to South Africa to teach with her and her best friends Shannon. You know how sometimes when you go with "best friends" you feel left out. I was alone since Ty could not go. I felt so included and loved. I have had nothing but love and support from this girl. Okay... sorry, I just had to spread the message of my love for her.... This is what Jodi had to say.

I’m so excited to be teaching at Inspiration Unlimited this year…it’s such an honor to be invited by Teresa! Because you are all experience scrapbookers, I wanted to create something unique and fun that would really highlight your memories in a different way! We’ll be creating a mini album…in a jar! Yes, in a jar! It’s a fun little concept that really hits on the new trends in scrapbooking like home decor, table decor and mini albums on display! The product we’ll be using is a fun, BRAND NEW collection called True Friend it’s filled with a pretty patterns and a gorgeous, on-trend color pallet! {Browns, black, yellows, oranges and mint.) This line can suit boy or girl—check it out on our website for a better idea of the colors we’ll be using! Also to note, we will be using smaller sized photographs for our album, wallet sized (2x3 and 3x4 photos will work best—anything larger won’t fit our album. You can also use the index prints or your own sized prints that are smaller than 3x4). I love smaller/mini photos because it’s easy to incorporate loads of them into on album! We’ll also be working on journaling and sharing your story, so be prepared with your photos and your refresh your memory so you don’t miss a thing!

Jodi Sanford
Owner. Creative Director.
Fancy Pants Designs, Inc.
jodi@fancypantsdesigns.com

I'm headed to LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA... soon...
Friday and Saturday August 22nd and 23rd to teach at Scrapbook Daisies. SIGN UPS start this morning!!!!

For the very first time, I will be teaching Merry & Bright- Christmas countdown, my CLEAR GOLD HEART album with Studio Gold and LIFE EMPORIUM workshop with page pockets. These are all three of my brand new workshops.
I hope you will come.

I am going to try to get
my sweet daughter in law Kayla to come and take a workshop and bring Tenneson to see the class.
For me... it's all about FAMILY.

I love you all so much and have felt that YOU need
to know the LOVE and support I feel.
I can't even get through the emails.
I read every one of them.
I am so sorry if I can't personally respond to each of them.
I struggle with this. I know so many of you personally.
Many I don't but hope to. I thank you for reading
my blog and supporting me.
I would not be designing and having a thriving
company without YOU. I am so thankful.

Okay... LONG WINDED this early Saturday morning.
SIGN UP starts today at Scrapbook Daisies.
Last time all the workshops did SELL OUT so
call now if you want to come.

Today is Sunday. I love Sunday's. I went to church with my boys and then am home enjoying the day watching Hallmark movies. I am a sucker for the love stories.

Today I am sharing another Inspiration Unlimited 2014 sneak peek. This one is from the so talented Heidi Swapp. This is her first time teaching at the event. I am so excited that she is coming. She is so talented and her workshop is fabulous.

This is her sneak peek of her class and description:
Life is nothing short of a crazy adventure full of amazing experiences with wonderful twists and turns! And to capture your adventures, Heidi will guide you through creating a “choose your own adventure” photo journal project! Heidi’s “mixed media scrapbook kit” is perfect for capturing and documenting a little bit of everyday day crazy! We will be working with her NEWEST release “September Skies” collection, Color Magic and Color Shine… and all kinds of unique techniques to craft an amazing one-of-a-kind creation! Plan on being pushed just a little outside your comfort zone to learn some fun NEW ways to play! Heidi will share ideas and tips for capturing the most important parts of your everyday and making sure that your favorite memories are not lost along the way!

I have no doubts that everyone is in for a BIG treat having her talent and enthusiasm at the event this year.
So excited!!!!!

I hope you all are having a wonderful SUNDAY!!!!

This has been a BUSY but rewarding weekend for me. I was home with my best friend all weekend. I was printing literally hundred of photos to create this page pocket album.

I am teaching it in just two weeks in Long Beach, CA at Scrapbook Daisies. It is with my NEW LIFE EMPORIUM collection. I wanted to show and inspire you today to know that you can use my lines as cards and your own page pocket systems.

I design my papers to not only be beautiful but to tell a story with my photos. Okay... if you don't have a printer- you need to get a photo printer and PRINT those photos out.

This is my workshop sneak peeks. Notice how all my photos are printed at different sizes. My printer will print up to 13" x 19" but I often I print in 4x6 and crop the photos down myself.

The photo printer is the Canon PIXMA iP8720.
I challenge you to take PHOTOS with an actual camera and print them out like I did. I was printing at my house all day long on Saturday.

Once you print out the photos, then add them inside the page pockets. LIFE EMPORIUM is full of meaning. I love the LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL card from my 6x6 paper pad.
If you are in Long Beach... join me at the store. This is the first peek of the workshop.

Now today is the first peek also of another workshop at Inspiration Unlimited. I am so THRILLED to have Paula Cheney come teach again. This uber talented girl works with the mega talented Tim Holtz. I love her style, her technique and this girl is just as sweet as can be. She oozes talent and will show technique after technique to amaze everyone. She has a gift. Plus, she is so down to earth and friendly. Even if mixed media is NOT your cup of tea... she shows you the elements of how to do it. So you can do the techniques that appeal to you.

Create a beautiful "vintage" look 6 x 8" mixed media panel. In the class, we will learn tips and tricks to layer a background, incorporate die cuts seamlessly into your work and create a grungy background using Distress Markers, stamps and the new Spritzer tool. The use of Remnant Rubs will allow you to choose your own words to create a personalized panel just for you or someone you love.

Photo: A "Found Relative" will be provided in the kit however, you are welcome to bring your own photo as a replacement. Photo MUST be 3 x 5" with vertical orientation.

How lucky am I to have her at the event again?

Oh my... IU is in a few short weeks.

I got a email from Seth yesterday. He is serving a mission right now in Arizona. He emailed me privately to let me know

that 250 of the missionaries in his mission were all united in fasting

and praying for Tyler as he prepares to enter the hospital this week. As I told my husband about this, he had to walk away. I knew he was holding in the tears. McKay our

sweet daughter is serving a mission

in Seattle, Washington. They

email us each week and ask for us to be

honest with them. They want to know the TRUTH

and not for us to sugar coat it.

Cancer has made me realize that you simply can't control

the things that happen in life. This is along with so many other things in life. You can only

choose how you deal with or react to it. When we

found out that Ty was not in remission and had to go through the chemotherapy again and another transplant, I was truly in shock.

It just was not in my head. I had not even allowed it to go into my thought process. I was in denial.

However, immediately I knew that we would bravely do it again- together. This time they did the Salvage treatment and looked for a donor. Since his brother and sister did not match, they found a donor who is in Europe. They found the match through the bone marrow registry. The donor will hopefully save his life. The hope is that the cells... the healthy stem cells of the donor will take over

and fight if there is even ONE little cell of cancer left. I am truly

thankful that there is so much they can do now with modern medicine and medical advances.

This week he will have surgery again to have the port put back in. Then it's chemo every single day- last time it was 18 in one week and then the transplant. He will be in the hospital for weeks. I will be trying hard to balance the boys, school starting, visiting and being with Tyler every day and my business. I am thankful for a TEAM of support who are helping me.

This is my office design center. I have barely started to move in. Devan came and put the tables together for me. My kids
have really been there for me (us). I am very grateful that
I have a career that I LOVE and gives meaning and purpose to my life. I love to surround myself my things that are positive. I love quotes for this very reason.

This is my daughter Gentry. She is just a girl who does her own thing. She likes to design and she is learning now to design papers. Brie is taking her under her wings to show her the design ropes. We laugh, we cry (mostly me), and we enjoy being creative. I still have lots of boxes to unpack but it's all good. We call ourself #teamTC. I love that they both understand me so well and can understand the huge emotional roller coaster I am on. They try to make me laugh.

PS- I am headed to CLIPPER STREET SCRAPBOOKING in British Columbia CANADA next month. Sign ups started TODAY!!!!!!!!

TODAY IS DAY 18 and I am showing you
my SECOND workshop sneak peek for my
class at Inspiration Unlimited 2014. *thank you
Ginger Nelson for working so hard as the event
coordinator. She has so much on her plate and
"tries" hard to deal with how
busy my schedule is. She has
so much on her plate but she still
seems to make it look effortless.

I wanted to do a LIFE IS A PARTY theme. Yes,
we are going to do STUDIO GOLD and
do some HOME DECOR, PARTY...
and lots more. Of course, my focus
and message is always about celebrating LIFE...NOW
TODAY
celebrate the everyday moments...

I hope you are following me on Instagram and Facebook. I love to hear from you!!!!

DAY 18 of the 30 days of INSPIRATION.
This is my new WHITE flip books and my NEW alphabet SIGNATURE essentials. I especially love my BRAND NEW- JOURNALING SNIPPETS.
This is all about telling a story-
This sticker sheet has so many snippets
to use in all your projects to help tell the story.
Project: this is so you
everyday moments
the good stuff
I love to design products that can sell today as well as three years from now. This is definitely an essential to me. Make sure you watch and get my new journaling stickers.

So I did a FREE class for ALL of you who want to learn more about pocket scrapbooking. FREE... yes, FREE online video class is now LIVE atscrapbook.com/classes/teresa… pic.twitter.com/hkny1bTi0g Scrapbook.com: Scrapbooking Ideas & Supplies. I can't thank them enough for flying to Utah and for Merek filming this. I am so in love with my albums and doing pocket page scrapbooking. You sign up and YOU can take my class for FREE!!!!!
This morning I taped all morning at MY CRAFT CHANNEL studio. I did videos with the TC cut n'boss machine by Craftwell. I got to spend some time with Kristine-
my friend and owner of MCC.

She is such a fun girl. I love visiting with her and see her excitement for all the things that I am coming out with.
I am at the studio when a package arrived.

This is BRAD. He works with Craftwell. I loved that the package came and it was my BRAND NEW "?????" product. Yes, I know what it is. They finally let me open it. It's so GOLD. It's so fabulous, it was like Christmas.
The best news is this is a FIRST. It will be available within the month. WATCH for the video as I open and reveal what is inside the package.

Now I want to show you another sneak peek of another class at Inspiration Unlimited. I am so thrilled to

In this workshop we will be using Bazzill/American Crafts cardstock and chipboard, My Mind's Eye printed paper from the Cut and Paste line and Prima Flowers to create this adorable year-in-review album. The color scheme is amazing and is sure to compliment any photos and it's suitable for any theme! We will fold cardstock to create unique pages and pockets to showcase tags and photos. The goal of this workshop will be to complete the album so that after class, all you need to add is the photos!

This is Kelli's sneak peeks of her workshops.
CUTENESS...

I spent today at the hospital with my cute husband. He had a new port inserted for the impending chemo treatments and the transplant (Friday August 15th- his NEW birth day) this week. Thankfully the surgery went well and he kept telling everyone how much he LOVES Versed. Yes, I think they gave him a double dose. ha! I am so impressed continually with the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The update on Tyler, he met with his transplant oncologist yesterday. We were told that he has a 50/50% chance of the transplant working. They said they when they did the last pt scan that they did see a red area in a node his pelvis area. This most likely is cancer that is "stubborn." So they did decide to forgo the fourth Salvage chemo treatment to go into the transplant.

This means that starting tomorrow he will get daily chemo. They increase the type and strength on day 3. Then on day 7- next Friday, they will transplant Tyler with the donor stem cells. His new birth day. They then wait and hope that the grafting process works. They hope that the donors healthy cells will fight and kill any residual cancer that is within his body. They have to carefully watch for grafting issues and Ty's body rejecting the new stem cells. They said that 50% of patients has problems with this. As you can imagine, this is even harder and worse than the first transplant. Ty's cancer is very rare- T- cell peripheral lymphoma cancer (NOS)- not otherwise specified. It is really a cancer that they have had to do a lot of experimenting. They plan to test him at 100 day post transplant and if they still see the cancer they will plan to do radiation.

Thankfully, my entire family is united to support Tyler and each other. As Tyler will be in the hospital for the next few weeks, my mother in law and older children will be living at the house with us. I will take it day by day... and keep going. I still have the greatest hope and faith that Tyler can and will be healed.

Today I am sharing day 19 & 20 of INSPIRATION.
I wanted to show this beautiful project designed by Jennifer Haggerty. She did a Christmas Advent Frame
with Tinsel & Company.

She used my papers to cut into tag shapes. She used her punches as well to make them unique.

This is the 12x12 tag paper.
She used them to display within the frame.

She used Studio Gold "GOLD" paper clips to attach the cards to the string.

Such a beautiful project to display during the holiday season. Thank you Jennifer I love it!!!

post signature

last night at WICKED. He took her to see her FAVORITE show.
Even though they were planning the wedding already she was
officially proposed to yesterday.

This past week, Taylor celebrated her 24th birthday. She is my oldest daughter... and my firstborn. I was only 19 years old when I got married to her father. I look back now and realize what a baby I was. Taylor did the exact same thing. Many of you know that she got married at 19 and was married for three years. Unfortunately, it did not work out. It was the hardest time ever for me.
As her mother, it killed me to see her cry and beat her self up every single day for making such a mistake. She could not forgive herself for not "listening" to her heart and others who tried to guide her differently. I would give her advice all the time and let her know that our "mistakes" do not DEFINE us, but REFINE
us. We can learn and grow so much from those mistakes. I do believe we are stronger from our trials.
LIFE LESSONS
give us the opportunity to gain wisdom.

She met Travis and she had been single and dating (a lot). She never made a connection and she often worried she was
not ever going to find someone that she was "not just settling" with. Taylor has a HUGE list of what she really
valued and wanted in someone.

She found this in Travis.
Now know this...
Taylor is not perfect.
Travis is not either.
He has been married before and he has
the sweetest ten year old son, Jaxon.
I admired so much that Taylor
and Travis both are
"realistic" and committed to making this work.

They actually have been planning their marriage for months.
They wanted to wait for McKay to come home from her mission.
They felt with Ty's hospitalization and the craziness
going on in our family right now, that they would
get married in....

September...

September 19th 2014

It was hard because Taylor wanted to please everyone and in the end, they are choosing to do a very simple day
with only their family and closest of friends.

I am so happy for both of them. I
am so thankful she is so happy
again. I am so happy for
Travis and Jaxon too.

It's a HAPPY DAY!!!!!

I am on my way to PHX Arizona right now. I am blogging from the plane. I am so fortunate to design and partner with Xyron. If you have not seen or heard, I have the following items with them: Teresa Collins PINK mega runner, Teresa Collins Pink Chipboard Punch, Teresa Collins PINK stapler, Teresa Collins Adhesive Class Box Kit (pink), and the Teresa Collins Sticker maker. The kit is the necessities you NEED- foam dimensional dots, little sticker maker, eraser, little tape runner, liquid adhesive. I love every single one of these and they are my GO TO.. plus they are super cute!!!!!

When you are adding SEQUINS to your project- my clear Xyron adhesive in the TC kit is the perfect liquid adhesive.

So I will meet up with my dear friend Beth Kingston and her husband. Then we will have meetings and plan for the "future."
We even are meeting up with Chris Potter. If you don't know him, he is just the most dynamic guy and makes me LAUGH. He works for another division now within the corporation. Even though I don't get to work with him as much, I love his passion and advice in life. We will be doing a photo shoot too. I will only be with them for a quick one day trip, but I know it's always great to reconnect and not have to do it all via conference calls.

This week it's especially helpful to be surrounded by my friends and family. I will have to once again get the house "germ free" and prepare for Ty when he is released from the hospital. Although this will be weeks, it's something that does take time and I've been so busy with the new office set up.

That reminds me... SEAN is CRAZY busy. THANK YOU!
Retailers... nothing has changed. You can order directly from Sean at the same numbers. We are working hard to fulfill the ENORMOUS order's placed. Sean is even busy himself trying to help the process by packing the orders himself. We truly appreciate your patience as you wait for your order.
If I could I would personally HUG each of you for your ongoing support!!!!!!

TODAY is day 21 of the 30 days of INSPIRATION.
I would LOVE to know how many of you followed along and enjoyed this. I am thinking it's a MUST do with every single release.

This is the paper line TINSEL & COMPANY.
I loved so much how Tessa Wise from my
design team created cards with the papers and the diecut

This is the ornaments die cut and she even used the STAMP (peace) to the lower left bottom. I love the gold spritzing too.

I am a huge fan of her cards. I love the added RED that she added to the cards. She even used the RED card stock to emboss it with the TC cut n boss machine by Craftwell and my collage WORDS embossing folder.

I love her stitching too. THANK YOU Tessa for the inspiration today. I love having the constant inspiration from the design team. Make sure you check out their blog. They have so many inspirational projects.

I have a NEW episode today on My CRAFT Channel too!!!!!
I guess today is BUSY.

So yesterday after church I decided to print photos of Taylor and Travis. I have to warn you these are DIY. They are of me... little to no makeup just enjoying printing memories. I get excited and I love that I can print my photos at home and have the most amazing if not better quality than if I took them to a business to print. Here is the videos and photos from the "DIY" videos.

This the me showing how easy it is to simply pick the photo you want to print. It is WIRELESS and I love how simple it is. I put in the Canon paper that I am printing on and then the size I want. This is 13"x 19" wide format (borderless). I simply pushed print.

This is the photo coming out of the printer. I know CRAZY excellent quality from the comfort of my "kitchen."

This is the actual photo done and these will be framed and I am working on a little photo memory display for the wedding day.
I can't help it... OBSESSED with telling a story through the photos.
*Canon PIXMA iP8720 photo printer

HELLO FROM ARKANSAS

Goodbye ARKANSAS

HELLO MONDAY- DAY 6 of 30 DAYS of INSPIRATION

SPC TRADE SHOW starts TODAY... day 7 of INSPIRATION

TODAY... It's my BIRTHDAY!!!!

LAST day of Trade Show... DAY 9

HAPPY FRIDAY... it's DAY 10... going to see TIM MCGRAW

LIVE HAPPY

MY STORY & LIFE.... JUST SMILE

HELLO WEDNESDAY

Don't take ONE day for granted-

LIFE IS GOLDEN Inspiration Unlimited SNEAK PEEK....

EXCITING... SIGN UP TODAY and SNEAK PEEK of IU WORKSHOP

It's SUNDAY... peek #3 Heidi Swapp

PRINTING all weekend- NEW PAGE POCKET workshop!!!!

The POWER of prayer....

FREE... all FREE workshop at SCRAPBOOK.COM

FRIDAY.... doing it again

SHE'S GETTING MARRIED....

On my way to the land of XYRON ...