Behind the Scenes... Magazine ad photo shoot

August 12, 2014, 5:43 pm

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Yes, XYRON headquarters visits are always fun. I love to see my friends here. It's exciting to work with people that you love and consider friends. I have gotten to know Beth Kingston through this association. I seriously have such great respect for her. What you may not know is that she is seriously FUNNY! She is married to a great guy. He joined us since he was a model with Beth in her ad.  They picked me up from the airport and went straight to Xyron and lunch. PS- I love SOL.  Business meetings can be a lot of fun and very productive.

The agency hired to do the magazine ad was FABULOUS. I was fun to figure out which outfit would work best to compliment the project.

This is my LIFE EMPORIUM paper collection- that I am showing as a pocket page album. (teaching at Scrapbook Daisies in 10 days- SOLD OUT). The album is the TC Albums Made Easy with WRMK glittered chevron.

This cute couple are adorably in LOVE. I saw his loving and protection for Beth. My husband is so similar. I loved to see the support he has for her and her career. You probably have seen her on HSN. She is a regular guest.  That reminds me... SET YOUR DATE.. HSN 24 HOUR CRAFT DAY... OCTOBER 7th... I will be on Home Shopping Network for the 24 hr craft day.

DAY 22 of 30 days...  today is all about TAGS TAGS from YVONNE BLAIR

This is my new tags with Candy Cane Lane (3x4) with my die cuts and sequins and chipboard.

I love tags & countdowns. You can also use these for gift tags for for the "homemade gifts" you give as gifts. I'm on my way home now. Right now, they closed the airport due to ramp closing due to lightning.  I'm so tired and missing my husband SO MUCH. I will be holding my honey's hand this week as he gets his daily chemos and FRIDAY his "new birthday."

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Hello Wednesday!!!!!

August 13, 2014, 8:19 pm

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I felt like it was Christmas when I got home from Arizona. I came home to numerous boxes of my new Studio Gold products that will be at my shipping department soon. I had some products that were prototypes only at the Stationery show. I got to see EXACTLY what we are shipping and selling. Let's just say... I was so happy I wanted to post it all right then. We are taking photos this week so you can see what I mean. Let's just say the wrapping paper is so beautiful, I have NEVER seen such beautiful paper ever!!!!!!

It was a fun day at the office with my son coming and helping me set some things up. Then my mother in law came by to see the office. It's definitely a work in progress. I am always inspired most when I am in surrounding that inspire me. My office has been that for me. It has helped me to get back to my roots and my love for the basics of interior design. 

I decided to do a white design foundation with a mixture of metal colors. Some think you can only do gold or silver, but the combination of both together can be quite stunning.  I do feel a tad bit bad for the men who work with me at my office. I would say that my office is a little (okay a lot) girly... or as someone told me... glamorized style. Hmmm is "glamorized" a word???? I am most excited at how I have been designing it on a budget. I am great at finding GREAT deals. For example, the chair above was a chair for over $600.00 USD. I searched and found it online and used a coupon code to get it for $229 total with shipping. That is how I like to decorate.

This is a table in my greeting area. I really fell in LOVE with the silver shells and the globe. Then I found the GOLD anchor and it reminds me of WHAT my anchor is. That is most definitely Heavenly Father and my family.(found at Zgallerie) It was delivered today, but honestly I am disappointed for the first time with the quality of the table and desk that they delivered.  The table wobbles and was not at all the quality the store normally is known for. The two gentlemen who came and set up the tables even commented that they were surprised. I am not one to complain but I feel like furniture is a huge investment. So I wrote a email to let the store chain know about the quality. So this table may not stay for long. This makes me sad, because it's really beautiful (more beautiful in person) but the quality is not what I had counted on. Okay... I get to go see the cute kids- Maxson, Zellie and Tenneson in NINE days. I wanted to share photos of them from this week.

 I am just in LOVE with them and miss them so much here in Utah. I know that they love Huntington Beach, CA and being so close to Disneyland.

This is the project for DAY 23. This is just one of the projects that I will be teaching in October at BEN FRANKLIN store in Washington. Spray paint the frame GOLD and then using my new Tinsel & Company tags, die cuts and MORE... create a darling flip stand mini book. Add numbers to make it a countdown to Christmas.

What is the SECRET?????

August 14, 2014, 11:42 am

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I am here at the Huntsmen Cancer Institute with my best friend. Right now, he is having ATG chemo and his melfalin treatment. He has been chewing ice for 90 minutes. His mouth is so numb that he is biting his tongue. They encourage you to chew ice so that you don't get really bad mouth and throat sores, mucacitis and more. (sorry, if I misspelled anything). It has made him cold and he's went through four buckets of ice. A lot of numbness now can help him with the pain and suffering afterwards. So today I am his "cheerleader" to encourage him to keep chewing on the ice.

This is his home for the next few weeks. He doesn't like his photo taken so I will just show you the surroundings.  Ty has a special bed that helps with comfort since he spents so much time in bed. Ty is taller and is 6 foot 1" and they have this bed which inflates as needed. It is a special order and he also has a bike in his room. They want him to try to do 30 minutes on the bike each day. They encourage them to walk around the bone marrow unit each day in the unit. However, he is so cautious of germs so he doesn't do this.  

This is the board in his room. It helps with the numerous staff changes and who is taking care of him.

This is the view of BEAUTIFUL down town SLC from Ty's hospital room. Right below the cancer institute is the University of Utah hospital and Primary Children's hospital. I consider this a blessing to live only 20 minutes from this amazing hospital.

This is the medications going into his body right now. He is on chemo 24 hours a day. Did I mention he has NEVER once complained? He just keeps fighting and is thankful that they are working hard to save his life. The drugs are hitting him hard and he had a rough day on Tuesday with the ATG chemo. These drugs don't mess around. He has lost 5 lbs in only 2 days.  TOMORROW is the transplant. They legally don't and can't tell you much about his donor. The things we know are that the donor is MALE. He is 36 years old. They can't tell us where he is from or anything else. I can tell you I am so THANKFUL that this man choose to become a donor. It is because of him we are able to give Tyler this chance to survive from his cancer.  I had a friend ask me yesterday, WHAT IS THE SECRET? I said, the secret to what? She said to being able to handle this. I instantly knew and answered. I truly just take it day by day with my head and mind thankful for WHAT we have and the blessings. I know and believe God does not give us MORE than we can handle. I know that it's okay that I have a huge pile of laundry, dirty kitchen floors and little food in the house. I know that it really does not matter. Last night, it was almost 8 pm until I was able to take my boys to dinner. Yes, fast food works. It's meal by meal, day by day... and guess what? It's okay. The secret is knowing that I'm not perfect. I don't have a perfect life and so I am just allowing myself to do the best that I can. I also realized when I woke up this morning that I am going to occasionally drop the ball and not feel like I'm doing things good enough. Last time, it took a big toll on my heart. This time... I know I will allow myself to be a little kinder to myself. I hope those around will too. So I don't have a secret other than this... KEEP GOING. Now... today is DAY 24 of the 30 days I am sharing NINE & Co. I wanted to share the beautiful gold accented cards and notes. I wanted to encourage you TODAY to take the time to write a note to someone that you love. Share your love for them! Just like the 8x10 white frame states: LIFE does not have to be PERFECT to be wonderful.

DAY 0- TRANSPLANT DAY

August 15, 2014, 3:58 pm

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I am at the hospital with my husband. We only know that his donor is male and 36 years old. They gave him 8 million new "donor" stem cells this afternoon around 3:15 pm. It is considered his "new birthday." His blood type was B- but his donor has B+ blood type. Tyler's blood type will now change to B+ as well. The entire process was two hours. This is a little bit about the donor stem cells.

 ****Why donor stem cell (allogeneic) transplants are used

A donor stem cell transplant can be used to increase the chances of curing cancers that affect the bone marrow, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma.

It can also help keep a cancer in remission (when there are no signs of the cancer) for as long as possible.

Your specialist may advise using donor stem cells because: 

• Stem cells from a donor won’t contain any leukaemia or cancer cells.
• Donor stem cells contain healthy immune cells that may attack any remaining leukaemia or cancer cells. This is called graft-versus-leukaemia or graft-versus-cancer, and it’s the main benefit of a transplant from a donor.

A donor stem cell transplant can be given at different times depending on why you need it. You may have a transplant:

• after the first few chemotherapy treatments when the disease is in remission
• when treatment has achieved a remission in a cancer or leukaemia that has come back (relapsed).

The aim of a donor stem cell transplant is to replace your immune system with the immune system of your donor. The immune system defends the body against infections and diseases like cancer. 
A donor stem cell transplant is sometimes called an allograft, because your donor’s immune system is ‘grafted’ on to yours.

The main benefits of having a donor stem cell transplant are:

• It gives you a new, healthy bone marrow. 
• Your new immune system can fight any remaining cancer cells.

A donor stem cell transplant is an intensive and complex procedure. It’s carried out in specialized transplant units with specially trained teams.

Tyler was a HLA match to his donor. I cannot express my gratitude that he is getting this chance. We acknowledge God's hand and mercy in giving him this second chance. I am constantly praying for him to be healthy again. I am praying the donor's cells will be MIGHTY and fight any cancer that is still "hiding" and that the graft to host problems will not harm and attack his body and organs. I know that Ty is most concerned at getting a donors cells that may attack his body. They watch this very carefully. It is a long process as you can imagine. 

Anyone who knows me KNOWS that I love quotes. They inspire me to do and be greater. I have always been a  firm believer to live each and every day with appreciation. Look for the positive in even the worst situations. I simply am thankful for each day of life with my husband. I know each day is a new day to just continue to fight. We both have faith and we believe in God's will and hand in his treatment. Trust me, I get scared. I have to push away the thoughts of "what if" because I can't think about this. Right now... TODAY... we simply are "not stopping" and letting cancer win this battle.

 

 I love this... LIFE really is GRAND, if we will

look at the good that always is THERE.

 I appreciate the support so much. Thank you for the prayers for my husband and family. I am doing everything I can to make it "normal" for my boys. They start school next week. They went to Lagoon today with a group of friends. I wanted them to LIVE today and know that no matter it's all going to be okay.




 

HELLO SATURDAY

August 16, 2014, 8:40 am

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This is the time of year when it is normal for me to kit round 1,000 kits for classes in September. Yes, events are not only a lot of work but a lot of class kit prep. I lost my help, but that is okay. I have a backup plan and I know day by day we can do it. If you have ever taken a workshop from me, you know that I want my workshops to be stress free with instructions and photos and beautiful class kits. I am all about learning and doing techniques. I planned my 2014 schedule with my husband. We thought he had "beaten" the cancer. So we made the decision that I would KEEP GOING and with the help my amazing mother in law and family we would make it all work. I realize what a blessing this is. 

My husband has to have 24/7 care when he gets home and I could not continue to work without the help from his mother. She is such a blessing. I can't imagine trying to run my company without her help. The part about my Carol that truly helps is that she does things that honestly I am not great at. It's no secret I am "not" the best cook. I can cook, but I am very much a simple cook. Carol has the time and talent to cook from scratch. She does everything healthy and organic. She takes care of the house and will come and help "deeper" clean the house to help us. I am sharing this because I   simply can't do it all. There is always a "time & season" in life. Right now, we are definitely at a time and season that we need her help. I can't do it all, but I'm trying hard to balance it all. TODAY... I am so happy to say that I am smiling. I am not being so hard on myself like I did when Tyler was first diagnosed and hospitalized. I needed help but just didn't want to ask. Guess what? it's okay to need help. I am using each day... each hour to be as productive as I can be... FAMILY first is always the way to be. Everything else always works out if you make time for the things that truly matter most!

So next weekend I will be going to see Matt, Kayla and the grand babies. Oh my... I wish Tyler could go with me. He can't and I know it's so hard for him. He still has not been able to see Tenneson or Maxson and Zellie (for a year now). It is because of their age and immunization. The doctors advised him to not be around anyone under the age of 14 and younger kids are definitely a no no. If he happened to get sick, it could literally kill him. He has no immunity. So next weekend I am visiting a store in Long Beach, CA and staying with Matt's family. It's still quick... Friday- Sunday but I really KNEW I needed to see them and wanted to teach for Martha. I have NO idea if there are any spots left. I do know the LIFE EMPORIUM page pocket class sold out as soon as she announced it. The others one were close to selling out last I heard. I want to share this workshop that I will be teaching.... 

This is the DAY 25 of my 30 days of INSPIRATION too-

This is my BRAND NEW GOLD HEART foiled CLEAR 4x4 album. I wanted to show that there is NOTHING little about this memory book. 

I know many of you take countless photos on your phone. I understand... it's easy. How many of you print out your photos though? How many of you are just taking photos and then they will be lost memories- since they are not being printed?

This is the BIGGEST little memory book. I can't wait to teach it. I am teaching it for the first time in CA, at Scrapbook Expos in Ontario CA and in Mesa, AZ and AUSTRALIA in November...*just announced... join me at PAGES 2 SCRAP November 6, 7, 8th MORE LATER...

The TC gold foil 4x4 cards are stunning....

I wanted to show that you can and will decorate and embellish the story even in a smaller format. *new TC label stickers and more!!!!! loving my black and white cabana stripe cards in this set. LOVE 2x2 as well...

My goal is to show how LITTLE doesn't have to be boring or hard to use. So if you are interested... watch for this workshop in California next weekend and at the two expos and AUSTRALIA. Trust me, you will want to take this workshop is you are taking countless photos (especially on your phone) and have no idea what to do with them!!!!!

TODAY... I love Saturday's... I am enjoying the day with my boys. I  will be visiting my husband of course too. I miss him every second of the day. I wanted to take my boys to a movie and just enjoy some   mom & son time together. I love that they love being with me too. HAPPY SATURDAY...

Hanging in there....

August 19, 2014, 3:11 pm

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I had the most amazing meeting and opportunity present itself to me this past month. It is truly a DREAM come true. I met yesterday to discuss this opportunity and I knew it was meant to be. I often marvel over the timing of things that are happening for me and our family right now.  I realize some things will and have had to "give" up to do the things I feel are important. There is only so much time and so I have to really feel it's the right decision for me often when I decide to add anything on my plate. I have always tried to listen to my heart and feel "good" about the decisions I make in my life, even the day to day decisions. 

Often voices of opinions from everyone is constantly given to me. "You should do this, I don't think you should do this, You need to do this, I feel like you have to do this, you have to do this,... etc." I appreciate those well meaning people, but I'm a firm believer that we need to be careful to listen to our own prompting, our own heart, and especially when we know it's God telling us to do something.  Today I had went into work and I felt strongly that it was time to go and see my husband. I wanted and just needed to be with him. I didn't question that voice. I went then and told everyone that I felt Ty needed me. I am at the hospital now. He is just the cutest man alive. I look at him and my heart EXPLODES with love. I know him better than anyone else and our connection is so strong. I cried on and off all day. The crazy thing is that Taylor showed up at my office this morning. I was shocked to see her. She came to help me with so much going on. I was telling Ty how having her come help really saved me today. He got tears in his eyes and I instantly knew he had texted her to come help me. I love this about him. He is in the hospital and he is most concerned about me.... helping me. I am so fortunate I married this man. He is day 4 post transplant. His counts are going down and he is having lots of headaches from the Tacrolinus (this is the medication they are giving him to help with rejecting the stem cells from the donor). He will be on this medication for a year. He has no appetite and they had a nutritionist come in. He was not eating any protein when he was eating and they warned him if he doesn't they will have to do the feeding TPN. He hated this last time. 

My boys are starting school on Thursday too. They both will be in high school. WOW... time does fly. I always tell young mothers- don't WISH your days away. Cherish them, they go so FAST!!!!

I was printing photos yesterday of my daughter that she sent from her mission.  I love this printer too. It is the SELPHY 910. 

It's wireless and I love printing out the pictures she emails me every Monday. It's a highlight of my week. I am trying to do more things like this that make me happy and remind me of the good times.

This is the last week of the 30 days of inspiration. I wanted to show this project called

FOLLOW YOUR HEART.

I am teaching this at my event in NV- Inspiration Unlimited.

That reminds me- if you want to be on my newsletter

and email for my events please email:

events@teresacollinsstudio.com

I wanted to show my BRAND NEW TC Signature Essentials

stickers- journaling snippets.

All the journaling has meaning and has so much value. I designed it to be full of gratitude and about LIFE. 

This is the stickers that are along the bottom of the project. 

PS my matchbox label stickers, wood dots and more are 

SOLD OUT already. I debuted my Summer products

and we are SELLING OUT. So if you see

them and want them... they are now sold out 

on my end. (thanks for the support everyone!) The cards

used on this stand are my STUDIO GOLD ones I designed for the AME WRMK system.

TC AND CANON GIVEAWAY

August 20, 2014, 11:00 am

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Who is ready for back to school??? We’re here to help get you one fabulously stylish step closer! We are SO excited to partner with @CanonUSA for this beyond amazing ‪#‎giveaway‬ valued at $429!

ONE lucky winner will win:

• One (1) Canon MG7120 Pixma Printer in White
• One (1) pack of 4×6 photo paper
• One (1) set of Studio Gold Stationery
• Two (2) sets of Studio Gold Note Cards
• One (1) set of Studio Gold Photo Overlay Card Kit
• One (1) set of Studio Gold File Folders
• Two (2) sheets of Studio Gold Sentiment Stickers
• One (1) Studio Gold Notebook
• One (1) Studio Gold Clip set
• One (1) set of Studio Gold flip books
• One (1) Studio Gold “Happy” Banner
• One (1) Studio Gold Calendar
• One (1) Studio Gold Clipboard
• One (1) Studio Gold Tassel Banner Kit

To enter for a chance to win do the following:

1) Follow both the @teresacollinsdesigns and @CanonUSA INSTAGRAM feeds

2) Tag a friend in the comments on instagram who you think would also like to enter for a chance to win!

3) Repost this image to your own instagram feed, tagging both @teresacollinsdesigns and @CanonUSA and use the hashtag‪#‎tccanonbacktoschool‬ (this is how we will track entries so don’t forget to hashtag!)

BONUS ENTRY for a chance to win can be earned by posting a photo of your own showing us WHY you want to win! Be as creative as you want, but don’t forget to tag @teresacollinsdesigns and @CanonUSA and use the hashtag #tccanonbacktoschool for your bonus entry to be counted!

Visit my blog for a full list of what is included in the prize package.

To see the sweepstakes details and read the Official Rules go tohttp://www.teresacollinsstudio.com/terms-and-conditions/

READY? I challenge YOU!!!

August 22, 2014, 12:44 am

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I am sure many of you have or will be given the ALS challenge. The first video that I saw was a friend of my son's who really didn't go into the meaning and it was "very comical." I did not even really realize what the whole "campaign" was about. Then my daughter Gentry had me watch the video of the "reason"... the real person behind the story. I was crying as I watched it. I felt I needed to help in some way. I then challenged Beth and Don Kingston and Chris Potter who I love and know from Xyron. I always tell my children to be a leader and not a follower. I knew that I wanted to accept my challenge from my both my friends TC and Amy. I also knew that every little bit helps. So I challenged everyone on my Facebook and instagram to donate just $5.00 to the ALS cause (or one that is near and dear to them). That alone would raise over 100,000.00 to the ALS cause. I wanted to personally donate $100.00 and do the challenge.

I know that without medical research we all can and will face horrible illnesses that have no cure. Thankfully my husband has had his stem cell transplant. This was a real blessing. This can help to save his life. How grateful I am to those who have donated and helped raise money for cancer and lymphoma research. I want  to make a difference in some small way. I am so grateful for my husband and his "fighting" but weak spirit. He is really amazing! I am headed for the airport on my way to Long Beach, CA in a few hours. I am going to see Matt's beautiful family. I will stay with them. I am so excited to see them. I look forward to seeing everyone in my workshops today and tomorrow too. I love doing these events.  Now today is the BIG REVEAL. My brand new dies SOLD OUT in hours on HSN. Now you can get them (*very limited quantity) here....

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It's simple... FAMILY is EVERYTHING

August 25, 2014, 12:53 pm

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It's now that time of YEAR.  Back to School....

I'm thrilled about the contest I am doings with Canon.

You still have until Wednesday to submit your photos and enter

to win the Teresa Collins & Canon contest.

This is huge!!!!!!

This is WHAT you will get from my company alone. Yes, this is STUDIO GOLD love!!!! This alone is valued at well over $200.00 and you will get the Canon PIXMA MG7120 printer in WHITE. This is valued at $225.00. You even get a pack of 4x6 photo printer paper. Who is ready for back to school? We’re here to help get you one fabulously stylish step closer! We are SO excited to partner with @CanonUSA for this beyond amazing #giveaway! To enter for a chance to win do the following: 1) Follow both the @teresacollinsdesigns and @CanonUSA instagram feeds 2) Tag a friend in the comments who you think would also like to enter for a chance to win! 3) Repost this image to your own feed, tagging both @teresacollinsdesigns and @CanonUSA and use the hashtag #tccanonbacktoschool (this is how we will track entries so don’t forget to hashtag!) BONUS ENTRY for a chance to win can be earned by posting a photo of your own showing us WHY you want to win! Be as creative as you want, but don’t forget to tag @teresacollinsdesigns and @CanonUSA and use the hashtag #tccanonbacktoschool for your bonus entry to be counted! To see the sweepstakes details and read the Official Rules go to www.teresacollinsstudio.com/terms-and-conditions/].

This weekend was fast, fun and very tiring. I was going non-stop with teaching and spending time with my family in Huntington Beach, California. I admit, I was a little nervous driving since less than a month ago I wrecked my car that I had rented. I am not used to driving on the 405.   SCARY!!!!!

I got to Scrapbook Daisies and had the best time!!!!! I taught long classes and really enjoyed everyone there.

It's knowing that I get to see my friends like Shetara. They make my trips meaningful. I love the girls who are there. I truly know them. As soon as I got there, I went to the beach with the kids and Kayla. It was so much fun. I love being with them and I know that they enjoyed Grandma Teresa. I painted Zellie's nails LUCKY green like mine. I did a Christmas/bday for them from papa and I.

With Ty fighting cancer for the last year, they cannot visit due to his immunity. I wanted to celebrate with them and gave them some presents in person so they knew it was from us and see their reaction. It was amazing and I felt they now will remember

and know that we wish we could be with them more.

When I left to teach Zellie wanted to go with me. She kept telling me to not go. So when I left they ran to the window. I took the photo. Is this not the most precious thing ever?

I never knew what how different it would be to be a "grandma."

I want you to know that I love them so much. I don't ever think that they are not because Matt was not born to me. Matt is my son

and in my heart I love him like all my kids. So when

he had children I loved them instantly.

I love Kayla and just don't ever see them as 

anything but my kids and grandchildren. When people question

how I can have them at my age- I just usually laugh and tell them I look young for my age. Yes, did you know I'm actually 60? 

Hey, I love this. I love being able to enjoy

my children and grand babies.

This is me teaching at Scrapbook Daisies. All the workshops sold out and we even had so many kit only's that I will be shipping kits later today. Great problem to have! We were busy spray painting and having so many GREAT class discussions. My heart is FULL!!!!

I honestly just feel like my heart is BIGGER from ALL of you. I love the hugs and the prayers and most of all the support I feel.

I love to share and hope that by sharing my life, my story, and my heart that others are in some small way inspired. I never know what I will feel prompted to share, but I do. I want others to know that I am just truly one fortunate blessed designer, mother, wife, friend, business owner, girl.... just me.

I got to hold and see this cutie. Our newest and 3rd grand baby...Tenneson Lewis Collins. 

He is 6 months old. He has the Collins nose. He is the sweetest

most easy going baby ever. He has the bluest eyes too.

On the way to church yesterday, I had to take this photo. Zellie is 2.5 years old and is holding Flowerina and the Hello Kitty box I gave her. She just kept asking for candy. Maxson is into Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles at age 4... just like his dad was.  I took so many photos. I will cherish every single one of them. This is really what MATTERS most. It's time with those you love. CHERISH it. I know I do.

SNAPSHOTS of LIFE

August 27, 2014, 7:09 pm

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I love Mondays because I get to email with my cute daughter. She is on her mission in Seattle and I am so proud of  her. I love her weekly photos. I can't believe she has been out on her mission for 14 1/2months. She sent this photo and said #sickofmexicanfood. Seriously, she is a nut! She is Spanish speaking and I guess she eats Mexican food every meal it seems.

This is a little photo shoot of Taylor & Travis. The wedding is less than 3 weeks now. It will be a very low key wedding and reception in Taylor's dads backyard.

Okay, I had to add another photo of McKay. Nothing makes me happier than seeing these girls who are all serving other people. I can't wait to HUG this girl. Obviously, you can tell I miss her right? Update on my honey... he is still at the hospital. Tyler has not engrafted and he is at day 12 after the transplant. They don't really know when he will engraft. The doctors said it is normal to see the average patient engraft on day nineteen. He has had two platelet transfusions this past week. His ANC counts are still at 0. Yesterday he had this last methotrexate treatment. He really hated the chewing the ice that is important with this treatment. So thankful that part is over. I wanted to announce the blog for the Teresa Collins Inspiration Unlimited blog. If you are going or want to go, make sure you check out the blog for the up to date information. You can find the blog at inspirationunlimitedevent.blogspot.com.

When you can't STAND on your own....

August 28, 2014, 1:46 pm

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This was my Facebook post this afternoon-

Family & Friends- Ty's count are at 100 today. THAT is such a blessing. The doctors are calling him the poster child. Ty's transplant is going better than they had anticipated. I have learned to VALUE every moment and NEVER give-up and NEVER give in. I went to the Desert book store today to buy items for our two cute missionary kids- Sister-McKay Pier and Elder Seth Collins. My heart was beating so fast, as I thought of each of them. We miss them so much and I know that God is watching over them as they serve. I pray daily (countless times) for their safety as well as that for the other missionaries.

I walked to the aisle of photos of Jesus Christ and I stood there and wept. I felt God's spirit rush through my entire body. I felt LOVE overcome my body and the feeling that God is mindful of me and my prayers of my heart. God has not left Tyler or I or our family for one second in this journey. God loves each of us so much and knows our own personal struggles. I felt I had to share this special comfort and witness. I have never doubted for one second that God is not carrying me and each of us when we feel we can't walk or stand on our own. I love you so much Tyler Lewis Collins- you are my BEST FRIEND!!!!!!!

Ty has been in the hospital for right at 3 weeks. He could come home a lot sooner if the counts stay high and he responds so well. This makes me so happy. This means I will be cleaning my house like a crazy mad woman starting today. I can't risk him coming home and getting sick. I know this makes me emotional in a good way. I keep telling God- THANK YOU THANK YOU    THANK YOU... I am so thankful for EACH day... EACH moment that we have together. I know we have a long journey of recovery ahead and it will not be easy. When Ty comes home he will need help 24/7. I am worried on how this going to be possible. I know it will be day by day. At 100 days, they will test him to see if the cancer is in remission. For now... each day, I tell myself- MAKE each DAY the BEST!!!!!

Follow your HEART in all that you do....

August 30, 2014, 1:40 pm

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                I am a firm believer in the power of YOU! 
Yes, YOU... I am often given the amazing opportunity to go and talk to groups about my life, my business and how I have grown my company from my design background. I am so thankful that I am someone others feel I have something to offer and give back. I want to help and encourage others to FOLLOW their dreams. I thought today I would share some of my personal thoughts. 

I am at the hospital with my cute husband. I am on "my bed" here. I have been here for hours and my cutie best friend in asleep in his recliner. I hesitate to even hold his hand right now. His count is still 100, but I KNOW soon he will be seeing that number come up. He needs to be at 500 for three days before I can take him home. 

I may or may not have suggested I wheel him out today to take him home with me. I miss him so much. Don't worry, we just laughed about it. He knows I wouldn't ever do this, but it's funny to joke about. I love that he wants me to sleep here at the hospital so I can be with him all day. We both are so positive in our HOPE and belief that he is going to come home soon. We are together going to KICK this cancers butt. BTW- today is day 15 post transplant. Day 100 will be November 23rd. That is the DATE to test to see initially if the transplant has worked and the cancer is in remission. Please join me in prayer for this transplant to evade his body with healthy stem cells that kill any and all remaining cancer. I will NEVER give up HOPE!!!!

Today I am sharing my OFFICE DIY update. Many people may not know that before I scrapbooked I was decorating. Yes, I am and always will consider myself a decorator. I believe you can design your life. Your home and surroundings are a MASSIVE (yes, trying to emphasis how big it is) part of YOU. Think of your home and where you spend MOST of your time. The memories you make and create. So for me, my new office needed to have the ESSENTIAL component- I feel myself, I feel inspired, I feel at home, I feel like who I am is represented. When you come to my office or home, I want you to feel welcome. There is a lot of meaning behind the items that are in my office and home space.  

I love the color WHITE. I always have. I think my last three cars have been white. I love the freshness and the LIGHT of white. It reminds me of "HEAVEN". Not that I can remember heaven, but I believe we lived with God in heaven before we came to earth. I love WHITE because in my religion we have temples that we attend. The white represents pureness and something I strive and want to have. (photo: teresa collins office reception room area)

This is the upstairs "meeting space." I added a chandelier ($129.00) and had the room wired prior to moving in to accommodate this. I feel that LIGHT is the way to show us the way in life. It's hard to maneuver in the dark. I add lots of light so that I can see things clearly. In business, you have to be careful to listen to your own heart, gut and instinct. You can be easily discouraged by others or people who don't "see" things the way you do. Successful business people have to follow their own light and not be swayed by others. I added this GOLD picture. I wanted it for a long time. I could not see paying the $499.00 price tag so I waited for it to go on sale at almost 70% off. Yes, Zgallerie does have sales if you wait (patiently). I love GOLD. My mother did too. I got a beautiful gold ring from my mother when I was younger. I still have it. She loved "gold" jewelry. The color GOLD reminds me of her. She always told me... You are my GOLDEN girl. From the time I was 5 or so, I was her blond haired, blue eyed golden girl. She told me that I could have all the GOLD in the world but have NOTHING if I did not SHINE in my heart. She wanted me to be a GOLDEN person. I have strived to listen to her. I want to have integrity and be kind because to me- MONEY is only money. Use the money you have to bless the lives of others.  My mom is no longer with me. I miss her everyday. I hope I make her proud.  I want to shine like GOLD for her.

I wanted to share this. I have been in the craft industry now for right at 14 years. I love it so much. I never thought that I would be designing well beyond and outside that industry. I did however set goals. I still have a FIVE YEAR plan. Do you?  If you don't have a plan, a course of action for you life... YOU may not even know what direction to take. I would tell each of you... WRITE down what you want. Then you have to take the steps to make that happen. Follow that road... or your will get lost and maybe even go the wrong direction. I can't stress this enough.

I have had such growth in the few years, I realized I needed to hire and surround myself with others who knew things I do not. This to me in vital. I am not an expert at accounting. However, I have three amazing men who I hired who do. Do what you do well, and surround yourself with others who do the same. PS- so excited for the addition of Bridget Bauer Bradley to my sales department. She starts on Tuesday and many of you may know her. 

That is why I partner and license my designs with certain companies. I love designing albums with We R Memory Keepers. I love working with CANON. As an avid photo taker, this is a passion of mine. I printed these photos with the Canon Selphy 910 printer wirelessly at my office.  (photo: Teresa Collins albums with We R Memory Keepers and card sets Studio Gold- photos from Selphy)

I LOVE working with FISKARS. Yes, I could shout this too. Who would have thought I would be designing punches and tools and scissors? They are the BEST in the industry for their quality and designs. I knew they would be the company I would want to work with.  Don't settle for LESS now for what you may want later. I was given the opportunity about five years ago to design punches for another company. I turned it down. Those closest to me thought I was crazy to not do it. Again, follow your heart! I knew I should wait until I knew it was the perfect fit. Little did I know Fiskars would happen. If I had "settled" and went with company B... I could not have said yes to this amazing opportunity. Now the next thing is about CANON. I am not a professional photographer so why would Canon ever want to work with me? I had NEVER even had them on my radar as a potential partner.

Never limit the possibilities in your life. I was very honest in that had it been Nikon I would not have agreed to work with them. Now don't get me wrong. I know that Nikon has amazing and wonderful cameras and products. However, I have always used Canon. So I told them how thrilled I was and knew it was a perfect fit. I know that TRUST is important. I believe being honesty is all about personal integrity. If I say I use or design or promote something, you will always know it's the truth. No amount of money will make me feel good in my heart if I've mislead my customers (my friends). This is one of the office rooms. I knew I wanted a bold look of a dark black wall and the other walls in the room are white. I wanted a room of artwork that I had designed with inspiring quotes. This is the beginning of my vision. Devan is my son n law. I love how he is my "substitute" Tyler right now. He is doing the things that Tyler normally "loves" to do for me. This is the wall before and later this week you will see the 'after.' Now, this is again another example of me following my heart. I know people may think... why put so much effort into your office? or maybe... a BLACK wall? I just think you need to surround your life with things that make you SMILE. One of the other office rooms has white IDEA PAINT on one wall. This was what aka Mr. President wanted to make his space creative, functional and enjoy work. (ps his name is Mike Wigton). Sorry I rambled on and on. I just love days that you feel the need to share. PS- my favorite tv show is SHARK TANK.  Ty and I are huge fans. Anyone else watch this show?

Just in case you haven't heard...

September 1, 2014, 4:10 pm

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An official press release will be coming soon. I am beyond thrilled to partner with Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts to bring you the latest and greatest products to the paper, tool, memory keeping and craft market. This is just the beginning of GREAT things with my designs and growing brand. You will be able to find entire dedicated sections of Teresa Collins products at their amazing stores. This is a HAPPY day...

Partnership with Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts and Fiskars debut-

September 2, 2014, 5:17 pm

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As many of may have heard or seen, the Jo-Ann partnership is setting at the stores across the country. I have been in the craft industry for 14 years now. It has truly changed in the past years. I have always and will always support the independent stores. These are the smaller (and larger stores) that are not considered "big box."  I knew that many people may not be aware that my products have been in Michaels, Jo-Ann, AC Moore, and Hobby Lobby for years. I would do exclusives or offer my products after I had offered the collections to my independent stores first. I know that the crafting industry survives because of both the independent and big box together. So many crafters shops at both and there are simply needs for both.  Most LSS survive because they bring in so much variety and bring in all the collections. The big box may bring in ONE collection. The truth is that when I started in the craft industry, we had probably close to 5,000 plus stores in the independent market. A product run can be at a smaller amount- 2,400 units. Sadly, the independent market has drastically decreased with many stores closing. This means that the number of stores now cannot support the minimum needed to do a production run for a company. This means, with out "big box" orders, many manufactures will not be able to even continue to survive.  I had another company in the industry tell me to "not post" about some who would not understand my partnership. They said, "don't worry about anyone who won't support you and you don't need them." Guess what? I disagree. YOU deserve to know WHY I said yes and truly am thrilled about this opportunity. You deserve to know that I care about EVERY single one of my stores. I will personally call you and explain this to you. Please know I do care. I am deeply thankful for each of you that carry and or buy my products. It is because of you that I am able to design. I love what I do and I do need each of you. Many feel that if you sell to big box that you are hurting the industry. However, the truth is that as a company there are simply not enough independent stores around to keep most companies profitable. We need more stores in able to produce the minimum quantities needed and pay our employees. What can I do? I travel and teach at independent stores year round. I decided years ago that I will visit stores in hopes to educate and hopefully inspire their customers. I host several events and invite the retailers to come. I offer collection lines months in advance to the independent market. I am 1,000% passionate and committed to keeping the crafting industry going. My brand new products are hitting Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores right now. The original HELLO MY NAME is - was debuted in January 2014. This amazing "new" line has been"refreshed and I designed NEW products" for Jo-Ann. I stand behind this decision as I know that I want to be around as a brand and company. I know that my intention is to excite and promote my products to as many crafters as I can. I am proud to be partnered with a company who believes in my designs and passion for preserving memories and the WHO, WHAT, WHERE and DETAILS of life. I can't thank you all enough for the support. I am sorry if this decision in any way makes my independent stores decide to no longer carry my brand. I knew I would post this blog post someday. I know many of you do not know the "behind the scenes" of what it takes to survive as a manufacturer. I knew I needed to share this post. I want you to know that I am thankful for those of you who love me enough to want me to not only survive but shine in a tough economy. If you are a retailer, most of you KNOW me. I love you dearly and I will personally do anything I can to help you. You know that I will always do everything I can to support you and our industry equally. Thank you for your support. I know that together my branded products in both the "larger" and "smaller" locations are a way to tell my story. I will continue to make store visits. I can't wait to share more with you about the Jo-Ann debut of my products. TODAY... you can see my FISKARS Teresa Collins collection of tools, scissors, punches, trimmer and more. FISKARS is doing a BIG giveaway today on their Facebook page.  Want to take home a fabulous prize pack of Teresa Collins Designs tools from Fiskars, plus crafting supplies and embellishments valued at over $500? Just tell us what inspires you to create, and you’ll be entered in our fantastic giveaway! Enter now:http://shout.lt/CNf3.

OVER $500.00 GIVEAWAY  to celebrate the launch of the Teresa Collins & Fiskars. This has been their biggest partner launch ever and it's only going to GROW.

They are WHITE, pink and accents of GOLD. The new Teresa Collins products have launched and are NOW live and shippable on www.Fiskars.com. There are18 NEW items in this debut and collection. I can't pick a favorite....  The best thing ever is that TODAY- I got to pick up my sweet husband from Huntsman Cancer Institute. It puts in all in perspective. I marveled at God's hand in allowing this to happen so fast. He was only in the hospital for one month. HE is the superstar patient. That is super fast for his stem cell transplant. It should or could have been weeks longer. Today my heart is full. My emotions are tender. I see the enormous blessings of him coming home. I am so grateful for my company and the ability I have to support my family. I see Heavenly Father's hand in this. I am overcome with thankfulness.

HUGE CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY!!!!

September 3, 2014, 3:07 pm

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Today I thought I would share a "BEHIND the SCENE" 

of the debut of the 18 new Fiskars/Teresa Collins

products. 

I instantly "clicked" with my friends at Fiskars. I was thrilled to design stamps with them. I enjoyed our phone conversations and appreciated their belief in me and my style. They had come to me about doing a "product" together and I knew I couldn't because it was in the same "design category" as something I had coming out that they did not know about. I was disappointed, because I figured I had blown my chance with them. Crazy to turn them down, but I had already committed to something else. 

Then I got a email. They wanted to know if I wanted to design my own collection of utility craft knifes, scissors, punches, and more. It was one of those "defining moments" in my design career. I immediately said YES and we arranged for a phone conversation. 

My mind was racing at the possibilities. I loved that they wanted me to stay true to me and what I would personally love and use. Fiskars is aware that I teach thousands of students a year and I use punches in some fashion at every single event/ workshop. 

This is my ACTUAL gold cart that I use to roll to where I am creating. Please notice... 

CRAFTING ESSENTIALS deserve

to be PRETTY. 

I sent this photo to Fiskars several weeks ago. They had sent me my products to create with. Yes, the GOLD TC trimmer is the prettiest trimer I have ever laid my eyes on.

*note- yes the stapler, adhesive mega runner, X sticker maker and chipboard punch are all TC with Xyron.  What I love about Fiskars is that when I asked them in my collection could be very TC in style would this work, they supported my request. I knew that I wanted the  'white white' body and the subtle pink (yes, I love pink but honestly- TOO MANY of my friends have or are fighting breast cancer) and I love PINK- and then I asked for the addition of the image of the punch in GOLD. Oh my... BEAUTIFUL is the word that comes to mind. I designed these punches with purpose. I asked if they could make my handwriting (LOVE) into a word. They did it! I asked for a feather... I see making gold jewelry! I wanted a tab punch because I am a AVID book maker. It looks like the CHEVY car sign but when you fold it over it's a tab. How about the candy stripped pink scissors? The anchor is for the reminder of WHAT anchors YOU in life. It can be travel too, like the airplane punch.  I love the mini heart handheld punch. Maybe you can see I think I have them ALL as my favorite.

So you can WIN an amazing prize if you go to Fiskars Facebook page and ENTER to win over $500.00 worth of products. Thank you FISKARS for believing in me. I have to "spill the beans." They have never did such a HUGE release with anyone else. We already have MORE in works. Yes, you might say this is only the beginning.

Tenneson is six months old now. I am in love with this cutie. Also, next weekend... join me in British Columbia CANADA. I will be at Clipper Street Scrapbook Company. I am teaching Christmas and Gratitude Workshops- I hope to see you there and some workshops are sold out- please call to see availability. Thrilled to be asked back.

LANGLEY STORE
#105 – 6360 202 Street 
Langley, BC V2Y 1N2
(p) 604-514-2229 
(e) langley@clipperstreet.com 

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BIG ANNOUNCEMENT-

September 4, 2014, 5:10 am

≫ Next: LIFE MOMENTS

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*brand new design- HELLO MY NAME IS rub on. Today Scrapbook Update featured the announcement that was made this week of the amazing opportunity and growth with my partnership with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. In addition, they also debuted the images and good news of my designer series of  tools and products with Fiskars.  SCRAPBOOK UPDATE- Teresa Collins announcement  I will be sharing the newly designed items today via photos and a video. I was truly thrilled to debut- HELLO MY NAME IS with new designs A little about this collection. I believe that this collection will not only be one you will use to "document" your life, but your parties- (with my celebrate banner!!!), stationery (note cards, sticky notes, stickers and more!, HOME DECOR- Gallery Art. I wanted to bring MORE to the creative world. This is the sticky notes. I am always in need of sticky notes and constantly writing things down.  This is the notecard and envelope set. I love the simple red glittered design. Note: I am using these for my Christmas cards this year. *Photos do not do these justice. How about a stitched adorable circle garland for adding to your holiday card, or displayed in your home... or scrapbook? I can't wait to show you these glittered cuties in some of my projects.  This is my matchbook of six sheets of stickers... 179 total of different stickers. STARS, LABELS, SENTIMENTS and more. I am going to use these in bulk. RED foiled designed 8x10 GALLERY ART. Wait to see what I do with this. I promise you will love adding this to your home, office, or even book making!!!!! This is one of the 8x10 Gallery Art Frames that I used as my  book cover. This project is about me and my life right now. Yes, I adhered it to chipboard and added my gold bookplate (yes, these will be available at Jo-Ann with this debut) and the sentiments inside my gold frame are from my HELLO MY NAME IS JOURNALING tidbits.   This is the cutest polaroid banner to display YOU or your favorite people inside. It comes with material to hang it too. OR my FAVORITE- RED GLITTERED CELEBRATE banner.

Life is to be celebrated. I love this!!!! I will be using this for Christmas too. My products are available at hundreds of Jo-Ann locations and online. Many products are online right now. I am thrilled to tell you that I designed this line...

HELLO MY NAME IS to tell the story of YOU, your life and your story. I wanted to do a beautiful collection that documents in a beautiful way WHO, WHAT, WHERE, and the important details. It is so important. If you are not writing it down... it will be forgotten.  I will be doing a video and sharing MORE of the actual products. I truly believe crafting and creating can be "MORE than PRETTY paper." Yes, I said it. I want you to be inspired to DOCUMENT how fabulous YOU are. I hope you will focus on telling your story in whatever way your heart speaks to you. I know for me, when I lost my mother it changed me. It was too late for me to ask her so many questions. I wish I would have been into "scrapbooking" then. I lost so much. Unfortunately, her death that was so unexpected at age 53 years old, woke me up. I started to scrapbook as therapy and a way to document what I could remember. I hope this line INSPIRES you to tell YOUR story... NOW!!!!

* I am loving have my best friend home. He is the CUTEST. He is very weak and sleeps a lot. This is good because I know he needs the sleep to heal. Also, my sons are LOVING high school together. I can't believe I have a 15 and 16 year old. They are truly becoming closer. I was overcome with gratitude when Zach was contacted from Stanford this week. Yes, he is a junior and is not only a kind, sweet, and humble kid... but he is very academic (4.0) and excels at baseball. 

I had my heart overflowing at the choices he will now have because he has works so hard academically and with his baseball goals. He was sidelined all this summer. He hurt his back during state playoffs. He had physical therapy this entire summer break. I am most proud of his drive to not stop or give up. He used this time to work out daily and eat well to be FIT and ready to play baseball again. 

However, in the end- baseball is just a sport and his health was the most important thing. He always said, "Mom, I want to be good enough to get a full ride to play baseball, but I could get a full ride academically because of my grades without baseball." This summer proved again to our family, you never know what will happen. Be prepared!!!!

My son Tyler is doing GREAT things too. He was asked to go every week and will work with the special needs at a local center. He will be helping them every Thursday evening to do Arts & Crafts. I know this experience will enrich his life and heart at the age of 15. I know when he first was asked to do this, he was unsure if he even wanted to do it. (just being honest). Then he came to me with tears in his eyes and told me that this was an answer to a prayer he had prayed about. I think every young person at some time in their life questions... Is GOD real? Does he know me? Does he LOVE me? Well, Ty felt strongly that this opportunity to serve was a answer to his prayers. 

*he made this cedar chest for me last year. 

Oh, and in 15 days my daughter Taylor is marrying

TRAVIS. Oh my... I can't wait. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the 17th (surgery day for me)... but 

I can't WAIT for the 19th. It is going to be a beautiful and happy

day for them and our family. I am in full wedding spirit now.

One of the reason I LOVE having our SEVEN amazing children is all the love and fun times it gives us. LOVE grows and as

our family welcomes another person- TRAVIS,

my heart is happy. 

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A MOST AMAZING DAY TODAY!!!!!

LIFE MOMENTS

September 6, 2014, 4:12 pm

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Today I was starting to decorate and put out some "fall" items. I am a little obsessed with the mixture of mercury glass, golden glitter (pumpkins) and I added my white ceramic pumpkin. I designed the collection LIFE EMPORIUM with FALL and GRATITUDE in mind. This is a layout of Zach. He's 16 and just love the mixture of cork, wood and sentiments in this line. I am teaching a

workshop at CLIPPER STREET SCRAPBOOK COMPANY next weekend with LIFE EMPORIUM. This is really one of my all time favorite collections. It's all about "reflections" of life

and WHAT and WHO truly matter

most. This collection is available at all the independent stores 

NOW. 

How can I say how HAPPY I am to have my daughter Taylor so very happy? This was her wedding photo session before the wedding. 

The countdown is actually 13 days. 

She really wanted to do something different. 

I think going into the woods does justify as this.

She even borrowed my gold and crystal chandelier. 

Yes, I spray painted it gold. I loved the addition of her

hanging pearls. She is creative.

I am IN LOVE with each of the photos I have seen. These are truly special moments.

My event in Vegas is in less than 3 weeks too. It has been fun to do so many great things. It's like a "friend" reunion once a year. The friends are around 300 people and I LOVE doing this. 

I love the friendships made. I love having so many people tell me that this is what they look forward to every year. 

This year the theme is LIFE IS GOLDEN. I love themes and quotes. 

My cruise in November has the theme: 

SHINE

I love this word so much. I often am drawn to people who SHINE. They radiate and I always strive to SHINE in all that I do. I think of my beautiful McKay on her mission. My daughter is beautiful but I think she shines most because of her inner beauty. When she gets home from her mission in December, she tells me how she wants to go and serve more. She wants to go to another country and help those less fortunate. She wants to work as a Especially for Youth counselor in the Summer. She just wants to help others. 

Right before she left for her mission, she came home from BYU to go downtown with me.  Salt Lake City is beautiful and safe, but on this particular day she was "confronted" by some mean people saying mean things to us. I know my daughter was a little taken back and scared. She said "pretend you don't hear them." I told her to not listen and walk fast. It was a moment I remember very well. I saw her growing up. She was SHINING in WHO she is. I love her so much. I am a blessed mother and wife.

*Ty update: Ty was back at the hospital yesterday. He is still sleeping most of the time. When he does get up, it's such a huge effort of energy to walk and do things. His counts seem to be okay and that means the donor stem cells are continuing to graft. Ty has to go back to the hospital twice a week at this point. It really drains him. Everyone always asks if he is cancer free. They will not recheck him until November 23rd. That is his 100 post transplant. 

I don't think about it. I take it ONE day at a time being most grateful for THE day. We are going to CARRY ON... like a warrior.  I am embracing the beauty in the journey of a hard time for Ty and our family. I'm not pretending it's not hard. I choose to build a better attitude and life for my children, home and be his biggest cheerleader.  Trying to balance my business with everything else has been a daily struggle. This time, I have been KINDER  to myself. I am a braver person. The trials have made me stronger. I will SHINE even in the rain. JUST like each of you CAN and I know do.  I truly LOVE each of you. I know I may not know you each personally. I often think of the millions of visitors that come to my blog each year. I wonder what brought you to read my blog. I always think... " I hope in some small way, I have said something that inspired or made you smile." Even if I have made you think more about the great things you have too in your life. Being full of gratitude is so important to having a happy life. ;

CONFESSIONS AT MIDNIGHT

September 10, 2014, 10:56 pm

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I am writing completely from a raw and deeply personal place in my heart at this very late hour at night. Most days I think I am strong. Well, not today. I just allowed myself to cry and cry. I left my office and I knew that I needed to just be alone with the feelings that had overcome me. Each day I see the "overload" of blessings in my life. I truly just want to focus on these things. Then I look at my husband and my heart breaks. I have never personally seen the effect of what CANCER does to a body until this last year. Cancer is a huge mental battle for the patient and the loved ones. I can be honest in that I live ONLY in the belief of his recovery. My husband joined that "horrible club" that way too many people are in. I see the days go by and you would think Tyler would be getting stronger and feeling better. That is simply not the case. If anything, I see him getting weaker and the signs of the graft host rejection are ever present. I literally went to Jo-Ann craft store tonight and walked the aisles. I could NOT stop crying. I was contemplating LIFE right now. I was thinking of my children. They are so brave and strong, but I would be the biggest liar if I said they are not scared that the transplant did not work. I know it's from the fear that the first transplant did not work.

My FAITH is stronger than my FEAR. My tears shed because it's so hard to watch the person and people you love most in the world struggle.

I know my husband NEEDS me to be strong for him. I did not come home until I got my tears in check. He knows without me having to say a word. Our house is on lockdown. The only people who come into our home right now is our boys and his mother. We can't risk Tyler getting sick. Each day Tyler simply sleeps due to extreme fatigue and when he can he will walk around. This takes tremendous effort. 

I will NEVER give up HOPE. I don't pretend to have all the answers. I just have FAITH in God's plan. NEVER GIVE UP....

Lesson: I have learned to not take the ability to move, walk, run and leave my house for granted. It seems like such a simple thing, but when you lose the ability to do these basic things, it is really hard. Count your blessings each day!!!!

I have learned so much about myself and my husband as we have faced trials and tribulations this past year. Well, first we both never once thought to give up or feel sorry for ourselves.  Trials are something we all face and some are much harder than others. Ty and I also have had the BIGGEST blessings come and we are humbled at the timing and comfort they have brought to us as a couple. We have felt God's love and know that we have strength to make it through the tough days. We choose to look at things differently. No HAIR... don't care!!!!! No date nights... every night is a date when we simply spend time talking together. It's all how you choose to look at it.   We just have to remain STRONG and keep going together. 

I have been so busy with designing, meetings, moving my office, hiring new staff, preparing for my event in Vegas this month and balancing a schedule that only allows me to sleep a few hours each night. I have learned who my support is. This past month, I have watched as my office team has surrounded me and my family with the most love. To help me, they have offered to do MORE than I would ever expect or ask. As my business has grown, the opportunity to branch out and design more has been growing tremendously.  I am thrilled and excited. This keeps me going because I believe in sharing a message through my products and events. I wanted to thank the people who are helping me keep all the balls rolling. 

I know right now, some days... maybe the balls are rolling in more directions than I can personally handle.  I accept and do need the extra help in keeping the balls all rolling in the right path . I checked my email recently and I had 17,876 unread messages. I wanted to let you know... PLEASE know that I wish I could respond to each and every one of the emails and requests. Many of you email me and share your story. I am stronger from hearing those words. So I want to let each of you know that I ask for your patience right now and please do not be offended if there is not a response right now. The "team" has given me strict orders to focus on what is most important and get more sleep. ha!

If you are a store please know that we are in the process of hiring and expanding our team. Recently we have added Bridget to our sales team. You can contact her at bridget@teresacollinsstudio.com. If you are contacting me to teach/ speaking engagements please email Ashley at ashley@teresacollinsstudio.com. To sign up for any of events you can contact the store directly or email events@teresacollinsstudio to get info or get on the waiting list for the sold out events for next year (cruise, Inspiration Unlimited) 2015. 

This photo was recently taken for my debut at Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts partnership. I would love to share something personal. When I met the woman who is the reason why I am now in hundreds of their stores, I literally cried. She saw something in me and my designs that spoke to her heart. As I shared my heart, my passion and  WHY I am inspired, she really just "got me." It was like MAGIC. The bigger picture is our love and our belief that crafting and creating is MUCH more than the product. Don't get me  wrong, beautiful product is essential. I am in LOVE with the design process. However, the MEANING is the foundation. Mix them both together and it's truly OVER THE MOON amazing. 

That is why the Hello My Name is was debuted and going into hundreds of stores right now. This special collection is so near and dear to my heart. When I suffered from my stroke November 8th- 15 years ago all I could "think" in my mind was how my children would never remember me. I could not talk or communicate. I was so scared. I look at things differently knowing I am lucky to be alive. I want to encourage YOU to tell your life story. You may think others know, but often the memory forgets what is not written down. There is NO right or wrong way... just do it.

That is why I visit the local scrapbook stores. I hope to share my story. I am headed to Canada this Friday. I wanted to share that I had to postpone my visit to Hannah's Home Accent next weekend. I  know I disappointed so many people coming and the workshops were full. I had no idea when it was scheduled, Taylor would be getting married and this would be her date. We tried to work around my schedule, but in the end it was the best option. 

I love Travis and Taylor. Taylor called me crying so hard earlier today. Yes, her Mac laptop hard drive  crashed. She lost EVERY single photo of her courtship and all photos from the last two years. Needless to say, she regrets not backing up her computer. I unfortunately had this happen to me about two years ago. So that is why I print, print and print my photos and yes, I back my computers up. I am thankful I have photos for her. We printed a bunch of LARGE photos for her for the wedding next week on my CanonPIXMA printer. REMINDER- backup your photos. She lost all of her photos and is heartbroken.

Scrapbook Expo blog hop- HELLO FRIDAY

September 12, 2014, 8:13 am

≫ Next: MASSIVE SALE- in ONE WEEK !!!!!

≪ Previous: CONFESSIONS AT MIDNIGHT

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HELLO everyone!!!! I'm at the airport on my way to CANADA...

I wanted to share that I did a blog hop to day with Scrapbook Expo. Yes, I am headed to teach at TWO of their events. So here is the post and the videos:http://weeklyscrapper.com/?p=45198&preview=1&_ppp=594bf3c6ad

Teresa has been able to create this line with both wood and cork,  making it perfect to scrapbook the men in your lives, but it also contains enough feminine touches to make it ideal for the entire family. This line is full of wonderful extras, including die cut cork embellishments. Teresa encourages us to appreciate every single day that we have. This new line has everything you need to help document your own story and the things you are grateful for.

Teresa has created a vibrant, life-affirming line called Nine & Co as her way of expressing gratitude to all the crafters she has been able to meet. These products are all about being happy and are filled with lovely colors and positive, uplifting quotes.

You’ll find gold foil overlays, vellum word stickers, decorative buttons, and much, much more. Teresa reminds us that every day we have the choice to be happy, and that “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.”  This collection is the sure way to help you create your own book of happiness!

Teresa shares her very glamorous new Christmas line called Tinsel & Company. Teresa has applied her interior design savvy to create this fabulous line based on some of her favorite places to shop.  These beautiful, high quality papers feature gorgeous, distressed gold and subtle hints of grey and contain designs that are a dream to work with.

These products will help you create that perfect Christmas project. Included are stamps, sequins (800!), ephemera, wood die cut ornaments, and much, much more. Christmas can’t come fast enough once you have your hands on these fabulous products! Visit the Teresa Collins site to let the fun begin!

Teresa loves Christmas so much she created two Christmas lines this season! Candy Cane Lane is a delightful line sure to evoke your fondest Christmas memories. In addition to the lovely, heavyweight cardstock patterned papers, you’ll find coordinating washi tape, photo overlays, sequins (of course!), ephemera, file folders, stamps, and more.

These products will help you create lovely pages, along with banners, tags, mini books, and projects that will bring a delightful touch to your holiday season this year!

You will love creating with Teresa’sSignature Essentials! These updated, classic elements are the foundation of your next project. Teresa’s flip books make telling a story not only easy, but a lot of fun. Large stencils for words, numbers, stars, and more are perfect for home decor, DIY, crafts, as well as scrapbooking. Included are journaling stickers and hard-to-find thick clear paper.

Signature Essentials are designed to change the way you create!

The Teresa Collins Cut’n’Boss by Craftwell  is a one-step automatic embossing and die cutting system. All you need to do is simply turn it on and insert your folder or cutting die. It works with any dies available on the market and is fully electronic.

This is the only machine that will emboss paper up to 8.5 X 12. (Just wait until you see the wood pattern embossed paper – beautiful!) Any crafter would be lucky to have this machine at their fingertips!

We’d like to express our sincere appreciation to Teresa,  not only for creating and sharing all these beautiful new products, but also for her inspiration, both in life and in scrapbooking. We love your motto “Create a beautiful life” and thank you for sharing yours!

**** Teresa back... okay, this might be a little Teresa video OVERLOAD... ha! Oh well, I hope you will still enjoy them. I will blog from CANADA... 

MASSIVE SALE- in ONE WEEK !!!!!

September 12, 2014, 11:13 am

≫ Next: OH CANADA

≪ Previous: Scrapbook Expo blog hop- HELLO FRIDAY

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In ONE WEEK...

You can come to the FIRST massive sale in UTAH with 

your favorite companies products.

This is a a massive warehouse declutter.

Yes, many lines were SOLD OUT and 

you find a few items in the warehouse or office... 

so we are coming together at MY MINDS EYE location to offer 

you the opportunity to get some AMAZING deals!!!!

I have surgery next Wednesday and my daughter get's married on Friday so I won't be able to make it on Friday. I am going to try to sneak up on Saturday and would LOVE to meet you there. So join us. I have NO DOUBT you are going to LOVE all the products and the amazing deals in store. We are all making ROOM for new products at our warehouses. Join several companies and manufacturers and know that you are invited to our family party. Yes, we are family in so many ways. I am honored to know each of these companies, and I am honored to be able to do this together.

Even though my newest products will not be on sale, YOU can be assured that the selection is still fabulous and YOU will NOT want to miss this big WAREHOUSE gala... I mean sale. I hope you can make it. I will be there on Saturday and hope to personally see you each there.