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OH CANADA

September 13, 2014, 8:37 am
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The good news is that they let me in CANADA. I have traveled the world and CANADA is the only country that seems to think I am doing something SHADY to visit them. ha! Actually, I think the security and border officers are doing a great job. I have been asked questions here I had never even thought about would be asked-

Have you ever had a DUI? (nope, I don't drink)

Are you a felon? (nope, ha ha....)

Have you ever been arrested? (never once... )

Are you carrying any drugs? (nope, but I do have some Tylenol) Yes, I'm scared not to be REALLY honest.

Why are you here? (then about 20 questions later.... What do you design? You travel the world to do this? Why are you coming here to show how others how to keep memories preserved and create projects? ) I like to bring lots of project samples to display and last year I came and was questioned why anyone would bring 3 suitcases for a three day visit. This year I only brought TWO. ha! 

PS... I love VANCOUVER... I love it here...  I really LOVE CLIPPER STREET SCRAPBOOK COMPANY. Yes, that was bold and powerful. This company is THRIVING, booming, excelling at a harder time in the industry. Deanna Hutchinson is one of the store owners (with her parents) who knows how to run a business. It starts with ONE simple word.

passion    passion   passion   passion   passion

it's so important I typed it FIVE times. 




We are such close friends and I can talk to her business or as a friend nonstop. We both just LOVE what we do. She encourages and supports me. Her company is very successful and I tell others about her. WHAT is she doing right? I am so thankful to be here and with everyone that supports her and my company. 

I hope you will each think of your own life. WHAT excites you? WHAT is your PASSION? 


I believe this with my whole heart. When I design I have to love it. It has to have meaning. A paper is only a pretty design but if you put "heart" into the design, the quotes, it's MAGIC. I am sharing my heart and what I love most..... it's the meaning behind the designs. 




I am teaching two workshops today and I am always GRATEFUL for this opportunity. I feel to me the connections and teaching and making appearances to support my company is vital. I gain so much and I value the stories, the support, and the hugs I get. I have been showered with love here. THANK YOU so much girls!!! I love you.

HAPPY SATURDAY... go do something FIERCE today!!!!


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Surgery went GREAT now let's have a WEDDING!!!!

September 17, 2014, 9:39 pm
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What a fabulous crazy busy week!
We are in full blown wedding, partnership meetings, my event next week and surgery mode added to "our normal" daily life.
So it has a been nonstop craziness.

I had been so scared about the surgery today. It was minor surgery, but when you are put under anesthesia, there is always risks with surgery... it's scary. NOTE: there is a video out there that has me coming out of surgery thanks to my beautiful daughter Taylor. She taped me and I did not remember anything of what I said. My kids were laughing so hard and needless to say the video has been deleted. 
What happens on versed can be quite entertaining!
Taylor even showed up to take me to surgery and we were wearing the SAME shirt. Yes, I changed. 

I know I talked about it before and finally knew I needed to have the surgery due to fibroid tumors and polyps. Thankfully, a few weeks ago the biopsy did show that they were not cancerous. Mine were benign but larger growths that potentially can grow quite large (think size of a five month fetus- no thanks!) These tumors actually can cause very heavy bleeding as it causes a thickening of the lining of the uterus. My polyps formed a endometrial hyperplasia, with this overgrowth of the uterine lining. This is common with women who have given birth to several babies. I have had five babies. 

Here I am this morning. I am waiting to be taken back to the surgical room. I got poked a few times and they waited to start the IV due to "blown out veins" in that room. They told me to show up very comfortable and wear no metal. I love "no makeup" days.



I even got this fleece zebra blanket to keep forever. SWEET! I got some cute blue socks that Taylor wanted. She waited in this room during the procedure. THANK YOU Taylor for coming helping me. I know dad wanted to be there but right now... it's just not possible and my kids are helping me through so much.
I am happy and thankful I did it. I'm home and the discomfort has been okay. The hardest part is trying to stay down for the first 24 hours. 

I am thrilled my daughter Taylor is getting married on Friday. We have the WAFFLE company coming and rented a company to set up strung lights all in the back yard for the reception. She is having this at her dads house. Taylor felt that she wanted it small and intimate with the family and friends who have helped her in this journey. So NO INVITATIONS were sent out other than to immediate family. I had to ask for one myself! I hate to have any hard feelings if you are reading this and did not get the invitation. I have not even seen who is coming. Taylor wanted to do this herself and I will tell you, it's going to be AMAZING!!!!


Taylor is very artistic. She picked out her dress and they did the bridals together. I loved this. They wanted the wedding day to be focused on them and family... a celebration.
(I love that Taylor is using my chandelier and hung this in the woods)



Taylor has said I can share a couple of the photos. I can't wait to show you the MANY printed photos that we printed with my printer. Of course, I am totally in love with the large format printer. 
(CanonPIXMA iP8720- is the DRESS printer).
All of the photos were shot by her wedding photographer and a Canon camera. *more about this later and a contact for this amazingly talented photographer.

THRILLED that my event in Vegas- Inspiration Unlimited is NEXT WEEK. I have to say that as my company and brand has grown so has my events. I have been able to do things that are so fulfilling and special to me. I want this to be such a GREAT event that you will want to come and come back every single year. 
I want to GIVE back to you. I want to bring in teachers who INSPIRE you. This year I have been working so hard so make this happen. I love to throw parties and this is ONE huge party.


I am so thrilled to announce that Friday night at the event is the BIGGEST party. Yes, Canon is coming. I have personally designed a Photo Booth and exclusive bonus make n take class workshops. Oh, and then I have MY FAVORITE THINGS 
GIVEAWAY
*I can't tell you who made my LIST but those going will get a GOLD TICKET and the opportunity to WIN my
FAVORITE THINGS.
Check out the event blog. Signups must be emailed and addressed to
TERESA COLLINS VEGAS EVENT 2015.
*please note the event coordinator Ginger and I keep all the names and if you are on the waiting list ALREADY- you do not need
to resubmit. THANK YOU!

*WARNING... I need to share CANADA visit more with photos.
In order to post this week, the photos are unedited and borrowed from my dear friend Deanna Hutchinson who is one of owners of Clipper Street Scrapbook Company, along with her mother Lori.


I love teaching. It's just PURE joy for me to show how I design and create with my products.  I love every single second of it.
We had girls drive long distances to be here. We even had girls come from the United States. Wow... I just feel so loved and supported.


FISKARS punches are now shipping RIGHT NOW! Yes, they are at HUNDREDS of Jo-Ann stores. TERESA COLLINS PARTNERS WITH JO-ANN  
So I had to let them use the amazing new tools and actually give some of mine away. Fiskars are so generous and I love working with them. Just know that I personally loved and designed each and every one of them. Fiskars is the BEST and they stand behind their products. This is quite the honor to be doing this. 


I gave away some of my MEMORY PHOTO books with WE R MEMORY KEEPERS. 


I loved the SPRAY PAINT area. Yes, it is always out doors. This is my new WOOD die cut pieces with my Christmas collections. I also had them spray paint my NEW -ALPHAS and NUMBERS. Trust me... these are not die cut paper. They are a thin plastic and spray paint makes them POP. I am so in LOVE these essentials of my collections. 


 This is the projects that I brought to show my new collections. I allow everyone to take as many photos as they want. To be I want everyone to feel inspired and get as much out of workshop as they can. 


I made this project with my Studio Gold card set with WRMK, and my essentials stickers for memory journaling. 


Deanna and Lori have created a HUGE store with GREAT selection. The store is over 5,000 plus square feet and they are a DESTINATION. You have to go visit them. Yes, I will go back.
I am blessed to call them REAL and TRUE friends.
I get so many invitations to visit and teach workshops and I have stores that I have for years personally committed to. I will go at least once a year. I feel it so important to visit the stores that support me. They have several sections of my products.
I will be friends with them and their family forever, even if I was not a company and they were not a store.  

I love their store classroom. This is one of two classrooms.









My new products!!!!
ATTENTION: RETAILERS
My New York City Stationery products, office, party, gift and memory keeping products are SHIPPING effective this week.
You will have to contact Bridget Bauer at our new number at
Teresa Collins. 
bridget@teresacollinsstudio.com

801-770-4416

We've moved and you can only get STUDIO GOLD directly from us. We have a new warehouse full of the most amazingly beautiful products that is a dream come true for me!!!!


Everyone got to use my new punches and tools and my existing TC Xyron products. I brought every one of them and some of my favorite other tools from Fiskars. 


When you think of FABULOUS... this is what I think of these two women.
Deanna and Lori.... you inspired me in so many ways.
Deanna just is one smart business woman and I love listening to her stories and the way she runs her business.




LISA was a WINNER too. She is coming to the Vegas event too. Talk about a sweetheart! 


Did I mention we had so much fun???? I feel bad I did not get photos with all the classes and this was the end of the day and we were missing girls who had to leave early.

This is where you will find me teaching next: 

Teresa Collins Vegas Event- inspiration unlimited
September 25-27th. On site store that anyone can go to operated by Ginger the event coordinator. 

October 3-4- Mesa Arizona Scrapbook Expo *sign up online
October 10-11- Ontario Ca Scrapbook Expo *sign up online

October 17-18th- Ben Franklin Stores in Washingon (monroe on 17th/ bonney lake store on 18th- SIGN UPS HAVE STARTED NOW)

October 17th 2014
Ben Franklin Stores event with Teresa Collins
19505 State Route 2, Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 794-6745

October 18th 2014
Ben Franklin Stores event with Teresa Collins
21121 410th Hwy, Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 862-6822
Scrap N Bean- October 24-25th EDMONTON, CANADA www.scrapandbean.com
Scrap & Bean event with Teresa Collins
Edmonton, AB CANADA
www.scrapandbean.com- Kathy Hanson Owner

NOVEMBER- AUSTRALIA Teresa Collins Visit with Pages 2 Scrap (limited if any space... call TODAY!) 6th,7th, and 8th.
Tuggerah NSW 2259 Australia Event


November 16-23rd- Teresa Collins Caribbean Cruise 2014 from Galvaston Texas (sold out)

December 4- 6th- Thousand Oaks, CA Treasured Memories visit.

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Happy WEDDING DAY...

September 19, 2014, 3:56 am
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I am up very early. I finally gave up and at 3:30 am decided to get up. I love writing early in the morning. The house is quiet. All my family is asleep. Today my daughter Taylor is getting married. I love that they found each other. Last night, Taylor was given some advice from her dad Bob. She called me afterwards and shared the advice. Her told her that "any two people can get married and make it work." He explained that marriage is hard work and that they have to put each others needs above their own. Basically he was telling her that commitment to each other, the marriage and that to have a God centered family/marriage. 

I know that marriage is not to be taken lightly. Taylor is becoming a stepmother today to Travis's ten year old son. Taylor just turned  24 years old last month. I have seen her with him. I know how much she loves him. I also know that there will be times that she is not "equipped" to know how to handle a instant "son" who is older. I know that her love for him and Travis will prevail. I told her that times will come that will be hard. It's part of our "imperfect" life and how she chooses to handle the situations is going to be important. 

When Ty and I married I had three beautiful young girls. I was divorced by the time I was 27 years old with Taylor, Gentry and McKay. I was so not looking to find Tyler. I had gotten married the first time to the girls dad at 19 years old. It was "not a mistake" but a life experience that I now have three of my favorite, most beautiful best friends and daughters from.  So I was newly divorced and not looking on the day I met Ty. (yes, I met him at the gym on the first day of my brand new gym membership) When we married he had two boys and I had my three girls. Instant love and we were married within a year of meeting. We had our sons Zach and Tyler. Imagine dealing with the ex's... a new house, blending and introducing our kids to our "shared" life together, moving to a new home, and I had to get used to being married to a doctor who was working 12-14 hours a day at the time. I was 28 years old and yet, Ty and I were determined to allow our LOVE to triumph and weather the storms. Oh we had storms. Once Ty told me that my feistiness was cute. I think he loved that I was a strong woman. I was raised to be strong in that I believe man and wife are equals. I grew up in an abusive household and watched my father degrade and beat my mother. I vowed that I would be allowed to express my opinions and not be in that horrible situation ever. I knew the first hit would have been the last hit. I watched my father constantly cheat on my mother. It was so hard and yet I learned by watching and knew I would break the pattern. I would not allow someone to do that to me.  

So I'm sharing this because I believe in life... "people will treat you, the way you allow them to treat you." I heard this by Dr. Phil years ago. I believe it. I know that marriage is give and take and through the hard times and the good times, the foundation just grows stronger. A marriage built on love, trust, and integrity is vital. I encouraged Taylor and Travis to be committed to each other above all else. Treat each other like the most valued and special person in the universe. I know that they will be happy.

I wanted to share more of their photos today. It's raining right now and the reception is outside. No matter what happens it will be a WONDERFUL day. 







I love that my husband talked to Taylor last night and gave her advice on the phone. I was telling her what he was telling me to tell her. He's not a big talker right now. He does not have a lot of energy.  He has been having some major issues with the graft/host problems and is having twice daily infusions for anti-rejection. Unfortunately, the drugs are causing kidney issues and they are now trying to deal with two issues. He is still very weak and spends most of his time in bed resting (I don't know if rest is the right word). He will not be with us today to celebrate. This makes me sad, but I know he would if he could. 

Also, if you are in UTAH this weekend. Remember it is the big WAREHOUSE sale today and tomorrow. 



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PICTURE PERFECT- Wedding weekend

September 22, 2014, 6:14 am
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Introducing Mr & Mrs Travis Card


 On Friday, my oldest daughter married Travis. She was a beautiful bride. She was the most calm bride I had ever seen. It was a small ceremony with only family followed by a reception at her father's home. It was just a huge celebration of love. The atmosphere was calm, very laid back and relaxed and we even had WAFFLE LOVE come. 


I am going to do a VERY photo heavy post today. I am full of happiness for the best weekend with my family.
My sweet daughter got married.
My heart was happy but sad for those who could not be with us.

PHOTOS countless photos were taken to help make them feel a part of the celebration.
The reception was gorgeous and the lights adorned the backyard and pool. 
Taylor was beaming.
She had done so MUCH work and was prepared. (so Taylor)
She had created her own DIY Photo Booth backdrop for photos with my new Studio Gold wrapping paper. It is GOLD glitter and she cut all the circles by hand. Then we attached to white paper and VOILA instant photo background. It was so beautiful and so simple.

I loved that everyone that could came to the wedding.
Matt and Kayla came from Huntington Beach, CA. I adore their sweet family. I love the grand babies. I had had surgery and was feeling AMAZING after the first day. So I treated them to lunch at my FAVORITE pizza place in Utah. Pizzeria Limonde (114th South).
We went to Thanksgiving Point- The Museum of Natural Curiosity on Saturday. You have to go there. I loved that Zach
and Ty loved it too. They loved playing with the kids. They adore the "babies" and are the best uncles.


I was taking photos and making personal videos ALL weekend for my husband, McKay and Seth. I posted them on instagram, Facebook... and made special private videos for my sweet husband. 
NOTE: When I'm out and about
my small Canon camera is (ALWAYS) in my purse. It's too hard to chase and hold kids with a big camera. 


Trust me your kids will THANK YOU one day for taking photos with them. Zach actually loves photos with me because
he'll tell you that I'm his best friend (well, minus the "girl" he is so "in like" with)... more on this later. 


We were constantly going to the the craft store for all the DIY projects that Taylor and I did for the reception. I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts I think FIVE times in two days.  It's the mega craft HEAVEN. I am telling you that they probably think I am the "stalker" girl. I really was buying stuff. ha!  I was buying chipboard letters, adhesive, ribbon, fabric. Do you love my GOLD trimmer? It's now available. It's so cool to see people at my section. I loved seeing these two cuties at my section in the Draper store. Most stores are set or are close to being set. I loved seeing their reaction to my products and we even posted on instagram on the spot. They have the NEW Hello My Name is too.

This is my friend TC (yes, same initials) who came all the way from Alabama to be here for the wedding and my event this week. She does not have a Jo-Ann close by and so she kept buying all the punches and new HELLO MY NAME IS. I know she blew the "budget" set by her husband. I loved her reaction to my big &. She had no idea it was so big.

Now, I am going to post photos from Friday... WEDDING DAY no particular order. Just know these were taken to CAPTURE memories and the professional photographer will have the beautiful edited ones. I have the ones that were simply "telling a story" that I don't want to forget. It soon got dark and my photo time was over. I hope she got some good ones.


This is Travis Card. He has an AMAZING family. He is one of 9- yes, 9 children. Yes, his mom Terri was the SWEETEST lady. I can't wait to get to know her. She lives a little far from me, so we just met for the first time.  I have a feeling she has a lot of patience.


I would have to say this is my favorite PHOTO of the day because it was candid and I had no idea it was being taken. I am not even sure what was being said. It's just my sweet daughter on her wedding day. I love her! 


Taylor and Travis had the MOST fun and relaxing day. Everyone was taking photos and having fun. FUN was on the agenda. Here is TC and I. Note: my son Ty is the photobomb. LOVE him!  


There was a big movie screen in the back yard going with a movie for the kids. So POPCORN had to be available. I love it! 


She picked out the most beautiful WHITE bouquet and dress. It was actually a top and a skirt. Taylor was stunning. I am so happy for her.  


This was WEIRD. It was the first time when I felt "the loss" to not have McKay in a photo. I am with my two daughters here and yet, it's not complete. I have three beautiful girls and McKay was deeply missed. McKay we love you so much.  (yes, she will get this blog post sent to her)

Now, this is where it get's crazy. Taylor and I printed so many photos. Yes, the courtship was documented. We were still printing on the day of the wedding. This is their courtship documented in photos.


Please note: the photos were amazing in that they were REAL LIFE. These are Travis and Taylor memories. Due to the sun, the photos here look weird but they were stunning. The best quality can be printed right at home and makes it so fast and on the spot.

They had a video going the entire time which I loved too! 


The photographer who came was a CANON girl too.
(printed with CanonPIXMA iP8720) 
More photos....



I loved this photo of the newlyweds. 


REAL... candid photos are the best. Sorry Taylor!


Our boys... Ty, Matt and Zach. We missed our Seth since
he is also serving a mission in Arizona right now. 
Everyone was commenting on how much Zach and Matt look alike. They must have gotten their dads strong genes. Crazy huh?
PS the boys ADORE each other.


My boys and Kenadee. Yes, Zach is dating this wonderful young lady. I love watching him. She is the cutest girl and actually is so much like our McKay. (well, not as crazy- ha!) 


Taylor made the most beautiful pool floaters. They were white with gold accents and they put lights in the pool. It was so stunning and elegant. 


I love Taylor with Jaxon. She will be a great "second mom" to him. He adores her. I have no doubts that she will only influence him and love him in such a positive way. 


Well, she is my daughter. ha ha...
So many photos were framed and EVERYWHERE-
along with my Studio Gold TC gold sequins... 

Candid moment: Taylor with Jaxon. I love this photo.

Now, I am biased my heart MELTS for these two-


Zellie and Maxson 


She will tell you. I am 2 1/2 and my favorite princess is Ariel and then name EVERY princess from Disney. She loves to be held and I miss her like crazy. I know she's at the age where she would spend the night at Papa's house now... she asked me, "Why is Papa still sick?" They really wanted to see him.  


This is Maxson. BEST four year old EVER- seriously the easiest and sweetest boy. He is kind and silly... loves Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles and is going to be an architect someday (well, he loves to build things).


Zach, Travis and Travis. I am so thankful they found each other. 

Not sure what Devan is doing here... but I had to show Tenneson. Best baby ever. He just is so sweet and let's anyone love him and hold him. Gentry was not wanting to let him go.


PHOTO BOOTH time.....  


Gentry and Kayla 


Matt and Kayla...
Oh, and I had WAFFLE LOVE come to the reception. 
BEST plan ever. They made the best waffles for everyone. 
Then you put nutella or strawberries with cream on top... you decide. MAJOR hit!!!


Zellie loved the strawberries.


PS... Zach dressed himself today. His sisters razzed him for being in all black. ha! Kenadee wore a dress like Gentry's- cute!


I have another grandson. I think he is adorable. He already gives me hugs and affection. This ten year old is special. I know he can count on me to love him just like the other grand babies.


It soon became dark. Many of our closest friends came. So many people asked about Ty and the kids on mission. We felt so much love. This is McKays best friends. Josilyn and Taylor Ann and more came. Gentry's best friends came. We had the most amazing small wedding and it was PERFECT!!!!! I love every single memory and photo. I will cherish this time and this weekend. 

Now, I am preparing for the BIG event. Yes, I leave on Wednesday for my event in Vegas. I am barely sleeping. It's a HUGE undertaking to have 300 people at an event. This year is BIGGEST year EVER. I have went a "little" overboard. If you are in the area, there is a store on site- Down to Details. You can find everything and my BRAND NEW products too. Yes, I am bringing STUDIO GOLD. Trust me... you will want to stop by even if you were not able to get into the event.

HAPPY MONDAY!!!
I also have a new show today on www.mycraftchannel.com.


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VEGAS... on the way

September 24, 2014, 12:47 pm
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I am in the car... yes, backseat with my daughter Taylor driving us to my event in Nevada.  It's a GREAT event with the most beautiful passionate women who come. It's so much work but I put my heart into it. I am going on no sleep. I guess you could say this is my normal now. 

As a business owner, wife, and mother I am always trying to juggle and balance my priorities. My family is and will always be my heart, my driving force and the reason behind all that I do. That is why it was vital that I hired more employees to handle the growth in my business. It is always a challenge with me being so hands on and passionate about everything. I know that going on four hours of sleep each night is catching up to me. I am going through such a huge trial right now that is so deeply personal that I cannot and will not share outside my family. Through the many daily tears... I just KEEP GOING. I look for the good even though the storm of the magnitude of a tsunami knocks me down... setbacks... What can I say other than that I feel heartbroken and each day right now is FOCUSED on my family and not letting my heartbreak change me as a person. I have to keep going and as Dr Phil said, "Look where you're going, NOT where you've been." What I ultimately want is a a life surrounded by my family, true friends and doing what I love MOST. I just am so super sad that in KEEPING GOING I have to FACE some tough issues alone. My husband is beyond worried, sad and just feels helpless. So I go on... I go on... just being grateful that no matter what I have the HOPE and FAITH that I will have Ty back healthy again and I won't be alone as I face this journey.

I have learned that LIFE can change in moment. A new normal can and does happen. I never in a million years thought my husband would be homebound, in bed almost all day, getting transfusions twice a day and dealing with not only cancer but a severe reaction to the drugs they gave him to save him life. Right now, we are dealing with the fact that the anti rejection drugs are not working. I haven't wanted to post this but RIGHT now... he is BATTLING like nothing else. He can only keep his spirits high and keep doing whatever the specialists recommend. He is so prone to an infection that he is literally 1,000% away from all people other then me and the boys. No one else is even coming into our house. My friend came to visit me and she stayed with my children. We can't take any risks. Through it all Tyler has NEVER once complained to me. 

Ty is my cheerleader and only praises me and thanks me daily for working so hard to provide for our family, run our errands, do all the grocery shopping, etc. and remember to "endure it well." 


This is exactly how I feel about my husband... he is my world. It is by Taio Cruz. 

The song is Telling the WORLD... 
about the LOVE that I live for and the one who deserves it, 
it is because of you TYLER that I get going... EVERY part of my heart... I love you best friend!!!!!! 

He's the ONE... He's the ONE... because of Tyler I keep going with faith, love and gratitude for my husband and family.

*so did not expect to post any of this today. Just followed my heart and let the words flow.


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JOIN me in Nevada!!!!

September 25, 2014, 9:44 am
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I found out yesterday that I am doing a store appearance here at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. You are all invited!!!!! It's only 3 miles away from my event here so I was thrilled to do this. The store appearance today is from 1:00- 2:00 pm in Henderson Nevada. Join me and see my brand new products at 651 Marks Street today. I would love to see all of you!!!!!


I love this event so much each year here in Vegas. I know the girls here and they have surrounded me with so many hugs. 

I drove down with my daughter Taylor and TC. We sang, we laughed, we cried and we bonded. We talked about our husbands and how blessed we each feel. TC even videotaped our singing adventures. I was crying so hard at one point from a song that I was doing the "ugly" cry. I looked so bad that we then laughed hysterically. GOOD TIMES!!!!!


NOTE: In love with my GOLD tree necklace and the black leather hat that I bought in New York City (street vendor).


This is the view from my hotel room. Yes, it's just like pure relaxation and the perfect place to host an event. Many girls bring their husband and we bond. To me this is more than just crafting... it is an experience.

Last night, I had dinner with all these friends. Sorry Shannon, Mona and Hollywood were late. We even got the private room at PF CHANGS. We stayed for hours talking and bonding. It's important to me to be with everyone. I am blessed that they come back year after year. Always humbled that they want to spend time with me.

Bridget and the team are on the way NOW with a loaded van and another car with this trailer being pulled.

BRAND NEW Teresa Collins will be here today. For the first time Studio Gold will be HERE!!!!! I can't wait for everyone to
see my gift wrap, notecards, stationery, journals and all the yumminess. It's like debuting my baby...


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My EVENT starts TODAY!!!!

September 26, 2014, 5:59 am
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TODAY... in two hours is day one of my VEGAS event. We have a huge ZEALOUS passionate group of ladies here this year. I am showing you a little peek of the BIG TC album that EACH of the 300 attendees will get today. My workshop is this entire album... I designed these for We R Memory Keepers. They are my gold clear cabana stripped 8.5x11 albums with gold book label. This is my card set and I'm showing how DOCUMENTING your life can be EASY and beautiful. It's just a matter of doing it and TAKE MORE PHOTOS!!!! 







I am actually showing you a few of the INSIDE images of my album. Everyone at the event
get's their OWN set of photos with 
EACH page. 

This workshop is only THREE HOURS
so they can not stress and even do it
ALL later if needed. 

SO today and tonight is all about being CREATIVE, and 
enjoying the process. I hope to inspire everyone today
to JUST realize that THEY MATTER,
THEIR LIFE MATTERS...
and DOCUMENTING through
WORDS, PHOTOS and telling their story
MATTERS.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!






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THANK YOU... the end of Inspiration Unlimited

October 1, 2014, 5:13 am
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I am in Hudson, Ohio for a quick one day trip here with JoAnn. I wanted to share about IU.  This past weekend was the Vegas event. It was a growing experience for me in more ways than one. I always feel we are daily given opportunities to show our strength, our heart, our kindness and just grow from each experience. This past weekend was the last... the end of INSPIRATION UNLIMITED. It was and is sad that after all these years, there will be no more IU. I did not know that  it would be the last year or I would have announced it.

 As many of you know that with business and life changes... things happen. I want to thank Ginger Nelson and support her in all that she is doing and her online store and crops Down to Details. I wish her the greatest success because she deserves it. I met her years ago at an event and I will truly miss her. She was the over the top fun event coordinator. It is sad for me, but I respect her decision. I only wish I had known so I could have publicly given her a HUGE fan fair and announced properly that IU was no longer going to happen again to everyone.  IU was "Ginger & I" and without us as a team, I knew IU would not be the same. 

I wanted to thank the amazing teachers that came this year to the event. I am fortunate to call many of them dear and close friends. I look up and hope to get know the others the same way. Thank you Jodi Sanford, Heidi Swapp, Kelli Collins, and Paula Cheney. Such a honor to have you at the event. There were pre- IU workshops taught by Vicki Boutin, Layle Koncar, Robin Huber, Kimber McGray, Joey Otlo that was a huge success. 

YOU are GOLD... each of you are sharing so much. THANK YOU! This is a song that speaks to me about BEING GOLD!!!



I  had talked to my partners and they overwhelmed me with offers to support any events that I do. It made me so happy to give back to those that came this year to IU. Every person at the event got a TC white tote bag with "Teresa's Favorite Things" gifts- new TC Fiskars PINK/WHITE stripped scissors and TC Fiskars mini star punch and more!  TC WRMK GOLD foil HEART 4x4  instagram album and instagram 4x4 card kit, Xyron gave everyone their PURPLE sticker maker, and I was able to get two CAMEO machines from Siloquette, Craftwell donated two TC cut n boss machines, American Crafts was so generous  WRMK with my albums, and  CANON gave away selphy printers and Canon printers Canon Pixma iP8720 and the white office ones too. We had so many sponsors that night and for the event. 

 Canon sent Janis to come print out the photos we did from our photo booth. I worked hard to buy a lot of FUN "PHOTO PROPS" and Taylor designed the booth background. Janis printed out so many photos for everyone. It was so touching to see people win so many prizes that night. MONA was in the first winner and her screams got EVERYONE excited. Janet won the "boo"... the CAMEO. It's her new boyfriend CAM. Many had tears of gratitude in their eyes. THIS is why I do what I do. The event was supported with my corporate sponsors but the feelings and event was still heartfelt and will always remain so. I would never have it any other way. The message this year was GOLD. Every single person that came is worth more than GOLD. We need to remember our GREAT worth and to me I want any event I do to be MORE than just paper.



JUST SOME OF THE PRIZES FROM TERESA'S FAVORITE THINGS FRIDAY NIGHT. YES, THIS WILL HAPPEN AT TC VEGAS 2015. THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS. WE HAD OVER 1,500 PRIZES THIS WEEKEND. FISKARS ALONE GAVE AWAY 700 PRIZES. 



WINNING THE PIXMA PRINTER...IP8720 WAS VERONICA... THIS IS SO HAPPY and recently lost her husband expectantly. She came and this is JUST what she needed. I love you Veronica. I am thankful YOU are BRAVE and came... you are GOLD!!!!




Going into next year, the event will certainly change without having Ginger. My event will be the Teresa Collins Vegas event going forward. I am fortunate to have some amazing things happening and growth with my business. My events are a way for me to educate, hopefully inspire and share my creative passion and spirit for LIFE. Life is to celebrated. Life is to CAPTURED. I will continue with the Vegas event much like any other TC event that I am doing.  With the support from the companies I have partnered with, I only see brighter things happening in the future. 

*if you were on the IU wait list for attending- I will honor the number and placement you are on for the TC Vegas event if you wish. If you wish to be off the list, this is not a problem at all and we will delete any requests to do so. If you are on the list, you will get an email to acknowledge and reply that you want to remain on the wait list or be deleted. I have decided to continue with fabulous teachers and guests coming and pre-event workshops. This event will no longer be called Inspiration Unlimited. 

 I have listened to your feedback from those of you who come to the IU event.  I will offer pre-event workshops that you have asked for and more. Expect photography workshops, Siloquette, Cricut explorer, and crafting workshops. The teachers for the workshops are excited and I even have another "surprise teacher" that was previously not announced. Later this week you will hear more about the TC Vegas Event 2015.  Please address any questions or concerns or sign up to- events@teresacollinsstudio.com. 

The Teresa Collins Vegas Event 2015
Green Valley Resort & Spa - Henderson, NV
September 24-26th 2015

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WHO ARE YOU????

October 5, 2014, 11:02 am
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This has been a REMARKABLE week. I have been going and going and have been focused on that... to keep going. This weekend was amazing to be able to slow down and enjoy down time at home. I feel refreshed, renewed and grateful. I have made many decisions lately. I realize that I have to make the right decisions that keep me going in the right path and always keeps my family as my first priority. 


http://youtu.be/JsVVwoDHZXo

DECISIONS DETERMINE our DESTINY- President Thomas S. Monson





I was given the opportunity this past week to meet many new business friends at Jo-Ann headquarters. Often, I am asked to tell about myself. What is my story? Have you ever thought about YOUR story? Our stories start from the time we are born and they unfold like a layer of an onion... with life experiences. Each of us walk the similar paths, happiness and hard times, and everything in between. We are all different. We are all so important. 

We are meant to let our light SHINE so that we can be a light to others. I was honored that Jo-Ann wanted to debut "HELLO MY NAME IS" a brand new revised version to debut my collections. I hope you will watch my "spur of the moment" video. I hope you will challenge yourself and others to "tell the ongoing" story that only YOU can tell.


This was the meet & greet at Henderson, NV JoAnn store. I know that EACH of these beautiful girls all are different, special and have their own path and story. That is the beauty of life. I love them all so much. I am so thankful for my events that allow me to SHARE, teach and meet so many people that enrich my life.


 This is the entire collection. If you are looking for a way to tell your story or help someone do theirs this is the perfect collection. I would love to see what you create too!



I love all things about CREATING and doing DIY projects. I am honored to be with JoAnn and thankful for EVERY single independent store who supports me. I am 100% supporting them... I will continue on my journey to do this... it's my PASSION. 


I believe in FOLLOWING your heart. I wanted to show the die's from my new MEMORY collection. This is just ten of them. I have designed them to tell the story of your LIFE. Last week in Vegas, someone took all the dies that were going to be given to each student. It happened so fast, and we could not find them. No one got their dies for my LIFE IS GOLDEN album. So my family and I are doing them for everyone. It will take us a couple of weeks to do all of them, but it is the right thing to do and I'm mailing them day by day to all that attended.  My office has been overwhelmed with my last post to come to my 2015 TC Vegas event. Please know that we are adding each of you. You will be notified via a newsletter about when sign ups start. 



I am so fortunate to have Taylor who is uber organized and is working part time for me too. I never realized how fast my company would need MORE employees. I am looking for a Social Media specialist and if you are interested and qualified please contact bridget@teresacollinsstudio.com 



Tonight, I am flying the red eye to Tampa Florida. I am going to be on HSN on October 7th. This Tuesday is 24 HOUR CRAFT DAY!!!! I hope you will join us. I am looking forward to this special day and seeing all my HSN friends. 

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MONDAY in TAMPA... HSN time!!!!

October 6, 2014, 5:23 am
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Well, I am now in Tampa Florida today. I took the red eye and am now preparing today for the HSN 24 HOUR craft day. It is all day... starts at midnight October 7th EST. I am not on air until 8am EST for my first show.  I am on again at 9am EST and scheduled for more shows in the afternoon. Yes, often they do change the schedule and add and cancel some shows. Last time I was on air I had the TSV- Today's Special Value and it is really hard to go on so many times and keep the energy up all day and for the 24 hours. I love it though!!!!!!  

You never know what "celebrity" or person you will meet at HSN. I do personally think Tony Little must live at HSN because he is always there when I am. He has a army of fitness models with him every time. I admit, that I love that they do my hair and makeup. They have a full time staff of professional artist and the salon is just like a normal salon (a smaller version) and they have you go in about 2 hours prior to your appearance and then one hour before later shows for a touch up. I have learned to let them know what my natural look is. A couple of years ago, I had on bright red lipstick and felt "weird." It just wasn't me and I felt uncomfortable on air. That reminds me... make sure you watch tomorrow and call in. I love it when I get to talk to you. 

Today I wanted to share with you this photo. Can you guess who this baby girl is?


It's me. 
This is the ONLY PHOTO of me as a baby. I cherish it. I have no idea why I did not have more. I would imagine because my mother was not financially able to take photos. It makes me sad when I think of all the people who are not printing out their photos now. We are going to be the lost generation if we don't start taking the time to print out our memories. I hope you will each remember to not only take the photos but to print the photos out. 

I remember the first meeting I had at Canon headquarters on Long Island. I met with a team of employees who talked about this. It really added FUEL to my cause. I realized that too many of us are taking photos ONLY with our cell phones. These photos are just "in our phones" or on some social media site. They are not being printed out. I have challenged my kids to stop taking all their photos with their phone. I gave each of them their own camera.

Right now, Zach is taking a photography class at school. He is in 11th grade. All of my kids have taken this course. I felt it was important for them to have a foundation. They take photos and then print them out. Zach is using my camera right now, he wanted a "great camera" that was lightweight and easy to take to and from school each day. I miss it. He is "borrowing" my G16 for the next few months.

I am now using  the Canon S110 (it's white and a EXCELLENT) camera in my purse (note: I keep mine in clear plastic make up bag to protect it and to see it). I love that he asked for his own camera. Yes, he lost his about a year ago. He loves taking photos and I have "stressed" in a good way the importance of documenting life.    I am a huge fan of the G16 because it is so lightweight and the quality of the photos are "amazing." It is like a professional camera at a relatively affordable price. I found as I travel my larger Canon camera was just too big and heavy. 
Many of you will say... "I don't like the way I look." Well, trust me, I feel the some way some days. We are so hard on ourselves. However, we must remember that this is important to be a part of the story, our life and family. I just tell myself... 20 years from now, I will wish I still looked so young and realize I'm being too hard on myself. 

The other day Taylor visited me at my office. She works for me part time. We were sitting beside each other and I leaned over and said, let's take a couple photos together. At first she said, "I don't look good" and then said "never mind" and we took a couple photos. These random... photos for no reason... are my favorite. 


Take photos and take MORE photos. I print off my photos at least twice a month. I would rather have my photos printed and a book of memories more than anything.

Tomorrow is the big 24 HOUR CRAFT day on HSN. I hope you will watch and call in if you can. I also want to thank everyone for sending and posting my products that they are finding at JoAnn on my page. Keep them coming!!!!! I am loving that you are doing this and sharing this with me.

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BEHIND THE SCENES- 24 HOUR CRAFT DAY today on HSN!!

October 7, 2014, 10:15 am
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Well, my day began at 4:00 am. I am lucky because I got to sleep for four hours and then get up. I then went in for hair & makeup and set up for the four shows I did this am. 



This is in the hallway at HSN. We each set up our tables and then they will take the tables into the studio prior to us going on live TV. I did a little 5am selfie this morning. 

Thank you Kevin for always wanting to see me with curly hair. I always say "go for it." Thank you HONG for the make up. She was amazing and I love that she did colors that I don't normally do. I was so tired that I kept my eyes closed the entire time. I went to the salon, having just showered and my hair dried. They did the magic of makeup and hair to a very tired girl. THANK YOU is simply not enough!!!!

PS My husband watched me this morning on TV and told me he loved my hair today.  He is my best friend and he is the biggest cheerleader. I just can't tell you how his compliments melt my heart. I love that he took the time to call me to tell me how great he thought I did today.


HSN studio is always going... 24/7. This is the front entrance. You have to go through a security gate and then all doors are locked and your have to have your badge to get through all the doors for security reasons. Everyone at HSN is super helpful and friendly. 


They have sodas and snacks in every green room and you can watch the shows from a private relaxed comfortable room. I think they keep all the caffeine around to keep the hosts and guests awake.  


Each table behind me represents a show that will be going on air.  I most enjoy seeing all the people here and reconnecting. I have seen my friends from Cricut, Beth Kingston, Anna Griffith, Lisa Bearnson, Jana Eubank, Andrew Hiller and more here today. It's a little reunion in the HSN hallway. I think Lisa 
Bearnson has got to be the nicest woman ever. She keeps offering to help me. She is just the sweetest soul. 




This is in my greenroom. I am trying to stay awake in this photo. I am on again at 5:00 pm EST. I have to say the sales are MASSIVE today. I think everyone must have taken off of work. I have one more airing with the TC cut n boss with Craftwell. 

I also just announced the line up today on my FACEBOOK page for my Teresa Collins BRAND NEW Vegas event. Don't worry if you are on the waiting list you will be notified about next year. I want those of you to know that if you email or call my office directly you will get on the list. 

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I wanted to share more about the brand new TC VEGAS EVENT. I am thrilled to announce the teachers coming in 2015. Join me and some of the most creative people in the art, creative, TV and design world- the popular TV host and best selling author Mark Montano, Beth Kingston (Xyron, HSN host and Cricut spokesperson, Aimee Filimoehala with Graphic 45, Stephanie Smokovich, President and Creative Director of Bella Blvd. 

I am honored that they are coming and will be sharing their massive talent at the event. In addition, the day before is OPEN to anyone with Ala Carte workshops that anyone can sign up and take. These workshops are for anyone who wants to take one or more workshops. This way, you can still come and sign up for workshops when the main event is sold out. Yes, several of my favorite designers have agreed and are coming to teach. In addition this year we will offer photography/printing workshops Canon, machine workshops and more. 

It's going to be the biggest 3 DAY VEGAS event. The event starts on Thursday evening for all in attending the event with a SOCIAL and photo booth party with a meet and greet with all the teachers from both the event and the pre-event teachers. It's a BIG party on Thursday night!!!!!  If you are the notification list and want to come, make sure you have emailed events@teresacollinsstudio.com. You will get a email confirmation and be notified regarding sign ups via our newsletter. 

NOW... just about 3.5 more hours before I go back on HSN.... 

TODAY has been a GREAT day!!!!!


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More HSN.... AUSTRALIA journey...

October 8, 2014, 8:06 pm
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I wanted to share the "behind the scenes" photos from being on 24 HOUR HSN Craft Day. It was a HUGE day and the vibe was so happy and positive. Every show was just so fun and sales were great which is always a good thing. 


This is Anna Griffin live at HSN. She debuted her beautiful new Cricut Explorer machine. This lady was super sick and she handled the TS like a PRO. I was amazed at her with how poorly she felt. 


This is my table waiting to be wheeled on air prior to my last show with my machine (TC cut n boss by Craftwell). The machine really just sells itself. It's amazing. I did all the projects and really loved decorating the table. 


I was watching Beth and Bill from "behind the camera." Okay... Bill is HILARIOUS and so funny in real life. So is Beth Kingston. Okay... together YOU never know what is going to be said or done. So sorry Bill... the photo below is a little crazy, huh? 



For the first time EVER they had LIVE- talented DIY girls on the set. They created the entire day right by the on air set. I loved this new and exciting element.


 I am most thankful to be able to go on HSN and know that millions of people are able to hopefully be inspired and learn about the amazing creative products on the market. As a on-air personality at HSN, you are on LIVE TV and you never know
what can and does happen. If you saw my last show yesterday, Bill accidentally turned off my TC cut n boss machine. So when he was trying to do it, it did not work. Things happen and I just made a joke of it. I realize that things happen and it's best to just be honest. I simply had to help him turn it back on. PS- Bill is hilarious. 


This is my NEW memory collection of handwriting gold dies. Yes, I love having my writing as a die. The HAPPY frame die does come with the machine.  


I made these cards and layout from my new dies. The flower on the gold bag is cut with the machine and tissue paper. It's amazing and cut 60 layers of flowers at ONE time. I am telling you... this is the a machine that I use and love because it's simple.  


I love this super easy LAYOUT with Taylor and Travis. The entire layout was PAPER and the machine. Yes, I embossed the Bazzill card stock with my wood grain (woodgrain cottage) embossing folder, I added gold glitter along the bottom and made the PINK flower with a flower Sizzix die set. 
TIM HOLTZ die made all these little pockets on my tray. I am in love with these little mini bags that I cut with my LIFE EMPORIUM paper collection. 


This is my dear friend Beth Kingston. You know TODAY is her birthday. I can tell you that sometimes life has ways of showing you WHO is there for you. She is that girl. She knows me and my heart and she is unwavering to her loyalty to her friends. 
In fact, HSN was like a FRIENDS reunion. We each come together to support one another. I saw my friends from Provo Craft, American Crafts, We R Memory Keepers, Spellbinders (Ducky!!!), Anna Griffin, and more. We each are there to help each other and it's just amazing. I have been blessed to be able to get to know so many people and these connections are what keep me going.  


When I landed in Tampa, prior to the shows, I needed to go buy some crafting basics and prep for the show. I went to the JoAnn store in Tampa. I spent 1.5 hours in the store. It was a big beautiful store. I found and bought this folio book by Tim Holtz. I had heard about them, but had never seen them. I feel in love and bought one to show on air. I covered my book with my paper (black/white cabana 8.5x11 paper pad- HELLO MY NAME IS- exclusive to JoAnn) and added ribbon & a gold button (from their fabric section) and made a white flower from tissue paper and my machine. I have to say that I LOVE this book. It is only $3.99. They have Tim and Teresa right beside each other at the store too. 


Showing more projects and materials that the machine will cut with the dies- glitter, canvas, burlap, felt, cork, tissue, thin metal, thin chipboard, etc.  




It seems like this trip has been planned forever, but FINALLY I am going to teach again Australia. I am beyond thrilled. I am teaching FIVE yes, FIVE workshops in November. This is my last international teaching trip for the year.  The workshops filled up FAST and I we added more spots and workshops. Here are a few of visuals of the projects that I will be teaching in Australia-













If you are in Australia- this is the Pages 2 Scrap TC event details: 
Facebook            https://www.facebook.com/Pages2Scrap

Website               http://www.pages2scrap.com.au/guest-teachers

We would love to see you there. We have so much planned and it's going to be the longest, biggest, most workshops I have ever taught in Australia. Thank you Tracey for inviting me. I am thrilled to be going to Sydney. 

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GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN

October 11, 2014, 8:20 am
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Today if I was just saying the word that comes to mind about life right now... it would be whirlwind.  I guess it could be like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. As the tornado that swirls and you are trying like crazy to not get caught in it's path. I'm going and going and just keep reminding myself to take each day one at a time. Life really is about choices and priorities. I am home this weekend. Ty and I watched a movie I had taped from HALLMARK channel. Yes, I call it date night. It was a mega chick love show. I admit, Ty fell asleep watching it.  It was so cheesy that it was good and I was putting my GOLD sequins in baggies. I am a multi tasker. It's hard for me to shut down. Anyone else this way?

Zach had his 17th birthday on Thursday. He choose to go to Popeye's for dinner. I had never been there. I can now say, it's not my first choice, but I loved being with him. Then we went to his school's Spartan Spectacular. It's homecoming this weekend! I got to see his special friend dance at the show and then her family and Zach and I went to Coldstone's for birthday ice cream.  I was very excited that my son wanted me to go with him. It was time like this that makes me happy. All of his friends were with their friends. Zach was walking around with ME. I love this boy! His choice was to spend time with me and it makes me emotional thinking about it. I was struggling that my husband was home. Wow... life truly did change with CANCER. 



I love this MESSAGE and song by Matthew WEST... 
                            HELLO MY NAME is... 
I hope you will watch it. I am defined by God and I will  keep going. I am truly thankful for my friend who shared this message with me. I am a WARRIOR and a child of God... so are YOU!!!!!!!!

I leave the home each day to carry on and keep going. My husband is home and I feel sadness that he can't do this anymore. His hair is trying really hard right now to come back. It's coming back a little right now as fuzz. It's hard to see because it's very light. Ty is still doing his daily transfusions. In all honesty, as horrible as the first transplant was for him physically- this one is by far worse. Ty is a fighter though. However, this transplant was much harder on his body and the rejection from the donors stem cells causing issues. I try not to post too much about it. It's our life every single day. I don't want anyone to worry. I just want everyone to know we are not giving up...EVER... and when you ask what you can do- it's this-  pray.pray.pray for my husband. I believe in prayer. I believe that the tornados are there in our life make us strong and smarter. I believe that God has a plan for us. 




Recently I had a personal situation in that someone let me know that "one of my competitors" was going to "take me down." I was so taken back. It was one of the times when YOU realize that in life, you have to choose firmly who YOU are.  I know that for me, I don't ever wish anyone harm. I am a firm believer that competition is good for you. It should make you excel and always try to be better. I believe my biggest competition is myself. Often, in life everyone is so focused on what everyone else is doing... instead of their OWN story, life and what THEY are doing.




I choose to spend my time and energy on uplifting others. I love to mentor and help others. This to me is how life should be. Let's help to UPLIFT each other. Why does everything have to be so cut throat? I am never going to be that girl. I will NEVER let my success in business turn me into a person who would do "anything" to harm another person or company.  So if you are in a situation in life and someone wants to harm you in a personal or business situation I hope you will not let them get to you. Just focus on what you are doing and don't get caught up in the drama or "the game." 




YOU have to FOCUS on where and what you are doing. FOCUS to me is not letting negativity come into your life, heart and business.    



I love each of you. Each of us have our own BATTLE. Don't give up!!!!! Be strong and be kind to others. We all have battles that often others don't see. I just felt strongly to share this message today. Excited for Homecoming photos to take and a day with my family. 





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FAMILY time

October 14, 2014, 8:17 am
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I have to share these cute layout...


I know for me... it's hard to believe Christmas is so soon. I wanted to share these layouts by Jennifer Haggerty. She used my line Candy Cane lane and the Siloquette machine. You can see my enamel shapers, brads, papers and die cuts. I loved the photo too!


This is my new collection- Nine & Co. I am loving the wood die cut OWL in the line. This is the papers, die cuts and brads, die cut wood and chipboard. I am such a fan of Jennifer's work. I love the stitching on her projects. Love the siloquette too!


Thanks Jennifer for sharing your amazing projects! I LOVE documenting life.
This weekend we went to Taylor's house. It was on Sunday. We met to celebrate Zach's 17th birthday.  It was at night so my photos are not the best- BUT they are... because they
are special to me. I am grateful for this time. 


Our family is united in LOVE and we talked about missing dad. Ty can't leave the house and I honestly HATED to leave him. I knew that I must keep going and be there for Zach's celebration. It is hard when my best friend and the dad of our family is not in these photos. I am thankful for Taylor and Travis making an amazing dinner for us. They just wanted us to show up.
We had tater tot casserole, raspberry salad, score cake, parmesan rolls and it was simply a "home" meal. Their home is full of love and very welcoming. 


We played games... the girls danced for us. Yes, we get a little crazy and we shared many laughs. We loved having Kenadee with us. She is Zach's special friend. Plus, I have Jaxon (Travis's son) now and he is such a sweet and funny kid. 


I took lots of photos. I printed the photos out yesterday to send to McKay. I want her to feel like she is still very much apart of the family. It's easy since I just print from my printer at home. I try to send her photos each week.

I really just needed my kids this weekend. We sat around and talked, laughed and cried. Our family has had many changes with the kids on mission and Ty's battle with cancer. My heart is always sensitive and just grateful for the little things. I don't look at things the same way. I don't want to take ONE DAY for granted.  


I don't want to miss an opportunity to spend time with my family. I had a meeting yesterday at my office employees. I have decided to work more from home so I can be with Tyler more. I have arranged my schedule to come in the morning and be home by early afternoon. I have been struggling with my business growing so fast and I knew I could find more balance and happiness if I was home with Ty more. I am blessed that I can design from home. I think with so much growth I felt I had to oversee everything. I realized for me and right now... I need to be home more.  So I went home early yesterday and loved Ty's reaction to me being home so early.  I did kit for Australia. Ty was on the couch right by me and I felt PEACE. I knew I had made the right decision. I have to trust my team at work to support me now more than ever. I want you each to know that my family more than
ever is thankful for EACH of you. We feel your prayers and your support. I am not going to lie and say it's not tough.

I feel the weight on my shoulders. I also feel like angels are right by me. I feel God so strong in our home. I feel hope and I feel like a WARRIOR for my husband. I am simply trying the best I can. I guess that is all that I can do.

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from 10,000 FEET

October 17, 2014, 8:59 am
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I'm on a plane... 10,000 feet now- headed to Ben Franklin stores in Monroe and Bonney Lake Washington. I have a zillion
things "swirling" in my mind. I am that girl
who simply can't stop the thoughts always
going through my mind.
I have thought a lot lately about LIFE.
I know that with Ty's cancer, I think about EACH day as a GIFT.
I see him FIGHT ever day for his LIFE. I see how many
of us, don't have a clue to what we have. I guess it's true that we often don't realize what we have- until it's gone or we are facing losing something. 
I will never take for granted the daily daily calls and texts from my husband and kids. The simple words of I love you, I miss you and being able to just have this.

When my mother died unexpectantly, I kept her answering machine. I sometimes will go and listen to her saying, "Hey, you've reached xxx-xxxx I'm sorry I'm not home right now, but if you leave a message, I'll call you right back."
I cry every single time I listen to her voice. It's this reason that I have a hard time deleting voice messages on my phone. 
I know some of you can relate. Right?
One day, I was in my bedroom. I was cleaning and I was home alone. I heard a woman's voice and I was a little afraid. I walked out of my room and the answering machine (yes, old and outdated) was talking. It was my mother and her voice. I stopped and fell to the laundry room floor. It was her... it was my mom. It made me cry, but I knew it was HER telling me that she is STILL with me. I knew it. The machine had been unplugged and was hidden away. I was taken back, but grateful.
These reminders tell me that LIFE is one to be cherished, and to FIGHT for it. Be that WARRIOR in your own life. Design your life and dreams. Don't settle. YOU are worth so much and deserve to be happy. I am taking it day by day and focusing on this. I am a firm believer in when life gives you LEMONS... make lemonade and well, why not add some strawberries too. 


I have the FAITH and I'm too stubborn to give up on believing in all that is GOOD in life and each day.

I have NO DOUBT that God inspired me to do my GOLD line of Office and Organization products. I know that GOLD is of great worth.  I know that GOD sees us as precious and of worth.


I hope that the new TC GOLD products helps others SHINE too. So today on my business Facebook page you can go and comment and share to WiN everything in this photo. If you are NOT on Facebook- it's okay. I will be posting a contest here too at a later date. 
Remember, YOU are worth MORE than GOLD.
Celebrate every moment TODAY....
don't take one simple I love you for granted.
Excited to see all my Seattle friends. YOU are all lifting me
have no idea what your love and support does for me.
xoxo

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FRIDAY NIGHT at BEN FRANKLIN...

October 18, 2014, 7:38 am
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This Friday and Saturday I am in Washington. This is Ben Franklin in Monroe. The class was SOLD OUT... (sorry, not everyone stayed and was in the photo!) and we had the most wonderful FRIDAY night. I believe things happen for a reason. I was even almost not able to make this store visit. As you know, with my family and Ty- my life and schedule has been UPSIDE DOWN... I take it day by day. Thankfully, Seattle is a quick trip for me and my husband and I kept feeling I was supposed to
come here. Immediately... I knew it was more for ME!

I only had TWO people here that had met me before. I met the most amazing women who read my blog, follow me and are fans of my products. I was overwhelmed from the time I walked in the room. They were PURE energy and positive LOVE. The entire room was on GOLD high. ha ha... Yes,
I shared and shared and well, I met and made new
best friends. I know that I get SO much more than
anyone else. I truly feel like I am a better woman today from being here. I immediately was overwhelmed and had to hold my tears when I met a woman named Laura.

She was emotional as she meet me. I had NO IDEA that I had made a difference to her and her life. I had NO IDEA that when I blog that sometimes I have in some small way helped someone else. I was full of gratitude to know that "silly crazy" me can make life better for someone. THIS is why I teach and visit the stores.

As she left the room last night, I gave her a surprise. She had seen I was giving away prizes and expressed how she loved it. I set it aside and gave her my new mini TC Fiskars STAR punch as she left last night. Tears were in her eyes and I knew she needed to know "she shines" like the stars. I know my SOUL shines today from meeting her and talking to her.

THIS is why I do what I do. Words don't express what I feel in my heart for each of you. I know it sounds weird, because I can't and don't personally know each of you. I do not know each of your "stories." I wish I could... of course, this is not possible. I do hope that you each feel that by reading my blog, and me inviting you into my life and family that you will know- I am just like you. I am just Teresa... a girl from North Carolina who LOVES life and family, friends and designing passionately.

I hope in some way TOGETHER we can be better and
make the world a better place. 




This is CHARLOTTE. Well, call her CHAR.
She is going on the TC Caribbean cruise in 4 weeks. She gave me the GOLD elephant. I was so touched. I love quotes and symbolisms that UPLIFT me. This GOLD elephant means a lot to me. CHAR thank you for sharing the GOLD. I love you and well, we are going to have WAY too much fun on the cruise. 

PS the TC Cruise is SOLD OUT... (it sold out in ONE DAY!!!) and they can't get ONE more person in the conference rooms. I do one TC cruise each year. 2015- you can sign up to be notified at events@teresacollinsstudio.com. I have not scheduled 2015 yet, but it will be soon. If you can take a week of crazy over the top fun... PURE relaxation with like minded crafters and spouses- (I know we have over 70 husbands going too this year!!!!!) then contact to be on the list.

If you are interested in coming to any of my events, please just email my event staff. I now have two dedicated TC team members who handle sign ups, wait lists and more. If you have signed up to go to my Vegas event know I have added spaces and am truly trying to get in as many people as I can. I am adding and announcing a couple new TC events for those of you on the wait list. I know it's hard when you have been on a wait list for two and more years. 

So just know 2015 will "reveal" great things for those of you who have waited and waited. Make sure you are on my newsletter notification/ wait list and I'll
keep you posted. 

GOOD things are happening in 2015!!!!!!!



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What do you do?????? DON'T GIVE UP

October 22, 2014, 5:12 am
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FACT... I did not want to ever have to face this or share this post again. Maybe this it why I have been avoiding sharing this today. It was only about a week and 1/2 ago when my husband told me on a Sunday afternoon that he thought he had swollen lump nodes. He had noticed one or two the previous days and did not mention them. On Sunday, he could tell that he could feel two of them in his neck. He shared this news with me and I just knew it was not good. I had just come home from church and we cried together in our kitchen. We both knew that this should NOT be happening. Ty was not even at the 100 day mark, to be tested to see if the second stem cell transplant worked. Ty emailed his oncologist that night. It's been a whirlwind... a bad dream.

Please know that his team of doctors and Huntsman Cancer Institute are incredible and are changing the DNA of Cancer care. They have experts and specialists from around the world who help their cancer patients. We have had outstanding care. They have only given us HOPE during this hard time. 

They saw Tyler and within a few days the nodes were definitely present and getting larger. Since Ty has a blood cancer, it does spread quickly through the lymph nodes. Tyler has PTCL, peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). 

They scheduled a PET scan last Friday. At this point, we knew the cancer was still there. We didn't really want to face it. We got the news later that night that the stem cell transplant did not work and that Ty's cancer was showing up in the neck, abdominal, and pelvic region. I don't know what I could say better to describe then to say that I feel so SAD. I don't want to see Tyler having to go through this. I am SAD that the transplant did not work. I am SAD that the HOPE for remission has not happened. I am SAD that I feel helpless in being able to help him. 




Right now, Tyler and I are united on not giving up. My husband wants to live. He has not in any way given up. I have not either. I am a firm believer in MIRACLES and to always... always have HOPE. Ty needs me to be strong. He needs me to his cheerleader. As you can imagine, we spend hours together going on possible ways to BEAT this cancer. We read articles, we watch videos, and we PRAY.  We believe....




He is my FOCUS. I listen to my gut. I cancelled going to Canada to teach this coming Friday. I am sorry to disappoint anyone. I have just learned that as much as I must go on and try to keep going, there are times when you listen and know to listen to your gut. I am not scheduling any store appearances in 2015 due to this. I will KNOW when and if Tyler needs me. He knew I was struggling months ago with wanting to simply be with him 24/7 and running my growing company. 

Tyler and I had a long talk. He let me know that HE needs me to keep going, and needs me more than ever to support our family. I think this keeps him going. He has not given up because we are a TEAM that doesn't quit.  I always tell my team at work- 

EVERYTHING is POSSIBLE and NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE.




Did you know that Tyler googles me everyday? He watches me on HSN (he tapes them and will rematch them), Ty follows me on Facebook and instagram and twitter. He reads every comment that people write to me. Often they include him. He is always touched.  Ty is one proud husband of his "designer" wife. Let me tell you, every person needs a TY in their life who thinks they are the BEST thing and person in the entire world. He tells me that I am of worth and  meant to change the world.  Yes, he puts a LITTLE aka A LOT of pressure on me- because he sees me as so MUCH more than I see myself. I would imagine this is how God sees us.  I tell him all the time, that he's crazy. He is just like my mama and tells me to GO and let my LIGHT shine. Lately, I do this with humble tears in my eyes. I cry every single day and then I say to myself... OKAY... go on... I remind myself to GET up... and FIGHT like a warrior with Tyler. I know this battle is hard and well, it's our love for EACH other and our children that keep him going. 



This was on Saturday night. My girls and their cute husbands went to Las Vegas to the RISE festival. Taylor and Travis did this lantern for her dad. I keep watching it and keep crying. This is what Taylor wrote:

"Everyone who was there was given lanterns and pens to write our hopes and dreams for the future on. Then we all in unison sent them flying. I did one with my hopes and dreams for my marriage and our future family. And this one was for dad. It say "My Hope and Dream is for a Cure for Cancer! Love you Dad! Forever and Always! 10.18.2014"

I loved this so much and so did Tyler. He watched it and of course cried. How could he not? 




This was pure heart felt love. We had to break the news to McKay and Seth this week. They are both serving missions. They both are concerned and I know it is hard for them. It's hard when you really don't have the ANSWERS. We can't tell them what we don't know ourselves. TOMORROW, Ty and I are headed to meet with the oncologist specialist. We are not sure at this point what direction Ty's treatment will take place. They mentioned full body radiation. They mentioned more chemo and another transplant. YES- crazy to think this is even possible. I have been getting hundreds of messages of WHAT Ty should do and just know that I can't possibly answer emails at this time, but I appreciate this so much. Last night, Tyler told me that it is overwhelming with so many people telling him... DO THIS... no, DO THIS... no, THIS is a cure... THIS is what you should do, etc and it is overwhelming. HE would eat dirt if it would save his life. Last night, I told him to pray and he will KNOW what to do.  He has tried others things before starting chemo and with the advanced cancer, the chemo saved his life. He was not doing good. You can second guess everything I guess. It's hard when Tyler himself is a doctor and struggles to know WHAT do I do to BEAT this cancer?????


Tyler has been the BIGGEST warrior. 




                                       I am right beside him.

                        I am only strong for him and my kids. 


                           When I feel like I can't go on... 

                     I remind myself that I am his WARRIOR. 

I choose to be STRONG and have FAITH in GOD and his plan for Tyler and our family. 

All I have to do is just look over at Tyler and know I can face this for him. 


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FREE PROJECT and CRAFT INDUSTRY TODAY COVER

October 23, 2014, 7:39 am
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Today Ty and I will be at the Huntsmen Cancer Institute. I have absolutely NO IDEA what they will advise us to do. Ty and I talk and I know that he must follow his own heart in his treatment. I have been praying for his heart to feel comfort. I have told him that only HE knows what is best for him. Right now, he is enduring the graft vs host issues. These issues in combination with the recent news can drive you crazy as to knowing what is normal and what is not. The main thing is FOCUS on the MAIN thing. That is Tyler and this is what keeps me going. I know often in life we want to know WHY?  
                           WHY is this happening in our life...?
                                     
                                       WHY WHY WHY?????

 I met with my church bishop last night. He is just a wise and special man of God. We discussed how we will all have trials and some are horrible beyond horrible. He himself has lost a son. We will never know WHY the bad things happen. It is our faith that we don't become bitter or angry. We just know that we have to cherish every moment and day. We trust in God's plan and accept his will. 

So this morning, in meeting with the cancer specialists this leaves me with so many anxious emotions. This journey is not in our control. It never has been.  I just told my bishop last night that there are times each day when I feel like I can't go on. Is this normal? 

I feel like I have been knocked down so many times in this cancer journey and with so many other life challenges. When I feel knocked down... humbled on my knees and struggling... I pray.  I pray and pray and pray more. 

Then I remind myself to be strong, get back up like a WARRIOR. I can't and won't let these things make me bitter and I know I need to FIGHT with my husband. Trust me, it's easy to get depressed and not want to go on. I simply can't let negative thoughts get me down right now. My husband and children and business need me to keep positive and keep going. I find my positive outlook is one of the reason that my husband and family can look at each day with gratitude. I belief God is carrying us right now. 

One of the things I wanted to share with you today is a free project/workshop. This is my own personal book. It is one that I designed to tell my life story and who I am. This is with my collection- HELLO MY NAME is.

I decided to share this with you today in hopes you too will take the time to document and tell your story. More than ever, I know how important this is.



THIS IS MY "REFRESHED" DESIGNS OF HELLO MY NAME IS-
8X10 GALLERY ART "LIFE IS GOOD"
THE STICKERS ARE WITH THE COLLECTION AND THE GOLD FRAME
IS BRAND NEW WITH MY ESSENTIALS COLLECTION (IN LINE BY THE TC FISKARS PUNCHES-
AT JOANN FABRIC AND CRAFTS)

I WAS HONORED TO BE ASKED TO DEBUT THIS "REFRESHED" LINE WITH
JOANN. THEY GOT ME... THEY GOT MY PASSION. THEY TOO FELT THAT
THIS LINE IS BEAUTIFUL, MEANINGFUL AND A WAY TO HELP
OTHERS TO TELL THE STORY. I KNOW SOME MAY NOT UNDERSTAND MY DESIRE TO SPREAD
THE MESSAGE. BY PARTNERING WITH JOANN I CAN HAVE MY PRODUCTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
DID YOU KNOW GIRLS ARE TAKING ROAD TRIPS ACROSS TWO STATES TO GO TO A JOANN?

THIS HAS HUMBLED ME... THIS IS WHY I DESIGN COLLECTIONS FROM THE HEART. 


THIS IS MY & TC FISKARS PUNCH. YES, IT IS THAT LARGE!
ONLY YOU CAN TELL WHO YOU ARE.
WHAT A GIFT IT IS TO HAVE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR STORY DOCUMENTED. THIS IS MY BOOK
AND MY LIFE. NO ONE CAN TELL MY STORY LIKE I CAN. 


THESE PAPERS AND THIS COLLECTION WILL HELP YOU TO TELL THE STORY!!!!!!
THIS IS MY SEAL TC FISKARS PUNCH WITH MY GEMS INSIDE THE SEAL SHAPE. 


DOCUMENT YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES!!! THIS IS MY BABY PICTURE. THIS IS MY ONLY PHOTO. I WISH I HAD MORE PHOTOS. THIS IS WHY I PRINT OUT THOUSANDS OF PHOTOS. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. I COULD NOT BE PROUDER TO WORK WITH CANON. I  DO TAKE MY PHOTO AND PRINT WITH MY CANON CAMERA AND PRINTERS.


EMBOSSED MANILA FILE FOLDER PAGE- TC CRAFTWELL CUT N BOSS MACHINE AND WORD COLLAGE PAGE. **** LOOK WHAT EMBOSSING DOES TO REGULAR MANILA FILE FOLDER. I AM SERIOUSLY IN LOVE WITH MY MACHINE!






HELLO MY NAME IS…
LIFE IS GOOD
TERESA COLLINS FREE WORKSHOP



LIFE IS GOOD WITH HELLO MY NAME IS TERESA COLLINS COLLECTION IS FOCUSED ON HELPING TELL THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE. DOCUMENTING YOU AS ONLY YOU CAN DO!IF YOU DON'T TELL YOUR STORY... WHO WILL? 

“Start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there’ll always be better writers than you and there’ll always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that - but you are the ONLY YOU.” Neil Gaiman
ITEMS: TERESA COLLINS PAPER COLLECTION, TERESA COLLINS FISKAR PUNCHES (MINI STAR, &, LOVE, SEAL, ANCHOR, HEART, TAB, MINI HEART, GOLD TRIMMER), XYRON TERESA COLLINS ADHESIVES- MEGA RUNNER, CHIPBOARD PUNCH AND STAPLER. ALL ITEMS ARE CURRENTLY FOUND IN JOANN FABRIC AND CRAFTS. YOU MAY ALSO FIND THE PAPER COLLECTIONS AT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT STORES AND ONLINE. ENJOY!!!!!

COVER: LIFE IS GOOD
1.  ADHERE LIFE IS GOOD 8X10 HELLO MY NAME IS ARTWORK TO CHIPBOARD WITH ADHESIVE RUNNER.
2.  ADHERE 4X6 PHOTO TO RED CARD WITH POP UP DOTS. (INSIDE CARD PLACE- 3X4 TIME JOURNALING CARD)
3.  ADHERE SPRAY PAINTED GOLD BOOK PLATE TO LOWER RIGHT CORNER OF PHOTO WITH TC LIQUID ADHESIVE. ALLOW TO DRY COMPLETELY.
4.  ADHERE STICKER FROM WORD TIDBITS JOURNALING (THROUGHOUT BOOK AS DESIRED BY RUNNING THROUGH TC STICKERMAKER). CUT OUT WORDS TO JOURNAL AS DESIRED.
5.  INSIDE GOLD FRAME PLACE STICKER JOURNALING WORDS. PROJECT- THIS IS THE STORY; JUST BE YOU.

PAGE 1: FOUR TAG PAGE/HELLO MY NAME IS, THE ORIGINAL ME
1.   PAGE BASE IS FOUR TAGS CUT AS ONE PAGE FROM 12X12 PAPER.
2.  PLACE ALPHABET INITIAL INSIDE CENTER OF TAG- HELLO MY NAME IS. WRITE NAME IF DESIRED WITH PEN.
3.  JOURNAL ABOUT YOURSELF IN SECOND TAG- THE ORIGINAL ME. PUNCH & FROM TC PUNCH WITH BLACK CARDSTOCK. STAPLE ALONG RIGHT SIDE CENTER OF TAG.
4.  I AM>>>> 3X4 TAG. JOURNAL THINGS ABOUT WHO YOU ARE.
5.  CORNER ROUND ALL CORNERS OF PAGE AS DESIRED.

PAGE 2: POLAROID FRAME PAPER
1.  TAKE 12” WIDE PAPER WITH FRAMES AND SCORE IN ½ AND FOLD TO CREATE A POCKET PAGE.
2.  PUNCH TC ZIG ZAG CIRCLE PUNCH TO THE LOWER RIGHT SIDE OF THE SNAPSHOTS FRAME.
3.  FOLD THE PAPER IN ½ AND CREATE ENVELOPE BY AHDEREING ONLY ALONG TOP AND BOTTOM. THE RIGHT SIDE IS OPEN SO THAT PHOTOS AND OR LETTERS CAN BE PLACED INSIDE THE POCKET PAGE.
4.  ADHERE CLEAR TC GEM TO THE CENTER OF THE PUNCH.

PAGE 3: CHILDHOOD MEMORIES TAG- RED SCROLL LINED PAPER

1.  PAGE BASE IS RED SCROLL WITH BLACK LINED PAPER.
2.  ADHERE YOUR “BABY” PHOTO IN THE CENTER OF THE PAGE WITH POP UP DOTS.
3.  PUNCH TC TAB PUNCH FROM TAN ALPHABET 3X4 TAG PAPER. FOLD AND THEN STAPLE TAB TO TOP RIGHT PAGE EDGE.
4.  JOURNAL ALONG BOTTOM PAGE WITH BLACK PEN MIXED WITH LOVE TC PUNCHED OUT OF BLACK CARDSTOCK. PUNCH THREE TC STARS WITH PUNCH ALONG BOTTOM OF PAGE.
5.  SCORE CHILDHOOD 3X4 TAG ALONG LEFT SIDE OF TAG. ADHERE ONLY CHILDHOOD PORTION OF TAG, TO THE LEFT LOWER BOTTOM OF PAGE. JOUNAL WITHIN BOX UNDER THE WORD MEMORIES OF YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES.


PAGE 4: MANILA FILE FOLDER W/ TC EMBOSSED WORDS
1.  PAGE BASE IS 8X10 EMBOSSED TC WORD EMBOSSING CRAFTWELL FOLDER.
2.  PUNCH HEART TO THE LOWER RIGHT BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.
3.  PLACE STICKER “HELLO MY NAME IS” ALONG RIGHT SIDE OF PAGE. WRITE IN YOUR NAME AND BIRTHDAY.
4.  ADHERE 4X6 PHOTO TO THE CENTER OF THE PAGE WITH POP UP DOTS FOR ADDED DIMENSION. ALONG TOP RIGHT OF PHOTO ADHERE RED 3X4 TAG LABEL WORDS. (ORIGINAL).
5.  PUNCH TC ZIG ZAG CIRLCE PUNCH THREE TIMES AND ADHERE TO PAGE WITH POP UP DOTS. ADD RED GEMS AND CLEAR GEMS TO THE CENTER OF THE PUNCHED CIRCLES.

PAGE 5: FOUR TAG PAGE: KEEP CALM THIS IS ME/ LIVE LIFE NOW
1.  PAGE BASE IS FOUR TAGS CUT AS ONE PAGE.
2.  PLACE JOURNALING SNIPPETS IN TOP RIGHT TAG- LIVE LIFE NOW. (HAPPY DAY; A DAY IN THE LIFE)
3.  JOURNAL WITHIN THE HOUSE SHAPE. WRITE YOUR ADDRESS OR WHERE YOU ARE FROM.
4.  LOWER RIGHT TAG- PLACE PHOTO INSIDE POLAROID FRAME WITH POP UP DOTS. ADHERE JOURNALING TIDBIT- BEST DAY EVER. WRITE NAME WITHIN FRAME.

PAGE 6: BROWN LEDGER PAPER
1.  PAGE BASE IS KRAFT AND TAN LEDGER PAPER.
2.  ADHERE RED JOURNALING LABEL TAG AND STAPLE ALONG TOP RIGHT OF PAGE. (LOVE THIS)
3.  TAKE 3X4 BLACK ORNATE FRAME AND SCORE ALONG TOP SO THAT THE TAG CAN BE LIFTED UP FROM THE BOTTOM. ALONG TOP OF TAG ADHERE SNIPPETS CIRCLE- NOTEWORTHY.
4.  JOURNAL ALONG BOTTOM OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE.
5.  PUNCH FIVE TC STARS ALONG BOTTOM AND TOP OF THE PAGE. ADD THREE RED GEMS RANDOMLY AS DESIRED.
6.  ADHERE PHOTO TO BOTTOM LEFT SECTION OF PAGE WITH POP UP DOTS.
7.  UNDER PHOTO, ADHERE JOURNALING WORDS: LIVE EVERYDAY WITH GRATITUDE/ A BLESSED LIFE.

PAGE 7: FOUR TAG PAGE: LIVE EVERYDAY WITH GRATITUDE
1.  PAGE BASE IS FOUR TAGS CUT AS ONE PAGE.
2.  JOURNAL WITHIN TAG- RED TYPEWRITER WITH PEN.
3.  TAKE TC TAB PUNCH AND PUNCH WITH ALPHABET 3X4 TAG.
4.  ADHERE PHOTO ON TOP OF THE TWO BOTTOM PAGE TAGS.
   ADHERE JOURNALING TIDBIT- MY HAPPY,YOU MAKE LIFE WONDERFUL. ADD RED GEM TO THE TAB PUNCH ALONG BOOK EDGE.
5.  PLACE A THIN 2” X 6” PIECE OF PAPER TO THE BACK OF THE PHOTO ON THE FRONT PAGE SO THAT IT WILL LIFT UP AND . REVEAL THE TWO HIDDEN TAGS AS SHOWN IN CLASS.

PAGE 8: KRAFT WITH WHITE CIRCLE PAPER
1.  PAGE BASE IS KRAFT WITH WHITE CIRCLE PAGE.
2.  ADHERE TWO 4X6 PHOTOS TO THE PAGE WITH POP UP DOTS.
3.  PLACE JOURNALING SNIPPETS IN PHOTO CORNER- FUNNY MOMENTS. ALONG BOTTOM PHOTO- MEMORIES TO CHERISH, SNAPSHOT, EMBRACE THE CRAZINESS.
4.  PUNCH TC LOVE FROM BLACK CARDSTOCK. ADHERE PHOTO ALONG TOP RIGHT. ADHERE LABEL WORD, FAMILY- RED MINI TAG PAPER AND TOP SECTION OF DAILY LIFE 3X4 CARD.
5.  ALONG LOWER LEFT SIDE OF PAGE ADHERE 3X4 TAG- LIVE LIFE BELIEVING ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

PAGE 9: RED BACKGROUND WITH WHITE WORDS
1.  PAGE BASE IS RED WITH WHITE WORDS PAPER.
2.   ADHERE GOLD STICKER LABEL ALONG TOP LEFT OF PAGE. FOLD THE TAG PARTIALLY TO THE BACK SIDE OF THE PAGE. JOURNAL WITHIN TAG AS DESIRED.
3.  TAKE TAN WITH WHITE CIRCLE PAPER SIZED 4X10 AND SCORE AT 4” FROM TOP TO CREATE A LIFT UP FLAP. CORNER ROUND ALL FOUR CORNERS OF PAGE WITH FISKARS PUNCH. ADHERE BACK OF FLAP TO THE RIGHT SIDE TOP OF PAGE.
4.  ADHERE 4X6 PHOTO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TOP FLAP SO THAT IT WILL LIFT UP. ALONG LOWER BOTTOM SECTION OF PHOTO ADHERE JOURNALING STICKERS: RIGHT NOW, DREAM BIG AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. PUNCH TC ANCHOR FISKARS PUNCH AND ADHERE IF DESIRED.
5.  ADHERE GOLD STARBURST STICKER TO THE TOP RIGHT OF FLAP TOP. ADHERE CLEAR TC GEM TO THE GOLD STICKER LOWER BOTTOM.

BACK COVER: PAGE BASE IS CHIPBOARD SIZED 8X10.

USE TC XYRON CHIPBOARD PUNCH AND PUNCH ALL PAGES IN THE CENTER ALONG EACH PAGE TOP. ADD METAL RINGS TO THE TOP TO KEEP THE PAGES TOGETHER.


CREATE A BEAUTIFUL
LIVE
EVERYDAY…

QUESTIONS/SALES: bridget@teresacollinsstudio.com
I am so honored... I had to share this. 
This to me is a LIFE MOMENT of sharing and feeling
thankful that in some small way I can share
a little about my company, my passion and how I have grown my business and brand. In my life and business I truly believe 
there are NO LIMITS. 




What a honor to be on the cover of Fall issue of CRAFT INDUSTRY today. I was fortunate enough to have a great & exciting meeting with CHA this week at my office. I love that so many of you wanted the issue too and wanted to be able to read it. I mentioned this to them and they listened. YOU can now go and read my article online. We are thrilled for CHA Winter and I am debuting several new collections and quite a few "surprises." I am honored to speak at the trade show in January. If you are coming to the trade show please plan to join me. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my business story and how I have evolved and grown my business. Simply go here: http://digital.turn-page.com/i/383845

THANK YOU JENNAFER MARTIN FOR INTERVIEWING AND telling my story. I am in deep gratitude for your talent and for allowing my voice to be told.

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The REASON WHY....

October 27, 2014, 7:48 am
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Friday morning,  I was driving in my car. I could not sleep and so I decided get up and be productive. I am driving and a song came on from my playlist. Okay... it's called SHOWER by Becky G. It is a young dance "fun" song. I started to listen to the music. It hit me. I was driving and crying so hard I needed to pull over to the side of the road. YES, I admit, I realized that this song should not have provoked such emotion. It's the WORDS...


I don't know, it's just something about ya
Got me feeling like I can't be without ya
Anytime someone mention your name
I be feeling as if I'm around ya
Ain't no words to describe you baby
All I know is that you take me high
Can you tell that you drive me crazy?
Cause I can't get you out my mind
Thinkin of ya when I'm goin to bed
When I wake up think of ya again
You are my homie, lover and friend
Exactly why
You light me up inside
Like the 4th of July
Whenever your around
I always seem to smile
And people ask me how
Well your the reason why
I'm dancing in the mirror and singing in the shower
Ladade ladada ladada
Singing in the shower
Ladade ladada ladada
Singing in the shower
All I want, all I need is your lovin
Baby you make me hot like an oven
Since you came you know what I've discovered
Baby I don't need me another
No, no all I know (know)
Only you got me feelin so (so)
And you know that I have to have ya
And I don't plan to let you go
Thinkin of ya when I'm goin to bed
When I wake up think of ya again
You are my homie, lover and friend
Exactly why
You light me up inside
Like the 4th of July
Whenever your around
I always seem to smile
And people ask me how
Well your the reason why
I could not believe how a "DANCE" song could move my heart so much. Then I remembered the conversation with my bishop. We were discussing how in life we simply don't know WHY bad things happen and WHY we may have certain trials. 
I listened to this song OVER and OVER. I thought of the lyrics that touched my heart. I knew that TY is the reason WHY for me. He is the reason I have been so HAPPY for so many years and the reason WHY my LIFE is so blessed. Ty and I have the love story of all love stories. We were the BRADY BUNCH family from the time we started dating and then married. I remember the FIRST time I saw him. I was a divorced young mother of three very young daughters. I was NOT looking. In fact, I was dating quite a bit but marriage and love was not on my radar. I met him and my world changed. I had NEVER felt for anyone like I had for him. I was smitten- I fell in LOVE and we became best friends. We would "date" on the phone. We would talk until 4 and 430 am every night into the morning. We would FALL asleep with our phones by our ears so we were still together. We were connected and it was a "instant" love. I know we both never had felt anything like what we felt for each other. We had both been married before. We knew that it was going to be hard to have ex's and children to blend. Ty and I got married and then we had two handsome boys together right away. They are only 14 months apart. It was hard to have a large blended family and yet it was easy too because our LOVE was so strong. 
I cannot tell you how tough it was at the beginning. Ty told me, that DIVORCE is not an option. No matter what we were going to face the hard times, get over our differences and make it work. Let's just say, he was right. We have had our times. It was not easy at times. I realized that we balanced each other. I realized he needed me just as much as I needed him. I KNOW that he is the reason WHY I am who I am today. 
I am often asked and interviewed about my business and my successes. I always think of Heavenly Father and my husband. I know that my husband is my biggest "fan." I only wish other women could have a man who treats them the way my husband does. Ty is not perfect, but he is perfect for me. He can be more quiet, so when he talks- it's good. HA! I remember several years ago, he flew to California. He told me that when he was at the airport waiting to board to his flight home, that he sat there and people watched. He told me that he looked around and kept thinking, "I've never seen a woman that compares to Teresa." He came home and told me that he just feels this way and I am the most beautiful person in the world to him. He is the guy who tells me DAILY how much he adores me and loves me. He is the guy who has written me boxes of little love notes over the years. He would write one so when I woke up I would know he loved me. I always tell my children that marriage is hard. It's work and it's patient, kind and very loving. I know there is no perfect marriage or perfect person, however TY is my reason WHY I feel loved, cherished, taken care of, adored, well... you know what I mean.
Many of you have met Ty over the years. He can work the bind it all, the TC cut n boss, and he really has helped me as my business and brand grew. He was the one who has held my hand and helped me get through tough lessons in business. So today I hope you will think of your REASON... your WHY in life. We all have a WHY... WHY are you you???? Everyone has a WHY. 
Tyler is my WHY and so it's hard right now. The oncology specialists cannot do more chemo or another transplant until at least 6 months. His body cannot take anymore and so that option is not being discussed right now. They are having him come in twice a week to carefully monitor his test results, watch for graft host issues, watch his counts, and access any changes so they can be on top of everything. Right now, his mom is living with us and cooking with no sugar/carbs and juicing lots of carrots... eating green. The doctors right now are just watching Ty and making sure he is not in any pain or symptoms come up that need to be addressed. 
I have not blogged because my heart is just tender. I cry so often that I have to get in my car and drive. I had a tough time in church yesterday and I feel "weak" that I can't seem to stop the tears. People ask me about Ty and instantly the tears start coming. This makes me sad because I want and need to be stronger for Ty. I don't want to break down around him and others. He needs me to be strong. He needs me to be the anchor right now... so just know I am trying really hard.  
I can't thank my sweet and kind neighbors, family and friends who are there for us. I know the positive love and support is what is needed. He is homebound and can't go out because his counts are still so low and a simple cold could be devastating. We appreciate the notes, emails, things in our LOVE BOX, etc. I have not been able to respond to any of them. PLEASE know that they are appreciated. 
I have a dear friend who told me that she is struggling and SAD right now. She felt it's hard for her, because she comes to my blog and that it makes her SAD to read my updates. It hit me hard. I was like... PLEASE don't be sad. IF anything, I want her and each of us to LIVE life NOW... my friend Tim Holtz and Mario say... REMEMBER THE NOW. This is true. Don't be sad... be HAPPY it happened. I am thankful and happy every single DAY that I wake up and CHERISH the good that surrounded me. Yes, life is hard for me and others right now. I cry many happy tears too. I am a WARRIOR in life. I believe that hard times help us to SEE more clearly. We have to appreciate what we have and just be MORE grateful. We can't question God and his plan for us. We would go insane. I have a firm testimony of Heavenly Father and I believe that my husband and I are going to be with each other for ETERNITY. This is what keeps me going. I don't question God's will. I will not be bitter, but thankful. I hope by being so honest that it's only to share that GOOD prevails, LOVE prevails, HOPE prevails and I will cherish every moment and memory along the way. 
SORRY... longest blog post ever. I never plan what I will share. It just happens to come to mind and I write from the heart and then I hit publish.  

Ty is the reason WHY that no matter what I am the luckiest, happiest woman. He is the LIGHT that keeps me going and this will be true forever.

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Another hospital day...

October 30, 2014, 8:01 am
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I know I am actually thankful that we are so close to Huntsmen Cancer Institute. Ty and I have talked how blessed we feel to be so close. Many patients drive from other states to come to this amazing hospital for treatment. I am thankful for doctors who are helping us in this journey. I am especially thankful for Dr. Jon Sweetenham. He is the sweetest man and his gentle nature has been comforting and compassionate to Ty and I. The nurses are the same way. I am thankful to have the opportunity to go today to see our "next step." Right now, we are looking into doing a DONOR LYMPHOCYTE transfusion. We are going to the hospital today to discuss this happening. If you are wondering it is this:


What is donor leukocyte infusion?

Donor leukocyte infusion is the infusion of your donor's lymphocytes (white blood cells), obtained from blood donated by your original bone marrow donor. These donated white blood cells contain cells of the immune system that can recognize and destroy cancer cells.
The goal of this therapy is to induce a remission of your cancer by a process called the graft-versus-tumor effect (GVT). The donor T-cells can attack and control the growth of residual cancer cells providing the GVT effect. It is hoped that the donor leukocyte infusion will cause GVT and lead to a remission of your cancer. 
Your donor will be contacted to begin the collection process, which can be like the original bone marrow donation process. After these cells are collected, they will be infused. 
You might require standard chemotherapy to reduce the amount of cancer you have prior to your donor lymphocyte infusion. Following your donor lymphocyte infusion, you will be continually monitored.
This is what the doctors are looking at right now, since no more chemo or another transplant can be done. Do you know of anyone who has done this? I had never heard of it until last week. 

I am very grateful for my husband. He is just my sweetheart and I love him so much. His pain is back right now in his back and hip and he is stubborn. He does not like to take pain medication. Thankfully, this morning we are seeing his doctors. I am sure they can direct and  guide us on knowing what course we should take. I have to say that it's so hard to see the person that you love more than anything in pain. He never complains. He is trying to be strong. I got up around 4 am and tried to massage the pain. I know it didn't take the pain away, but I think the power of touch and being together is important. I cried knowing I can't take away his pain. I am sure he will eventually want relief and take something. I won't give up hope for Ty. We want more time together and we are doing everything we can. Just know that many of you may not know that Ty has tried much more than chemo and the transplant. Ty did the holistic journey when he first found out he had cancer. It came to a point, he had to do chemo or he would have been died. His entire body was in pain and his lymph nodes were massive in size. They kept growing and we knew dealing with an aggressive blood cancer was going to be a challenge. 

We don't know what the future hold. Who does? We can only be THANKFUL for the day. As many of you know, I have two teenage boys who are reminding me that LIFE has to go on. I have to be there for them and make our home "as normal" as "normal" can be in a horrible situation. The boys have great strength. Just this morning, before school, Zach and I shared how fortunate we are to have such a family that LOVES each other so much. We call ourself... a team. We are united like a TEAM to be a forever family. Zach and Ty have grown so close. They have each other and they lean on their sisters a lot right now. They have special conversations with each other. I know that they are scared, worried, sad, and yet they are very optimistic in knowing and believing that "it's all going to be okay." Our faith is strong and we believe that life does not end here on earth. We know that when we die (which all of us will do eventually), we are going to be together forever and our love does not end here on earth. We feel God in our home. We want to be together forever. This is what get's us through the sadness and allows us to still smile and be GRATEFUL. There are lots of laughter, happiness and (sitting with Ty) watching lots of Family Feud, the World Series, the Voice and my favorite- Shark Tank at our home. Precious moments and we are still making memories.


When I think of Tyler and I. I think simply of this word. blessed.
We found each other many years ago and we committed to love each other forever. We faced and conquered our trials. We fought hard to raise beautiful, kind, loved... children with integrity and values. We know the RICHES of life are not material-
they are the relationships we have and LOVE, FAMILY & FRIENDS.

It takes COURAGE to be different, to share your life with others. It takes COURAGE to stand up for what you believe in. It takes
COURAGE to battle for your life. I think my husband is has taught me COURAGE and to DREAM BIGGER.

I would give anything for him to come to CHA with me in 2015.

 It is because of his BIG love and belief in me that I am speaking at CHA. It is because of him and our children that I dreamed BIGGER. It is because of YOU who support me that I am doing what I love. I hope all retailers, online stores, distributors, designers and friends will join me at CHA to speak. 




I will be speaking before CHA starts on Friday January 9th at the Anaheim Convention center from 10:30am-11:30 am. As a CHA member, you can attend for free. If you are not a CHA member you can still come and it is $15.00 plus the registration fees. I know that they have added a blogger inclusion this year to include bloggers at the tradeshow. I would invite and love for you to join me if you are going. I am very fortunate that all of my children will all be attending to support their mother. To them, I am just mom.  

This is what CHA is for all of you wondering... What is she talking about? 
Join more than 3,000 buyers and 400 exhibitors from 55 plus countries 

as they come together for 5 days of education, networking and trade. 

You cannot miss it!
The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) 2015 Conference & Trade Show (CHA MEGA Show) is the largest craft trade marketplace in the world and takes place January 9-13, 2015 in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Convention Center. 
  • Conduct business in the marketplace; it’s an order writing Show.
  • Make in-person connections to grow your business; getting face time with new customers, colleagues and friends!
  • Map out your 2015 plan to boost business profits in 5 days.
  • Learn from experts and business partners who will educate and inspire you.

I needed to share a photo of McKay and Seth from their missions recently-


BEAUTIFUL TEMPE Arizona.... Seth is loving his mission. Ty and I are so proud of him. He is just a great son. I am thankful he is better and back on his mission. I know that him coming home was a blessing for not only him, but his dad. Did you know that Seth and McKay are 7 days apart?

People thought I had twins, because they were two years old when Ty and I got married. I just let everyone think this. It was a "long" story to explain, there was no way I gave birth to both of them. ha! I'm so thankful these two are together serving a mission and thinking of others. They will get home and both plan to finish the college that they started. 



McKay is loving rain... and loves Seattle. She is currently right near Bellevue serving her mission. I have a feeling she doesn't to want to come home. This is my baby girl. How is this possible that she is 20?????

Trust me young parents- the time FLIES. Enjoy it!!!!!! The little things don't matter. Kids are sent to us to learn, grow, and develop. They will make mistakes but so do we (parents). I always knew that my children were actually given to me from God. I was dealing with royalty. So are you!!!!
xoxo




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