I had an AWESOME time at Scrapfest 2009 in Kitchener this weekend.  Being my first scrapbooking event ever (outside of the usual crops with the girls), I was pretty impressed with the opportunity to learn about new techniques and product and meet some really nice competitors as well as  some not so nice competitors

When we arrived we weren’t sure what to expect or what direction to go in for that matter so we simply followed our fellow giddy scrapbookers.  Much to our delight, we realized we had reached the Marketplace, which seemed to be open earlier than we expected. 

Friendly faces, make ‘n takes, product galore, gorgeous kits, more product, draws and giveaways, bags full of goodies…did I mention all the product?!  By our third vendor’s booth in, we were already overwhelmed and in over our heads.  I wanted it ALL! We were in scrap heaven having a great time when reality hit us and we realized we only had 5 minutes to make it to our class. We managed to break free from our shopping obsession of chipboard, embellishments and MORE needless paper and headed to our class.

I was very excited that I was able to get us into “Easy, Detailed, Expert’ being taught by Kerry McRorie, Founding Editor of Scrapbook and Cards Today.  Allison was also very sweet and patient with us.  Thank you Allison! Kerry provided us with a beautiful layout using BoBunny’s Sweetie Pie line.  I can now cross that off my list of wants.  What made this class more exciting is that now I have a perfect layout for a few pictures I’ve been meaning to scrapbook.  Time has been saved and new techniques have been learned.  What more can I ask for at a class?!

Lucky us, there was a BONUS.  We each walked away with a free giveaway.  Mine was a 6X6 album which I chose after Kerry shared with me that she had created one for her Dad’s 60^th birthday….thank you Kerry for the idea because I now have the perfect gift for my father’s 65^th coming up this summer.

I will post my finished class layout once I’ve completed it.  You see, as much as we were enjoying Kerry’s class, we just couldn’t get our minds off all the vendors below us and how much we still had left to see (and buy) so, we decided we’d pack it in and finish the rest at home….time was just flying by!!  You know what they say don’t you??

So, after a fun-filled night and another dent in my pocket, I managed to leave with some amazing kits and beautiful product which I can’t wait to use.  I realized that next year I’d much rather be there as a vendor.  With some planning and a lot of work ahead, I will hopefully see you all in Kitchener at Scrapfest 2010 as owner of The Scrapbook Boutique.

A special thanks to Tree and Su for the laughs and Dave for your marketing efforts as well as patience on Friday night.