MegaMeet in Novi - Review

This years MegaMeet was held on May 7th until May 9th and like always it was a lot of fun. Lot's of fun classes, great deals and many new vendors, so were do I start?

Lets start with the classes:

This year we didn't attend any of the classes, not because there was a lack of, oh no! It was more because nothing really jumped out to us. But this is my personal opinion and everybody has their own likes of things. Even so I didn't attend any classes this year, I know from previous years that they are always well organized and fun to attend. You can choose from card making, page designing, home decor items to jewelers making and mixed media classes. I am sure these is something for you.

No matter what you might pick next time, just make sure to read the descriptions carefully before signing up. Some classes are for beginners (all levels), others might require some knowledge (intermediate or advanced). Also be aware if it is mentioned that the class is fast going that this means fast. Other than that, just have fun ....

Shopping till you drop:

Since we didn't attend any classes I guess you know what we did that day. Yes, shopping and lot's of it. We got to see and talk to many vendors, some new and some old friends. I you attend a show like the MegaMeet, take advantage of all the "Make&Take" that are offered. Talk to the vendors and see the new products they have. I was so thrilled to see "ArtImpressions" at the MegaMeet. For the first time they had their own booth and I took the advantage to see the new stamps they brought. Yes, you can check them out online, but I love to see them in person and how the artist is using them to stamp and color....They also had an awesome deal. One stamp set 40% with your purchase (only on Thursday morning). Watching Wendy and Tim at the Stampers Anonymous booth was also interesting. Stamps by Judith is always worth a stop (and more shopping) and so many other booth are worth stopping and shopping.

If you haven't been to the MegaMeet before, well put it in your calendar now. Here are the dates for 2016:

May 5th, 6th and 7th of 2016

And to get the best deal, make sure to pre-register and buy your tickets ahead. Not only will you safe money, but you will also be able to get in an hour before anyone else, so don't wait ...Hope to see you next year! I will be there :-)

Let me know if you have questions!

Mega Meet 2014

Hello crafting friends,

just a reminder that the Mega Meet 2014 will start tomorrow in Novi, MI.

Mega Meet 

May 8th until 10th

This year I have two classes on my list and I will let you know how they turned out, so keep following my blog.

I'll hope to see you there...I'll be at the show on Thursday and Friday and if you like to catch up with me...contact me 

Hope to see you there and have fun exploring :-)

Mega Meet Novi,MI - Part III

Last but not least we ended our day at the scrapbook convention with one last class. This time we attended the 

Copics - Beginner class.

The instructor in this class was Sharon Brown and the class was sponsored by Scrap Happy, OH.

I have to say that we were very disappointed of this class. Not only was the project we did not worth the class nor was the information we received. The instructor might have been a very knowledge person if it comes to Copic markers, but the techniques she tried to teach weren't explained very well. If it wouldn't had been for the early class, we wouldn't have learn anything. We got to use three Copic markers in purple to color in one flower. That was it...not extras, not freebies and all this for $22. Not worth the money spend!

Don't get me wrong, I don't expect lots of gifts or freebies, but I do expect more of a class than just a sales spiel. Sorry, but this class was not worth it!

I know, you ask yourself now, how do we know what classes are worth it and which once are not worth it? I can't tell you this either, but you want to read carefully each class description and check out the following things:

1. What is this class going to teach you? Is this interesting for you?

2. What supplies do you have to bring? If you have to buy a lot of these supplies from the sponsor first, plus pay the payment for the class, is this worth it?

3. See what extras you are getting.

4. Check for word like "fast-paced" (more advanced crafter's or not much time to work on things), "how to purchase" (usually more a sales spiel), ...

No matter what you decide to do, do your homework and see if previous convention goers can give you some advice on classes. 

So what did we learn from working with alcohol markers?

It is not at all complicated to work with alcohol markers or to blend colors nicely, if you know what colors to pick and how to do it. The best way to learn the "how too", is to practice. If you are interested to learn more, please contact me...

Here is a little help to get started with alcohol markers:
   
Copic alcohol markers are nice, but a little to pricey in my mind. The life expectancy is 3 years and even if they can be refilled, the costs to buy and maintain them are high. There are other options available to work with. 
Cost per pen ca. $ 5-6

Close To My Heart alcohol marks are very nice. They come in a pack of two, so you always get a lighter and a darker shade for blending. Advantage here is, you can pick a couple of colors without spending a fortune. 
Cost per set of two pens ca. $ 6.80  

I also think that the Spectrum Noir alcohol markers are a great alternative as well. They are sold individually or in a set of 6. The sets have one color in different shades that all blend well together. 
Cost per set of six pens ca. $ 10 (at the show)

Stamp'Up has their own brand of markers, but those are not alcohol markers!

Well, I hope you liked this little preview of the Mega Meet and hopefully you will go next time too. Mark your calendars for the next Mega Meet scrapbook convention...

2014      May 8, 9, & 10

2015      May 7, 8, & 9

2016      May 5, 6, & 7

or check out their website at www.megameet.com!

Let me know if you have any questions or like to get a little instruction class about alcohol markers. 
Please contact me via email or write a comment/ question here!  Love to hear from you....

Mega Meet in Novi,MI - Part II

After our first class in the morning we went onto the show room to explore all the new items available.

One thing I have to mention upfront, buyer be aware! 

1. Not all things that are available at the booths are cheaper than in your local stores, so do your homework and compare prices.

2. Some items are sold in bulk and for really cheap prices, but are they always worth it? Again do your homework or read labels carefully. E.g. tape runners might not have the regular adhesive length or the adhesive is older and will not stick to well anymore. E.g. totes and other bags sometimes are off cheap quality and wont hold up like the more expensive once....

3. Just because the sign says it's a SALE, it doesn't mean it is a sale...

Now you ask, why should I then even go? Well, there are plenty off other reasons why you should!

1. Many vendors at the show are not typically found in the local stores or have only online outlets. This is a great opportunity to check out their products and talk to owners about these products.

2. You can find craft items that are no longer available in stores, test items or see how they work at demonstrations. 

3. Some vendors offer special deals for sets of tools, papers etc. 

4. To get inspirations and ideas for cards, scrap books, home decor items etc

5. Just to have fun, enjoy a crafty hobby and meet interesting new people.

It is always a nice day at the show and we enjoyed it now for many years and will for more to come. Take a friend and make it a day for you :-)

Stay tuned for more .....

MegaMeet in Novi,MI - Part I

Right now the annual Mega Meet Scrapbook Convention in Novi, MI is going on and we have been searching for some new ideas and products. 

The convention started yesterday May 9th and will end Saturday May 11th.

You can attend classes for card making and scrap booking. You can learn new techniques or get to know companies and their products. As like many of these conventions, some classes are more worth to attend than others.

This year my friend Elke and I decided to learn a little bit more about Alcohol Markers and how to blend them. There are so many markers on the market and techniques differ from class to class that we decided to attend two different classes. And boy were they different.....

 "Alcohol Markers - Great Techniques", instructed by Jennie Black and sponsored by BEE Creative.

This was a great class and we learn a lot of new things about alcohol markers, how they work, how to pick the right colors, how to blend and that the blending pen has nothing to do with blending :-) (This information alone was already worth the class). 
The instructor was well prepared and could explain techniques in an easy to understand way. She provided us with many tips on how to get started and how to avoid common mistakes. 
In this class we used alcohol markers from "Spectrum Noir". A very good priced marker that colors and blends just as well as others. A great starter tool for beginners that don't want to invested a fortune.

Overall an awesome class for beginners as well as pros and it was well worth the $22 we spend.

We even got to go home with a set of 6 alcohol markers, a "blending" pen, a DVD with over 2 hours off techniques and tons of knowledge.

Tune in tomorrow for more information about the second class and the convention itself.

If you like to know more about alcohol markers and how to start, how to use them etc... please feel free to contact me. We can do a one on one class or if you have a couple of friends that are interested, we can to a class together, just let me know