Happy to the Tip of My Toes

I received some VERY exciting news yesterday which came at the end of what has been a very stressful week at work.  If you read my previous post, I mentioned that this past week has been all work and absolutely no time to play!  It is our year end closing at work and I've been working some very late hours - not getting home until nearly 10:30 or 11:00 each night.  Then it's back to work by 7:30 am for more.  Yesterday, although it was Good Friday and everyone else got the day off, my department was still trudging along trying to get our entries done.  

Late yesterday I received an email from Close to My Heart that I had been selected to teach at this year's convention in Dallas!  I was so excited I began jumping up and down with squeals of joy.   Some weary accountants looked up from their desks wondering what in the world I could be so excited about! Back in February I had carefully boxed up my submission - 2 layouts, 2 cards and a "Create" Banner (the one across the top of this blog) and mailed them off along with an application and link to a video I created.  This was my first time applying.  I thought my chances were slim - there are so many talented consultants out there!  The application deadline was March 1st, so when April 1 came and went I decided I had not been selected.   I told myself that I would just try again next year.  But deep down, yes, I was a little disappointed because it was something that I really want to do.  Yesterday I had an email in my inbox title "Extravaganza Application".  I thought this will be the "Thank you applying but.....".   Imagine my surprise to read the first words - "Congratulations!".   That is when I started squealing!  

I won't know my topic or what I will be doing until Mid May and then I will have just 2 weeks to get all my artwork done.   Kind of nerve wracking but I'm so excited I can't wait.  Of course, I won't be able to share any of my artwork until AFTER convention - It's all TOP SECRET!   In the meantime, I wanted to share my other layout I submitted with my application.   (The first one was LUCY and you can see it HERE.) 

I had so much fun creating this layout with the Pemberley (X7148B) paper pack.  I used the sketch - "Out of the Hat" from the How To book - Magic for my layout.  This is one of my favorite layouts because I love the slanted angle.   The adorable subject is my friend's daughter being pushed in a swing built by her grandfather.  He is in the larger picture to the right.   You can tell she is loving the swing!  

When I was talking about the pictures with my friend she said these were some of her favorite pictures.  She said it looks like her daughter is thinking "I'm happy to the tip of my toes!".  That was it!  The PERFECT title.  I used words from the Card Word Puzzle (C1418) stamp and then letters from Trinity Alphabet (E1021) to create the title.  I added the Color Ready Garden Wooden Shapes (Z1718) which were perfect for this layout.

Here I used more of the Color Ready Garden Wooden Shapes.  This time I sponged ink on them for a little color.  Mocha Pearl Adhesive Gems (Z1333) accent the centers.  "Gaga's Swing" was cut and matted using the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  I used the Classmates Alphabet (D1303) for the title.

My little hexagon border is cut from one of the Pemberley B&T papers.  The raised flowers are cut from the same paper and adhered with Foam tape to every other shape.  I used the new Durables Round Studs (Z1706) for the centers.  

Now I can say I too am "Happy to the Tip of My Toes" after yesterday's news!  I'm honored to be teaching along side of some of the best artists and crafters at convention this year!