2023 Creative Retreat with Elizabeth Craft Designs: A Magical Experience in Banff

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This retreat was with Elizabeth Craft Designs in Banff, Canada, and was truly nothing short of magical. I’ve been reflecting on this incredible experience, and honestly, I’m not sure words can do it justice—but I’m going to try anyway!

From the moment we arrived, the beauty of the location took my breath away. Banff, with its stunning mountain views, crisp fresh air, and the peaceful energy of the Canadian Rockies, was the perfect backdrop for creativity to flow. But it wasn’t just the scenery that made this retreat so special—it was the people. I got to spend time with my good friends, make new ones, and be surrounded by such a warm and supportive community of fellow crafters and creatives.

I went into this retreat with the expectation that I would be —learning new techniques, making projects, and getting to know the team behind Elizabeth Craft Designs. But what I didn’t expect was to walk away with a new obsession. We made some of the most amazing journals and pages for journals and cards, and let me tell you—I wasn’t even into journal making before this! Now, I can’t stop thinking about all the possibilities for crafting my own beautiful journals. The entire process, from selecting papers to embellishing the covers, was so much fun and so therapeutic. It felt like I was creating something truly personal and meaningful.

It’s incredible how a retreat like this can open up new creative passions. I never would have imagined how much I’d fall in love with journal making, but now I’m completely hooked. Every session was filled with inspiration, and I walked away with not just a finished journal, but a deep desire to keep experimenting and creating more.

I also want to take a moment to talk about the heart and soul of this retreat—the Elizabeth Craft Designs team. I’ve admired and used their products, since 2019-2020- ish but meeting the owners and team in person was an experience like no other. They radiate kindness, warmth, and love for what they do, and one another. It’s clear that they are genuinely passionate about helping others unlock their creative potential. The entire team made us feel so welcome, and their generosity in sharing their knowledge, tips, and tricks made the retreat even more special.

One of the highlights of this retreat was meeting and rooming with my new friend, Donna. She is such a special person, and we really connected from the very start. By the end of the retreat, it felt like she was an integral part of our group, and I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate. We shared so many laughs, stories, and creative moments, and I truly treasure the friendship that blossomed over the short time we had together. I really hope Donna and I can stay in touch and, fingers crossed, reconnect at next year’s retreat. It would be wonderful to continue the bond we formed and create even more memories together!

Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the amazing swag we received at the retreat! We were spoiled with so many wonderful products, tools, and supplies. It was an incredibly generous gift. Plus, on the last night, we played several rounds of bingo and every winner got a fantastic prize pack! I was lucky enough to win an amazing gift packed with several of the new release items I already had on my to purchase list that night. . It was the perfect way to end an already unforgettable weekend!

By the end of the week, I felt like I really knew most of them—not just as creators of fabulous products, and designers or owners, but as friends. I can’t wait to see them again at next year’s retreat and continue the friendships that were sparked in Banff.

All in all, this retreat was a perfect blend of creativity, learning, connection, and of course, fun. Banff was the ideal setting for such a special gathering, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I left feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and connected—not just to the amazing people I went with, or the ones I met, but to my own creative spirit.

If you’re ever thinking about attending a retreat or event hosted by Elizabeth Craft Designs, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. I already can’t wait for next year! Until then, I’ll be crafting away, making my journals, and cherishing the memories of this unforgettable trip!

Thank you to the **Elizabeth Craft Designs team** and everyone who made this retreat so magical. See you next year! ✨

From Scraps to Beauty

From Scraps to Beauty: Turning Leftovers Into Treasures

One of my favorite things to do is take what many might consider "scraps"—those leftover bits, baubles, and unused materials from various projects—and transform them into something beautiful. Instead of throwing away those small pieces, I love repurposing them into something new, unique, and meaningful. Whether it’s jewelry, cards, or other crafts, I’m always finding ways to turn what’s leftover into something functional or decorative.

This recent project is a perfect example. I gathered up some leftover washi tape, pre-cut shapes, and elements from past projects and combined them into a gorgeous new card. The result? A fun, layered design that I’m absolutely in love with! It’s a great reminder of how a little creativity and a lot of fun can turn "scraps" into something truly special.

The Beauty in the Details

There’s something magical about taking those little forgotten bits and turning them into a cohesive design. Each scrap tells a story—whether it’s a bead that was part of a bracelet or necklace, A button from an old shirt that belonged to someone I loved, or bits of another card, or project from another day…. When I bring them together, it feels like giving new life to these forgotten pieces.

I always think of it as "sustainability with style." Not only am I reducing waste, but I’m also getting the chance to create something fresh and beautiful that I might not have imagined otherwise. It’s about seeing the potential in the things others might overlook and finding ways to make them shine.

A Piece with a Story

What I love most about projects like this is that every piece I use carries its own history, its own memory. And when I combine them, it’s like weaving a new story, one that’s entirely my own. Every element, no matter how small, plays a role in creating something meaningful. This piece, like so many others, feels special because it’s made from the unexpected—something that might have otherwise been tossed aside.

I’m so proud of how this turned out, and I can’t wait to create even more treasures from what others might consider scraps. It’s proof that beauty can come from the most unexpected places!

Do you have any favorite ways to repurpose materials or projects? I’d love to hear how you turn your own "scraps" into something beautiful!

The background for this little card is several scraps glued on the

front of the card base. Such a fun way to use my scraps.

I used a little bit of black nuevo drops on the h and p to give it some dimension. DONE~

Valentine's Day Art and Crafts: Celebrating Love and Life Through Paper Creations

Valentine’s Day has always been a special day for me—it's not just a time to celebrate love, but also the day I celebrate *my* love for life. That's right, Valentine's Day is my birthday! So, while the world is busy sharing love with others, I’ve always had the unique experience of celebrating both the universal spirit of affection and my own personal journey. For me, this day is doubly special, and over the years, I've come to realize that there’s no better way to commemorate both my love for life and my creative passion than by diving into the world of paper crafting.

I’ve been making cards and paper crafts for over 25 years, and there’s something truly magical about turning a simple sheet of paper into a unique, heartfelt creation. Whether it’s a handmade card, a 3D pop-up design, or a layered collage, crafting allows me to pour my love and energy into something that’s truly personal and meaningful. And for me, Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to share that creativity with others.

—- The Magic of Handmade Cards

Valentine's Day cards are a tradition that never gets old, but handmade ones? Those hold a special kind of magic. It’s not just about buying a card from a store and writing a quick note—it’s about dedicating time and effort to creating something uniquely suited to the person you’re giving it to.

For me, I love playing with different paper textures, colors, and patterns to create cards that are as unique as the people they’re meant for. Whether it's a heart-shaped design, a sweet pop-up element, or a thoughtful quote printed on a special kind of paper, the process of making something by hand allows me to infuse a little piece of myself into every project.

 —- Paper Crafting: Beyond Cards

 While cards are the most common form of paper crafting for Valentine’s Day, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using paper for other types of art and decoration. Here are some ideas to inspire your own creations:

 1. Gift Tags and Wrapping Paper:** Handmade gift tags add a personal touch to any present. Try using a stencil to cut out small hearts or roses, or create a custom design that ties in with your gift’s theme. You can also make your own wrapping paper by stamping or drawing cute Valentine’s motifs.

 2. Paper Flowers:** These make for beautiful decorations or gifts. Paper flowers can be as simple or intricate as you like, from basic origami blooms to delicate tissue paper creations. You can even create a whole bouquet!

 3. DIY Valentine’s Day Garland:** A paper garland filled with hearts, cupids, or love letters can brighten up a room or be hung above your Valentine's Day table. This is a great project to do with kids or to share with friends.

4. Love Coupons:** A fun and heartfelt gift idea is creating personalized "Love Coupons" that your significant other can redeem for special treats, like a night of their favorite movie, a homemade dinner, or even just a relaxing massage. These are easy to make with cardstock and a little creativity.

5. Paper Mâché Hearts:** If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, paper mâché can be molded into 3D shapes, like love-themed hearts or even a decorative bowl to hold Valentine’s treats. It’s a great project for crafting enthusiasts and can be customized with paint or embellishments.

—- A Gift of Love: The Art of Giving

One of the things I love most about paper art is the emotional connection it creates. When I make something for someone, it’s not just about the final product—it’s about the thought and love that go into it. The process of creating is as much of a gift as the piece itself.

Over the years, I’ve given countless handmade cards and paper crafts, and I can tell you that the reaction is always worth it. There’s something about receiving a handmade gift that feels so personal. It’s a reminder that someone took the time to create something just for you, and that feeling of being appreciated and loved is priceless.

For me, Valentine’s Day is an extra-special occasion because it also happens to be my birthday. It’s a day when I feel especially connected to others and to the love that surrounds us all. I like to think that the creative energy I pour into my paper art reflects the love and gratitude I feel, not only for the people I care about, but also for the opportunity to share my passion with the world. It’s the perfect day to celebrate both my personal milestones and the beautiful connections I’ve made over the years.

—- Do You Have a Passion Like This?

If you’ve ever felt the joy of crafting something with your own hands—whether it's paper art, knitting, painting, or any other creative pursuit—I’d love to hear about it. There’s a special bond that comes from pursuing a passion and sharing it with others, and I think we could all use a little more of that in our lives.

For me, paper art isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with people, express my feelings, and celebrate the small but important moments. Valentine’s Day, with its focus on love, is the perfect time to dive into this creative outlet and share something truly unique and meaningful with the people who matter most to us.

Whether you’re making a card for a spouse, a friend, or even a favorite teacher, the possibilities are endless. Paper crafting is not just about creating a physical object; it's about sending a message from the heart. And that, to me, is the greatest gift of all.

Happy crafting, and Happy Valentine’s Day—oh, and Happy Birthday to me!

Card for MY Knight for Valentine’s Day!