Scrappin' at Dusty's

I just received the photos taken by Lyn at our last SCRAPPIN' AT DUSTY'S Retreat (Jan 9-11).

Photo at left was taken SUN morning, after more than 36 hours of scrapping (well, and sleeping, too) ... Dusty was advising me on background paper color choices for some layouts for our 2008 trip to Europe. She's so good with color, design, techniques ... I've learned so much, yet have so much more to learn ...

In the above photo, you can see part of two work stations - we each have TWO really good lamps on our table, for "correct" light helps one make "correct" color choices. We also have a full set of ink "spots" to use if stamping, all sorts of cutting tools, plenty of workspace, and we are surrounded by a large room full of all the materials, tools, supplies one could want to use for scrapping & card-making. Dusty's Retreats are the BEST !!!

Photo at left shows two more work stations, and Dusty's desk facing the window (which looks out to the pool and jacuzzi, which if one WANTED to take the time to use, one could - but one never does!) -- you can also see the large screen TV that we watch movies on while we work.

This next photo shows the work station where the Sizzix die-cut tools are kept -- this is where we cut out letters for our layouts, if we are so inclined.

So not only does Dusty make the best Lattes (coffee OR tea) that I've ever had - really - but she's a heck of a cook, and she takes care of dinner for us on Friday & Saturday nights (for the 2-night Retreats), as well as Saturday's breakfast. We're on our own for lunch, but with the yummy leftovers to be had, or all the sandwich fixings one could ask for -- it's a breeze. {Did I also mention the candy basket that lurks just around the corner from our work space?}

Photo, left, of Dusty's kitchen & dining area -- just off her Great Room, where one can relax and catch the news or a football game if one needs a break from their scrapping.

NOTE that Dusty sets the table for dinner using her beautiful china ... and we are usually treated to cloth napkins, too. It's delightful.

And while one can't always get this lucky, on Jan 10, the Full Moon was "the biggest and brightest one would ever likely see it", according to the news -- so we all took a trip or two outside to sneak a peek. It was a sight to behold !!!

I am so looking forward to my next full weekend at Dusty's, in late March. Now you can all see why I am crazy for this lady, and for these Retreat getaways. I encourage you all to take it under consideration this first half of the new year. You've probably got a baby book to put together, or a wedding album, or your pet's photos in a pile, just waiting for an opportunity like this to assemble them into a wonderful keepsake. And if you're not into scrapping your memories, how about making home-made cards for everyone that you send one to in the year - list all the family & friend birthdays, and make them each a card they'll cherish.

-- Princess Magpie

SCRAPPIN' WEEKEND RETREAT

Just home from another FANTASTIC, FABULOUS, REMARKABLE, FUN-FILLED, PROJECT-FILLED weekend retreat at Scrappin' at Dusty's, in La Quinta, CA. www.scrappinatdustys.com is the website if you'd like to take a closer look at what she has going on out there in Wonderland ...

My friend Lyn and I went over on Friday afternoon, and spent the Retreat with a couple of lovely gals from Orange County, Krista & Melinda. What amazing women are repeat visitors to Dusty's !!!

Did I mention that when one attends a Retreat at Dusty's, EVERYTHING is included?

If you are making cards, you don't have to take a single thing.

If you are working on a scrapbook, all you need are your photos, and the pages (and scrapbook) they will reside in when finished.

Literally EVERYTHING you could want to use to get creative -- is there, and is included in the price.

Did I mention that the beds are "I can hardly wait to crawl into bed" comfy?

They are! Pillow top mattresses, the world's softest & freshest sheets, a warm comforter to cozy into, and an extra blanket if you need it. And the pillows - ah, heavenly. I always get a super good night's sleep when I'm at Dusty's.

Did I mention yet that Dusty makes the world's best Caffe Lattes?

She does! And all your meals are also included. I'm not kidding! {Did I mention the big candy basket from which one can, if one is so inclined, snack from as you like!?}

So what are all the nifty supplies available for you to use? The list is endless, so I encourage you to visit Dusty's website to get a gander of just a sampling of what's out there ...

For now, I can provide you with this:

the largest collection of high-quality rubber stamps I've ever seen
the most beautiful, high-quality INKS for stamping with - in every color under the sun
tons of paper - solids, patterns, all weights, even vellum(s)
brads, eyelets, crystal bits, and drawers full of ribbon
{Dusty's is an embellisher's dream-come-true}
chipboard
many wonderful die-cuts to choose from, and a Sizzix and a Big Shot

Each work table contains ALL THE NECESSARY TOOLS to get the job done --- an array of adhesives, scissors, a paper cutter, cool tools for cutting out special shapes (forget the name!), and plenty of terrific working light ... TWO lamps on each work table.

Did I mention that it's a wonderful thing to do with your {adult} daughters, or your best girlfriends, or your mother - ANY of your most favorite people? IT IS !!!

We can watch movies on a big-screen TV, we can listen to music of any genre, we can laugh and tell stories, or we can just all work quietly ... whichever mood we're in, it all seems to work just fine for the group.

A retreat at Scrappin' at Dusty's is for ANY and ALL experience levels. As a beginner, you will learn SO VERY MUCH about whatever it is you want to work on - be it stamping or scrapbooking. As someone with a little {or a lot} of experience at this kind of thing, I would venture to say you'll pick up some new technique each time you attend a weekend at Dusty's. {I know I do !!!}

It's an incredible experience.

Did I already mention that it's AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE? I can't say it enough.

When I get photos from my friend Lyn, I'll be sure to post on this blog ... I'm kicking myself that I forgot to take my camera with me this weekend.

IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN GOING, I can't recommend it highly enough.

Your VERY happy, can't wait to go again ...

Princess Magpie, aka DAH