Michaels Creative Crew Blogger Event

A few weeks ago, I talked about my trip as part of the Michael’s Creative Crew. I was honored to be one of 10 creative bloggers invited to visit the Michael’s Headquarters. I can’t really put this amazing trip into words, so I’m showing you a lot of photos!

Before going on this trip, I was a customer of Michaels, (well, I practically live there) but I didn’t know much about the company at all. After meeting the people of Michaels… I’m ready to quit my job and go work for them! Seriously I totally would if they would have me:-)

The Michaels team is the most creative, genuine, and dedicated group of people I have ever met. The time they put into making quality products and understanding their customers is very unique.

(Kami, Cindy & Me)

On Thursday evening we socialized, crafted and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with inspiring speakers (a creative blogger’s dream night!). Then on Friday we toured the headquarters where we learned many interesting facts about the company.

For instance, I didn’t know Michaels had their own product lines, which are the same quality of name brands, but a better value. They had all of their products set up for us along with amazing crafts made by their fabulous creative team. Talk about eye candy! Of course we all whipped out our cameras and browsed around in awe.

We then got to meet the creative team and see where they work. These ladies are such an inspiration and full of talent. They come up with craft ideas for all of the Michaels stores. I’m amazed that only a handful of people can keep up with that demand.

And the ideas they come up with are amazing! Here are just a few product and craft photos I took. My head was literally spinning after seeing so many creative ideas.

We had the best lunch at the home of Michael’s Creative Expert, Jo Pearson.

Jo is such a joy and wonderful hostess! Her home is a whimsical wonderland. I was in awe of everything fun. Pretty much each and every corner was crafted in some unique fashion, usually with a hint of animal print and glitter as well. The home truly captured her bubbly personality.

Everyone had a blast taking photos and exploring her amazing home. You can see Jo and her fun personality on many craft tutorial videos for Michaels. Look for her smiling face at your local Michaels too. They play her craft show at the check out line in various stores.

I was so excited to meet Amy and Jenn, two of my favorite party bloggers. Party girls sure know how to have fun!

After lunch, we headed to one of Michaels stores for more crafting. For all of you Dallas readers, this was at the Southlake store. The craft room is gorgeous! I really want to host a birthday party or girls day there soon. Who’s in???

Crafting with the talented Michael’s creative team and blog friends was my most favorite time of the trip by far!

We made jewelry, cards, decorated cakes, stamps and painted! Michaels sure knows how to have an event with style.

One of my favorite crafts was when the talented mixed media artist Kathy Kromer taught us how to use Derwent Inktense Pencils. They look just like plain colored pencils, but when you paint with water over your drawing, it turns into paint. Such a cool product! You can see what I painted above. I had never heard of these types of pencils before and now I’m addicted and so are my kids.

Another fun kid friendly craft I had never made before were custom stamps. Watch this quick video as Kathy teaches you this easy technique of making custom stamps from foam paper. It’s SO easy, both you and your kids will love it!

It was a such a blast being around so many creative minds and bloggers that I admire!

We also learned about these very neat Wilton Sugar Sheets. Everyone got to decorate a cake with them by using punches to make fun shapes.  I love this product, the cakes turned out so adorable! I was the only one who lived local and didn’t have to catch a flight home… so guess who got all the cakes?

I put them to good use the next day at a craft pool party with the neighborhood kids.

As I figured, the kids loved the Derwent Inktense Pencils and my other loot that Michaels sent us home with.

I want to thank Michaels for such a lovely trip. The creative inspiration they provided me was invaluable. I look forward to sharing more craft ideas from Michaels soon.

Fun Links:

• Michaels on Facebook & Twitter

• Store Events & Classes

• Go on a Creative Cruise with Michaels – Oct. 23-30, 2011

• Michael’s YouTube Channel – Lots of great craft videos

• Find a Michaels Store near you.

Meet the rest of the “Michael’s Creative Crew”:

Amy from Amy Atlas Events, Jenn from Hostess with the Mostess, Jen from Tatortots & Jello, Kari from UCreate, Alison from HowDoesShe, Cindy from Skip to My Lou, Kami from No Biggie, Kelly from Make Grow Gather, and Ashley from Make It and Love It.

Disclosure: Michaels provided my accommodations, food and crafting goodies. I provide you with my unbiased opinion.

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