Gilding my Sneakers

I've just returned from Creative Escape, a several-day craft-a-thon with hundreds of enthusiastic and kind women from all over the world: Japan, Canada, France, Australia, the U.S. Though I taught all day a couple of days in a row, I'm surprisingly refreshed. I blame it on the touching & funny keynote addresses presented by Heidi Swapp & Melanie Wellman -- and my decision to wear tennis shoes instead of heels. 

The CE students went out of their way to express their excitement for my class, bring gifts (chocolate, jewelry, handmade cards, hair clips, etc.), and make the experience fulfilling for us teachers as well. (Thank you, ladies!)

All 700 or so in attendance were deeply moved by the response to CE's designer lamp fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society the final evening. All of the teachers at the event, and from past years, donated a hand-built, one-of-a-kind lamp to be sold in silent auction -- all $ going straight through to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

To add excitement to the final evening, two of the lamps were sold at live auction. One bidder forked out $29,000 for charity to get her hands on Tim Holtz' lamp (neat girl too), and Heidi's lamp raised over $8000. Without gushing on, I'll just say I was seriously moved. I think we all were. It was a great time. Thank you, Heidi & the Bazzill team for including me in this year's event.

So...Now that the cat's out of the bag on the fundraiser, I can finally show photos of my lamp design -- think tweet, tweet, chirp, chirp. I'll gather up some photos to post.

It's great to be back. I'm wrapping up several big projects (hallelujah!) this week before heading out to Utah to deliver a keynote address at the Start-Up Princess event on September 11th. If you're anywhere near South Jordan, Utah next weekend, sign up for Friday's event and come say 'hi'. Or visit me at Material Girls quilt shop on Saturday the 12th -- around 1ish (till 3ish?), I think.  I'll post a sure time as soon as it's confirmed. I'll also be on t.v. on Thursday, the 10th at Studio 5 in Salt Lake City. As for the rest of the trip -- I'll probably be sleeping, huh?

Comments

[Harpa J]

This sounds like a great event! Congratulations on everything, your teaching, the auction, just everything!

[Heather]

Can't wait to see the lamp! I love making lamps, so I'm sure I'll be inspired by your latest creation :)

-HB
www.crafteegyrl.etsy.com
www.crafteegyrl.wordpress.com

[Melissa Harvey]

I wish I were going to be in Utah to meet you.

Congrats on the success of the lamp auction. That is great that you were able to see such success.

[Kathryn]

What a great event, and amazing auction! I'd love to see your lamp + the lamp that went for $29,000!

[Linda]

My daughter from Seattle (Scrapbook Nook) said she was in one of your classes along with your husband and daughter! Linda - Utah

[Jenn N]

Wow- you are keeping busy! Great work. I love that you are doing so much for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that is so great that you guys raised so much money! Good luck in my home town of Utah!

[Yetunde]

bzzz, bzzz, busy, busy! You are one on-the-go girl! You're my hero! I look forward to seeing what you have in store.

[Char]

Seriously? You're coming to Material Girls? Awesome!

[Cassie @ You Go Girl!]

You go girl! When do you come up for air? LOL! Can't wait to see that lamp.

[Kath]

Snap! I have a craft booth on the 11th & 12th. :'( I'll have to catch you next time you come to Utah!

[maggie]

I couldn't post on your Twitter account, but NEEDTOBREATHE is an incredible band. Hope you can check them out on iTunes.

[Mindi Degn]

Loved your class. I won your raffle & have a darling pic of my 5 year old wearing the trash ties. Have to admit I was worried b/c she cut her own hair last month, her's and 3 or her American Girl doll's, but I digress... wasn't sure how they'd look in her new short do but it was easy, adorable and she spent the rest of the day in front of the mirror. Not unusual for her. Later, she was "crafting" with me, put some little pearls on a butterfly and said "Take a picture of this and send it to Heather Bailey". She's sure we are friends now, since I have a pic of us together, smiling. ;D

[melissa]

LOVED YoUR class... Loved meeting you...I was so inspired I've been busy creating away ever since I got home and haven't even begun to unpack!
Hope they ask you to teach again next year!
blogged about it today... Still would love to "help" you out anyway I can.
Melissa :-)

[Lindsay Bateman]

Hi Heather!
Love all your photos and recap of Creative Escape! It was so amazing, as was meeting and chatting with you. I still feel so honored that I was able to meet you and have such a great chat with you on Sunday in the hotel (one of my most treasured memories btw!) You are so beautiful inside and out, and I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED your class. I told my best friend all about you, and since she sews she is very excited to check out some of your patterns and fabrics! Oh and I forgot to mention to you, but your daughter was just the cutest thing on Saturday night!!:) What a little doll.
Again, thank you so much for everything.
xoxo
Lindsay Bateman
Lac La Biche, AB Canada

[Jenn]

I wish I could come stargaze at you at Material Girl's but I have a booth at the Avenue's Street Festival. I really think you should forgo sleeping and come check it out and say "HI". http://www.slc-avenues.org/

[Nadine Woodraska]

We are so excited for you to come visit!!!
Love,
Material Girls!!!!

[Pretty*Pink*Rat]

Wow, what a wonderful event! I always love it when people can join their passions with charity to help out others.

Looking forward to seeing your lamp design!

PS This weekend at an amusement park one of the ride operators had a Trash Tie in her hair. It looked adorable! I need to pick some up for myself!

[ellen Crimi-Trent]

looks like a great time!! glad you had fun.

[melissa cavanaugh]

so so glad you had a good time :-) it all started with a strawberry pincushion class

[Char]

My little sister is going to be on Studio 5 next Thursday, too. She owns a clothing boutique and is doing something for the fashion segment.

[Jennifer P.]

Heather your class was is amazing and I just love my colorful album - thank you for creating something that I will continue to enjoy over time.

I bought your trash ties and I spoke to you about them in your last class :) I have a question for ya - are you considering making them in a non absorbent fabric for working out? I used the longer tie the other day at the gym and wow!! my hair didn't move a bit - with all the curly hair I have it's hard to keep it in place!

[nicky]

Thank you so much for the fun class! I loved the project....my favorite by far. Thanks again.

[pamela]

Hi Heather,

Can't wait to meet you at Touchpoint!!