DFW ATC group, Sleepover May 31st-June 1st

[OriginalYouth]

The DFW ATCsforALL ATC group is having a SLEEPOVER, May 31st at a lovely private lake home in Granbury (friends of OriginalYouth own the place).

Details:
WONDERFUL news! The Granbury Lake house is available for us, at a reasonable rate! She said they'd need to charge us $120. for the night, for cleaning and washing the linens. With 6 of us that is $20 each, with 8 people only $15 each! Hopefully that is something everyone can afford.

Here is what she said:
That will cover the cost of cleaning and washing/changing the linens and towels. We have a bed frame for the bed on the floor now. I just need to get a box spring for that bed and hopefully that will happen before we get to your date.

Here is the sleeping situation.

1 king, 2 queens, futon makes a queen bed, two twin beds. I have cushions that can make a bed on the floor and blow up bed that doesn’t work that well, but I have had some women sleep in the two recliner chairs also. There is space in the floor of the master for a blow up bed if someone wants to bring a good one. We once had women on sleeping bags all over the floor.

In the hall closet, I have extra linens for each bed and some random linens, a few blankets, sheets and a heavy comforter for the futon There is room on the master bedroom floor and in the entry hall and living room for a blow up bed, but I suggest you get someone to bring a reliable one. If the ladies get too cool or have a favorite wrap/blankie and pillow they like, I suggest they bring it.



So, everyone will need to email/PM me personally to let me know for sure if you are in. The date is Saturday May 31st, and Adriayna (Dana) will be staying too! We'll have a great night with her.

Here is the list of who is tentatively attending (I have already discussed it with them): (confirmed and Paid)
stuff bringing to share/the group to use
-OriginalYouth
-Adriayna
-GoatGoddess
-BlueskySunburn
-Dhawktx
-Teri
-Electablue
-Andreananda
-

If EVERYONE comes, that would be 10, and a full house. Since the home is owned by friends of mine, I don't feel comfortable opening it up to people I've never met before IRL and don't participate here. If we have a few that can not attend, you are welcome to PM me privately with suggestions for others to invite. Ultimately, please trust that I will make the decision.

Tentative Plan:
Arrive at the house on Saturday around 2-4pm.
Hang out, craft, play, swim?
Dinner at the House, 6pm. We can fire up the grill! We'll have 3-4 people in charge of dinner.
Stay up late, play, etc! Late night snacks (maybe an ice cream sundae bar???)
Sunday: Breakfast (we can split this up between 3 people too)
Hang out, craft, etc.
Lunch and shopping in town (about a 5-10 minute drive)
Pick up more supplies/crafting stuff, food for the rest
Sunday night: dinner and more crafting fest, then cleaning up....
Monday am: breakfast and hit the road!

For anyone that wants a longer trip, you can do some good antiquing and shopping before or after the trip. There are lots of little places in the area for that.


Saturday Dinner: (coordinate with each other to plan)
-Steak and Shrimp: (courtesy of Goatgoddess!)
-Salad bar?: Teri
-Side dish? Andreananda

Saturday Late-night Snacks:
-ice cream sundaes (OriginalYouth) and toppings
-Margaritas (yea for Teri!)
-Something: Andreananda
-Cheesecake tub dippers: Dhawktx

Sunday Breakfast:
-Crepes (courtesy of Adriayna) (OY will pick up the supplies, Teri will bring a crepe pan)
-Bacon and Eggs: Jennifer
-Coffee, sugars, creamers: OY
-Espresso Machine and Fixings: Donna
-Juice?

Sunday Lunch (in town)

Sunday Dinner:
-Lasanga (Electablue)

Monday Breakfast:
--Orange and Cranberry Scones (OY)

PaperGoods: (because no one wants to wash dishes on their night off!)
-Plates, Bowls: Electablue / OY
-Cups (plastic and stryofoam for coffee), trash bags (just a few, we have to take our own trash out): Andreananda
-Plastic utensils: Teri

Please bring:
-favorite pillow
-toiletries
-swimsuit and swimming towel if you want to go for a dip in the lake
-drinks for yourself (and/or extra to share)
-Money for lunch out/ shopping on Sunday
-card table or small folding table for your stuff if needed, if you have one!

Let us know:
-if you have any special sleeping needs (do you snore, lol?)
-if you have any dietary needs we should know about?
-

[blueskysunburn]

Oooh fun! I feel like it's a school field trip! Do I need to get a permission slip?

I'm in

[goatgoddess]

I can help with the Dinner - Steak or Shrimp? I love grilled shrimp but I can get Steak for a good price from a sister company, We could do both :) my treat.

[blueskysunburn]

I can help with whatever but don't ask me to grill! I've never done it and wouldn't want to chance my first time with ya'lls dinner! Mmmmm, steak sounds yummy.

[OriginalYouth]

Steak and Shrimp sounds amazing! Perfect, GG! I'll put you down for that.

I am SO excited, I can't believe we have to wait a whole 6 weeks!

[ElectaBlue]

I am definitely in! I can help with whatever, also.

[adriayna]

WOOT WOOT!!!! I am SO in.

As I told OY in the email; I'll need someone to pick me up from DFW airport at 3:30 (I think, let me double check the landing time). Yay!

[adriayna]

And I'm happy to cook something fancy for us--I love to cook! If someone is willing to go to the grocery store, we can do crepes for breakfast.

[OriginalYouth]

I added some food stuffs to the list, I'm trying to keep it simple, where people can bring stuff that is easy to fix in advance and clean up.

[OriginalYouth]

This is so fun, for sure! I'm totally excited. Probably I will see if Jennifer (Bluesky) can drive down on Saturday (we can grab another FW member too if we want to carpool) a bit early, to get set-up. My hubby will drive down Sunday night to pick me up, so we can have dinner in the square that night.

Dana, I'm sure if you give someone a grocery list we can arrange that! Crepes, how fancy!

[goatgoddess]

Crepes would be sooooo nice. :)

[OriginalYouth]

Yes, we are going to be SO spoiled!

[ElectaBlue]

This sounds so fun! I am not sure what food I should bring.

I have lots of styrofoam cups at home and if no one minds weird plates, like Batman, Hanukkah, or Harry Potter, I have a big stash at home I could bring.

Dana, I should be able to pick you up at the airport as I pretty much have to go through that way to get to Granbury, anyway, sort of. Granbury is quite a ways from the airport, I think. My geographical skills are always a little shaky.

[blueskysunburn]

I'm in for carpooling and helping to set up!

[OriginalYouth]

This sounds so fun! I am not sure what food I should bring.

I have lots of styrofoam cups at home and if no one minds weird plates, like Batman, Hanukkah, or Harry Potter, I have a big stash at home I could bring.

Dana, I should be able to pick you up at the airport as I pretty much have to go through that way to get to Granbury, anyway, sort of. Granbury is quite a ways from the airport, I think. My geographical skills are always a little shaky.

Sounds great! I can bring random leftover party goods too, I think we have Strawberry Shortcake, Elmo, and Curious George! :D

Yes, Lisa, It will be a big fat drive for you, I'm afraid. Maybe you could meet up with Donna, pick up Dana, and the 3 of you guys come down together. It will be an hours drive from the airport, probably. Granbury is Southwest of FW.

[goatgoddess]

What side of the lake is it on? there is a Krogers and a Walmart off the freeway in Grandbury.

[ElectaBlue]

I know generally where Granbury is, I just get fuzzy on the details!

To get to the airport, I can go a more direct back way from my house, so I don't go by any major highways or anything. Donna is welcome to carpool with me if we can figure out a place that makes sense. Also, she needs to be leave earlier, so that might not work out for her.

[adriayna]

RE: Breakfast:
Ok, I'll send someone some $ via paypal for the crepes along with the grocery list. I'm thinking fruit-filled crepes for breakfast sounds great! I hope your friends have some good pan for it, lol. Does anyone else want to help contribute to breakfast?

RE: RIde: Sweet! I just hope the flight is on time!!!! I'll be so upset if it isn't.

Ladies, concerning the trading, am I still supposed to bring a goodie bag?

Also, how many available atcs and things do you usually bring with you? I have no idea, hehe. Up here there are usually only 2-3 of us.

[OriginalYouth]

Dana, I'd just bring whatever you have to swap, ATC-wise, chunky page wise and/or supply wise. :)

I can get your groceries for you, as I'll be taking stuff for icecream so I'll have a big coolor. :) We'll just wait until the weekend, and you can give me a check for whatever it costs.

[teri]

I can't believe you all started partying already AND without ME! LOL I'm willing to help anywhere/anyhow. Give me a task and I'll do it...grilling isn't my forte though. I can bring the wine...or if you prefer margaritas? Mimosas with breakfast? Oh, I'm sorry, this isn't a bachelorette party...:err:

I have a huge box of plastic ware I can bring. I can make sure we have a decent pan for the crepes too. I see you need a salad...I can do that and bring dressings.

*squealing with delight* :v_spin:

[OriginalYouth]

Margaritas sound awesome, Teri! I'll put you down for those, salad, and plasticware. This is going to be so much fun!

[blueskysunburn]

I can help out with sides for crepes....except I have no idea what goes with them! Do we want eggs and bacon too? I think I have a couple of cans of the frozen margarita mix I can bring as well as some tequila to help with the drunkeness, I mean, festivities.

OY I have an extra cooler if you don't have enough room with groceries and all.

[OriginalYouth]

Yum, Eggs and Bacon sound good..... then we can have a LAZY morning and a late lunch if we get all that protein. She said there is a griddle there too if we want to use that.

[adriayna]

Yeah, bacon and eggs--or if you want to get more fancy and work intensive, quiche :P. But the crepes will be enough work.

Teri, please bring the pan for crepes! The pan is very important to pull it off right, haha.

Oh, I hadn't thought about chunky pages. I will bring an assortment of stuff--I've already started making things! My ability to bring supplies will be pretty limited, but I'll bring a few things that will travel well :).

[ElectaBlue]

I am just so overwhelmed with excitement that I can't even think what I should bring. I love to cook, so I would think I could come up with something. What else do we need?

I have been trying to come up with ideas for Monday, as well. Since Dana will still be here maybe we can regroup on Monday and do something. I have been thinking of having people come to my house if they are interested in learning how to fuse glass.

[goatgoddess]

I think that would be fun ElectraBlue - would love to see how you do your magic :)

[OriginalYouth]

Oh yes, Fusing Glass in Denton on Monday night sounds awesome!

[blueskysunburn]

That would be fun! I took the day off on Monday so I will be free.

[ElectaBlue]

I was thinking during the day, because it would take a lot of time. It takes 4 hours to run the kiln and then it still has to cool down before you can take everything out. We may have to just run it after people leave and then I will have to send things to people or bring them to the next meetup.

[adriayna]

Sweet! I SO want to learn about glass fuzing. This is going to ROCK! I feel so special, everyone organizing everything since I'm coming! Woot woot!

[teri]

We have to wait how long to do all this fun? :eek: Fused glass! Awesome! I have a few pieces I bought on eBay and it is the prettiest stuff I've ever seen. Very mesmerizing...and I get to get close to it? yeah!

Out of courtesy I "asked" my husband if it would be okay for me to spend the weekend with my artsy friends. He said "no". As if I was really "asking". ppffft! :rolleyes: He doesn't understand how I would want to spend that long with people I don't know. LOL I did manage to get him to understand that we girls had some things in common and want to "cut and paste" together. :jiggy:

[Bijaydi]

Ohhh, I hope you have so much fun!

(Jealous!)

[OriginalYouth]

Seriously, I can NOT wait 5 more weeks, I'm too giddy! GIRLS night! And Steak and Margaritas? Woo hoo! I haven't had a margarita in about 4 years. It's time for another....make sure you bring the salt! :D

Bethany, you are welcome to join us if you can. :P

[adriayna]

I'm so excited! Teri, tell him that its too bad, you are coming if we have to drag you there. And the last thing he wants is a barrage of angry women with heat guns busting down his door!

Reuben is also worried. He says, "But Dana, what if the women in Texas decide to keep you and not give you back?" He has threatened to come down and retrieve me if necessary, lololol. I don't think he's serious!

[teri]

Well, Dana, he obviously has read that we are a gun carrying state... :) So what if they are heat guns... LOL

And don't worry about my Jimmy, he can be easily persuaded...if you know what I mean... ;)

[Bijaydi]

Tease a girl, why dontcha? :P That's the weekend of our 1 yr wedding anniversary, and we're going camping! :D I'm bring art stuffs along so I'll be with you in spirit. But enough about me!

Have fun, take pictures, and come back here to tell stories on each other!

[Andreananda]

It looks like I have missed out on volunteering to bring something. Do you need some one to bring snacks, paper goods, etc? I can do that.

I can't have dairy and I am already feeling sad about not getting to have any homemade ice cream!
Let me know what you would like me to bring!

[OriginalYouth]

It looks like I have missed out on volunteering to bring something. Do you need some one to bring snacks, paper goods, etc? I can do that.

I can't have dairy and I am already feeling sad about not getting to have any homemade ice cream!
Let me know what you would like me to bring!

The list for meals and such is on the first post. We can always add to it later, unless you want to 'snag' something now. :)

[adriayna]

I could still use help with crepes :).

[adriayna]

Well, Dana, he obviously has read that we are a gun carrying state... :) So what if they are heat guns... LOL

And don't worry about my Jimmy, he can be easily persuaded...if you know what I mean... ;)

Oh my...I forgot about the Texas guns thing. None of you ladies will be packing, right? Guns scare me!

[goatgoddess]

It's ok Dana - in our get togethers I have yet to see a gun in anyones atc supplies, so I think it's safe to say none of us will be packing :)

So excited about Grandbury - even though its grown in the last couple of years it still has that small town flavor and it's such a pretty town. Too bad the bluebonnets will be gone in May but it should still be green and pretty with other wildflowers - Texas has some wonderful wildflowers. The town square is so nicely done with little shops and stores - I don't get down that way enough. :)

[ElectaBlue]

Teri, I think your husband should take those heat guns seriously! Have you ever held it too close to your hand? Also, I am always melting the elements on my cards with it, which adds a certain whimsical look to my art. It is amazing how fast it can melt things.

This whole thing is so exciting! It will be hard to wait 5 weeks, but I will put that time to good use doing things like getting the work space in my garage cleaned up enough that we can all fit in it. I am not sure what kind of things people are interested in fusing. We could make jewelry, and/or I can show people how I made the fused glass book covers.

Dana, I thought someone else said they would help you with breakfast, but I can do it if no one else already volunteered.

[OriginalYouth]

One of y'all need to pack that heat gun, I don't have one so I want to play with yours. :P

[Andreananda]

I could still use help with crepes :).

PM me and tell me what you need help with for crepes!

[goatgoddess]

oh yeah I need to figure out what all to bring...... I can bring my heat gun with all the embossing stuff, I also have one of those melting pans if for powders or bees wax. Will have to go thru and clean up a bit so I can find what to bring <G>

Got monday off so I'm good to go :jiggy:

[Andreananda]

OY,
You can put me down for a side dish (not sure what yet!) and the cups & trash bags and a snack too!
Man! We are gonna have so much fun we may have to be dragged away screaming and crying!
I also have a heat gun I will bring. You can NEVER have too many heat guns!!

[ElectaBlue]

OY, I don't know HOW you can survive without a heat gun! I actually keep mine plugged in and ready on one of my kitchen counters at all times. In addition to embossing with it, it also works if you need to dry something really fast.

[adriayna]

Can someone bring distress inks? I can't live without them. I don't know how they would travel....

[goatgoddess]

I'll bring the ones I have - I'm at work but I know I have old paper, tea dye, faded jeans, dusty concord, mahogany, and one of those green ones - after looking up the colors I see a couple more I would like. <g>

[ElectaBlue]

Is that the ones in the little bottles? All I have is a green one, and I haven't really figured out what to do with it yet. What do you do with yours?

I have decided I really like the distress embossing powders, or at least the one yellow one I have. I need to get more.

[goatgoddess]

I have the pads of distressed inks, I did buy one of the powders but haven't really used that much - must get that out again to play with. Mine is brownish.

I love the distressed inks for edging images and cards. Also have used it when doing collaged cards - rubbing my finger on the pad then in the varish or matt medium.

you can make great backgrounds with them too (tim holtz class) - by rubbing the pads on a non stick sheet and then spray a bit of water on the ink the rub your paper about on it, then you can iron it (I don't have a craft iron yet) or use your heat gun to chase the color around - messy but wonderful looking when you get done.

was just checking out google and found his blog with more background tech.

http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/3_march_technique_challenge/index.html

[OriginalYouth]

Sounds like fun!

I'll bring my pearl powders, I have 2 sets that I got from Bluesky, I've really been enjoying using them lately.

[ElectaBlue]

Great link for techniques GG! I will have to check them out when I have the time to try them out.

I have the stamp pads in red and green and I do use those for the edges of the cards and things like that. One thing I don't like is that they aren't waterproof and I tend to layer things so much that if things run they get all muddy.

I really like the texture that the distress powder has. It looks like sand and isn't as smooth and shiny as other embossing powder.

I have the pearl powders, too, but they are another thing I haven't used too much, except for using some of the metallic ones in my glass fusing.

This will be fun to bring all these things and experiment!

[OriginalYouth]

Those of you in my monochrome book swap do NOT need to send me postage for your SAS envie, I will bring your pages to the meet-up! You can swap around with each other then if you want to. :P

[blueskysunburn]

Looks like the colors I have of the distress inks are covered so I probably won't binrg them. I do have a tea dye one and vintage photo someone can have if they want them. I use my dye based inkpads now instead since tims smear with water.

I have some of the distress crackle paint - black soot and antique linen, if anyone wants to play with them. I also have the peeled paint and walnut stain in the distress embossing powders (LOVE them!). I thought I had a third color in those but I have no idea where it is.

[teri]

Hey all, just got home from a longgggg day. I'm going to bed but tomorrow when I'm thinking more clearly I'll let you know the things I can bring.

[adriayna]

Yeah, the pads were what I was thinking! Electablue, distress inks will change your life. I use them in ALL my mixed media works!

I will bring stuff easy to carry on the plane--some papers, paints (dry watercolors) and so forth. I don't want to ship my expensive watercolors in the check in bags as they might not make it, and I don't think I can bring on liquid tube watercolors on carryon. Such is life. But I'll have to borrow a lot, hehe.

[ElectaBlue]

I do have several of the pads, but I just am not sure why they are better than some of the other ink pads I have. I will be interested to see what you do with them. I don't know the fancy names of them, but there is a red and a green one.

When I have been doing watercolor I have mostly been using the liquid watercolors, and I often use them with the liquid acrylics. I get annoyed with the tube ones and the dry ones. I have twinkling h2os if anyone is interested in trying those, too.

I can also bring an assortment of rubber stamps that we can use with the embossing stuff.

I just received a new craft bag for an early birthday present. It will be perfect for packing up all the supplies I want to bring. I will have to be careful to not bring too many things. I think I will have to limit myself to putting supplies in my crafting bags, and no more than that!

I went to a garage sale last weekend where a woman was cleaning out some of her ENORMOUS scrapbooking stash, so I have all kinds of new stuff to play with. The downside is that she wanted a lot of money (by garage sale standards) for her stuff, so I couldn't buy as much as I wanted, but I got a lot of really cool stuff. She said she might have another sale this weekend with more stuff, but I have my booth at the Arts and Jazz Festival all weekend, and it would be extremely difficult to get there.

[goatgoddess]

Can't wait to see your new stuff :) I never seem to find the good Garage sales.

did anyone get washed away? that storm hit hard last night - town near us, Crowley got a few houses smashed - lucky no one was killed. I won't know till tonight if we lost our fences agin in the back and front.

[OriginalYouth]

did anyone get washed away? that storm hit hard last night - town near us, Crowley got a few houses smashed - lucky no one was killed. I won't know till tonight if we lost our fences agin in the back and front.

Our area was targeted on the news, long enough for me to light some candles. but all we got was rain and thunder. It's nice that it's cool enough to have the windows open today.

I can bring my stuff to carve stamps, we can have a mini lesson in that! I'll tell you guys what to buy if you want to make your own; you can use my tools.

[adriayna]

OH please bring those twinkling h2os! I've been itching to try them. I'll bring some handmade paper for people to play with as well and if I have the time, I'll makeup some fun backgrounds we can experiment with.

Ladies, I've been crafting like mad this week and have almost 20 atcs for trading already! I hope to bring even more. So you are forewarned! :P

[adriayna]

OY_ I LOVE carving stamps! I just did a reduction block print for the houses swap at MAW. I think I will have a few extras so I'll bring you one :).

[OriginalYouth]

Wow, Dana! That's a LOT of cards!

They have a big 2 car garage with barely anything in it, so if we do messy stuff we can put some tables in there. There is also a table outside. I'll bring butcher paper to cover everything.

Everyone try to put your initials on your supplies, so we can share around the table and no ones stuff gets confused. :)

Also, I forgot at the last meetup, I have BOXES of cardstock for backgrounds. I use the bulletins from my church and there is SO much if you just want it for collages, etc. They use pretty cool graphics too. We can do some cool messy paintings/stamping/stencil layered backgrounds if you guys want.

[ElectaBlue]

Wow! I don't even know where to start.

OY, I would love to learn about carving stamps! I have everything I need to carve stamps, I think, but I just have never gotten around to doing it. I bought the tools because for a while I was trying to do a lot of carving and didn't have the tools. I can bring the tools I have, also, so we have more if we need to. I think the initials are a good idea. I was wondering how we were going to keep everything straight.

Dana, I will definitely bring my twinkling h2os. I am so excited about the house swap at MAW. I haven't even started mine yet, but can't wait to do them. You could always just bring me mine when you come so you don't have to mail it! That IS a lot of cards! Making that many sounds like something I would do. I don't usually tell people how many I make because it is a little embarrassing to me.

Weather-my internet is down at home! That is the worst thing that happened at my house. Hopefully I will be able to get it fixed because I won't be back to work until Monday, so people may not hear from me for a while. We got 3 inches of rain, according to the rain gauge. It may be very wet sitting outside in a tent all weekend.

GG-I was thinking of you last night because they were showing the lightning over Joshua. I am glad you are ok.

[goatgoddess]

Yeah the lighting was massive - my two little dogs, the front yard dog, and the kitten (nearly grown now) followed me everywhere last night - they didn't like the lighting at all. We got around 5 inches I think - lost our rain gauge in the last storm but the goat feeders were overflowing this morning and they are 5 inches deep - the spillways was loud this morning so there was a lot of water moving out of the pond. it flooded the front pasture but most was gone this morning - very muddy.

hope you get your internet back soon, I wouldn't like sitting in a tent this weekend - it's suppose to rain again Friday and Sat.

I have some h2o's too I can bring - it's hard to buy all the colors the way they package them, have too many of browns and tans. not enough of the other colors and they are $$$ - I haven't found them anywhere that has coupons either, - I do love those 40% off coupons.

marking our stuff is a good idea - I will do that.

[ElectaBlue]

Yes, I don't like how they package the H2Os, either. A friend and I bought a really large set and split them, so that way we both got some good colors.

[adriayna]

Well, I'm just encouraing everyone to bring lots of cards! :)

[teri]

I had in my mind all my responses to everyone's posts but I got side-tracked. For some reason my mouse hovered over OY's reps and I just gotta know this: How many points do I have to have to become "Bitch of the Week?" :shocked: I've never had a goal for my rep points but now I think I do...that is awesome...LOL

[goatgoddess]

OMG - how very funny - has that changed? I thought you got to be a rockstar?

hubby just called - that damge to the houses is shown on the Star Telegram web site - that is only 10 min from our house - a little too close - hope our friend that lives on that street is ok - hubby is going by to check on him tonight after work and to rubberneck - I've got to get to the postoffice

[teri]

I have some cheap watercolor tubes I can bring for you. I also have watercolor pencils (my fav). I have a couple pots of twinkling h20s...I'll bring some blank 4x4 chipboards (cut from discards from a radiology dept), watercolor ATC size blanks, a small craft iron, heat gun (if we need another), alcohol inks, luminere paints, and whatever else I can find room for...LOL. How about gesso? I have the paste kind and some I just bought in a spray can. And don't forget the GLUE STICKS... :)

Livia knows a really cool way to do jam cards in a live trade. She had us do it once at the mixed media meetup one time and it was a blast. We all got cards that were worked on by different people. Is she coming? Hopefully we can convince her to lead us in a jam session. If she isn't, maybe she can give us the secret code. ;)

[adriayna]

Hehe, thanks for the offer Teri but I'm picky about my watercolors! I'll figure out how to bring them.

Jam cards sound like a BLAST!

[barefootchef]

Well, I just wanted to say that I hope everyone has a great time. I have a webcam if ya'll are up to it!

[OriginalYouth]

JAM cards are definitely in! BFC, I dont' know if we will have internet access! I'll find out.

[OriginalYouth]

I'm thinking we should make CRAFTY tiaras at the meet-up, how fun would that be? They would be a great momento!

To inspire you: http://www.flickr.com/groups/671566@N21/pool/

[Andreananda]

That sounds like fun! We are going to need more time to do everything!!

[adriayna]

Hehe, my vote is for the jam cards.....and what else? Crafty tiaras would b efun. So would everything else!!!!

[OriginalYouth]

We could each decide what KIND/color of tiara we are going to make, and then start putting supplies aside. When the event arrives, everyone can bring things for other people's crowns, if they have anything.

For example: I'm making am all turquoise one! If anyone has pretty wires or beads or such they want to share, bring em! Maybe Dana wants a leafy Mother Earth tree themed one, so I can bring leaves for hers! etc.! I have several fun tubes of glitter and rhinestones, I can bring those to share. :)

A 30 minute session of JAMS at a time would be cool. Each person gets 5 minutes to start a card. They write their intended 'theme' on the back (vintage, zetti, colorful, etc.) and then, when the 5 minute timer hits, pass cards to the left! The cards go around the circle, with each person only getting 5 minutes to work on that card! The card gets worked on by 6 people in that 30 minutes. For the next round, send the cards to the right so different people work on it. :) One hour, and each person would have 2 JAMs!

I forgot to let everyone know, I dont' know if they have Internet access....It's possible, since they have cable, but I forgot to ask. I talked to her last night, she said one of the main things that will take the cleaning lady longer is washing laundry, so I told her we'd happily strip the beds and start a load of towels before we go. If anyone intends on swimming/laying out/outdoor stuff (there IS a slide off of the 12 foot deck into the lake!) please bring your own Beach towel. Since we are getting the place dirt cheap (similar rental homes in Granbury I found were $450-700 per night!) it'd be best to plan as much as we can. Also, I told her I'd collect the $ from you guys at the May 4th meet-up, and give it to her the following week. So, if you are coming then, just bring the $15 (we will plan for 8 people) to the meet-up. If not, or if it is easier, you can send it to me via Paypal (Sarah @ originalyouth DOT com) but put in an extra $1 cause it takes it for fees. THANKS!

[Andreananda]

I hosted a meeting at my office yesterday and have leftover paper plates and napkins that I am setting aside for our weekend.

OY- sounds good. I will give you the money at the meeting.

[goatgoddess]

I've priced them in the past and knew you had gotten a heck of a deal <g> will bring the money to the meeting. Also need to get busy getting supplies togeather for fun time <G>

[blueskysunburn]

Oh, Teri - I have some of the gel medium with glass beads you mentioned you wanted to try. I can bring that with me if you'd like. I have the kind with the black beads in it too.

[Andreananda]

I would love to see the gel medium with glass beads in it!

[teri]

Oh, yeah, Jennifer, bring the gel bead medium! :yes:

[ElectaBlue]

I have started getting my things packed up as I go along so I won't forget anything. Of course, I have to keep reminding myself that it is still a month away so I can't pack things I actually use all the time.

OY what material do you carve on? I have several of those carving blocks that I got on clearance, so I am bringing those.

I have no idea what kind of tiara I would want.

[ElectaBlue]

I was just thinking that I hadn't signed up for anything. How about cookies? I can make some monster cookies (peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chips, m&ms, etc.) They will be good for snacks and also with ice cream! I could also bring some other snacks.

[Andreananda]

OY I am sending my check for $15 with Donna.

[OriginalYouth]

Lisa: Cookies and Snacks sounds great!

Andrea: Thanks for letting me know! I'm really looking forward to playing with you again. :)

[dhawktx]

Okay, I FINALLY found the party! LOL! Missed the original link in the DFW thread...

I have Windsor Newton Artist grade (Quinacridone Gold, yum!) and Cotman student grade watercolor tubes, watercolor palettes and lots of small watercolor brushes to play with. Also, I've got a mask-pen, gum arabic and irridescent medium (which I'm told gives a similar effect to the H2Os) to experiment with. I'm bringing more of the Yupo ATC blanks to play with, as well as several technique books. I'll basically bring what I can fit in the station wagon!

If I can get my ancient laptop running the software, I'll bring my Klic-N-Kut...it's like a Cricut on steroids.

I have to leave early Sunday to go give my grumpy old cat his thyroid meds...I can dose him heavy Saturday morning but he'll still need attention soon as I can get home.

What foods are left that I can bring? I'd suggested a Philly cheesecake tub and graham cracker dippers but Andrea can't do dairy and we're already having Ice Cream. I'll be bringing some watermelon and Naners to snack on. Oh! I can bring my Espresso machine and make Capuccinos Sunday morning! Andrea, if you want some, make sure and bring a creamer you can use - or have an espresso! (gotta have the cream in mine!)

Now I'm just waiting on my car in the shop...luckily I got all the way home from Keller yesterday before my waterpump blew...(ah well, it's only money!)

[ElectaBlue]

I am glad you made it home and you found your way here!

You could still bring the Philly cheesecake and then everyone who wants to eat it can eat it, and those who don't want to can eat something else. It sounds like we will have so much food that it won't matter if everyone doesn't eat everything.

I'd like to see what you do with the yupo. I bought some, but wasn't all that thrilled. I know that Dana had some cards she had done on the OS that I loved, so she might have some tips for us, also.

[teri]

I vote for the espresso machine! Woohoo, we could stay up all night! Maybe we could steal some of jean's bailey's to spice it up...:)

[OriginalYouth]

Oh girls, you do NOT want to see me caffienated. Can you imagine?

Everything sounds great!

[teri]

LOL, she has a point...:err:

[OriginalYouth]

LOL, she has a point...:err:

I'll have one on Sunday morning, but the sheer excitement and adrenaline on Saturday should keep me up til at least 2am. :)

[dhawktx]

<snip>You could still bring the Philly cheesecake and then everyone who wants to eat it can eat it, and those who don't want to can eat something else.

I'd like to see what you do with the yupo. I bought some, but wasn't all that thrilled. I know that Dana had some cards she had done on the OS that I loved, so she might have some tips for us, also.

Philly Cheesecake tub w/graham crackers is BACK on the menu! LOL!

Yes, I got the Yupo after hearing raves, but didn't find that I liked it with the watercolor style I'm wanting to learn. Hopefully we can have some fun discoveries with it!

I vote for the espresso machine! Woohoo, we could stay up all night! Maybe we could steal some of jean's bailey's to spice it up...:)

I'll have one on Sunday morning, but the sheer excitement and adrenaline on Saturday should keep me up til at least 2am. :)

I'll bring all the standard fixins, with some fancy bits if I'm up to it (flavored sugars are always fun!) OY, I'll bet when you're caffeinated it's like the squirrel in Over the Hedge!:twitcy:

[OriginalYouth]

I'll bring all the standard fixins, with some fancy bits if I'm up to it (flavored sugars are always fun!) OY, I'll bet when you're caffeinated it's like the squirrel in Over the Hedge!:twitcy:

Yup! Me and Hammy are tight. :P

[Andreananda]

Thanks Donna! I will pack some soy creamer for my dairy-intolerant self.

Don't decide what to bring based on me- there will be plenty of food.

Oh, I had to order my crop-a-dile online b/c the Joanns closest to me didn't carry it. But it is on the way!!!

[dhawktx]

Oh, I had to order my crop-a-dile online b/c the Joanns closest to me didn't carry it. But it is on the way!!!

Next time PM me! The Forest Preston Joanns has 3 or 4 in stock waiting, waiting, waiting...:D

[Andreananda]

Thanks! I had free shipping because I ordered a few things. So it's no big deal. I stayed home today because the weather was so bad this morning. I managed to break out the sewing machine and get the pillow done for the boys. It looks really good! I am excited for the boys to give it to their foster mom.

[OriginalYouth]

Hey guys! Livia emailed me this morning; they have some family stuff going on so she won't be able to get away for the weekend. I told her she is welcome to come for a few hours either day if she can swing it.

So, for now, it's just the 8 of us! :D 2 per room; feel free to talk amongst yourselves for who is sharing with who.
Me and Dana have the Master BR.
There are 2 rooms with queen beds
One room with 2 twins.
Plus, there is the futon in the Living room if anyone wants that, though it joins with the kitchen/dining table so it will be noisy.

[goatgoddess]

Sorry she can't make it - sounds like there will be beds to go around - which is good - the older I get the less forgiving my body is. Hope we get a nice weekend weather wise :)

[OriginalYouth]

. Hope we get a nice weekend weather wise :)

Not that it really matters, right? We'll all be inside hovering over the table covered in paint and glue! :D

[goatgoddess]

well and that was my thought after I posted but it makes driving so much easier (getting there) and not having to worry about hail makes one so much more creative <G>

[ElectaBlue]

I just wish we could stay longer. That is never going to be enough time.

My son is at Scarborough Faire today. I hope they made it there ok in all the rain. I am sure it was a muddy mess.

[adriayna]

I can do a mini-lesson on yupo if you'd like! I have only worked on it a little while, but its fun stuff.

I also have a great mixed media watercolor/acrylic technique for anyone interested.

[ElectaBlue]

Dana, I was hoping you would offer to teach us about yupo. I loved those flower cards you had posted at the OS and I can't imagine any of us would ever say no to a great watercolor/acrylic technique.

We were discussing what we could teach when we met on Sunday and I have no idea what to do. Since we were talking about heat guns, maybe I could demonstrate some of the embossing techniques I use, but I am not sure if they would be new to everyone.

[OriginalYouth]

Lisa, yes! Show off your heat gun skills!

[ElectaBlue]

Ok, I will plan on doing that then. I finally got some clear UTEE on Sunday at Michael's and there are a few techniques I wanted to try out with that. I know that GG said she had the melting pot and things to use with it so maybe she could bring those, too, and we could try out some of those techniques.

[JoyFlower]

OY, if you are trying to make everyone jealous, it worked!! You are all gonna have so much fun!!

Y'all better post lots of pictures! :wubclub:

[adriayna]

Pictures = definitely! :)

I may need to order some more yupo then--I'm about out. Its really quite cool stuff!

And yeah, wait till you see what a little acrylic and watercolor layering can do for you! :)

[goatgoddess]

Sounds great - would love to learn more about watercolor and embossing both - yeah I will bring all my stuff - I have a large cont. of the clear too but I think it's about half gone - tried molding some for charms - they turned out much less than wonderful
but I also have some colors to play with that I got when I got the pot.

[ElectaBlue]

I have pearl and black utee that I got on clearance really cheap, but I never found a good deal on the clear. There are some techniques in Artist trading card workshop that I have wanted to try with the clear, but now I can't find my book. I have been using the pearl one to add texture in my chunky book pages. I had a few on Sunday I had done for OY's monochromatic swap.

Beeswax is another thing I have wanted to try. Maybe we could talk Jennifer into showing us that??

Dana, I have some yupo and Donna has some as well and she had said she was going to bring it to the sleepover, so you probably don't need to get any more.

I don't know how we are ever going to have enough time.

[OriginalYouth]

I don't know how we are ever going to have enough time.

Seriously, we will be on a tight schedule.

[dhawktx]

Dana, I've got another sheet of Yupo I can cut up to ATC size and bring. Do you want me to get more? I can run to the local art store (Asel Art) at lunch to get it!

We're going to have to plan another weekend in the Fall where we can sleep over Friday night as well as Saturday (I'll room the grumpy old cat at the vet's and pick him up Monday for that!). We've got waaay too much talent here to cover everything we want to in one day...and who are you kidding? Who's going to stop and take pictures and take a chance on missing something? Hmmm?:twitcy:

[dhawktx]

Oh, and I got the "class" UTEE pot from Recollections when they closed...I need to clean it up, but that will add another color/type we can play with at the same time! (I'll bring my heat gun too!)

I wonder if I can just put my rolly carts in the car sideways?

[teri]

I have a large jar of UTEE I can bring. I use pearlex powders in it to make the colors I want. I'll bring those too. Do we all have to "teach" something? I don't know what I could do...I know how to make envies...lol I'll think on it...

[blueskysunburn]

I have some clear utee and flex I can bring. I have a melting pot as well if we need another. Oh, and I have the altered trading card workshop book if you can't find yours lisa.

The watercolor and acrylic technique would be cool.

I can bring my little pot 'o beeswax and irons for those that want to play with it. I have plenty of napkins and tissue paper for background starters with that too. Not sure how good I would be at teaching it but it's my favorite medium to play around with!

I agree with Donna we should plan on having another trip planned. Maybe we could plan one twice a year or quarterly.

[dhawktx]

Do we all have to "teach" something? I don't know what I could do...I know how to make envies...lol I'll think on it...

Nope Teri... I know I don't intend to "teach" anything! I'm just gonna play in the sandbox wit' the other kids and we'll see what kinda sandcastles we can come up with! :)It'll happen like Osmosis...

[adriayna]

Yeah, that would be great. When you handle it though, use cotton gloves or something. The oil from your fingers can mess up the paint when you go to apply it!

[dhawktx]

Yes, that was one of the things I discovered myself. By the time I buy it, it's been handled so much by others...I'll give them a good wash and rinse with some Dawn. Then bag 'em soon as they're dry!

[ElectaBlue]

Maybe that was my problem with yupo! I didn't realize that handling it would cause a problem and couldn't figure out why the paint wouldn't stick.

I don't think we all need to teach something. I don't know that I would be that great at teaching anything either. I actually don't think we would have time enough for each of us to teach something, anyway.

I found my ATC book! Every time I reorganize everything I can't find anything!

[Andreananda]

I read up on the Yupo and now it makes sense to me- it is plastic not paper. I think this would be fun to use esp. because you can reuse it. The lady in this tutorial says she will use it to warm up and rinse it off.
http://watercolorandmore.com/yupopaperdemo.aspx

[OriginalYouth]

I did this one on Yupo yesterday. First I painted the black india ink, then did the watercolor. I went back and smooshed a bit of the colors, to give a muted, mottled tone to it.

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/file.php?n=6198&w=l

[dhawktx]

Note to self: Buy more Yupo! :yes:

AbFab OY!

[adriayna]

Yeah, and you need a very high quality watercolor paint to make it work well too.

[goatgoddess]

that is cool - love the flow and effect.

[adriayna]

Love it, Sarah! I think its less about "teaching" and more about us all sitting down and experimenting.

Sarah, make sure you put a good sealer on there--use the spray kind, not the brush on kind. So a clear acrylic spray sealer of some sort. Trust me, you want it!

[OriginalYouth]

Yeah, and you need a very high quality watercolor paint to make it work well too.

You mean my Crayola ones dont' qualify? :P

[OriginalYouth]

Are we all counting the days yet? I almost am! :D

I wanted to let y'all know, the thrift by my house has a complete Scrabble game, a nice old one with wooden tiles. It was $5, so I didn't get it, but if anyone of you want it, I can pick it up for you and you can pay me at the event.

[goatgoddess]

Me - I'll take it! I never find good stuff like that <G>

my poor little car died this morning so just now getting to work :skeptical:
sitting on a exit ramp of hwy 20 - at least it didn't quit on the hwy

[ElectaBlue]

GG, I can give you some pieces if you want just a few. $5.00 is a lot because they don't cost that much more than that new. I cut up the board I got with my free set and I am going to use it for chunky book pages.

[goatgoddess]

that's a good idea but I want the board too so $5 is ok but thank you so much for offering. :)

[adriayna]

I need more scrabble tiles too, so I'm up for it :)

[OriginalYouth]

Okay, I'll go by this afternoon and see if it's there. I know Debra's good for the $5. :P

[blueskysunburn]

Are we all counting the days yet? I almost am! :D

I wanted to let y'all know, the thrift by my house has a complete Scrabble game, a nice old one with wooden tiles. It was $5, so I didn't get it, but if anyone of you want it, I can pick it up for you and you can pay me at the event.

Which one are you going to? You are finding a lot of good buys lately!


Oh! Before I forget do they have a blender there?

[OriginalYouth]

Which one are you going to? You are finding a lot of good buys lately!


Oh! Before I forget do they have a blender there?

The other day I went to the Goodwill (Rufe Snow and Basswood), and the Second Glance shop next to Big Lots. 2 weeks ago I went to several on 377 South of 820 (just past Steve and Barrys there are 3 in the shopping center on the Right by Big Lots) and then the 50cent store is on Beach, pretty close to there. I don't even know the name of it!

I'll watch for a good blender for ya. :)

[ElectaBlue]

I love going to the CCA in Lewisville because they have a huge craft aisle and the most bizarre stuff sometimes. Recently I have gotten some odd card decks, such as the kings and queens of England deck, a bedazzler, big bags of vintage fabric and upholstery samples, a big bag of buttons and beads, not to mention a Scrabble set.

[teri]

I have lots of tiles I can share. I got a game for a quarter last weekend! :jiggy:

Yes, I'm getting excited! I was working on our budget for June and putting some aside for the sleepover...you know, food, wine...:) Of course I put a few pennies aside to buy necessary art supplies. ;)

[goatgoddess]

oh how very cool! I need to start hitting the thrift shops again one of these days - I did find a couple of rusted metal bits while waiting on the tow truck to load my car up.

[teri]

LOL, that is a great way to turn around a crappy event GG!

[ElectaBlue]

Are we going to trade Scrabble tile charms? I went over board, as usual, when I was in Dana's swap a while back and have lots of extras. I also have extra dominoes, inchies, chunky book pages, and ATCs, of course.

How many people are interested in the glass fusing? I have big tables in my garage where we can work, but I will need to make sure that there is enough cleaned off of them for the number of people who are coming.

[teri]

I have to beg out of the glass fusing. :( Since I managed to get out of weekends for the month of June I need to use my one day off to go to the doctor and dentist.

As for Scrabble tile trading...I have to see what I can do. I have a few swaps to finish up before the end of the month.

And how in the world do you have extra ANYTHING? You are amazing...I am so slow at getting anything done. I will be surprised if I finish anything at the sleepover. LOL

[dhawktx]

Are we going to trade Scrabble tile charms?<snip>
How many people are interested in the glass fusing?

Drat! didn't get any tiles...we'll have to see what we come up with .

Can't make it for the glass fusing but hope to make it up sometime!:yes:

[teri]

Donna, PM me your address (I've lost it) and I'll send you some tiles.

[goatgoddess]

I so want to do the glass fusing - got the day off just for that :)

[adriayna]

Since you are all talking about your garage sale finds, here are mine from PA:

Set of 92 vintage 1960's dominos - white- beautiful - $3
Set of 15 vintage music books from plays (not christian, harder to find)- 50 cents
1 oil paint disposable palatte - 25 cents
12 x 16 " canvas frame - 50 cents
Vintagebook with awesome covers- 10 cents
big ol pile of buttons and vintage locks- 50 cents
big ol pile of bobbins and thread(I need badly!) $2

Woot!

[adriayna]

Oh! And a set of grumbaucher chalk pastels- $1

[Andreananda]

How many people are interested in the glass fusing?

I am very interested in the glass fusing!!!:jiggy:

[blueskysunburn]

I got the day off just for the glass fusing!

[adriayna]

I am SOOO excited to learn glass fusing. I have been wanting to work in glass since...well...forever really!

[ElectaBlue]

I am glad so many are so excited about the glass fusing! I think that makes 5 of us, which is a good number, I think. I am trying to figure out how we should handle it since the kiln takes 4 hours to fire and a few more hours to cool down. At some point I am going to buy a small kiln that can fire in an hour, but I haven't gotten it yet. What we could do is start early and then fire it all, and find something else to do for a few hours. I have never taught anyone the fusing before, and I taught myself how to do it, so I am not sure how to go about teaching it.

Teri, the reason I have extras is because I am obsessive about my artwork and I have my art table right in the middle of the family room, and the kitchen table so I work on it whenever I have 5 minutes to spare. I would really like to fix up one of my spare rooms as a studio, but I suspect I would never get anything done if it was upstairs. If you saw my house you would see that I spend my time on my artwork when I really should be cleaning (even though I feel like all I do is spend all my time cleaning).

Dana, those are some great finds! My problem is that I have trouble altering old things that I find, unless they are already messed up in some way. I just can't bear to destroy them.

I went to garage sales this morning and found all kinds of scrapbooking stuff and fibers and spent less than $5.00. I need to print out the cards about ATCsforall and give them to people because they are always curious about why I am buying this weird assortment of stuff. Going to garage sales makes the craft stores look extremely expensive.

[adriayna]

Garage sales are AWESOME! I like the idea about printing out cards--I need to do that.

[OriginalYouth]

I got the $5 Scrabble game, it even has the original paperwork. I put it in my bag so I won't forget it, GG.

I talked to the homeowner last night, she thought it was great that our meet-up is going to be published. I'm getting super excited!

[adriayna]

Woot! This is just so exciting. So it turns out I have two sleepovers - one with you the first weekend of june and then Crazycat's sleepover the second weekend of june in Indianapolis! Woot woot!

[dhawktx]

Woot! This is just so exciting. So it turns out I have two sleepovers - one with you the first weekend of june and then Crazycat's sleepover the second weekend of june in Indianapolis! Woot woot!

Girl, you iz just a social butterfly!;)

[teri]

Pace yourself Dana, you know this little website has users all over the globe. You could make a job of traveling to every area/country and see art created throughout the world! *shakes Dana...WAKE UP you're dreaming* LOL

[adriayna]

Well, Teri, seeing as I do make several trips around the country every year for academic conferences....hehe

[goatgoddess]

Thanks so much OY for picking that up for me. :)

[ElectaBlue]

I think OY is getting enough Scrabble sets for everyone!

I went ahead and ordered my new kiln and it will hopefully be here before the glass fusing at my house. It fuses and cools a whole cycle in less than an hour, so it should be great if we want to be able to do several batches.

GG said she has a few glass cutters that she can bring, but if anyone else happens to have any glass cutting tools you should try to bring them. I only have one glass cutter and it would take forever if we have to share all the tools.

[adriayna]

I don't have any, unfortunately. But I need to go very light on the supplies anyways!

[blueskysunburn]

Sorry Lisa, but I don't have any either. :(

[ElectaBlue]

The glass cutter doesn't really matter if people don't have one and Dana, I didn't mean you because that would be a difficult thing to bring on a plane.

[goatgoddess]

Yeah I have two I know - maybe three if I can find the stick one I first brought. I have nippers but that is more for mosaic.

going to be so ready to get away for a bit and just play.

have to start talking to car salesmen and I really don't like dealing with 98% of them - hope they get that right off so we can just cut to the chase and let me buy the car I want at the price they quoted - they are bad about trying to up it after you get to the lot. only good thing is there are lot's of car dealerships so walking out isn't a prob. <g>

[ElectaBlue]

GG, I just hate buying cars or having to deal with cars in any way, basically. I wish I could just walk or ride my bike everywhere, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

That is great that you can bring the glass cutters. I think if we have 3 between us that should be plenty. I do use the nippers, as well, for cutting small pieces sometimes, but I have 2 of those which should be enough.

[goatgoddess]

I'm planning on cleaning the craft room so I can start packing for next week :)

[ElectaBlue]

GG, I have been packing things to bring that I won't need before the sleepover. My problem is that I can't remember everything I said I would bring. I tried to keep track, but probably forgot something.

This is just too exciting!

[adriayna]

I'm mailing a box of stuff to Sarah this weekend for the sleepover! :)

[shoreart]

Just wanted to say..have fun during your time together! We had a blast and would do it again in a minute!!!

[OriginalYouth]

Shelly, you are welcome to join us if you can make it. ;)

[shoreart]

Wish I could.:cry: I'll be back down the shore with husband, children, grandchildren, and dogs in tow! If all these weekends turn out to be fun...maybe we can work on a real workshop weekend for all attendees somewhere in the future. My gawd...do you think anyplace could deal with all of us in one place??:biglaugh:

[dhawktx]

If all these weekends turn out to be fun...maybe we can work on a real workshop weekend for all attendees somewhere in the future. My gawd...do you think anyplace could deal with all of us in one place??:biglaugh:

Could these weekends be anything BUT fun?!?:jiggy:I wonder how many years before we have our first real convention?

[adriayna]

I dunno. I suppose its just a matter of someone stepping up to the plate and organizing one. Don't look at me! I have a site to run and a dissertation to write :P

[goatgoddess]

a atcsforall Convention would be fun - that would take a group of people to get that going.

Although there are times that both Adriayna and OY get so much done in such a short time I think they must have a twin hidden away somewhere they bring out to help then tuck them back away <G>

[dhawktx]

It would have to start with Regional get-togethers, like the sleepovers.

[adriayna]

A twin? Well, I do own a ring of sustenance. And 20 nerd points to anyone who knows what that is!

[OriginalYouth]

Minus 20 points for me, cause I have no clue and don't care to know! :D

You'll get to see me and Dana in action! I'm sure it will be a flurry of energy.

[goatgoddess]

I would say it has something to do with gaming :)

the two of together OMG - might have to wear my sunglasses to protect my eyes from the blur of activity <G>

[katilady]

Ya'll's sleepover sounds so fun! We need to get something like that going where I live *looks around for linda4atc and gatsby*!

[dhawktx]

Yuppers, the ball is rolling now!!:biglaugh:

[dhawktx]

Hey Y'all! Check out the technique I deconstructed on the Paper Weaving? thread (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3151). I just love solving a puzzle! (Hey Teri, I have a woven paper inchieeeee....:D)

[OriginalYouth]

It's SO cool, Donna! I'll have to have you show me. Just tell me what size to cut my papers to, I'll bring them along. :)

I'm jealous of your camera too!

[dhawktx]

I'm jealous of your camera too!

LOL!:biglaugh:
That camera is an ancient Olympus that was given to me when the flash died and the previous owner replaced it! It's only a 3 megapixel, the main thing that makes it so great is the 8X zoom.

I'll bring it to the gig NEXT WEEKEND!!!!!!
Yeah!!!!:jiggy::jiggy::jiggy:

Unfortunately, it's getting senile (every once in a while locks up while trying to save a pic) so I'll probably have to actually BUY another soon :sad: <sniff>.

[dhawktx]

I'll bring my 12 x 12 paper cutter (after all, I AM driving a station wagon, LOL!)

You want the strips to be made of sturdy but flexible paper, I used 140 lb watercolor paper. For the Inchie, they need to be 1/4" wide and about 12" - 15" long. You will need 8 strips for the Inchie. Make one set of plain white paper and on another sheet embellish it first, before you cut it into strips...

[adriayna]

With me and OY together, there is nothing that can't be accomplished! :P

[goatgoddess]

dhawktx - very cool paper weaving.

it's friday and I'm so glad! ready to get on home and get busy pulling stuff out and getting ready for next weekend.

[ElectaBlue]

I think I am worn out already just thinking about OY and Dana together!:v_spin:

I don't know where to even start in my packing. I also have to figure out how to get the garage set up for glass fusing. I think I am going to pull out all my scrap for people to play with. My new kiln should be delivered any minute!

Donna, it would be fun to learn those weaving techniques. I still wanted to figure out the origami miniature book you showed as at the last meeting.

[OriginalYouth]

Everyone make sure to bring:
-ATCs to be revamped/improved for our 5 minute game! These can be ones you started and got stuck on, or 2nd gen cards, or just sturdy bases you've started.

[ElectaBlue]

I had forgotten about that! I have a bunch that I have made that just needed something, so I should bring those.

[adriayna]

Wait, what is the 5 minute game? So I need atcs that are crappy / in progress that I don't like? I usually pitch them. I might just bring some empty mixed media backgrounds.

[OriginalYouth]

Wait, what is the 5 minute game? So I need atcs that are crappy / in progress that I don't like? I usually pitch them. I might just bring some empty mixed media backgrounds.

It's something I made up at the last meetup. Everyone puts their unwanted 2nd gen cards or a started background or card that needs 'fixing' into a box. We all draw a card out, and you get 5 minutes (or 10 or 15) to make it a GOOD piece of art. This will be a GREAT exercise for the ATC quarterly article. For that, using only our own cards will be important though, of course.

[goatgoddess]

oh I have several of those from the CAT's and the Colorful collage swap

[goatgoddess]

looks like I get to go home in min. got a bunch of running around to do so leaving early is a good thing!

hwy 35 out of fort worth is going to be packed tonight - most everyone that can't go anywhere is heading down south to the River walk.

60606060

[dhawktx]

Donna, it would be fun to learn those weaving techniques. I still wanted to figure out the origami miniature book you showed as at the last meeting.

We'll do the weaving fer sure!

Ooops! I scanned the instructions for the Origami book but forgot to finish...:embarrassed:

I'll bring them with me to the sleepover!

[teri]

OMG, Donna! You da bomb! You are so good at figgerin' things out... :) I look forward to trying this next weekend. Kewlll....

I just realized it was NEXT weekend! I haven't packed anything...I'm so far behind. This week has been a rollercoaster ride with my husband. I'm glad he didn't wait until next weekend to pull this crap! LOL I told him he had to heal is just a few days so I don't feel guilty leaving him here. ;)

Oh my, OY on the loose...surely someone has some valium we can slip in her margarita? Nevermind, I'm sure we will enjoy the entertainment...LOL :D

[OriginalYouth]

Oh my, OY on the loose...surely someone has some valium we can slip in her margarita? Nevermind, I'm sure we will enjoy the entertainment...LOL :D

Oh, and Dana can go toe-to-toe with me on energy, I've spoken to her on the phone. It's going to be like a herd of artistic squirrels got their tails caught on fire and painted the tree-town red! I'm SO looking forward to it! :D

I haven't 'packed' anything either, except for a few things in my crafting tote. I'm really going to try hard to NOT bring too much...we'll see how that goes! I need to start making a list.

[ArteDar]

Hey there....not that I'm pookin' my nose into your fun adventure coming up....BUT....heehee.....I am!!! Ya'll have a GREAT time....and no reason why ya wouldn't....what fun!!
I had an idea of a game too for Rolo Sleep Over. I was going to submit an artical about our gathering and what we made with photos and have the items made ready to ship for entry if asked. I must have scared everyone with that tee I was wearing that day that said "I'M BO$$Y.....sheesh....but we all did dig into the jars crammed full of lil' bit and bobs....ask Bluellen....she thought it was kewl chit.....ROFLMAO....ok...nuff' cussin'*hand over mouth*.
Really great idea to have cards on the ready for playing with.....I got some awesome atc's I swapped with the gals for.
okay....blah blah blah from me is over.....just have fun!!
Blessings, Dar

[Andreananda]

Everyone make sure to bring:
-ATCs to be revamped/improved for our 5 minute game! These can be ones you started and got stuck on, or 2nd gen cards, or just sturdy bases you've started.

I have been making several bases using acrylics and crackle glaze- it is soo fun!! I will bring those.

[Andreananda]

If we have time, I would love to trade rolos with everyone at the sleepover. I will bring some blanks to share just in case.

BTW- when is every one planning to arrive?

[Andreananda]

Hey Y'all! Check out the technique I deconstructed on the Paper Weaving? thread (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3151). I just love solving a puzzle! (Hey Teri, I have a woven paper inchieeeee....:D)

Donna, veryyyy coool!! I would love to make the beaded flower she has but instead of a ring I would like a brooch.

[dhawktx]

Donna, veryyyy coool!! I would love to make the beaded flower she has but instead of a ring I would like a brooch.

??? Not sure what you are referring to!

[adriayna]

Dar, we love you! So sorry you can't make it to see us! You will be with us in spirit!

[Andreananda]

You linked to an Etsy store where a woman is selling folded paper jewelry. I looked at what she was making and saw a flower ring there. Oh well..nevermind no big deal!

[dhawktx]

You linked to an Etsy store where a woman is selling folded paper jewelry. I looked at what she was making and saw a flower ring there. Oh well..nevermind no big deal!

Ah! You mean those wheelie things she makes? I'm sure I can find an Origami units model that will do similar.

I didn't have a problem deconstructing the woven rectangle because it's on the WWWeb in several places by multiple people/groups. Since I haven't seen that wheelie model anywhere else, I have a problem with busting that one, like it's an intellectual property or something. Am I weird or what? LOL!

Anyway, I don't want to 'copy' her work or her style, just use that technique. She'll probably be ballistic enough when she finds out that somebody else figured it out too (she probably figured it out from the Honduran coasters just like I did, LOL!).

[OriginalYouth]

I didn't have a problem deconstructing the woven rectangle because it's on the WWWeb in several places by multiple people/groups. Since I haven't seen that wheelie model anywhere else, I have a problem with busting that one, like it's an intellectual property or something. Am I weird or what? LOL!

Anyway, I don't want to 'copy' her work or her style, just use that technique.!).


You aren't weird, I think it's good philosophy, actually; especially since she sells her work. :)

[dhawktx]

http://www.michaels.com/whatsnew/coupon.html

25% off entire purchase, good thru 5/31

Limit One Coupon per customer per day...
:jiggy::jiggy::jiggy:

[teri]

yeah, but it only for REGULAR priced items....snakes...

[dhawktx]

Hey, most Joanns coupons are only good for one item! AND none of the stuff I got today was on sale. (some of us also don't have a gazillion Joanns coupons, LOL!):P

Enjoy Joanns Teri!

[Andreananda]

Thanks for the coupon! I am going to go today and buy something fun for this weekend's art fest!

Oh and on the origami....I don't care to infringe on anyone's design. I know firsthand what it feels like to be robbed of an idea. In 1996 I designed wire & bead work crosses and sold them to boutique shops all over Dallas. A year and 1/2 later a woman began marketing her wire and bead crosses to shops, then they were for sale at every craft fair I visited. I was able to pay my way through school to become an art therapist and eventually quit making them. My wrists were hurting too from all that wire twisting!
BTW...
Philip and I are posting warnings about the proposed "Orphaned Art" legislation. It is quite scary and those who have created this legislation are in it to make quite a bit of money on the registration of art work. Any image we make that is not registered is up for grabs to be registered by another person and that image is then OWNED by that registrant. We must keep our eye on this and write to our congresspeople.

Okay...getting off soapbox...:v_spin: rolling into packing mode for the fun!!!

[OriginalYouth]

Hey Gang! Just a few more days, can you all believe it?

I talked with Jeanne at length today about the weekend. I'll work up an email tomorrow with the directions and the phone number, in case anyone needs to get ahold of you. Her family was there this weekend.

GG, the grill isn't gas, it's charcoal, so I don't know if you want to change dinner, cook on the charcoal, or someone could bring a big George Foreman grill, lol.

If we want to sit/eat outside, she suggested we bring some citronella candles, if anyone has any. Also, there isn't any ice, so I'll be filling up the 3 gallon jugs of water and getting ice in town on Saturday morning. Also, if any of you have plastic or vinyl tablecloths we can use on the tables to keep things clean, please bring them!

She said the lawn was mowed today, so it won't be super short this weekend, but we should be fine. She also said they had seen some copperhead snakes in the hills behind the house, so she didn't recommend hiking; as there is also poison oak. If you want to swim, there is a big channel in front of their dock, nice and deep to swim in. I do recommend that you bring your own beach towel if you plan to swim; I'm trying to cut down on the amount of laundry we do! :D

READ THIS:
Also, I have NEWS for some of you....she did say we could stay until Monday morning. I know some of you got that day off, so anyone who wants to stay Sunday night as well, is welcome. We will need to head out mid-morning though, so that the cleaning lady will have time to get the house ready on Monday. Let me know who wants to stay! :D We can just pick up something in town on Sunday after lunch for dinner, or get a pizza or something, and pick up any thing else we might need for breakfast.

Check over the list on page one in the next day or so, let me know if I missed any food stuffs or important info. I'll be adding the 'to bring' list to the email with the directions. Plan to arrive AFTER 2pm on Saturday. I'll get there in the morning, get what we need in town and be back by then, ready for the PARRRRRRTAY.

Also, let me know WHO is driving, just so we can have a heads up on the number of cars we'll have. My hubby is taking me down there, and I think I'm heading back with Jennifer, if that still works out.

Okey doke. I'm SUPER excited!

[blueskysunburn]

I have none of the items you just mentioned. I plan on bringing bacon and eggs (do I need to bring a pan?) and I have a thing of margarita mix and some Jose in addition to Teri's. I have a card table I will be bringing with me too. If I need to pick up other items let me know.

Yes - you are still a-go on heading back with me.

Monday night is good news! I can probably stay but need to talk it over with my husband.

OH!!!! While I am thinking about it - If possible, could everyone please avoid vanilla scented toiletries? Vanilla triggers migraines for me and I don't want to have one of those this weekend. :no:

[adriayna]

OH no! All I use is vanilla. I just won't use any perfume :P

[dhawktx]

OH!!!! While I am thinking about it - If possible, could everyone please avoid vanilla scented toiletries? Vanilla triggers migraines for me and I don't want to have one of those this weekend. :no:

Thanks for the warning! I was going to include a vanilla sugar for the Cappuccinos - Nix that! How are you about cinnamon or almond?

As far as 'stuff' is concerned, I have one of those 'charcoal chimneys' that guarantees a nice bed of coals. Just don't have any charcoal.

I have one citronella bucket I will bring.

I have one of those Smoothie blenders (for frozen margaritas!) that I can bring - Or I can bring a Bullet blender.

I will only be staying Saturday night because of the ole cat (drat!)

[adriayna]

I've had luck with getting charcoal going...bring lots of lighter fluid! :P

[Andreananda]

We could get the "match light" charcoal and avoid the lighter fluid.

[adriayna]

Or, there is that :P

[ElectaBlue]

I have a citronella candle I can bring, and I could bring my cooler with ice in it, if that would help.

I will have to check on staying Sunday night. I had planned on staying originally, but my son has school on Monday and I will have to arrange somewhere for him to stay on Sunday night. I think I probably can have him stay overnight at my mother's house.

I had planned on doing the glass fusing at my house because I only have a big kiln, but then I ordered the new kiln and it came on Friday! It only weighs 14 pounds and uses a regular outlet so I could just bring that. Unfortunately, it arrived damaged!! It is possible I can still get a replacement by then, and if so I could bring the things for glass fusing and just do it at the retreat.

It would be so much more fun if we could stay until Monday!

[OriginalYouth]

Oooh, glass kiln in the garage sounds GREAT! This weekend is going to ROCK!

[dhawktx]

I've had luck with getting charcoal going...bring lots of lighter fluid! :P

We could get the "match light" charcoal and avoid the lighter fluid.

The chimney just uses some wadded up paper underneath...no lighter fluid at all!

[blueskysunburn]

How are you about cinnamon or almond?


I'm good to go with those things!

I have an extra cooler as well if I need to bring it for ice.

[adriayna]

Ladies! HELP ME!!!

I'm tryiing to pack, and I don't know what to bring, art-supplies wise. All the stuff I really want to bring won't travel well or on the plane. So maybe just some brushes, pens, watercolors (dried out in the palate), atc blanks....not much. Meh.

Help help, I'm being indecisive! :(

Can someone bring some white acrylic? I use that in almost all my work these days, and I can't bring it :(.

And I'm definitely, definately swimming, even if I'm the only one. I love the water! So someone else bring their suit!

[ElectaBlue]

Dana,

I can bring some white acrylic.

It must be hard to pack, but I am having the opposite problem. I want to bring EVERYTHING and I know I shouldn't do it.

I was going to ask if you could bring some of your watercolor paper. I usually just buy the cheap stuff and I would like to see what the good stuff looks like, plus I wouldn't have any for you to use.

I am planning on bringing my swim suit. It has been so hot lately that if we are in a garage working we are going to get really hot and jumping in the lake will feel wonderful.

[adriayna]

Lisa, great! I will bring some nice watercolor paper in different sizes. Quality stuff--even arches! That will be fine for the airplane! :)

Maybe this will help you---I'm only going to have my laptop bag and one medium-size suitcase (like one of the rolling kind). I usually pack light. So you can pack the rest of your car with supplies--and I'll help you unpack them when we get back on monday :). So bring enough for me! Hahaha.

[goatgoddess]

I didn't get a chance to do anything I had planned - my weekend got way more busy than I had planned and I got a cold (or I have a new allergy) called in to work today to rest up and should be good to go by this weekend - not sure I'll spend the extra night but I can come back for the day (20 some goats wanting to be fed and two that will want to be milked) So either place is good for with the glass fusing.

my craftroom and yard is still a mess - hope to at least get the grass cut before this weekend - this time of year everything grows so fast!

Got the steaks - will buy the shrimp before the get together. will bring some foil and other stuff for cooking - we can use the oven if need be too.

[goatgoddess]

I'll just bring what ever I lay my hands on then <G> I brought some little stickers a few weeks back to mark my supplies so will bring those too if anyone needs them.

[ElectaBlue]

I think I would have plenty of space even if you bring a lot! I have an SUV with tons of space. When I do jewelry shows we fit the tent, all our display items, 4-6 tables, a cooler, our merchandise and two people in the car. I think I could fit all my art supplies in there at once, if I needed to.

I feel like I am not bringing enough food because I am only bringing cookies. I could make lasagne and we could bake it on Sunday. I have a great recipe that you make ahead and put in the freezer and then bake it when you are ready. I know that wouldn't work for people who are lactose intolerant, but maybe we could have something else with it.

[ElectaBlue]

I also have been trying to mark my stuff, but there are so many little bits and pieces that I don't think it will be possible to mark everything.

I think I have it worked out so I can stay until Monday and they are supposed to be sending me a new kiln, so the glass fusing should work.

GG, you aren't too far from Granbury, anyway, right? It seems like you could run home if you needed to.

[OriginalYouth]

That's a good idea, Lisa! I'm good with Lasanga.

[goatgoddess]

Love lasagne! and haven't had any for over 6mths! I will break my diet a little bit for that <G>

Yeah Grandbury is close so that will work perfectly!

the good news - it's 69 and raining cats and dogs!

the bad news - it was raining on my brand new books! one of which I was going to hit up adriayna to sign - was looking out the front door and saw a box wedged in the gate with a bag over it - ran out and grabbed it - the edges of the book a tad wet so it's a bit damaged but hopefully will dry out without sticking to the pages - better go take the heat gun to it.

[goatgoddess]

My stickers are color coded - I will just use one color then I won't have to mark them all.

[ElectaBlue]

GG, You sound so organized! I am sorry about ruining your diet! I usually am a total health nut and eat really healthy, but a weekend like this is a reason to go a little wild, in my opinion, but I don't want to mess up anyone else's diet.

It was pouring here earlier. I left my dog outside so I went home at lunch time and by the time I came back it was flooding and I am lucky I even made it.

I just checked the weather and it says it will be over 100 degrees each of the days we are there. We will definitely need to go swimming!

Dana, I will be sure to bring enough supplies for you to share and I am sure everyone else will, too.

[goatgoddess]

ElectaBlue - it's fine no worries - I tend to be a junk food junkie but so far I've lost 43 lbs and still have another 40 so not worried about taking a tiny break - I've already desided that I was going to break the diet a tiny bit so bring on the lasagne :) I've taken small breaks along the way (Christmas and such) - I'm working towards this long term so you aren't hurting a thing. :)


I only wish I was so organized - I'm better at work but I tend to pull everything out when working on stuff and end up with piles here and there. One of these years I'm going to redo the extra room it looks pretty good when clean but I only get it cleaned every other mth <lol>

[adriayna]

Marking things sounds smart! I won't have that much to keep track of though.

Lasagnia - I LOVE IT!! So yes, that sounds great Lisa!

In terms of my own organization...that is big NO. I make messes and it works just fine for me!

[ElectaBlue]

I was reading over the thread to see what I might be forgetting about.

OY, are we still making tiaras? What would we need to bring for those?

Donna, did you get more yupo?

Dana, you mentioned watercolor and acrylic layering. Did you need acrylics other than white? I bought some sets of Goldens on clearance and I could bring one of those for us to use. I know that you said that you don't like Golden, but other than that I have cheap paints and a weird assortment of liquetex that I have bought on clearance.

My brushes are really cheap and don't work so well, so that might be something else that someone else should bring. I need to learn about brushes!

[adriayna]

The white is for that. Its a watercolor base with white and other colored layers.Golden or anything else you have is fine :). I just won't touch them, lol.

Is anyone else able to bring watercolors? I can bring a few dried up ones, but not a lot.

The technique is really simple anyways :).

[ElectaBlue]

I have watercolors in tubes that I was bringing with the twinkling h2os. I think they are Loews Cornell. They are already packed!

I have white that is liquetex.

[teri]

You ladies have got to stop having fun while I'm at work. :( LOL

What kind of watercolors are you wanting? I have one of those travel Winsor Newton set and several tubes of some cheapie stuff. I also have my Bienfang watercolor brush pens already loaded with color. And I have some twinkling h2os (hopefully in different colors from EB). What do you want me to bring? All of them?

I need to make a list, I haven't started packing yet. I'm one of those last minute packers who rushes out the door with half of what I need and buy the rest when I get there...LOL

I am sooooo JAZZED that it can last until Monday morning! I won't miss the glass fusing afterall! I have a Dr. appt in the afternoon.

I haven't worn a bathing suit in forever...I think I have one somewhere but I don't think it fits. I am dieting too but this weekend is OD (off diet). I've lost 22 lbs so far...28 more to go...I'm like GG, slow and steady. I won't be passing up margaritas. I have a smoothie blender, do I need to bring it? I haven't checked the first post yet to see what has been updated. I'll go do that now...

I'm so excited! :jiggy:

[teri]

GG's post about autographs reminded me...is anyone's cards in the 1000 ATCs book? I'll bring it for autographs if you are in there...I haven't looked at it in a while so I can't remember off hand who from here is in it... :)

[dhawktx]

I've got watercolors also, mostly W/N Cotman but some W/N Artist Grade. I also have some of the W/N watercolor mediums: Ox Gall, Blending Medium, Irridescent Medium. I'll bring all of those. I have a wide assortment of brushes I'll bring (but you only get to LOOK at my Kolinskies, HAH!). I also picked up a bunch of (small) collapsible water buckets at Joanns for $1 each...they will probably come in handy! I also have an OLD set of dried up watercolors we can perform some surgery on...

Has anyone played with the Water-Miscible Oils before?

Yes, I've got more Yupo. I was precutting ATCs from it. How many do we need total?

I don't have any acrylics, but I do have both white and grey gesso I can bring.

I'm bringing spare paper strips for weaving if anyone needs them.

I'm going to mark my tools, brushes and stuff with blue Painter's tape.

One problem, I don't have much in the way of prepared cards for trading...or reject cards for the 5 minute game. I'll see what I can come up with twixt now and then!

[OriginalYouth]

I'm not in any books.

I can bring my watercolors too, nothing fancy. Yeah, Teri is right, if we forget anything, Big Lots and Wal-Mart are close! :D

[adriayna]

Woot woot! I'm leaving for the airport and flying to Austin before coming there. Yay!

[Andreananda]

A few things:

Don't censor your food for me! I don't eat dairy and can fend for myself. I will bring some things I can eat!
I am planning to make cupcakes (chocolate).
I have an assortment of paper and styrofoam plates, plastic knives and spoons I am packing just in case
I have a card table I am bringing if we need it.
I will bring two sets USArtQuest watercolors pearlescent & metallic colors- they are very sparkly. I will also bring my watercolors of unknown brand (just know they were made in germany at this point!)
I may have to leave on Sunday for a few hours. I was told on Friday that the Art Station is having a fundraiser on Sunday and they want us there to help out. Wish they would have told me sooner. Maybe I can get out of it.

[goatgoddess]

I will be bringing mostly inks, rubberstamp pads, stamps, embossing stuff, heatgun, papers, brushes, cheap watercolor paper, (for atc bases) oh and will bring my xyron and extra glue thingie. Will have to see what else I can throw in there.

[Amerasu]

Geez, how lucky are you guys having a sleepover!! Have a great time! :)

[OriginalYouth]

I'm bringing my watercolors (none fancy), pigment powders, some bases, a big bag of collagey stuff, TONS of recycled cardstock for everyone (old church bulletins), my crop-a-dile, and maybe a stack of magazines we can cut up...

This is SO exciting!

[ElectaBlue]

I am bringing my h2os, watercolors, some acrylics (including white), some prepared background ATCs and 4x4s, envelopes for everyone, some of my special beads for OY, a card table, embossing stuff including UTEE, various powders, my heat gun, some stamps, the distress inks (green and red), various pens and pencils, pearl ex powders. I can also bring one of my embellishment boxes with canceled postage stamps, etc. My cropadile (of course!)

I am also bringing ATCs, chunky pages, Scrabble charms, dominoes, and 2nd gen cards to trade. Oh and inchies, too.

Also, I am bringing my kiln, glass scraps, glass cutter, some plywood to cut the glass on, and some mica powders if we want to try stamping on the glass. I can also bring some of my jewelry for inspiration

[teri]

Just reading through this list makes me wonder...how big IS this place? :eek:

[ElectaBlue]

Teri, I don't know how we are going to do even half of what we want to do.

[OriginalYouth]

That's what the espresso machine is for! :D

Teri, it's probably only 2000 square foot or less....we will fill er up!

[adriayna]

Sarah, have you gotten my box yet?

And I'm in AUSTIN! But I have very limited internet, so not much from me for the next few days :)

[blueskysunburn]

Glad you arrived safely! I haven't even started packing yet!! I am a last minute packer.

[dhawktx]

Teri, I don't know how we are going to do even half of what we want to do.

[Note to self, pack extra coffee]

We won't, that's why we need to plan the next one, LOL!

Andrea, I found a REAL puncher that will make the Rolo bottom notches you want, for the 3 x 5. It's heavy duty like a regular office hole punch, so it'll do cardstock. It's at Stamp Asylum in Plano and it's $25...they have two.

[ElectaBlue]

I have never gotten into rolos, and I am avoiding them because I don't need another obsession! T