all things MEGA...

Happy Belated National Scrapbook Day!

2008-05-04T07:06:00.003-04:00

I meant to post my well wishes yesterday - but as you might imagine, our attention is focused on NEXT weekend's event!

I hope you all had a great day, and got lots of scrappin' done - and have whet your appetite's for next weekend's fun!!

I must say, that as I am finally getting almost everything checked off of my to-do lists, that I am getting more and more excited about next weekend!

Today we stuff the goody bags for the crop parties! We have lots of fun stuff to include this year! I hope you are coming to one of the crops to get one!! Friday is SOLD OUT - but there are a few tickets still available for Thursday!

Check out the SHOW SPECIALS page again - I've added lots more since I posted last! The vendors are offering some really great deals!

See you all soon!

One More Week!

2008-04-30T19:31:00.006-04:00

I can hardly believe we have just one week to finish preparing for your arrival!

We've been busy - prepping class kits, following to make sure all the goody bag items have made it here, printing tickets, finalizing on site class counts with instructors, printing welcome packets, finalizing, finalizing, finalizing! Crossing T's and dotting I's!

Some of that finalizing business is for you!

We've put up a Floor Plan on the website, for those of you who like to plan your GLMM down to the very last step!
We've also put up a page full of Show Specials being offered by our exhibitors! Check out this page for some super deals!!
We've also got a Money Saving Coupon for anyone who didn't pre-register!

Something really neat came into my email box today! I subscribe to the email lists of just about every local retail store - just in case I'm out in their area, and so I can keep up on what's going on in area scrapbook stores! Today, I got the e-newsletter for Scrapbook Mania in Canton, MI - and they are having a MEGA CROP event, on May 11 at their store - and if you show your GLMM hand stamp - you get a discount that day too!!

Here's the complete info from their newsletter:

MEGA MEET AND MEGA CROP
After you leave the Mega Meet, theres always a feeling of fun that you don't want to end. It doesn't have to, come join us and reap the benefits! Show us your Mega Meet stamp and receive a 10% discount and 1 item at 40%off.

Mega Crop - May 10, 2008 - 10am-8pm
Registered croppers receive lunch, dinner, and snacks. Everyone will receive a goodie bag and 10% discount on all product(excludes crop fee). Sign up a friend and save $10 off of your crop fee. Registration is required.$25

We can't wait to see you in just one short week!

Kate

A Message from Carol Duvall

2008-04-25T13:19:00.002-04:00

Hello, Hello to all of you planning on attending the big Mega Meet in May.....

Sorry to say that midst all of the excitement I have to inject a bit of a downer…..at least it is for me.

I am NOT going to be able to attend the big event after all! I was so looking forward to meeting and greeting many of you and having a chance to chat a bit but it seems that is not the way things have worked out.

I had figured it would be ok to travel to Novi after my recent knee replacement surgery but I never expected the “glitch” that sent me back to the operating room again nine days later! One surgery was not exactly fun, but TWO???? It was not a pleasant experience to put it mildly.

Fortunately, all is finally on track and I am recovering as I should be….but still not enough to be traveling and meeting and greeting.

I am so very sorry. It is truly my loss.

Regretfully,

Carol Duvall

Pre-Registration is NOW CLOSED! - Thanks!!

2008-04-25T06:46:00.002-04:00

Did you miss pre-registration? That's OK - it's not too late to join us!!
We close pre-registration so that we have time to print, separate and create the registration packets - so that we're ready on May 8th! There are still tickets available for the Great Lakes Mega Meet!

You can still purchase admission tickets at the door for $10 each - Show entry is at 10am for at the door tickets.
There are still lots of great class tickets available - these tickets will go on sale at 8am on Thursday morning at the Rock Financial Showplace.
A very few crop tickets are available for Thursday night - these tickets will go on sale at 8am on Thursday morning at the Rock Financial Showplace.
A limited number of Opening Ceremonies tickets will be available at the door - these will go on sale at 6pm on Wednesday evening.
If you will be getting there early with pre-registered friends - consider taking a 9am class, while you wait for on-site ticket holders to gain entrance at 10am!

I'm all registered.... but now what?
When and Where to pick up your registration materials
Registration packets for pre-registered guests can be picked up by showing either your confirmation, or your photo ID at the Pre-Registration pickup counters which will be located just outside of Hall A at the Rock Financial Showplace. If you have Opening Ceremonies Tickets - you can pick up your packets between 6:00 and 7:00pm on Wednesday evening. All other guests can begin picking up tickets anytime beginning at 8am each day of the show. If your first event is a crop party - you will be able to pick up your registration packet in the evening before the crop party. If you are planning to purchase your tickets at the door - you can begin purchasing them at 9:15am each day of the show - and Class tickets are available beginning at 8am each day of the show.

I can't find my Confirmation?
I'm not sure I ever got one?
Some of our confirmation emails were stopped by spam filters, or immediately placed into spam/bulk/junk email folders! If you do not have a confirmation - you can log back into the GLMM Registration System and print one directly from there. Click on "View Registration" and then "Reprint Summary Confirmation" - then print that page! It's as simple as that!

We can't wait to see you in just a couple of weeks!

Registration CLOSES on Thursday

2008-04-21T22:51:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder - You've only got a couple more days to pre-register for the GLMM 2008!! If you aren't registered by 11:59pm on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - you'll have to come and purchase your tickets at the door!

There are also a few tickets left for the crop on Thursday night - but Friday is sold out!

There are still lots of great class tickets available - and some single seats in previously sold out classes have become available because of cancellations - so check the website to see if you want to add anything!!

Also, remember - The close of pre-registration is also the cancellation deadline. There are no refunds after Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 11:59pm!

We look forward to seeing you in just over 2 short weeks!!

Still on the Fence about Opening Ceremonies?

2008-04-17T19:13:00.006-04:00

Read what Stacy has to say on her blog today!!

Wednesday night will be an amazing night! We hope you'll decide to come out and see what all the fuss is about.

Stacy's books just arrived today - and I got my first peek at Photo Freedom!! Can't wait to find a few minutes to spend reading it cover to cover!!

I've said it before, but I'll say it again - Stacy's book "Big Picture Scrapbooking" changed how I approach scrapbooking - I've been more creative, and more productive in the 2 years since I read her book, than I was in the 5 years preceding reading the book!! I can't say enough about how Stacy's concepts and approach will leave you INSPIRED and jump start your scrapbooking! If you've been creatively blocked - come and join us - Stacy will fire you up all over again! If you aren't blocked - come and see how much more you can get out of your scrapbooking! Her concepts are for REAL people, with REAL lives, who reallly want to scrapbook!

I'm really hoping you'll join us!

Kate

It's a Pajama Party!

2008-04-11T22:08:00.003-04:00

And as you can tell from these guest's entries into our traditional Friday Night PJ Contest, we're having another great time at a Mega Retreat!

Retreats and Opening Ceremonies!

2008-04-11T13:21:00.003-04:00

We're up in beautiful Traverse City at the Spider Lake Retreat scrapping this weekend with 30 Mega Guests!

Did you see our newest email newsletter? We have another great Pirate-themed retreat planned for June, complete with treasure hunts, so if you're already feeling envious that we're off having fun, don't miss out on the next one!

And, don't miss that exciting news about Opening Ceremonies with STACY JULIAN!!

We cut the price by more than 20% and are now offering tickets for just $35.00!! You'll get a reception (with cash bar!), goodies and previews of products and special offers from exhibitors, not to mention Stacy's incredible keynote address, the great Parade of Nations contest and many great prizes from our valuable sponsors, including Provo Craft (the Cricut!!) and Quikutz!

We can't mention it enough - you don't want to miss this - so log in to your registration and add that ticket to your schedule!

:)

Opening Ceremonies PRICE DROP!!

2008-04-09T00:46:00.003-04:00

We want you to see Stacy Julian and be inspired! So we've made some food plan changes and have dropped our ticket price! You can now enjoy the Opening Ceremonies - complete with reception, keynote address and book signing for just $35.00!

If you've already bought your ticket, don't worry, you get to enjoy these savings, too, as you will automatically be refunded the price difference.

If you've been wondering if and why you should make the Opening Ceremonies part of your Mega Meet experience, then click here!

Remember you can add a ticket to your Mega Meet registration anytime before pre-registration closes! Just log back in and add it on!

Look for the NewsFLASH with other great news and info to hit your email box soon!

O-R-A-T-O-R-I-O

2008-03-15T10:44:00.003-04:00

Oratorio - that's the word Zach spelled to win his District Spelling Bee! That win qualified him for today's County Bee!

Join us in sending good vibes to Tara's son Zach - competing in the County Spelling Bee today! Here he is in today's Detroit News! If he wins today - he will go to Washington D.C.!!

We are all so proud of you Zach!!! Spell Well!!!!

The WINNER of the Ultimate Stacy Contest

2008-03-06T21:24:00.003-05:00

Da da da da, dut dut dut dut dut DAH.... (you have to imagine the trumpet flourish!)

It is our pleasure to announce the winner of the Ultimate Stacy Contest, who has won a free ticket to the Opening Ceremonies, a signed copy of Stacy's new book Photo Freedom, and a ticket to Stacy's class "Finish Line Scrapbooking" on Thursday morning!

Congratulations to Roxann Keating!

I love being organized. Scrapbooking for me was the solution to organizing my pictures in a beautiful, meaningful way. And by meaningful I mean in date order. I was the queen of chronological scrapbooking. In my bookcase are 40 scrapbooks (in chronological order). My vacation books without exception start with the car pulling out of the driveway and end with the return home. I won't belabor the point, you get the picture.

When I saw Stacy Julian on television suggesting that scrapbooking is about conveying emotions, sharing experiences, and showing the personalities and spirits of the people we love, I thought, "That sounds great, but how do you organize it?"

Mentally I was all about this new approach, but there were my pictures in little piles, March, April, May, etc. Me trying to scrapbook in Stacy's way was like trying to teach my husband to match up his socks before he puts them in the drawer-it was not happening.

Then, in April my best friend died of pancreatic cancer. It was unexpected, and it was fast. I had known Diane since I was four years old and she died at the age of 45. I had thought about what it might be like to lose my parents, but I never for a moment thought there would be day when Diane and I didn't share e-mails or a month when we didn't have lunches together.

Diane was the most inspirational and generous person I have ever known.

And my life was littered (and I mean that in a good way) with notes, cards, oil paintings and pictures of all the love that she had shared with me in forty years. I began to make copies of the keepsakes and, with my adhesive tabs, a different kind of scrapbook emerged from the tears and the memories.

It is not chronological, not in order-it is just Diane. And it is not just a scrapbook for me, it is a treasure. My one regret is that the person I would most like to share it with, the one person who would really appreciate it, who might then know how much I loved her, is not here to turn the pages with me.

I want to meet Stacy Julian, because I now wholeheartedly believe that scrapbooking is about people, rather it be us, our families or just people that we admire. I still struggle with wanting to do things "in order," but my creativity shines through in the pages that show what I'm feeling.
These pages are of my friend, Diane, I have a bookful to share with anyone who is interested because I hope, if enough people look at it, Diane will catch a glimpse when she's looking down from heaven.

Thanks for the opportunity to share my story.

Roxann H. Keating

1st Runner Up - Ultimate Stacy Contest

2008-03-06T20:42:00.004-05:00

The 1st runner up in our Ultimate Stacy Contest will recieve a signed copy of Stacy's new book "Photo Freedom".

Congratulations to our 1st runner up, Staci Compher!

Here is Staci's entry:

WITHOUT YOU

I would love to hang out with Stacey julian…..because she is such an uplifting…inspirational woman, and she realizes how important family can be…and right now, more than anything I need to be uplifted and inspired, because on October 26th 2007, my husband of 14 years, (been together for 21 since we were in high school) went to work ….and never came home….we searched all night, and he was reported missing…..but we didn’t find him until the next morning, at 37 years old…he was dead of , what we later found out was dilated cardio myopathy ( an enlarged heart)that we didn’t know anything about….so for the first time in 21 years I am on my own, and trying to raise our daughters, who are 11 (Sommer) & 18 (Tonee‘)..., my husband (Ed) was always the provider for our family, so I am trying to figure out which direction my life is going to go….and how I am going to take care of myself and my girls, I feel like they’ve always just looked at me as “weak” old mom…but I want my daughters to be proud of me, I want to be one of those strong single mothers, who do everything they need to do , to take care of their kids, but to be honest I am scared, I sometimes don’t know if I have it in me. I never planned on raising our girls on my own, this was never how we thought things would be…I thought we would grow old together …I looked forward to growing old, only because he would be by my side…like has been since I was 15... I am so proud of my girls, they seem to be holding it together a lot better than their mom….I’ve made it 4 months…and 4months ago I couldn’t of imagined making it this far…..but I fight everyday, to remember my husband, good memories…raise my girls…and try to find happiness, try to have a “normal” life…I know it is going to be a New “normal”……I know that he would want me to be happy…he used to always say “if you’re happy. I’m happy”…and I want to be happy, and with scrap booking or as I like to call it “scrap therapy” I’ve been able to share memories, and tell stories, and even document my feelings during this time, I’ve been scrap booking for almost 6 years, and I truly believe that scrap booking was brought into my life for more than just getting my families memories into albums, it's like it was brought into my life for this exactly what I am going through now, the friends I have made through scrap booking….have helped me through this, every step. So I would love to be able to listen and learn from….Stacey. Thank you so much Staci Compher

===============================

Don't forget to check back tomorrow to find out who the WINNER of the Ultimate Stacy Contest is!!

2nd Runner Up - Ultimate Stacy Contest

2008-03-05T23:15:00.007-05:00

Well, we said this was not an easy contest to judge - thank goodness Stacy herself helped us make the final decision! We were touched, moved, and inspired by the entries. Because of the passion that was shown by our 10 contest entrants, even if you don't win the Ultimate Stacy Package - we're holding you a spot at the Opening Ceremonies! That's right - if you entered the contest - should the tickets to the Opening Ceremonies sell out before you are able to purchase one - just contact us - we'll make sure you are able to purchase one.

Not to belabor the point - but this was a tough contest to judge! So, we've picked a 2nd runner up and a 1st runner up in addition to the Ultimate Stacy Contest winner! The 2nd runner up will recieve a signed copy of Stacy's book "Big Picture Scrapbooking". The 1st runner up will recieve a signed copy of Stacy's newest book "Photo Freedom".

And, as you all know - the winner will recieve the Ultimate Stacy Package - which includes entry into our ALL NEW Opening Ceremonies Event on Wednesday, May 7th where you’ll enjoy wine, cheese and crackers and other special treats! There will be contests and prizes and displays from some of our exhibitors showing you all the great products the Mega Meet has to offer – and then comes the moment we’re all waiting for – Stacy’s keynote address! But wait – there’s MORE! You’ll get a signed copy of Stacy’s new book Photo Freedom! And guess what – it’s not the ULTIMATE package unless you also get to attend Stacy’s class, Finish Line Scrapbooking, on Thursday morning!

So, without further ado - the 2nd runner up is Donna Kert! Congratulations Donna!

Here is Donna's entry:

The Chance by Donna Kert

I feel like I've known her forever but, in reality, we've never even met. I visit her blog for daily inspiration, read everything she writes, and listen to her voice as my teacher on "streaming audio." This is as close as I've come to "meeting" Stacy Julian and yet, it feels like she's an old friend of mine. All of this is wonderful but nothing would beat the chance to meet her in person. You see, I have something important to tell her.

For years, I have been inspired by her. Inspired to create, learn, stretch, and grow. The impact that Stacy has had on me goes far beyond photos, paper, glue, and this crazy exciting hobby called scrapbooking. She has enriched my life by the lessons she teaches and the lifestyle she leads. Her "big picture" philosophy and "altogether too happy" approach to life has been a constant source of sunshine in my studio. She reminds me to live consciously, play more, celebrate everyday life, and never stop learning. For all of this, I would love the chance....the chance to finally meet her in person, look her in the eye, and shake her hand. The chance to say what I've wanted to say to her since the first time I picked up a Simple Scrapbooks Magazine...the chance to say, "thank you!"

In one year, I'll be turning 40 years old. With this milestone coming up, I created a gift for myself in the form of a scrapbook. The title of my book is "40 Things" and consists of 40 things I want to do, see, learn, create, and experience before my 40th birthday. Meeting Stacy Julian is one of those things. When I created the book, I imagined all the places that I might need to travel to finally meet her but never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would meet her right here in my own hometown! I'm so excited to finally see her, hear her inspirational words "live", be her student once again, and maybe...just maybe...I'll get the chance to shake her hand and say, "thank you."

=============================

We'll announce the 1st runner up tomorrow - and the winner on Friday!

Wow - this is going to be harder than I thought!

2008-03-04T00:42:00.003-05:00

I'm up tonight reviewing the entries in the Ultimate Stacy Contest - and WOW - this is not going to be an easy decision - good thing I don't have to make it all alone! We've got a committee together to review the entries, including Stacy... but don't envy any of us - this decision is going to be one of the hardest we've ever had to make.

Good luck to all of you - and even if you don't win the Ultimate Stacy Package - we hope you all get your chance to meet Stacy at the Opening Ceremonies! Clearly she's been as inspirational to you as she has been to us!

Kate

Having Trouble Seeing the Class Schedule?

2008-02-28T08:59:00.002-05:00

Every email and telephone call I've gotten from anyone having trouble seeing the newly posted class schedule has been very easily resolved by asking the person to hit the "refresh" button on their browser!

You see, when you camp out on a website - as many of you have been doing on the class page the past few days, your computer "saves" a copy to your hard drive - to make it load faster! When you hit refresh - your browser goes out and gets a NEW copy of that page!

So - if you can't see the new stuff on our site - just hit "refresh" and you'll be golden!!

Happy Scheduling!!

Registration Date, Class Schedule and Much More!!

2008-02-27T16:19:00.002-05:00

Scoot on over to the GLMM Page for lots of announcements about the GLMM 2008! A Newsflash is going out right now to a mailbox near you - but just in case you look here first! The Class Schedule is now available, we've announced the opening date and time for registration, we've got ANOTHER special guest coming - and MUCH MORE!

Click here to check it all out!!

Class Preview - Fiskars & Cloud 9 - “Family” 12-page 6x6 Pocket Mini Book

2008-02-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Celebrate cherished memories of your loved ones in this impressive 12-page 6x6 pocket-style mini book. The pages are pockets to hold additional photos, cards, hidden journaling, and other items. It is unique! Not only does it have that extra purpose, the book is also filled with an unbelievable selection of Cloud 9 products.
This fast-paced class is packed with a beautiful assortment of double-sided patterned papers, an alphabet sticker sheet, a cardstock sticker sheet, a ribbon pack, epoxy accent stickers, and epoxy metal brads. Because you will get a full sheet of alphabet stickers, you can easily change to album title to suit your theme.

Class Preview - Fiskars & Heidi Grace - “A Perfect Day”

2008-02-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Whether it’s a celebration, a milestone, or just a relaxing day, it’s time to showcase our perfect day with a scrapbook layout featuring some of the latest products from Heidi Grace Designs & Fiskars. Join designer Valerie Salmon as we create a fabulous 2-page layout that is not only eye-catching, but also encourages you to mix several patterned papers with ease.

This class is packed with a beautiful assortment of double-sided patterned papers, an alphabet sticker sheet, a chipboard sheet, ribbon, and a pack of glittery flowers and brads. Because a full sheet of alphabet stickers is included, the title may be changed to suit your theme.

Class Preview - Our Scrapbook Treasures - Floral Enchantment

2008-02-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Popular instructor Kelli Gamble from Our Scrapbook Treasures returns this year with 2 new classes! Here's a preview of the first!

In this class you will create a beautiful sparkling two-page layout (12x12), that is perfect for displaying photos of those who make your world a better place to be! You will have the opportunity to work with scrapbooking products such as gorgeous sparkle paper, felt ribbon, and brads. Don't miss out on this fun class! There will be Door Prizes and each attendee will receive a special giveaway.

Class Preview - Our Scrapbook Treasures - Disney Mini Album

2008-02-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

In this class you will create a colorful Disney Themed Mini Album, that is perfect for displaying photos that are taken at the happiest place on earth ! Created with lots of Ribbon and Colorful Papers, inside you’ll find 10 pages to display your favorite photos on. This Mini Album can also be used for Autographs from your favorite characters! While creating this fun 6 x 6 Album in class, you will learn a simple way to make Mini Albums in a variety of shapes and sizes for future scrapbook projects. Don't miss out on this fun class! There will be Door Prizes and each attendee will receive a special giveaway.

Class Preview - Pazzles - Imagine the “Pazzle”-bilities

2008-02-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Learn step by step how to create unique pages, complete with titles, journaling and embellishments, using your electronic die cutting system. Learn how to create a welded title, with not one, but two outlines. You will also learn how to create ‘word paper ribbons’, embellishments using dingbat fonts, import your own clip art and create your own paper piecing. In addition, you will be shown how to scallop nearly any shape for fun matting, or great journal blocks. Even beginners in scrapbooking can create wonderful layouts using the Pazzles electronic cutting system.

Class Preview - The Purple Butterfly - Live, Laugh, Love and Scrapbook

2008-02-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Live, Laugh, Love, and then scrapbook it! Come and create a two page layout using 12x12 title pages, flowers, swirls, and scalloped edge paper all from The Purple Butterfly.

Class Preview - Piggy Tales - All in the Family Hide & Seek Flap Book

2008-02-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

Taught by the manufacturer Piggy Tales, create an interactive album for your family to enjoy all year long with Piggy Tales’ new and innovative Hide & Seek Flap Book. You will also use Piggy Tales newest coordinating embellishments to add texture and style to your project. A color copy will be included if you do not complete the project or if you want to create more at home. Door prize drawings will be included!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T14:06:00.002-05:00

Just found a new blog that might be of interest to those of you who are "design heavy" in your scrapbooking, and always looking for new sources of inspiration!

The link come by way of a Marketing blog that I follow - so I was surprised when I got there and realized "HEY, I bet a lot of scrappers would LOVE to look at this cool stuff!"

The blog is called The DieLine, and it features great packaging design. Great design is great design, no matter where you find it!

So, here's to new sources of inspiration!

Happy Hearts Day!

Class Preview - Piggy Tales - Children Are to Cherish

2008-02-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

Taught by the manufacturer Piggy Tales, create a special 12x12 2 page layout to celebrate the wonderful children in your life. Whether you’re a mom, grandma, sister or aunt, this layout will be perfect for you. You will use Piggy Tales’ newest coordinating embellishments to add texture and style to your project. A color copy will be provided if you do not complete the project or if you want to create more at home. Door Prize drawings will be included!