Scrapbook Generation's first weekend retreat, held in Branson this past weekend, was a huge success. I'll post photos on Tuesday, but thought I would share these comments with you today. Karin and I and Stacey and Ali worked really hard preparing for the event, and we were gratified with the overwhelmingly positive reactions to what we had created.

One thing everyone wanted was more cropping room, and we have already solved that problem with a new location for the March retreat. We are going to limit registration to 50 people at both Branson and Eureka Springs, and both sites have huge ballrooms for us to use. There will be more than enough table space and supply space! (Also, we're discovered that several of us are enamored of mashed potatoes and gravy, so that is a must for next time as well!)

Here's what attendees had to say about Scrapbook Generation's first retreat...

"I am blown away! I have called every one of my friends to tell them about this (and I'm still here!) It was absolutely fabulous. I'm looking forward to March!"

"The weekend was great! Can't wait to do it again. The retreat was put together with excellence in mind and you succeeded in everything from the food to the decorations and the prizes."

"It was a fabulous weekend! All you did was very much appreciated. Thank you for the work you did, the great gifts, and great food. It can hardly be improved on, except for having more room at the tables (the mountains of stuff we all bring!) Thanks so much. I had a great time."

"Great time, great food, great company, great rooms, great gifts, great idea."

"Enjoyed it very much! Food was great. I would come back again."

"Awesome weekend. Good classes, good food, very relaxing, loved the prizes."

"I had a wonderful time! You have done a great job! Thanks. It was the best weekend I have had!"

"Paid great attention to detail. Beautiful location. Very accommodating. Great prizes. Wonderful fellowship. Request a little more room per person to spread out, and need more gravy to go with those mashed potatoes!"

"Great presentation with place setting, tags, etc. Excellend job on food -- quality was good and plenty of drinks available. Nice accomodations. You have good taste."

"The food was wonderful, the condos were great also. Thanks for a great time and all your hard work!"

"Karin and Debbie, you both were so great. The food was fantastic, rooms were great and the decorations were festive. I would recommend your retreat to my friends."

"What a lovely first cropping week for Scrapbook Generation and me! Your extra special touches made us feel that you treasured each of us. Your organization expertise led to a successful and smooth-running schedule."

"The whole weekend has been awesome. Thank you for all of the gifts, prizes, and fun."

"Fun, fun, fun! Just need more cropping space."

"Food, rooms and prizes were awesome."

"Everything was wonderful!! The store, food, and set-up was all great! The rooms were wonderful as well. I appreciate all the hard work you did putting together such a great weekend together! I look forward to the next one!"

"Everything was so pretty, very well organized. I felt so spoiled. Thank you!"

"Everything was excellent. It has been very good, classes good, no complaints. Thank you."

"I enjoyed the weekend. The meals were great, and condos were very nice. Great job for the first retreat. Thanks for all your hard work."

"Wonderful retreat! Food - awesome. Room - beautiful. Classes - great. Gifts and prizes - fabulous!"

"This was wonderful! Thank you for the use of Sizzix. Great choice of place. Also, thanks the most for making this weekend such a good time for all levels of experience."

"The retreat was fabulous. Great prizes, great condos. Attention to detail outstanding! Food and snacks delicious, however, there needs to be more mashed potatoes!"

"You did a wonderful job. This was a great first time experience. The decorations, gifts, prizes, and condo was excellent! Thanks for everything."

Karin and I were really worn out by the end of the retreat, but after we read these wonderful reviews, all the hard work was worth it. I'm already thinking of themes and decorations for March!

Wood Decor Word: BOO
Thursday, October 5 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Teacher: Stacey Arnall
Fee: $12

Class Description:
In this new monthly series, use coordinating Halloween papers, paints, inks, ribbons, and Li'l Davis glitter glaze to decorate 7-inch tall free-standing wood letters. Halloween never looked so stylish with Reminisce papers involved. Cute sign and ghost die cuts, and a fiber web complete this scary set!

School Days Picture Frames
Monday, October 16 at 6 p.m.
Teacher: Candy Conner
Fee: $8

Class Description:
Turn two white canvas photo frames into adorable school days picture frames with apple die cuts and an antiquing technique that will make a child's school portrait memorable. Daisy D's school papers add just the right touch to school photos from the present or past. (Please bring a 4x6 photo and a wallet-sized photo. They can be actual school photos or snapshots. It's important to bring the pictures to class, because they are part of the process. The photos will be in the frame permanently unless you tear the frame apart!)

"Ribbon Rules" Scrapbook Layout
Tuesday, October 17 at 6 p.m.
Teacher: Allison Davis
Fee: $12

Class Description:
Learn three new techniques for adding ribbon, just about everyone's favorite embellishment, to your scrapbook pages. On two pages, make a ribbon monogram using a simple backstitch, a fluffy ribbon flower, and an intricate ribbon border. Daisy D's paper in fall colors makes for a beautiful page just waiting for autumn photos.

Mommy & Me Trick or Treat Bucket Class

Saturday, October 14 at 2 p.m.

Teacher: Amy Estes

Fee: $14

Class Description: Together, mother and child will cover a bucket with Halloween paper and add a "trick or treat" title. They will also create a monogram tag for the handle. The basket will be a great addition to the child's Halloween costume, and will also be a special keepsake. (Basket contents shown with the model are not included in the class.)

I'm getting the class project photos posted as quickly as I can. Thought I would also let you know that the latest arrivals at Scrapbook Generation include Chip Chatter letters sets by Pressed Petals (all colors offered, plus two letter styles!) There are also several colored chipboard words from Pressed Petals. We also have new arrivals from Bazzill, including huge polka-dot brads, and scalloped edge cardstock.

It's a little crazy around here getting ready for the retreat in Branson coming up this weekend. We'll let you know how it all turns out when we're back down on earth Monday!

Sending Cheer Card Mini-Class
Thursday, October 12 at 6 p.m.
Teacher: Allison Davis
Fee: $5

Class Description:
This oversized five-fold card spells CHEER the large monogram way, using the Gypsy collection from BasicGrey. Lots of special touches bring this card to life, and will truly bring cheer to the recipient.

"Try a New Technique" Page: Masking
Monday, October 23 at 6 p.m.
Teacher: Allison Davis
Fee: $10

Class Description:
On this clever one-page scrapbook layout, learn to use familiar objects as masks for paints and inks, and see the stunning results. Learn how to use this masking technique to create your own personally-designed "patterned paper."

Sidekick Badgeholder Mini-Album
Tuesday, October 24 at 2 p.m.
Teacher: Marti Blattert
Fee: $15

Class Description:
Starting with simple name-badge holders, add chipboard, ribbon, and paper, and create a mini-book just the right size to attach to your favorite purses or keychain. It's a great "show-off" item for proud moms or grandmoms!

Happy Thanksgiving Card Mini-Class
Monday, October 30 at 2 p.m.
Teacher: Allison Davis
Fee: $5

Class Description:
This card with a unique closure features warm fall colors in both papers and ribbons. Circle accents provide Thanksgiving messages. It will be the perfect way to let someone know how thankful you are for them.