Hanging with Donna...

That is exactly what it felt like. I had the opportunity to take 2 classes with the AMAZING Donna Downey . She is so fun, energetic and down to earth. Felt like I was hanging out with an old friend. The first class I took was called my kind of "Beautiful". It was a layered mini book that we created with our own patterned paper and matching acrylic paint. Everyones was different and uniquely their own. Here are a few pics from mine:

The next class was called "unscripted". We actually made our own 6 X 12 mini book from scratch. I LOVED this! We used cardboard, acrylic paint, paper, paint chips, coin windows and transparencies. It was a very interesting combination. We also learned 2 new techniques (well, at least new to ME). The first was using crackle medium . Loved this process! It was actually a process of using 2 paint colors and the crackle. It gives it a cracked look. The finished product looks so COOL! I ended up going back and using it on my first project. You can see it in the pics above. The second was using the bind-it-all. I have to admit, I was very scared to try this machine. Once I got the hang of it, I thought it was the coolest thing! This little machine allows you to bind anything together to make your own mini books. I may have to get one of these! Again everyone used their own color choices. Here are some pics from my project:

I was so happy to have my friend Debbie join me in the "unscripted" class. She has been having a bit of a rough time lately. We had the best time! And she LOVED Donna:

I brought my 2 Donna idea books and she happily signed them for me:

Here I am with Donna. Can you believe she lives in the heart of Nascar country and she too, likes Tony Stewart ?! Very COOL!

Back in November, Donna did a Making Memories Noteworthy giveaway on her blog. I was the first winner. Check it out here and this is what I recieved. I was just amazed! I made her this little fold up album with some of the goodies I recieved. She LOVED it!

I literally spent the whole day with Donna and a few new friends that I met. I had the BEST time! I hope to do it again someday! Thanks Donna!! You ROCK!!!! :-)