Getting my Craft on!

I recently had the privelege of collaborating with fellow blogger, Xenia of Raised by Culture, to coordinate a craft party. We decided to limit the attendance to the SoCal Lady Bloggers, our favorite blogger networking group. But I want to show it off to you nice people cause I've got the crafting bug now and it's contagious as all get-out.

We were super fortunate that The Makery came on board to host us and subsequently brought on Academy of Handmade and A Little Known Shop. These ladies normally do not work on Sundays -- it was deeply flattering that they made the time and effort. We got to try our hands at three craft projects and enjoy some really delicious eats and, of course, spectacular company.

My favorite projects were the magazine crafts -- we made gift boxes, bags and little folded shirt-cards out of simple magazine pages. I, of course, managed to snag magazine pages filled with Star Trek, Doctor Who and Marvel Superheroes. I decided to call mine the "Cumberbox" (a Benedict Cumberbatch reference).

We also made natural wood beaded necklaces and gift bags out of newspaper, ribbon and washi tape. You guys, I LOVE washi tape. I need to invest.

I was super excited that Pop Chips said yes right away and sent over fifty bags of chips for us to give out. They are my favoritest brand of chips and you'd better believe I kept a couple bags at home for myself. And Green Tomato Grill was beyond generous with their catering donation. They sent us wraps and salads and popcorn with choice after choice of combination. Each thing was more delicious than the next and everyone raved about the meal so I just can't thank those guys enough.

One of the best parts of this whole experience is that thanks to the kindness of all of our sponsors, we were able to put on this event for FREE. That means the fifteen bloggers who attended did not have to pay anything to attend. It's actually always a tough call to do that - not charging money makes it easier in the end for people to bail at the last minute without any money at stake, but we wanted to be kind-hearted about this. We did ask everyone to bring cookies to share for dessert and goodie bags but I think cookies are a small price to pay, right? Cookies are everything.

Thank you Xenia, sponsors and all of the lovely ladies who showed up to participate and support us. I am all warm and fuzzy'd by your love and well-wishes. It got me overe the disappointment of last-minute cancellations and no-shows and made the long drive there and back (everything in LA is not 20 minutes!) totally worth it.