#PaperTrail Day 2

WHAT. A. DAY! It was the best way I could ever imagine to kick off the #PaperTrail!

CardMonkey was the most thoughtful and generous host. Read her blog posts here for more info and pics- she is on the ball! I arrived at her house and was greeted with a hug, a beautiful necklace that she had made me- she is a CloseTo My Heart consultant and I loved seeing all of her cool creations from paper to jewelry! The pic is a tiny Scotty replica complete with details down to a very tiny image of my face in the doorway! Love it 🙂

Also a handmade card, adorable Welcome banner for Scotty, and a 3D replica of the camper!

I already was happy 🙂 Then we went over to Kathy Davis Studios, where we were welcomed by Bill, CardMonkey’s connection to the studio, and invited inside (pull-through parking- yay!).

We met Kathy who was just lovely and very welcoming…

The whole staff was gathered in the garden for a birthday party, and Kathy introduced us. We got a snack and drink and went upstairs to the offices and had a lovely chat about her company, how she got started and the journey that brought her where she is today. So inspiring. She asked about the #PaperTrail- who knows? Maybe next time I can get her to come for a ride along 🙂 I feel very honored that she and her staff took the time to make us feel so welcome. Kathy left us with Lorraine,  the Executive Director, who gave us a complete tour of the office- I loved looking around the light and airy studio and seeing what all of her artists were working on. They all were happy to answer any questions we had. When we left, Linda, who manages the retail store (yes you can SHOP there too!), gave Ellen and I both beautifully wrapped gift bags filled with Kathy Davis cards and a book! Kathy came in and said goodbye and went off to her next appointment. I am left with nothing but admiration for a great artist with very good business sense who also cares about her staff, their families and her community. Turns out we have several friends in common- Joanne Fink and Jo Packham! The visit was a pleasure (remember I was nervous?)

So… Ellen and I left the studio, after shopping, and went to Corner Bakery for some lunch. We went back to her place and she graciously offered her guest room for me to have a nap, which I did. Naps are the best. I woke up an hour later refreshed and ready to go. But first I had a good look at her studio while she was making final arrangements for the class we had. So mad I didn’t get pictures of it! It could be in a magazine! Everywhere I looked there were inspirational projects, bins and shelves loaded with fun goodies and every tool and gadget you could think of! The whole time, CardMonkey was on high alert for texts from her daughter Emily, who is ready any day to have her second baby (and also attended class that night!)

Then it was time to pack up and get ready for the next adventure- craft night at Frank’s Pizza. We hauled in all the supplies and got set up.  This was such a fun event! Ellen had about 16 ladies there. I gave some tips and tricks for using Sizzix ScoreBoards, showed them how to use the Big Shot and then we made some projects. They were going to town! They used my new Clearsnap on their projects too and were embossing, inking, and taping up using iCraft tape!

With 71 miles to go to Lancaster I was pretty proud of myself for booking a $32 room on Priceline at a Travelodge. I can’t even talk about what a disaster it was, but let’s just say I will never stay in one again. My broken ankle is totally swollen from standing on it too much so I need to remember to sit down once in a while…

Many thanks to CardMonkey for making the whole day happen! More tomorrow…

Thanks for following the #PaperTrail!