Creating Keepsakes University: San Jose

So I made it back in once piece from my adventure to San Jose, California. By now, many of you know that flying happens to be one of my least favorite things to do. But I'm embracing my fears this year and jumped on a plane to attend the first CKU of 2011. Actually the flights were quite nice, and my trip buddy Alisha Gordon and I were quite happy that none of our flights were full so we had space in between us and the next passenger.



We arrived in San Jose late afternoon, checked in and received a warm chocolate chip cookie, which I'm now realizing I never ate and left in the hotel room. We then joined up with the rest of the CKU crew to set up and get things moving.

Let me just say that every meal at the Doubletree was to die for. I kid you not. Fantastic food. Key lime pie, cheescake, decadent chocolate mousse cake (ok we actually did eat more than just desserts).

Our first night was the kick-off event in which we got to each take turns teaching a page in a mini album. We had 50 students in attendance so it was nice and cozy and allowed us to interact a little more with the students.

I was exhausted after being up since 3:30 a.m. and Alisha and I crashed in our room after the event.

Day 2 I taught the "Everyday Eclectic" mini album class course, which was eight hours long. We took a few breaks and of course ate lunch. We misted, painted, used lots of cool techniques and just had fun together. My favorite part of these events is meeting new people. I met a few people from 2Peas, some from Facebook, and some entirely new friends. So much fun! Alisha was my right hand girl and since she is a crafting genius was the perfect partner in crime for helping with this class.


We stayed up a little later that night talking with the other fabulous teachers: Mou Saha, Angela Magnuson and her cute hubby, Vicki Boutin, Laura Vegas, and Nicole Harper. Although I am familiar with these girls, many of them I was meeting for the first time. We giggled long into the night. Then Alisha and I stayed up several hours later talking each others' ears off. She was the perfect roomie! (But I'm sorry I kept you up so late, Alisha!)



Day 3 we taught the same album again to an entirely new set of students. Because only 50 people attended CKU this year, we really got to interact with the students which was especially fun for me. Everyone seemed to have a great time and was extra patient while we learned a few new techniques.

We stayed up much later that night talking to students and teachers. Love how much funnier I am when I'm tired because I don't consider myself all that funny. Maybe I just thought I was funny. I don't know. I think I'm a little more snarky and sarcastic but with that group of gals you can't help but laugh. (Ask Nicole and Vicki to demo their Bollywood dancing for you some time.)

We were up bright and early Sunday morning to fly home. Alisha can witness that I had no problem sleeping on any of my flights. I think I was out before we even took off each time. I came home and crashed for several hours. And today I have no voice, but it was so much fun!

I hope you'll think about joining Echo Park at the next CKU. Alisha will be attending the Dallas event and I will be at the Stamford, CT event. You can find all the details about Creating Keepsakes University HERE! I promise you'll have a great time, and I'd love to meet you in person so be sure to say hello if you attend.

4 comments

  1. Wish they would have one closer to the Twin Cities to go. ;) Glad you had a good time!!!

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  2. Great post! I will be attending CKU in CT - I can't wait to meet you and take your class! :)

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  3. Sounds like a great time. Wish I could have been there...

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  4. Thanks for the review! I'll be seeing you in CT in November!

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