Spark Sisters Sharing their Story

Spark No. 4

Are you like me and already thinking about Spark No. 4?! Ha! Well, I'm going to start putting away some money every week so that when it comes time to buy my ticket to Spark, Hotel, Flight I am ready!  Plus, I want to either go early or stay a few days after like I did this year. There is just so much goodness to be found in Utah! Let's all keep the Spark Sister love alive! If you would like to do a post on here now and then please let me know! I also want us to share links to our blogs for those of you who do Spark Photo posts.  Not everyone is on Facebook so want to share the love here too.

-nancy

Shuttle to Spark info

OK. Spoke to Brent at the TownPlace Suites Marriott in Orem, the official Spark Hotel.  He will have a sign up sheet at the front desk so please be sure to sign up when you check in.  The list will be first come first serve and the shuttle holds about 10 people and he expects it to take 10mins to transport to the event.  He is also recommending that his shuttle take the back route verses the Highway due to the construction.  He suggested those with their own rental cars do the same.  So, get that google map out and google sisters :)
With registration starting at 8am it is suggested you leave the hotel by 7:40 to allow for traffic.  Classes don't start till 9am.  *It would be awesome if you see someone in the lobby that looks lost that you ask if they are attending Spark and need a ride :) Spark Sisters Unite! hehe

OK, for those with cars that are interested in sharing a ride it might be a good idea to gather in the hotel lobby for a little meet & greet?  I have organized a dinner set for 7:30pm on Thursday night at Carrabba's and so some of us will be leaving at 7:10 to head out.  Anyone who didn't get to sign up is still welcome to meet there however the area we are sitting in is full.  The restaurant manager said he would be happy to seat others near that area if they mention they are with Spark.  **Just remember that if you aren't on the reserved seating list you are sure they don't seat you in the banquet area.

So, with that said maybe a meet & greet could be held between 6:30 and 7pm or during the evening sometime.  I will be away from the hotel between 7pm and 9pm so if you gals decide to meet between then and want me to call out a time let me know.  Or just post it on facebook group page and help spread the word.

Please browse this blog for info on the dinner and swap, sorry we can't accomodate more than the 50 in the designated area.

Extra Info

Just wanted to list some of the info that was left in the comments section of the Q&A and Places you might want to visit. Not sure why the pages in the tabs above aren't allowing the comment section to show.

Edited 8/10/11
Fellow Spark Sister Chelsea Drawe Yanguez got some info for those of us flying in! For those of you coming into SLC Airport, there is a shuttle service that leaves every hour at the top of the hour. Their rates are 33.00 from SLC down to the hotel, but if you have more than 1 person in your party then each additional person is only 15.00. You should make reservations as a group to get the best rate. Their contact info is Express Shuttle @ 800-397-0773. There is going to be a shuttle from Hotel to the event for those of you who won't have a rental car handy. Thanks Chelsea for the shuttle info!!

Edited 10/9/11
This from fellow Spark Sister Larrisa:
http://www.hotlakecityshuttle.com/ they said if we have three or more that the fee would nly be $15.00 rather than the normal $29.00 to the Motel in Orem.

Places to visit you can find them via Google.com

Hip & Humble, in Salt Lake City

Dear Lizzies, in American Fort I think it is

Bed of Roses in Farmington is awesome!

Thanksgiving Point

**They will be accepting Credit Cards at the Spark Artisan Market. You will browse the vendors and pay for all your items at once.

**Photos for the junk journal.  The theme is metamorphosis so you could do photos of your your family as a couple then growing into a full family. Or maybe how you got into your hobby? Anything really or if you have no idea then simply do your photos when you get back home.  There is a link to the Junk Journal here so you can see that we slip the photos into the brag book pages and add it to the middle of the book.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G2ckshCza84IgEg0XwhSWB1d3QapVqalCfOqwA40k0QrsT4zcmrFqF_xRWhBtHGfIZPA4M433ZRDX678_aojdi30KZX6179nI_3LeqQqOT4YlhIhoc8QEICGHKlknDlZb1gKypfq-q1n/s1600/photo.JPG

Feel free to add into in the comments if you wish.  Spark is almost near so I'm guessing everyone is busy getting packed and ready! I know I am, time is running out and I'm behind, yikes!

Thursday's Dinner

OK. Just wanted to check to be sure that all those that are listed on the dinner list are still joining us.  If your plans have changed and you can't make it please let me know. Thanks!

Countdown begins!

I am really excited that Spark is just a few days away! Looking forward to meeting everyone, remember to breathe!  If you show up at Spark without an item on your supply list it will be fine! There will be someone around that will share!  Just take it all in, enjoy it and don't stress over the little things.  See you all in Utah later this week!  I will be checking this blog all week so if you have any last minute questions ask away.
-Nancy

Info for Spark

Posted this on the Facebook Spark Group Page so wanted to share here too.  I strongly urge you to let your hair down and just show up at Spark and let the incredible experience just happen.  I promise that not knowing all the details will not take away from the event.  But, then that is just me :)

Info for Spark

By Nancy Tovar Wyatt in SPARK The Event ·

ENTRY TO SPARK:

We will have record of all those that bought a ticket to attend Spark so just show up and check in on Friday Morning.  There will be folks there directing you where to go for sign in.

Link to info on Artisan Market:
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/08/spark-artisan-market-2011.html

Link to the Supply list:
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/09/class-supply-list.html

Link to Class Schedule:
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/10/schedule.html

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PROJECTS SHOWN IN THE CLASS INTRODUCTIONS ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE THAT WILL BE TAUGHT. WE PROMISE YOU WILL LOVE WHAT THE TEACHERS HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU!

Link to Class Introduction for Cathe Holden: Nest Necklace
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/08/class-preview-nesting.html

Link to Class Introduction for April Meeker: Stamp Carving
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/07/class-preview-stamp-carving.html

Link to Class Introduction for Emily Falconbridge: Felting
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/06/class-preview-felting.html

Link to Class Introduction for Jen Jensen: Junk Journal
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/06/class-preview-junk-journal.html

Link to Class Introduction for Amy Tan: Reverse Applique
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/06/class-preview-reverse-applique.html

Link to Class Introduction for Donna Downey: Mixed Media
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/08/class-preview-mixed-media.html

Link to CLass Introduction for Christy Tomlinson:Mixed Media
Can't locate it but we will be creating of of her SheArt pieces. You can find info on her under the Teachers Tab on the Spark Blog.

Link to Intro to Sarah Sample
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/06/introducing-sarah-sample.html

Link to the Blogging Panel
http://www.sparktheevent.com/2011/05/spark-2011-blogging-panel.html

Blogger We Have a Problem!

Not sure why the Comments section aren't showing up the in the pages above, ie. the Q&A page?  So, if you have any questions leave them on this post and they will be addressed.

Are you excited yet! Spark is almost here!

OK Spark Sister!  It's just days before we all head to Lindon, UT to get our creative mojo going!  I am so excited and so behind on my trip preparations, ha!  I just wanted to drop in and leave a post to just summarize a few things.

Pre-Spark Dinner & Swap
Again, this is not a Spark Sponsored gathering. This is just me wanting to meet some of you, especially some of you who are traveling alone!  This is going to be a fun night to meet a few faces so that when you go in on Friday morning you feel a little more at ease.  The Swap is just for those attending the dinner gathering. Swap info found on this post HERE.

Why was there only space for 50 at the pre-Spark dinner gathering?
This wasn't meant to be an event for every Spark Sister only because Spark is the main event.  I did not want to take away from the true event.  So, Thursday night was just a chance to get some of you traveling alone to gather. Then the swap idea was thrown in too.  It was not meant to single out any single group of women, just is what it is. The venue that I found had a room that seated 50 and so that is how the number came together. 
Edited 10/11/11 **Didn't make it on the list? Well, others could still go to the same place we are going to be at and simply be seated in the main dining room as we won't be tucked away behind doors.  The only thing I would ask is that if you are not on the list that you not be asked to be seated in the banquet area so that those that RSVP'd don't lose their spot.  And if you are there you could actually still play along in the swap if you checked in with me once you got there :)  If you do decide to do that then just leave me a comment so I can help give them a heads up that there might be some ladies looking for a great place to eat ;)

Is there a SWAP at the official Spark Event?
Not this year, but hoping we can get it worked into future Spark events.

What do I do the first morning of Spark?
Well, you simply show up at the called out time 8:30am (preferably not any earlier as Margie loves to have everything in it's place) so just keep that in mind.  Once you arrive they will have an area where you will line up to sign in and it is there that you will be assigned to a group.

How can I be sure that I am in the same group as my friends?
Well, just be sure to all get in line together and you can easily get into the same group.  Easy as that, and don't have your heart set on a certain group before you get there because things can always be changed up. All the groups will get to take ALL the same classes so it doesn't really matter which group you are in.

Have there been any emails going out to those attending?
As far as I know there haven't been any mass emails going out and so as long as you are visiting the official Spark blog you should be up to speed.  And I also like to keep you up to speed here too and on the Spark Group page on Facebook.

If I am attending Thursday nights meet & greet what do I bring my swap in?
Please have your swap item, whether it be hand made or store bought in an unmarked brown lunch size bag and please drop in a card with your name on it so your Spark Sister can thank you.

Where do I go for info?
www.sparktheevent.com
Spark the Event Group Page on FB (it has this years logo on it)
And here www.sparksisters.blogspot.com

Who are you and do the organizers of Spark even know you?
Ha! I'm Nancy, I attended Spark No. 2 and Margie and the girls asked me to help out this year.  Keep an eye on the Spark blog and there will be a new post on me soon.

Please feel free to drop me a line and I look forward to meeting you all!
-Nancy
nct621 at hotmail dot com

A Little Snag........Don't Panic!

**The Spark organizers have been made aware of this and they will be helping to spread the word via the official Spark Blog this week.

***Some folks are going to try to bring their fixative in their checked bag so if you want to give it a try go for it.  Just be sure you check your bag before heading out of the airport so you know if you have to stop and do some shopping ha!

OK, So I did some digging around and asking and with the help of the folks at Krylon they directed me to a link that states that no flammable items (excluding personal toiletries) can be checked in a bag or taken onboard in the cabin.  So, this simply means that if you are flying into Utah that you will need to make your way to a local craft store to pick up the Workable Fixative.  Or take your chances and hope that if you do put it in your checked bag that it doesn't get removed.

Got Car?

Hoping that those attending the dinner on Thursday night with a car will help out with carpooling. I'm thinking if everyone going to Carrabba's meets at 7pm in the lobby we can all help in carpooling. So that no one gets left behind please be prepared to leave by 7:10pm sharp. I plan on leaving a few minutes early to make sure all is set up for us at Carrabba's.

A reminder to those bringing something for the swap. Please be sure to bring your handmade or store bought item in a undecorated lunch size brown bag. Participating is not a requirement to attend dinner. But hope you decide to join in on the fun :)

Can't wait to meet you all!

-Nancy

RSVP's for Dinner on 10/20 at Carrabba's

***EDITED 10/9/11 WE ARE AT FULL CAPACITY.  I am sorry that I can no longer accept RSVP's to the pre-spark dinner event.

OK.  If you don't see your name on the list below then just leave a comment on this post. I will be happy to add you to the list as long as we are not at the max of 50 people.  Click HERE for the address of the restaurant.  If your plans have changed and you can't make it please let me know so that we can allow for others to join us should we end up reaching the 50 person capacity.

Swap update

Please feel free to make or buy ANYTHING your heart desires, as long as it fits in a sealed undecorated lunch sack. The way it will work is, we will gather the sacks of those participating and then everyone that turned in a sack will get one back. Easy as that! You don't have to participate to join in the dinner! Looking forward to meeting new friends!

Dinner location has been booked!

OK Ladies!  For those of you joining us we will be having dinner at
Carrabba's Italian Grill
683 E. University Parkway
Orem, UT 84097
801-765-1222
at 7:30pm on Thursday October, 20th.

They have a banquet room for us, this will help make our evening enjoyable and will accommodate the swap too!  They will even have a menu custom printed for our group to help in the ease of ordering and to allow the kitchen to serve us in a timely and orderly fashion. 

They are willing to split up the checks and due to the size of the group they will be adding an 18% gratuity to each check and you can feel free to tip more if you so choose.  As of now I have the head count at approximately 20-25 of us and the room will seat up to 50 so that will be our max! 

Looking forward to meeting everyone!!
-Nancy

**For those of you who will not be renting a car and need a ride to the restaurant please leave a comment here. For those of you with cars and are willing to offer other Spark Sisters a ride please leave a comment as well.  And if we all agree to meet in the hotel lobby at 7ish then we can just offer a ride to those that need it :) I know we will all help each other out!! 

Flying back home from Spark

Just wanted to remind you ladies that when you fly back home you will be going home with much more than you arrived with.  You will be traveling home with all your projects, extra supplies you get to take home from Spark and all your freebies that come in the swag bags.  Believe me when I say that one carry on bag will not work when flying back home.  You might consider shipping your stuff back home if you don't want to fly with it or just be sure to back a big bag.  Just don't want you to be surprised, I know of a few Spark Sisters who had to buy a piece of luggage to take home all their stuff and some shipped a box home.  Just lookin out for ya Spark Sister :)

Spark is only a month away!!

Hello friends!!  Just wanted to let you know that April put up the supply list up on the Spark blog which you can find by clicking HERE.

If any of you are interested in meeting some of the other Spark sisters attending Spark you are welcome to join a group of us for dinner.  This is a non Spark Sponsored event, there may be others doing their own gatherings.  I also thought it would be fun to do a SWAP and so if you are interested in that click HERE to be taken to the post that gives you the details and you can leave a comment letting us know if you want to participate.

This is all meant to be fun, stress free and casual just a chance to meet other Spark sisters before Friday's classes begin.  This is also a great place to look for a roommie and ask all sorts of questions.

I'm so excited to meet new friends aren't you!!

Spark Jewelry LOVE!

I had to share these photos with you!  These beautful pieces will be for sale at the ARtisan Market and I have a funny feeling that they won't last long!  If you are an Artisan selling at this year's Market and want to share photos with us just email me.  I am happy to share your wares on our blog here.

These pieces are from Canela of Cinnamon Sticks by going to visit her HERE.  She was at Spark No. 2 as a student last year and she is a doll!  I hope you get a chance to meet her!

Let's get ready to SWAP

Art  used above is from www.rhonnadesigns.com

The Swap will be held on Thursday evening at a local restaurant which will be disclosed a couple of weeks prior to the event.  The time of the dinner will be somewhere around 7:30.  Hopefully this will allow for those of you arriving in the late afternoon to still join us. 

**This is not part of Spark the Event, this evening is simply to allow for some of us who wish to meet ahead of time.  This is especially perfect for those traveling alone!

Swap Requirement Is

Either a handmade item or a store bought item, whatever makes your heart happy. Just be sure it fits into the bag size called out below. 

Please bring your swap piece in a sealed standard UNDECORATED LUNCH SIZE BROWN PAPER BAG. You can include your name inside the bag so that the Spark Sister that receives your bag can thank you!  

We will then number each bag and pass around a bowl with corresponding numbers.  This will help make sure that everyone that brings a swap gift leaves with one.  If you choose to join us for dinner but not participate in the Swap that is totally fine!

If you have any questions please feel free to ask them in the comment section below or drop me an email at nct621@ (hotmail.com) 

Thanks!!

-Nancy

Welcome!

Just thought I would put up another WELCOME post to those that are just now visiting the Spark Sisters Blog! So glad to get the chance to get to know everyone and so excited to meet everyone at Spark!! We are going to have a great time! Love all the new Spark Sisters joining us, believe me you will feel so special when you are there!! It truly was a great experience!!

Swap Anyone?

OK Ladies!
Time is flying by and so we need to start thinking about the SWAP.  I want to be sure that we get a good number of ladies playing along so please let me know if you are interested by leaving a comment on this post. And if you want to call out an idea please do! Someone mentioned making a hand crafted item, ATC, or maybe something that is related to the State that the Spark sister is coming from. Ideas are welcome! I know everyone is busy and school is starting up so if you gals want to do something easy that is cool or if you want to bow out that is fine too.

I'm getting so excited, are you!

p.s. Please let your friends know that there is a contest for a free entry to Spark all the details are on the blog http://www.sparktheevent.com/