Wednesday, August 22, 2012

A Peek Inside the Michaels 2012 Blogger Event

I mentioned a week or so ago about a trip I took to Dallas, Texas to participate in the 2012 Michaels Blogger Event. Michaels invited 15 bloggers from across the country to take part in this event and we spent three days together, crafting, chatting, and checking out all that Michaels has to offer. Today I’m going to share a bit more about my trip. You’ll want to keep reading through this post—there just might be a thing or two in it for you at the end . . .

Upon arrival in Dallas, we were picked up at baggage claim by someone holding a card with our names on it, then driven to our hotel in a limo. Much different than my usual mode of transportation to and from the airport!

As part of the event, we were able to spend some time crafting with Jo Pearson, creative expert for Michaels and judge on the TLC show Craft Wars. She and her team prepared several fun projects for us, including a jewelry making activity and a mixed media piece. Here’s a photo of the pretty bracelet I created. I had a lot of fun doing this, which kind of surprised me since my prior jewelry making experience—at a local stamp store with soldering involved—kind of convinced me to stick with paper crafting! We also had the chance to hear from Jo about her job at Michaels and about her experiences as a Craft Wars judge. Jo and her team also gifted each blogger with a journal with a unique collaged cover. I’m totally loving this special keepsake!




While we were at the blogger event, we were able to walk through the company’s 2012 Holiday Preview show. This exhibition was set up for the Michaels store managers and leadership who were also in Dallas for company meetings. It was filled wall to wall with all of the latest and greatest products that you can find or will be finding soon at your local Michaels. We were able to check out the products and watch demos from famous names such as Tim Holtz, Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes, and for paper crafters/Copic marker fans, Marianne Walker. Here’s a shot of Tim Holtz in action.

 We were also able to get a peek at MiDesign@Michaels, an online application that provides the ability to create and personalize all sorts of goodies from photo books, scrapbooks, invitations, and cards to party favors, napkins, and cups. Michaels is offering my readers a 30% discount on this service through August 29 with the code BLOGGER30.

All in all, it was a fabulous opportunity. I really enjoyed getting to know the people behind the scenes at Michaels and all of the other bloggers at the event and learning more about Michaels and the variety of products and services that they have to offer. I’m so appreciative that I had the opportunity to participate in this event—but have to admit that it was nice to get back home again to Chloe the cutie puppy, even if she insisted on giving me the cold shoulder for about 24 hours . . .  I'm looking forward to hopefully continuing an ongoing relationship with both Michaels and the rest of the amazing bloggers in the group.  Here's where you can find them:

Lorie Albright – be different act normal 
Nicole Balch – Making it Lovely
Kathy Barbro – Art Projects for Kids 
Mandy Beyeler – Sugar Bee Crafts
Lisa Blocksberg – Sweet Designs  (Amy Atlas)
Dee Brady – The CSI Project
Laura Bucci – Laura Bucci 
Beckie Farrant – Infarrantly Creative 
Amanda Formaro – Crafts By Amanda
Heidi Gustad – Craft Gossip 
Amy Huntley – The Idea Room
Marie LeBaron – Make and Takes 
Amy Locurto – Living Locurto
Courtney Whitmore – Pizzazzerie

Since Michaels was so generous with us, I want to pass along some of that generosity to you. I have a box of assorted crafting goodies, including some top-notch Westcott scissors, Martha Stewart and Mod Podge products as well as some items from the different Michaels private brand collections to share with one lucky Inking Aloud reader. Just leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite things to shop for at Michaels (or your other local craft store if there aren’t any Michaels stores near you—there are 4 near me that I visit on a pretty regular basis!) and I’ll randomly select a winner on Monday, August 27. Good luck!

Disclaimer:  Michaels was the sponsor of this event, but  did not require that I share any information about my experience on the trip--I'm sharing because I'm truly excited about the great experience I had!

17 comments:

  1. I LOVE shopping at Michaels. I am a papercrafter but lately have been trying my hand at crocheting again and purchased Sashay yarn!

    Lisa Bohler

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  2. Wow.. sounds like a really fun time!! That was really awesome of them to do that!! And thanks for sharing the the fun!! Its fun to hear about this stuff!

    My Michaels is right down the street.. I tend to get most of my tools there... and copic here or there LOL I also picked up my favorite new thing from them and that is my prismacolor pencils. I'm really enjoying playing with them!! I love my Michael's.. the one thing I wish is that they had a better paper selection.. I tend to go get my papers online or at Archiver's.

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  3. Ohhh lucky you! Sounds like you had an amazing time!
    We don't have Michaels in Northern Ireland ... wish they would open a store here though, I'm always very envious of the bargains everyone gets there!
    Thanks for the chance to win your goodies!
    Lynne :)

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  4. Practical stuff like adhesive but also love that they now have MME 6x6 paper packs!

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  5. Your experience sounds awesome! Congratulations!

    I'm lucky enough to have 5+ Michael's within 30 to 45 minutes of my home.

    I love shopping at Michael's for ribbon. They always have great deals and the cutest ribbon around!

    Thanks for the chance to win!!!!!

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  6. How fortunate, for you, to have this wonderful opportunity!!! We have a small Michael's in our small city. I just love going there. I am a DP and ribbon addict! This is where I usually purchase all of my paper craft supplies. I also find many items to alter in their $1 bins. Since I also knit and crochet, I also purchase yarn there. My favorite gift: a Michael's gift card. Thanks for giving us the chance to win a surprise. Hugs.

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  7. Glad you had such a fun time. Lots to like at Micheals, but the dollar bins on the way to the cash register get me every time. Always some treasure there that I can't pass up.

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  8. I love shopping at Michael's and am addicted to all their beautiful designer paper. What a fun trip and thanks for the chance to win some goodies:)

    Carolee

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  9. Lori, that sounds like such an amazing experience. The fact that there were only 15 blogger's chosen is pretty cool and that you got to walk through the holiday preview and see demonstrations is awesome. Way to go!

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  10. What a special experience and you are one of 15 chosen! I shop Michaels in either of two cities that are an hour drive from home. Love the bigger one but don't get there as often. I shop for anything and everything for stamping and also their artificial flowers for Memorial day are very special. The dollar bins always have something I've been looking for. thanks for the chance to win something special.

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  11. I'm so glad you had a great experience on this trip, Lori! How exciting to be able to do this!! Oh, and I always look forward to seeing what new embellishments I can find at Michael's, as well as any new crafting kits for the grandkids. They all love to craft!

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  12. It sounds like you had a wonderful time!! Thanks for sharing with all of us and giving us the opportunity to share in your goodies! I do shop at Michael's and I'm lucky enough to have 2 close to work so I even shop on my lunch hour some days. I also have one semi close to home and I shop there as well. I buy all kinds of paper crafting (card making - scrapbooking). I also, but ribbon, flowers and cake making stuff.

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  13. Tho the nearest Michael's are 50 and 100 miles away from home, I try to get to one at least once a month - my first spot to check out is always the Spellbinders display!

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  14. I love Micheals, I shopr for picture frames, glue, thr Dollar spot area, I always shop at 1 one the four near me.

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  15. Michaels is a favorite. I really enjoy the dollar section b/c it has trendy items. I also love all the embellishments and ribbon. Ive signed up for emails that contain generous coupons. Lots of good non scrappy crafts.

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  16. I LOVE shopping at Michaels and i am addicted to all their beautiful designer paper.Looks like you enjoyed so much.

    michaels frames

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  17. Shopping dealsI LOVE shopping at Michaels.they always have great deals.

    Thanxs for chance to win!!!

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