Regular contributor Khristian Howell – surface designer & photographer extraordinaire – shares a recap of the Creative Connection Event over the weekend!
The first ever Creative Connections Event is in the books! I have to say this was a very impressive event! If you are not yet familiar with the event, this is one to bookmark for sure. I was lucky enough to meet Nancy Soriano (former editor in chief of Country Living) at Surtex this past May, and boy am I thankful for the serendipitous meeting! Nancy and Jo Packham (of Where Women Create) have created a three day journey full of inspiring speakers, panels, handmade classes, an amazing market, and loads of goodies in between. As I continue to digest everything I learned and all the wonderful people I met, the thing that continues to stand out is the sincerity of it all. Each speaker, teacher, and attendee was truly there with an open heart and in the true spirit of community.
Although the energy throughout the event was undeniably fantastic, the depth of the information was just as impressive. Keynote speakers included Amy Butler, Mary Jane Butters, and Ree Drummond. Teachers included Betz White, Laurie Meseroll, and Kristin Nicholas among others.
Panel topics ranged from How to Launch a Business (the panel I was thrilled to speak on!) to the Future Face of Retail from both the brick and mortar and online perspectives. To top it all off, if you have ever wanted to publish a book or get a feature in one of your favorite craft mags, editors from Stampington and Co., Lark Crafts, and Better Homes and Gardens, etc. were all on hand to answer you publishing questions! I am so proud to have been included in the first year of this event, and expect it to grow and flourish from here!
Check out more pics in the Flickr pool and stay up on upcoming events with the newsletter.
Lori Leonard Designs
Christine Hoffman
Cupcake Farewell
I am a licensed artist who creates modern surface patterns, lives to travel, and eats lots of olives. Yep, it’s kinda that simple. You can find my work on fabric, tableware, lamps, wallcoverings, etc. Are you ready to transform your art business by doing a trade show? Then you are ready to be a 
Khristian,
Oh my goodness! I had no idea you wrote for Scoutie Girl. I love, love, love Tara and all her blogs. You didn’t mention this when we met–maybe because I talk too much, lol. This is Angela. Do you remember me? We went out for a drink on Thursday night, along with the Etsy gals and my friend Heather.
Like I said before, your fabrics are amazing. Keep up the awesome work. I’m so psyched to have met you
Angela Flicker
Oh my word, and again you pop into my day. I just bought some fabrics from “Fabric Worm” and without realizing it I picked out a few of your designs –specifically “Zinnias in Mustard” and “Orbs in Pumpkin”. Love them!
Wanted you to know
Angela – It was so fun meeting you as well! Thanks, and I’m glad you like the fabrics!
I spy Heather Bailey there too! Love her fabrics & her blog!!! Looks like you had so much fun