* Jenni Bowlin *

2009-07-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Off again- what a crazy summer!

Before I head out of town once more I wanted to give you a little inspiration! Here is one more hint towards my Big Picure Class that started this week (Tuesday is the last day to register)!! See the link to the right:

And. . . don't fall over, but I actually got something done for the gallery this month at Mercantile! Here is a preview (gallery is fully loaded at this moment with some awesome stuff! I keep pinching myself that this is MY design team! P.S. - there are only about 10 of these kits left)!

Have a great 4th of July (I can hear the sky booming as I type this)! And thank you to all of the military families out there who make sacrifices each day to keep us safe. God bless!!

2009-06-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

New Kits Tonight!!!

12:00 midnight (central time) you will find the July Papercrafting Kit (with exclusive Mercantile Paper, Journaling Card, PhotoCard and Rub-On!!!!!) the July Project Kit and the July Add-On Kit (which includes one of the vintage green millinery flowers on Keisha's layout below). Also re-stocks on Junque Boxes, glass glitter and more! The girls have been doing some amazing things with this kit - keep watching the Inspiration Blog for sneak peeks on the gallery!

2009-06-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Back in town, at least for the moment!

Yes, we are back! Just in time to teach at the Scrap In Style event here in Nashville today. I had a great time - those were some talented girls! It felt more like playtime then work for sure.

Some quick Big Picture notes . . . you can still sign up for my class, Re-Purpose, Re-Think, Re-Invent. Registration closes July 8th (and class begins this week - July 2nd)!! Find out more here. Thanks to Cathy, Ali and Jeanette who gave away spots on their blog this week. So exciting - I can't believe it is here!

Please note - we are sending out another round of the Inspiration Packets for class tomorrow. We will send out the final round just after registration closes. We are not using anything from this packet until the 2nd/3rd week of class (and even then it is not a required deadline). If you do not have your packet by the end of the second week of class please let us know. Otherwise, keep checking the mailbox - it will come soon!

Meanwhile, here is a little inspiration from a recent trip to the flea market:

Check out that sweet, smiling face in the middle! Too cute. . .

2009-06-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Quick Check-In

We are headed to the airport here in CA shortly, headed back to TN. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us in San Diego at PaperTales and in Bakersfield at Simply Scrapbooks!! We enjoyed getting to meet everyone and really had a fun time here (although I have come to realize that my days of fast roller coasters may be over)! I will post a few photos when we get back in town again (to stay)!

We are headed towards Virginia tomorrow to teach at Scrapdoodles beginning Saturday morning. I did post the starting time wrong. Class starts at 9:30 instead of 10:00!! There are still a few spots left in each class.

More soon!! Back to my chaotic life!

2009-06-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

Crazy Life. . .

I'm not sure it has been any crazier than right now! We sold our house and had to be out this weekend (less than 2 weeks to do it). Thankful we sold in this market but it has been crazy considering we are headed out of town for two weeks on Wednesday! We are renting a house down the street for now, awaiting for our construction project to start on our little farm! So sorry if I have been a little quiet. Once I get back in town I will try to get some fun posts up.

For now, here is some business to cover. . .

Registration is still open for my Big Picture Class! Read all about here.

And, just a reminder that I am headed to following places in the next 10 days. I think Paper Tales may be sold out but I'm not sure. The other two stores still have openings. I originally posted I would be at the Scrapbook Oasis while in CA as well, but I will not be now. I will try to get back there sometime soon!

I'm starting out in California at Paper Tales in San Diego on Thursday, June 11th at 6:00 p.m.

In Bakersfield, CA at Simply Scrapbooks on Wednesday, June 17th at 6:00 p.m.

I will then be in Fredricksburg, VA at Scrapdoodles on Saturday, June 20th starting at 10:00 a.m. (2 different classes)

Miss you all already- will be back soon I promise!!

Oh- Amy (Crafting by Candlelight). You are the yard sale swag winner! Please e-mail Ruth at jennibowlin@gmail.com with your shipping info. Yeah Amy!!

2009-05-31T18:28:00.001-07:00

New retail site is up and running!!

www.jbsmercantile.com is officially launched!

New Kits are here - this is the Papercrafting Kit. . .

This is the Project Kit. . .

This is the Add -On Kit. . .

New Jewelry Kit. . .
Vintage Patriotic Crafting Kit (under Limited Edition). . .

New Junque Boxes. . .

New supplies. . .

and new handmade jewelry (at least 4 pieces anyway)!! . . .

So set aside sometime to sit with a cup of coffee and browse through the new menus, new galleries and new features! Our entire JBS May release is also now available for purchase. You can find it all under "New Products" in the general store.

All looks well at the moment. Orders are coming through but let us know if you have any issues we can help with. We still need to load the new FAQ section as well as How it works section tomorrow. A few other things need to be cleaned up as well, but I think overall you will like the new organization of the products for sure! Also - check out the new and improved Customer Gallery. You have a ton more options now when uploading, new search options and more posting options. The new June gallery is coming tomorrow as well.

I'm so excited the time is finally here!

Remember- the new site URL is http://www.jbsmercantile.com/ . The old site will take you there as well for the time being.

Post here and let me know what you think! I will pick a winner at random on Wednesday to win a box of yard sale goodies.

Have a great night -

2009-05-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yard Sale!!

Those of you who have been following this blog for a while know that Ruth and I have an annual yard sale.

This year is a little special as we have a contract on our house, and should everything go smoothly, we need to be out fast!

So. . .I am purging. Furniture, decorative stuff, a few antiques, and of course tons of scrapbooking supplies.

I will do a little giveaway afterward as usual.

You can e-mail Ruth at jennibowlin@gmail.com and she can get you directions if interested.

More soon - my life is sooooo crazy as we are getting ready to travel, launch the new site, now this! AHHHH!! It's all good though!

Oops - forgot to say when! This weekend - May 29th and 30th (Friday and Saturday) from 8-2

2009-05-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

June travel dates - come and see me!!

I never got this up on the side bar so here is my travel schedule for June. It's a big month - I hit 4 stores in 10 days!

I'm starting out in California at Paper Tales in San Diego on Thursday, June 11th at 6:00 p.m.

Then I'm headed to The Scrapbook Oasis in Irvine, CA on Sunday, June 14th (not sure on times yet)

Ending our CA tour in Bakersfield at Simply Scrapbooks on Wednesday, June 17th at 6:00 p.m.

I will then be in Fredricksburg, VA at Scrapdoodles on Saturday, June 20th starting at 10:00 a.m.

I'm teaching my "Simply The Best" mini book class at each store, but will also be offering "Pom Pom 101" at The Oasis and at Scrapdoodles. Here are some photos:

I linked each store's website so you can call for more information. Hope to meet you there!

2009-05-15T08:46:00.001-07:00

And the new retail site/kit club name is. . .

JBS Mercantile

The site will have more of "general store" feel. Isn't this the cutest!! Doris will begin a countdown over at the inspiration blog beginning today so be sure to check there every day between now and June 1st to see a new feature tease (and giveaways to come!!)

The new site URL will be www.jbsmercantile.com but until June 1st it will just take you to our current home page (where you choose to go the Wholesale or Retail site). Please update this. You will be directed here from the old site for about 2 months while everyone gets used to it.

And, just to better communicate, we are basically trying to define our wholesale and retail sides as two different entities. So, Jenni Bowlin Studio products and the wholesale website will go unchanged. Everything will keep chugging along and the sweet little girl logo hasn't gone anywhere!

The retail side (our kit club side) will just have a new separate URL, new look, new features, new logo and new name!

Hope that helps a little.

I'm so very excited!!!!

2009-05-14T14:19:00.001-07:00

It's time! It's time!

Registration just opened for my Big Picture class! (if the link doesn't work for you, go to www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com and click on "workshops" to purchase).

I am so very excited - my heart is racing as I type this! I really tried to price it to be a good value for what you get, I know times are tough for some of you. You do get a small packet of vintage pieces with sign up that we use for Creativity Challenges during the course, otherwise you get 12 weeks worth of lessons, videos, photos and projects, live chats and direct access to me on the message boards each week!

If you love to "hunt" treasures (or just want to know more about incorporating unique finds and ephemera in your crafting projects) then this is the class for you!

I will tease more about it here and there between now and July 2nd when the class starts!

Just wanted to let you know registration is up!!

2009-05-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!

Really, I'm speechless! I can't believe the gallery this month. To say I am proud is an UNDERSTATEMENT. The talent just floors me (and makes want to go into my studio to play)!!

We actually sold out of all of the kits BUT, as of this moment (7:30 p.m. central time) I put up a handful more of the Papercrafting Kit and the Project Kits. We had a few duplicate memberships, unresolved billings so I went ahead and added this.

First come first serve here - sorry for the shortage!

You can still sign up to begin a membership starting next month. We will begin having previews for this kit early next week.

Remember- check back on Friday for the reveal on both blogs of our new retail site name and logo!!

2009-05-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

A peace offering. . .

Just a little inspirational post until I can get my "big" post ready! I have been a little busy as you can see!

Check back later this weekend to find out where I will be teaching in June (5 stores!), my Big Picture Class info. and info on our new retail site countdown beginning May 15th (on that date we will reveal the new logo and new name)!!

I have so many cool things in the works. Exciting stuff, but it has been keeping me so busy and away from here! I promise it will be worth it!!

(P.S. - had a great time at Inspired this past weekend. So good to meet so many new people and see some old friends too)!!

2009-04-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

May is here!!

Some quick sneaks below - Doris has taken over the picture taking and did a MARVELOUS job!! Makes me want to grab a kit and its already sitting on my desk!!

Here are the Papercrafting Kit sneaks. . .

And the Project Kit (we will be making these adorable birthday hats out of the new Birthday Bingo Card set)!!
And the mouth-watering Add-On kit (some really wonderful vintage goodies in here) . . .

12:00 midnight tonight (central time)!!

I am bursting at the seams with secrets!! We are going to start a countdown to the new retail site in mid-May (a top 10 changes countdown) that will begin with the reveal of our new retail name and logo!

Check out the Inspiration Blog if you haven't been already. Some AWESOME stuff over there. You will see that we have added Keisha Campbell and Lisa Dickinson to our Design Team and I couldn't be happier. They will both bring a unique twist to the gallery each month (and to JBS wholesale).

Looking forward to meeting many of you this weekend in Atlanta at the Scrap Etc. event and at Inspired next week. We are packing kits and getting ready to head out!

2009-04-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

A new workspace

For months now I have been working on the tiny vanity in the guest bedroom with a computer screen meant for an occasional e-mail check or websurf, not the everyday Photoshop rituals and proofing that this girl has reluctantly found to be part of the everyday. I have finally come to the realization that our timing to sell this house may not be "the right time" and thus have decided it's time to "live" in my own house again! I moved to the sitting room in our bedroom to the roomy old principals desk that has become one of my most favorite pieces and added a new large screen where I can actually see the details in the papers and such that I proof everyday!

Of course I had to make it comfortable which for me meant bringing in the "old" along with the new.

An old transferware toothpick holder holds my pencils and these are soooo cool! They are by Zebra. I got them at Staples. They are made to look like a pencil - have the #2 and everything on it, but they are black instead AND mechanical!! A tarnished silver trophy cup holds my pens and the paper holder came from Target. The old photo of my mom and piece of coral were already on the desk. I really am loving it but have decided that I need a new chair (going to look at the flea market this weekend).

Hope you are having a great week! Here is a little peek by the way of our new line coming May 1st - Front Porch!

2009-04-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

As seen on my refrigerator. . .

Noah brought this art project home yesterday and literally tossed it in my office and ran out. When I called him back in to praise him he of course told me it wasn't really good and he was just going to throw it away. I think he's used to seeing his brother get all of the praise and recognition when it comes to art. Of course his brother is pretty much immersed in it all of the time. Noah on the other hand has never had much interest but I definitely saw something in this so I wrote this note and stuck it on the fridge. I wonder if he will notice it today?

I have been writing for my Big Picture class recently about this subject and I thought I would share a little with you. Although my parents were not creative people, they did nurture that side of me. My mom found a lady down the street to teach me cross stitch when I was in 5th grade and my Dad proudly displayed everything I made him in his office (after 34 years, everything is still there, like a little museum of my earlier works)! It's so important for children to be praised for what they have a true interest in, regardless if we have that interest in common. My husband is a great example of that. Although he hoped for at least one boy to coach in baseball, etc., he ended up with 2 boys who really have no interest in organized sports. He is their biggest cheerleader though and daily finds other ways to connect with them, which usually means he takes the mic on Rock Band!!

Happy Tuesday!

2009-04-08T20:53:00.001-07:00

Quick check in. . .

Just wanted to give you at least a little something to look at. I have been so busy, lots going on (lots of secrets I hope to tell soon -I am NOT good at this). I am deep into my Big Picture class preparation. I'm going to get the blinkie up next week here and I will start posting regularly about what you can expect from the class. Each week I work on it the more excited I get (and I keep changing my syllabus - I can't stop adding things. Don't want to leave anything out)!

I got a layout done for the gallery, you may have seen it in the newsletter (I gave the newsletter a new look too - told you I've been busy)! I used the die cut paper as a mask with an orange ink pad. It made for a fun background that was super easy. I'm telling you - this is a fun kit! Check out the inspiration blog to the right for another gallery preview from Doris.

Happy Easter!

2009-03-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

Is it April already?!?!

Yep, and that means new kits coming your way!

This month's Papercrafting Kit is full of bright colors, as you can see. With a mix of papers from Sassafrass Lass, Fancy Pants and Creative Imaginations there is definitely something for everybody. There are some really fun embellishments too - like that sweet metal flower brad with the single rhinestone in the center (I also found some other great brads that have a cut glass look to them). I plan to play a little tonight and post some samples tomorrow!

This month's Project Kit uses the "Top Ten" book from 7 gypsies. I actually used mine as "cards". I found these early 1900's huge dictionaries (3 of them) a while back and have been waiting to use them! I paired them with the Savannah stickers and AWESOME fabric brads from 7gypsies. My "top 10" ,as you can see, is ". . .places I'm usually dreaming of when I should be working". It's a great way to record places and people that are a big part of your life without saying "these are places I like to go and people I love", you know?!!?

This month's Add On really has some great accessories for the main kit (very usable items) as well as a few vintage surprises as usually. And. . . it's under $20!

We are in the process of finalizing some big changes for the website! We will begin teasing the changes soon (promise). I'm pretty excited as we are bringing in some new people, new features, new kits and a NEW NAME!! We love our members and its about time you get the community and incentives you deserve!!

2009-03-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

"Violently Smitten"

Thomas Jefferson once said this upon returning from his first trip to France. I found it to be quite appropriate for how I felt after our return from Savannah and Charleston this past week. . .

We started our little road trip in Savannah. Funny thing. . . they apparently have the 2nd largest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the country. I believe there were more then 500,000 people flooding the city when we got into town Sunday before last! Of course we had no idea. We had to keep the kids in the hotel room beginning at around 8:00 at night, but other then that, things were manageable during the day and we got to hear alot of great bagpipe music. We left the day before St. Patrick's day and missed the big parade, but being that we aren't great "crowd" people, it was for the best! SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) is there and they own more then 60 of the old buildings in town. As you can imagine it was a very creative community and I was in heaven. This is what I saw on every turn. . .

We went on to Charleston from here and spent two days. The same, but different (hard to explain). I didn't think anything could be grander then the homes I saw in Savannah but Charleston topped it. Beautiful mansion after mansion - lined up side by side along the water. And the most beautiful colors. . .Oh to live in one!!

We toured this house below- 24,000 square feet and filled with museum quality art and collectibles (and they let my kids in there - who, by the way, have been trained well for these situations since birth and were very, very good)!

Ultimately we ended up in Maryland for my brother's 40th surprise birthday, but on the way home this weekend we stopped at Monticello (the home of Thomas Jefferson). Some amazing history there - if you ever have the opportunity you must go.

I'm still trying to get down out of the clouds, but there is work to be done (new kits coming on the first and new JBS products for early May)! Back to business as usual!!

2009-03-13T21:53:00.001-07:00

As promised . . .

a few photos of my newly cleaned studio. Planning on having these and more added to the website by the end of the month in a "tour" format. Have a fabulous weekend!!

2009-03-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

A Nice Surprise. . .

So as I mentioned, we were in Louisiana this past weekend for a special event with Treasured Memories. We had a great time and certainly packed alot in for one day! I taught Saturday morning and then we were taken to lunch by Matt and Stacy Landry and Amy Muffoletto (to the most wonderful little restaurant in the square at Breaux Bridge). It was really a treat! Before we headed that way however, I had discovered that Matt and Stacy are photographers (and very good ones as you will see!) and mentioned to Matt that I would LOVE if they could snap a few shots of Jared and I at lunch. Luckily they were game and here are some of the results:

As you can see, there were several great backdrops (lots of antique store signs, an old door "graveyard" and even a shoe shine seat where they shot some of Jared alone). I'm not sure there would have been a better place for me in the world! And considering we didn't leave our hotel room in the morning thinking we would do a photo shoot that day, we ended up coordinating well (although a cotton dress with lots of ruffles, albeit comfortable, is not the most thinning option for picture taking)! You also need to know that they did it all in 15 minutes!! Really- I had another class to get back for. Pretty impressive considering they had 50+ great shoots in that amount of time. We have to go back in October with our boys this time so I have already booked another shoot (right guys)?

So here is their website: http://www.stacylandryphotography.com/ and their blog: www.stacylandryphotography.com/blog . You MUST take a look. They are a very talented team (and they don't even know it)! And. . . they have the sweetest little baby girl, Emerson. She is the one in the hot pink tutu!!

Boy I was a lucky girl in the right place at the right time!!!

2009-03-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

First Road Trip Destination!!!

I'm headed to Lafayette, LA this weekend to Treasured Memories! My first time to set foot in Louisiana!

While my first class is sold out, I did open up a second class this week where will be making these sweet Pom Pom dangles:

You can actually sign up here at the Treasured Memories website.

I am headed to Texas in April (will post about that next week), to Scrap Etc. and Inspired in May and to Southern CA in June (look for more info. on these events soon).

Speaking of Inspired, the mini workshop schedule opened yesterday. I just looked and my first class is sold out but there are currently (as of 4:00 central time) 10 spots available in the second class after dinner on Thursday evening. We are decorating these sweet little Dennison boxes and making tiny photo cards. It has taken me 4 years to collect enough of these empty boxes to do this class!

And if you are no where near either of these events, here is some inspiration just for hanging in there!

Flea Market treasures from my latest trip - I scored some GREAT photos for future kits!!

2009-02-28T15:20:00.000-08:00

New Kits Tonight (and more)!!

Here's all the new coming at midnight tonight (central time)!

I didn't realize just how "great" this kit was until my girls went nuts peaking in the boxes! This is just a hint. . .lots of beautiful pinks, reds and navys (not to mention some fun embellishments). Brand new stuff from My Mind's Eye, Webster's Pages and Hambly.

This month's project kit is this sweet frame from Kaisercraft embellished with several flowers made from various vintage pieces and parts. I really liked how this tuned out!

This month's Add-On has some fun vintage goodies as usual but also these super cute Craft Fair rub-ons from American Crafts and this adorable rubber stamp from Stampotique. I can't wait to use that one (Maybe I'll actually get more then one layout done for my gallery this month)!

I also have this fun "Lucky" vintage kit. Very limited numbers on this one. . . Find it under Limited Edition Kits.

And this little set of 4 tiny game cards from Animal Rummy, Dr. Quack, Old Maid, etc. Early 1900's.

And. . . all of the New JBS CHA products will be available tonight. We are out of most of the Chipboard Buttons until April however (sorry) but you will find everything else including the Pearl Flowers, Rhinestone Buttons, New Stickers, New Rub-Ons and Farmers Wife Line.

Also will re-stock the Vintage Blue Horse Notebooks!

See you tonight!

2009-02-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

Guess What??

We have a new blog! The design team kit girls (with Doris leading the crew) have set up an inspiration blog at http://www.jennibowlinstudioinspiration.blogspot.com/ . There will be monthly challenges, giveaways, and of course lots of inspiration!

We have some exciting changes coming in the next couple of months as well! New jewelry kits, a new share area and some new designers joining our team! So exciting. . .

Hubby has been to the chiropractor the past three days so the apothecary cabinet still sits in his truck (and we have been sharing one car)! Looks like we may get it out today so I will be sure to share the photo soon!

(Man I like exclamation points! I re-read this and tried to cut some out but just can't do it. I really have a problem . . .)!

2009-02-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday!

And that means the first 2 (and only 2!) digi kits available from JBS just launched at We Are Storytellers. You can find them here. If you purchase both of them the cart will discount them to $8.50 together (just an FYI).

Deann sent me a few of the layouts below created by a few members of the very talented design team. I was really excited when I saw them. Not only because it was cool to see the product used in a digital format for the first time, but because me, being a "made with my hands", tangible kind-of-girl, was really inspired to create with that product line again. You know what I mean? It's pretty cool that since most of the images are based on the hard product, both types of scrapbookers can use the inspiration! Great job girls!!!

Spring? by Emily Powers

Ladies by Julie Ann Shanin
Daddy's Girls by StephK

Goofy Girl by pne123

Emily by Kathryn Wilson

And I finally took photos of my studio and promise to post those this week (and will also be adding a permanent studio tour to the site)!

I have been shopping all weekend and have tons to share! I got a huge, beautiful, "takes my breath away" apothecary cabinet that I must show you - it is amazing. The drawer pulls alone make it a museum piece in my opinion. Now, if we can just get it unloaded from the truck!!

2009-02-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

Did I say digital???

Yep, you heard me right! This Sunday, the 22nd of February, will be our first step into the digital marketplace. I will launch two kits over at wearestorytellers.com that include images from our retired Spring Picnic line (along with a few other exclusive goodies). I guess the next step is for me to actually figure out how to use them myself! Ha! Hubby ordered a new computer today so maybe that is my opportunity to get started. I don't know where we will go from here, as far as digital goes, but I'm excited to get my feet wet. Thanks for all of the posts and e-mail inquires requesting we put our hat in that arena.

Hoping for some sunlight tomorrow so I can snap some good photos of my studio. We had strange hail today and it looks like bad storms tomorrow. As soon as I see the sun again, I will get them taken!

In the meantime, guess what this little kid said at dinner tonight?

"I'm never going to get married" . . . (to which I secretly gave a sly smile). Followed by - "I'm just going to get a dog".

And just a little reminder to everyone that I don't by any stretch of the imagination have everything together in my life. . . "dinner" was heated up fish sticks and french fries for the boys, takeout from Longhorn for me, and leftover soup for Jared. That is pretty much the standard deal around here (and. . . the laundry is piled up in the hallway). Hope you are feeling much better about yourself now!!!

Have a great evening!