APQ Creative Circle of Excellence

I was invited to the APQ Creative Circle of Excellence 2006. What an amazing time. Better Homes & Gardens' American Patchwork & Quilting magazine hosted this awesome event to inspire 24 designers to cultivate their creative spirit. Heidi Kaisand, Quilt Group Editor, Jennifer Keltner, Senior Editor and Elizabeth Tsinger, Editor and the rest of their staff did a fantastic job of hosting the event. Thank you.

Here's a list of all of the amazing women who were invited and who inspired:
Barb Adams, Alma Allen, Laura Boehnke, Amy Bradley, Janet Brandt, Amy Butler, Kaye England, M'Liss Rae Hawley, Lynette Jensen, Roseann Kermes, Gayle Kessler, Jill Mead, Lynda Milligan, Jo Morton, Carrie Nelson, Robyn Pandolph, Renee Plains, Jackie Robinson, Lila Scott, Nancy Smith, Mary Sorenson, Cynthia Tomaszewski, and Mary Lou Wiedman.

We were treated to manicures and massages but most important of all, we were challenged with creativity exercises which challenged our individual and group skills. The entire event brought
us together as a group and brought out our individual strengths as well.

Here I am with Lynette Jensen of Thimbleberries in the workroom where we each had our own stations to work on our projects. She's super nice and really down to earth. I was lucky enough to get a chance to chat with her because her table was right behind mine. She's got a wealth of experience in the industr and I was grateful that she was willing to share.



Here I am with Roseann Kermes. Great gal and we hit it off right away. She owns an adorable shop called Rosebud's Cottage [www.rbcottage.com] in North St. Paul, MN




The ladies from Blackbird Designs, Alma Allen and Barb Adams, were such fun. I admire how well they work together. I always wonder how two people can form a company together and still stand each other. Maybe it's just me! It is evident that Alma and Barb get along so well and that's what makes them successful.



Amy Butler is one talented gal. I love her fabric [who doesn't?] and her sense of style. It was nice chatting with her.



I've got more pics and I'm going to stop here for a breather because I am starting to look like a celebrity stalker! "Here I am with..." I promise those who are looking for more pics from the Creative Circle of Excellence that they'll be posted soon!