INSPIRED SHE: Meet Nylene Budge

Today's "Inspired She" features my first guest, Nylene Budge of Utah. I first met her years ago when I was an excited and new card maker and scrapbooker. She led an online group called the "Pokey Peas" at Two Peas in a Bucket papercrafting website.  She gladly welcomed me and the group cheered for me.

Over the years, not only have we shared our various creative projects but we have shared our lives. What a sisterhood! Thanks Nylene!!!!

Nylene is a wonderful crafter, wife, mother, grandmother and even great grandmother. Although I know she would blush when I say this, but she is a master at making scrapbook pages and greeting cards along with other crafts.

One of her precious gifts is hosting an annual Summer craft camp for her grandkids at her home.  Even her husband offers his woodmaking arts to the event.

This year's theme was Dinosaurs. I love that she is passing on her passion for crafting to the next generations. These are fun memories they will always remember.

Scrapbook page created by Nylene to celebrate the 2017 camp.

So, let's talk with my dear friend, Nylene.

Kelly: When did you start scrapbooking?

Nylene: "I started making a scrapbook of my life when I was 12 and continued until I graduated from High School.  I learned about Creating Keepsakes in 1994 and began the kind of scrapping I do now."

Isn't this double page so cute with grand son and grandpa?

Kelly: How did Cousin Camp start? 

Nylene: "It began with 3 grandchildren as a “Grandma’s Sleepover” with cousins. That was about 2004.  As more grandchildren came it grew and grew.  One year our 7 year-old granddaughter, Sammie, thought it should be called Cousin Camp and the name has stuck."

Kelly: How many days is it? 

Nylene: "It is 2 days and one night.  This year the 9 who attended ranged in age from 5 to 18."

Kelly: What type of activities do you have during the camp? 

Nylene: "We usually do a few crafts, play games and the boys go out to the shop with grandpa and make a wood project. We always have Hobo (tinfoil) dinners, and a talent show before bedtime. The second day we have the traditional Tea Party (Sprite and treats) where each person must come to the table in a hat and a scarf, lei, or tie. This started when they were very young and they still enjoy it as teenagers."

Cousin's Luncheon

Kelly: What is one of your favorite parts of the camp? 

Nylene: "I love it when a grandchild wants to pick the theme and be in charge.  This year, Drew (9) chose Dinosaurs.  We had huge paper mache eggs which when broken open contained big plastic dinosaurs.  Drew helped with the Dino Luncheon of Dino-themed  foods, such as Dino Claws (Bugles) and Dino Bones (pretzels.) . Later they each etched silhouettes of dinosaurs on drinking glasses. This was one of my favorite Cousin Camps ever."

Dinosaurs came to the camp this year! LOL!

Nylene making the Dino eggs. They were truly a labor of love.

Dinosaur eggs were a big hit! THERE ARE DINOS INSIDE, TOO.

T-Rex Bean bag Toss game. Who is winning? :)

Nothing like a Dino Tattoo.

I hope you feel inspired to try this marvelous idea or something like this with your loved ones. Not only is it a great time of bonding and pure fun but the kids are learning the power of crafting to use throughout their lives. Nylene, thank you so much for sharing this awesome family event with us.