"I thought I would be out of my box... Surprise! There was no box!!! This event will go down in the history books as the most organized, open, friendly, creative event of a life time...Donna & Bill made the impossible possible!!!! " - Paulette Sarsfield

"I have been to many of these types of these events, all over the country. I can honestly say, without any trepidation, that the Inspired event was the best event I have ever attended! The level of personal attention is unheard of at other events. Bill and Donna knew every person by name and personally ensured that each and every one of us felt special. The instructors were phenomenal. Each project was well thought out. Instructions were very clear. There was absolutely no feeling of pretension or arrogance, only complete accessibility. And the projects... each one was as good as the next. Every project was a true work of art that I will cherish for many years to come. I will definitely be first in line for this event next year!" - Rebecca G.

"The most fun ever meeting new friends and spending time with old friends. Everyone was so kind and helpful. I learned new techniques which I will put to use. I will come to the next Event." - Patti Cox

"What can I say, but it was an amazing artful experience where I gained lots of new friends and enjoyed the time with my friend Rebecca. Donna and Bill know how to "throw a party". I took away so many new art techniques from the amazing teachers Claudine, Steph, Kal, Jennifer, Christina and Tena. I feel privileged to have been taught by these amazing artists!!! Sign up for this event next time and you will walk away with a smile on your face for weeks to come!" - Zanne Koller

"It is hard to put into words what impact the Inspired event has had on me. The opportunity to journey outside my creative box was priceless. The relaxed atmosphere, the incredibly creative and generous instructors made the event magical. The attention to detail and the caring way that Donna and Bill took care of each and everyone of us was like no other event I have attended. I am already looking forward to next year and excited to see where my Inspired journey takes me" - Heather Caudill

"AWESOME event!! I feel so energized and with all of the projects, I feel more like an artist!! LOL Me, an artist, come on!?!?! But really, I feel like I can do so much more! I did a free-hand chalk drawing, that is so NOT me, but it excited me that I could do it! Such amazing instructors, so many ways to stretch our creativity. Everything was so personal and all of the instructors, special guests and Bill and Donna were so accesible. I am so there next year!! Can't wait!!" - Virginia

"I've been to several industry events and this was truly a very PERSONALIZED super cool event. As an event planner I loved the attention to detail including the name tags, the really nice event bags, the very unique program book. The teachers were all of a very high quality and gave a terrific experience. The additional mini workshops, open crop room, the auction of the teacher's canvases ....all of these made for a fabulous creative experience. Add to that the pure southern hospitality of Donna and Bill Downey and the event could not be beat. I predict many years of success for this event...I hope we alumni get first shot next year. Congrats and thanks for a super event!" - Kathleen Kraft

"I have to say Inspired was one of the best, if not THE best, event I have ever attended. The classes were fun, relaxed and inspiring, the teachers were creative and friendly, the hotel was excellent, the whole atmosphere was so positive and conducive to having a great time and learning new techniques and ways to "do art". What made the most impression on me of the whole weekend, though, was the personal attention paid to each and every one of us by Donna and Bill. I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying we all felt like we were WANTED there, personally, not just as a number to fill out a class size. I thought that all weekend, and when they came in with a rose for each of us, that was the icing on the cake! Thanks Donna and Bill for a wonderful weekend! See you next year!" - Pam G.

"I signed up for Inspired because I wanted to learn something new, totally outside the box beyond your basic scrapbook page. I've been wanting to attend classes to help me understand how to use all the alcohol inks, paints and mediums I've been purchasing the past year. "Inspired" was the answer. I'm still digesting everything from all the classes I had attended. My goal this weekend is to go through all my notes and projects and jot everything down in a notebook so I don't forget it. It was truly a remarkable experience that I can't stop talking about. The teachers were amazing. I think that's what made this event so special. The hosts, Bill and Donna were so down to earth and accommodating and the teachers reflected the same down to earth hospitable spirit. My only regrets are that I left after Sa turday classes and did not get enough sleep during the weekend. Next time I'm staying longer to take advantage of more workshops and somehow make sure I get the adequate rest without missing one "Single" thing. It was "AWESOME". Thank you Bill and Donna for all the hard work you put into such a wonderful event." - Stacey Cormaci

"I registered for Inspired with an open mind, anxious to learn "new" things...and play with different mediums, other than my beloved PAPER!! I have been to many other large organized events, so I knew what to expect. Was this ever different!!! Donna and Bill went above and beyond making sure they were visiable, and available....What a fabulous job they did for a "first". The attention to detail was amazing. I was not disappointed in any of the classes...The instructors were Fabulous....and so excited to be there with us!! Were there techniques I would not do again?...yes, but I have tried them, and know I don't like them. Are there things I learned and will do again? For SURE... I was so happy to share this experience with my BFF...it was her first big event, and what a Fabulous First for her! Thanks Again!!" - Karen Newell Buzun

"INSPIRED was the first large event that I have attended and I must say I started with the very best! I had an amazing time, learned so much "came out of my BOX" and I am still INSPIRED to this day! Donna and Bill...you guys "ROCKED" and I am there next year...Your have set the standard so high..but I know you will amaze us again...The teachers beyond awesome!! I Thank YOU both from the bottom of my heart! Your truly offered the "INSPIRED" experience!!" - M Fowler

"inspired" is one of the most incredible experiences ever. from the moment you pick up your registration package with all the goodies. a handmade tag! a beautiful tote bag and book with schedule of events! there was not one minute where you did not have something to do. the workshops all day were incredible. all vastly different with unique instructors. each one challenged you and encouraged you all the way. at night with the mini workshops you were able to play with more techniques and more product. learn about exciting new things and meet more interesting instructors. I loved that I had all my information in one place. the book was priceless. I loved that there was autograph sessions with the authors. I loved that the marketplace was away from the registration desk with "inspired" so uvenirs. donna and bill you went above and beyond in making sure we had all and more than we would want or need. the last minute shuttle arrangements were incredible. I really liked the fact that it was all under one roof. you could run up to your room if you wanted to in between classes. the cafe was very handy and the food was fine. I enjoyed all the workshops and found all the instructors to be first class. they were awesome. I love the testimonial idea! honestly though, how do I even begin to describe the magnitude of this event? If I shut my eyes really tight I am back there now and loving every minute of it. I hardly slept! too excited to sleep and too much fun to be had! thank you for an incredible weekend! hugs to both of you!" - Nadia Munarolo-Kurjata

"Inspired was beyond awesome. The workshops were amazing and the teachers wonderful. The hotel accomodations were fabulous. Donna and Bill treated us like princesses. Even though I have been scrapbooking and crafting for almost ten years I learned something new and exciting in every workshop. The energy was so positive and the freedom to be perfect just the way I create was truly inspiring. It was so wonderful to be around so many creative women and I learned so much from my fellow students. Meeting all of the Scrapbook Celebrities at the nightly Author book signing each evening was one of the higlights of the event for me. I actually chatted with Donna Downey, Ali Edwards and Cathy Z as well as the divine Rene Pearson,Tena Sprenger and Claudine Helmuth. I can't wait for the next Inspired Event." - Deborah

"I have never been to a large event like Inspired and now I don't know if I could go anywhere else! The whole feel of the event made me just want to create. I never felt rushed, herded like a farm animal or uncomfortable. The Downey's made me feel like I was one of their friends hanging at their house. There was something for everyone, really! If you are on the fence about going, just jump to the Inspired side because you will be kickin yourself if you don't go in 2009" - Audrey Williams