Your 2-day adventure includes:

Friday Festivities

Advance your alcohol marker skills with Lori

Lori Craig will advance your alcohol coloring skills with a new technique-driven 2.5-hour virtual class, intended for both the beginner and the advanced colorists. Lori is an experienced instructor with all types of alcohol markers, with a vast knowledge of how to blend, types of inks and nibs, best coloring methods, tips and tricks. It is going to be an amazing class, and Lori’s calm, relaxed teaching style will keep you inspired. Lori will provide a cross-reference of Copic and OLO Markers for the colors she will be using in class. 

We will also have an opportunity for you to pre-order new OLO Markers prior to the event.

Join us for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and crafty fun with our Shoe Box Swap! 

Get ready for an exciting addition to our Mama Elephant Adventure! Launched during our wildly successful Fall 2025 Adventure, this activity is back by popular demand! Join us on Friday afternoon for a fun-filled experience brimming with inspiration, creativity, and a fantastic sense of community. Don’t miss out on this uplifting activity!

Not sure what a Shoe Box Swap is? 

It’s a relaxed, fun way to meet your fellow Adventurers, get those creative juices flowing, and build your card stash at the same time! Once you decide to participate, you will be randomly assigned a table for the afternoon activity. Here’s how the swap works:

Create a Card

If you’d like to join the fun, design a simple card that can easily be recreated using your favorite products from Mama Elephant and basic card making supplies (dry adhesive, wet adhesive, foam squares and bone folder). Remember, for this activity, we want you to show off your paper crafting skills, but keep in mind others will only have 10 minutes to recreate your design. Save your more intricate designs for Friday evening’s traditional card swap. This is all about having fun and making new friends!

Prepare Your Supplies

Put together everything needed to make your card 8 times. This includes pre-cut cardstock and papers, stamps (on blocks), ink, embellishments, and any other essentials. Since die-cutting machines won’t be available, make sure to pre-cut any die cuts. There will only be about 10 minutes to complete each card, not allowing enough time for coloring during this activity. So, if your design includes any colored images, please pre-color them. Don’t forget to include envelopes! Then, place your sample card and supplies in—yep, you guessed it—a shoe box!

Let the Fun Begin!

Bring your shoe box to the event room Friday afternoon:

• Set it at a place at your designated table. We will randomly assign people to tables, so you may not get to sit with other friends attending the event – imagine the new friends you will walk away with!
• Choose a seat in front of someone else’s box at your table. 
• Grab your basic card making supplies and start creating with the box in front of you! 
• You’ll chat, laugh, and connect with new friends as you craft. 
• Once everyone at the table finishes the card in front of them, the boxes will rotate, and you’ll start on the next one. 
• By the end of the activity, your box will make its way back to you where your new cards will be placed. You’ll leave with new memories, new friends, and a stash of handmade cards!

How Do I Participate?

Ready to join the Shoe Box Swap? It's easy! Just choose the Shoe Box Swap add-on when registering to sign up for a nominal fee of $10. As a special thank you, all participants will receive an exciting gift from It’s Always An Adventure! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Due to space limitations, we will be limiting this activity to the first 36 participants who register. Registration will close when full.

We're eager to hear about the Mama Elephant products you love and are using for your Shoe Box Creation! By sharing this info, we can ensure these products are stocked in our On-Site Store for others to grab once they get inspired while making your card! Keep an eye out for a survey link in an email send to you after the December 22, 2025 cut-off. We are requesting that you complete the survey no later than January 12, 2026. We can't wait to learn more about your favorites!

Show off your Mama Elephant cards with Gidget at our

Card Swap

Inspire and be inspired by others at the handmade card swap and exchange with our own Team Member Gidget Viani. Have fun and meet new crafty friends. The Card Swap is completely optional, however we had nearly 75 participants at our Spring 2025 event and each card was so incredible and unique. 

The rules are simple:

• Bring 24 total cards (23 to swap and one for display/vote)
• Cards should be identical and made from your favorite Mama Elephant products
• Please include envelopes to fit your card (as we don't all make the same size cards)
• Everyone loves to know who created the cards. Perhaps put a contact card inside the card (not on the card) so that people can share with others.
• Bring a bag or basket for our "swap activity"

All cards will be on the display board to admire and vote for your favorite. Crowd favorite wins a prize!

More details will be available closer to the event.

Mix, Mingle, Make, Take with Julie, Kristina, Laura,

Liz and Amanda

Indulge in a delightful Crafty Social on Friday evening. Mix and mingle with other Mama Elephant enthusiasts, partake in Make-and-Takes at least seven (7) different project tables designed and hosted by our Instructors Kristina Werner, Laura Bassen, Julie Kelly, Pear Blossom Press Owner Amanda Stevens, and our own Team Member Liz Martin. 

Enjoy a tasty treat or two

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Crafty Social with our delightful mini dessert bar in the evening! Indulge in a variety of treats and add a touch of sweetness to your celebration.

Souvenir Photo with your crafty besties

We will have a professional photo booth set up for you to capture your memories of this amazing event. You will even get to take home a souvenir photo!

Mama Elephant Shop & Craft Supplies

On Friday and Saturday, we will have the Mama Elephant stamps and dies that are used in the classes at our on-site Retail Shop at the hotel. Plus, we will also have many of the items on the supply list and many other fun crafty surprises! 

We may have a few logo items for sale, but we highly recommend ordering your favorites in advance, to ensure that you can get the items and sizes that you want. You will pick up your logo orders at the Retail Shop On-Site at the hotel during registration on Friday.

Saturday Festivities

Mama Elephant projects with Kristina, Laura, & Julie

Get ready for a super exciting experience! We've got three fantastic instructors, each showcasing their own exclusive in-person card classes filled with Mama Elephant’s adorable and playful designs. And here’s the best part: this brand new venue means we’re shaking things up! Instead of choosing who to spend your day with, everyone will be together in one lively classroom. Sit back, relax, and watch the magic happen as our talented instructors rotate, sharing their awesome tips and tricks. It's a fun-filled, all-in-one crafting adventure you won’t want to miss!

Saturday lunch & dinner with friends

Gather with friends for a catered buffet lunch in the ballroom and a catered buffet dinner in the ballroom. 

Saturday night closing ceremonies with Laurie

It's time to end your day on a high note by joining Laurie Jimenez, owner of It’s Always An Adventure, and her entire team for our Closing Ceremonies. Relax and enjoy the evening with your friends, sharing stories of the incredible adventures you've experienced. We will announce all of the Grand Prize winners, Card Swap winners, and Door Prize winners. We will want to thank all of our awesome Instructors and teachers, our Team Members and mostly YOU for joining us on this magical adventure! 

About the Instructors

Facebook Group

Interact with Team Member Annie van Ark leading up to the event. We will have a private Facebook group you can join. Look out for details once you register. Give us up to a week to 10 days to get you added once you make the request.

Hotel Information

Our event will be held at the beautiful Hotel Zessa Orange County Airport, a DoubleTree by Hilton in Santa Ana, California.

Hotel Zessa Orange County Airport, a DoubleTree by Hilton offers complimentary shuttle to and from John Wayne Airport and within 3 miles of the hotel upon availability. This Orange County hotel features an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, complimentary fitness and business centers and beautiful guest rooms. 

We have reserved a block of rooms at Hotel Zessa Orange County Airport, a DoubleTree by Hilton for a discounted rate of only $174/night plus tax. Make yourself at home in their guest rooms and sink into one of their Sweet Dreams® beds. Relax and watch the 55-inch TV or surf the web with complimentary Wi-Fi. If there's work to be done, settle into the ergonomic chair and make use of the large desk. Refresh in the bathroom with combed cotton terry linens and a range of indulgent amenities. Special touches include complimentary remote printing.

By booking through the link provided below, you will unlock exclusive benefits including discounted parking rates. These benefits can only be enjoyed when you secure your booking through this special link below. Please note that this discounted rate of $174/night plus tax is only available through January 20, 2026.

If you are planning on staying at the Hotel Zessa Orange County Airport, a DoubleTree by Hilton with us, you will want to arrive on Thursday, February 19, 2026 and depart on Sunday, February 21, 2026 ( 3 nights) to make sure you don't miss any of part of this amazing adventure!

We kindly ask you to book through the provided link to ensure you get the best rate and help us meet our room requirement.

Note: This rate and room availability is only guaranteed if you reserve a room prior to 1/20/2026.

We have negotiated an overnight self-parking rate of $25 plus tax, per day, per vehicle for all attendees staying at the hotel and $15 plus tax, per day, per vehicle for those not staying at the hotel.

This property is about 3 miles from the John Wayne/Orange County airport and offers transfers from the airport. After securing your bags from the baggage claim area, please call the hotel at 714-825-3333 to request pick-up. Proceed to the Ground Transportation Center located on the Arrival (lower) Level across from Baggage Claim.

What supplies do I need to bring with me?

We will provide you with a detailed supply list closer to the event. This list will most likely include:

• Coloring Medium – preferably alcohol based markers
• Scissors - make sure to only include in checked luggage
• Tape Runner
• Liquid Adhesive
• Foam Squares

What is your deposit and payment policy?

• A $199 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for the event.
• An email will be sent out in early December 2025 with instructions on how to make the $270 balance payment.
• The $270 balance is due on January 6, 2026.
• Grace Period: registrants are allowed a 5-day grace period to pay the balance due. However, a $25 late fee will be assessed if paid more than 5 days late. 
• If your registration is not paid in full by January 31, 2026 your deposit and your spot at the event will be forfeited.

What is your cancellation policy?



We are sorry, but we are unable to accept cancellations for this event. However, if you cannot attend, you have the option of finding someone to take your place. You must report any changes to us as soon as possible so we can keep our guest list up to date. In the event you are not able to find someone to take your place, you can have your class materials and swag bag mailed to you for an additional fee. We will contact you after the event to arrange payment. Thank you for your consideration.

T-Shirt Sizing Chart

These T-shirts do tend to run small, so we recommend ordering a size larger than usual for a regular fit. If you prefer a looser fit, please adjust your order accordingly.

We’re sorry to let you know that our T-shirt is not available in Extra Small. Thank you for your understanding.

Hoodie Sizing Chart

Hoodies are not available in Extra Small