Inking Around

More Convention Excitement

Okay, I have some more fun pictures from convention. They unveiled the next phase for the Decor Elements and I'm so exicted.  We are going to have two and three step decor elements.  Check out this cool display.  I'm pictured with my convention buddy Carrie.

I know both of my daughter's would love to have this in their room.  I'm sure they will be fighting over what design will go where.

Look at how cool this is.  This is the Lollipop Flower put onto an Ikea cabinet.  The door is open so you can see the side and the front door.  Isn't that neat.  The fun part is that then they used the small image to make a matching magnet board.  See below.

Isn't that adorable.  I guess you guys can see why I'm so excited about the new Decor Elements.  Especially after going to convention and seeing even more fun things that you can apply them to I'm even more excited.

Guess what, I was one of the lucky winners and won a new stamp set called Crazy for Cupcakes and the matching wheel called Cupcakes plus some new Chocolate Chip 1" Double-stitched grosgrain ribbon.  Look at my goofy grin.  I was so excited I couldn't hold back.

If winning my stamp set wasn't enough we had a little visit from the UPS man.  Guess what he brought???

That's right, he brought a stamp set for every demonstrator at convention.  Can you believe it?  UPS donated the Say It with Scallops stamp set which is the new Ronald McDonald House set.  It is absolutely adorable and I can't wait to share it with all of you.  For every stamp set sold $2.00 will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

You just had to be there for all the excitement.  To have 7,000 screaming demonstrators with confetti falling from the sky was such a great time.  And how awesome of UPS to make that donation.

Okay, now I've shared a little more about all the convention action, but you know I've still got more to share so I'll post a little more details tomorrow.

Thanks for visiting.  Have a great day!!!

Check out these Convention Displays

Okay, I was finally able to get a minute to load some of the cool displays from convention. I really love all the fun ideas using the Big Shot.

This fun birthday theme was created using the new Pennant Biz XL Die and the Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die. Both of these are on there way and will be here tomorrow. You know I'll be finding some time to play.

Look at this fun pizza invite. This uses the same Pennant Die plus another smaller die, but I don't know the name.

Look at these cool lumieres using the snowflake die. You just put the bag over the die and it cuts through both layers at the same time. How cool is that?

I just love these cute ornaments. Again this uses the Pennant die. I can't believe all the things you can do with this die. When I saw these ornaments I knew my Mom & Me class would be making these in the future.

Isn't this diaper cake adorable? Shelli's daughter is expecting and they put together some beautiful items for her shower and then they will become a decoration in the babies room.

Here is another view with the whole antique dresser. There was a cute invitation made to look like a diaper, and a birth announcment and several other items.

Here is another display. Look at the cute pennant hanging on the wall. I know I'm going to be using that die so much.

Finally, look at this cool display. They actually stamped on the wall with the Organic Outline stamp set and then make up the Organic Outline Home Decor items on the table and chair. Isn't that cute.

Well, hopefully this will give you a feel for some of the neat things that we got to see at convention. I have so much more to share, but you'll have to get it in pieces because my post would be to big to include it all at one time. I'll also go through my swaps and share a few of my favorites. I really got some good swaps this year. It is always fun to have a variety of cards to share with all of you. That way you can see other styles besides my own.

Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!!!

Breaking News from Convention

We just learned that Stampin' Up! is partnering with Sizzix to introduce the Big Shot and exclusive die cuts.  This machine is incredible.  I got to see so many cool projects this morning and all I can say is one will be on my door step soon.  Happy Birthday to me!!!!   There are so many box patterns and incredible projects that you can make with this machine.  Make sure you come to my open house on August 15th (not the 23rd as previously posted) to make a project using this cool machine.  You will be WOWed.  I'll blame my typo on the above date from lack of sleep. 

I'll try and get back later today after classes wrap up to share a project or two.

Thanks for visiting!!!

The New Catalog is Fabulous!!!

Okay, I got my copy of the catalog today and all I can say is it is absolutely fabulous.  My list is already growing.  I'll share a couple of my favorites but unfortunately, for copyright reasons I can't take a picture of the catalog.

I love the new punches.  There are 4 new punches which includes a 1 3/4" circle, Wide oval, Scallop Edge, & Scallop Square.  Of course you know that Stampin' Up! has designed some stamp sets to go along with these punches and I love the fact that they are so big.  I know these will be on my first order.  In addition to the individual stamps they have a bundle called Curly Label Punch Bundle.  This is super cute and has four stamps and the matching punch.  I can't wait to see what they show us on stage because I'm sure we will be seeing some great ideas using these fun punches.

Okay, I figured I would share my three favorite sets, if I can narrow it down.  I think I really like the stamp set called Inspired By Nature.  This is a large double mounted stamp set and it is so beautiful.  It has tall grass on one side of the stamp and I think, Black Eyed Susans on the other side of the stamp.  Then there are words that say live with passion and good works are links that form a chain of love.  What I love about this set is they are large enough to make a quick card or scrapbook page.  There are several boards that Stampin' Up! has on display using this set and all I can say is WOW!!  I can't wait to get my hands on this set and I'm happy to say this is one of the sets that we were given when we checked in.  So I will get to use it for our make 'n takes later this week.

Another set that I love is called Under the Stars.  This is a 10 piece stamp set that is kind of camping or outdoor related.  It has a cute bear with its arms out like it is getting sprayed and then there is a can called skeeter spray.  There is a sleeping bag, skeeter, racoon, smore, compass, star and the words grrreat!  This is a really cute set and it is a matching wheel called skeeters.  I just love the cute look of this set.

I decided to pick a Holiday set for my final favorite just because had too many other sets that I liked.  I just love the 6 piece stamp set called Snow Swirled.  It has a cool tree with swirls and leaves.  Then there are 3 different snowflakes, Season's Greeting's, and finally the saying May the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart with peace, your home with love.  I have some wonderful ideas floating around in my head using this set.  I think it will be absolutely beautiful when you emboss the images.

Okay, I know you probably want a lot more information, but at least I've given you a little sneak peek.  I'll post more as time allows. 

When I picked up my bag today I have to tell you it is probably my favorite bag I've ever received.  It is a Chocolate Chip bag with Tempting Turquoise.  But my favorite part is the fact that it has stitching up the front of the bag that says Stampin' Up!  All my customers know how much I love Chocolate Chip so of course I love this bag.  Also, I have to tell you I've receive the best swaps so make sure you make it to my open house on Friday, August 15th at 6:30 pm so you can check them all out.

Stay tuned for more fun.

Convention Highlights

Okay, I'm proud to say that my downline, Wende got 12th Rising Star for the year.  That means that out of all the new demonstrators this year she was 12th in the nation.  I'm so proud of her.  She really worked hard and deserves it.

This is a picture from the awards night.  Starting on the left is Michelle Miller, Me, Wende Leverton, Tracey Crosser & Chani McMullin.  It was so fun having 4 members of my group join me this year.  They had a blast spending time together and getting to know more about each other.  I've got a group meeting scheduled on August 14th so we can share all the highlights with the rest of my group.  I'm sure it will be an exciting meeting.

These are my wonderful roommates.  Starting on the left is Carrie Balian, Me, Sally Lourwood & Melissa Krenkel-Sullivan.  We had a great time together.  I don't think there were any nights we went to bed before midnight.  I tried a couple of times, but it never seemed to work out.  We had so much fun spending time together and on the last night we stayed up until 2:00 a.m. looking at swaps, laughing and eating.  This is one of the highlights of my year.  The Stamin' Up! convention is such an incredible experience.  I hope that more of my group will join me next year because it definitely gets you motivated.

Okay,  now I have a ton of incredible swaps to start sharing with all of you.  Also, I'll post the make 'n take projects that we did at the Pajama-a-rama night.  So make sure you check back to see all the great samples.

Convention Check In

Okay, we did the check in today for the Stampin' Up! convention.  I earned several awards for sales & recruiting, but the most exciting thing was to be there with my downline, Wende Leverton when we found out that she is in the top 15 Rising Stars.  That means that out of all the new demonstrators with one full year she is in the top 15 in the nation.  This is incredible.  We won't find out what number she is for sure until Thursday, but I'm so proud of her.  This is such a great accomplishment.

Today is one of those easy going days.  I went and spent a ton of money at the Momento Mall getting all kinds of great Stampin' Up! shirts & other fun stuff.  Tonight we will have a Pajama-arama.  This will be our opportunity to make 7 make 'n take projects and just have lots of fun with our fellow stampers.  I will take some pictures and share them soon.  Stay tuned for more convention news.

Convention here I come

Okay, I'm flying to Denver today for the Stampin' Up! convention.  I'm so excited and can't wait to share some great things with everyone.  I'm taking my laptop and hoping to keep you up dated while I'm away.  I'm sure there will be lots of great things to share, so check back to hear all the latest details.