Rachel's Here!!!

I know I haven't posted in a while AND I promise I will post some card ideas soon....but here is the latest addition to our family.....

Rachel Anne Abdis my first granddaughter arrived Dec 16th 829pm, weighing 6 lbs 8 ozs....

Isn't she beautiful???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My daughter Christine holding her new baby girl!!!

The New Abdis Family.....Christine, Rachel and Michael.......

FREE Digital Downloads

Stampin' Up!  is Giving Free Digital Downloads.....You don't need My Digital Studio to get these.....You just need to complete a little survey to get your free downloads....The more people that go and complete the survey and get the free downloads, the more free downloads they are going to give us!!!!

Starts on Nov 4th thru Nov 7th.... and being a demonstrator, I got some for free too! Just another benefit of being a demonstrator.   You must go to MyDigitalStudio.net to do the survey and get the free downloads.....oh and MyDigitalStudio.net has way more information that just those free downloads too.   Check it out on the 4th...

Martha's Vineyard

Last week my husband and I took a mini vacation.   We went to Connecticut, Boston and Martha's Vineyard.  I had always wanted to go there, Katharine Hepburn was there...one of the author's that I read, Philip Craig lives there and writes mysteries that take place on Martha's Vineyard.   We went after the "Season" ended and there were no tours and the place was quiet.   Decided to ride the VTA around and see some of the places I have read about.   In our journey we had 2 drivers who were very informative and quite knowledgeable of the Island.   It turns out Philip Craig passed away several years ago....it was sad to learn that, was given some other authors who write about places on MV.  We had a late lunch at a little restaurant near the Ferry.....This is the "lady" that greeted us.

Can't get this picture to turn around.   I am sure it is something silly that I am doing wrong.


I have tried for 2 days to get this picture to be right side up, and I am not going to spend anymore time.....I thought she was cute...made out of recyclables. 

ENJOY!
Carol

FREE Big Shot Promotion EXTENDED!!!!!

That's Right! Stampin' Up! has announced that they have extended the Starter Kit Bonus Offer of a FREE Big Shot (or $100 in FREE products) through November 11th!!!!  And my offer of a FREE Top Note Die (or die of your choice of equal value) is also continuing through November 11th.   When you join the Stampin' Up! family now, you get over $400 in products for $175 and no obligation to purchase more until the end of March.   Find out more, just give me a call.

Today's Card, coffee and Cake....Is actually a card and a gift.   I got the idea from my friend, Michele Deslandes, a Stampin' Up! Demo I met last year when we roomed together at Leadership in Nashville, TN.  --- That is probably the Number 1 benefit to being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator...all the friendships you form while attending Stampin' Up! Events, thru Stampin' Up! Exclusive Websites and Groups.  Anyhoo.  She posted a video on how to make a Double Pocket Card.   Yes, there are several versions of this card out there, but this was the easiest I have ever done.   Maybe I will make a video on how to do this card too.   SO be on the lookout...  In the meantime, here is my card:

 I used the Holly Berry Bouquet DSP that is in the Holiday Mini Catalog, and all the colors used were predetermined by the colors that Stampin' Up! chose to put together in these DSP sheets in this package...  How many times do you get some scrap booking papers and can't mach up colors with the  embellishments, coordinating papers and card stock?  Not so with Stampin' Up!'s DSPs.  They have done the hard work for you.

Want to know how to make this card?  Stay Tuned, a video will be coming soon.   

Club Cards - October

Forgot to post the pictures of the cards that everyone made at Stamp Club this month.   The first one uses the set, Charming.   The base card is Chocolate chip, layered on top with Wild Wasabi, that was embossed with the stripes embossing folder and the top, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP from the Holiday Mini. The stamped image is on Very Vanilla, backed by Real Red and Chocolate chip card stocks.  The three punched flowers on top in real red, cherry cobbler and so saffron card stock with the Itty Bitty Shapes punch.   Isn't it amazing how all those colors coordinate well together?   Well, I sure didn't come up with them.....Stampin' Up! did --- All their Designer Series Paper (DSP) have all the colors in the package of papers listed, SO EASY to figure out your card stock and ink colors to use with it...or even without the DSP.   It's like a magic color coordinator.  Saves me tons of time.  I added some Victorian crochet ribbon to hide where the DSP and wild wasabi card stock meet, cause I am sure it is not straight.......

I stamped the background of words in crumb cake ink, then the flower stamp is in Wild Wasabi, the punched flowers on top and I added some bling with the Rhinestones.  The greeting is in Chocolate Chip Ink. 

 

The next card is SO SO Easy.  I ran a Not Quite Navy card stock card thru the Big Shot with the snowburst embossing folder to create the background.   Using direct to paper, ran the basic gray ink pad over the embossed area to give some texture on the embossed area.   I stamped the words in a shape of a star from the set, The Sounding Joy with Baja Breeze ink, then I inked up the Joy stamp in versamark and embossed with Pewter embossing powder, heat set.  Wrapped white organza ribbon around the card, I did use dimensionals under the stamped image to pop it up a bit.  Using dimensional just adds some dimension to a card and really "Pops" the image up.  Try them, they are one of the cheapest items in the catalog.... For $3.95, add shipping and tax, comes to $4.61, then divide that by 300 and it comes to a bit more than a penny each.  That doesn't even count the outside border, so you really get more AND not like the imitations in stores, there is no spaces in between each one AND they are easier to remove from the pack and use on your project. 

ENJOY!!!

Last Day to Get a FREE Big Shot!

Tomorrow, Oct 31st, Halloween and you don't have to do tricks for this one!!! is the last day to get a FREE Big Shot as one of the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.    Sign up as a demonstrator thru my website... it is so easy and I will give you the #1 selling die...The Top Note die.....for FREE as my TREAT. Already have it? I will give you another one, of your choice, same $ value or less. Have questions, Give me a Call

Card, Coffee and Cake *** New Day. Starting this month, the Card, Coffee & Cake (CC&C) will take place on Mondays. The next few dates are: TOMORROW, Monday, Oct 31st,   and Nov dates are Monday, Nov 14t, and Nov 28th. Time for all dates is 10am - 12 noon and cost for each date is $5, which includes coffee, tea or soda, water and homemade cake and a card. Just RSVP by 7pm the evening prior and bring your favorite adhesive, all other supplies are included.

Christmas Card Stamp a Stack - Saturday, Nov 5th, 10am - 1pm and again 7p - 10p. In this class you will make a total of 16 cards, with envelopes using a variety of Christmas stamp sets and accessories. I will have oodles of card samples on display for additional inspiration, so bring your cameras. There will be door prizes every hour and lots of freebies. Cost is $25 and just $20 with an order of $25 (before shipping & tax). RSVP with payment no later than Nov 1st so that I will have enough supplies for each of you. You will need to bring scissors, bone folder (if you use one) and your favorite adhesive.

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Stamp Club - Nov 18th, 7pm and Nov 20th - 1pm - For a $15 order (before shipping and tax) come and make 2 projects. When the total party order is totalled, names will be drawn from those placing orders for the hostess benefits. Need to bring your favorite adhesive and scissors.  Please RSVP which date you will be attending....

The next Session of Stamp Club Sign ups are starting now and the club dates will start in January and go thru October. Cost is a $20 order (before shipping and tax) each month Jan - Oct. There will be 10 members of the club and each month a different member of the club will be the hostess and receive all the hostess benefits. These club dates are the 3rd Sunday and 3rd Friday each month. If I need to change the date, I will give several dates to make up for changing the date.

Do you think this might be for you?       Have questions?  Don't hesitate to contact me.  

  

Quick and Easy Card

Just playing around tonight while watching the Ravens!!!! and the Jets game....GO RAVENS!!!

I need to make a simple quick and easy card to take to a Assisted Living place the end of the month.   I am going to start volunteering there once a month.   I plan on contacting another Nursing Home tomorrow to set up a Stamp Date.  

Here is the card:

Simple but changing colors, we'll see how that goes...  The card is Naturals White card stock, and I stamp the leaf images from French Foliage in Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Soft Suede and the little bubbles from that set, I stamped those in Baja Breeze and stamped off first.

The sentiment is from the set, Sincere Salutations, in my humble opinion, is a must have set.  Cleaning the stamps almost took as long as stamping the card.  I will try and remember to take pictures of the ladies making these cards and let you know how it works out.

ENJOY!

Carol

Christine

My daughter, Christine is pregnant with her first child, our 3rd grandchild, but our FIRST granddaughter.   She had a emergency procedure performed back in August and has been on bed rest since!!!!  I went to visit her yesterday and we asked if she wanted me to get her lunch/dinner or anything....She said...WELL, I could go for a Wendy's Bacon Cheeseburger...So since she is now a little time out of bed, we went to Wendy's.   This was the best Wendy's experience ever...in fact I can't remember any fast food place that was even close.   The guy at the counter, Brent was superb and helped me make a decision on drinks, and went out of his way to take some coffees to ladies in the dining area.  Everyone there was pleasant, greeted you with a smile. 

Here is a picture of Christine....and Rachel...OK, Christine, back to bed, we don't Rachel coming too early.

Favorite Accessory or Tool

Do you have a favorite Stampin' Up! tool or accessory?   Oh, I have so many.....SO, I thought I would share some of my favorites with you. 

Little known.....but oh so essential.

Grid Paper ..p207 of the Idea Book and Catalog.   This pad of grid paper, does several things.   It protects your work area.  Is great for practicing stamping on....aligning stamps when mounting to blocks.   It is has a center area marked, a ruler edge around all sides of the paper.  One one side of the paper, card dimensions for various cards are listed.   There is a "don't forget list" and a "wish list"--- which is not long enough, but works for short term...like when you are working on a project, stamping and need to write a note to remember to order some card stock, DSP, inks, markers, ribbons or accessories, no need to look for that "scrap" of paper. 

The pad of Grid Paper has 100 sheets and costs just $9.95...That comes to just  $  .12 per sheet, that includes shipping and tax.  I use one sheet for over 2 months before I replace it.  

What some Grid Paper and don't want to purchase a whole pad?   Contact me and I will add your name to the Grid Paper Share...  10 Sheets for $1.20.

Faith in Nature Card and more

This week was Stampers Club - where a group of ladies gather at my house to make some cards, learn new techniques, see new products, learn to use those stamps and accessories you have accumulating at home.   There is room for others to join stamp club or come to stamp club dates and not get any member benefits.   What are Member Benefits?   When you join stamp club, you commit to 10 consecutive months of membership.  Each member will receive the hostess benefits for one of the months.   Want to learn more??  Contact Me and I will give you all of the details.

Here are the projects we made this month in stampers Club:  

This card uses the Faith in Nature Hostess Stamp Set.  One of the sets you can choose when you are a hostess as part of your hostess benefits.  I colored the pear image with pastels.  Pastels are so easy to use and quick and come in the core 40 colors of Stampin' Up!.  The image was stamped in Soft Suede classic ink, and chose colors in the Spice Cake DSP to color in the pear.  I use a clip and some pompoms to color with my pastels to blend easily.  I added the Victorian crochet ribbon.   Check out the sentiment....I used the Word window punch and a technique to make it smaller.   Maybe I will be able to do a tutorial or video on how to make the punch smaller.  

 This card is a CASE of one of the 160 3x3 swaps I received at Convention in July.  AND it isn't a Christmas set either......The tree is made from pennants from the set, Pennant Parade in the Idea Book and Catalog, pg 69.   The card maybe small but the wish is big...  Notice the dazzling shimmer on the tree?  That is the new dazzling details glitter glue, in the Holiday Mini catalog, a great deal at $2.50 a bottle.

 Here is the inside of the card.  The verse is from the set, many Merry Messages.

The last project, an extra TREAT.... Is a nugget purse.  This cute little purse holds a Hershey's nugget.

Here's the wrapped nugget...I used  the stamp set, Petite pairs and stamped "sending a KISS"  several times on a 1 x 3 1/4" strip of whisper white card stock with Wisteria Wonder ink, same color as the purse and wrapped it around the nugget, applied a little snail adhesive on the bottom and stuck it in the purse using a mini glue dot.  These would be cute for a shower favor, sweet 16 party or any occasion.

Tuesdays with Carol, Coffee, Cake and Cards

Join me on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-12noon for some coffee, cake, and some stamping.   The next one will be held this coming Tuesday, Sept 27th (my oldest daughter's birthday!)  Happy Birthday Aimee!!!.   Here is the card you will be making.

This is a very simple, but elegant Easel Card and it uses one of my favorite sets....I know, they are all my favorite sets....I can't help it... The set is called Field Flowers and I just love it.   You will also make a little Halloween (or anytime) treat holder.   The cost is only $5 and that includes making the card and the treat holder, and of course coffe and Cake.  RSVP no later than Monday, noon Sept 26th.

Inspiration

Sometimes when making a card, I search several places for inspiration....One of those is a Yahoo group that I belong to that is made up of a great group of Stampin' Up! demos.   Tonight  while checking the emails, there was a card that I really liked, done by Wendy Hawkinson.   Here is my take on her card.   Just a little different, used a different stamp set for the flower, changed the ribbon and added a filigree brad with a circle ice brad in the center of the filigree brad.   I also added a flower at the top of the card.....cause I dropped the inked stamp and it landed up at the top and I needed to hid my mistake.....

ENJOY!

Making Cards for the Troops

Cards for the troops.    I had a card making day today for making cards for the troops.   One gal came and made the cards to give to some local "hero's".   I did check out some sights that accept cards for the troops and the one I will donate to is  http://www.fromourhearts.info/  they accept cards, card fronts, card stock and donations too.  Check them out.

Here is the first card we made.    I used some retired DSP and the card stock I used for the image, layer and butterfly were all out of my scrap folder.  Ribbon is retired too.   I love the DSP, Elegant Soiree from last years catalog and the colors are baja breeze, craft, confetti cream and chocolate chip (for the greeting).  The image is stamped using the rock and roll technique and is a fun and easy technique.  My club members will be making this card next week.  

This 2nd card I copied from a swap I participated in at my up line's monthly meeting.  I am trying to use my stash of DSP that is retired.   I also changed a few things and used a Miss You sentiment (really old and not Stampin' Up!) YIKES....  This card uses a bunch of punches too.  

ENJOY!

The Holiday Mini is HERE!!!

The new Holiday mini catalog is here!!! Oh my, where do I start.......Since there are SO many things that I NEED!!!! I am going list my Top 10 Items that I had to have from the mini catalog....

#1 - the new Simply Scored.....I know there are others out there, but this one has a little more.    I love the stylus for this one so much more user friendly that others.  It has Place markers, these neat markers can be placed along the top so that you can mark where you need to score....this is a great feature if you want to make a bunch of one item....so you can just mark it once and score as many times and don't have to figure it out each time.....a time saver...It also has a compartment (bigger than MS's) that holds extra stylus and place markers. AND I betcha I can fit a piece of chocolate in there..you know for when you want some chocolate and don't have any in the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#2  The Cellophane bags size 1" x 8"   These are great treat bags for M&M's, skittles, and more....use them for Halloween, Birthday parties, Showers and more.  and such a great price $2.50 for 50 bags!!!

#3  Out on a Limb - a cute cute cute Halloween stamp set....not scary, just plain cute.

#4  It's a Wrap - Holidays...These are stamps that when stamped and cut, wrap around a chocolate nugget,    Halloween, Give Thanks, Christmas, St Patty's day, Easter, Love, and For you....check 'em out, pg 14.

#5  Hand Penned Holidays - Elegant Holiday Greetings, lovely script.

 #6  Spice cake  designer series paper and matching fabric - OK, what's not to like...

#7 Holly Berry designer series paper  and matching fabric too. 

#8  The Sounding Joy stamp set - I just love this set, so elegant.

#9  Holiday Stocking Bigz die - This beautiful die for the Big Shot machine makes a cute stocking to fill with goodies...

#10 Glimmer Paper - I have the red from last Valentine's, Occasions Mini catalog and now they have Silver Glimmer Paper...

These are just my Top 10 Items in the Holiday Mini Catalog.    There is SO much more in this little book.   Check it out!!!  and tell me what are you top items!!!

Hello, Doily Swap Card

Here is the card I made for my up up lines meeting.   I borrowed the doily stamp from one of my club members, Rosemary....Thank You Rosemary.  I stamped the doily background stamp on Crumb Cake card stock with Vanilla craft ink and let it dry.   Then I took the leaf stamp from the set, French Foliage and inked it in Cajun Craze and rocked it onto Soft suded and stamped 4 on the card.  Then I decided to emboss one of the leaves.   SO, I dug my versamark pen out, and drew versamark all over one leaf, poured clear embossing powder and heat set it. 

ENJOY!

Swap Cards From Group Meeting

Last night was my up upline's monthly meeting.   I usually do not make swaps for the meeting, I am just too busy....SO, this time I decided to make some.   My ride to the meeting should have taken me just over an hr, but because of some freaky traffic it took 3 hrs!!!!    BUT it was so worth the drive.   My downline member, Jessica was there (we were supposed to ride together), my up line and lots of sidelines were there too.  The make and take cards were fantastic.  Connie always has a fun filled meeting.    I will share the cards in a later post.   Today I am sharing a couple of the swap cards....

The first card, made by Edith Graybill, use the stamp set in the New Holiday Mini, Gently Falling... This set has 12 stamps, it is a two step stamp set and is really a great set for the Fall. 

This next one also uses the same stamp set...This was was made by Sondra Jumper...she used some great new toys for the Big Shot

 This next one was made by Cam Miller, and it got the most votes of the favorite swap card.   It is really elegant looking, bossed in gold embossing powder on black card stock..  She used the set, Merry & Type, pg 31 of the Idea book and catalog.

 This one is so cute....made by Cindy Fodor uses the set, Snow much Fun, pg 35 from the Idea book & catalog. 

I will be holding a Snow Much Fun Class later this month using just this set.  Watch for more details in a few days and if you are on my mailing list, check your email boxes for an invite.   Of course everyone is invited!!!

Advent Frame and Boxes

My longtime friend, Kathie came to visit today and stamped, she brought some show and tell.   This is an advent frame with boxes that she brought to show me.

This frame and all those boxes came flat, she put together all the boxes and the pieces of the frame.   Then she painted the entire project, YES even the insides of the boxes.   It's hard to see in the picture, but the numbers are on small punched out circles and have crystal effects on them, a great touch.   The angels are cut out and glued on, there are lots of embellishments on this project.   Kathie, I think you did a Great JOB!!! Love it.

Club cards for August

WOW!!! where has August gone?   This makes me kinda sad.   I love summer, the heat, beach, sunshine and yes love watching lightening and listen to the thunder.   NOW! I don't like the hurricanes or earthquakes both happened here last week.   The earthquake happened while I was working at the Church  in the office (A good place to be).   Irene blew through here on Saturday evening and our lights flickered and we lost a couple limbs and about 1000 twigs from our trees, but that was it.   Truly Blessed.  I have friends still without power, lost $$$$hundreds in spoiled food, going to gym and friends houses to take a shower and filling jugs with water for flushing the toilets.   Going to Starbucks, Panera's and other like places to charge phones, ipods, laptops, etc.   My daughter and I actually played a game instead of being on the computers all night.  Praying that the Power companies stay strong and get power turned on to all.  Praying for that day to come soon!!!

I have a few things to share:   I have tons of pictures, but it would take forever to upload them all, so here are a few.   The first  is one of the August Stampers Club cards.....

When the Summer Mini came out, I just had to have this set....On the Grow....Did I use it?   very little!  SAD, gotta have that stamp set, then barely use it.   I finally pulled it off the shelf, dusted it off and made this card for the stamper club...I used Calypso Coral card stock for the card base, From the Garden DSP (JUST LOVE THAT PAPER!)  Tomorrow is the last day for the DSP special, buy 3 get 1 free...Need more information, just contact me. 
I used watercolor paper and stamped the scooter in black staz on, let dry a few minutes and then used those WONDERFUL WATER COLOR CRAYONS and my aqua painter to color in the image.   SO FAST.   I attached the image to daffodil delight and Pacific point card stocks and then using dimensionals, put that onto the card.   With some white satin ribbon and a flower brad.    The card took some time to put together, but the recipient will love you for it.

This is the 2nd club card:

Wisteria Wonder card stock as the base card, Concord crush card stock as the layer under the stamped image from Upsy daisy stamp set.   Using wisteria wonder ink, I inked up the stamp, then using sponge daubers, sponged  concord crush and elegant eggplant inks directly on the stamp randomly and stamped the image on white card stock.   I punched out some scrap of concord crush using the large oval punch and tied some wisteria wonder ruffled ribbon (OH MY...LOVE IT.   My new favorite ribbon).

New Holiday Mini starts in a couple of days and can't wait to show you some of those new items in that mini catalog.

Keep Save all my friends and thanks for stopping by.

GREAT DEAL!!! Buy 3 get one FREE

Stampin' Up! has a great promotion that started Aug 1st and runs thru Aug 31st .....Buy 3 packages of Designer Series Paper and Get 1 package FREE.    This is a SUPER Deal....and if you only want half a package, the deal is even better.  Let me know which packages you like to split and I will match you up with someone else wanting those same papers.

Don't Delay, this offer won't last forever...

Details:   During August, you will get a FREE package of Designer Series Paper when they buy three!  Use this limited-time offer to stock up on all your favorites, including brand-new designs from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.   Hostess and Speciality DSPs not included in this offer.

Here are a few projects using DSP:

This first project is the Blossom Box, it is a new Big Shot Die (I don't own it, YET).   Isn't it cute???

 This one uses the Fancy Favor Box Big Shot Die.....Using Designer series paper in the Big Shot is super easy and you can cut more than one piece at a time.   Like the Big Shot?   Own One?   Own a similar Die Cut machine?   Want to learn how to use it?   Use it to it's potential?   Watch for my upcoming Big Shot Class....and for those of you who purchased the Big Shot from me....This class is FREE for you.

 OK, this card shows just using a small strip of DSP.....How many cards can you make from one sheet of DSP???? 12 for this size with just a strip leftover.  That's a lotta cards outta one sheet of DSP!

 AND this card:  All DSP and some ribbon...Cute way to use up scraps, huh? This was a swap card from convention....It also uses the Big Shot...the embossed image around the edge.

Notice all those clear mount stamp sets behind the card?    That's some of the FREEBIES we received at Convention.

Inspirations

I have returned from Convention and a mini vacation with my husband.   I have been drooling over my swaps from my 3x3 swap.  There were 150 cards total for this swap, so I will have a lot of inspriation coming your way.    Here are the first 2.......

This first one was done by Pamela Rollings   using some punches and BS embossing folder

 This next one is by Donna Snider and uses the Fun Flowers BS Die.   I love that BS die and just got it while at Convention with my Birthday Discount......Just another great perk from SU.

    ENJOY!

Stampin' Up! Convention - Day 3

OH MY GOSH!!!!!    It is SO GREAT to "work" for such a great company.     Stampin' Up!'s Annual Convention in Salt Lake City is fantastic!!!   We paid $280.00 for convention.  Then, if you signed up early, you only paid $250.00.   Then...OK, I am going to be saying this alot!  Then, we get to Convention and the first thing we do is pick up our Convention Bag, filled with FREE stamp sets and an exclusive Catalog with it's own binder, value $25.00.  The Bag is exactly like a Demonstrator bag that demonstrators can buy for $47.95 + ship/tax.   BUT this bag is embroidered with some adorable flowers on the front.   The stamp sets from the new catalog, sell for $80.80 again, no ship/tax added.   Are you adding this up!!!!  Then we attend a HUGE party, swapping going on, where some people were picked to play games and win prizes. There were stamping demonstrations set up all around demonstrating techniques and products.  Display boards with hundreds, OK thousands of projects, cards posted on them.   All of this, no cost..part of the original cost of Convention.    THEN, Convention starts and I have posted some of the highlights on previous posts so I won't bore you with those.   BUT we received FREE a Simply Sent Kit (in back of catalog - $12.95), a whole package of NEW Holiday Mini catalogs, our regular cost of those, $3.50.   A Workshop in a Bag  - Has everything needed for a workshop for 10 people, except a stamp set and ink...embellishments, card stock, envelopes...value $30.00.   Then we had our make and take projects, full color directions, all the paper supplies and embellishments needed..$20.00 value.  Then, we had FREE classes to attend and if we attended all of our classes, we got a FREE stamp set.....This one is for demonstrators though, but I figure the value is $20.00.   Then, yesterday, at the end of Convention, we all were given a FREE stamp set, Hostess set from the new upcoming Holiday mini and a My Digital Studio CD filled with lots of goodies for Digital Scrap booking/card making and more, value:  $43.00.   Total for all the FREE stuff!!!!!   $280.00!!! original cost of convention!!!     The Convention Experience ......PRICELESS.

Wanna join me next year???    Right now there is an Awesome promotion to sign up.   Starter Kit only $99.  Also a Christmas Keepsake Box....and from Me...A gift from Memento Mall.   Don't wait too long, the promotion ends July 31st.

Convention Day 2

Today was another busy day here at Convention.  Classes to attend, demonstrations by Shelli, her daughter, Shalae and one by Donna Griffith.   So many cute projects, cards and more.   I am going to share a few pictures out of the hundreds I have taken.

The first is a picture of the warehouse....where the orders start and get packed and shipped out.

Here is the shelves stocked to the ceiling with stamps, inks cardstocks and more.   An order comes in thru the computer and starts its way thru the conveyor and gets picked and boxed and sent out.   The orders are done in the order they are received, except Canada and Expedited shipping.   They said Canada's orders get done first because they take longer to get thru customs and then onto their destination.   I was there after work hours, so no orders being processed while I was there.

This next picture I took from across the room.   It is a display area of all kinds of projects, products done so cute in various themes.   Every time I walked pass this display I would find something else I didn't see before.  

 These display boards are filled with card samples.   Cards that were sent in for contests and more.

HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS of cards.    In addition to the cards were lots of projects too,

That's it for today....Gotta get some sleep for the last day of convention....boohoo.  I have lots of swaps to share with you when I get home.

Convention Day 1

Oh my, where do I begin.....We have been treated SO well and it is only Day 1.   Lots of FREEBIES.   A simply sent kit for everyone...we had already gotten the stamp set to the kit in our Convention Bag. 
We got a SNEAK PEEK at the Holiday Mini Catalog and boy am I in T R O U B L E!!!  A quick look thru the mini and my TOTAL is $342.   BUT!!!   If I order everything on my list.   I will have made my minimum for the quarter.   I also will only pay $273 for all those items.   In addition I will receive $50 in FREE merchandise of my choice.  Not bad.  

I will share a few pictures tonight, then it is off to bed.  Day #2 starts in a few short hours.

This is the scene we encountered when we walked into the Convention Center this morning....All the Home office Staff was there and applauding us as we entered thru the doors.   How cool is that!!!

This next picture is of Me, Sara (Shelli's daughter) and her daughter, Sidney .   Normally Sara and Shelli demonstrate some cool new products.  However this year, Sara did it all on her own and she did a fantastic job too.

Here is my swap card that I made 161 of.   The SWAP was very well organized and I received some great swaps to share with all of you.

There is so much to share, I can't wait to show you all the new cool things....

CONVENTION IS HERE!!!!!

Arrived in Salt Lake City this afternoon and the Stampin' Up!  festivities have begun......We went to pick up our Convention Bags with our FREE stamp sets...Then we headed over to Memento Mall to SHOP....  Here is our Bag that had all the stamp sets in it, along with a catalog, a binder with dividers for our catalog  and more.  This bags holds a lot and has beautiful embroidered flowers on it..

 


Then back to our hotel room to unload those items and head out to dinner.   We went to a Lovely restaurant/deli Blue Lemon, we got Firery Fish Tacos and boy were they  WONDERFUL!!!!   Then a stop back to hotel to get our Prize Patrol bracelets in case we win anything.   (We didn't win anything yet!).    Stampin' UP! had a party were we  met with friends, downlines and uplines.   Speaking of friends...Carol T ran into some friends of ours, old convention roommates..and here is a picture of Joanne's swaps....a cute gift card holder and two cards.   Thanks Joanne

 There was swapping going on and games where they chose some demos to win prizes.    A contest for the best Sun Hat and Displays of thousands of cards....YES, thousands.   There were demonstrations using new products, old products, techniques we haven't see for a while.....and MORE.

Speaking of swaps, while walking out from the SU party tonight i complimented a gal who had these party sticks made with the fun flower die.   She gave me one and also this cute teabag holder...

 

I met up with Lana who is the SU Ronald McDonald House Demo Support person.  We had a great conversation regarding the RMDH and I took some pictures of the cute cards she had displayed using the new RMDH stamp set.    Here they are:

They are SO cute!!!.   Can't wait to get my RMDH stamp set....SU donates $2 from the sale of that set to Ronald McDonald House Charities.     Contact me to get yours.  Here is a picture of her swap card.   I am getting that Fun Flowers BS die for my birthday discount...and it has been shipped...WOOHOO!

This picture shows a bunch, OK hundreds of SU demos waiting to enter the party tonight.  

and my last picture is of a cute pig.   This is made using one of the empty containers from some older buttons, or embossing powders and it held some cute pink buttons.  

Walking back to our hotel we ran into some friends we met at Leadership back in January...they invited us up to their room from some drinks and munchies.    Thanks Cindy, it was fun.  

Well, it is late, even for me!!! I am two hrs behind, so it's 130 am back home and I have been going since 6am and tomorrow is the Official Start of Convention!!!!   Tomorrow evening I will send out some more pictures....

Convention Bound

I'm staying up late!!! (I know, shocking).  I am packing, and I am so glad I can take 2 suitcases...I've got 2 filled.   Some of the things I am taking I am giving to some stampin demos and won't be bringing back home....HOWEVER, there is lots I am bringing home from Convention.  

OK to start, we always get a Cool Convention Bag!

It's filled with 4 stamp sets valued at over $80.
 A Catalog
A Holiday Mini Catalog (Sneak Peek)
A Convention Pin
AND SO MUCH MORE....

Prize Patrol.....FREEBIES.... We all LOVE FREEBIES!!!!

Demos, Make and Takes, Presentations and Demos who we have met over the years, from all over the country.  Friendships formed that will last a lifetime!!!

I encourage all Demonstrators to start NOW saving for Next Year's Convention....AND if your not a Demo (YET!) contact me to find out more.  

Convention is only ONE of the many perks for being a demonstrator.....Today, I ordered a box of 8 new catalogs, FREE,   the Clear Block Caddy, value $16.95, Stampin' Dimensionals and Mini Glue dots, valued over $30....FREE.

Then, I ordered two stamp sets, my choice up to $47.95 each.   MY CHOICE OUT OF THE WHOLE CATALOG OR MINI CATALOG.   That's almost $100 value!! and no tax or shipping.

OH, and I ordered a Stampin' Up! BIGZ L Die at an additional 15% OFF for my Birthday Extra Discount!!!!

Over the next few days I will be posting some of my FAVORITES of the DAY pictures and stories. 


See you in Salt Lake City...

Carol Valentine

Convention Countdown.......Only a few more days

Only a ew more days til Convention starts in Salt Lake City, Utah.!!!   My SWAPS are done, my bags are packed and I am just chillin' til I leave on Weds............................NOT   Ok, if you know me, then you know my luggage is finally out of the basement, but packed...NO, not one thing in the luggage.   BUT, I do have all my SWAPS for the organized 3 x 3 SWAP that I am in.   All 161 of them.   Wanna See?

I can't show you just yet!!!!   After this organized swap takes place, I will post some picture....I promise.   So Stay Tuned!