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!

Join My Team!!!

Limited edition starter kit - $99 this month. Plus a $40 goodie from the 2011 Holiday Mini catalog.

7 Reasons to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator:

A 20 percent product discount!
A free monthly issue of Stampin' Success, Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine!
Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
Regular get-togethers to stamp!
Free access to a community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
And reason #7....   


$99 Starter Kit and Free Project Kit Promotion


The limited-time $99 Starter Kit is the perfect choice for the lover of Stampin' Up! products. In addition to the supplies and business materials included in the kit, you will get a Christmas Keepsake project kit absolutely FREE--a $40 value! Remember, you can only earn this special Shelli Signature Collection kit during July!   AND earning this kit is only the beginning....




The Kit contains over $185 in products and business supplies--including new products from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! All items below are recommended, but a new demonstrator can substitute a similar item of equal or lesser value.



Page Item# Description

57  #123225 Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
69  #122740 Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
177   #102277 Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
177   #105216 Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
177   #103133 Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
177   #119706 Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
180   #101179 Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
182   #107311 Whisper White Note Cards (20)
185   #124339 Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
195   #124142 Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
203   #122129 Blender Pen (1)
205   #118486 Clear-Mount Block C
206   #104332 SNAIL Adhesive


*New to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!  All 4 items are shown in the photo above.


In addition to the stamping supplies, the kit contains Business supplies...
       No alternative selections can be made for these business items.

Getting Started DVD
Getting Started Guide
Guest Invitation Postcards (100)
2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog (8)
2011 Summer Mini Catalog (8)
Stampin' Up! logo vinyl (for your car!!!)
To My Hostess Envelopes (10)
Recruit Folders (5)
Recruit Brochures (20)
Customer Order Forms (50)

AND a FREE Project Kit!!!!!!
Christmas Keepsake Box Project Kit

Items you will receive in the kit:

Pines & Poinsettias Set (wood-mount)*New from the 2011 Holiday Mini
Keepsake box (this box is limited to this special kit only)
Scallop borders (cut from Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die)
First Edition Designer Series Paper (3)
Holly Berry Designer Series Paper (6)
First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper strip (2)
Holly Berry Designer Series Paper piece*
Real Red Top Note (cut from Top Note Bigz Die)
Real Red Decorative Label (cut from Matchbook Bigz XL Die)
Wild Wasabi Card Stock strips (3)
Naturals Ivory Card Stock piece
Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric*
Real Red 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim
Linen Thread
Champagne Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
Vanilla Pearl 1/2" Simply Adorned Bauble
Pearl Basic Jewels (1 pkg.)
Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Buttons*
Large Wild Wasabi
Small Real Red
Mini Vintage Tags
Things to Remember


Have questions?????     Want to know more???? 
Contact ME!!!

Challenge Card Winner!!!!

 We Have a winner!!!!

      


The Winning Card in The Challenge Card Contest.......Is #3, Phyllis Miller.  Congratulations Phyllis it is a cute card and you used a whole bunch of punches, ribbons and it looks Wonderful. Great Job.  I hope you made 2 of these cards so that you can have one of them to send to someone else.

Everyone that entered a card into the Challenge is a winner and will receive a FREE gift from Me.  Just contact me to receive your gift.   Again, here is a picture of the Winning card.

Next week is Convention!   Hopefully I will be able to send you guys some pictures from Salt Lake City everyday.....starting Wednesday.    Stay Tuned!!!

Future Firefighters of America!!!!

This past week I had my grandsons, Colin - 7 and Jacob - 5  for a few days......my husband, Rodney took them down to the firehouse and gave them a tour of all the equipment, they got to climb into the Fire Engine and Ambulance.   They were awestruck by the HUGENESS of these vehicles....

I know, what does this have to do with stamping?????   Nothing....Just sharing what I love....

AND....my grandsons are going to have a cousin......Christine, daughter #2 is pregnant and due in January!!!  WOO HOO!

Challenge Cards.....

Here are the Challenge Cards I have received so far...   Since it is a Holiday weekend and the Post office in Eldersburg closed early today....I have decided to extend the deadline for card submissions until July 5th, Tuesday.   BUT for those that gave me their cards by today, you will get an extra little gift in your goodie bag. 

Here are the first 5 submissions.   Voting will start now and go thru July 8th (that will give me the extra time to post the cards I receive by the 5th).  Leave a comment below this post or send me an email at sbjcarol@yahoo.com  for your vote.

Don't forget ALL Challenge cards will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore.

#1

#2



#3

#4

#5



 Don't Forget....Place your vote no later than July 8th....