Afterglow of the big event

I am in the AFTERGLOW of the weekend! Last Saturday I got to attend a Stampin' Up! convention that was held right in my own hometown, Madison, WI! They brought in a large group to present new product and ideas to us, but they also had some local demonstrators present as well. My head is on a swivel looking forward to what I now know is coming, but I know I have to keep focused on more pressing matters, such as my upcoming events. I have three Christmas card classes coming up, starting this Saturday and two smaller events on Thursday night and next Sunday. So instead of me rambling on and on about things, I thought I would just let you take a look at some of the fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whenever demonstrators gather, we swap card ideas! This is a photo of a smaller group swap we held after the main event. I think you should have the song, "This is the way we swap our cards, swap our cards, swap our cards" in your head as you view this! I know I do. We asked each person participating to make 20 of the same card and then they would get 20 new card ideas back! Doesn't that sound like fun? This was my swap card:

I know! I know! It's time to make Christmas Cards, but I like to plan way in advance for designs so this one is for the spring. In additon to the Swirly Bird stamp set and framelits, I used the colors from the Bliss and Blooms cardstock pack which are Island IndigoSweet Sugar Plum, and Mint Macaron (ink and ribbon) as my colors. I like to stick with a great design when I have it so I did a slight variation to this card  from earlier in the year (it had a monochromatic color scheme with a pop of color and bling). You could use the directions given and update the color choices shown here, or just use what you have on hand!

Take a peek at all the swap cards I got in return. Lots of ideas for Christmas and into the next year! I got to see display boards with some of the new product coming in January, but let's not jump ahead to that just yet. Just make sure that you have placed an order with me this year to get your free copy or sign up to be on my catalog list to make sure you get the two upcoming catalogs when they are available!

When one attends an event there will always be CHOCOLATE!  Here is a fun treat holder that Eileen B swapped that uses the Detailed Santa die as the base and I love the rhinestones for Santas eyes! It held a couple of nugget sized chocolates wrapped in some pretty paper. It was very clever and original idea! 

This is only a small glimpse of the fun we had! My team member Anna E got to join me this time and it was her first time attending a big event. She was impressed with the amount of free product we got (4 stamp sets, several embellishments, and business products such as a planner/journal, pens, and a leather notepad cover) and how nice everyone was! I'd love to have you join me at our next big event which will be in several locations in the US in April, but the closest one to me is in Minneapolis. I think there is a rollercoaster at the Mall of America that has my name on it! This is the perfect time to get started in your papercrafting business. Ask me how or check out some additional information here.

Remember I am in full Christmas card design mode, so please let me know if you need any help with your Holiday card design! Let's use something you have already or I can steer you towards the perfect product to meet your taste!