Just Because

This was one of my 2011 Convention Make n' Takes. It is supposed to have "just because" stamped down the right hand side but I decided to leave off the sentiment for now.

I have been trying to send out cards more often and I like to have the option to add the thought later, just because. Maybe a "Happy Birthday" or a "Thank You" or something. See how it can be whatever I need it to be? I think this card is beautiful. I love how the colors just pop and the pearls give that little something extra.

Don't forget that our cardstock is so awesome because it has two sides. That way, if you mess up when you're using your Stamp-a-ma-jig while you're aligning your stem to make it longer, you can just turn over the paper and use the other side. Genius!

Village of Cuteness

At Convention, there was a option to sign up for additional classes in the evening for a small fee. I didn't sign up because I figured, I spent enough already to get there and wasn't going to spend any more. Well.... it was our free night and my alternate plans didn't work out so after dinner I went with Kris to "help" her make her projects.

I got sucked in! Watching everyone and helping her out, I thought, "You get all this for $35?!". The numbers went round and round in my head and before I knew it, I went over to see if I could get a kit. There were plenty left and through the power of technology, they charged my account within moments and I was good to go!

I painted the wood, stained the doors and cut out any necessary items that I didn't have the tools for at home. Of course I didn't finish! There is never enough time to finish but that is okay because I didn't want them ruined. 

Here is what we made. Yeah, I thought they were ugly when I first saw them but they grew on me. I think they're fun! 

I actually finished this one the night we got back to the hotel room. It was fun working on them together but we got tired. 

I did this one from start to finish tonight. Well, sort of, there is supposed to be a house number on the blue strip but I can't decide on that right now.

This one was partially done at Convention. I decided I didn't like the roof that they had so I changed it a little. There is also supposed to be a monogram on the door. I'll stamp that later.

By the way, the supplies and stamp sets that we got for $35 were actually worth about $55. I'm glad I was able to go along with Kris and join in at the last minute. It was definitely worth it if for nothing else, for the great time I had hanging with others who enjoy Stampin' Up!

Convention 2011 in Review

I had a blast at convention this year! Even though I was a little unprepared for it, I found that it was one of the best in years. The classes and presentations were very good!

This was at the Garden Party on the first night. There were butterflies on the floor with numbers on them. When a certain song would play, people would pile on a number and hope to win a free stamp set. #10 was not a winner. Oh well.

This is me saving a row of seats at Main Stage. I pretty much looked like this every time. For years we have sat in the same general area and for years, we stand on the seats watching for our friends so we can wave them over. It's early. I look tired because I am.

This is me with my room mate Kris. We met online last year on either Stampin' Connection. She met up with us last year too. We hope to go to Leadership together in San Antonio in January too.

This is me with Jolene. I met her at my first Convention in 2001 and we have been to every one since.

This year, after Awards Night, they had an After Party. This is us on the couch. We were also filmed by the professionals for this shot but it didn't make it to the Highlights.

They had drinks (water and lemonade) and panache shooters? Something like that. They were yummy!

They had a dance floor too! Check out Jolene and Kris. We didn't stay very long because I wasn't feeling so well that night. Otherwise, I would have waited for the Thriller Dance. I learned that on a cruise.

I think they were playing Twist and Shout. Check out that lady to the left of Jolene! I think this was much better than the standard entertainment!

Here we are at lunch on Friday. Me, Heather, Anna, Jolene, Becky. Kris was taking the picture.

Sometimes we are able to get a larger group in front of an official sign but when we have a larger group, everyone tends to pair off and do their own thing. This year, Kris, Jolene and I hung out together. The other pairs were Anna and Heather, Becky and Teri, Jill and Felice.

These are my friends: Jolene, Becky, Teri, me, Kris, Anna, Mai-Ling and Heather. Also there but not pictured were Jill and Felice. I love that I get to see these ladies at Convention every year. The friendships are a huge part of being a demonstrator for me. I like having friends that share the same out of control interest in Stampin' Up!

This was my 10th year as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator as well as my 10th Convention. This was my milestone march across the stage.

This is the loot I got: the Bag!, the FREE Stamps!, the Make & Take envelope... we never finish., the FREE Holiday Mini's, the gifts from friends, the FREE Simply Sent Kit, the Banner and cards I purchased from Momento Mall, one of the Houses from the Village of Cuteness class and the FREE Product I got with the class (much more loot than the cost of the class), the pin and the Free Digital CD. I also got a catalog binder that I left for a downline. It wouldn't fit in my suitcase after I got everything packed.

Click on any picture to link to the Album and scroll through all of the photos. 

Convention Swap #10

This is my Convention Swap so please don't copy it exactly and use it as yours if you're attending. I am only making 25 this year so I guess I'll be taking pictures instead of bringing home actual samples this year. I hope I finish them before I leave, if not, I'll have a plane activity.

This will be my 10th year as a demonstrator. That means that I get to march across the stage with a lot of other people and I'm actually excited. Convention here I come!

Stamp Set: Posy Punch - Available as a Hostess Benefit
DSP: Just Add Cake