Friday, July 26, 2013

My First Stampin' Up! Convention

Last week I went to my first Stampin' Up! Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah and had went with the thought that it would be a good experience and one that I wanted to experience at least once.  Little did I know that it would be a GREAT experience!  One that I won't soon forget, and one that I can't wait to experience again!!
 This year's theme was "Be the Difference"
 To keep us busy in the Gathering Hall, they had different messages you could text to.
 Our group in the gathering place, there were 5,800 Demonstrators there and they were not all women.

 This fellow had been on The Voice, he sang the "Be the Difference" theme song.
 CEO Shelley Gardner and her husband Sterling

 Ronald McDonald stopped by, Stampin' Up! makes a yearly donation based on the sales of the special stamp at the back of the catalog for the Ronald McDonald Houses.
 Prize Patrol, and I was the first winner!!  The Bow Die Cuts, I was so happy to win this, I really was waiting to order it!!
 Kelly's daughter, Hailey made these really cute tags for our new Stampin' Up! backpacks.
 Me and Kelly, we had a couple of people come up to us and comment how we dressed alike that day, it was totally by accident!

 Awards Night, Kelly had to wait awhile but her name was called and she is going to Founders Circle in September!  We were so proud and happy for her, you go girl!!

 Here is Kelly coming back after earning Founders Circle with her brand new Stampin' Up! purse, they were so pretty.



 After the awards show was the party, complete with a live band, trapeze performers. 
 Cupcakes in about 5 different flavors
 Here I am with my pal Kelly, wehad so much fun, I am so glad that I had someone to hang out with.
 
It's been a week already, time to get back to stamping but I tell you I will never forget my Stampin' Up! experience and going to convention for the first time.  It was great!!


Thursday, July 25, 2013

July Technique Class - Chalkboard


Chalkboard Technique

 
Combine a mixture of graphic and text stamp images. Use the embossing buddy to avoid stray embossing powder.  Stamp images wih Versamark Ink, emboss with white embossing powder, heat.  Sponge white craft ink on in random places to create an erased board look.
 
Here are the cards that we created!
 
1st Card – Chalkboard & Fancy Fold Card
Stamps:  Chalk Talk
Cardstock:  Baked Brown Sugar 4 ½ x 11, Scored at 5 ½.  Cut ½” mark on each side to create
   the chalkboard legs. Basic Black 3 ¾ x 3 1/8”,  Real Red 4 x 3 3/8”, Real Red & Pacific Point Buttons.

Accessories:  Woodgrain Embossing Folder,  White Embossing Powder, Sponges, Real Red Candy
  Dots, Buttons Embossits. 

2nd Card –Chalkboard - Special Someone Card
 

Stamps:  Chalk Talk
Cardstock:      Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, DS Paper
Accessories:  Coastal Cabana Pleated Stretch Ribbon, Button, Pansy Punch 

3rd Card – Sweet Friend Basic Card

 

Stamp Sets:  Mosaic Madness, Really Good Greetings
Cardstock:  Strawberry Slush 4 ¼ x 5 ½”, Coastal Combana 2 x 5”, DS Paper 1 7/8 x 3 3/8”
Accessories:  Mosaic Embossing Folder & Punch, Brights Candy Dots, Dimensions

Hint:  Punch 2 Mosaic pieces and cut in ¾ to overlap and then create the greeting layer.
 
Coming in August will be creating a beautiful background for our cards using Painters Tape!  The technique is called Painters Tape Background, you are not going to want to miss it!!
 
Watch for a new twist to card kits coming soon, its called the Stamp of the Month, which will include the stamp set and the cards that we make for class!
 
As always, take care.
Cindy