Free stuff!!

Raise your hand if you like getting something for free!! Ok, now put your hand down and head on over to my online store. Stampin' Up! is offering the Fruit & Flowers Designer Greeting Card Template absolutely free! Woohoo!!! :) While you are there, you can check out all the new downloads available for My Digital Studio.

Hostess Gift

So I got home very late Monday night, and ran around like a crazy woman all day Tuesday getting ready for Tuesday night's workshop. But it was a good crazy - I was so happy to be stamping right away after all of the Convention excitement.

Shelli's daughter, Shalae, did her first Convention stage presentation this year. Shelli and Shalae demonstrated a cute little gift box, that I thought would be a perfect hostess gift. So, here is my version of the gift box:

I really wanted to show off the pretty new 'In Color' Wisteria Wonder. So I turned to my Color Coach to guide me in choosing other colors to coordinate with my project. The Color Coach suggested adding Lucky Limeade and Elegant Eggplant. I like this combo, but I wanted to add some pink, so I chose Pretty in Pink to brighten up the project.
I used the Box #2 Bigz XL die to make the box, and then filled it with  little chocolates. The 11" long band of Wisteria Wonder card stock has been punched on each end with the Scallop Edge Border punch, and adhered to the bottom and sides of the box. I used the circle punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack to make a hole, and then I tied on Pretty in Pink 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. I used the Fun Flowers Bigz L die to cut the Lucky Limeade and Elegant Eggplant flowers. The flower image from Raining Flowers (available in wood mount or clear mount) is stamped in Wisteria Wonder ink and cut out with Snips. A Wisteria Wonder Designer Printed Brad makes a great flower center. All of the flower layers are attached with Dimensionals.
Can't you just picture yourself making some of these for your coworkers? It would be a great, inexpensive gift, sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.
I have more ideas for hostess gifts... Contact me today so we can schedule your next stampin' play time :)

a very special gift

 I just have to share this little gift with you. Back in April, I participated in a promotion for demonstrators to earn VIP status at Convention. We received several perks including reserved seating, a VIP room, "meet and greet" time with Shelli and other members of the corporate team, and a VIP tour of the Stampin' Up! home office. We received a special gift from Shelli on our tour: a bag filled with her favorite caramels and a roll of 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon.

I just love the tag! What a great way to add a personal touch to a simple gift. I'll bet you're thinking of the tags you can make to "dress up" your next gift for someone special. You will love watching their reaction, knowing that you took the time to make something special for them.
The sentiment and one of the background stamps on the tag come from the Daring Adventure stamp set. The other stamped images are from Creative Elements (this set is sooooo on my next order!). The tag is tied to the cellophane bag with a strip of Timeless Portrait Fabric (122337) and a piece of Island Indigo 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (122974). But I'm pretty sure you'll agree with me that the best part about the tag, is that it's signed by Shelli.  **smile!**

Convention 2011 - Day 4

Another fabulous day... I'm sad to see it end, but excited to get home and share new project ideas. There are so many new things I want to make!

After a great day of classes and projects, we went out to a rooftop restaurant to celebrate. We had a wonderful meal, enjoyed great company and conversation, and soaked in the view of Salt Lake City.

If you have ever thought about joining us, now is the perfect time!

I freely admit that technology is not my best friend, so you're not crazy... there's no "promotions link" to click on ;) I challenge you to write down 3 questions you have about sharing stamping and paper-crafting with others. Then email them to me at stamp_pad@wi.rr.com
I would be happy to answer your questions. You can also read more information and watch a short video on my website.

Convention 2011 - Day 3

Another fun-filled day!! Head on over to my Facebook page to see more photos from today :)

Convention 2011 - Day 2

My face hurts from smiling so much! We had a wonderful day full of announcements, surprises, friends, and music. Head on over to my Facebook Page to see more photos!

Convention 2011 - Day 1

WOW!! What a great day!! I am exhausted, but I don't think I will sleep tonight... I'm too excited to see what tomorrow will bring!

I posted a ton of pics on my Facebook page, and I'll be adding more as Convention rolls on :)