Convention 2013 - Be the Difference

Convention this year was to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Stampin' Up!.  The stage included giant "25s" on both sides and colorful banners that were digital and could change colors.

 

Over 5,800 demonstrators attended this year.  Everything and every place a crowded....to say the least.  To find each other, we used bright umbrellas.  I found these umbrellas at a local craft store.  They were intended for kids but they worked out wonderfully...

 

 

The Frog and The Duck became cornerstone to many folks finding each other.  We had so much fun with them...

 

Stampin' Up! also qualified to become part of the Guinness World Record with the most greeting cards sent from the same location.  We qualified with ~2800 cards sent!  Below is a photo of Darlene and I after we sent our off...

Another feature of the party on Thursday night included Sheet Climbers....

And a live band...the Spazmatics....what a great team of nerds...  Between the band (playing tunes from the 1980's) and the group of guys dancing with us, a great time was had by all!!!

Ad let's not forget GREAT cupcakes!!!

 

Many Blessings...

Cathy

Convention 2013 - Be the Difference

Today is all about groups....and photos.

As part of Stampin' Up!, we all belong to "uplines" or those that brought us into the Stampin' Up! family.  The first photo is of the Prismatics group and all the uplines and downlines.  Carol Bartle led the effort for this photo.  Carol is on the back row, third from the left.

 This photo is our group - Sharon, Darlene, Jan, Me and Karen.

 And when two or more are gathered....we shall eat!!!  This photo is from our dinner at Olive Garden.

 

This photo is taken the last day during General Session.  Sure will miss our Canadian friends...

 

And our last meal together...at A.J. Wong's Asian Bistro.  A great restaurant!

I feel blessed to have the opportunity to meet these women.  Sharon I know from home; Darlene I met last year...and our new friends Jan and Karen!

Stampin' Up! was started 25 years ago by two sisters...one seeking opportunities to earn money and the other seeking interaction with other people....  Both succeeded and we continue to benefit from their effort.  To many more years and meeting new friends....

Many Blessings....
Cathy

Convention 2013 - Be the Difference

I went to the Stampin' Up! Convention 2012 by myself and I found some new friends!  I roomed with 3 people I had never met and we had a blast!  I've kept in touch with a couple of them.

This year, I went to Convention and roomed with last year's roommate - Darlene.

 

While we were taking these photos, we met a couple of Canadians who were also attending.  They were so kind to take this photo of Darlene and I.  We in turn took their photos.  We found out that they were headed out to Riverton to see the home office.  Since the lines were so horrible, I found myself asking if we could ride along.  They agreed and off we went...

 

 When we arrived...thanks to GPS in my phone...we went out to get our photos taken on the Stampin' Up! rocks which border the entrance to the headquarters.  There wasn't much of a line when we arrived but by the time we left, the line was very long....glad we did this first!!!

 

 We spent the rest of Convention with Karen and Jan, our new found friends.  They were a blast!!!

I hope to keep in touch with them and meet them again at the next Convention!!!

Many Blessings....
Cathy

Convention 2013 - Be the Difference

Whew....got home yesterday afternoon from Stampin' Up! Convention 2013 and I was exhausted.  I took another day of leave to catch up!  I thought I would share a couple of photos depicting some of the fun we had!

This year's theme was "Be the Difference."  

The photo below is in the Stampin' Up! Headquarters in Riverton, UT.  The bottom floor lobby has a beautiful, peaceful centerpiece.  Tables encircle this area for employees to take lunch or breaks.

The Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT was decked out with banners emblazed with the logo for this year's Convention.

Stampin' Up! has supported the Ronald McDonald Home Charities (RMHC) for many years.  Each year, a stamp set is chosen and $3 from the sale of each stamp set is given to RMHC.  Ronald made an appearance at Convention this year!  I'm a sucker for a photo op with a character....

 Stampin' Up! supports many different causes.  A service project was included this year where we each had the opportunity to put a banner together for children spending their birthdays in the Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City. 

 We then took the banner and added it to a box that included a stamp, marker, and paper.

We added a notepad...

 A sticker signed with a name...

 Sealed the box with a Happy Birthday sticker and added it a shipping box...ready to be taken to the hospital....

What a great opportunity to do something for those kids who aren't having a very good birthday....  I love that Stampin' Up! is a big proponent of doing good for others....

Check back tomorrow for more photos...

Many Blessings....
Cathy

Convention 2013 Swaps - Day 6

The last two swaps I made go back to themes I love - America and Christmas!

 



 

Ovals Collection Framelits were used heavily in this project.  The outer oval is Night of Navy, the Middle Oval is from Whisper White.  I then used the 1st oval and cut the inside oval out.  I then ran this portion through the Stripes Embossing Folder.  I brayered Real Red on the embossing folder before running it through the BigShot.  The "star" is from Secret Garden, embossed with White Embossing Powder and cut out with the Secret Garden Framelits.  Go USA!!!  Any sentiment could be added to personalize this card....I left it simple to celebrate the simplicity of ideas which birthed the USA!

This is my last swap and celebrated Christmas...the birth of Jesus Christ!  For this card I used Gumball Green base, Whisper White provides the perfect background for the colors of Christmas.  Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight and Real Red.  The images are from the Merry Minis Punch Pack.  I popped them up with Dimensionals onto a 1" square punched from Whisper White.  Then I placed them on matching cardstock punched with the Postage Stamp Punch.  The Sentiment is from More Merry Messages...a great set for Christmas!

I pray you have enjoyed these cards.  Leave a comment and let me know!!!

Many Blessings....
Cathy

Convention 2013 Swap - Day 5

Day 2 of Convention 2013.  Today is my day for organized swaps.  I signed up for the Annual Christmas Card Swap and a 3x3" Card Swap.

 

This card starts with a 4.25" x 11" card base, scored and folded at 5.5".  The Real Red Polka Dots is from the Polka Dots DSP and is cut at 4" x 4".  I used the Ovals Collection Framelits to provide a background for the cute Mrs Santa Dress!  The Dress Up Framelits made this swap a breeze.  The dress form is cut from Basic Black and the basic dress is from Real Red.  The pinafore is cut from the Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die and then cut again with the Dress Up Framelits.  I wrapped the waist with 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Real Red.  The Holly is from the Happy Hour stamp set!

 

My second swap uses the Secret Garden stamp set for the flowers and Perfectly Penned for the sentiment.  The colors are Pacific Point (background), Primrose Petals (flowers) and Pool Party (sentiment). 

 

Hopefully, the recipients will like these swaps.  I can hardly wait to see what they have prepared...

 

Many Blessings....

Cathy

Convention 2013 Swaps - Day 4

Today begins Convention 2013!!!  And it's Thankful Thursday...and today I am thankful for a craft and a company which makes us think if others...

Today's swap is 3-D.  This is a cover for pocket tissues picked up from a dollar store....

The cover is made from Real Red.  The Owl Builder punch is required to make the cute owl.  I used Polka Dot Parade DSP and used matching cardstock to make the oval circle for the sentiment.  I truly love that you get designer series paper that matches cardstock.  No more hunting for the perfect match or settling for "close." 

The nurses hat is the "vest" part of the Owl Builder punch, turned upside down.  The "Red Cross" is from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack.  I used the Deco Labels Collection to provide the perfect background my owls.

The sentiment is from the Delightful Dozens stamp set.

Aren't these just the cutest!!!

Leave me a comment and let me know which color you like best!!!

Many Blessings...
Cathy 

Convention 2013 Swap - Day 3

Well - today I arrived in Salt Lake City, UT to attend the 2013 Stampin' Up! Convention.  We'll be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Stampin' Up!

Yesterday I featured flowers made from Secret Garden.  I had made so many, I decided to change up the card.  Tell me what you think...

 



 Smokey Slate, Wisteria Wonder, Old Olive

 Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Old Olive

 Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive

 

 The strips of Whisper White measure 1.5" x 3".  The sentiment is from the Trust God stamp set. 

Just like each flower, each of us is God's special work of art...  Love it!!!

Many Blessings....
Cathy

Convention 2013 Swaps - Day 2

Yahoo!!!  tomorrow at "O-dark-thirty", I will be on a flight headed to Salt Lake City, UT in order to attend Stampin' Up! Convention 2013!

When making a large number of cards, it is good to change things up periodically.  So today's cards show a different look using the same stamp set, embossing folder and sentiment.

 Wisteria Wonder, Crushed Curry and Old Olive

 Crushed Curry, Wisteria Wonder & Old Olive

Crushed Curry, Primrose Petals & Old Olive

To make the card, I started with a card base measuring 4.25 x 11, and folded it into a 4.25 x 5.5" card.  The black layer is 2.75" x 4.25". The Whisper White layer is 2.5" x 4", embossed 3/4 of the way with the Chevron Embossing Folder.  The sentiment is from the Express Yourself hostess set.  The flowers are from the Secret Garden stamp set.  I stamped the image with Versamark and then used white embossing powder.  I then took a Blender Pen and the matching ink color to add highlites.  Then the joy of it all, there is a matching Framelits set!  Add a touch of 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Daffodil Delight.  Quick, easy and cute.

Many Blessings....
Cathy

Let The Fun Begin!!!

This week is the Stampin' Up! Convention 2013 in Salt Lake City, UT.  I am so blessed to attend!!!!  Stampin' Up! is celebrating their 25th Anniversary and ~5800 demonstrators will be in attendance.  Normally attendance is only USA and Canada....but this year, since it's the 25th, our International friends will join us! 

So to start off, I've got cards that read USA!!!

This card is Red, White and Blue....and shimmering with Silver Glimmer paper.  Versamark also makes an appearance also, stating words like Pride, Duty, Service and Courage!

So in celebration - let's hear one for the good 'ole USA!

Many Blessings....
Cathy

Thankful for Girls also.....

Of course, when I was doing yesterday's post, I thought of all the wonderful girls I am thankful for!!!

 

So this card is for you....

 



This card didn't scan very well but is extremely striking in person!

The card base is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored and folded at 4 1/4".  The Whisper White is cut at 5 1/4" x 4".

The flowers are from the new stamp set, Flower Shop.  I love that Stampin' Up! also included a matching punch called Pansy Punch.  And the BEST part is that they have bundled them with a 15" savings!!!!

I stamped the image with Basic Gray and the new color Smoky Slate.  One of the interesting things I noted is that the center image stamped with Smokey Slate is slightly blurred while the image stamped with Basic Gray is crisp.  Too funny and no idea why...  During class this month, the ladies had the same issue.  Things that make you go Hmmmmmm......

The sentiment is from the new hostess set called  Express Yourself.  I love all the great word included and the font! 

A few well place Rhinestones complete the card.

A really cute, classy card which come together in an instant!!!  Give it a try!  If you need supplies, please contact me and I'll be more than happy to help you place an order through my on-line Stampin' Up! site - here.

Thankful Thursdays....

I think it is important to focus on the good things in life rather than the not so good things...that's why I love my Thankful Thursdays post....

Today, I am thankful for little boys....

I made this card with my grandson in mind....he loves to play with his trucks.  One of the really good things is that his Dad, my son, has taken care of the trucks he received when he was a boy and is now sharing them with his son..... I love it!!!

This stamp set, I Dig You was new in 2011-2012 and is already retired....bummer.... But that doesn't stop me from using it!!!  Just because a stamp set is retired doesn't mean you can't use it...as you can see, it stamps right fine!

I started off with a base of Real Red cut at 5 1/5" x 8 1/2", scored and folded at 4 1/4".  I then layered Basic Black cardstock cut at 5 1/4" x 4".  On top of this, I used the Real Red large circles from the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper cut at 5" x 3 3/4". 

The Scalloped Basic Black circle is cut with the Scallop Circle die (retired).  The Whisper White is cut using the 3" Circle die.  I stamped the image from the set I Dig You after I hand colored it in with Real Red and Basic Black Markers.  The presents are another stamp which I placed perfectly, using the Stamp-a-ma-jig!  The Stamp-a-ma-jig is perfect to ensure you get things exactly where you want them!

The sentiment is stamped to the right of a 1" piece of Whisper White.  I bordered the bottom of this 1" strip with Basic Black cut with the Scallop Edge Border.

Sounds complicated but it all came together really quick....

I can hardly wait to share this with the grandson....for which I am THANKFUL!!!

Many Blessings....Cathy

Celebrate - Best of Birthdays!

Today's card just makes me happy....and for Wednesday, I need something to get me through the week.

Today's card starts with a card base of Melon Mambo which measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and is scored and folded at 4 1/4".  The Whisper White measures 5 1/4" x 4".  Before I scored the lines, I stamped the sentiment from the Best of Birthdays stamp set (#132929) in the bottom right corner in Melon Mambo.  I then scored the Whisper White.  To get the diagonal lines, I used the Simply Scored wit the Diagonal Plate.  Each line is measured at the 1" line.  I did the long side at the top and then used the side measurements to keep the pattern going.  After doing the long side, I turned it 90 degrees and did the 1" lines again. 

The birthday presents are also from the Best of Birthdays stamp set - aren't they just the cutest!!!  I stamped them 1" square punch and layered it on the matching cardstock punched with the Postage Stamp punch.  I popped each birthday present up with Dimensionals.  Before attaching the Whisper White, I wrapped Melon Mambo Striped Organdy Ribbon and then placed a small bow with a glue dot. 

Perfect fun card for the teen or young soul in your life...

Many Blessings....Cathy

Olive You!

It appears that I can't scan for straight.... Oh well - you get the idea!

For this card, I started with a card base of Old Olive cut at 4 1/4" x 11", scored at 5 1/2".  The Whisper White is cut at 4" X 5 1/4".  I then punched 6 each Small Ovals from Old Olive and 1 each Small Oval from Read Red.  I also punched the small circle from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack out of Real Red for the olive pits.  I used the Olive You from the Best of Love Stamp Set (#132987) in StazOn black.  I colored the olive with Old Olive marker and the heart with Real Red.  I punched the image out with Extra Large Oval.  The "large olive" is from the Ovals Collection Framelits (third smallest). 

To create the look, I used snail to place the small olives and pits.  I then ran the white cardstock with the small olives attached through the BigShot with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  The large olive is popped up with Dimensionals.

A great way to tell that special someone that "Olive You!"

Many Blessings....Cathy

It's Been Awhile....

Lots of things going on and I haven't taken the time to post....but my time is freeing up and I'll have time to keep up the blog.

With that being said, I have a few goodies from the last couple of months to share with you!

Hmmmm....it's not showing up very well but you get the idea!  The base card is Whisper White cut at 4 1/4" x 11", scored at 5 1/2".  The 1" squares are punched from Island Indigo, Bermuda Bay, Pool Party and Soft Sky. The sentiment is from Delightful Dozens and stamped in Island Indigo. 

To get the diagonal design, I cut 1 square in half to create two triangles.  I then drew a line 1" from the bottom.  I then began to place the squares on the diagonal and used the two triangles to ensure they were flush with the line I had drawn. I then placed the first row.  After that I eyeballed the remainder of the squares into a diagonal pattern, cutting squares in half when needed.  After it was all put together, I had to do a slight trim on one side.

Sorry for the crummy picture but the husband has taken this card and placed in his special spot for all the special cards he receives....and it's not available for a better scan...

Many Blessings....Cathy