My Convention "Hangover"

Happy Stampin'!
I am still reeling from Convention!  I learned so many different things!  Most of them very simple and easy to adapt into my business, but learning those things while at Convention just makes it all the better!  Some things you just have to see in person to make the change!!
I paid to take an extra, evening class.  I have signed up for one each time they've been offered---I have never been disappointed!  This year, I chose "Master Class: Simply Created Project Kit."  Stampin’ Up’s Shannon West was the presenter.  We received the Watercolor Winter Simply Created Card Kit from the upcoming Holiday Catalog.  The kit includes everything to make 20 cards with envelopes.  It has lots of fun elements and even a watercolor brush.  There is a coordinating Watercolor Winter Too stamp set to use if you'd like.   The cost of the kit and stamp set are already more than the $35 fee I paid for the class!  With the helpful hints from Shannon and taking with other demonstrators to see their take on using the kit, it is well worth the money I spent!  So, the class time was used for us to make the cards---but Shannon threw a twist into the mix!  She wanted anyone interested to make an alternate card using only the contents of the kit, post it to Pinterest, and see who could get the most "likes" for their card.  SU! was going to give away several $50 shopping sprees to the top "liked" cards (I think) as well as random winners.  So, guess what??  I was a random winner!  I received an email from Shannon this past week!!  Here was the card I created:

I (usually) never win anything!!  You can guess I am very excited about this!  :) 
Another thing that stood out to me was listening to/watching  Lydia Fiedler on the Main Stage.  I love watching fellow demonstrators on stage doing their "thing!"  She showed us an alternative look at the Blended Bloom stamp.....I think I am addicted!!!!!

Here are my versions:

You know you have seen this flower ALL OVER the place using our new Blendabilities!  I love that look and do love this flower.  However, what a great thing to show another way to look at it!  This is simply using our Basic Black ink and marker!  Easy, fun, and relaxing!  Just filling in the flower as you see fit!  No experience necessary!!  :) I also tried it using matching ink pad and marker.
Here are the finished cards:

I promise, once you start, you will not want to stop!  At least, that's how it was for me!! :) The most detailed design is called "Zentangling."  I have started to see it show up on my Pinterest feed!  My second graders call it doodling!!  Lol

So, look for the upcoming Stampin’ Up! Holiday catalog coming soon!!  While you’re waiting, try a new twist on a stamp set you love that has outlined images.  Can’t wait to see what you create!!

Happy Stampin'

 

Card Buffet----all you can STAMP!

Tonight was a fun time at my Card Buffet!  I really am going to try to hold these more regularly as they are a favorite and PRODUCTIVE!!
Here are a few cards that were able to be made:

If you've never been to a Card Buffet, you get to choose the cards you want to make and haw many of them you want to make---just like a regular buffet. :) 
Everyone is happy because they have the control to make what works for them. 
Thanks to those that were able to come!!  I am glad everyone left happy! :)

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....until next time!

Happy Stampin'!

 

Welcome to my Stampin' Space!

We moved into a new home about 3 years ago.  When I walked in the front door, I immediately knew this room would be the perfect "stamp room" for me!  In our past houses, my stamp room was:
1.  the unfinished basement
2.  the very small dining room in the middle of the house (heavy traffic thru!)
3.  the (hot) finished attic
4.  a tiny spare bedroom
5.  the lower "office" space in a split level house
**6.  The "stamp room!"
Over the past 14 years, we have lived in 4 homes in 2 different states!  My "space" has changed with the time, place, and need of my business.  I never really felt like it was a good fit until this space.  I LOVE IT!
When my customers walk in, I have an old school desk set up for their club folders, order forms, catalogs, etc.

I inherited my grandparent's kitchen table and chairs.

One of my very first Pinterest projects was to make this craft table from 4 bookcases and 2 re-purposed old doors.  I painted the doors PURPLE--my favorite color. :) This table can seat an additional 6 stampers pretty comfortably.  This table is usually COVERED with projects I am currently working on, Tyler or Leah's homework, my school work........we LOVE this table!

 

Another thing I want to share is my (addiction) love of our punches!  I have every punch I have ever purchased and use them every chance I get.  My 2nd graders love using them too! :)  I got the bars on the walls from Ikea and the cubbies from various craft stores in out town.  Love, love, love the punches!

I have always used file cabinets to store my cardstock.  I have the paper stores by family color in 2 drawers.  I have tried to change the arrangement a few times, but after having it a certain way for so long, I just go back to my original set up.

 

Finally, sitting on that purple craft table are my ink pads.  Just the other day one of my downline was over and she said how she had rearranged her ink pads by color, not by family.  WHAT??!!!  You mean I don't have to keep them by color family as I have the past FOURTEEN years!!!???  So, unlike the cardstock in the file cabinet, I changed the ink colors.  I have to say, THANK YOU, Nicole!  I love the ink pads this way and now when a customer asks "Which color purple would look good for..." I can simply turn to the purples and we can compare to our hearts content!

 I hope you enjoyed my Stampin' Space!  It is my little bit of heaven right in the middle of the crazy but wonderful world!

Happy Stampin'

Denise