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'