It's All About the Relationships

This past July I had the honor of speaking at the annual Stampin' Up! Convention and what an experience that was!  I have never spoken to such a large crowd before and to say that I was nervous is an understatement.  However, through all the preparation and practices, my prayer remained the same.  I asked God that even if one life is touched by what I have to say, then all the work (and nervousness) was worth it.

Well, have I got an answer to prayer to share with you!

I guess I should give you a quick summary of my presentation.  My topic was "gathering" and I focused on all the different ways that people gather together - in Bible study groups, coffee with friends, stamping groups, etc.  My message was clear - don't give up gathering together.  Being in community with others in small gatherings is where real change and personal growth can happen.  In the age of online communication and social media,  it's so important to meet and gather together - face to face.

After my presentation, I had a woman stop me and tell me that my presentation had inspired her.  I had no idea how much until I received the following email a couple days ago:

Hi Christi,

I'm the demo that spoke with you about how your presentation at convention touched me and inspired me to have a stamp class for some women I have stamped with for years but had not had a class for them in a few months.  One of the member's husband is losing his battle with cancer.  

Just wanted to follow up and say that I did contact those ladies right after convention and we had a class on July 30.  The member with the sick husband was able to come and we all had a great time together.  Her husband took a turn for the worse this past Saturday and they called in hospice.  Another friend called me today to say that he isn't expected to live through the night.  

I'm so grateful to you for nudging me to do this.  God truly was at work in your presentation.  I hope that other demos were as touched as I was.  Stamping really is about relationships!

WOW! See what I mean about an answer to prayer?  This is why I do what I do!  I can't begin to tell you how many friendships have come into my life because of Stampin' Up!.  Stamping cards and projects is what brings us together initially, but it's the support and encouragement of friends that keeps us coming back again and again!  So, don't give up gathering (and stamping) together!

Adorable Little Birdies - Wetlands Card Samples

The Wetlands stamp set is one of those than can be easily missed when first looking through the Annual Catalog.  It didn't catch my eye in the book but boy did these card samples from Convention catch my eye!  The little birdies just too adorable!  Can you guess another thing they all have in common?  Go ahead, I'll wait.  Scroll down and look at the cards.  The answer is after the 3rd card!


This first card was created by Vicki Soni.  She used the Work of Art stamp set to create the background behind the little birds.  She also used the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder on the Crumb Cake card stock.  (The Big Shot is great for adding texture to any project!)

This next card was created by Cindy Ardis.  I like the texture she added on the Soft Suede card stock using the Chevron Embossing Folder.  She also used the Party Pennants Bigz die for the Pool Party piece that she stamped on.  (The Big Shot cuts out dies of all shapes and sizes, too!)

Carol Siers created this third card using the same little birdies.  The Soft Sky card stock was embossing using the Polka Dot Embossing Folder.  (More embossing ideas with the Big Shot!)

Ok - I guess it wasn't too hard to figure out with my "subtle" hints!  If you noticed that they all used the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, then you are correct! 

Did you know that when you purchase the Big Shot in August, you'll receive a FREE exclusive bundle of products (stamp set and coordinating Framelits valued up to $54!)!  If you already own the Big Shot, you can purchase these bundles for 15% off!

And, it gets even better!  If your order reaches the $150 mark, you'll also start earning hostess dollars which means more FREE products for you!  Check out the table to see how much!

Purchase your Big Shot and your favorite Big Shot accessories today!

Big Shot

$99.95

Decorative Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$7.95

Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$7.95

Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$7.95

Party Pennants Bigz L Die

$32.95

Wetlands Clear Stamp Set

$16.95

Work Of Art Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$21.95

Happy Stamping!

More Swaps from Convention 2014

Guess what I've been doing this weekend?  I was hoping to get some stamping done but our schooling is going to be starting very soon (like in the next couple of weeks) and I needed to spend time planning and getting ready.  Can you believe we're almost into August?  Our summer is just flying by!

So, I thought we'd start Monday morning off with more card samples from Convention.  I
hope you find inspiration for your day!

I love the color combination in this first 'love' card! Unfortunately, there isn't a name on the back.

 The glass in this next card was enlarged using My Digital Studio and then colored in with the Blendabilities markers.  Very neat idea for this hybrid card!  It was created by Charlotte Prestridge.

This happy birthday card is so sweet with the little Candy Dots in the middle of each of the flowers.  It was created by Cathy Seal.

This card showcases the new 2014 - 2016 In Colors.  Too cute!  It was created by Mai Ling Stevens.

This beautiful card was created by Sue Boyle.  

 This thank you card was created by Kadie Labadie and it's hard to see in the picture but all the little dots sparkle!

What an adorable bookmark!  Don't you just love that little koala bear?  (There wasn't a name on the back of this project.)

Coffee and friends are a perfect blend!  This cute card was created by Wendie.

 I think this has to be one of my favorite swaps!  I love the colors and the fun triangles!  (Again, I don't have a name with this one.)

Which one is your favorite?  I hope you are inspired and ready to stamp!

Promotion Reminders:

Designer Series Paper - Buy 3 Get 1 FREE

This promotion is good through July 31st.  Stock up on this great deal!

 Have you given Paper Pumpkin a try yet? 
You'll enjoy fun, quick kits delivered straight to your mailbox each month!  It's a great time to give it a try!

See what Paper Pumpkin is all about!

 Happy Stamping!

My Favorite Things from Convention 2014 - Part 3

What's next on my 'favorite things list from convention 2014'?  My first favorite thing was friendships, my second 'favorite thing' were all the amazing sneak peeks and my third 'favorite thing' was swapping!  This year I took 70 swaps with me (thanks to my buddies who helped me put them together!) and I was thrilled with all the different card ideas I came home with!

I thought, however, that posting 70 swaps in one blog post might be a bit overwhelming (not to mention very long) so I'll be posting a little here and a little there of all these different swaps.  I hope you find inspiration along the way, too!

Have fun with the Be the Star Stamp set and the Stars Framelits with the Big Shot.
This first star card was created by Kay Kalthoff.

Love the colors in the Star birthday card.  It was created by Sue Stromquist.

This elegant pink and black card was created by my friend, Terry Sue!

Aren't these little guys adorable?  This was created by Janet Cort.

Cheers!  Love the Tape It background on this card and the margarita glass is from the Happy Hour stamp set (unfortunately, there isn't a name on the back).

 This fun mosaic card was another one created by Kay Kalthoff.

Love the Rich Razzleberry color on this card.  It was created by Sondra Jumper.

This was a 3X3 card swap card created by my friend, Kim Lott.  Love the sentiment!

Little treat holders are SO much fun to make and receive!  Too cute!

Baby cards, anyone?  This first one is an adorable little girl card made by Latisha Dinkel. The Baby's First Framelit set is such a versatile one for any baby cards or scrapbook pages!

The sweet baby boy card was created by Val Kjack.

I hope these swap cards whet your appetite to see more!  And, boy, do I have a lot more to share with you!

Shop for these and all your stamping supplies 24/7 through my online store.  Happy Stamping!

My Favorite Things from Convention 2014 - Part 2

My next 'favorite things from convention' has to be all the sneak peeks!  I love seeing what's going to be coming and I'm super excited about the upcoming Holiday catalog!  It will be here before you know it!

First let me share a sneak peek from Paper Pumpkin.  We each got to create this adorable little Halloween treat bag that will be coming out in a future My Paper Pumpkin Kit. 

Speaking of Paper Pumpkin - Did you know that if you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by September 10th, you'll receive the first 2 months for 50% off?  These kits are so much fun to make!  Paper Pumpkin is a monthly kit that is delivered straight to your doorstep and it's your 30 minute creative escape.  Each month the kits are different and they're a surprise!  Why not give it a try while it's 50% off?

I can't wait to give these out to my friends on Halloween!  Head over to My Paper Pumpkin page to get signed up during this amazing promotion.

Below are several sneak peek project ideas!   The products used to make these projects will be available when the new Holiday catalog launches on September 1st.  I've seen this catalog in person and OH BOY!  It's amazing!!

This adorable Halloween wreath is a kit!  SO cute!!  I'd love to have this hanging on my front door!

Of course, lots of Christmas card and tag ideas!

 Feathers!  Feathers are so popular and they're great for any occasion!

I love that as a convention attendee, we get to see so many new products and projects!  Sneak peeks are definitely 'one of my favorite things'.  

Inspire. Create. Share. Stampin' Up! Convention 2014

The hardest part, for me, when coming home from Convention is trying to create blog posts that share and convey the excitement and energy I felt while I was there.  There are also so many ideas and sometimes I just don't know where to start.

So, I decided I would do several posts entitled "A Few of My Favorite Things" (from convention, of course).  That way, I can focus on a couple things at a time and not overwhelm you (or myself).

This being the first post, I have to start with the friendships!  Over the years of attending convention (I think 6 total!), I have met so many amazing and creative people and I love knowing that I'll see them at least once a year at convention.

Let me introduce you to my friend, Genevieve.  She and I met at Founder's Circle last year and we became instant friends!  This past May we even went on the Stampin' Up! cruise together (with my family and her daughter) and not only did our daughters become fast friends, they are also now long distance pen pals!  Love that!

Can you tell what our goal is for this next year?  During convention, Stampin' Up! announced that the next incentive trip will be a cruise to Spain, France and Italy!

Genevieve also gave me these little books as a gift (one for me and one for my daughter).  Too cute!  Thank you, Genevieve!

Next, I'd like to introduce my new friend, Laura!  Laura and I have been texting project ideas back and forth for months and we finally met during convention!

Laura also had a little gift for me - an adorable box with candies inside!  Isn't that the cutest?

I just love the way the box folds up and the lid keeps everything closed.  When the lid comes off, the box just springs open!  Thank you, Laura, for such an adorable little gift!

Finally, I'd like to introduce you to two ladies who are in my Stampin' Up! family tree somewhere.  (There's a lot of us to keep track of.)  Charity is in the middle and Mimi is on the right.  Both are amazing stampers and friends!  Seeing each other every year at convention is always fun!  (Charity and I both presented together during the same session!)

I guess my first 'favorite thing about convention' has to be the friendships.  Through our common interest in stamping, many friendships have been made!  And I'm looking forward to many more and new friendships to come!