I'm so happy!

Here's Esther and I fresh at our seats at the Hamilton Regional Conference. Although we were both tired from previous day activities, we couldn't help but look excited and chipper for this much anticipated event. By the time we took this picture we had already swapped many cardfronts with other Stampin' Up! demonstrators and the conference hadn't even officially begun.

While swapping cards who do I see but Shelli Gardner CEO and co-founder of Stampin' Up! I had to say hi and remind her of our meeting earlier in the year and how her insights gave me a broader perspective of the Stampin' Up! experience. Of course, as usual, she was gracious and kind and said "I thought I recognized your voice" which I suppose is a nice way of saying: "I don't remember your face at all!" Anyway, I told her I left my camera at the table (I was holding a whole lot of swap cards) and warned her that I would be back as I absolutely wanted to get a picture. She assured me that we had all day to get pictures. (By now a large crowd was forming around her) So, here are the pictures below.

I have to say the the regional conference did not disappoint. I enjoyed all the make and take projects, the workshop WOW demonstrations on stage, as well as the business tips. The energy in the room was so fun. I knew I had to stay a demonstrator just to enjoy moments such as this conference. Included in our conference fee was a beautiful stamp set from the holiday mini and they gave out free glimmer brads and lots of door prizes. My husband texted me a few times and all I could text back was "I'm so happy!" "I'm so happy!"

Mark Jessen, one of the staff presented a number of times and I think he makes the cutest little projects. Maybe the fact that he was practically the only man in the room made it even more endearing. Here's a little tag he demonstrated. So cute, so easy. I meant to go take a picture with him as well since I felt I knew him from watching all the training videos he's done but didn't get a chance.

I wish I had time to upload all the swap cards I received. If you want to see them, please drop by on my World Card Making day. I'll have them out to view and to touch.

If you want to really experience the full Stampin' Up! experience, make sure to contact me about starting your own Stampin' business. You will receive a free craft tote ($50 value) and a free, not yet released stamp set called Eat Chocolate if you sign up before Oct. 9th.