It's cute but what is it?

Here's something I made yesterday trying to come up with crafts for my daughter's birthday.  I thought this was hilarious.  I think I need to tweak the design a bit.  I got the idea off of you tube.  When I showed my family they all thought it was cute but didn't know what the purpose was for.  Hmm, my craft has to have a functional purpose?  Can't we just make it and look at it and think it's cute?
The you tube lady said she made it as a valentines holder so all the kids in the class can put their valentines into the mouth.  So yes, it is supposed to have a purpose but not completely applicable to my daughter's birthday party.  Hmmm back to the drawing board...

I mostly used the circles #2 big shot die to do the eyes and nose.  The teeth were done with the scallop edge punch.

Craftin' with my girl

My daughter is super excited about her Stampin' Up! craft birthday party this Saturday.  She let me know last week that on Saturday we had to plan what crafts we're going to do at her party. She also let me know that all the crafts had to be valentine themed since she her birthday is so close to Valentines Day.  Boy, my little girl is more demanding than any hostess!  Smile.   She was excited to try a little favour box with the petal cone die and this is what we made.  She got a little discouraged about the sticky strip part.  She was worried it would be too hard for her friends to peel off the backing of the sticky strip adhesive.  I reassured her that we could probably use the tombow glue and it would be fine.

On to work on more projects for her valentines themed birthday party!

Stamp Space Makeover

Do you remember way back I had entered a contest to try and win a Stamp room makeover from Stampin' Up?  I didn't win the contest but I thought it was so fun to see the winner and what the Gardner family did to transform this demonstrator's stamping space.

Cool eh?  Wish I could stencil as fast as Sara!

Sale-a-brate with fabric and hearts

Just thought I'd quickly share another card using the flirtatious fabric.  Another sale-a-bration freebie!
This was a swap I received from Elaine Paget at Leadership.
I thought it was neat how she punched out the hearts and made them like a peek a boo window with the sentiment underneath.
I will be putting in a group order this weekend so please get your order to me by Sunday.  Sale-a-bration is here!  Remember, one freebie for every $60 you spend!

A swap and a shaker

Just thought I'd share a swap I received that I thought was neat and a shaker card that I did at a recent club meeting.
First the swap.  It uses a catalogue set called Language of Friendship.  This set will be available as a sale-a-bration pick starting tommorrow.  I thought it was so interesting how they placed the bird in the stamped greenery.  I also liked how they used the new punch that goes with the mixed bunch stamp set and layered the oval punches on top.

 This card was created from my brain.  I was desperate to play with the new everyday enchantment dsp and I wanted to show my club girls how the shaker frames work so this is what I put together.  Isn't it great how the fresh vintage stamp set matches with the dsp so perfectly?  You almost can't tell that it's a stamp...looks almost like the paper underneath that shaker frame.  The sentiment is the curly cute set.  Of course I had to add some of that new pool party seam binding.

More pictures

Hoping that a picture will share a thousand words, here are more pictures from my time here in San Antonio.  I'm currently at the airport gate waiting so we'll see how many pics I can upload before my battery goes...
Of course there were samples and creative inspiration EVERYWHERE

Then there were inspirational talks and demonstrations.  I really enjoyed Shelli's demonstrations. She taught how to make the cutest little treat cover using the framelit label die.  I can't wait to go home to make it since it was so easy.

What I really liked about her demonstration is that it was so natural and not polished.  By this I mean that she made lots of "mistakes" forgetting her scrap paper, stamping when there was a bump under the table so the image wasn't totally clear, forgetting the name of the attic boutique dsp.  For some reason, she was so cute even though her simple project seemed to take a while to make because she seemed to be a bit off.  Generally being human.  You know what? It made me remember that when I'm doing a workshop or class, it's okay that I make tons of mistakes all the time.  I don't know if I"m as endearing as Shelli when making mistakes and being disorganized but it is a good reminder to know that nobody has to be perfect when demonstrating.  Anyone can demonstrate stamping.  (that's my not so subtle plug here for $150 demonstrator starter kit!  :-))

The theme of the conference was "My Way".  Basically the over riding message was that we are all different and will naturally run our stamping classes and events and business in different ways.  Throughout the conference there were lots of demonstrators who shared "their way" of doing things.  It's so true.  With anything in life things are not a one size fits all but in Stampin' Up! there is room for all of our unique differences.  I loved that message.

To highlight that message, the corporate team took turns sharing personal things about themselves and what they love.  Here's Chad the information guy showing that he loves anything with motors.  Yes, it really is a Harley on stage.

This is my third major Stampin' Up! event but the first time I won prize patrol!  Woohoo!  There are gifts they give to all attendees but there are some they only give to some people.  We all had different kind of wrist bands and occasionally they will call a colour pattern combo and anyone with that colour and pattern jumps up and they come and give you your prize.  The very last prize patrol they called out my band colour.  I jumped up and screamed!  I won the apothecary stamp set and framelits!

Apparently I was on the big TV screen at the front but myself or my friends didn't even notice because we were so excited.  Generally how it works when they announce prize patrol is that as soon as the bracelet colour is announced, you know immediately if you have won or not and if you didn't win, you immediately look at your friends to see if any of them are jumping up because if you don't win, the absolute next best thing is for someone in your gang to win.  So I guess we were all excited we didn't even notice I was on the screen. 

After the closing of the general session we went out for dinner and took a boat ride along the river that runs through San Antonio.  It was lovely and at least I can say I did something touristy even though I didn't make it to the Alamo.  It wasn't until I paid for my riverboat ticket and got on the boat, pleased that I managed to fit in a touristy activity, that I suddenly remembered that I get very easily motion sick.  I had a moment of panic worried that I would ruin everyone's experience by barfing on the boat.  I made sure I sat near the rail in case I had to hang my head over the edge.  Fortunately the boat went real slow and in the tiny river the water was very calm. 

As usual, I have to close by saying, that the best part was the friendships and relationships. 

Looking forward to seeing you all back in Canada!

on my way home

I"m on my way home.  Although I'm flat exhausted I am so glad I came.  I'm waiting for my airport shuttle and can't wait to see my husband and kids.
I have so much to share and am so glad to have met up with my friends and get great stamping ideas.

I"ll post more when I get some sleep and get home.

A day of announcements and learning

It was such a full full day today.  First, up in the morning to get ready and get breakfast.  Then over to the convention hall to swap while we waited for the doors to open for general session.
Here's one of the cute swaps I received using the new upcoming exclusive sale-a-bration set: sprinkled expressions

Isn't the sweet shop paper so cute with it?

I swapped all my cards and can't wait to have some time to just sit and browse leisurely through all the swap cards I received.
The general session was full of excitement.  Stampin' Up! likes to share new announcements at their events.  They consider it a special perk for event attendees.
Want to know some of the new announcements????
Here we go....!!!
1) Stampin' Up will be releasing a diagonal scoring plate that fits on top of the simply scored tool.  WOOHOO!!!!  A fabulous tool to easily make boxes and envelopes and other 3-D.  I can't wait to get it in my hands.
2) Stampin Up! has made some changes to their catalogue program.  There is so much to say about this but I know that they want to make the catalogue more accessible to more people, less overwhelming more user friendly.  They are continuing with the one annual catalogue but the release date is changing to...JUNE 1st!  This means we will have a brand new catalogue with new in colours coming out in 5 months.  There is more about the catalogue program but I'll leave you hanging here...
3) They are discontinuing the decor elements line and the simply adorned line...so if there's anything you've been wanting to get...now is the time.

The other great thing are the prizes and freebies.  A couple of ladies who have been with the company Forever, just recently promoted to the highest title that exists.  They were rewarded with a LUSH trip to the West Indies and this giant basket of product.

Of course we were excited for these ladies but we were all more excited to receive our own free product.  Of course it wasn't a basketful but we love the mds cd, rhinestones and pearls, new stamp set from the new not yet released catalogue and our very on pool party ruffled ribbon. yeah.  Look how happy the whole auditorium gets when they hand out free stuff!  We just stand up and clap and dance and jump around and smile a lot. 

Here's a pic of me and Linda and Heather with our freebies.  For some reason I am just so tickled pink about the pool party ruffled ribbon.  I just can not stop thinking about how much I love that colour and now I will have ribbon to match the paper! 

We then had a delicious lunch, an afternoon full of classes and then we went out for dinner. 

I'm so sorry Kevin, I don't want to make you jealous but we went out for Mexican for dinner.  I almost felt like I was cheating on my husband because normally I am with him when I go out for Mexican.  I just love eating guacamole and deep friend cheesy enchaladas.  Yum.  The weather was so nice here and there are loads of restaurants just beside the river.  It's so quaint with stone walkways I felt like I was in Europe or something.  Here's some pictures of us as we're walking to  dinner

We also were serenaded at dinner by a cute mariachi (sp?) band. 

Oops, I forgot to mention that I sat in front of Sara Douglass, Shelli's daughter at one of the classes so I couldn't help but turn around and say hi.  (Esther, if you're reading this you have to know that the first thing Sara did was ask about you and how you're doing!)

Okay, that was my full full day.  I'm having fun, I'm glad I came and I"m looking forward to more fun and announcements and hopefully freebies tommorrow!

Wisteria Elegance

Here's a beautiful stamp set called: Elementary Elegance.  This was the first one that caught my eye when I first started browsing the sale-a-bration catalogue.  I like how that curly label punch fits right inside.

I wanted to make a simple card that could be made quickly and easily.  This is what I came up with.

  I finally used the flirtatious fabric that I had been hoarding.  (I bought it to sew a swap bag.  Sadly, the fear of sewing overcame me and I never did end up sewing the bag so I gave myself permission to use it on my cards!)

I bought the fabric months ago but you can earn it free during sale-a-bration!  Don't forget, you get one free sale-a-bration item with every $60 you spend starting January 24th!

Want to come and check out my leadership swaps and play with some new sale-a-bration things?  Make sure you contact me to come out to my sweet and simple class this month on January 26th.  7:00pm.  You get to make 4 cards for $15 or free with $30 purchase.  Bring a friend, make a double set!  Come out out!  I'd love to share my enthusiasm with you!

A few pictures...

What can I say?  I had an awesome time tonight.  A beautiful evening with great friends.  I've got to go to bed but wanted to share some pictures:

This was us after we first picked up our bags.  From left to right: Nancy, Joanne, Heather, Me and Lynda F.  (Linda W hadn't yet arrived)
Here we are standing in line for the managers reception acrobatic show


I loved the chinese acrobatic show tonight.  I alternated between clapping in amazement and holding my breath in fear that these acrobats would seriously injure themselves.

Then after the show we went out for coffee and dessert.  Yum!

Can't wait until tommorrow when the presentations start.  I saw Dale Hamshire, Stampin' Up's Canadian Corporate team member tonight.  He said that there were going to be some great announcements this week.  Can't wait to hear them!

My cute bag!

I can't wait to share my pictures with you.  Here's a picture of the cute leadership bag we received this year!

Seeing such cute, bright fabric couldn't help but make me smile even though I went to bed past midnight and woke up at 5:00am. 
Why did I wake up at 5:00am when there was no main stage presentation today and this is not the crazy convention mentality?  In fact it is still not entirely clear to me but my roomates had set the wake up call for 5:00am because they said we had to meet our other friends at 8:00am.  This was an unsatisfactory explanation to me.  I kept asking in a dopey confused voice why we were waking up at 5:00am.  Nancy had already gotten up and jumped into the shower so Heather was trying to patiently explain that there were three of us in the room and if we each take an hour to get ready, we would need this time.  I still couldn't figure it out.  I tried very hard to make my brain understand while talking to Heather.  I didn't want to sound rude or ungrateful but I was trying to grasp if we were going to wake up at 5am every day.  I also worried that when our 4th roomate arrived, we would have to start waking up at 4 am.  I tried to explain my thinking: that if we were all getting ready at the same time in the morning, we wouldn't need 1 hour plus 1 hour plus 1 hour.  We could just get up 1 hour before we needed to leave.  Heather then patiently explained that we couldn't all be in the shower at the same time.  This still seemed like an unsatisfactory explanation for a 5 am wake up but by this time I gave up trying to understand and just accepted that we were awake for the day.
So, today was bag pick up day and make and take session.  I loved the make n take session.  I managed to complete many of the cards.  Yea!
I also loved the make n take session because I got lots of goodies.  A package of buttons, lucky limeade bakers twine, the beautiful twitterpated paper, the mixed bunch stamp set and so much more!  I also got this beautiful fabric folder that can hold notes, an e-reader (which I don't own) or whatever else I want to put in there.  I loved the My Digital Studio Tag signed by Shelli!

We had a wonderful lunch and I took more pictures.  The other girls have gone shopping but I decided I'd better take a rest otherwise I might crash at Managers Reception tonight.  I'm supposed to be napping but I couldn't wait to show you my little gifts!

I'm Here!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  I'm here in San Antonio!  I was stuck at Pearson for quite a while since flights couldn't land due to fog which caused me to get rebooked and re-routed through Dallas.  I just passed the time at Pearson by eating and surfing the internet.  I kept looking for opportunity to eat because I was afraid that I was going be famished on the airplane if I didn't eat.  Pairing my meal with this FIJI water reminded me of Stampin' Up! and friends and fun.

Once I got to Dallas I technically had a 4 hour layover until my flight to San Antonio but since I had nothing better to do, I ran to each gate that had an American Airlines flight to San Antonio to hopefully get on by stand-by. I think there were 3 flights to San Antonio before mine.   I made it onto the second one.  Yea! I finally arrived in San Antonio by around 9:45 I think but of course my luggage didn't arrive since it was booked to come in on the last flight.  I worried momentarily about my swaps but I figured getting to San Antonio and getting to the hotel was first priority and my swaps would arrive when they arrived.

I was so happy to get to the hotel room and see my two friends.  What were they doing when they got there?  Making their swaps!

Lots to share but I have to get ready for the day!
I'll share more later!  My munchkins, if you are reading this, I miss you!  I called you guys this morning but you didn't answer!  Hope you had a great day at school!

One day I hope to get to San Antonio!

I was awake early all excited to finally embark on this adventure to San Antonio.  I got to the airport in plenty of time.  I waited at the gate.  I waited some more.  I kept waiting until they announced that the plane I was supposed to get on was not landing due to bad visibility.  The plane had to re-route to buffalo.  Here is what it looks like at Pearson right now:

Okay, I admit, it's a little foggy.  The problem is I was supposed to fly to Chicago and then connect on to San Antonio.  There are no direct flights to San Antonio.  So, I've been rebooked to leave Toronto at 3:45pm (instead of the planned 11:55 am) and fly to Dallas.  The Stampin' Up! demonstrator in front of me in line got the last seat on the earliest flight out of Dallas to San Antonio.  (note to self: next time I am at the airport, sit at a seat closest to the ticket counter so that if a flight is cancelled, I can rush and be first in line!)
I will layover in Dallas for a long time and will hopefully get on the last flight out and be in San Antonio by midnight.  Groan.  It's going to be a long day!

On a positive note, I decided that this glitch in plans meant that I could console myself with a bag of Doritos.  How often do I get to just sit and do nothing and eat chips?  Not often enough, I think.
I also thought I would take a picture of these card folders I made for my roomates and share them with you.  I was DETERMINED to make something for my roomates and friends because when I went to convention, they brought lovely gifts for me and I had NOTHING for them.  How was I supposed to know that it must be some sort of etiquette to hand make something for your long distance stampin' friends that you reunite with at convention?
In order not to be shamed again, I had to make something.  I thought these were simple and easy and could also be used by them in their business.

Hee Hee.  You can see the corner of my Doritos chip bag in the picture. 

Here's a close up of the card.  You know I like these friends because I spared no expense.  There is an antique brad on every card!

Okay, I think my laptop is running out of battery.  I have to go!  I"ll keep you posted and hopefully will be in San Antonio sometime today...even if it's midnight!

Outlined Occasions Bling

As promised, here's another sale-a-bration sample.  This one uses the up and coming sale-a-bration Exclusive set called: Outlined Occasions.
I used up my very last piece of silver glimmer paper on this card.  Good thing the silver glimmer paper has carried over and is still available for purchase even though the holiday mini is gone.
This card also uses the cute everyday enchantement brads...another sale-a-bration exclusive.  In fact, you can earn the brads, ribbon and co-ordinating stamp set FREE with your qualifying workshop or private class!
I LOVE sale-a-bration.  It is my very favourite time of the Stampin' Up! year.  I love free stamps!

I am going to schedule one post for when I"m gone in Texas just in case I can't blog when I'm away. (but I really hope I can!) 

Not so bad...

I was so worried that today would be a complete write-off because of my crippled back.  I didn't get to pack and get ready for leadership, I didn't get to make the gifts for my roomates but I am still thankful for today.
Moving around was a little painful so I just sat and cleaned up my e-mail and I finally got around to starting to book my dining reservations for the Disney Incentive Trip.  Just thinking about the Disney trip in May lifted my spirits.  It just made me so thankful to have such a great hobby job and especially grateful for all my team girls and customers and friends and God who made this amazing reward possible! 
The evening was capped off by having our friend and photographer Jeff Ho come to show us the pictures he took of our family over the holidays.  As a Christmas gift to my parents and brother, I arranged for Jeff to come and take some pictures.  Even with my painful back I loved looking through the pictures.  I just gave up and told him I'd order a book so he could just put all the pictures in it.  Here's one of my favourites:

So, what I thought would be a terrible day ended up being not so bad...

Sale-a-bration is around the Corner!

The biggest and most famous Stampin' Up! promotion is around the corner...Sale-a-bration!
Sale-a-bration is great because everyone benefits!
Hostesses earn a free tote and stamp set, brads and ribbon with their qualifying workshop.
Customers earn a free sale-a-bration item with each $60 purchase
Join the Stampin' Up! family for an amazing price and get a free package of designer paper every month for the rest of the year!
Here's one of the catalogue sets that you can get for free during sale-a-bration.  It's called "Party this Way".  Here's a super cute card I made using this set

The clouds were made with the cupcake punch.
Keep an eye on my blog as I hope to be updating it with other sale-a-bration samples and I am leaving for Leadership Conference on Tuesday!  I hope to be able to access the internet so I can show swap samples and other fun adventures.
In case you are wondering how I am proceeding with my swaps, I had a setback.  My back went out on me last night.  Fortunately, I had invited friends over to come and help me with my swaps so we were able to get a total of over 85 done.  So satisfying!  Thank you so much Mel and Michelle!

Spring Stamp Camp!

I've had many requests from last year's attendees so here it is again...
Stamp camp!
A full day to treat yourself.  I will prepare the make n takes, lunch, goody bags and prizes.  You just come and enjoy.
Take a day for yourself.  You deserve it!  Bring a friend and receive a discount on the fee.
I hope you can see the details in the flyer pictured above otherwise click on the picture and you may get a better image.
Details:
Date: Saturday April 28th 9:30-4:30pm
Camp Options: Inspiration A is 12 make n take cards $70
Inspiration B is 8 make n take scrapbook pages (likely 12X12 size)  $70
Get it Done Option: Bring your own supplies and work on your own unfinished projects $55

The day includes snacks, lunch, a goody bag full of product, prizes, WoW breakout sessions and more!
Hope you can make it!
To register just email me at genevieve.ko@sympatico.ca
or use this link below:

                  Registration is not confirmed until payment is received.  Once this form is completed, please mail Genevieve a cheque for registration fees. 

You will receive a confirmation email from Genevieve once registration form is completed.

I've invited you to fill out the form Registration Form - Stamp Camp 2012. To fill it out, visit:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEppT1lOaW1zd3pyd19HSFFNR2VITFE6MQ

Those Crazy Crafty People!

I am procrastinating.  I should be writing my O.T. reports.  We have been told that we now have to do all our reports online on a new computer system.  Learning new things is hard when I'd rather be stamping. 
I'd probably have been done by now if I weren't constantly checking my e-mail, and facebook.  With leadership only one week away, there is so much chatter going on about where we're going to meet, where we're going to eat, sharing opinions about swaps etc etc.
So, I"m on one of my facebook group full of stamping demonstrators and I see this picture and I have to show you.  Jill Hiller (sp?) made this as a Christmas gift for her UPS man.  I'm sure many of you have heard me talk about the UPS man.  All stampin' up demonstrators love the UPS man because they bring us our beautiful stampin supplies.  I am sure I am not the only one that runs to the door as soon as I see that brown truck slowing down in front of my house!
Anyway, I love crafting but I have NEVER made anything for my UPS man.  Actually, I would maybe consider it if I always had the same guy.  He's always changing! 
Anyway, I digress (more procrastinating...)  Here's the picture:

Really, during the holidays this demonstrator (who is one of the top 100 in the U.S.) has time to craft for her UPS man???  Those crazy over achievers!

Must Make Swaps!

Okay, Leadership is now one week away and still no swaps!!!!  I think I"m going to do this card.  It uses the new Rue Des Fleurs stamp set from the occasions mini.  I thought the paper daisies sponged with soft suede ink added to the vintage feel of the card.

I woke up this morning and all was quiet in the house and I ran downstairs to the craft cave and started cutting.  I knew I didn't have much time before the kids awoke...20 minutes at the most.  I figured if I started preparing the paper, I could stick them on when I had time later.  I managed to get most of the pieces for 15 cards cut before a little munchkin showed up asking me to help him find his stuffed Pablo Penguin. 

If any of you out there want to come and visit with me anytime this week, PLEASE come for a visit...as long as you don't mind that I"ll put you to work assembling my swaps.  ;-P

Crafting with Team S.T.I.C

Just thought I would share some pictures with you from the last team meeting.  We totally filled up the available space with all the people and make n takes!  (If anyone has any leads on space that I can rent...low on cost, big on space, please let me know!)
Here's some of the girls having fun stamping:

This is something one of the girls shared.  She stamped avery labels and wrapped them around hershey nuggets.  Then she stamped and punched out the triple treat flower to put on top.  The other ones that look like butterflies, she created by stamping the mixed bunch flower then punched them out using the co-ordinating punch from the occasions mini.  She then hand cut triangles at the top and bottom to make them look like butterflies.  What a great idea!  I can't wait to try this.

Here's one of the make n takes I prepared using the single Easter Dove stamp from the occasions mini.  I really love how the Lace Ribbon Border Punch totally adds to the interest of the card along with the textured impressions embossing folder and polka dot embossing folder.  I used elegant eggplant for the colour..

Here's a close up of the stamped image where you can see the dazzling details I put on the dove.

Hope these samples inspire you and that you take time to craft this weekend.

An Invitation

Leadership Conference in San Antonio Texas is in just two and a half weeks.  I am certainly looking forward to getting away to warmer weather.  I was feeling a bit bummed out yesterday because I hadn't yet received my invitation to managers reception (which is a special night of food and entertainment for those who are at the manager/counselor level or above).  I knew they would still let me attend because I was eligible but I wanted the hard copy of the invitation because I like souvenirs for my scrapbook and I had heard that the invitation was special and unique this year.  When I called demonstrator support they said it must have gotten lost in the mail but they had no extras to send me.  Boo.
When I woke up this morning, Kevin said, "I think you want to go down to your desk and see what is there".  I shouted "yipee!" cuz I knew he must've picked up the mail late last night.
I went down and ripped open the envelope and this is what I saw:

Inside, was this beautiful fan!  This invitation is in keeping with the entertainment which is a chinese acrobatic show.   I love how Stampin' Up! pays attention to the little details to make things just right. 

Speaking of the little details, here is a very very special make n take that I am preparing for my Team S.T.I.C girls tonight. 

When you take off the lid of the box, the base falls open like this:

I was looking for a way to show the girls how much I appreciate their friendship, and stampin' enthusiasm.  I hope this detailed make n take let's them know that I love them and LOVE having them in my life. 

Joining the Stampin' Up! family is easy and almost irrisitable with the sale-a-bration promotion coming up.  I would love to talk to you about how being on Team S.T.I.C is not only fun but rewarding!