Convention Highlights

I underestimated how busy I would be at convention and how tired I would be by the time I got back to my room.

Here are some highlights and pics from the last couple days:



The gathering hall was the place to pick up our convention bags and new catalogs. Janie quickly did a look-see to check out the goods.


While looking at the various display boards, we found a card Janie had submitted during regionals...how cool is that!

Shelli made a few announcements during general session. She will be joining the blogging world with a new blog called 'so shelli'. The blog will be live August 4 on www.soshelli.com.

Stampin' Up! will have a 21 page spread in Country Living's holiday issue. Special stamp kits will be available.

Shelli is releasing a personal collection.


The stage looked cool.

So far, convention has been a great experience. Swapping was mayhem but fun. Memento Mall was just okay for me. I bought pens.

One more day to go.

We Made It!

Janie and I are checked in at Hotel Monaco SLC (very cute boutique-y hotel)! More updates tomorrow...let the madness begin!

Swaps for Stampin' Up! Celebrate '08

I'm excited and apprehensive all at the same time about my trip to Salt Lake City. I generally don't like being in excessively, huge crowds so this is definitely going out of my comfort zone. Anyways, I've chose to embrace the event and throw myself into the craziness of swapping.

Generally, I opt out of this activity because I never have time to create an enormous amount of cards. Surprisingly, I was prepared enough to finish my general swaps. As if that wasn't enough, I'm participating in organized swaps and hosting one!

I made two card fronts for general swapping. I wanted to make something easy and chose the 'seasonal whimsy' set. I used the 'so swirly' wheel for the backgrounds on each card.


I contemplated making atcs for general swap but found an organized swap instead. I thought the 'priceless' set would work well for the small atc canvas.


I signed up for a one layer challenge swap. I am a layer chick and thought this would be a good way to expand my creative thinking. I've always thought the flourish in the 'priceless' set looks a bit like blowing snow. With that in mind, I went for a christmas card and used 'big on christmas'. We could add one embellishment and chose the bashful blue grosgrain striped ribbon.

I'm also participating in a shoebox swap but have yet to finish (or start) that one.

While dinking around on splitcoast, I found out people make gifts for their roomies. I covered a notebook (found at JoAnn's $1 bin) with the new 'bella rose' dp and 'dreams du jour' stamp set. In the gift pack, I also added stickies in the shape of a 'j', a little photo book, and a couple of individual stamps.

Time to get crackin'on the packin'!

Almost Ready to Go...

Convention is just a few days away and I'm still working on my last group of organized swaps. It has been a C-R-A-Z-Y month for me! Between work and getting all my cards done, I'm feeling the need for a relax by the beach, sipping margaritas, read a couple books vacation!

I haven't had much time for fun card making so I thought I would post a cute pic of my pug Freddy at the Oregon coast. This picture was taken during our 4th of July getaway to Cannon Beach. I meant to post other pictures but did not find the time (maybe after I get back from SLC).

Anywhoo, I'm going to try and update the blog between 7/30 - 8/1 with convention tidbits. Let's hope my husband gets me the new macbook I've been wanting before I leave!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Amuseapalooza Preview Party @ Monkey Love

My friend Janie and I joined the AP fun at Monkey Love Rubber Stamps. If you haven't seen the new stamps, check out the amuseapalooza site...they are fa-bu-lous!

Monkey Love Rubber Stamps had a super fun preview party. There was a holiday card contest (which I won and have posted here!) and 5 make and takes. They also gave out party bags full of a muse goodness!



Janie and I met a couple fellow a muse addicts (Hi Kim and Katie!). It's always nice to chat with everyone in person!



Needless to say, I purchased a few new items. I love the new vintage notecards and paper and I can't wait to make my christmas cards with the new 'Missy's Holiday' clear set...it is absolutely adorable!

Now I'll patiently wait for the new Seattle stamps!

Happy 4th of July

I'm still here! I've been busy lately with work and getting my swaps ready for convention...too crazy for me right now! Anywhoo, I'm enjoying my 4th of July weekend on the beautiful Oregon Coast. I'll have some pics to post later!

3 days till the amuseapalooza preview party! I can't wait!