Stampin' Up Convention 2010

I'm back and still whirling in my mind after all the excitement. I've never seen so many scrapbookers, card makers, rubber stamp users, paper crafting women (and a few men) in one place. It was like being at the biggest CROP in history. I heard there were 2700 women (and a few men) in attendance. I also heard that was down from past years, but for my first experience I think it was the perfect number.

We had classes, workshops, games, parties, swaps (I'll share more about that later), food, snacks, and even a chocolate fountain! I didn't attend all the events, but the ones I did participate in were very informative. I'm rather a laid back sort of woman, so a lot of the hoopla was more than I could enjoy, but for girls who love lots of laughter, music, merry making and girl fun it was perfectly wonderful.

When we arrived we were given THE most adorable purse. It was bright pumpkin pie orange with melon mambo, whisper white and blushing bride pink circles. We were also given three sets of rubber stamps. Through out the four day event I collected all sorts of goodies so my suitcase was really heavy on the trip back to Texas.

The girls in attendance brought boxes full of card fronts and scrapbook pages to swap with each other. They had prearranged to have specific swaps covering specific stamps or subject matter. I was blessed enough to be gifted by a couple gals when they found out I was new and hadn't brought any to exchange.

We had many guest speakers, but I had a couple who turned out to be my favorites. I loved the gal (can't think of her name) who showed us a bunch of ways to use punches. She could sure think "outside the box". Another woman shared business ideas and how to meet the needs of our customers in a load of great ways. I bought her book as I was so impressed with her ideas and her ideals.

Hubby and I came together so instead of spending nights with the gals at the convention we shared quiet time alone and I showed him what I had learned.

There were all sorts of "display" walls set up with card ideas, scrapbook pages, and gift ideas. I am still feeling overwhelmed at all the creative juices that were flowing in that building.

Salt Lake City is a beautiful place. The temperature was right around the low 90s and it even rained a couple times keeping the temps down. We saw all sorts of interesting things after the convention. We had a good time and I was glad I went and that I learned so many new things.

Gadgets and More Gadgets

Permian Basin Jewels Paper Crafters is having it's monthly meeting Tuesday July 13th at 7:00PM at Barnes & Noble in Midland, TX.

This month is all about gadgetry to make paper crafting fun. We will learn the good, the bad and the ugly regarding our favorite and not so favorite tools.

Bring a favorite tool of your own to share.

This meeting is open to the public and there is no cost to join us. Door prizes and just a great time for a bunch of craft happy women.

Hands on demonstrations and questions answered. New products and lots of helpful hints for you scrapbooking gals.

Some of the gadgetry demonstrated: punches, score boards, Crop-A-Dile and Big Bite, Circle cutters, Paper Crimpers, and much more. Ideas to use what you already have in a bunch of new ways.

Bring, yourself, paper and pen, your favorite gadget, $5.00 for the monthly CD.

For directions or for more information you can reach me at cerwelt@gmail.com.

See you there.

Cerise Welter
PB & J Paper Crafters
Ambassador

Knock, Knock

I was at our ministry house today and planned to be all creative and get loads done. Instead I made one thing and then cleaned and reorganized my space. I needed inspiration. Here is all I made. It consists of a tablet back, some grunge board elements from Tim Holtz, brads with alphabets, and ink. I first split the tablet back into two pieces. I then inked it with Stampin Up inks. I used three colors of ink. Then I ruled the "doors" every half inch and drew lines. I then proceeded to make faux knots. After using my Crop-a-dile and Big Bite to make holes for my brads.

I had never worked with grunge board before. It is very flexible, but takes inking very well. I used "Early Espresso" from Stampin Up and then some gold ink from another company. (Sorry I can't remember who.) After they dried I applied some adhesive to the back of the hinges and door lock and applied them to the "door". Once I put the brads in place I added binder rings and voila, they were too small. I found one size larger binder rings and used them. Voila again. (I think I need one sized larger!)

I plan to make pages to go inside my door book. I love the look and plan to add more elements such as keys and perhaps a door sign. It was so much fun and I like the look I achieved. What do you think?

So fun.

Cerise