Convention, SO INCREADIBLE!!!!

IT WAS SOOOOOOO AMAZING!!!! Ok, so the FIRST wrist band that they showed for a door prize was MINE!!! I didn't win a thing last year and this year was SO different, I got some much FREE stuff it was AWESOME!!! I had a blast. I won the scallop edge punch and package of DSP and a stamp set...I don't remember what it was called because I had to ship a ton of stuff that I won and bought since my bag wouldn't hold it all, and it has not made it home yet. :( I can't wait till it gets here! This is a sneak peak of what Phase 2 of the Decor Elements will look like, can we say our signature designer colors and even more ADORABLE shapes and variety!!! I can't wait! I will be sharing more photos of these items later in the week for you to preview, MAN do I LOVE the wall decor!!! Wait till you see the other idea's they came up with.
This was me trying to get a pic of my BUDS and my cousin was talking (I think) before I snapped it, it was just so darn funny I HAD to put it in, when she sees it she will kill me! Although she has a pic that she might post of me that is pretty funny as well, I will have to wait and see. :)
Now, those are some FUN gals!! We were so sleep deprived and dehydrated that we usually had head aches and dozed off in a few classes and had to be nudged by one or the other, but even with that we had a BLAST and would do it over and over again!

Convention Continued...

These were my BUDS at Convention, on the right of me (I am in the pink *grin*) is my cousin Shannon (this was her first Convention and she had a BLAST and on the left is my Demo friend Carlyse (she adopted me at my first Convention last year when I went alone and she befriended me- she is a sweetie!!!!) This is a small glimpse of what 6000 demo's look like when they are trying to swap cards, dance, get a glimpse of Jaren, and catch up with old friends!!
The BIG Give away at the last General Session!!! EVERYONE got a RMHC (Ronald McDonald House) stamp set "Say it with Scallops" This set is adorable and seriously it felt like we were on Oprah's "My Favorite Things" Show!!!
The last thing we did was head to the SU! Home office where we took photos of us in front of and on top of the SU! Sign. We actually were being honked at while we were taking these. The other gals were amazed that I was able to make it up there without killing myself or messing up my pedicure. :) Although if you lean to far back you fall right off...

Where in the World is Erin??

Ok, so it has been almost a month since my last post...I have no real GOOD excuse other than I have not felt *REAL* creative. I am not really sure why but I assume it is because since my kids are out of school, I don't have a ton of personal free time. I work M-Wed during the week so when I am off on Thurs. and Fri. I feel that I should do fun things with them since they are stuck in the house with my while I work. So no *ME* time, at least until school starts. Although I did come across this picture on another blog a few months ago, and I get a kick out of it EVERY time I see it, so I thought I would share. I am counting down the days until CONVENTION!!! I am super excited and trying to get everything done and printed before so I DON"T forget a thing!!! If I get a chance I will post something crafty later this week...HOPEFULLY!!! :)

EDIT: I almost forgot...TOMORROW Stampin' Up! will post all the RETIRING ACCESSORIES LIST, I will send them to you (if you are on my mailing list) via email first thing tomorrow! I can not wait, and I know you will want to grab the items you want ASAP because unlike the stamps once the items on the accessories list are sold out, they do not re-stock, so they are gone for good. Believe me that could be MUCH sooner than 8/10, when the current catalog expires. So email or call me with your orders to me ASAP to avoid missing out.

NEW PRODUCT LINE from STAMPIN' UP!

Introducing Decor Elements...Stampin' Up!'s new addition to our Definitely Decorative product line! Our Decor Elements designs coordinate with may of our exciting products, so you can combine them to make beautiful, handcrafted home decor pieces. Personalize your surroundings with a variety of exclusive images designed to create a customized, unique space. With our self-adhesive vinyl elements (which are easy to apply and remove), you'll discover how easy and cost effective it can be to do your own decorating. You purchase any Decor Elements product starting July 1st. If you are currently on my mailing list you will get a copy of your brochure as soon as they arrive, if you would like one then join my mailing list by emailing me erin@stampinstuff4u.com today!

Stamps on VACATION??

Nope, but it is that time of year again! This is the time where Stampin' Up! releases their RETIREMENT LIST for the stamps from the Dormant list of the Fall/Winter Cattie and the current Spring/Summer Cattie. Click on THIS LINK and see the list in its entirety. There have been times before that certain sets (and especially wheels) that have sold out prior to the final deadline (Aug. 8th) for these sets to retire, so get them NOW while you can! :) Contact me today to get those items that will soon be gone!

Another No Brainer! :)

I thought I would share SOMETHING today, even though it is not one of my own creations. :) I am working on something that i hope to have done in the next few days for you to see...but until then ENJOY! :)

FOREVER IN MY HEART CARD

Stamps:ALWAYS STAMP SET

Paper:
CARD STOCK WHISPER WHITE 8 1/2X11
CARD STOCK ALWAYS ARTICHOKE 8 1/2X11
CARD STOCK SOFT SKY 8 1/2 X 11

Ink
CRAFT STAMPIN PAD ROSE RED
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD ROSE RED
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD ALWAYS ARTICHOKE

Accessories:
SPONGE DAUBERS
STAMPIN DIMENSIONALS
SCISSORS CRAFT & PAPER
RIBBON DOUBLE STITCHED RIVER ROCK
ON BOARD HEARTS AND STARS BULK

Instructions

1. Color chipboard heart using Rose Red Craft ink and sponge daubers, and set aside to dry.

2. Stamp heart image in Always Artichoke ink on Always Artichoke card stock (2-1/2″ x 3″), and adhere to card.

3. Stamp heart image in Rose Red ink on Whisper White card stock (2-1/2″ x 3″). Cut out heart, and adhere to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

4. Stamp saying in Always Artichoke ink on card. Stamp again in Rose Red ink on Whisper White card stock scrap. Cut out “Heart,” and adhere to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

5. Adhere chipboard heart to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals. Tie River Rock double-stitched grosgrain ribbon around front of card.

Last of My Convention Swaps...

These are the last 2 final swaps I am doing for Convention/SCS Dinner swap. I am still deciding and waiting to hear how many i will need for the Dinner Swap. I made 50 of each card and 30 of the 3-D items. I will defiantly swap the candy purses at Convention and more than likely one one or 2 of the cards. I used the PARTY HEARTY set that I earned after Regionals for my swaps for SCS, I love that little set! It is so cute and I could have done more but I wont have any time between now and convention to get any more cards done, which is why I had to finish them now. I hope you enjoy and please do not case for Convention or SCS dinner. Thanks for looking!

**Edited: Oh Yeah, BTW I got the original idea for this candy purse from Dawn's Blog, I love her tutorials, and I tweaked it a little to make them small enough to swap. :)

Happy Anniversary Card

Stamps:
FOREVER IN MY HEART STAMP SET

HUGS & WISHES STAMP SET

HOLIDAYS & WISHES STAMP SET

Paper:
CARD STOCK VERY VANILLA 8 1/2X11
CARD STOCK CHOCOLATE CHIP 8 1/2X11
CARD STOCK TEXTURED NEUTRALS 12 X 12
CARD STOCK TEXTURED EARTH ELEMENTS 12 X 12

Ink
STAMPIN WRITE MARKER ROSE RED
STAMPIN WRITE MARKER CHOCOLATE CHIP
STAMPIN WRITE MARKER OLD OLIVE
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD ROSE RED
CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD OLD OLIVE

Accessories:
CRAFTERS' TOOL KIT
STAMPIN DIMENSIONALS
SCISSORS CRAFT & PAPER

Instructions:

This card would make a perfect Valentine’s Make & Take. Just replace the word “anniversary” with the “Valentine’s Day” image from the Holidays & Wishes stamp set. To make it more economical, replace the textured card stock with smooth Old Olive and Very Vanilla card stock.

1. Ink “Happy” using Old Olive Stampin’ Write marker, and stamp on Very Vanilla textured card stock (4-1/4" x 2").

2. Ink “Happy anniversary” using Chocolate Chip and Rose Red Stampin’ Write markers, and stamp below “Happy.” Adhere to Old Olive textured card (8-1/2" x 5-1/2").

3. Adhere Chocolate Chip card stock (4-1/4" x 1/8") to card. Pierce row of holes along bottom of card using paper-piercing tool from Crafters’ Tool Kit.

4. Stamp small heart image in Old Olive ink on Very Vanilla card stock (1-1/2" x 1-1/2"), and cut out.

5. Stamp large heart image in Rose Red ink on Very Vanilla card stock (3" x 3"), and cut out. Layer small heart on larger heart, and adhere to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

“These greeting stamp sets are perfect to use on any holiday card. Having these two stamp sets in my stamp collection guarantees that I’ll have that perfect holiday greeting I need no matter the season.”

Promotions Galore!!!

Recruiting Special **** Starting today thru 5/31- Stampin' Up! is giving anyone that wants to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator 20% off the starter kit ( a value of $359.00 for ONLY $159.00 Plus you can customize your starter kit to your personal style ) ...If you want to see what all comes in the starter kit CLICK HERE, and flip to the inside back cover... Its all there for you to zoom in on and take a peek! This is great for all of you stampin' girls that missed the Sell-a-bration starter kit special ITS BACK but get this- not only do you get the 20% off the starter kit you also get the Hodgepodge Hardware Kit for FREE a $27.95 value (you even get to choose which assortment you want either Aged copper, Antique Brass or Pewter) HOLY COW!! Check out the flyer on my sidebar for more details and then contact me during the month of MAY to take advantage of this awesome special ... You can enroll on line just CLICK HERE and go to the "Join Stampin' Up!" page and click on ENROLL NOW.

There are all types of Demo's...if you are interested in getting all this stuff at a great price but not that interested in holding classes/workshops or events- no worries...you can take advantage of this GREAT price and get a discount on all your personal purchases, easy as 1, 2, 3!

Cutting Combo Pack Special **** During the month of May Stampin' Up! is offering you a FREE hobby blade with every cutting mat that you purchase. These blades and mats are perfect to use in conjunction with your On Board Chipboard!

Get On Board with Chipboard **** For the entire month of May when you purchase $35 or more of catalog merchandise you receive 25% off all On Board items, which can be found on pages 178-179 of the Spring Summer Catalog! Check out the flyer on my sidebar for additional details.

Ready... Set... SALE-A-BRATION!!!!

Can you believe it is that time AGAIN!!! I have mailed out the catty's to you (if you were on my mailing list prior to Dec. 11th), you should get it some time this week. If you just can't wait that long, I know I wouldn't be able to, then click on the link and take a gander at this years catalog. Don't know what Sale-A-Bration is? Let me explain...for every $50 you spend on Stampin' Up! merchandise you get a free stamp set or package of rub-on's from the 2008 SAB Mini Catalog. There are 5 different stamp sets and 1 package of rub-on's to choose from.

The best part of this all is the stamp camp that myself and 2 other Demo's are putting together for March 7th. You will get to make 6 different projects many of which use the sets and rub-ons from the SAB mini catalog. Check out my Creative Projects page on my website to see what we will be making at the camp. Oh I almost forgot that included in the cost of the camp you will get to go home with your very own package of RUB-ONS!!!! You can beat that with a stick!!! Check my site for additional details.

Wow, Improvements!

Ok, so here is a sneak peak of my new website BUT there is more great news! I am starting to finally figure out how to use this silly thing! *grin* So I figured out how to add an on-line purchase option (now just to get it set up!) I also (thanks to Heather!!) have figured out how to add a calendar for you to view as well! I am so excited...I also set up my new Stampin' Up! Website tonight. It goes live tomorrow, I hope to have the link change over running SOON! I have to tell you I think I am really going to love this new site. It is SO pretty and so easy to use, I love it. Uploading and updating is SOOOO much easier than my old one. I can also create the most beautiful newsletters as well, and you should see the templates...words are not enough! I might send out a tester for everyone even though I have already sent out my official newsletter for Jan. I can pass it up, it is so pretty. I even have the option to send out invitations for classes, but they are SO much prettier! I am testing a few things first before I go full force, but so far ME LIKEY!!!

I know it has been a few days since the new idea book & catalog has been out but I just cant seem to get with it yet this year. *sigh* But I finally made a list (somewhat LONG I have to admit) of things I need to get done...more frequent posting is defiantly on there! I hope you enjoy this new Catalog- I LOVE IT!!! It is so pretty and such great ideas and new Stamps, what more could you ask for?

If you would like your own copy of this marvelous book just email me your request. The books are $5 each + shipping, great price when you figure the retail cost of the book is $9.99 and it has WAY more ideas than a regular Scrapbook or Craft magazine and for the same price. Take a peek on-line if you would like by visiting my web site and click on the link below the Catalog icon. Enjoy!!

Wrapping Up The Holidays!

Check out these items that are on SALE right now! These items are on sale only until Dec. 15th BUT supplies are limited and once they are gone this sale will be over- even if that happens before the 15th, so GET YOURS TODAY!

November Is a Stampin' Up! Paper Party!!

From November 1-30, purchase three packs of Designer Series papers and receive one pack FREE! ( a $9.95 value) You can find the Stampin' Up! Designer Series papers on pages 170-173 of the Fall-Winter Collection 2007. This promotion also includes any Designer Series papers found in the 2007 Holiday Mini Collection too! Best of all, there are no limits as to the number of free packs you can earn! Make sure to mention Paper Party promotion code 111878 when you place your order!