Me, Lynn and Shelli

Me, Lynn and Shelli at the Regional Seminar in Cincinnati.

I am so busy today...I'll try to get a project posted later!

Thanks for checking in.

dd

Idea Overload!

The Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar was amazing! I am very impressed with how much information they packed in to one day. The Seminar was opened by Shelli asking everyone in attendance to stand and join her in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. It was 9-11, and even though we were there for an enormous amount of fun, we wanted to remember that day, 8 years ago that was not fun at all.

Then the fun began. She shared with us some great projects that she has been working on to welcome home her daughter who has been away for quite some time working in Spain on a Mission Trip. Because they taped this Seminar, to be available to Demonstrators who were unable to attend, I can't show you actual pictures of her projects yet. There was Hands-on stamping, Business tips, Paper-crafting and stamping techniques, swapping with fellow Demonstrators, Presentations by SU! Staff and Local Demonstrators, Lunch, and several Make & Take projects! They also provided blank display boards for everyone to put one of their swap cards up on. That way, we could see and take pictures of all of the great ideas that we may not have received while swapping.

One of the most fun things at Convention and Regionals, is the opportunity to win FREE stamps. After each presenter, they would put 10 names up on the big screen, and those people would win a free stamp set. All of the free sets were sets from the Holiday Mini Catalog. You had to be in your seat at the time the names were shown, or you didn't win. Each time they showed names, someone was not in the room, and they had to pick another name. One of the free sets was the Autumn Splendor set. I have been eying this one, but hadn't ordered it yet. They showed so many awesome projects using this set, that I decided when I got home that I was going to go ahead and order it. When I told Lynn that I didn't have that one she said "oh, you'll win it" I never win anything. Then the 10 names were revealed, #10 Debbie Dutchess. I screamed and jumped up waving my arms, not even noticing that I had knocked over my chair. I was so excited...I won...and a set that I didn't already have!

Another particularly fun part was meeting Shelli. She is so genuine and so sweet to put up with all of us who are eager to get an autograph or the perfect photo. The Regional Seminar is a much smaller group than Convention, so there was virtually no waiting in line. Lynn & I got photos, but they are on her camera. I'll share those as soon as I get them.

As with Convention, we were put to a challenge. The theme is kind of "Back to the Basics", which is kind of funny, because I had, in my mind thought that maybe I should get back to the basics or in other words, start doing more "In-home Workshops" again. I have decided to have a good old fashioned workshop in my home. I will be sending invitations. If you would like more information, contact me. I would love to have you attend! Or, if you are interested in having a workshop with your friends in your home, contact me, I would love to Demonstrate for you!

I have lots of great ideas to share with you!
Thanks for stopping by--
dd

Off And Running Again

Just a quick post today before I leave for Cincinnati for the Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar. I am so excited to be able to attend Regional. I was not able to attend Convention this year, and this is the next best thing. I can't wait to see what fun and exciting things they have in store for us. I do know that one exciting feature is that CEO and Co Founder of Stampin' Up!, Shelli Gardner is going to be presenting. That is definitely an added bonus!

I'm sure I will have lots of fun stuff to share when I get back, so be sure to check in again next week! It's hard to believe another week has flown by again. Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for visiting!

dd

More Wandering Words

Well, I'm back, and the long weekend sure didn't seem long enough! We had a fabulous time though. Scott got to do some fishing, we took a leisurely boat ride, went to the beach, ate great sea food, and relaxed by the pool. Can't wait to do it again!

Back to business today. I just listened to some training information about the new My Digital Studio. I am so excited about this program. I am not a computer wiz, and was concerned that I would have difficulty learning this, or answering questions that my customers may have. But after today, I am not worried at all. It looks so easy...I can't wait to share it with you!

I do have a card for you today. This is another stamp from the Wandering Words Stamp Set in the Holiday Mini Catalog. I used Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Kraft, Naturals Ivory, and Very Vanilla Cardstock. I stamped the image twice, once with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink, and once with Ruby Red on Very Vanilla. Then punched out Santa with the 1" Circle Punch and used Stampin' Dimensionals and adhered him right on top of the first one. I used the Jumbo Grommet to create the perfect hole to tie the 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon through. I created the textured background with my Big Shot and the Texturz Plates Kit #4.

Registration is open for our Holiday Mini Workshop. Thursday, October 8, 2009. If you want to join us in creating several fun projects featuring the products found in the Holiday Mini Catalog, contact me today!

Thanks for visiting today!

dd

On Vacation

I just wanted to let you all know that I am leaving today for a long weekend vacation with my husband to Marco Island. He has been working some incredibly long hours and is in great need of some R&R.

I had hoped to be so organized that I could schedule a couple of posts while I was gone, but that didn't happen. Please check out my Stampin' Up! website to view the Holiday Mini Catalog if you haven't received one in the mail. There are so many fun & exciting new products in it. New dies for the Big Shot, Specialty Designer Series Papers with Metallic and Flocked Papers. Pre-Glittered On Board Chipboard, Gorgeous Ribbons, New Decor Elements, and one of my favorite new additions, Simply Adorned Charms. These will make beautiful Christmas gifts! Also check out the new Build-a-Bear Workshop Dies and Accessories, they are adorable. Then, another favorite, I can't wait to get this myself! My Digital Studio. This is in the mini catalog, but will not be available until October 1, 2009. Stampin' Up! goes Digital. Use exclusive images in this innovative and easy-to-use software studio to make creating cards, photo albums, scrapbooks, and other projects even simpler.

Thanks for stopping by today, I'll see you when I get back!

dd

Wandering Words

Today's card turned out really well, if I do say so myself. You can almost feel the Autumn breeze. This is another set from the Holiday Mini Catalog; Wandering Words. This is a set of 3 stamps, one for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Thanksgiving. The patterned paper is DSP Autumn Traditions, and can be found in the IBC (Idea Book & Catalog). I used coordinating cardstock Always Artichoke, More Mustard, and Very Vanilla. I used the Scallop Edge Punch and the 1/16" Hand Held Punch to create the scallop edge. To get multiple colors on my stamped image, I inked up my stamp with Always Artichoke Classic Ink, and then used my Stampin' Write Markers in Ruby Red and More Mustard to color some of the leaves. Then, huff, and stamp. For the finishing touch, I wrapped some Linen Thread around the Very Vanilla layer and tied it in a knot.

It's not to late! Today is the last day to join the Stampin' Up! family with the purchase of the limited-time Mini Starter Kit. You can join by going directly to my website. All you need is my special code: debbied722

Tomorrow is the first day to place orders from the Holiday Mini Catalog! SU was running a bit behind in mailing them, but everyone should receive their copy by tomorrow. If you haven't received one, you can view the catalog online. Again, just go to my website and you can find it there. Remember, you can place your order while you're there! If you don't receive one in the next couple of days, contact me, and I will send you your very own copy. Selling dates are September 1, 2009 through January 4, 2010.

Check back tomorrow for another project featuring products from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

dd

Lovely as a Tree

I hope you find today's project worth the wait. I was so excited when Lynn brought me one of the new Wood Sheets available as one of the many products that can be used in the Big Shot. When I saw the wood, I immediately thought of my Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set, and of course, I had to see how it would cut with my Big Shot. I cut the Top Note shape just as easily as cutting cardstock or patterned paper. I couldn't even tell a difference!

I was truly inspired, and felt that this project was going to be "frame" worthy, so I planned it around an 8x10 frame that I had with a 5x7 opening. I have done some other projects like this and really enjoy them. I remembered a technique that I had learned a while back that would add just the touch of color that I was looking for; Thumping. First, I inked my multi-tree stamp with Close To Cocoa Classic Ink. Then I used my Stampin' Write Markers in Handsome Hunter, More Mustard and Really Rust and Thumped or Lightly Touched randomly around the trees to create fall colored leaves. Then, huff and stamp directly on the cut Wood Sheet. I used my Stampin' Sponges and sponged the edges of the Wood Top Note with Close To Cocoa Classic Ink. Then, for some added texture, and because it looks like bark, I ran a piece of Chocolate Chip Cardstock through my Big Shot using the Texturz Plate Kit #4, and layered that off center on Handsome Hunter Cardstock. I stamped the little pine cone down the side in Handsome Hunter Classic Ink. I added a piece of Styled Silver Hodge Podge Hardware by tying it on with Hemp Twine. I searched my entire collection of stamps for just the right word. The word Hope is actually from the Sense of Time Stamp Set and is part of one of the sayings. I just used my Stampin' Write Marker in Close To Cocoa, colored just the word I wanted, and stamped it on Very Vanilla Cardstock. Then, I decided I wanted some more dimension, so I stamped the pine tree with Handsome Hunter Classic Ink on Creamy Caramel Cardstock, and cut it out. I mounted it with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Here is a close-up so you can see a little better.

If you have been thinking about joining my Team, for a limited time, you can join by purchasing a Mini Starter Kit for only $85. With your mini kit you will receive the following:

Item Code	Page #*	Description	Retail Value**
115360	118	For All You Do stamp set	$28.95
115658	155	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115656	155	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115659	155	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115654	155	Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115655	155	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115657	155	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
100730	155	Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.50
115315	155	In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.95

*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog
**All products may be substituted for like items; see Mini Starter Kit order form for details.

You will also receive all the usual business items as in the regular Starter Kit.
If you are thinking of joining, and want to purchase the regular Starter Kit, as an added bonus, for a limited time, you will receive all 6 In-Color Classic Ink Pads, and One Pack of In-Color Assorted Cardstock 8-1/2 x 11. This is a $43.65 value! This offer ends August 31, 2009, so contact me today!

Have a Great Weekend!
dd