Tag: paper crafting

Stampin’ Up! Better Together for Christmas in July!

Stampin’ Up! Better Together for Christmas in July!

Hey there! I've scheduled a Christmas in July class! Today's card is one I CASED from the catalog, but changed to fit my style. I used Better Together from page 83. Mostly a sentiment set, there are a few non-sentiment images included. I used a sample from page 82 to get started.

Stampin_up_better_together_carolpaynestamps1 - Copy

Some of my favorite colors for Christmas cards are Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, and Emerald Envy!

Stampin_up_better_together_carolpaynestamps2 - Copy

I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the two sentiments in the tree shape. I used the Classic Label Punch for the trunk, paper-snipping it the size I needed.

Stampin_up_better_together_carolpaynestamps5 - Copy

I embossed the Chocolate Chip  with the Holly Textured Impressions Folder, and used a strip of This Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper on one side. I DISCOVERED!!!! This Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper has 24 sheets instead of the usual 12! The paper is lighter-weight than regular designer paper, but there are four sheets of 6 double-sided designs instead of the usual 2 sheets of 6 double-sided. It's a great value, if you want to make a bunch of cards!

The Crushed Curry star is stamped with a Better Together image.

Stampin_up_better_together_carolpaynestamps3 - Copy

Inside I used an image from Peaceful Pines for the sentiment.

Here's the supply list to use while shopping in my online store: www.carolpayne.stampinup.net

Remember while shopping:

All orders of any amount (except Online Class Orders) will receive a Thank You Project Packet in the mail.

 Check the Clearance Rack for savings of up to 60%!

When your order is at least $35 (before tax & shipping) and you use the June Hostess Code:   MPESNHAJ you will receive the June Online Class; six COMPLETED cards, two each of three designs, with envelopes and instructions, FREE! TODAY AND TOMORROW ARE THE LAST DAYS to get your order in to receive the June Class!!!!!

Stampin_up_pop_of_paradise_June_online_class_carolpaynestamps - Copy

When your order (before tax & shipping) reaches $150, DON’T USE THE HOSTESS CODE, because you can choose free Stampin' Rewards starting at 10% of the total. You will still receive the monthly online class cards.  

That’s all for now, until tomorrow, have a Stampingrox! Day!

All images ©Stampin' Up! ™1990-2016

 

Stampin’ Up! Better Together for Christmas in July!

Stampin’ Up! Better Together for Christmas in July!

Hey there! I've scheduled a Christmas in July class! Today's card is one I CASED from the catalog, but changed to fit my style. I used Better Together from page 83. Mostly a sentiment set, there are a few non-sentiment images included. I used a sample from page 82 to get started.

Stampin_up_better_together_carolpaynestamps1 - Copy

Some of my favorite colors for Christmas cards are Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, and Emerald Envy!

Stampin_up_better_together_carolpaynestamps2 - Copy

I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the two sentiments in the tree shape. I used the Classic Label Punch for the trunk, paper-snipping it the size I needed.

Stampin_up_better_together_carolpaynestamps5 - Copy

I embossed the Chocolate Chip  with the Holly Textured Impressions Folder, and used a strip of This Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper on one side. I DISCOVERED!!!! This Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper has 24 sheets instead of the usual 12! The paper is lighter-weight than regular designer paper, but there are four sheets of 6 double-sided designs instead of the usual 2 sheets of 6 double-sided. It's a great value, if you want to make a bunch of cards!

The Crushed Curry star is stamped with a Better Together image.

Stampin_up_better_together_carolpaynestamps3 - Copy

Inside I used an image from Peaceful Pines for the sentiment.

Here's the supply list to use while shopping in my online store: www.carolpayne.stampinup.net

Remember while shopping:

All orders of any amount (except Online Class Orders) will receive a Thank You Project Packet in the mail.

 Check the Clearance Rack for savings of up to 60%!

When your order is at least $35 (before tax & shipping) and you use the June Hostess Code:   MPESNHAJ you will receive the June Online Class; six COMPLETED cards, two each of three designs, with envelopes and instructions, FREE! TODAY AND TOMORROW ARE THE LAST DAYS to get your order in to receive the June Class!!!!!

Stampin_up_pop_of_paradise_June_online_class_carolpaynestamps - Copy

When your order (before tax & shipping) reaches $150, DON’T USE THE HOSTESS CODE, because you can choose free Stampin' Rewards starting at 10% of the total. You will still receive the monthly online class cards.  

That’s all for now, until tomorrow, have a Stampingrox! Day!

All images ©Stampin' Up! ™1990-2016

 

Stampin’ Up! Playful Palette Pop of Paradise Easel Card!

Stampin’ Up! Playful Palette Pop of Paradise Easel Card!

Hey there! Do you ever get on a roll making the same style of card but mixing up the colors and stuff just to see how they look? I did while playing with Pop of Paradise. I can't begin to tell you how surprised I am at how much I love that flamingo!

Today I used a print from the Playful Palette Designer Series Paper Stack to start my design:

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps1 - Copy

Easel cards are so EASY! Starting with a 4 1/4" x 11" card base, score at 5 1/2" and 8 1/4". After folding to create a "mountain fold" on the 8 1/4" scored line, you add the "easel" and off you go!

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps2 - Copy

Although most flamingos are stamped with Melon Mambo or Flirty Flamingo ink, I stamped this one with Sweet Sugarplum, one of the colors in the Playful Palette designer paper. I stamped the leaf with Emerald Envy. All of the black images are stamped with Archival Basic Black.

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps3 - Copy

I used Painter's Palette to stamp  brushstrokes on the inside.

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps4 - Copy

I also a sentiment from Love & Affection, and added one more flamingo just because I love her so much!

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps5 - Copy

You can order all of today's supplies from my online store and have them delivered right to your door! www.carolpayne.stampinup.net

Product List

Remember while shopping:

All orders of any amount (except Online Class Orders) will receive a Thank You Project Packet in the mail.

 Check the Clearance Rack for savings of up to 60%!

When your order is at least $35 (before tax & shipping) and you use the June Hostess Code:   MPESNHAJ you will receive the June Online Class; six COMPLETED cards, two each of three designs, with envelopes and instructions, FREE!

Stampin_up_pop_of_paradise_June_online_class_carolpaynestamps - Copy

When your order (before tax & shipping) reaches $150, DON’T USE THE HOSTESS CODE, because you can choose free Stampin' Rewards starting at 10% of the total. You will still receive the monthly online class cards.  

That’s all for now, until tomorrow, have a Stampingrox! Day!

All images ©Stampin' Up! ™1990-2016

Stampin’ Up! Playful Palette Pop of Paradise Easel Card!

Stampin’ Up! Playful Palette Pop of Paradise Easel Card!

Hey there! Do you ever get on a roll making the same style of card but mixing up the colors and stuff just to see how they look? I did while playing with Pop of Paradise. I can't begin to tell you how surprised I am at how much I love that flamingo!

Today I used a print from the Playful Palette Designer Series Paper Stack to start my design:

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps1 - Copy

Easel cards are so EASY! Starting with a 4 1/4" x 11" card base, score at 5 1/2" and 8 1/4". After folding to create a "mountain fold" on the 8 1/4" scored line, you add the "easel" and off you go!

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps2 - Copy

Although most flamingos are stamped with Melon Mambo or Flirty Flamingo ink, I stamped this one with Sweet Sugarplum, one of the colors in the Playful Palette designer paper. I stamped the leaf with Emerald Envy. All of the black images are stamped with Archival Basic Black.

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps3 - Copy

I used Painter's Palette to stamp  brushstrokes on the inside.

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps4 - Copy

I also a sentiment from Love & Affection, and added one more flamingo just because I love her so much!

Stampin_up_playful_palette_pop_of_paradise_carolpaynestamps5 - Copy

You can order all of today's supplies from my online store and have them delivered right to your door! www.carolpayne.stampinup.net

Product List

Remember while shopping:

All orders of any amount (except Online Class Orders) will receive a Thank You Project Packet in the mail.

 Check the Clearance Rack for savings of up to 60%!

When your order is at least $35 (before tax & shipping) and you use the June Hostess Code:   MPESNHAJ you will receive the June Online Class; six COMPLETED cards, two each of three designs, with envelopes and instructions, FREE!

Stampin_up_pop_of_paradise_June_online_class_carolpaynestamps - Copy

When your order (before tax & shipping) reaches $150, DON’T USE THE HOSTESS CODE, because you can choose free Stampin' Rewards starting at 10% of the total. You will still receive the monthly online class cards.  

That’s all for now, until tomorrow, have a Stampingrox! Day!

All images ©Stampin' Up! ™1990-2016

Stampin’ Up! Sunday Swap Day by the Mams!

Stampin’ Up! Sunday Swap Day by the Mams!

Hey there! It's Sunday, the day I get to share swaps with you! yay!

Today's swaps were  created by my team, the Yes Mam! Stampers! Our swap theme for May was Kid's Cards!

First, Joanne Cantrell used Playful Pals to create a larger-than-life teddy bear with a Bow Builder Punch bow tie!

Stampin_up_playful_pals_carolpaynestamps

Next, Linda Reaney used the Swirly Bird Bundle for her sailboat card:

Stampin_up_swirly_bird_carolpayenstamps

Cathy Lingle used circle punches and Build a Birthday for her Lego card.

Stampin_up_lego_birthday_carolpaynestamps1

Angela Black used new Emerald Envy paper and Playful Palette Designer Paper to punch balloons with the Balloon Bouquet Punch. She added a number from Number of Years and Large Number Framelits.  The sentiment is punched with the Duet Banner punch.

Stampin_up_number_of_years_carolpaynestamps1

Janice Felty used the Owl Builder Punch to create these funky little monsters. Even the arms are cut from the owl body with owl feet for hands!

Stampin_up_owl_builder_monsters_1

Lisa Cavitt used No Bones About It for  her "etch a sketch" creation!

Stampin_up_no_bones_about_it_carolpaynestamps

Finally, Bridget Willis also used No Bones About It for her Magic Slider Card:

Stampin_up_no_bones_about_it_carolpaynestamps3

Pull the string to see the colored version!

Stampin_up_no_bones_about_it_carolpaynestamps4

All of the stamps used today are available to order in my online store: www.carolpayne.stampinup.net

Remember while shopping:

All orders of any amount (except Online Class Orders) will receive a Thank You Project Packet in the mail.

 Check the Clearance Rack for savings of up to 60%!

When your order is at least $35 (before tax & shipping) and you use the June Hostess Code:   MPESNHAJ you will receive the June Online Class; six COMPLETED cards, two each of three designs, with envelopes and instructions, FREE!

Stampin_up_pop_of_paradise_June_online_class_carolpaynestamps - Copy

When your order (before tax & shipping) reaches $150, DON’T USE THE HOSTESS CODE, because you can choose free Stampin' Rewards starting at 10% of the total. You will still receive the monthly online class cards.  

******JUNE ONLY!!!!!!!!!! Submit an order of at least $350 in my online store and you will receive an EXTRA $35 in Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! in addition to the regular hostess rewards (minimum $77 free!) AND you will receive from me a "workshop packet" filled with all the prepared cardstock, embellishments, and instructions to make 6 each of these two cards. You will need to supply the stamps, ink, and adhesive.

Stampin_up_layering_love_and_affection_June Class_carolpaynestamps1 - Copy

Here's the supply list to make the cards as shown:
Layering Love: wood-mount #141962 $21.00, clear-mount #141965 $16.00 pg
Love & Affection:   photopolymer #141545 $16.00
Time of Year Host set: photopolymer #141790 $10.00 (can only be purchased with your Stampin' Rewards from your party)
You will need clear blocks:
"a" #118487 $4.00
"d" #118485 $8.50
"h" #118490 $8.50
Archival Basic Black ink pad: #140931 $7.00
Sweet Sugar Plum Classic ink pad: #141395 $6.50
Night of Navy Classic ink pad: #126970 $6.50
Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush: #141897 $8.00
SNAIL Adhesive: #104332 $7.00
Stampin' Dimensionals: #104430 $4.00

It is not required to order everything (or anything)on this list, as I'm sure you probably have some of these supplies on hand already and may have ideas already swirling in your head to use stamps you already have.

 

That’s all for now, until tomorrow, have a Stampingrox! Day!

All images ©Stampin' Up! ™1990-2016

 

 

Stampin’ Up! Sunday Swap Day by the Mams!

Stampin’ Up! Sunday Swap Day by the Mams!

Hey there! It's Sunday, the day I get to share swaps with you! yay!

Today's swaps were  created by my team, the Yes Mam! Stampers! Our swap theme for May was Kid's Cards!

First, Joanne Cantrell used Playful Pals to create a larger-than-life teddy bear with a Bow Builder Punch bow tie!

Stampin_up_playful_pals_carolpaynestamps

Next, Linda Reaney used the Swirly Bird Bundle for her sailboat card:

Stampin_up_swirly_bird_carolpayenstamps

Cathy Lingle used circle punches and Build a Birthday for her Lego card.

Stampin_up_lego_birthday_carolpaynestamps1

Angela Black used new Emerald Envy paper and Playful Palette Designer Paper to punch balloons with the Balloon Bouquet Punch. She added a number from Number of Years and Large Number Framelits.  The sentiment is punched with the Duet Banner punch.

Stampin_up_number_of_years_carolpaynestamps1

Janice Felty used the Owl Builder Punch to create these funky little monsters. Even the arms are cut from the owl body with owl feet for hands!

Stampin_up_owl_builder_monsters_1

Lisa Cavitt used No Bones About It for  her "etch a sketch" creation!

Stampin_up_no_bones_about_it_carolpaynestamps

Finally, Bridget Willis also used No Bones About It for her Magic Slider Card:

Stampin_up_no_bones_about_it_carolpaynestamps3

Pull the string to see the colored version!

Stampin_up_no_bones_about_it_carolpaynestamps4

All of the stamps used today are available to order in my online store: www.carolpayne.stampinup.net

Remember while shopping:

All orders of any amount (except Online Class Orders) will receive a Thank You Project Packet in the mail.

 Check the Clearance Rack for savings of up to 60%!

When your order is at least $35 (before tax & shipping) and you use the June Hostess Code:   MPESNHAJ you will receive the June Online Class; six COMPLETED cards, two each of three designs, with envelopes and instructions, FREE!

Stampin_up_pop_of_paradise_June_online_class_carolpaynestamps - Copy

When your order (before tax & shipping) reaches $150, DON’T USE THE HOSTESS CODE, because you can choose free Stampin' Rewards starting at 10% of the total. You will still receive the monthly online class cards.  

******JUNE ONLY!!!!!!!!!! Submit an order of at least $350 in my online store and you will receive an EXTRA $35 in Stampin' Rewards from Stampin' Up! in addition to the regular hostess rewards (minimum $77 free!) AND you will receive from me a "workshop packet" filled with all the prepared cardstock, embellishments, and instructions to make 6 each of these two cards. You will need to supply the stamps, ink, and adhesive.

Stampin_up_layering_love_and_affection_June Class_carolpaynestamps1 - Copy

Here's the supply list to make the cards as shown:
Layering Love: wood-mount #141962 $21.00, clear-mount #141965 $16.00 pg
Love & Affection:   photopolymer #141545 $16.00
Time of Year Host set: photopolymer #141790 $10.00 (can only be purchased with your Stampin' Rewards from your party)
You will need clear blocks:
"a" #118487 $4.00
"d" #118485 $8.50
"h" #118490 $8.50
Archival Basic Black ink pad: #140931 $7.00
Sweet Sugar Plum Classic ink pad: #141395 $6.50
Night of Navy Classic ink pad: #126970 $6.50
Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush: #141897 $8.00
SNAIL Adhesive: #104332 $7.00
Stampin' Dimensionals: #104430 $4.00

It is not required to order everything (or anything)on this list, as I'm sure you probably have some of these supplies on hand already and may have ideas already swirling in your head to use stamps you already have.

 

That’s all for now, until tomorrow, have a Stampingrox! Day!

All images ©Stampin' Up! ™1990-2016

 

 

Stampin’ Up! My Paper Pumpkin for Ava!

Stampin’ Up! My Paper Pumpkin for Ava!

Hey there! Here's the third birthday card for Ava! yay!

Part of her gift is a subscription to Stampin' Up!'s monthly papercrafting kit, My Paper Pumpkin!

Once a month Ava will receive a box similar to this in the mail. Inside is a kit to make cards, 3-D, or scrapbooking projects, including stamps, ink, adhesive, prepped supplies and instructions.

CM102101S

This card explained that while she wasn't receiving this gift immediately, it would begin arriving in just a few weeks! I used an exclusive stamp set from convention:

Stampin_up_paper_pumkin_1

I used Whisper White, Pool Party, and Calypso Coral.

I used the "Cinderella's carriage" image, stamping with Pool Party ink with a Calypso Coral center.

I stamped phrases with Memento Tuxedo Black, embossed with the Modern Mosaic folder, and added a Vintage Faceted Button with a new Iced Rhinestone (upcoming Holiday Catalog!) in the center for the "wheel".

Stampin_up_paper_pumpkin_2

YOU don't have to wait for your birthday to subscribe!

Even better, you can get your first two months for HALF PRICE when you sign up before September 10!

Header_PP_demo_6.2015_(1)

Here's the details:

Offer Dates: July 23-September 10, 2015

Offer Details: Use the code HALFOFF to join Paper Pumpkin before September 10, 2015, and get 50% off the first two months! After that, keep the creativity coming for only $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included).  You can cancel at any time.

  • NEW subscribers only.
  • Discount applied to one kit per month for the first two months of a new subscription. After the first two months, the price for each month's kit will go to the regular price: $19.95.
  • Visit PaperPumpkin.com to join.
  • Enter the Promo Code, HALFOFF when you sign up.
  • New subscribers must join by Thursday, September 10, 2015; 11:50 PM (MT).

When you subscribe, be sure to choose me as your demonstrator!

After you enter your shipping and payment information, at the bottom of the screen you will have three choices:

  • I already have a demonstrator *****CLICK THIS ONE!*****
  • I would like a demonstrator
  • No Thanks

After you click "I already have a demonstrator" fill in My name: Carol Payne, My city: Bonnie, My state: Illinois, My zip: 62816.

Click the red "Search" button. My name should appear in the box on the right. Click "Select" to choose me as your demonstrator. The next screen says "Yay! You did it!"

It's that simple! Any questions, contact me: 618-237-6281 or carol@carolpaynestamps.com

That's all for now! Until tomorrow, have a Stampingrox! day!

 

All images ©Stampin' Up!™1990-2015

Stampin’ Up! My Paper Pumpkin for Ava!

Stampin’ Up! My Paper Pumpkin for Ava!

Hey there! Here's the third birthday card for Ava! yay!

Part of her gift is a subscription to Stampin' Up!'s monthly papercrafting kit, My Paper Pumpkin!

Once a month Ava will receive a box similar to this in the mail. Inside is a kit to make cards, 3-D, or scrapbooking projects, including stamps, ink, adhesive, prepped supplies and instructions.

CM102101S

This card explained that while she wasn't receiving this gift immediately, it would begin arriving in just a few weeks! I used an exclusive stamp set from convention:

Stampin_up_paper_pumkin_1

I used Whisper White, Pool Party, and Calypso Coral.

I used the "Cinderella's carriage" image, stamping with Pool Party ink with a Calypso Coral center.

I stamped phrases with Memento Tuxedo Black, embossed with the Modern Mosaic folder, and added a Vintage Faceted Button with a new Iced Rhinestone (upcoming Holiday Catalog!) in the center for the "wheel".

Stampin_up_paper_pumpkin_2

YOU don't have to wait for your birthday to subscribe!

Even better, you can get your first two months for HALF PRICE when you sign up before September 10!

Header_PP_demo_6.2015_(1)

Here's the details:

Offer Dates: July 23-September 10, 2015

Offer Details: Use the code HALFOFF to join Paper Pumpkin before September 10, 2015, and get 50% off the first two months! After that, keep the creativity coming for only $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included).  You can cancel at any time.

  • NEW subscribers only.
  • Discount applied to one kit per month for the first two months of a new subscription. After the first two months, the price for each month's kit will go to the regular price: $19.95.
  • Visit PaperPumpkin.com to join.
  • Enter the Promo Code, HALFOFF when you sign up.
  • New subscribers must join by Thursday, September 10, 2015; 11:50 PM (MT).

When you subscribe, be sure to choose me as your demonstrator!

After you enter your shipping and payment information, at the bottom of the screen you will have three choices:

  • I already have a demonstrator *****CLICK THIS ONE!*****
  • I would like a demonstrator
  • No Thanks

After you click "I already have a demonstrator" fill in My name: Carol Payne, My city: Bonnie, My state: Illinois, My zip: 62816.

Click the red "Search" button. My name should appear in the box on the right. Click "Select" to choose me as your demonstrator. The next screen says "Yay! You did it!"

It's that simple! Any questions, contact me: 618-237-6281 or carol@carolpaynestamps.com

That's all for now! Until tomorrow, have a Stampingrox! day!

 

All images ©Stampin' Up!™1990-2015

Stampin’ Up! Founder’s Circle Day One!

Stampin’ Up! Founder’s Circle Day One!

Hey there. Let me start by stating how very sorry I am for my absence. My hard-drive collapse, coupled with final preparations to leave for the Stampin' Up! Founder's Circle Retreat, and then the whirwind of travel, has left me with no opportunity to blog at all!

Here's my technology status:

  • New hard-drive for computer: CHECK
  • Windows 7 Installed until replacement Windows 8 disc arrives from HP: CHECK
  • Major bookmarks and log-ins re-established: CHECK
  • Pictures re-loaded from camera SD card: CHECK
  • LOOONG process of categorizing said pictures: BEGUN

Things are still not where I want them to be: I still have to re-create my Carol Payne Stamps watermark in Picmonkey, re-edit the three September Christmas Card Class videos and get them uploaded to Youtube, and get my back-up programs established so when (and there's always a when) this happens again it won't be quite so devastating.

That said, let me just say that so far the 2014 Founder's Circle Retreat has been all and more than I expected it to be! If you are my friend on Facebook or follow me on Instagram (if you want to follow me I'm instagrammy1959) you were able to see my progress across the country on Wednesday to first Las Vegas by plane and to St George, Utah by bus.

A couple of weeks ago I received this packet in the mail from Stampin'Up! containing my travel documents and info for the event:
Stampin_up_home_for_the_holidays_1
Inside were luggage tags, flight info, and an itinerary for each day:

Stampin_up_home_for_the_holidays_2

Arrival day itinerary:

Stampin_up_home_for_the_holidays_4

Here's my first glimpse of my home-away-from-home for the next few days;
10384215_10202710945235383_4230767395505402802_n

Each Founder's Circle member has a WHOLE ROOM all their own! You just want to pinch yourself! Each year they decorate the doors with a special memento of the event:

Stampin_up_founders_circle_door_hanger

Shortly after our arrival we met in the Gathering Place to pick up our name badges, play a little Holiday Catalog Trivia game, receive a little welcome gift, then our first activity with our teams. I'm a Nutcracker!

Stampin_up_nutcrackers_2

Each team worked together to assemble and decorate a gingerbread house!

Stampin_up_founders_circle_nutcrackers 1

We then enjoyed a delicious and beautifully appointed "Holiday Welcome" meal:

Meal

Every day we receive gifts, culminating each night with "the pillow gift"! Here's my collection from just Day 1:

Day one gifts

The "lumps of COAL"-wrapped package contained a brand-new stamp set and framelits from next Spring's Occasions Catalog! Sweet!

That's all for now! I will be back tomorrow with more Founder's Circle fun!

Until then, have a Stampingrox! day!

 All images ©Stampin' Up!™1990-2014

Stampin’ Up! Founder’s Circle Day One!

Stampin’ Up! Founder’s Circle Day One!

Hey there. Let me start by stating how very sorry I am for my absence. My hard-drive collapse, coupled with final preparations to leave for the Stampin' Up! Founder's Circle Retreat, and then the whirwind of travel, has left me with no opportunity to blog at all!

Here's my technology status:

  • New hard-drive for computer: CHECK
  • Windows 7 Installed until replacement Windows 8 disc arrives from HP: CHECK
  • Major bookmarks and log-ins re-established: CHECK
  • Pictures re-loaded from camera SD card: CHECK
  • LOOONG process of categorizing said pictures: BEGUN

Things are still not where I want them to be: I still have to re-create my Carol Payne Stamps watermark in Picmonkey, re-edit the three September Christmas Card Class videos and get them uploaded to Youtube, and get my back-up programs established so when (and there's always a when) this happens again it won't be quite so devastating.

That said, let me just say that so far the 2014 Founder's Circle Retreat has been all and more than I expected it to be! If you are my friend on Facebook or follow me on Instagram (if you want to follow me I'm instagrammy1959) you were able to see my progress across the country on Wednesday to first Las Vegas by plane and to St George, Utah by bus.

A couple of weeks ago I received this packet in the mail from Stampin'Up! containing my travel documents and info for the event:
Stampin_up_home_for_the_holidays_1
Inside were luggage tags, flight info, and an itinerary for each day:

Stampin_up_home_for_the_holidays_2

Arrival day itinerary:

Stampin_up_home_for_the_holidays_4

Here's my first glimpse of my home-away-from-home for the next few days;
10384215_10202710945235383_4230767395505402802_n

Each Founder's Circle member has a WHOLE ROOM all their own! You just want to pinch yourself! Each year they decorate the doors with a special memento of the event:

Stampin_up_founders_circle_door_hanger

Shortly after our arrival we met in the Gathering Place to pick up our name badges, play a little Holiday Catalog Trivia game, receive a little welcome gift, then our first activity with our teams. I'm a Nutcracker!

Stampin_up_nutcrackers_2

Each team worked together to assemble and decorate a gingerbread house!

Stampin_up_founders_circle_nutcrackers 1

We then enjoyed a delicious and beautifully appointed "Holiday Welcome" meal:

Meal

Every day we receive gifts, culminating each night with "the pillow gift"! Here's my collection from just Day 1:

Day one gifts

The "lumps of COAL"-wrapped package contained a brand-new stamp set and framelits from next Spring's Occasions Catalog! Sweet!

That's all for now! I will be back tomorrow with more Founder's Circle fun!

Until then, have a Stampingrox! day!

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Bonnie, Illinois, USA