Oh, the Memories!

My husband, Bob, went with me to convention this year...his first one ever! I've been a demonstrator for 15 years (this September) and felt it was "time".  I was SO GLAD he came!  He not only had a great time but he was able, in his words, see me 'walk across the stage as I was recognized for the many blessings I earned this year'.  This picture was taken by a Stampin' Up! photographer after Bob won a free stamp set.  This picture was posted on Shelli's blog; Bob now feels "famous". ((smile))  Click here to go to Shelli's blog for some other fabulous pictures of convention!

This card was one of three featured during my July Chicks, Chocolate & Cards Class.  We make 6 cards, 2 of 3 different designs.  If you'd like to have some FUN and CREATE lots of great cards then check out my events schedule. We'd love to have you here! 


Supplies:

• Stamps: Sketched Birthday #130423 wood, #130426 clear
• Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Calypso Coral
• Ink Pads: Smoky Slate, Calypso Coral
• Designer Paper: 2013-2015 In Color Paper Stack #130136 (cut 3"x 4")
• Punches: 1 3/8" Circle, 1 3/4" Circle
• Big Shot: Chevron Embossing Folder #127749
• Accessories: Epic Day Washi Tape #131269; Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Sharpie marker (used to color the rhinestone), Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive

Convention Video!

Let's see if you can spot me! 



Yep, that was a VERY surprised me getting a hug from Shelli Gardner when I was announced to Founders Circle.  (If you missed it, check at 3:50 on the video).  I'm still surprised and it's been 3 days now. ((smile))

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Unbelievable is all I keep saying. On top of an amazing year with great customers who are dear friends, an incredible Hawaii Ink team, wonderful friends, a supportive family...the unbelievable happened last night. I was awarded Stampin' Up!'s Founders Circle, the top 100 demonstrators in the U.S.!  I got this beautiful pin, a gorgeous leather purse and the best part, a 5-day, all expense paid trip to Utah in September to spend with the other achievers and the CEO, Shelli Gardner.  I woke up this morning still in surprise, delight and still emotional at the blessing.

AND, my downline, Jennifer Timko HAS MADE THE ARTISAN TEAM!  I'm so proud and excited for her!  This picture was taken of her while she was on stage, talking to Shelli.  She's going to be an awesome addition to this year's Artisan team.

Finally, more amazing swaps. Here are two of my favorites from yesterday.  Thank you to my family, my amazing friend and assistant, Michelle.  Without them I could have never achieved what I have!  What an exhilarating, fun, blessed and unbelievable day! 

Convention Day 1

 These are just two of the amazing swaps I received yesterday.

 Stampin' Up! provides me with a Business Development Advisor (DBA).  Carlos and I have worked closely this year in reaching my personal goals. I'm very thankful to him for his help, patience, ideas and friendship. 

 Jen Timko is on my Hawaii Ink team. She has been selected as one of the top 20 demonstrators for a prestigious title called The Artisan Award. We will find out tonight, during the Awards Ceremony, whether Jen has been selected to the top 10 who will serve on the companys design team for this catalog year.  Here are just a few of her qualifying entries.  She's amazingly talented, not just with stamps; she's a pilot for United Airlines by day!

I have a huge passion for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. I act as the assistant lead on behalf of Stampin' Up! for the Tampa RMH.  My role is to provide hundreds of cards each month to the House for the families staying there while their children receive life challenging treatment.  Ronald spoke during our opening session last night, sharing an impacting and sentimental story, one of many he experiences in his role.  I'm so proud of being affiliated with this worthwhile cause.  If you'd like to help me create hand-stamped cards for the Tampa RMH, please contact me.  I always need more manpower. 

Convention Kickoff Party!

 For 15 years I've hosted a Convention Kickoff Party. This year's theme was "Hollywood".  Each of my Convention attendees received a clapper board card holder, the stamp set "Four You", a bag tag for their Convention tote and a Kraft box filled with accessories, which was my swap. 

 I set up a photo booth with props which proved to be LOADS of fun!

 Patty Coone, C.C. Watrous, Me and Beverly Messerschmidt are hamming it up.

 Gina Mustain and Kim Medlock were red carpet ready!

 There are 14 of us attending Convention this year (Jen Timko not pictured because her flight arrived late).  We enjoyed several hours getting to know one another, had a fabulous dinner, took pictures and swapped with one another. 

 These are only a few of the awesome swaps my group shared.  Diana and Kate Bock created a gorgeous tuxedo box filled with an chocolate Oscar! 

C.C. Watrous created this beautiful glimmer paper box held chocolate and a sewing kit (for those wardrobe malfunctions! hehe) and Gina Recio created a stunning glimmer paper dress and purchase card. ALL the swaps were fantastic! 

Day 1 of Convention commences.  I'm headed down for breakfast then to the convention center.  You can follow me on Facebook where I can easily post from my iPhone.  Like "Hawaii Ink" for up-to-date posts.

CONVENTION BOUND!

One of my swaps for Convention

 

As you're reading this post I'm on a plane headed to Salt Lake City for Stampin' Up!'s Convention.  This year is extra special since it's their 25th Anniversary!  I'm leaving a day ahead of the official festivities to host my annual "kickoff party" for my Hawaii Ink team!  This year's kickoff party theme is 'Hollywood'!  I've got some surprises in store for my downline and of course, gifts, food, fun, games and much more!  I'll be sure to post pictures.

During the next few days I'll be sharing Convention highlights with you; announcements, samples, the energy of 6,000 Stampin' Up! demonstrators, swapping and lots more!

This year's Convention theme is sentimental to me.  The theme is "Be the Difference".  It has always been my personal goal to make every one of my events fun and inspiring.  But more than that, I wanted every opportunity I share with them about making a difference in their lives.  I hope I've made a difference in yours...you've certainly made a difference in mine!