CRAFTDOC

My boxes of new catalogs came just in time for my Hostess/Downline Appreciation Event.  We celebrated the new idea book unveiling with 2 projects.  The first was inspired by the Art from the Heart CD that I got at convention.  Stamps are Eastern Blooms and Heard from the Heart (on sale right now!), colors are Pink Pirouette and Close to Cocoa. 

 The second was inspired by a swap I got at Convention made by Laura Mellinger.  I used Sahara Sand and Baja Breeze textured CS to make the shingles and shutters.  The pleated curtain is made with Bella Rose DSP.  Isn’t this cute!

Besides all the great swapping, project demonstrations, displays, classes and make and takes, there were a few exciting announcements.  And I was wondering what else there could possibly be, since Décor Elements and On-Line ordering were announced BEFORE convention!

Shelli (SU founder and CEO) is starting a blog: www.SoShelli.com   There will be challenges and projects – so check it out!

Shelli will have a “signature collection” of some favorite products that she helped develop. 

All NEW stamp sets will be die-cut in the Fall/Winter idea book and catalog.  ALL sets will be die-cut in the Holiday Minicatalog and the Spring/Summer idea book and catalog.

We were able to purchase a WORKSHOP WOW DVD made from many of the presentations from last years’ regional conferences.  I will be showing several WOWS at each of our Erie Area Demonstrator Meetings this year.  If you are in our area, let me know if you would like to attend a meeting as my guest.

Décor Elements (phase 2) were demonstrated.  WOW!  There are some really beautiful projects to make as well as wall application.  There will be holiday images and nursery images in pink and blue.  There were also some Ginormous Flower images in bright colors.  And this is just part of what is to come!

SU will again partner with Country Living to offer a stamping kit.  They will be featuring a 20 page spread in the December issue for the Holiday Collection stampin’ kit.  I can’t wait to see it!

Stampin Success and On Stage magazines will be combined into one larger monthly magazine with lots of projects, announcements, tips and recognition.  This magazine is only for demonstrators.  It and the website projects, instructions, templates and project videos are well worth the investment of becoming a demonstrator.

There was lots of cheering and screaming after this announcement!  Stampin’ Up! will be offering the BIG SHOT die cut machine starting Sept 1.   Some of the dies will be EXCLUSIVE to SU.  Demonstrators will be able to preorder the machines and dies (at the usual discount).  I will get an additional discount since I attended convention.  I had a great time watching Shelli and also the Sizzix gals demonstrating this machine.  They made some incredible projects.  I can’t wait to get my hands on it!  Don’t you love that black checked bag!!!

One of the SU exclusive dies is this pennant with scallop circles.  Shelli made this for her grandson’s birthday coming up.   She said that she and her daughters and grandkids have been having a blast with this machine.

WOW, even though this was my 9th convention, I was still overwhelmed by the excitement of convention.  I had an amazing time.  Stampin’ Up! exceeded every expectation!  I will try to recap as much of the exciting new as I can (between loads of laundry).

The theme this year was “Celebrate ‘08″ in honor of SU’s 20th anniversary of the founding of the company this October.

Here I am in front of the photo op spot.

Here are my fabulous roommates with me in front of some of our swag.

I actually didn’t have time to make any more of these for swaps, but this is the new Level 3  hostess set Window Dressing.  Thanks Linda for the idea to add the Pretties flower under the sentiment.  I should be back from convention tomorrow with lots more to share.

This swap used the Celebrate Everything and Pun Fun Stamp Sets.  The Celebrate is stamped once in So Saffron and  the rest with Versamark to make a cool background.

This is another Ten Minutes to Terrific Swap.  My WOW in this card is the paper piecing with the new Bella Rose DSP.  Colors are Sage Shadow and Pink Pirouette.  Stamp set is A little birdie told me.

This card is for the Ten minutes to terrific swap.  I used the Always stamp set and stamped on the taffeta ribbon for a quick WOW.

Here is my swap for the SCS dinner.  I had to make 46 of these! 

Stamp Set: Dreams de jour

Paper:  Bella Rose dsp, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black, Riding Hood Red

Accesories: Scallop edge punch (love it!), blender pen

Here’s a card I sent to my hostesses/downline and club members as an invitation to a catalog premier party.  I used the new Sock Monkey set, Sahara Sand and Riding Hood Red.  I colored the socks with white craft ink and a blender pen.  A later bunch of swaps wouldn’t dry well, so I had to heat with the heat tool.  You could also add clear EP and emboss.  Or just use the white gel pen.

I just finished putting up my second order of Decor Elements.   I added some florishes to my CREATE definition.  For more photos and to see the brochure, scroll down to the bottom and click on “next page”.