Product Park: Big Top Product Suite

Our first stop in Product Park is at Big Top Product Suite (p. 62 IB&C).  In this suite, you'll see things like Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die and the Big Top Birthday DSP. 

Let's Take a Walk Through Product Park

Last year at Convention, demonstrators visited the Candy Shop. 
This year we could take a stroll through Product Park. 

Check back soon for more from Product Park. 

Happy Stamping!  Bye for now, Maria

Convention Swaps

I participated in several organized card swaps this year.  Organized swaps have certain rules that must be followed, such as making full cards rather than card fronts.  The first one is called Convention Quality Swap (CQS).  Again, I used Precious Butterflies, one of the new Hostess sets. 

For my second CQS card, I used Happiest Birthday Wishes (also a new hostess set) and the new Paisley Petals DSP.

One swap I have participated in for the last several years is the WOW! Swap.  I enjoy this swap for several reasons.  The cards are always phenomenal, and each card must be a full card rather than a card front.  I like this because when the stamps retire, I can actually use the card to send someone if I choose to.  Delicate Doilies is used on my card. 

I call this fold a "z" fold.  Here's how...Cut your card base at 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.  The middle layer is 5 1/4 x 4.  For the "z" fold, cut cardstock at 3 3/4 x 10.  Stamp images FIRST.  Then, score at 2 1/2 and 5.  Use ribbon to tie closed.

A few more of my swaps for just random general swapping.

Open Seas Stamp Set and Nautical Expressions DSP

Fabulous Florets and Beyond the Garden DSP

 Another one with Paisley Prints and Happiest Birthday Wishes

Convention must be experienced to really appreciate just how wonderful it is!  Until the end of July, you can become a demonstrator for just under $100.  Please plan to join me at Convention next year...SAVE THE DATES.... July 18 - 21, 2012!  Happy Stamping!  Bye for now, Maria

Convention: Hilton Dinner & Card Swap

This year I flew in a day early and attended a pre-convention dinner and card swap at the Hilton Hotel.  Dinner was served by Spencer's and was delicious!  The theme for the swap was non-traditional holidays like Butterfly Day, Moon Day (celebrates the first Lunar Landing) or Dictionary Day.  You can find these holidays at Holiday Insights.  Today is Culinarians Day and is for anyone who cooks.  Here's my swap for Butterfly Day.  I used the new hostess set called Precious Butterflies.

Here's the card for Moon Day.

A matchbox for Dictionary Day.

Here is my new friend and fellow demonstrator, Lisa, who organized the entire event.

Table centerpieces...each one was the same except for different colors.  We were called up by our colors for card swapping.

Lisa showered everyone with special treats.

Each person received a bag full of goodies.  Lisa made each and every one.

Our Make 'n Takes centered around the Strength & Hope stamp set/campaign. 

We made a 6x6 scrapbook page, a card and a box made out of the Petal Cone die.

Stampin' Up! demonstrators are the nicest people.  Convention is a place where you can go, not know a soul, and come home with life-long friends.  I call it the Stampin' Up! bubble!  I like being in the bubble! 

Happy Stamping!  Bye for now, Maria

July Stamp Club: Open Seas

Flowers and butterflies are my favorite stamps, but this month's projects are for the guys.  They deserve something hand-made too!  Here are two masculine cards using Open Seas and Nautical Expressions from the Summer Mini Catalog.

Some cards from the Rubber Duckies....

Happy Stamping!  Bye for now, Maria