Final Convention Round-up

So today I'll share the rest of my Convention memories - it was such a fun experience.  First off my lanyard and name tag at check in time!

A view of just a few of the stampers there from the escalator.

Main stage where all of the general sessions were held - they always decorate it so beautifully.

The unveiling of the new Holiday catalog - I placed my pre-order today and there was sooooo much stuff I wanted, but I was able to real myself in a bit and start slow - mostly things for my Halloween projects for now.

 

A couple of the cute little projects we were able to make and get our hands on some of the new product.

Our Crazy Stamping Ladies' Group -

 

Diane, Toni, Xandra, Jeri, myself and Heidi!

A fun Paper Pumpkin promotion set we were able to purchase.

A special leadership/years of service award full of stamping goodies.

Our annual end of convention dinner at PF Chang's with a couple friends.

And when I got home - this was my haul - actually there are even things missing.  It was really an amazing time - the final convention as we know it.  From now on it will be semi-annual OnStage events held all over the world - so I am glad I was able to attend this one in Salt Lake City.

Stop back soon.  Stampingly, Maureen

Tata for now

Last Friday several ladies in my downline (and formerly in my downline) threw a little farewell get-together for me.  Kathy B. opened her home and everyone brought amazing food.  The wine and laughs flowed freely.  There are pictures coming in the future - but for now I wanted to share some of the great cards I received.

Diane's Card

Kandi's Card

Karen O's Card

Kathy B's card

Kathy W's card - I know it's Christmas - lol.  But she said she can't make a Christmas card without thinking of me.  For the last several years I have done a monthly Christmas card class and she has made it to many of them.

 It was such fun time with an amazing group of women.  Stop back soon to see more of the wonderful cards!  See you soon!  ~Maureen

Shoebox Swap Part II

And the fun continued with our Shoebox Swap - 
Here is Devin's card and you can see more of her work at http://devinstamps.blogspot.com -

Below is Diane's card - she also had a little tag and very on the front.  But I stamped my image too far to the left, and it didn't fit.  Leave it to me to not follow directions.

Finally for today - here is Heidi's card - I really love it in so many ways -  you can also see more of  her work at - http://stampinking.blogspot.com

Hope you liked the cards so far - stop back soon to see the final cards we made.  ~Maureen

Final Exchange Gifts

Final day of our gift exchange - hope you like all the project ideas you saw.  So first i am sharing the packaging from Diane - this paper has been so popular-as has the ribbon.  And why not -they are beautiful.

And here is the card she made for her - using this month's Paper Pumpkin kit - with her own twist on it!

And Virginia was the recipient in our gift exchange - Diane made her this adorable little light up Christmas tree with last month's Paper Pumpkin kit and an extra decorated tealight to go with it.

And now time for an apology - here is Virginia's gift - and Heidi was the recipient.  Heidi had to leave early - so I was supposed to give the gift to her and take a picture.  Yes - I gave the gift to her - did I get a picture - nooooooo!!!  I am so sorry Virginia.  If I can get a picture next time I see her I will do so - but it was a lovely antique picture holder - just Heidi's style!

See you all soon - we'll end the gift-giving here on Christmas eve.  Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas day full of blessings.  ~Maureen

My exchange gift...

Today I wanted to share another one of our exchange gifts.  Diane ended up with my gift after the exchange game - and here is the Rose Tree I made. 

It's a cardboard cone covered with lots (and I mean lots) of beautiful paper roses. I was really surprised at how many it took - but it was a fun project to make.  I used some discontinued black polka dot DSP along with our current newsprint.

Here's a close up of the roses - you can see they are really packed in there.  The Stampin' Up! die really made making them a breeze though.  Everything was attached with a glue gun - so went together very quickly.

Hope you liked it.  I hope to make a few more and will share if I do.  See you soon ~ Maureen

WCMD - Part II

So, as promised - here are the lovely ladies who joined me for my shoebox swap and their adorable cards.

Diane B

Karen O

Kathy B

Kathy W

Lyn M

Paula B

What a fun day - good company - great cards.  Gonna have to do it again - soon!! ~Maureen

Zentangle Demonstration by Diane

At the downline meeting Diane Belcher shared what she learned, and has done with the Zentangling technique.  She brought this great display board and some books to share with the group.

Here she is describing the technique and talking about some of the best pens to use -

A close up of her starting a Zentangled image - part of what she shared is what a relaxing technique this is for her - maybe a good one for all of us to try.

Some of her samples -

Thank you Diane for a great demonstration of a technique I would venture few, if any, of us have tried.  See you all soon!!  ~Maureen

Shoebox Swap Cards - Part 1

Sharing half of our cards from last Saturday's downline swap.  These are my cards that i made of their designs.  Enjoy~

Diane's card

Kathy B's card sample

Here's my card - I left off the Valentine's sentiment so I can use as a Anniversary card.

Kathy W's card

Great cards everyone - stop by tomorrow for the second half.  ~Maureen

A Great Shoebox Swap

Last Saturday we had such a fun time of stamping.  I hosted a Shoebox Swap at my home for members of my downline.  Here are the tables getting set up for the event.

Some cute little Valentine decorations - those candle holders have sweet hearts in the bottom.

Place settings with a little Valentine thank you with chocolates!

Virginia, Kathy W. and Paula -

Lyn, Diane and Kathy B -

Stop back tomorrow to see some of the fun cards we made!  ~Maureen

Gift Exchange - Part III

So this is it - my final installment of our Christmas gift exchange - enjoy!!!

Lois' card and hand made scarf from Delores

Amazing stamped and embossed wrapping from Delores

Maria's homemade natural body scrubs from Heidi

Beautiful packaging from Heidi

Maureen's beautiful jewelry and card from Diane

Handmade gift bag from DSP from Diane

See you soon!!! ~Maureen