Founder's Circle - Pajama Party!

So how much fun can a demonstrator have? I think getting to hang out in your pj's all evening with your stamping friends and the CEO of Stampin' Up! is a pretty cool way to spend your time!

This was the night of our fun Business share and Card SWAP! The first picture is of me with Shelli Gardner - the one we owe all of this fabulousness too! She is an amazing person - very business savvy, but a kinder, sweeter person you will never meet! We all must drive her crazy getting pictures taken with her, but she always says sure and smiles her sweet smile. I caught her her working on her swap cards - which are just gorgeous, by the way! I'll post it later in the week for you to ogle!


This fun picture is of me with Tiffany Bauer - this year's Rising Star #1. We had so much fun getting to know each other - she is a great gal and a SCRAPBOOKER like me! Just wish you lived closer, Tiff! I have put a link to her blog on my sidebar so you should go check it out. She has some really funny pictures from this trip as well. I KNOW you guys will love them!

This next picture is of another good friend, Patty Bennett. Patty is an amazing stamper and such a great source of creative genius for us. I know you have been to her blog, it's on my sidebar as well! She lives in California, where apparently they don't need jackets! (A little side joke for Patty - we went shopping one day with Stella Mackay - also from California and they were laughing at me because every store we went into, I was trying on jackets! Well, it gets cold in Virginia AND in the skating rink where oh, so much of my time is spent!) Anyway, I LOVE Patty Bennett and it was great to
be able to spend some quality time with her.













Well, here's part of the whole gang, from L to R standing is Debbie Naylor, Stella Mackay (yes, she really has CURLERS in her hair - HI STELLA!), Me, Susan Nygaard, Susie Wood and Denise Jorgensen. Patty is sitting at the table guarding her swaps - no, not really, but they truly are too
cute! You'll get to see that one soon, I Promise!













So, the last picture today is of our FABULOUS Bonnie Thurber (you saw her card last week!),
AND in the foreground is another amazing sight! Just look at those cookies!

Remember I told you yesterday that they fed us really, really well? So, these cookies were about 1/2 inch thick and about 5 inches around! Some were dipped in this creamy chocolate coating that was just, oh, so yummy! And the best part - they never ran out!

Yes, there was other food on the table too, chips, dips, there was even an ice cream float bar that was Way cool! But, those cookies......... umm, umm good!

Love you guys - check back tomorrow for more fun stuff!

~~Robin

No, I didn't get lost in Utah!

But, man, it sure was hard to come home again!
Sorry I've been AWOL for the last week - I came home to mucho work piled up and lots of family catching up to do, so I truly had no time to post anything even though I wanted to! I have a lot of fun pics to share, so I'll be posting some each day over the next few days, so keep checking back, ok?


This year's Founder's Circle trip was simply fabulous - I wish I could have packed you all up and taken you with me! We had the entire hotel to ourselves and this big banner welcomed us from the moment we stepped off the bus!



When we got to our rooms, we each had this cute door hanger waiting just for us - and we got to bring it home too!

And boy, did they ever feed us well! There was a great big room at the hotel set up with comfy couches, bean bag chairs and lots of tables for stamping and sharing - but look - these candy bars were everywhere in that room! Complete with little buckets and pink ribbon for us to take our fill! Talk about paradise! I didn't know where to start!














My very first excursion was to the day spa where I did the Queen for a Day treatments! I definately left my worries at the door for a while!

I was treated to a Hot Stone Massage, European Facial, Manicure, Pedicure and new hairstyle! Gotta go get me a flatiron now - I kinda liked it! check out the picture at dinner below and tell me what you think!










That night, I reserved a room at Famous Dave's BBQ restaurant just down from the hotel and about 20 of us went and had some really good bbq and SWEET ICED TEA! That is really hard to find in Utah, but Famous Dave's is in the south as well and having enjoyed their food many times - I KNEW they'd be able to hook me up!
This picture is of me with some of my buddies - L to R - Debbie Naylor, Me, Debbie Moczek and Tammie Ackerson.

Not pictured to protect the innocent is Aly Schilling, who enjoyed the ears of corn from everyone's plate around her. She is expecting her first baby and apparently the little one likes corn!

We were entertained by a very intoxicated man who wandered in from the bar after he heard our laughter and silliness. He proceeded to try and give back massages to each gal around the table, but when he got to me I told him he better not touch me because I was a cop. He didn't like that too much so he wandered back into the bar and we got the manager. Such excitement for a bunch of stamping ladies! Whew!

Come back tomorrow and I'll share pictures from the Pajama Party - and more!

~~Robin

Bonnie is so Sweet!

I am flying home from Founder's Circle today and thought this was the perfect time to share this cute card. I received it from Bonnie Thurber at convention this year and since I just got to spend the last few days with her in St. George, UT, I wanted to take a minute to tell the world how wonderful she is! Bonnie works for Stampin' Up! and is an amazing stamper, presenter and hugger! All the demonstrators love her!

It was really a priviledge to speak at our convention in August, but I was a little bit nervous about the "bigness" of it all. But, Bonnie sat in on the rehearsal that Karah and I had the first day and afterward gave me this sweet little card with beautiful words inside that made me cry.

Some of you may recognize the Fresh Cut Notes from the new catalog and Bonnie just made it pop with some Rose Red Designer Series Paper on the inside. Easy-peasy card, but so fresh and elegant!

I'll be back from Founder's late tonight, so I hope to see a lot of you at Stamp Camp on Tuesday. I do still have some space available for both, so just call or e-mail me on Monday to let me know you are coming! I have LOTS of fun things to share with you!
Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

Founder's Swap Card

Yes, I really did make 135 of these cards. Good thing I LIKE it so much!

We were directed to create a holiday card and make enough for all the demonstrators who were attending. The funny thing is, I didn't use a true "holiday" stamp set to create it.

I really love it when I can use my everyday stamps for special occasions and this card showcases that very well. Stamps are really very versatile, we just have to think outside of the box sometimes.

The card base is Kiwi Kiss cardstock and it's layered with Riding Hood Red and a piece of Holiday Traditions DSP. The pretty berries on the Riding Hood Red are from a stamp set I received at Convention for FREE (gotta love that!) called Kindred Spirits. I always thought this particular stamp reminded me of Nandina berries which my Mom always used for decoration at Christmas time. So, I just inked it up in Riding Hood Red and stamped away!

The greeting is from Holidays and Wishes, a mixed occasion greeting set. The Merry Christmas stamp was just the right font for an elegant touch and it fit perfectly in the NEW Wide Oval punch! Yippee! So, I stamped a bunch of these (ok, Lissa, you did help - thank you muchly!), punched them out, sponged the edges in the same ink and added the Green Rhinestone brad. It's mounted on dimensionals for pop. Lastly, I added the New Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon (I've already gone through 6 rolls of that ribbon! LOVE it! Trust me, you NEED it!) and Voila - finished card!

This could easily be stepped up by embossing the berries or using some glitter as well. Lots of possibilities, but keeping it simple allowed me to create many of these and it didn't kill me to do them!

How many Christmas Cards do YOU need this year? Be sure to check out my Christmas card classes on my Fall Schedule (check the link on my sidebar). I still have openings and there is a class for all levels of stampers. It's fun and painless - really!

Stamped blessings,
Robin

Yummy in my Tummy!

Chocolate is my very favorite food group. And I especially love when it's combined with my favorite fruits and herbs like in these Ghiradelli Chocolate squares. Yumm, Rasberry and Mint - with Dark Chocolate no less. Nutritious and delicious, with Anti-oxidants no less! Does it get any better than this? I think NOT!

Well, unless you doodle them up in cute little gift packages like these! I saw this idea on my 3rd upline's blog a while back knew I had to CASE it to share with you. Here is the link to her post.

For these babies, I simply used some of the NEW Designer Series Paper from Green Tea and Bella Rose and cut a piece with my Top Note die and my Big Shot. The cute label on each bag was made with the Curly Label Punch and the Cute and Curly stamp set, also NEW in the Idea Book and Catalog. Gorgeous NEW Felt Flowers, Pearls and Rhinestone brads and ribbon complete them and they are all packaged up in the Small Cello bags. Too easy, too fun and way yummy!

As you read this, I'm on an airplane headed for St. George, Utah for our Founder's Circle trip. I can't thank you enough for being such great clients and hostesses and making it possible for me to have this treat! You are really the best!
xo,
Robin

Quick Christmas Cards!

Hey everybody! I know I've talked a lot about the Big Shot over the past few weeks, but ya know, the proof is in the pudding, so they say!

This past Sunday, I attended my upline's demo meeting and needed to take some swap cards to trade with the other talented ladies there that day.

So, being near the end of making 135 swap cards for my Founder's Circle trip this week, the prospect of making ANY swaps at all just was NOT appealing. Know what I mean? But, me being me, I HATE to miss a good chance to get some great ideas, so I found myself in the studio on Saturday morning creating a new swap card.

Enter the Big Shot to the rescue! Da, da, da, da! I went back to my folded Top Note note card design and just put a Christmas twist on it with some fun new paper and stamps. And hold on to your hats here, I made 31 of these cards start to finish in just an hour and a half! Man, I wish every swap was this painless!


I'm sorry my pictures aren't better, I know my lighting needs work, but at least you can see the idea here. The stamping looks much better in person, I promise! For this card, I used Old Olive cardstock, Holiday Traditions DSP, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon and a NEW stamp set from the Holiday Mini that comes out on October 1st! It's called A Cardinal Christmas and I've used all the images here except for the primary one, a beautiful Cardinal on a branch. You are going to love it! Did you know that the Cardinal was the Virginia state bird? Just a bit of trivia for you today, now back to our regularly schedule post.

To make the card, I folded a regular 1/2 sheet of cardstock in half and laid it on the Top Note die, with just a little bit of the side edge of the die showing. When I ran it thru my Big Shot, it left part of the folded edge intact and gave me two openings in the side to run ribbon thru. Isn't that fun? Hope you are coming to stamp camp soon, because you'll be making one of these!

I fly outta here for Founder's Circle on Wednesday and I'll be gone until Sunday night, but I've got some posts pre-loaded for you to enjoy!
Blessings,
~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge - Designer Series Paper

She's a butterfly and oh, my, how time does fly. When I was putting this layout together, the Martina McBride song kept running thru my head and I couldn't help but think of butterflies and how they change and grow and become something beautiful. But, they also spread their wings and fly away someday. So, I'll just enjoy the time I have with my baby and pray that as she grows, she spreads her wings in the right directions.

This layout is for my scrapbook class today, but it also was a good fit for today's Blogger's Challenge. I used a strip of the Designer Series Paper that comes in the Flower Power Card Elements Kit.

Ever since I got that kit, I have LOVED this paper. I love the color combination, love the patterns and love the wide, uneven stripes. I so wish I could get a whole pack of just this paper! Anyway, my 12 x 12 cardstock is More Mustard stamped with Doodle This in More Mustard ink. I layered it up with Perfect Plum, Rose Red stamped with Rose Red ink as well and an Old Olive square from Holiday Traditions Designer Series Paper. The photo mats are Old Olive cardstock.

The butterflies are stamped from Flight of the Butterfly as is the quote along the bottom panel - "If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies." - unknown

I did use my Big Shot on this layout for the title, but I used one of my older Sizzlits Alphabets, not an SU! one. I know, shocker! But, it just goes to show that you can use all your dies, no matter what size in this machine. So, I'm just making use of what I have! Besides, I love the font of this one too.

My journaling area will actually be to the right of the photos in the open space. These photos bring out a lot of emotions in me and I just couldn't bring myself to write those feelings just yet. Especially when I saw the painted butterfly on Emma's hand in the top photo. Wow. Love that girl!

So, go hug your kids and then check out the other Blogger's Challenge players - they are amazing!

Happy Friday,

~~Robin

My Daughter is Amazing!

Well, at least I think so!

I'd promised a while back to post this picture of a project Emma made with one piece of the Baskets and Blooms Big Shot Die. So here it is - isn't it cute?

When I made the candle shade last month, Emma took the leftover basket piece and rolled it up into a cylinder. She thought it looked like a vase and proceeded to make flowers to put in it. She used some flowers cut with the Big Shot and put them on handcut stems of River Rock cardstock, adhering them to the back of the "vase".

Using just a bit of Pretty in Pink Grosgrain ribbon, she accented the front by tying a single knot and then adhered it in the back. The flower vase became a refrigerator magnet by simply putting a piece of magnetic tape on the back! Voila! Cute, cute, cute.

Oh, yes, the Chocolate magnet is mine, I know you aren't surprised!

Happy Thursday!

~~Robin

Just a few Scraps....

Hey everyone! I've been working so hard on the layouts for my Scrappin' Simplified classes this week, that I forgot to post anything to the blog! Sorry about that - but hopefully, this layout will make up for it!

I love this page so, so much, even before I put the picture of Emma on it. :)
It is actually a CASE of a page from the New Idea Book and Catalog. The original 12 x 12 page is found on page 111.

Well, I needed to improvise a few things, but the general feel is still the same. See, you don't always have to re-invent the wheel to get something beautiful!

I started with a 12 x 12 base of Certainly Celery cardstock and layered it up with Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Kraft Patterns and Urban Garden Designer Series Paper. The ribbon strips are Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain and Certainly Celery Narrow Grosgrain.

I stamped the letters with Well-Worn Alphabet in Baja Breeze ink on Baja cardstock and cut them out. The "O" is layered with a Chocolate Chip Felt Flower from Flower Fusion Too and a half-pearl from the Pretties kit. The flowers in the corner are stamped once in Old Olive and then stamped again with Baja Breeze on Whisper White Cardstock and cut out. They are popped up on dimensionals.

This layout is great because it gives you plenty of room to journal or add supporting photos. If you are coming to class this week, this is one of the layouts you'll be creating! Hope you are looking forward to it!
Happy Wednesday
~~Robin

Hit Me With Your BIG SHOT!

I know, it's supposed to be BEST SHOT for all you Pat Benatar fans out there, but I have yet another project with the Sizzix Big Shot to share with you.

And before I go any further, if YOU are in my BIG SHOTS Club, YOU will be making a set of these note cards at one of our club classes this fall! And did I mention that the first three classes are FREE when you invest in my Big Shot Starter Kit offer? Check out the entire offer in my post from last week then give me a call to let me answer your questions, ok? You will LOVE your Big Shot, I promise!

This cute note card was made with the Top Note Die (SU! exclusive) for all three pieces of paper and cardstock used. I chose Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango and some of that yummy Hawaii Papaya Designer Series Paper. The accent ribbon is Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain simply tied around the front panel of the card. My greeting comes from the Fresh Cut Stamp Set.

I made a set of these note cards for my Mom for her birthday last week and she loved them! I knew then that I had a hit on my hands and decided that my Big Shot gals needed to make them too!

Have a great week, everyone!
TTFN!
~~Robin

Blogger's Challenge #63 - Color Challenge

Put your sunglasses on for this one!~ It's a doozy!

When I first pulled out these colors to work with, I wanted to call our challenge Mom, Lisa and ask her "What were you thinking, girlfriend!?" Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss. But then I realized that I had used these colors together myself for one of my convention swaps posted here.

So, not wanting to eat my words, I just pulled out some cardstock and got to work.

Today, this color combo just screamed PARTY - so I pulled out my NEW Party Hearty Stamp Set and a 3D sample that I'd received at convention. A fellow stamper, Rachel Marsh from Illinois, was in a 3D project swap with me and she did these super cute "Birthday in a Box" projects. She made a box out of cardstock and filled it with a Hostess Cupcake, a birthday candle and a box of decorated matches.

Well, I got really excited about making my own version of this great idea, especially when I realized that I'd have to go over to Safeway and buy a box of Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes to, you know, make it "real"! So, I ran over there after dinner so I could, ahem, include one in my picture. But did you know that Safeway doesn't SELL Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes?! They don't even sell Twinkies for pete's sake! They do sell those silly 100 Calorie Muffin packs, but how can you celebrate a Birthday on only 100 calories?! It's a travesty, but I digress.........

The box bottom is simply Pacific Point cardstock cut at 8 1/2 square and scored at 2 1/2" all around. Then the corners are scored on the diagonal. It's all folded up on the inside and I used Sticky Strip and staples to finish the construction.

The lid was a little tricky because the measurements I had on the project sheet didn't work out, so I'm gonna play with it a little and do this at a class sometime this fall. As you can see, I did use Tangerine Tango cardstock for the lid which I stamped on with matching ink. I also used the NEW Scalloped Edge punch all around. It still needed "something" so I added the Kiwi Kiss cardstock strip as an underlayer. A White Gel Pen finished off the lid.

The ribbon is the new Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain and I tied the tag to it with Red Hemp Twine - a perfect match!

Most fun was the cupcake embellishment! I stamped it twice, cut them out and mounted the frosting on dimensionals. Then using my Crystal Effects and some retired Bold Brights Beads I place the sprinkles on top. I just used the sewing needle from my Crafter's Tool Kit. Worked like a charm! The Scallop Punch and 1 3/8" Circle Punch were used for the background and again I just added some White Gel Pen for pop.

Hope you like it and it makes you feel festive for the weekend! Be sure to check out all the other Blogger's Challenge players by using the link on my sidebar.

Now, gotta find me some cupcakes!
~~Robin

Branching Out....Combining Two Challenges!

Call it peer pressure, call it stamper's envy, call it CRAZY - but - I've decided to try some additional challenges along with my weekly Blogger's Challenge!

I sat down to stamp today and had NO Mojo! None, nada, kaput! So, I hemmed and hawed and checked my e-mail about 6 times, but you guys weren't talkin', so I had to go and stamp something. Hummph.

There are a few blogs I check frequently and one of them is my fab friend in Massachusetts - Selene. Her blog is on my sidebar to the left - Hi Selene! She has decided to start doing a sketch challenge on her blog and remembering that, I began there. (Click here to view the original sketch) I did turn the sketch a 1/4 turn for my card.

Then I needed colors! Well, over on another blog I discovered called www.colorthrowdown.blogspot.com they had posted this Color Combination Challenge

So, working with Kiwi Kiss, Regal Rose and Baja Breeze. I got to work. Now, to be perfectly honest, I'm not really sure I like the final result of my toil today - yes, I said toil. I told you I had NO Mojo today! But, anyway, here it is for the world to see and I guess since it took me 2 HOURS to finish it, I'll link it back to the challenges to see if anyone else likes it too.

First I stamped the large flower with Regal Rose ink on to Regal Rose cardstock for a background and once on the Very Vanilla for my focal piece. Next I constructed the side panel with cardstock layers. I stamped on Vanilla with the Gratitude Definition using Close to Cocoa ink. I overstamped it with 2 smaller flowers in Regal Rose and Baja Breeze. Then I distressed the panel by crumpling it over and over.

Now, I have to go on record here, I was not taking out my creative frustration on that poor piece of paper! I was really trying to give it a distressed look - at least that's my story and I'm stickin' too it!

So once it was rumpled enough, I patted my Kiwi Kiss ink pad on the surface to add some more color. I layered everything up, yes, there are 7 layers on this baby! Then added the felt flower and rhinestone brad. The sentiment was stamped last because I knew if I messed up and it was crooked, I'd have a reason to throw it away!

Here are the supplies I used: Stamp Sets: Eastern Blooms, Define Your Life, Pocket Silhouettes
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla
Inks: Same plus Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Horizontal Slot Punch, Rhinestone Ice Brads, Flower Fusion Too and Kiwi Kiss Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. But, please be kind. This stamper can't take it today! :)
~~Robin

Announcing - the Big Shots Club!

It's finally time - I can offer you the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine! So, here we go - I've had mine for a month now and I'm in LOVE! You will love it too and I've created a Special Club and a Special Deal just for my clients and hostesses! Here are the details:

Robin’s Big Shots Club – Special Offer – Thru September 30th

Purchase the BIG shot Special Edition Starter kit for $195.95 (savings of almost $10 if purchased separately!)
and receive a FREE Die of Your Choice – my gift to you! ($19.95 Value)
Plus you will receive a FREE Hostess ONLY Level 1 stamp set ($20.00 Value)
PLUS $20.00 in FREE product of your choice from the new catalog!
Plus, become a member of my Big Shots Club and receive 3 FREE classes (total value $45) to learn all the ins and outs of the Big Shot and create some fabulous projects that you will simply love.

Check out the online Brochure HERE

Here is what comes in your Special Editon Starter kit:

Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (brochure page 2)
Multipurpose Platform and Standard Cutting Pads (included with the machine)
2 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive BigzTM Dies (Scallop Envelope and Top Note, brochure page 3 )
1 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Sizzlits 4-Pack (Birds & Blooms, brochure page 3)
1 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Decorative Strip (Join in the Cheer, brochure page 4)
Decorative Strip Cutting Pads and Extended Spacer Platform (brochure page 2)

Plus

1 FREE die (Valued at $19.95)
FREE Hostess only stamp set level 1
$20.00 in FREE product of your choice to spend in the catalog
3 FREE Big Shots Club Classes! (valued at $45 total!)
You Pay only $229.50 for over $310.00 in fabulous products, tools, personal class instruction and projects!
This special offer is only good through me, your personal demonstrator. You may use your credit card (Visa, MC or Discover).

Contact me if you are interested in a layaway plan. (6 weeks max.)

I’ve owned a Sizzix Die Cutter for years now, but the NEW Big Shot just puts my old one to shame. I’ve loved using it these past few weeks and the projects I’ve been able to create so far only skim the surface of what this machine can do. Please contact me if you want more info and ideas. I’m happy to share why I think this is a terrific purchase for any crafter. This beauty will cut through over 50 different materials including, paper, plastic, metals, cork and wood sheets. In a word, it's AMAZING!

Be sure to click on the link to the online brochure!

~~Robin

Wow! I've received an Award!

My wonderful stamper friend, Amy Caraluzzi surprised me by giving me the "I LOVE Your Blog" award! Amy is an amazing stamper and is part of my "Go-Divas" swap group. I'm sure you've checked out her link in my sidebar before, but if not, check it out now: http://amycara.blogspot.com/

This is only the 2nd blog award I've been given and I'm just thrilled and grateful! Thanks for making my day Amy - you rock!

Now, this award comes with an assignment. I have to do the following:

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from (see the link above)

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Put links of those blogs on yours

5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

Here are my selections in no particular order:

Gretchen Barron at http://gretchenbarron.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Patti Chesky at http://atouchfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

Nancy Riley at http://stampinat6213.blogspot.com/

Patty Bennett at http://pattystamps.typepad.com/pattys_stamping_spot/

Selene Kempton at http://stampinfunwithselene.blogspot.com/

Makeesha Byl at http://www.makeeshabyl.com.au/

Stefanie Summerer at http://stampwithstef.blogspot.com/

I hope you take a minute and check out these great, creative ladies! They inspire me in different ways everyday!

~~Robin

5th Grade Already - where has the time gone?

Just look at her - isn't she beautiful? I can't believe it was 5 years ago that we first walked Emma to Kindergarten. Now she's my big 5th grader!

I know, a lot of you have teens and recent graduates. You 've already told me that this is just the beginning. The heartstrings get pulled that much harder the older they get. She will probably drive me crazy when she's a teen, but for now, she's still my baby and I can't believe how she's grown.

I count my blessings everyday that I am in a job that I can be at home and be the Mom and Wife I need to be. Stampin' Up! is more than just a company that I work for, its been a great opportunity that was perfect for our family's needs. Emma tells me often that she is glad that I work from home "just in case something happens" and she has to come home. She recognizes even at 10 that if we were a traditional family of today, I'd not always be available for her.

I know how important every minute is and how precious time is to us. And I don't want to miss anything life brings our way. I plan to enjoy this ride all the way!

Thanks to all of you who support me in my business, because all of you, clients and teammates alike make it possible for me to live my dream. You are the best!

Stamped blessings!

~~Robin