Back from Convention!

Sorry I took an extended vacation the past few weeks.  This summer has been CRAZY.  We've had company or been traveling or had something major going on every week.  And while that has made for some really fun times, it also meant that I just didn't have time to sit down and write my blog posts.  I have so many projects to share so that was NOT the issue.  I just didn't have time to actually take the pictures and post them.  I'll be back to my regular schedule this week.  I promise.

Last week's craziness involved Stampin' Up! Convention.  For me that doesn't mean traveling, because I'm lucky enough that the convention center is just 17 miles from my house.  But it is one of my favorite weeks of the year because I get to spend it with my Stampin' Addict Sistahs and I get to meet so many of my "virtual" friends IRL.

I came away from convention with so many idea for my business.  That's one of the reasons I make time to go.  Some of the things I plan to do is offer more classes besides just buffets, more kits and more videos here on my blog.  So watch for more details in the coming weeks.  I'll also be sharing pictures from convention and tidbits of news in the coming week.

One of my favorite parts of convention is the swapping.  This year, I didn't join quite as many swaps as I have in the past, but I still have plenty to show you.  So today,  I'm showing you a card I did at my All-You-Can-Stamp buffet and used as a swap (see how I multipurpose like that):

Colors: Old Olive, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie.  Stamps: Worlds Greatest and Family Reunion. Big Shot: Labels Collection and Bitty Banners Framelit Collection. Accessories: Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper and Mini Brads.

I originally offered this as a Father's Day card, but my Dad's birthday is this Friday and it will be a great card to take to him from the boys. (Yep, you read that right, I'm taking it to him in California so another trip this week. I told you the summer crazies just keep going around here).  The "Worlds Greatest" is a new single image stamp.  I just love it with the Family Reunion Stamp set.

I also want to share some pictures from Convention. Today I'll share pictures from the Main Stage:

Shelli Gardner is the cofounder and CEO of Stampin' Up!  She is an amazing woman.  Here she is opening convention.  This year's theme was i am . . .

Jason Dorsey was the keynote speaker.  He taught us about connecting with Gen Y and he was so funny.  This Gen Xer learned a lot. Like maybe it's time for a smart phone. . . .

Isn't that bag adorable?  This is Shannon West and Brian Pilling.  Shannon is dressed like a witch and Brian is her assistant with the cat ears on.  Meow.

Here is Shelli and her daughter Sara talking to the great Richtar about where next year's Grand Vacation will be. Must insert more stamps.

Carry Cudney plays the bagpipes.  Who knew?

Watch for more pictures (including some fun projects) over the next couple of weeks.  And I hope it makes you want to join me next year for convention: July 18-20 right here in Salt Lake City!