I got such amazing inspiration at our Stampin' Up demo gathering this month that I couldn't wait to run here and share some of the ideas with you all. Be prepared to want to run straight to YOUR stamp room to try them out!
But first, wave hi to Cheryl and Lori, working away on our team charity project, making cards for every veteran on an Honor Flight departing from Madison or Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We do about 80 patriotic cards per meeting to keep up with the demand.
First we do Make N Takes, which are brought by different demonstrator-volunteers every month. These are a couple of the cool cards we made this time. It can be cards, treats, home decor--whatever they want to teach the team to make.
As the leader, I'm super thankful for the volunteers! And not just the ones who bring the snacks each month! We truly are a team. And everyone benefits from the chance to present a project, practice prepping and packing for an event, and helping others walk through their creation from start to finish.
We always have at least two challenges running: a business-related task and a creativity-related task. Members can participate online, by tagging their photos or posts with a monthly hashtag, or they can bring the challenge items to the local meeting and share in person.
This month we had a special meeting-only challenge where last time we met, we drew a random scrap from a hat, and had to turn it into a project. I was amazed at the creativity and how they transformed those bits and pieces! Here's some of the challenge cards:
Another regular feature of our gatherings is a sample swap, usually themed. We try to do our best work, and the samples are always lovely. I couldn't wait to show you the winner of the swap this month. Dawn Kloman did such an incredible job with the Waterfront stamp set. Congrats, Dawn! Well-deserving of the prize.
Speaking of prizes... someday I should take a picture of the prize table for you! I give away about $200 worth of goodies at every meeting in samples, rewards, random door prizes and challenge prizes. I LOVE spoiling my team. I feel like Stampin' Up overly blesses me with goodies, and it's my joy to pass that on since it is truly more than I can use. No one leaves empty-handed!
After we have announcements, awards, and a little business share, we end with demonstrations, as many as we have time for. This month Lynn Dunn shared how she uses her Stampin' Blends markers on the Springtime Foils Sale-A-Bration rewards papers to get a gorgeous watercolor look. It just brings those beautiful foil-embossed papers to life with rich, layered color. I'm probably not the only one who ordered Springtime Foils as soon as I got home that night!
My share this month was a 20-second card with the new Stamparatus positioning tool. I can't wait to show it to you! As soon as I get a minute, I'll make a quick video, because you've really got to see this thing in action.
So that's a little taste of our meetings... we also do virtual ones on Facebook with the whole team (we're in 22 states now!) that are a riot. I'm so blessed to have these amazing people in my life! You can be one of them by joining us here: http://bit.ly/joinSUnow and letting me spoil YOU rotten with support, stampin' stuff, and celebration.
Thanks for stopping in today!
Would you or Lynn share tips on how the foils were colored - love the out of the lines color and shadows.
Your team meeting sounds like a blast!
Posted by: Margaret | 03/20/2018 at 06:18 PM
Sounds like you all have a great time at your meetings.
Posted by: Renee Hughes | 03/20/2018 at 11:02 PM
Hi Margaret! The Springtime Foils card is done with Blends markers. The paper itself is glossy, so they don't dry instantly and can be manipulated. When they do dry they leave that great little crusted rim like you get with watercoloring. Practically foolproof and not messy at all. Give it a go!
Posted by: Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek | 03/21/2018 at 11:48 AM
the water front card by Dawn Kloman made me do a little gasp it is so lovely. She is very talented and did a wonderful job. I would love to be that artistic. TFS your team with us.
Posted by: DIANNE Wallace | 03/22/2018 at 02:25 PM
I loved the Waterfront winter card. I can try to figure out how to make it, but it would be so nice to have directions.
Posted by: Helen | 06/18/2018 at 06:13 AM