Convention Inspiration.

Well one of the words I used to describe my experience at The European Convention in Mainz was 'Inspirational', and the projects on the display boards were incredible.  I have managed to capture as many as I could but my camera battery and my memory card had other ideas!!

Here are couple of my favourites these designs particularly caught my eye and I will be taking inspiration from these beautiful projects.

The first is this lovely scrapbook layout- quite simple really, but simply stunning I think you will agree. I especially love the tone on tone of the background stamping that makes a large strong image look delicate and soft.

Daydream Medallions is the stamp set that features on the layout and this was one of the sets we received in our Convention Bag along with Affection Collection which is from the Autumn and Winter Catalogue available until the end of January.  They were a perfect choice I love them both, so versatile!

My next photo is also created using the Daydream Medallions stamp set and I really adore the font too. This is another new one from the main 2012/13 catalogue called Notable Alphabet, and is on my wish list very near the top in fact, though that list is a long one, I have to confess.  A lovely addition to our fonts stamps and good for any occasion, what do you think?

I am a total sucker for stationery and I always have a few notebooks on the go at once, so much so that I often forget which one has which list in it............! Neil always tries to convince me to 'write' all of my lists, ideas and notes into an APP on the IPad, but it really doesn't feel right to me, I love a pen and notepad, I'm just old fashioned I guess!

This last one is so pretty but I will need to cross another thing off my wish list in order to recreate this one.  That Doily is so beautiful, maybe that should top my wish list......??  Time for the notebook again I think!

I will be back with some sneak peeks of my classes that will take place over the next few weeks, also the projects have been the focus of my recent Stampin' Up! parties, and some small inexpensive gift ideas that when perfectly packaged the Stampin' Up! way look a million dollars!  With Christmas on the horizon we could all do with some help in the inexpensive gift giving I'm sure.

You won't want to miss it!

Bel x

Convention 2012

I returned home from my first Stampin' Up! Convention in Mainz Germany late last weekend, and what a time I had.  I had heard about previous Conventions and was intrigued, but nothing can prepare you for what it will be like.  I will try to sum it up in as few words as possible - Inspirational, emotional, fast paced, exciting, full of surprises, freebies and belly laughs. A time for forging friendships and beginning new ones, a time for celebrating and honouring achievements and being inspired going forward by what others have already achieved.

Suffice to say I loved it!!!!!  Next year the whole Stampin' Up! entourage is coming to the UK and all the fun and action will be in Manchester.  I would thoroughly recommend all demonstrators yet to experience Convention and those thinking of joining Stampin' Up! (sign up, what are you waiting for??) come along, you will have a blast!

Here are a few photos of the hundreds I have and one I pinched from Kerry's blog, it was taken by Georgina who was my partner (in crime) as she was a Convention virgin also.  We had a lovely meal together on our first evening after a little wander out when the others were at their Silver 2 Reception.

In Bavaria and we ate................Italian????? It was lovely though I had a yummy Lasagne!

This is from Right to left Jane, Caroline, me and Kerry. Georgina was taking the picture at the Awards Night, we all scrubbed up well, no??

The inspiring Shelli Gardner CEO of Stampin' Up! on the large screens in her main opening address to convention.

This was at our second pyjama party after the awards night when Kerry only went and got number one in UK sales whoop, whoop!!  Now if there's ever a call for cracking open a bottle of bubbly then that's it....!!  Well done Kerry, what a fantastic achievement, where all the work pays off.  

It's taken a bit of time to catch up with the back-log at home, but I think I've just about caught up!  I will post my new classes over the next couple of days and an event I will be holding local to me here in Bristol will also be listed.  So watch this space,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, i know I always say this but this time it"s true - honest!

Belinda x