Throughout the Convention, several Stampin' Up! presenters showed us cool projects with some of the current and upcoming products. This is where we can see some quick & easy product demonstrations, make & take ideas, and "WOW" techniques that we can use at our workshops.
Of course, I can't show you everything right now (I have to save some surprises to show you at my events). There are some awesome examples to show that aren't very duplicatable in a workshop setting, but you could certainly make them on your own!
Halloween Projects, by Brent Steele
Once again, I have to thank Darla for her photos. She handled the camera, I handled the note-taking! These were taken off the jumbo screen…you had to be quick to get the best shot as they showed it. (click to enlarge)
Along with all of your Jack-O-Lanterns, I loved the idea of lining your sidewalk or hanging these Halloween lanterns! The images are sneak peeks of the Spooky Things Décor Elements, applied to vellum windows. Add a tea light to illuminate.
You can also use the vinyl Elements on pumpkins for a not-so-messy-to-make pumpkin display. Brent spray painted them white, and embellished with ribbon and new, black Designer Jewels from the Holiday Mini. The jewels come in the flourish design, and there's a transfer sheet, so you can adhere them all at once, without ruining the design.
They also had a Spooky Things window display in the Sweet Shoppe…pretty eeeerie! I swear I'm not foaming at the mouth, but it sure looks that way! Grrrr! Bwah haha!
For the Halloween lovers out there, how about a Trick-or-Treat advent tree. Wouldn't kids love this?! Brent hung little treat boxes all over the tree and numbered them with the Timeless Junior Alphabet Sizzlit Dies. Notice that he made a table runner by sewing together Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper. The bough was purchased from a craft store, spray painted black, then embellished with colorful leaves from the Leaves #2 Die.
You know that cute bat punch that you already thought would be great for Halloween? Brent showed us a couple ways get these bats flying! He punched the Wicked DSP, embellished some with a Designer Jewel, added a glue dot on the back, and attached them to Linen Thread to make a small bat banner. You could string the banner on a card or scrapbook page, but he decorated his Haunted House with it.
Oh, the Haunted House! Another sneak peek! The Holiday Mini has a die-cut, pre-scored, white card stock house that you can assemble and decorate for any season or style. Brent showed us how easy it was to assemble. He spray painted (what's the deal with a crafty man and his spray paint?) his house, then sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds on it before it dried to add sparkle. Add some vellum to the windows and a flickering tea light for another seasonal illuminary.
On the same bat theme, here's a great idea using the My Digital Studio papercrafting software. He used the Bitty Bat Punch shape (digital download is only 95¢), and enlarged it (you can make punch shapes any size you want on your digital projects!) Then, he filled it with the Night and Day Designer Paper (the digital version). There are a variety of digital "papers" you can download, including some of your favorite retired patterns, like this one.
After printing the image, Brent cut out the bat shape, added a mountain, or "M" fold, and attached to the inside of the card for a cool pop up!
There's another sneak peek-a-boo product on this project…do you see it? On the top and bottom of the "you're invited" piece there's the top and bottom of the new Decorative Label Punch. It's cut in half, it's not really that large. You'll see this on more projects I'll be showing, I'm sure!
The Sweet Shoppe also had a sneak peek of the Spooky Night Rub-Ons, used here with the Pillow Box Die for a terrific party favor. Be sure to click to enlarge to get a better look at the metallic finish on these! This is a great idea for party favors. The Rub-Ons have 16 of the large placard images, so you only have to buy one package, crank out some pillow boxes and throw them together—quick and easy party treats!
These are just some of the fun Halloween items you'll be seeing in the Holiday Mini—and we haven't even gotten to the Fall or Christmas stuff yet! I can't wait for you to see this flyer—you are gonna LOVE it!
The Holiday Mini begins on September 1, and those of you on my mailing list should be receiving a flyer the last week of August. If you're not sure if you're on my list, let me know, and I'll make sure you'll receive one as soon as it's available!
Surprises For Convention Attendees!
OK—I feel like I'm bragging when I tell you about all the fun Darla and I had on our trip, but what better way to get you to join us next year?!
Shelli told us on the last day that they are in the brainstorming phase of some exciting changes that will "Surprise and Delight" both demonstrators and customers! She also said that they wanted to make Convention a "can't miss" event for demonstrators, and they were obviously implementing some of those changes this year!
Convention attendees were surprised and VERY delighted to hear that we would be given 25% off some of the Holiday Mini items used in the presentations. Oh, and did I mention, that's 25% off after our 20% or more demo discount?! Woohoo! They offered a total of six discounted product Bundles! Too Cool! After the Halloween demonstration, for example, they announced a Halloween Bundle with the Spooky Things Décor, Designer Jewels, and new 1/2" Black Lace Trim (very spooky, or sexy!). We couldn't wait to hear what other Bundles they'd be announcing throughout the event! It really added to our excitement!
Another surprise was the Recruiting Carnival. We were asked to make a goal to recruit "x" number of people by the end of August, and then we got to spin the prize wheel. Darla and I both one a package of Play Date Designer Series Paper!
I made my goal to sign up TWO new recruits in August! So, as you can probably tell, I'm trying to keep my end of the bargain by tempting YOU with all the goodies you can receive at this awesome demonstrator event! *wink*
And, with the new $175 price and improved selection of stamping supplies in the Starter Kit, the Kit is a better value than ever before! Just look at that basket filled with stamping goodies! I'd be happy to show you how to use your selections to create beautiful samples and projects for your first workshop without having to purchase another thing. Plus, you'll receive all the supplies you need to get your business started right away!
We should get together and chat more about it! You know you want to! Or, why not come to our Too Cool Demo Meeting on August 2 to find out more? Ask me for details.
Angie