Friday was the first full day of Convention.
I had taken half of my swaps on Thursday evening and they disappeared in a matter of minutes so I took the second half on Friday morning. I only did 30 swaps, plus one for the boards and another that I had planned to keep. Note the word planned! Of course the keeping of one did not happen and thanks to the generosity of other demos I came home with 36 swaps. What’s more, one of the demo’s even provided instructions on how to make the little box that he (note he) had given me.
Here’s what a basket of 36 swaps looks like.
I will share some of them with you later in the week.
Day One was split into different sessions, each day has an opening and closing session where everyone gets together and then the rest of the day is split into classes and demonstrations.
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| Excitement is building, just before the start. |
Sara Douglass (Shelli’s daughter and Advisor to the CEO) opened Convention and shared some things and we also saw a video from Shelli. Shelli didn’t make it to convention as she is still recovering from her riding accident earlier this year but it was lovely to watch the video. There were some Prize Patrols and also an all attendee give away. Unfortunately I can’t share pictures of these because they are new products that will be available soon.
Louise Sims, one of the Stampin’ Stars did a Workshop Wow using Embossing Powders. My photo of her is too blurry, but here’s a photo of one of the cards she showed us.
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| A little blurry because it is up on the screen and please excuse the heads |
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| Same card pinned to one of the boards |
The first breakout session of the day was for new demonstrators so my Stampin’ Up! grand-daughter Helen attended that and I went off to browse around and also do some of my Make and Takes.
I actually managed to get one of the three Make and Take packs done, and here’s what I made along with the stamp set that was in my back pack.
Outside of the Main Stage was a huge area filled with boards and tables where we could check out new products coming our way, try out My Digital Studio (MDS) for ourselves and basically meet and mingle with other demonstrators.
I took so many photos that there is no way that I will be able to share everything with you. But here’s a few.
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| Loved the colours in this card |
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| I was surprised to see one of my projects on this board and on another |
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| Happy 25th Anniversary Stampin’ Up! |
After lunch I went off and did a couple of classes (business related so I won’t bore you with the details) and watched the fabulous Bonnie Thurber in her Advance Technique Class. If you ever come across any of her videos on YouTube they are worth watching. She is achingly funny and full of ideas and inspiration.
During the closing session of the day, there were more Prize Patrols, and I was lucky to win one. There was also another all attendee give away and demonstrations and other things too! After this, it was time to head back to the hotel via the Christmas Market and get ready for the Awards Night and 25-year Celebration. I’ll share photos of these tomorrow.