Convention here I come. No wait, we are here!!!

Yesterday we drove up to Manchester for the Stampin’ Up! European Convention.

Although I have been a demo for a little over two and a half years this is the first time that I have been to Convention, and I’m super excited. The next two days are going to be fun and there is so much to do and see. So much to do, that I’m not sure that I will have time to check out Manchester city centre.

I’m sure you all know by now that a Stampin’ Up! event is never the same without some swaps. Demonstrators from all five European countries that Stampin’ Up! are in (UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria) have over the last few months and weeks (some of them only days) have been busy making their swaps. I am no different and below are photos of mine.

I am taking part in two swaps, the general swaps and also one that was organised on the In Love With Stamping website.

I made 30 of my main swaps because I only want 30 in return, but I know that some people have made hundreds. I have no idea what I would do with hundreds!

Here’s what 30 look like.

A close up of one

I used Off the Grid and Clockworks stamp sets. There’s a bit of gold embossing going on and a bit of punching and cutting out. I’m so glad I only had to cut of 30 sets of hands for the clock face. I wanted to make a non Christmas swap and also something that could be used for men. Hence the neutral colours.

I also made 10 Card Candy swaps. If you are wondering what card candy is, think card toppers. Here are my 10 (all the same of course). One of the rules is that you have to make at least 6 toppers for each swap, I’m not sure how I would have fitted any more on my piece of A5 acetate so it’s  6 from me. Another rule is that there has to be at least two layers and a bit of bling too.

Label Love and 2013-2015 In Colors. Sorry for the reflection.

From the back

I used MDS (My Digital Studio) to make my topper for the cello bag.

I have made a few extra to give to people who have a swap that’s a little more special than the regular swaps. At least that’s the plan. Here’s hoping. I’ll share photos of some of the swaps next week.

Stampin’ Up! supplies used


Card Swap

Stamp sets : Off the Grid, Clockworks and Sassy Salutations
Ink : Early Espresso, Soft Suede and VersaMark
Card stock : Soft Suede and Naturals Ivory
Accessories : Gold Embossing Powder, 1-1/4″ and 1-3/8″ Circle Punches, Paper Snips and Dimensionals

Card Candy Swap

Stamp sets : Label Love and Chalk Talk
Ink : 2013-2015 In Colors
Card stock : Whisper White and 2013-2015 In Colors
Accessories : Artisan Label, Decorative Label, Scallop Oval, 7/8″, 1-1/4″ and 1-3/4″ Scallop Circle, 1-3/4″ Circle and Bitty Butterfly Punches, Deco Labels and Chalk Talk Framelits, Whisper White Baker’s Twine, Basic Rhinestones, Basic Pearls and Dimensionals

As well as swaps we will be doing some Make and Takes (mine might just end up being Takes and Makes) and a service project for Ronald McDonald House. There will be classes and of course the Annual Awards night. There is a rumour that I get to walk the stage and see my name in lights. I’ll let you know if this turns out to be true.