Convention 2008

August 3, 2008

I know I said this would go live on Monday, but I just had to get on today and post my first entry.

After months of anticipation and hard work and excitement, convention is over!

I love convention! I love feeling the energy and looking at all the great project ideas and popping in on the classes. But what I love most about convention is meeting people from across the United States and Canada, talking to them and sharing our enthusiasm for what we do!

I have to be honest though—it’s hard work, and I’m exhausted. But I had to get on and share what I was feeling. I wanted my first blog to be about how much I love and appreciate our wonderful Stampin’ Up! demonstrators and staff members! And how much I loved spending the last three days with so many of you.

Check out this sample that I saw! We have thousands of projects displayed on our display boards at convention, and I enjoy seeing as many of them as I can. This is only one of hundreds I took pictures of, and I wanted to share it with you. I liked it because it made me happy! I love the Always set, loved the color palette (they are colors I’ve used in my own stamp studio), and loved the layers. I just loved everything about it.

I’ll share more project ideas—and thoughts about convention—in the days to come. But for now I’m going to rest and recover, go cuddle on the couch with my sweetheart and get ready for the coming week. We’ll chat more later. . . .

Comments

[Joan Jeffery]

This page is gorgeous. I love the colours and all the little flowers. I'm only just beginning to scrapbook and I enjoy seeing all the creative ideas people have. Thanks for sharing this. Oh, and I think it's fun to find out that you take pictures of the display boards too!! Fun, fun, fun. Joan

[Jackie]

Shelli
Thank you for being an "original" and yourself. You've maintained your values (spirituality, family, caring for others) over 20 years, within a corporate environment, and that's one of the things that makes SU WONDERFUL and unique. It makes me proud to be part of this company.

I appreciate you very much and look forward to enjoying your blog!

Jackie

[Rhonda #49127]

Welcome to the blogging world. Love how your layout coordinates with your outfit. I was wondering which came first....outfit or stamp set Wonderful You. One of the stamping blogs I visited recently had a challenge to the viewers to make a card that was inspired by fabric. Have you seen this utube? It is too funny!!!! and stars a husband of a Stampin'Up demonstrator. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA340VSn2c8

I'm VERY sorry that I could not attend convention. I have only managed once, Las Vegas, and I know what a wonderful experience convention is. Many family obligations have prevented me from attending since, but I am saving for the 25th year celebration....or sooner if all goes well.

[Joy]

So funny because that is one of the ones I specifically took a picture of, too!!

[Patty Murphy]

Shelli, you have to know by now you and your team at Stampin Up! is the greatest.... We (my daughter Patty & I) had the best time at Convention this year like all the other years. But this was special. I love your blog, the background is great!!! I want to thank your family for letting us share you. Your family is very supported by being there, helping out and letting us know all of them better. Have a great trip to Austrailia and relax a little.

Patty

[Kelly]

I was SOOOO very inspired by Celebrate 08! And I am no longer "just a hobby demonstrator"! Thanks for making all levels of demonstrators feel important. There's something in Stampin' Up for everyone and it's comforting to know that we are all important to you and that we can make this business what works best for us...keeping our life in balance! Stampin' Up makes Life Good!!!! I must mention that it's incredible to see the excitement, smiles, and sincerity of the Stampin' Up staff members at convention. I know that you would expect nothing less...but it just amazes me what an AWESOME team you have and how they interact with everyone...super, super , super customer service!!!

[beth b]

Shelli, I just saw the new catty today! It is really beautiful! I do have a question for you. Could you tell me where I could find the directions to make the darling bags on page 169. They almost look like a bucket. I have never seen anything quite like it. I love Stampin Up!!

[Robyn]

Hi! I just wanted to say Thank you to you and your staff at SU! for a great convention! It was awesome and I got inspired! This was my first but it wont be the last!!

[Sharlene Barrett]

Awesome idea to start a blog Shelli! I just wanted to tell you that any other conventions that I attend in the future will never compare with my 1st one. Although I was able to chat with you for a couple of minutes, I would never have all the time needed to let you know how exciting it was to have my good friend, Debbie Whatling chosen as one of the 'Heart of Stampin' Up!' recipients. I hope you'll be attending the regional to be held close to Toronto, Ontario as I would love to have a picture taken of you, Debbie, & myself. My only regret from convention is that I did not manage to get it taken there. Your staff is fabulous and Lisa Pope rocks! Thanks for all you do to inspire us in every aspect of our lives.

Sharlene

[vt]

Convention was a blast! Thanks for acknowledging "hobby" demonstrators. For some of us with young children and busy jobs, SU is our sanity.

I would be curious to know the "official" count on 1) # of active demonstrators and 2) # of convention attendees.

[Josie]

Shelli,
Thank you thank you....I have been asking begging for SU toget some sort of embossing machine and SU only dies and folders. You do listen!!! I am thrilled with the new Big Shot. This is the first time in 10 years that I could not go to convention and those of us who could not go appreciate all the info that the website shared with us. See ya next year for sure.

[Kimberly Ritko]

Hi Shelli!
Convention was INCREDIBLE and you are AWESOME!!! Thank you so much for all that you do and give to us! I was able to bring a brand new downline member with me this year to convention and I was so proud!!! This was convention #4 for me and they just keep getting better and better!!! I got to be a make and take helper and I can't tell you how exciting that was for me. I was so fortunate to be picked for the 20th anniversary, a convention to be remembered!!! Take care- Kimberly

[Cindi Thurmond]

What a beautiful blog you have created, it is as beautiful and special as you are...Thank you for who you are...looking forward to your updates...

[Marlene Iacuzzi]

I enjoyed reading your blog, and look forward to more.
For the many of us who could not attend convention, I am glad there is so much input. In your attempt to grow as a company, please don't forget the demonstrators out there with small but enthusiastic membership numbers. There are a lot of Seniors who depend on their Stampin Up get-togethers for social and creative inspiration and just plain fun.

[Tracy Jenkins]

I was wondering if you have ever considered doing a Convention box that could be ordered by Demos that are unable to make it to convention? It would include the stamp sets, bag, and other items that Demo's receive at convention, including the spiral bound catalog. It could be ordered by Demos that just can't make it but want to be a part of Convention. Maybe there could be a place online or a print out in the box for the make and takes so that we could also make those.
I am just not in a position financially to go, or to leave my family. I'm a dyed in the wool homebody to boot!!
But - I would love to be able to be a part of convention!!

[Carolyn McDonell]

Have a wonderful, fun and relaxing reunion. No one deserves it more than you. Thanks for taking such good care of us demos.

[Ann]

Hi Shelli,
What a wonderful idea for you to have your own personal blog!
I was unable to attend convention this year & was hoping to find out if some of the items that were available for sale will be available to all demonstrators. We would love to purchase them too!!!!
I was ooooing & awwwwing at the items I saw from other bloggers that posted convention updates! They really helped me feel that I was a part of the convention.
Thanks for reading my email & keep on stampin'!
Ann :)

[Mari]

Used to be a Demonstrator years ago-

Shelli-I've followed you since the very beginning, How's your sister, LaVonne, and what is she doing these days?

I have liked what I've seen except that you are still using wood--What are your plans for becoming more "Earth Friendly". I love your sets and all and use the wood for other things but I just can't help of thinking of critical trees taking the fall for the wood. Our forrests are dwindling. Well you ever go Acrylic? No one has been able to answer this question.

I will always be that quiet silent fan that will forever continue to buy what I can afford as you have some good designs.

[Kelly]

Shelli, I have a few suggestions: have you ever thought of making stamps of the states? For example: NY could be the shape of the state, the Statue of Liberty, and anything else relating to the state. This might be a great seller because you would have 50 states to choose from. You could also do countries. Also, a double sided ribbon would be nice in two coordinating colors. I have so many more ideas, but these are a few for now. Love the blog!

[Andrea Scoville]

Welcome to the blogging world! You are truely an inspiration - in creativity, entrepreneurship among women, and family values. I really look forward to reading your blog and hoping some of it rubs off ;) Your blog page is absolutely beautiful and you're right - this scrapbooking page is beautiful too!

[Judi]

Shelli, Thank you for such a wonderful Convention to Celebrate '08. I was very disappointed to have missed last year but this year made up for it. It was GREAT!

[Janell]

Shelli,
Convention was a great way to kick off the BIG 20!!! I'm glad I got to be a part of it. I did have an experience in the Memento Mall that left a very sour taste. I will explain more, but will do so in private. Thanks for taking the time to share a personal side with all of us.

Janell

[Kathy/Elgin IL]

I'm still new to all this and I'm lovin' it! Your stamps are gorgous and I love working with them. You are diffinitely an inspiration!
Thanks!

[Lynette]

I was curious...The pretty jacket you are wearing on your home page looks very much like the leaves in "Wonderful You".
Just a thought but have you thought about doing fabric that will coordinate with the decor Elements and the StampinUp! stamp designs.
Designer albums, Storage boxes, pillows.... Oh I can feel a creation being born =)

Convention this year was my first.. Thank you for making it a wonderful inspired time.
My background is a decorative painter (14 yrs) (Society of Decorative Painters which I achieved my CDA certification in 2004.) I designed instructional painting packets and my husband created surfaces out of wood that I designed and painted. It was a wonderful 8 years.
He passed away 3 1/2 yrs ago.
I turned to StampinUp! as a creative outlet since my woodcutter and partner was gone. I have enjoyed my time with new friends and being inspired in a totally new field of creativity. I am a Hobby Stamper (not just) at this point. But Convention helped me to plan my next step and move forward. Thank you Shelli