stamp club - February

Last Friday was my "once a month" stamp club. This is a group of 12 ladies (2 groups of 6, but we all meet on the same night) who come together to learn new techniques, try out tools, and learn more about stamping! Each of the ladies purchases $25 from the catalog each month for six months and one month during that time they get the benefits of being hostess. Not only do they at least get $25 in free product, but I also offer free shipping on their hostess month, as well as they each get a fun paper and embellishment pack as a thank you. Plus, during your hostess month you are welcome to bring a friend for free! All of the projects we do each month are free just for being a part of the stamp club! This is an exclusive event for stamp club members only and usually involves projects that are a little more in depth than my typical card making nights.

For this month's club, I had decided awhile ago that we were going to use the new scented embossing powders and one of my hostesses also wanted to learn more about what Crystal Effects was, so we worked with that as well. It varies each month on whether we do a project or a card, but this month I decided to set up the meeting like my typical card making nights, so there were three cards that the ladies could rotate from table to table to complete. I started off the evening with a short demonstration of how to emboss and assemble the cards. Since my focus was on the embossing technique I tried to keep the cards fairly simple.

Each card used an image from the Mouthwatering stamp set from the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog. This stamp set is available both in clear mount (#125677 - $16.95) or wood mount (#125675 - $20.95). Don't you just love these images? Summer here we come!! Well, I guess we have to get through Spring first...

Card #1
A quick and simple card with a "Crystal Effects" cherry.

It might be hard to tell in the picture above, but we added Crystal Effects to the cherry to make it a little bit glossy and 3D. You can also see in this picture that I used the polka dots Texturz plates on the Melon Mambo background.

Colors: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink

Card #2

What a great surprise to see that the card I had planned for last Friday's stamp club fit perfectly with Freshly Made Sketches #24.

If only you could smell the cherries through your computer screen!

I pulled out my new Simply Scored Tool and Labels Collection Framelits Dies to create this card. You can see how I used the scoring tool to make a "border" around the edges of the red background. It added just a little bit something extra. The cherries are, of course, embossed with the Cherry Scented Embossing Powder (yum!)

Quick Tip: To adhere the embossing powder only to the red part of the cherries, I colored the image with Real Red and Old Olive markers, stamped it onto the Whisper White card stock and then used my Versamarker to go over the cherries to get it "wet" enough for the powder to stick. I then generously poured the embossing powder over the cherries and used my Heat Tool to emboss. It will turn out clear and glossy with a hint of that cherry scent. So fun!

Colors: Whisper White, Real Red, Old Olive

Card #3
This card was probably my favorite one...I just loved the color combo!

With this card we used the Melon Scented Embossing Powder and followed the same technique as described above with the cherries. The "seeds" come from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. After I embossed the watermelon, I used Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive to adhere the individual seeds. I also wanted to take a "bite" out of one of the watermelon slices, so I used the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch and chomped off the corner.

Quick Tip: Don't want to cut out the watermelon slice by hand? Just use the 2-1/2" Circle punch to do it for you! Here is a short video by Mary Fish to show you just how easy it is.

Colors: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade
DSP: Sweet Shop Specialty Paper
Accessories: 2011 In Color Designer Brads

paper players design team call

I was excited to see last week that The Paper Players is having a Design Team Call looking for a couple of designers to be a part of the team for the next few months (March - May). I love their sketches and color inspiration...creating the perfect opportunity to get my creative juices flowing! I have participated in The Paper Players sketch and color challenges in the past as often as time would allow (which isn't often enough!). Recently, I have found myself with a little more extra time to put into participating in challenges, so when I saw they were looking for some designers, I thought I would give it a go in "applying" to join The Paper Players team for a few months. I hesitated for a moment in fear of not making the cut, but then I remembered seeing a quote that I had pinned on Pinterest. "You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way." So, make it or not...I'm giving it a shot!

Just a brief bio of me: I'm Heidi and I have been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for almost 3 years (in March). It has been such a great experience as my joy for papercrafting has become a true passion of mine! My card making style is fairly clean and simple, but I try to branch out every now and then and try things outside the box. Participating in sketch challenges gives me that chance! I am married to a supportive (and patient) man who puts up with this crazy little hobby of mine! I have two littles at home...one who is in 1/2 day Kindergarten, and a 4 year old pre-schooler. These two cutie pies take most of my attention, and trying to find a balance between mommy and crafter is always a challenge! However, with both of them in school part of the time, I have found those little chunks of time to do something just for me a couple mornings a week...most of the time I'm in my craft room...unless I'm forced to "manage the house"!

Joining The Paper Players team would give me the perfect excuse and joy to be able to get into my craft room a little bit more and work with many different sketches to think outside the box and create something with a little sketch and color inspiration.

Here are a few of my recent favorites...

card for a friend

I wanted to make a card for a friend who needed a little encouragement and I needed a little inspiration to make just the right one, so I headed over to A La Card Monkey to play along with their sketch, and for some color inspiration I used the colors at Create with Connie & Mary.



I kept it fairly simple because I wanted it to be a card I could easily mail...

Stamp Set: Pocket Silhouettes, Pursuit of Happiness(available in clear or wood mount)
Paper: Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Chocolate Chip, Lucky Limeade DSP (polka dots)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, markers - Chocolate Chip, Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Pearl Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: Adorning Accents Edgelits, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

february 2012 card making night!

Last night I held my monthly 3 for $6 card making night ("Third Thursday" of each month, January - June). It came so fast...I feel like we just wrapped up January card night! It was a much smaller group than last month, but fun nonetheless! I enjoyed having a few more personal conversations since I was also able to stamp with the ladies. I really like both sides of the spectrum...lots of stampers or a small group. They both have their advantages. We were kind of chuckling last night because this time around we could hear my kids running around and playing upstairs, whereas last month, there were so many of us downstairs having conversations and such, it drowned out the chaos upstairs! ;)

Card #1
I had originally made this card over a crafting weekend (just for fun!) at the beginning of February and later on decided it would be a great one for a card making night. I originally had buttons in place of the flowers, but to make my supplies stretch a little further I changed it up by using a small flower punch and adding a rhinestone.

I love the Petite Pairs stamp set...I put the other half of the greeting on the inside of the card.

Stamp Set: Best of Everything, Petite Pairs (both sets available in clear or wood mount)
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, markers - Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie (coloring in the bird)
Accessories: 1/2" Melon Mambo Polka-Dotted Ribbon (retired), Rhinestones Jewel Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: 2-1/2" Circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack (small flower), Eyelet Border punch, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

Card #2
This one might look familiar since I shared it last week. The only thing I changed was the size of the ribbon. This was a quick, but fun card!

Stamp Set: Friendly Phrases, Sweets for the Sweet (available in clear or wood mount)
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Big Top DSP
Ink: Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Accessories: 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: 1" Circle punch

Card #3
For the last card of the night, I used the Freshly Made Sketch #22.


I have been wanting to ink up my new Mouthwatering stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog, so I decided to go with the popsicle image and created a "sweet" card.

Stamp Set: Mouthwatering, Fabulous Phrases, (both sets available in clear or wood mount)
Paper: Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Elegant Eggplant, Sweet Shop Specialty DSP
Ink: Lucky Limeade, markers - Wisteria Wonder, Soft Suede
Accessories: Rhinestones Jewel Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine
Tools: Small Heart punch,

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Hope you can join me next time!! For any of you who live in the Portland-Metro, Oregon area, mark your calendars for "Third Thursday" Card Making Nights...3 cards for only $6!
March 15
April 19
May 17
June 21

Contact me for more information if you're interested...

class valentines

Both of the kids had their class parties today. I am the Classroom Coordinator for Mikayla's class (Kindergarten), so I was able to be with her today. Austin is in pre-school and the teacher said they were going to have a low key day at school, so his teacher said not to worry about missing his activities. They mostly just passed out the valentines, had a special cupcake, and sang some songs. Even though I know it was on a much smaller scale than the Kindergarten party, I was bummed to have miss being with my little buddy, too! There is always next year to be involved with his class, I suppose...

It was fun to make classroom valentines and I kind of took over on that part this year...when they get older they can help more with the process, right?

Mikayla brought butterflies for all of the girls...

{I originally posted these last year}

And little note cards with sports candy hearts attached for all of the boys...

{so fun to use the Hearts Framelits Dies}

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And for our little Austin-monkey I was sooooooooooo excited to make his valentines! He only has nine other classmates, so I could be a little more detailed with his valentines. I originally found the idea on Pinterest (of course!), but they used banana Runts in their baggies. I couldn't find just banana flavored at the first store I went to and didn't want to go from store to store to find them, so Laffy Taffy candy it was! (I am assuming it was cheaper anyway?)

For the girls in his class, I added a little bow using two hearts placed end to end and added a rhinestone in the middle. Aren't they adorable?!

Making valentines is so much fun!! I just need to remember to do it way earlier and next year I'll have the kids help...maybe. *wink*

birthday bash cards!

On Saturday night, my upline and friend Andrea and I co-hosted a Birthday Bash Card Making Night that was held at my home. Both of us have birthdays in February and we thought it would be fun to hold an event to help celebrate with what we love to do...card making!! All of our guests made 8 cards for only $15 (2 each of 4 designs). I designed two and Andrea designed two. We wanted to showcase products from the Mini Occasions Catalog and Sale-A-Bration products, so our cards mainly highlighted those products. We also had an ice cream bar with lots of toppings! It was a great turn out of 14 stampers. We prepared for just a few more, so I have a handful of cards to make, but I love having a chance to do more stamping!

My first card was inspired by a sketch from a blog I recently found called Freshly Made Sketches. The designers encourage clean-lined creations with lots of "white space" and clean edges, but also encourages lots of details and embellishments, avoiding distressing and torn edges. Yippee...my kind of cards!!

This is the sketch...


And, my take on the sketch...


Stamp Set: Friendly Phrases, Mouthwatering (available in clear or wood mount)

Paper: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Old Olive, Sweet Shop Specialty DSP
Ink: markers - Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral
Accessories: Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Calypso Coral Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots (for Baker's Twine bow), Rhinestones Jewel Accents
Tools: Big Shot, Stripes Textured Embossing Folder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch

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This second card was inspired by a card I saw here. I just changed up a few things, but loved the design layout and mostly the colors!!! Adding the butterflies with the pearls was a fun little accent.


Stamp Set: Outlined Occasions (SAB product!)

Paper: Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade (polka dots), Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB product!)
Ink: Early Espresso (inking edges), Black Stazon, markers - Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Accessories: Pearls Jewel Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Scallop Trim Border punch

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These are Andrea's cards she brought to the party...aren't they adorable??

sweets for the sweet & big top birthday

I was blessed with a couple days away last weekend (thanks, Sarah!). I was going to bring scrapbooking because I rarely get the chance to pull it out, but after looking through the pictures on the computer I got too overwhelmed and decided I would bring my card stuff instead. I really went into the weekend as a chance to relax, enjoy myself, and put no pressure on the amount I was going to get done. On my last craft weekend in the Fall, I spent too much of the weekend trying to be in work-work-work mode and didn't enjoy just being away. This time was different and I had more fun!!

I decided to make four cards of each design. My intention was to come away with as many cards as I could just to have on hand...I am always needing cards either to use myself or people are interested in buying. To make it easier, I tried to grab a couple packs of DSP and then any coordinating colors, stamp sets, etc. that went with it.

Here are a few of the cards I made using the Big Top DSP and Sweets for the Sweet stamp set...

With this first card, I was inspired by something I saw in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.


Stamp Set: Sweets for the Sweet (available in clear or wood mount), Petite Pairs (sentiment-available in clear or wood mount)
Paper: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Peach Parfait, Big Top DSP
Ink: markers - Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso
Accessories: 1/2"" Poppy Parade Taffeta ribbon, Rhinestones Jewel Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: 1" Circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack (smallest circle), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot

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I fell in love with Melissa Stout's "sweet" card (found here) and knew it was a great layout. I changed the sentiment and used Dazzling Diamonds Glitter instead of Dazzling Details, but just couldn't resist those cute lollipops!

Stamp Set: Friendly Phrases, Sweets for the Sweet (available in clear or wood mount)
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Big Top DSP
Ink: Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Accessories: 5/8" Real Red Satin ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: 1" Circle punch

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This one was a little more of a process as I cut out each of the three pinwheels using my Paper Snips.

Stamp Set: On Your Birthday (let's celebrate!)

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Big Top DSP
Ink: Real Red, Tempting Turrquoise
Accessories: 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta ribbon, 1/2" Real Red Taffeta ribbon (retired), sponges, Tempting Turquoise brads, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: Large Oval punch, Paper Snips, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, 1-1/4" Circle punch, 1" Circle punch

More cards to come!!

sending a kiss

Just one more week left until Valentine's Day...
have you been making some fun little treats lately?

{Hershey Kisses baggies I made for a relative to hand out to her grandkids}

card making night - valentine's day style!

Every other month I travel to my mother-in-law's house house (about a 45 minute drive) and I hold a 3 for $6 card night there with her and her friends. We've been doing this just a little over a year now. Everyone seems to have a great time and it has worked really well into my schedule of having one more event I can count on to create cards! The turn out has always been really good, but last week there were 21 ladies, which was awesome!! This time around we decided to make all Valentine's Day cards. What fun!

The first card I designed using the sketch from The Paper Players.

Card #1
It's difficult to see but the Bashful Blue background has polka dots using the Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plate created with the Big Shot.

Stamp Set: Send Me Soaring (available in wood & clear mount), Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist
Ink: Bashful Blue (clouds & inked edges), Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Red Glimmer Paper
Accessories: Sponges, 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: Pinking Hearts Border punch, 1" Circle punch, 1-1/4" Circle punch, Owl punch (for extra small hearts on the bottom), Word Window punch

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Card #2

Stamp Set: I {Heart} Hearts, Delightful Dozen
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Pearl Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: Heart to Heart punch, Small Heart punch, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

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Card #3
I wanted to use some different colors out of the normal Valentine's Day red and pink, so with the third card I used the beautiful Sweet Shop Specialty Paper in the Occasions Mini Catalog!

I added some Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the words to give it a little extra sparkle.

Stamp Set: Outlined Occasions (Sale-A-Bration)

Paper: Whisper White, Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Sweet Shop Specialty Paper

Ink: Black Staz-On, markers - Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds glitter, 3/8" Wisteria Wonder Ruffled ribbon, Rhinestone Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals
Tools: Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die, Labels Collection Framelits Die,

My Digital Studio Express 30 Day Trial - download at anytime!

Stampin' Up! has begun offering a 30-day FREE trial of My Digital Studio Express. For those of you who have always thought about starting digital scrapbooking, this is a great opportunity!!

Here are some FAQs for those of you interested:

Q: How long can we take advantage of the My Digital Studio Express trial?
A: This is an ongoing offer. We want all our demonstrators and customers to be able to try My Digital Studio.

Q: What digital content comes with the My Digital Studio Express Trial?
A: My Digital Studio Express includes one stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Paper patterns, 81 embellishments, 26 punches, and 5 designer templates. You can view a list of the included content here.

Q: What's the difference between My Digital Studio and My Digital Studio Express?
A: My Digital Studio Express is My Digital Studio software that you can download directly to your computer without having to wait for discs to be shipped to you. The program functionality is exactly the same as the disc version of the software with less digital content. You can watch a quick video explaining the difference between My Digital Studio and My Digital Studio Express here.

Q: Can I get the My Digital Studio Express Trial on a disc?
A: No. The My Digital Studio Express Trial is only available as a download over the Internet. However, the file is not large, so even if you have a dial-up internet connection, you will still be able to download the program.

Q: What are the system requirements to use My Digital Studio?
A: You can see the system requirements for My Digital Studio here.

Q: How do I order the My Digital Studio Express Trial?
A: You can purchase My Digital Studio Express Trial by visiting my online store and ordering HERE. You can order the free trial by itself, or you can add it to an order with stamping supplies or digital downloads. If the My Digital Studio Express Trial is the only item you order, you will not be asked for any credit card or payment information. If you are new customers to my online store, you will need to create an account.

Q: How do I install the My Digital Studio Express Trial software after you have ordered it?
A: You can access your My Digital Studio Express Trial download through the Downloads section of your account. Make sure you select Mac or Windows, and the download and install wizards will walk you through the rest of the process.

Q: Is the trial version of the software different from the paid version of My Digital Studio Express?
A: No. When you order the My Digital Studio Express Trial, you will receive the full version of My Digital Studio Express. The software will function exactly the same as if you had purchased the software--you can design, purchase downloads, and print. The only difference is that you can only use the trial version for 30 days.

Q: Can I place a print order with the trial version?
A: Yes. You have full access to everything you can do in My Digital Studio for a full 30 days. This includes full designing functionality, printing, and the ability to purchase downloads.

Q: Do my 30 days start as soon as I download My Digital Studio?
A: Your 30 day trial period starts as soon as you launch the program. It does not matter when you download the program, your 30 days will start as soon as you actually launch (open) the program.

Q: Will the trial still last 30 days even if I order it in the middle or end of the month?
A: You can order the My Digital Studio Trial at any time. The trial period is not tied to the calendar. The trial period will begin as soon as you launch the program, and you will be able to use it for the next 30 days.

Q: What happens after the 30 day trial period is over?
A: When you launch the software after the 30 day trial period is over, you will be prompted to enter a product key. You will not be able to use the software again until you have entered a product key. You can get a product key by purchasing My Digital Studio or My Digital Studio Express. The product key prompt will include a link to the software page of MyDigitalStudio.net, which will tell your customers where to order the software.

Q: How do I purchase My Digital Studio after the trial period is over?
A: Simply add My Digital Studio (item 118108) or My Digital Studio Express (item 124483) to your next order. If you order My Digital Studio Express, you will not need to reinstall the software. A product key will be e-mailed to you; after you complete your purchase, just enter that product key when the program prompts you to. If you purchase the disc version of My Digital Studio, you will need to use the installation discs in order to access the included digital content. The installation wizard will walk you through the process, including entering the product key (which you'll receive with your shipped discs). You will not lose any downloads or projects from your 30-day trial period.

Q: What happens to digital downloads I purchase during the 30 day trial period?
A: You (and your customers) will have continued access to any downloads you purchase during the trial period. If you choose to purchase the software, you will simply need to enter a product key, and you will be able to use all your downloads like normal. If you do not purchase the software, you will still have access to your downloads through your download manager, and you will be able to load them to the digital design software of your choice.

Q: Can I use My Digital Studio digital downloads in other design programs?
A: Yes. The My Digital Studio digital downloads will work with any digital design program.

Q: Will my saved projects be lost when the free trial ends?
A: You will not be able to edit any of your projects through My Digital Studio after the trial period has ended unless you purchase the software. If you do chose to purchase the software, you will be able to access all your projects. If you don't choose to purchase the software, we recommend you save your projects as jpg files. You will then be able to use them like you use any of your jpg (picture) files.

Q: Can I have two free trials?
A: No. The My Digital Studio Express Trial will only work once. After your 30 days are over, you need to purchase the software to continue using the program.

Q: What if I don't want to purchase the software at the end of the trial period?
A: You can uninstall the software at any time.

Q: Are there other free My Digital Studio downloads available?
A: We do occasionally offer free My Digital Studio downloads. These are generally promotions that run for a short amount of time, and will be announced in a current update. Download some of our free digital downloads for the 2010 In Color Card Stock and Designer Series Papers. You can find links to those downloads here.

Q: Will My Digital Studio work on my iPad?
A: No. We do not have a My Digital Studio app at this time.

Q: How do I use My Digital Studio?
A: We have several videos and resources available for both you and your customers on the training section of MyDigitalStudio.net that will help you learn how to use the program.

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My Digital Studio is new to me, too! I haven't yet tried it out, but I'm excited to take advantage of this opportunity and glad that Stampin' Up! is offering customers to try it out for free, too! If you're interested in taking advantage of this, simply visit my online store to order!

downline card swap - make n takes

On Saturday the Papercrafting Professionals gathered together for a downline meeting. We're a small group, but little by little we're growing! (There were four who couldn't make it to the meeting.) My direct upline (and friend) Andrea Botten is the "head honcho", but since our downline is scattered everywhere, we share in our hosting duties. This time the meeting was at my home. It just so happened to come on the day after my stamp club, but at least many of my stamping supplies were already out and the house was clean!!

At this particular meeting we all decided we would bring a "box swap" and we would create each other's cards. We were encouraged to plan a card with items from the Occasions Mini Catalog or Sale-A-Bration brochure, but we could pretty much do what we wanted!

I thought I'd share the cards we created...

My Card
{inspired by a card I saw on Patty Bennett's blog...
I believe it was something from Leadership}

Card by Andrea Botten
{inspired by a card out of January Stampin' Success, a demonstrator only magazine}
Andrea turned this into a shaker card, which was so fun! We used the Champagne Glass Glitter for the inside.

Card by Tami Gaumer
{Tami used the Love Letterpress Plate for the Big Shot for the background!}

Card by Terri Takashige
{Terri and I were thinking alike with using the Everyday Enchantment Sale-A-Bration DSP!}

Card by Laura Howell
{Laura's card highlighted a fun folding card and she used the shimmer paint on top of the Night of Navy ink...definitely shows up more in person!}

It was a great time with the girls and we probably could have kept chatting all night long!! So fun to be inspired and share ideas about our Stampin' Up! businesses...and to do it with such fun women is a real treat!