Convention 2012

Last weekend, more than 450 demonstrators gathered at the Convention Centre in Canberra for 3 days of fun and inspiration.  I had a fantastic time and I am so inspired and enthusiastic for the Stampin Up! year to come.  There are lots of exciting new products coming out and I have lots of new ideas to put into practice in upcoming parties and classes.

Here's a little wrap up.

Firstly, I showed you my bag tags for our Convention bags - well here is the bag:

Every year we wait with excitement to see the bag.  This year's bag was very popular.  The front flap is embroidered and the design of the bag is perfect for packing supplies for a party.

Another part of Convention we always look forward to is seeing Shelli Gardner, the CEO and co-founder of Stampin' Up!  She is a lovely generous woman whose welcoming speech is always inspiring.



Shelli patiently waits while demonstrators line up to have a photo with her.

The theme of the Convention was 'I Am' which also extended to 'I want to be'.  After attending convention, I can certainly say that I am excited and recharged for another year of Stampin' Up!

Another part of Convention was the Resource Room, where there were some fantastic displays of Demonstrators' creations.  Ruth Clark is an amazing sewer (and card maker) and she had many fabric creations on display using Stampin' Up! fabrics and Big Shot dies.

Another thrill of Convention is Prize Patrol.  Everyone receives a patterned arm band on check in and if your arm band flashes on the screen, you win a prize which often a sneak peek of a product from the upcoming catalogue.  A few of the ladies from our team won a prize.  You probably heard their screaming from your own home!!



On the final night of Convention we are treated to a wonderfully delicious dinner followed by the awards night.  This is me with Gaye, my roomie.



The wonderful news announced at the end of awards night is that Convention next year will be in Brisbane!  Mark May 23rd to 25th on your calendars.  It's an event well worth saving for.

I'll show you some of the beautiful Make and Takes in upcoming posts.

Thanks for stopping by!

Anna

Bag Tags

There are eleven Paper Angels at Convention.  Each year, there are always a few team members who give  a little something to everyone.  I got myself organised this year and made everyone a bag tag.  Part of Convention is to receive THE BAG.  Everyone has the same Stampin' Up! bag so a bag tag can help you identify your own bag.

I used a variety of DSP packs.  Some combinations worked really well, others are a bit....unusual.  Here's a single one.

Thanks for stopping by!

Anna

Convention Swaps - chocolate again.

I feel a little embarrassed.  I have made my Convention swaps and they are based around chocolate again!  Last year I made these cute little handbags.

Well, this year, I have done a choccy holder again.

I spent ages trying to think of a card front design but there are so many clever card fronts out there that it is hard to compete.  So I went for a cute idea instead.  The top of these is done with the Blossom Punch.  Here's some individual shots.

Wisteria Wonder

Lucky Limeade

Pool Party

And here's a shot from the top to show you the Blossom Punch effect.

I am getting organised for Convention this morning so haven't time to put in the recipe.  I hope to post a tutorial once I get back!

Thanks for stopping by!

Anna

Convention 2011 and a couple of announcements

Convention in Melbourne was a blast.  Three days focussing entirely on cardmaking and all things Stampin Up!  No matter what your level of interest, Convention is so inspiring for Hobby Demonstrators and Career demonstrators alike.  Scroll down to see some photos and some fantastic announcements!

This is a little gift from one of my roomies, Felicity.  Our group of demonstrators is called the Paper Angels so she found these cute angel pendants.  Isn't the packaging adorable?

A shot of the stage.  See the huge wooden stamps?  This is Shelli, the CEO of Stampin' Up! who is a wonderful, warm and generous lady.  The motto for this year's convention was "Share what you love" which was very fitting!

This is Bonnie Thurber, Director of Demonstrator training.  It's worth going to Convention just to see her!  At this stage she was demonstrating her version of Eugenie's wedding hat.  She is the funniest presenter you'll ever meet.

Me, Liz (head Paper Angel), Felicity, Gaye and Colleen.  These were my roomies (except for Liz who was next door.)

This was our dessert at the yummy dinner on the final night.  SU! has been in Australia for five years now, hence the chocolate 5 on top.

Next year's Convention will be in Canberra from May 31 to June 2nd.  If you would like to be part of this inspiring event start putting your pennies aside.  It's worth every cent and you'll come away inspired creatively, personally and professionally.  If you'd like a smaller version of Convention, Regional Training will be in Brisbane on November 5th.  Want to join Stampin' Up!?  Why wouldn't you?  Email me on wheatonanna@hotmail.com or phone me on 07 55 765 469.

NOW onto two special announcements....

ABNs no longer needed
One of the best pieces of news from Convention is that effective immediately, new recruits will no longer need an ABN (Australian Business Number) to become a demonstrator.  (Once a demonstrator starts getting bonus cheques over $500 a month, an ABN will be required.)  Easy!  I know that for many people the ABN caused much hesitation to those wanting to sign up. 


Would you like an extra $70 in hostess benefits?
Host or place a workshop order between 23rd May and the end of June 2011 that reaches $450 in sales (before shipping & handling).  You will receive the usual Level 1 hostess stamp set and $40 to spend on anything you like PLUS a bonus $70 to spend too. So that's a total of $110 of product for free.

Contact me if you would like to place an order or if you want some information about joining.