A Crazy-Fun Convention Weekend!

I mentioned in my previous email that I went to a stamping convention this past weekend with the Savannah Stampers, and I wanted to share a little of the fun with you.

This was a highly anticipated event for me because I was not only going to a stamping convention, but nine friends from Savannah were going, too. And, as an added bonus, the Heirloom stamp convention is held fairly close to my home, so this year, instead of staying in a hotel, six of the girls decided to stay with me for the weekend! Whoo Hoo!

Now, I don't live in a giant house with lots of bedrooms. I only have one guest room. But, between the guest room, a sofa, and several air mattresses, we made it work, and had a BLAST! You'd think with that many women in such tight quarters (sharing one bathroom, I might add), that there would have been at least one clash, but this group is filled with some of the most kind, easygoing women I have ever met, and the entire weekend was phenomenal! I should have taken photos of the layout with everyone's stuff piled in the room, but in all the excitement, I totally forgot. I do have other pics, though, so let's get started. ;)

Stamp Convention = Shopping. Look at this smiling face! :~D

A few of the girls worked as demonstrators in the booths.

And, it wouldn't be a stamp convention without make & takes.

And, that is serious business. ;)

My 8 year old DD got caught up in the fun when she joined us on Sunday.

And, of course, after all that, a break was called for.

My DD immediately took to everyone in the group, and they were all so generous of their time with her. :)

You're looking at some tired tootsies right here. :)

But, tired as we were, we left smiling. Here we all are, at the end of our first day of shopping. A whole day with our friends, and we were all going away with bags filled with fun goodies. Happy, happy!

Nourishment and more stamp-talk. Will this fun never end! ;)

Back at home, the girls surprised me. They came bearing gifts to thank me for opening my home to them for the weekend. What a sweet gesture. :) But, they didn't realize that just having them stay with me was a gift in itself!

I have to show you this basket up close. The talent in this group is boundless. This basket was woven by one of the girls in the group!

So...how do a bunch of stampers wind down after a long day at a stamp convention? Show & Tell, of course! Then, we played in the craft room, and laughed ourselves silly, until the wee hours of the morning. :) 

Thought you might like a peek at my haul from the convention. I found lots of stamps and dies for making flowers. I can't wait to get busy trying those out!

There was a little time for some non-stamping fun, because what would a girl's weekend be without Barbie, right?  :)  (Thank you again, Lori, for making J's weekend so memorable. You are an amazing friend!)

But, sadly, as they say, all good things must come to an end.

Ladies, you made this weekend one to cherish for a lifetime. Thank you, and I'll see you back here next year!

A special thanks to my sweet DH, the one behind the camera here, who not only welcomed six women he'd never met into our home, but who also helped me get ready for the "female invasion." ;) Our home has never been so clean!

Thanks for stopping by, and for joining in on our fun, vicariously. ;)  

~Hugs,

 

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A

My First Stamp Convention!

Hi Friends! I am SO excited! This past weekend, I attended my very first stamp convention--Heirloom's Lawrenceville Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival!!! Wow! When I walked into the building, I honestly had no idea where to start. It was nearly overwhelming, there was so much to see. Let me show you.

Now, I knew all this stuff existed, but to see it under one roof--in person! Well, let me tell you, I was in heaven. Before now, I was aware that scrapbook conventions were out there, and even knew about one near me a year or two ago, but didn't go because I couldn't imagine what I could get out of that that I couldn't get with on-line shopping. Now, I'm sorry I missed that event. Being able to actually see and touch everything was so inspiring for my creativity.

There were a few things that really intrigued me. Here's Darlene, at Stampland, demonstrating her dusting techniques. She was amazing!

And, look at the talent she so generously shared with everyone.

 These were some of my favorites. She made this look so easy:

And, here are some creations that caught my eye throughout the show:

Another of Darlene's creations

Beautiful in person

Love the vintage look

Gorgeous! I immediately bought the stamps and die for the "book"

Awesome calendar--on my list to make one day

Very funky--that's a tea strainer hat on top :)

Another beautiful book

Completely translucent card--astonishingly beautiful

I'm not a scrapbooker, but I love this page--look at the torn section revealing the photo!

I saw these rolling cases, but don't know anything about them. Oooo, I want one! Aren't they fab!

Aren't those some amazing creations! But, that's not even the best part. The very best part of going to a stamp convention is all the people I met!

I found out about this convention by accident. I was visiting Tera's blog (Stamp Queen) to comment on one of her cards, and she had mentioned that she was coming to Atlanta. In my comment I said something about the weather here, and she responded by asking if I was going to be at the convention. At first, I had no intention of attending, even though it was only 30 minutes from my house. I'm a pretty shy person, and crowds are not my forte :), but she got me interested, and before you know it, I was there! Don't I look happy with my new friends, Tera and Carla! :D

Then, to top it off, Tera had met a super fun group of ladies from Savannah, all in the medical/nursing field, like her, and they welcomed me right in! We met up later for dinner at California Dreaming and had spectacular fun. From left to right, there's Tera, me, Kim, Lori, Bertha, and Jane.

This was just the BEST DAY EVER!

Oh, and that other thing that people go to stamp conventions for...the goodies you come home with. Here's what I got...

Whoo Hoo! What fun! I can't wait for September and the Stamp Scrap Art Tour stamp convention in Greenville! I'm already saving my pennies for it!!!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope you enjoyed the virtual convention tour! Have a fantastic day!

~Hugs,

 

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