For the love of Family... Plus One

Family (I'm kneeling in front in gray sweater)

 They inspire me.  They support me. They listen to me. They make me laugh (sometimes until I cry).  I am so blessed to have these beautiful women in my life ... yes, my Stampin' Up family!  ""Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible -- the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family." Today we all got together for a shoebox swap and to share a bit of motivation with one another.  What an uplifting atmosphere!  We shared what SU's plus One means to each of us, enjoyed laughter and food and some pretty amazing projects!  They are the reason I am a demonstrator and to each and every one of them I thank you!
   My plus One's first goal was to get a monthly club established.  Last night was the first meeting of my It's a Girl Thing girls club.  It was a success!  We had a blast not only crafting but sharing giggles and stories!

I feel inspired and ready to take on 2011.  I'm going to dream big!  Have a great weekend and watch for our shoebox swap projects coming this week!

Lunchtime Lift ...

Inspiration from the Stamp Doc

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life has certainly been challenging.  I've finally accepted that the hard drive is gone and I have to revert to this laptop.  The photos, tutorials and notes from my crafting friends over the past couple of years are of the past.  I've decided not to fret as we know from life's lessons that you can never go back ... you can only go forward.  That is my goal for 2011.  To move forward.  In order to do that I have to make things happen - they are not going to happen by my sitting back in a passive state wishing for them or dreaming about what could be.  Tomorrow night is my step in becoming active.  I am hosting a new monthly club for girls only ... It's a Girl Thing.  I have eight girls signed up to attend and I am so excited.  The girls are making valentine heart treats, a valentine card, a necklace using washers, a pinwheel and their 'big' project will be this amazing Jr. Size legal notebook cover inspired by none other than the Stamp Doc.  You can visit her blog at www.stampdoc.typepad.com.  The second step in moving forward is attending Regionals in March.  Yes, I registered for the Hartford, CT Saturday event in March.  I am so excited. 

Note:  I used the 2011 In Colors on my Jr. Legal Pad notebook cover.  I also used Stampin' Rite markers Crumb Cake (for the hair) and Daffodil Delight on the wings!

Thanks for stopping in!
      Samie

I've been CASEing

I needed a little Inspiration to get back in the groove!  I have a new club starting on the 28th for young girls, a demonstrator group meeting where we are doing a shoebox swap and a scrapbooking club starting (if all works out)!  I found a cute little owl that Lynn Pratt shared (isn't she amazing?) so I played around a bit and made one myself.  I also made another page for my planner and lifted an idea for a valentine treat cup Holly at rubberredneck.typepad.com!

Pillow Box Die Owl

 

 Supplies:
Pillow Box
Oval Scallop punch
5 Petal punch
1 inch and 1/2 inch punch

Planner Page: My Boys (excuse the glare)

Heart treat cup with candy hearts inside!

 

Could it be ... and Convention creator search

Was this your convention swap?

Whew ... what a week.  I so wanted to get my craft savvy hat on but there were other plans in store for me.  No matter what came within reach of my fingertips this week - it broke.  The kicker in the pants for me was losing my hard drive on my desktop that has my life's history (and everything I need to complete year end paperwork for my childcare business).  I had just worked on flyers that mailed out to customers to start various clubs and now I can't remember everything I put in the newsletters!  Yikes!  I'm excited to get things going in 2011 for my Stampin' UP business.  I no longer want to be labeled a hobby demo!  In order for that change to occur I need to lose inhibitions in contacting people and learn that it is okay to hear no, no, no ... because somewhere amidst those no's there might be a yes.  There is only one way to find out!  I believe that Sale - a - Bration is a great time to reintroduce myself and get some bookings!  

While at Convention in Salt Lake City, UT this past July I came across the cutest little display of the color families.  I managed to take a picture of this swap as one of my friends was lucky enough to receive one.  I am looking for the creator of this swap.  If you recognize who made this or if you are the creator could you please contact me via email: ovittfam@ncctv.net.  

I'm off to blog hop and see if it is just the cure for my blues ... I need to get some MoJo since I lost all of my SU pictures and project that I have created over the past year.  I know you will all give me the energy I need to 'share the love'!
Best,
  Samantha

2010 Highlights and It's all about the New Year!

My Upline (and treasured friend): Michelle Deslandes

2010 has certainly been a year full of moments to embrace and moments that left one full of unsettled emotions.  I have learned much about myself - what drives me ... what my capabilities are ... what my dreams are ... and where I want to go in the new Year.  I have been been very blessed to have had many opportunities come my way this past year.  I was able to remain active as a Stampin' Up Demonstrator.  Though it was challenging, my first full year as a Demo was a learning experience.  Many individuals inspired my life and gave me support and inspiration to not give up.  My Stamping "mom", Michelle Deslandes is one of the most special individuals to enter my life.  She has become one of my very best friends. 
     In May, my daughter Sayde and I were part of the American Idol Grand Finale. What an experience for two small town girls from 'Redneck' Vermont!  Our 'true colors' were evident from the moment we landed in L.A.  We had never heard of these shuttle buses that bring you to your hotel so we spent two hours trying to figure out what our transportation was that was waiting for us.  We arrived at the Beverly Hilton exhausted and a bit chilly (yes, it was colder in L.A. than it was in VT and this Northern VT girl didn't bring a jacket!)  Nothing stopped us as we skipped down street and stopped within the first five minutes ... who knew L.A. could be dirty?  It was not at all what we had envisioned from late night television shows!

Never dreamed we get this close.

 

 

The Vermont Girls in Salt Lake City, UT

  It wasn't long after a return from L.A. that I was on a plane heading to my very first Stampin' Up Convention in Salt Lake City, UT.  I fell in love immediately with the West.  A group of VT girls traveled and stayed together.  I can't remember having that much fun since I was in High School!  I also met a cyber friend, Robbie Rubella by a chance bump in! 

Meeting cyber friend:  Robbie

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting Dawn Griffith http://www.dawnsstampingthoughts.net/   -

Another of the year's highlights ... I finished my Bachelor of Psychology with Honors in December!  I never thought at 42 years old I would experience the joy of being a college graduate!

The most important of my year ... to have a loving, healthy family to share my life with!