Well, I made it home from Denver! It was a wild ride at Convention and definitely a tiring one, too. But so worth it! I feel motivated and ready to step up my business.

Just a couple ideas that I picked up that I want to try:

- Monthly Classes. The topic will change each month (i.e. designing simple cards using patterned paper, or watercoloring).
- Monthly "Stamps By Mail" Kits - This is to reach customers that have moved away or who I don't see regularly.
- National Card Making Day - Sort of a stamp camp where attendees will make over 20 holiday cards and a decorative box using Simply Scrappin' kits.

Before going to the Awards Night on Saturday, we (the roommates and I) brainstormed some big ideas in order to achieve our goal of earning the incentive trip in 2009 - a trip to Hawaii! I'd love to go to the Hawaii and these are just a few of the ways I will get there. :)

Now let's look at the swap I made for my Convention roommates. I made this 5x5 book before leaving for Denver and I haven't had a chance to fill in all the journaling, but here are some shots of the book:

After a long day of classes and presentations (with AWESOME workshop wow demonstrations from different demonstrators), we headed out to find something to eat. We ducked into La Fondue just before the clouds opened up a down pour!

Inside the restaurant we were all dry and enjoyed such a fabulous meal! Definitely not cheap (about $30 per person), but worth it. Three cheese fondue, then salads, then meat main course, and then chocolate fondue. With the chocolate, we dipped--get this!--strawberries, marshmallows, cheesecake, pineapple, kiwi, Snickers candy bars, pound cake, and bananas. YUM!

Okay, Denver has some really great food! :)

All you second session demonstrators, check out La Fondue. Get a reservation though. We lucked out and came a bit before the dinner crowd, but I'm sure there would have been a very long wait once all those with reservations arrived. We saw four or five SU! demonstrator groups arrive while we were eating (the window next to our table faced the street).

All in all, an awesome day! My SCS-found roommates are great! No issues or problems and we're already talking about meeting up at the next convention. :)

BTW, during the main stage presentations they invited all those who have achieved outstanding recruiting or sales achievements up on stage for "marches". It was so motivating to watch demonstrators with $20K to $100K in personal annual sales walk across that stage! There was just one demonstrator in the highest category at this session (I'm sure there will be more at the second session), but it was amazing to think that you can get to that level of success!

If Convention is one thing, it's motivating. :)

'Nite all!

Just some photos tonight... I'm so tired. But it's a good tired. :)

Okay, so the funniest thing of the night was walking to the Convention Center... and seeing a bunch of crazy stampin' ladies in pajamas!

Seriously, though, it was a lot of fun. Four straight hours of stamping! I think I got up to walk around just twice (to get more mini glue dots from the supplies table and to switch out a defective Crop-A-Dile... it had a piece of card stock inside the setter... weird!). It felt like a stamp camp or something like that. I finished all seven projects with about 15 minutes to spare and I was stamping fast! All of you second session ladies are in for a wild night!

Cheesecake Factory? Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheesecake. Yum.

And some photos...

We arrived yesterday afternoon to the sweltering heat of Denver! No big problems except for the fact that the air conditioning doesn't work in our hotel room! We've called down to the front desk a few times and apparently they have to have the engineer manually turn the AC up. Ridiculous!

Anyway, we made our way over to the Colorado Convention Center this morning to check-in and get our bags. Hardly any line and we got our bags right away. In the past the lines at check-in were really long, but this year they changed the check-in process and now we check-in online and then just pick up our bags. Super easy! The SU! workers behind the counters seemed very happy with how fast things were moving.

After getting our bags, we braved the line to get into Memento Mall (where SU! merchandise and little goodies can be purchased). There was a really long line, but it wasn't too bad because we got to swap while in line! I only took half of my swaps, but they were gone before I got to the door of Memento Mall!

On a side note, the cupcake swap card seemed to be a favorite. Those went the fastest.

I did go to the Make Technology Work For You class. The new Demonstrator Business Web Site is wonderful! I will definitely be getting one as soon as the new web sites are rolled out.

Anyway, I'll leave you with some photos from the morning. We're off to the Cheesecake Factory in a couple hours for an early dinner. After that, we'll head back to the Convention Center for the Pajama Party!

I'm off to Convention! I leave for the airport in about 30 minutes! AHH!! I can't believe it's here already!

I've started an 8x8 album that will sort of be a journal for me. :)

Mostly lots of writing and reflecting. Here's the start of what I hope will be a really cool project:

Hi all! Only two days until I leave for Convention! I fly out to Denver on Tuesday morning--I can't wait!

In other news, I've been nominated as a "Rockin' Girl Blogger" by Tisha, Kathy, and Elizabeth (edited to add Tobi as well). Thanks girls! I'm totally honored! From what I gather, it's now my turn to nominate 5 more "Rockin' Girl Bloggers." I've chosen five girls who I totally love! I love each of their blogs because I know them in real life and love to hear what they're up to.

BTW, forgive me, I've recreated the Rockin' Girl Blogger graphic... had to give it some flare, ya know?

My Nominees:
1. Sarah - ROCK ON! Sarah has the most entertaining blog ever! I love to visit her site every few days to see what's happening.

2. Erica - Not only is she my SU! upline, she's an awesome friend who is absolutely hilarious! Plus, she has really cute cats. (Makes me want a pet cat of my own!)

3. Jen - My lovely SU! SLC Regional friend! Jen and I were orphans together at the regional training last April. Luckily she sat down next to me and we've been friends ever since.

4. Aimee - I LOVE AIMEE! Can I yell this any louder? I've known Aimee since 7th grade, can you believe that? We were Abby and Martha Brewster in our ninth grade production of Arsenic and Old Lace. Aimee did wonderfully, but I forgot nearly all my lines--don't ask. ;)

5. Kara - Hey, girl! (Kara, I say this in my best Jeni P. voice). Kara and worked on our college newspaper together. Her and her husband have the cutest little girl ever (well, after my nieces of course ;). Recently we reconnected on Facebook and I've loved reading her blog ever since. :)

And just 'cause I've been stamping like mad so that I'm ready for Convention... Here's a card I made while taking a break from the swaps:

Just finished the book.

Never cried so much over a book.

So good.

That is all.

Hi all! It's been a few days since I last checked in, but I've been super busy! Between getting ready for Convention and trying to wrap up some projects at work before I leave town for a week (plus I saw HP5 again last night), I've hardly had any time to sit down and create anything.

I should be creating quite a bit this weekend though... I have to finish 3 scrapbook layouts for my American Crafts design team position! I would usually have until the end of the month, but I'll be at Convention, so I'm trying to finish them up before I leave.

Anyway, tonight is my monthly card club. Didn't I just do my June club? Yeah, this month's club is moved up because (once again) I'll be at Convention.

(small interruption... I'm sure all this prepping for Convention and cramming everything I need to do in before I go will be worth it. Right? Tell me again why I'm going to Convention? Okay, minor pity party over... I really am seriously excited about Convention. No regrets. I KNOW it will be awesome!)

At club tonight we'll be making one of the cards I design for a Convention swap. The other card is below:

First of all, thanks for all the comments about the new design! You're all too cute!

As of the time I am writing this, there have been 29 responses (discounting my one comment--I can't exactly win, right?). So, using random.org, I have selected a winner for my little giveaway. Number 7, SueB! Susie, send me an email at kristina at kwernerdesign.com (sorry about the weird email address--just take out the 'at' and put in a real @ symbol... it cuts down on spam mail).

Also, today I completed 3 full sets of swaps for Convention! Whoa, I'm tired. ;) As before, if you are going to Convention, please DO NOT use these designs for your own swaps. I know most of you wouldn't even think to do that, but I have to cover all my bases, right?

I've also been tagged to tell ya'll seven things about myself:

1. Music currently listening to: Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack, Volume II
2. Latest book checked out from the library: Sew What! Skirts
3. I almost was an English major in college (after yesterday's misspellings and unclear writing, let's just be glad I decided to go into art instead. ;)
4. Favorite snack: Pepperidge Farm Goldfish
5. I was super blond as a child... then suddenly I was brunette.
6. Sometimes I sit on a fit ball (exercise ball, body ball, whatever you want to call it) when I'm sitting at my computer. At home. They've banned them in my office at work. ;)
7. I've owned a digital camera since April 2000. Currently, I have over 27 GB of photos on my external hard drive.

And on to the cards...

ETA: Hmm... I seem to have misled a few of you with my little comment at the top under July 2007. Unfortunately, I will not be at CHA--I just love when CHA comes around because we get a ton of new scrapbooking supplies. I'm at my brother's right now, but I'll have to update the graphic at the top and the Dr. Seuss misspelling when I get home. :)

It was about time I had a new design for my blog, don't you think? Well, I've worked most of the day on it (instead of my Convention swaps which I should have been working on, but oh well). I think I like it, but what do ya'll think?

Leave me a comment. There might be something special in it for you (read: free stuff). I'll draw a name tomorrow night. :)

Happy Saturday!

Oh... my... gosh! Harry Potter 5 rocked! I loved this movie so much! It's most definitely the best one out of all the movies. :)

Anyway, I'm so super excited for the seventh book next week... I've blocked out my entire Saturday to read it. :)

In other random news, Patti (girl I work with) shared some hilarious ecards from Hallmark. They feature these cartoon characters called Hoops and Yoyo. Seriously funny stuff. You must go there right now and see it. Make sure your sound is on... so funny. I couldn't help laughing yesterday while I listened.

Also, today at work it's... Ta da! Fabulous Fiesta Friday! Basically it's an excuse for my department to get together and have a Mexican food potluck. I'm bringing a soup that I just love that I call Nan's Mexican Soup. My old roommate's sister created the recipe for a cooking class in college. Are you ready for this? It's so super easy...

Nan's Mexican Soup

Ingredients:
1 can refried beans
1 can corn
1 can garbanzo beans
1 can kidney beans (or black beans, whatever you like)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 c. salsa
3/4 c. cilantro (or to taste -- I like a lot)
dash of Lawry's seasoning salt
pinch of cumin

Extras:
tortilla chips
grated cheese
sour cream

Directions:
DO NOT DRAIN ANY OF THE CANNED ITEMS - In large pot, combine all ingredients (it's easiest to warm up the refried beans first and get them softened so they blend into the soup more, and then start adding the other canned items). Cook thoroughly, about 20 minutes on medium high.

As for serving, I put a dollup of sour cream, then some grated cheese, and dip and scoop with the tortilla chips. Also good with flour tortillas.

Hi all! I got to stamp a bit tonight. :)

My showing of Harry Potter doesn't start until 9:30, and we have reserved seating, so I had the chance to stamp a couple cards. I just cannot get enough of the new Holiday Blitz stamp set! Just love it! It's so versatile and the little itty bitty images are so cute. I'm sure you'll see a lot of cards with these images for a while.

On the first card, I used the Crop-A-Dile to "emboss" the row of circles. Basically you just set the Crop-A-Dile as if you were setting 3/16" eyelets, and then press the paper between the two metal pieces. I love this technique and first saw it from Erin Lincoln at the Creating Keepsakes website. I looked for the video to share the link with ya'll, but I couldn't find it... they've changed their video area. If any of you can find it, please leave me a comment with a link and I'll pass it on to everyone. :)

The second card uses the new Jumbo Outline Alphabet. I loved this stamp set when I first saw it, but after I'd mounted it, I had no idea what to do with it! This was my solution. I would have liked to color in the centers checkerboard fashion with a Soft Sky marker, but since those don't exist (are you listening SU! I WANT IN COLOR MARKERS!) I used a VersaMarker which worked out really well. :)

So, I go through song phases. This means that at any moment, I usually have one song that I listen to over and over. Yes, I'm one of the annoying people who listen to the same song over and over. :)

Today's song is so beautiful that I have it on repeat in my ears... I Knew I Loved You by Celine Dion. It's on an album dedicated to the music of Ennio Morricone, the famous film composer. Absolutely wonderful album, and this song is the true gem out of the entire list of songs on it. I don't know about you, but I can listen to Celine Dion's voice all day!

Did any of you see her concert in Vegas? I always wanted to go.

Okay, Marisa--if you're reading this you have to act surprised when you get this card in the mail! You've been warned!

Hi all! I'm still on my rubber high! Just mounted this set and had to make a new card. This is going to my sister as soon as I write inside and mail it off. :)

Can I just say how much I love the new ribbon in the Stampin' Up! catalog? I LOVE IT! This striped ribbon has to be one of my favorites.

YEAH! My boxes of new stuff came today! I ordered WAY too much... let me tell ya!

Anyway, the first thing I did was break out the things for my Convention swaps. I planned out all my swaps, down to the last detail. You should have seen me trying to estimate how much ribbon I would need! Anyway, here's my first swap for Convention.

NOTE: I don't think I really need to say this, but...

If you are going to Convention, please DO NOT case this card to use as your own, even if you note that I was the original designer. I'd really like to keep this swap to just me. Thanks!

On the other hand, if you're not going to Convention, or if you are and want to use this as inspiration for a workshop or something, feel free!

I'm off to mount some more stamps...

So I'm sitting at home right now... Yes, I know, it's nearly 9:30 am and I'm not at work. I'm actually killing some time until I go to a press check. For all you non-graphic designers out there, that's when I go check on a print job at a press and make sure color is just right and that everything looks good.

Anyway, I got up early and went to the press only to find out that they weren't ready for me. So, here I am at home killing some time... watching the minutes slip by. Tick tock. Tick tock.

What's the one thing I can't stop thinking about?

Maybe the UPS man will deliver early today and my Stampin' Up! order will arrive before I have to go back to the press.

I'm one sick cookie. GIVE ME MY RIBBON & STAMPS!

This week's challenge is brought to you by Erica:

Challenge #6: Create a scrapbook page using a Becky Higgins sketch. It can be one of the sketches that they are currently requesting submissions for, or one she has done in the past. Show us the sketch you used and the result.

Won't you join us?

I've started my Convention swaps! I'll get back to the sewing machine tidbit of information, but first for those that don't know, the Stampin' Up! Convention for demonstrators starts in three weeks! AHH!! It's a tradition at these events that a lot of card swapping takes place.

GET YOUR SWAP ON!

When I went to the Salt Lake Regional Training, I didn't prepare any swaps and I was totally left out. This time I am most certainly going prepared. I have 100 swaps planned--25 each of 4 designs. Well, I'm still waiting on my new catalog sets to arrive, so I can't do everything yet, but I've starting cutting the card stock I have and stamping what I can.

So the sewing machine... You have to know this right up front: I haven't even touched a sewing machine since 7th grade home economics class. I made a really bad looking hot pad. Anyway, I really wanted to try sewing on of my sets of swaps for Convention.

Sewing has always been my mom and older sister's thing.. Well, watch out ladies! Here I come!

My mom's too sweet too me... She dug out her sewing machine (she quilts by hand so the sewing machine hasn't seen the light of day for who knows how long), and re-taught everything to me. I was really dreading it, but it wasn't too bad. I actually sewed around 28 card pieces (3-1/4 x 4-1/2) in about 50 minutes. Not too bad for a beginner, eh?

Sorry, no pictures of the swap progress yet. But I'll be sure to share the finished products with you here. In the meantime, here's a card I made during my family reunion this weekend. Imagine me and my two cousins and my cousin's boyfriend sitting around a table in a cabin, surrounded by the plethora of supplies I brought with me (one must never leave the house without at least a little bit of scrapping supplies--come on now!), and each of us creating some cards. Totally lots of fun. :)

Anyway, here's one of the cards I made: