Jennifer Schaerer
I spent the better part of yesterday thinking back on my first year here at Paper Crafts (I know! It’s been a YEAR!), and one of the most satisfying parts of being part of this community is the enthusiasm and support for this oh-so-creative hobby of paper crafting.
And last week my cup, um, overfloweth with enthusiasm when I got to attend the annual convention for Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. Ever seen clips from a Hannah Montana concert? Yeah, it was sorta like that, but with grown women in the audience.
Before the tidal wave of energy arrived
With a theme of Inspire. Create. Share. and some vibrant colors and set design to go with it, there was plenty of all three to go around. The most exciting part was hearing about the new design software being released Fall 2009: My Digital Studio. Let me tell you, this is one powerful and versatile tool, my friends. Keep an eye out for more information when the product is released.
Stampin’ Up! also unveiled its partnership with Build-A-Bear, releasing dies, designer paper and stamp sets that delightfully capture the charm of these furry do-it-yourself critters in paper crafted form.
Kelly Smith, Brittany Beattie, me, Megan Hoeppner and Brenda Peterson “sharing” the fun!
After the general session broke for lunch, we (Kelly Smith, Brenda Peterson, plus our Creating Keepsakes peeps Megan Hoeppner and Brittany Beattie rounded our group) wandered through the lunchroom to see the project displays. I somehow managed to pick up my jaw from the floor and dig out my camera to start manically snapping photos of each color-themed section.
Until my battery died. And I’m not even kidding you.
But I was able to capture a good dozen shots, and I’m here to share the wealth. Get set to scroll through some catchy color combinations and lovely layering ideas. Ready? Go!
The lunch area was packed with hundreds of enthusiastic demonstrators refueling for two more days of Stampin’ Up! fun, so we gave a big inspired sigh and went back to our magazine world for the rest of the day.
Looking forward to another year as enjoyable as the past one,
Jennifer
P.S. I’d love to hear what aspect of paper crafting makes your cup overfloweth with enthusiasm. Leave a comment and I’ll pick two winners to each receive a Stampin’ Up! stamp set. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Friday, August 14.
190 comments
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August 13, 2009 at 5:12 am
brainybairn
The endless possibilities get me really excited PLUS the fact that it is somewhat easier to handle than cloth! LOL!
August 13, 2009 at 5:13 am
Penny D.
This might not answer your question exactly, but for me, the funnest part of paper-crafting, what really keeps me going is my craft blog and all my visitors and visiting them back. There is a ton of talent out there and it’s not only nice to see it all and leave comments, but to have them come back and leave comments, suggestions, etc for me as well. It makes you realize that even though you sat for hours working on something and it’s not exactly what you wanted and you may not be happy with it, there are people out there that still love it.
Plus because of my craft blog I’ve made some new bloggy friends!!! It’s way better than a chat room… lol
August 13, 2009 at 5:21 am
Marty
My favorite part is having cards made ahead of time so my family can grab something special for any event or occasion.
August 13, 2009 at 5:42 am
Karen
A new set of stamps, a new punch, pulling out some favorite papers all get my juices flowing!!
August 13, 2009 at 5:44 am
Patty W
Blog hopping usually gets my mojo going. Some of the company blogs are wonderful…OH MY !
Sometimes, it’s just a need to get something finished. Or looking at gorgeous paper and fondling it and visualizing it together with something!
New stamps…yeah baby… get ’em inky ! That works too!
August 13, 2009 at 6:14 am
jpscraps
Seeing all the new papers and embellishments on a blog usually gets me going.
August 13, 2009 at 6:24 am
Anita Young
New stamps or punches usually get me going! I also love new patterned paper! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
August 13, 2009 at 6:26 am
Liz
Seeing reactions to things I create keeps me going! Their enthusiasim makes me excited!
August 13, 2009 at 6:28 am
Carla G.
I love surprising my friends with a card in their mailbox. Just when you think all you are going to get is bills and junk mail, it’s nice to have something personal made by a friend….what an easy way to brighten someone’s day! And I had a good time putting it together, so it’s a win-win situation!
August 13, 2009 at 6:28 am
Sandra
oh – that is a tough question – it is just so much fun for me when I find the time to sit down and craft – I love seeing my finished products – even though they are mostly CASEd – it gives me such satisfaction to have created something so neat.
I usually leave it out on the table for my family to oh and ah over before sticking in an envelop and mailing off!
Sandra
August 13, 2009 at 6:31 am
periwinklejane
I love to play with stamps and colors, but unfortunately, the part of crafting l like best is BUYING NEW STUFF. I told my hubby about the Build a Bear/Stampin’ Up line, and he said, “Ohhhhh noooooo”
August 13, 2009 at 6:35 am
esther
Bumping into friends who are regulars at the LSS, impromptu sharing of ideas for using the papers or products along the aisle. I always go away with lots of ideas from the enthusiastic chatter.
August 13, 2009 at 6:53 am
alicia
The part I like best is seeing my finished product. Sitting back and being proud of what I have formed together.
August 13, 2009 at 6:55 am
Jaime
July 14th? I hope you mean comments are due by Aug. 14th!!
I love going to workshops and parties for Stampin’ Up! because I always learn a new technique and then put it to good use!
Jaime — yikes! Yes, August 14! -Jennifer
August 13, 2009 at 6:57 am
Samantha T.
What gets me really excited is seeing the UPS man pull up to my house! He delivers all of the SU! goodies!
August 13, 2009 at 6:58 am
mloukirby
For me it’s the sense of making something totally new out of paper, adhesive and stamps. It’s such a wonderful feeling to know I made it for someone else and a bit of me goes with it. Nothing like creating something, is there?
August 13, 2009 at 6:59 am
Carol (ScrapMomOf2)
I cannot begin to tell you how much I was there seeing all of those project boards! I am not, nor have I ever been a Stampin’ Up demonstrator, but I have had a love affair with SU for over 10 years now! I just LOVE SU, and I have the drawers full of stamp sets to proove it!! They remain my top pick for stamping! I’m not opposed to acrylic, but I would take a SU set before any acrylic set anyday!! I’m just sayin’!!
Anyway, the best part of this whole wonderful obsession . . . uhm, I mean hobby . . . is that it filled a creative need that I had! I never knew I was creative until I discovered scrapbooking, stamping (SU!!), and then card making! Now, I enjoy the process! It makes me feel good to create! My daughters create! I guess you could say that I’m enjoying the journey of the creative process!!
Awesome post! I want to look at those project boards some more!!
August 13, 2009 at 7:03 am
Jennie Harper
I just love new products… I am so happy when I have found something new to me or just new in general. :o)
August 13, 2009 at 7:16 am
Smahrty
What’s NOT to love! Seeing, touching, even the smell! Thank you for all the fun photos. I’m itchin’ to get home from work and make somethin’!
August 13, 2009 at 7:18 am
StampinCathy
I get exctied about new products, seeing so many wonderful and inspiring eye candy in blogland, and of course meeting so many new friends. I’m really excited to see more about SU new software too. I’ve been thinking about trying the digital out and this would be a great start. Thanks for a chance.
August 13, 2009 at 7:18 am
Malia Leuck
Oh man! Can I pick just one aspect of paper crafting?! I love the paper it self. Finding mind-blowing and inspiring patterns, layering color and texture… I haunt the paper aisle way more than anywhere else. Then I like rifling through embellishments, ink and other pigmented items. Lately I’ve been addicted to finding unconventional products to use in paper crafting and finding mega-deals at dollar stores and elsewhere.
August 13, 2009 at 7:22 am
Stephanie Washburn
oh… i’m loving all those color combinations and how they organized the projects in that way! very clean and polished look! thanks for sharing the pictures from the show.
August 13, 2009 at 7:25 am
Kay
A new bright, cheerful, busy piece of pattern paper usually gets me going. Throw in some gorgeous ribbon and I’m off in my own “crafting world”!!
August 13, 2009 at 7:39 am
Sara Peatross
I think getting to share what I’ve made and getting to make things with friends at crops and in our homes is what gets me going.
August 13, 2009 at 7:46 am
Megan
seriously – I love it all! I love shopping for papers. I love waiting for the ups man. I love color and texture and the endless combinations. I love quiet creation time. I love posting it on my blog and galleries and waiting for comments.
August 13, 2009 at 7:48 am
Darlene L
My kids lives away so when I know I am going to see them I get really enthusiastic to create special things for them. When they leave, I still have that enthusiasm to continue creating memory pieces. In between visits it might be a call or a special e-mail from them that raises my spirit and spurs my mojo.
August 13, 2009 at 7:51 am
Angela
I love altered stuff and making boxes/packaging for goodies. Only problem is that I’m a paper hoarder and as soon as I use one I think I have to buy more.
August 13, 2009 at 7:53 am
Ann
Communicating with my blog readers really gets me excited about this hobby. I’m still amazed at the support we give each other–papercrafters are some of the best cheerleaders I know! 😀
August 13, 2009 at 7:55 am
marly
The thing that really gets me excited about my hobby is giving a gift and that warm feeling you get insidde.
August 13, 2009 at 7:56 am
Diana Fisher
I ‘overwhelmth” when I realize that something I’ve made affected someone else. It feels so good to share that with someone else!
August 13, 2009 at 7:56 am
Marlena
My favorite thing about paper crafting is the aspect of doing something that I love to do.
August 13, 2009 at 7:57 am
Bernice
New products gets me really excited! And how people can take the exact same things and make completely different projects – that’s amazing to me.
August 13, 2009 at 7:58 am
Candy
my favorite thing about paper crafting is creating something and that feeling of acomplishment I get after I have made something.
August 13, 2009 at 7:59 am
James
My favorite thing about paper crafting is trying out new products.
August 13, 2009 at 8:05 am
Jen Christoffersen
New catalogs! I love them all. You mentioned Stampin Up, and I must say that I get so wound up when the new one is about to come out that when it is finally in my hands, my cup is definitely overflowing!! I love looking through blogs and websites too, but there is something so wonderful about having a shiny new catalog in your hands that you can leaf through over and over. Thanks for all the pictures!
Jen Christoffersen
August 13, 2009 at 8:10 am
veronica
new stamps and paper! what could be better? altho, seeing a sketch challenge is always inspiring.
August 13, 2009 at 8:20 am
Lindzie H
I get excited about paper…you can never have too much paper!
August 13, 2009 at 8:24 am
Lillian Child
My favorite thing about this hobby is the friendships I’ve made with others who are as passionate about cardmaking as I am. I get stoked about new stamps, new inks, new paper lines … okay … I guess I’m easily stoked (grin).
August 13, 2009 at 8:25 am
Jingle
I get wicked crazy excited about fun new stuff! I love to play and so when I have fresh product I go nuts! LOL!
August 13, 2009 at 8:33 am
Kelley Eubanks
I love seeing a completed project (most of the time) but what really makes my cup overflow is the wonderful blog friendships that I have made and seeing these ladies respond to whatever I have created! I have some great bloggin buds!
August 13, 2009 at 8:35 am
Isabel Z
My favorite part of creating is having something to give to family and friends that I made and came from my heart.
August 13, 2009 at 8:36 am
Amy
For me, it’s the people. Papercrafters never cease to amaze me with their generosity and their willingness to share and help and encourage!
August 13, 2009 at 8:38 am
Gabriela Duclos
So much of this hobby makes me happy. It starts from walking into a store and buying pretty things to sitting (with the music on) and creating something. Anything and everything. I love playing with new techniques and getting all messy with paint or ink. I could go on and on… I really do love this hobby!!!
August 13, 2009 at 8:51 am
Tanya T
My cup runneth over whenever I can sit down at my scrap table and create: a card, a mini album, a page, altered art, or even-when one of my friends needs to create something with any of my supplies. Love to share: laughs, supplies, ideas, good times. Now, that’s happiness.
August 13, 2009 at 8:51 am
Stephanie Smith
I love that the ideas to create with paper are endless. There are several different designs and embellishments to choose from one can never get tired of making projects.
August 13, 2009 at 8:52 am
NWFlamingo
My favorite part is actually the creative process. Trying to match the card style to the event and the person, picking the paper, stamps and embellishments … I love it all.
August 13, 2009 at 8:59 am
Sara-Jane
Creating for others! That makes me really happy. I just finished a scrapbook for my Sister in law for her birthday. And then there are cards for others. That’s waht makes me happy. Also, did you see the same trends at SU that you saw at CHA? Vintage, colors, ect? Just wondering. Thanks
Sara-Jane — not much specifically vintage coming from SU, but as always they have so much that can be combined with a vintage style. -Jennifer
August 13, 2009 at 9:03 am
Jeni
I really excited about all of the new items I’m seeing from pictures of CHA that are geared towards cardmakers & not just scrapbookers. I can’t wait for these products to hit the shelves!
August 13, 2009 at 9:06 am
PJ
I always enjoy card making and altering stuff. Paper Crafts always give me new ideas and inspire myself to try new techniques and open up my creativity.
August 13, 2009 at 9:18 am
Laura
The thing that gets me most excited about paper crafting is the visual nature of it — the colors, the patterns, the shapes. It’s intoxicating!
August 13, 2009 at 9:23 am
Tricia Goff
I love it when I spend time on a scrapbook page and show it to my husband and he blankly stares and says “That’s nice…” and then I add pictures and he will look at the same page and gush “I love it! That’s amazing! You are so talented!!!” and go on and on.
August 13, 2009 at 9:27 am
Rachael Wood
man, the girls at http://www.scrapgal.com inspire me. I love the work that comes out when new products are released. I love the friendships we forge with women across the country who we may never meet but know so intimately through sharing our lives through our art.
August 13, 2009 at 9:32 am
Heidi Van Laar
The creative process! Sitting down with some brand new supplies, or even digging out some old ones and seeing where they take me!
August 13, 2009 at 9:34 am
Scrapycandy
I am not the most creative person on earth so I can get super enthusiastic when I see something jaw dropping and have to ask “How did they do that?” Then my juices start to flow. Thanks to all the designers out there and crafters who go beyond the norm!
August 13, 2009 at 9:43 am
Debbie
I love scrapbooking and card making.
August 13, 2009 at 9:51 am
Kelly
wow! what an event! it was so exciting it caused you to lose an entire month! {wink} {check your ‘due date’ of July 14th!}
sounds like a wonderful time, and the pix were fab! i gleaned several ideas from the boards you showed! {btw: i can commiserate about your camera battery…. 😦 } thanks so much for sharing the convention with us. i’m relatively new at card-making (didn’t know that you’d been with PC for only a year!), so i haven’t made any conferences yet. but i have seen so many wonderful creations by SU! enthusiasts–SU! is so often at the root of an idea that catches my eye!
congrats on your 1-year anniversary–here’s to many, many more! ~k
Kelly — thanks for catching the typo! 🙂 -Jennifer
August 13, 2009 at 9:58 am
Sarah Martina
I am inspired by product, and I love it when I create something and be proud of it… and I love it even MORE when I can share it with someone and brighten their day.
August 13, 2009 at 9:58 am
Suzanne
I just love the endless possibilities!! The amazing creations that people come up with is definatly the thing that gets me inspired!!
August 13, 2009 at 10:00 am
Jess
I’m inspired by challenge blogs cause its amazing to see how one challenge or sketch can be taken in so many different directions.
August 13, 2009 at 10:18 am
Leslie
I’m most inspired by possiblities. There are so many ways and ideas to create. Anything is possible.
August 13, 2009 at 10:26 am
joannp
I get so excited about the paper packs – so yummy!
August 13, 2009 at 10:27 am
Lori R
Blogging and looking through magazines get my enthusiasm overflowing. Seeing all the creativity while browsing makes me itch to run up to my craft room and create something!
August 13, 2009 at 10:36 am
connie
For me is the finished project. When I go to a crop my family and grandkids can’t wait to see what I “scrapbooked”. The grandkids LOVE looking at “their” pages. My mom LOVES her pages that I add to her scrapbook of the grandkids and her great-grandkids.
August 13, 2009 at 10:37 am
Naz
New stamps…new paper. I love the smell of new paper–weird, I know. My crafting area. =) Thanks for sharing all the pics from the convention.
August 13, 2009 at 10:47 am
Melisa Hunter
I love the creative process — working with beautiful papers and embellishments. It’s fun designing and creating cards with specific people in mind.
August 13, 2009 at 10:48 am
Michelle A.
I am inspired by all the fabulous blogs and message boards and just all of the new product lines…
August 13, 2009 at 10:56 am
Janet L.
Knowing the people to whom I’m making a card gets my juices flowing. Using their color preferences and embellishments just makes it so much more interesting and fun!!
August 13, 2009 at 11:01 am
SMK
ooooh i just love surfing my various papercrafting blogs for inspiration, so many great tips and techniques out there! 😀
August 13, 2009 at 11:03 am
Kim M
I am drooling here! What wonderful ideas! What I love is seeing all the different creative ways to express ourselves through paper.
August 13, 2009 at 11:11 am
Jody M
Not sure how I can pick just one aspect, but I love new stamps and papers, it really gets my mind going trying to figure out what I can create with it.
August 13, 2009 at 11:12 am
Shari
My cup overfloweth with enthusiasm when I see card displays like you shared! I love to see what others have done and it gets my creative juices flowing!
~Shari R.
August 13, 2009 at 11:20 am
Christina
Seeing the reaction of the person receiving the card I’ve made is always the best. 🙂 I get complete satisfaction that all my work went to make someone happy.
August 13, 2009 at 11:24 am
Heather Garl
I love going to the CKC Valley Forge and being surrounded by other crazy crafty ladies!
I also love to catch up on blogs and crafty sites. That recharges me!
I also love the reaction from card recipients. That makes all the time involved worth while.
August 13, 2009 at 11:44 am
jan farnworth
i get enthused when something i work really hard on comes out just perfect.
August 13, 2009 at 11:47 am
Maylee Pham
I’ve always enjoyed crafting since childhood, of all the crafts I’ve tried paper crafting gives me the most gratification.
August 13, 2009 at 11:48 am
Betty
Being able to take a project from start to finish using just the supplies I have on hand.
August 13, 2009 at 11:50 am
Debbi
When it comes to paper crafting, my cup overflows when my granddaughter (5 yrs old) comes and spends the night and we make cards till 11:30 or 12:00 at night. I’m such a bad grandma for letting her stay up that late, but we have so much fun. I won’t do it when school starts, I promise.
August 13, 2009 at 11:52 am
Summer Braxton
I love getting new stuff in the mail… makes my day… totally!! Of course getting my PC mag is one of those day brighteners. I also love when new products are released. I get giddy.
August 13, 2009 at 11:59 am
Ellie Augustin
This was my first time going to a Stampin Up Convention I HAD THE MOST BIGGEST BLAST EVER!! Not only cause well its Stampin Up to the highest Mojo giving power BUT because I got to share it with my fellow demo sistahs.. I was able to share with them so many ideas (since I was swap happy and well not gonna say how many I was in plus my generals!) but I have been busy busy BUUUSY making samples from ideas I got not 1 was the same.. It felt so good to see 3000 people in love with the same thing I do! For me that is why I love Paper crafts so much because no matter you may not know someone if they paper craft you have an instant friend. WHAT COULD BE MORE AWESOME 😉
August 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Jennifer
I think it is the sharing that I love the most about paper crafting. It really brings people together. Being able to gather, chat/laugh and make stuff all at the same time.
August 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Marla
I pretty much never met a stamp set or paper pad that I didn’t like!
August 13, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Kelly Marie
I love that paper crafting allows me to be creative. I love that what may look like a pile of junk on my desk can turn into something fun and beautiful to give to a special friend. It’s magical! 🙂
August 13, 2009 at 12:10 pm
cjs
I love all the creative people out there that share their art – either via blog, magazine, or in person (thanks everyone!). Just when I think I have ‘seen it all’, there are still more ideas & creations!
August 13, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Pat S.
What makes my cup runneth over?
Playing with colors…I don’t mean crayons, I mean COLORS!
August 13, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Char- D
I love the sharing that goes on in the paper craft world. We share ideas, creations and techniques all of the time.
August 13, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Nancy L.
to ideas from other stampers and then get to sit down and make a fun card!
August 13, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Jackie
When Mr. Brown brings me my new STUFF! I just love that moment – opening everything up! Thanks for the chance to win!
August 13, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Tricia Dee
It’s the color – inspiring, defining, mesmerizing, soothing, alluring, and on and on – it’s the color that draws me in every time. It could be paper, it could be ribbon or buttons or ink or. . .I’m sure you understand.
August 13, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Chrissy Lux
Wow! Thanks for sharing the excitement of this conference with your readers! 🙂
August 13, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Jennifer Scull
I love love love love love Stampin’ UP! 🙂
they were my first introduction to stamping over 7 years ago, and I’m still going strong! some of their products are the only ones I use. and boy oh boy, does their annual catalog get me super excited and inspired!
the greatest thing about papercrafting for me is the process. I love the way it feels to be creating. It’s the blending of colors, textures, designs, styles, and my own touches that just seems to set my soul free! sounds corny, I know, but that is why I keep coming back over and over. and I do like to know that something I have made and poured so much of myself into can bring someone else such joy. 😀
glad you were able to attend Convention. it is most certainly thrilling to be a part of something so wonderful and surrounded by such amazing people!
August 13, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Dana J
I LOVE the reaction! I have a great time creating but what keeps me going and excited is the face, the suprise, the reaction of the person who receives the gift! THAT is so worth it!
August 13, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Jamie Greene
I love alot of aspects of aspects of creating from shopping to seeing what others have made, and finally to looking at a finished project I have made, and the satisfaction I feel that I made something beautiful!
August 13, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Jenny McGee
I love stamps lately. I have tried incorporating them more into my scrapbooking. Thanks for a chance to win.
August 13, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Toni Storie
My cup overfloweth when I see the reaction or hear the reaction of a card recipient to my hand-made work! Pride and joy fill me!!!
August 13, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Katie M
Figuring out the perfect project for someone special. And of course, unwrapping new papers and stamps to play with!
August 13, 2009 at 2:10 pm
TishSch
I feel the excitement of creating when I’m finished with a project–a card, a scrapbook page, an altered item, whatever–and know that I created something big out of little pieces of this and that. My work may never be in a magazine or anything like that, but to just know that it’s something I made, my family enjoys, or a friend got a moment of joy out of the card or gift, that makes it all worthwhile!
Love the photos you posted! Whew, there’s lots of work and inspiration in there!!
August 13, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Jane
Products get me EXCITED!!! Gorgeous pattern paper…..stamps…..colourful buttons………..I can look at a single yummy little button and be inspired and create!! Oh I so have all finger and toes crossed!! Thanks for the chance!!
August 13, 2009 at 2:20 pm
YvonneC
Designer Paper really does it for me! It usually helps me decide the card design and I love that the card recepient is usually very thrilled with their card.
August 13, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Erika M
I just love all the patterned paper – some of it makes my heart skip a beat!
August 13, 2009 at 2:28 pm
itskrista
I’d say playing with new products. Putting stuff together and seeing it work out. That’s just great!
August 13, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Debbie
The chance to be creative (and finish something quickly ;- )
August 13, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Veronica
My cup overflows with enthusiasm when I contemplate the endless possibilities paper crafting has to offer–for any occassion, anywhere–I have within my own two hands the possibilty to create!
August 13, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Cat Spicer
My cup overflows each moment I get to sit and play with my ‘toys’. I never find it a chore to create and love every piece of it.
August 13, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Heather Ippolito
My cup overflows with enthusiasm due to the fact that my daughter loves her new preschool so I get 4 hours twice a week in which to crop and stamp!!!! Yippee!!!!!!
August 13, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Justine Frederick
Wow this was exciting. I enjoyed all of the fun color combos.
August 13, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Travelingmama
I love the energy and the rush I get from creating!
August 13, 2009 at 4:16 pm
cards4ever
I love how paper crafting is not limited to just cards or scrapbooking.
August 13, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Harley
The fact that you can do just about anything with paper. I mean, really! 🙂
August 13, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Mandy
I absolutely LOVE when a creative moment hits, and I know I’ve seen something in a way that is unique and fun!
August 13, 2009 at 5:02 pm
buzzy
I am always inspired by paper and especially when I have coordinating ribbon!
August 13, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Carol
Wow, that’s an amazing look at the Stampin’ Up convention. I’m sure inspiration was everywhere. I think what really gets me excited is seeing new ideas in trade publications…especially Paper Crafts. I love to see what’s being done by other people and new ways of seeing things.
August 13, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Bethany Paull
I love that even a little purchase can jump start my enthusiasm. A punch, a few sheets of patterned paper, some new little embellishment, etc. It doesn’t always have to be something big.
August 13, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Justine
OMGoodness! Blog hopping has got me off my rocker for inspiration. I didn’t realize until this summer how awesome and creative some women are out there in the blog world. My favorites list is sooooooo long now.
August 13, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Cyndi J
I love how I can lose myself in it and not think about those things that are stressing me. And I love the look on someones face when they open a handmade gift. NOthing inspires like that
August 13, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Lorie
What makes my cup overflow? The excitement of how the person who will be receiving the card will react. They will love it…I know they will! That is just the best inspiration ever!
August 13, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Sharon
So many toys to bring out the creativity in you! And so many friends to share ideas with. It actually can be overwhelming! Capturing memories via the scrapbook medium allows you to pass along history to your love ones. And at the same time allow you to do your thing! There is never enough time in the day!
August 13, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Amber R
New stamps or new ribbon gets my juices flowing. Thanks for the chance to win!
August 13, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Linda R
Colors! I just LOVE color and when I see beautiful things made with the many colorful colors in this craft, it just makes my endorphins kick in! 🙂
August 13, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Janet aka Jarie
I get inspired looking at blogs but what really inspires me to create is when I find the perfect card sketch and I know exactly what I’m going to do when I see it, what color combos I’m going to use, what embellishments, right down to the sentiment.
Great Post Jennifer
Janet
August 13, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Sara
I would have been right there with you… and all the foot stomping!! Because the week before I was at the CHA Supershow and for me that was foot stompin’ fun!!! I got to meet up with all my friends AND drain my checkbook 😉 But I had a blast
August 13, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Shawn Wenrich
The creating time that I get to spend with all of my supplies, luv that!
August 13, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Jenink
That piece of paper that just ‘grabs’ you, the inspirational creation on someone’s blog, the trends highlighted over at Moxie Fab, the occasions to celebrate and memories to record.
August 13, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Tamara L
Papercrafting in general is theraputic to me. As the mother of five kids (2 of which are 3 1/2 yr old autistic twins), papercrafting is seriously what keeps me from just yanking my hair out somedays and other days, it takes me from headache, grouchy mode straight into relaxed, chilled mode just by making a card or LO. Sometimes just looking back at old LO’s I’ve made makes me happy. And it makes it all worth it because all of my children look at my scrapbooks ALL the time. 🙂
August 13, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Linda C.
It’s when my card makes someone feel special, encouraged or down right happy! That is why I enjoy paper crafting.
August 13, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Gigi
I love that one piece of paper can be used in so many different ways. Each person has their own sense of style and I love looking at what people come up with using the same type of stuff.
August 13, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Jody Kelley
I love the new papers, embellishments and new stamp sets.
August 13, 2009 at 8:44 pm
cheryl f yelverton
I get excited and happy when my friends are amazed over something I created. I have to get my happys where I can, LOL. Thanks, ms.cheryl
August 13, 2009 at 8:45 pm
CB
I love love love getting scrappy goodies in the mail! Sure, it’s fun to shop for new products in the stores too, but there’s something about getting a little package of paper goodness (and yes, scrap mags count too!) direct to your doorstep that’s never fails to excite me.
Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂
August 13, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Chris S
I love having something to show after I spend time creating…
August 13, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Jo R.
Creating with friends always makes me feel enthusiatic and inspired. There’s just something about creating with friends who “get” your addiction that keeps the ideas coming thick and fast!
August 13, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Bernice J.
The biggest thing that inspires me to craft cards is the happiness it brings to people to recieve a hand made card. Well, of course, I also love the colors of the paper, the satisfaction of creating, the tons of beautiful products, the gorgeous card inspirations of others….
August 13, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Ramona West
Oh la la Stampin’ Up! Gotta Have. I love the stuff. Addiction bad!
August 13, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Carol Holcomb
My Stampin’ Up demonstrator, Beth Daniels, has the unique ability to present adorable, lovely projects that look professionally designed. She is able to break down the steps of the projects so that my finished product is something that I look forward to sharing with family and friends. While creating these beautiful projects, I enjoy visiting with friends. My enthusiasm is fueled by Beth’s enthusiasm as a Stampin’ Up demonstrator.
August 13, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Lisa Petrella
I love being able to create unique and truly personalized cards for my friends and family!! The papers, stamps, inks, markers, embellishments, punches, etc. all help to add just the right touch for each card!! The entire process makes me feel so happy inside!
August 13, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Sammie
I love watching the trends in paper crafting. They’re so fun!
August 13, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Deepa M.
I think the best part for me is being able to create something special for someone, to coordinate with their favorite colors, or things they like, or hobbies they enjoy. I like to make cards to send off to friends randomly too, always fun 🙂 Thanks for sharing a peek of convention!
August 13, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Brenda
I was in Michaels craft store today, and I actually watched the clerk open the first box of new embellishments for Halloween. I was so excited. Of course I had to buy something. All the way home I was thinking what I was going to create using my new product.
August 14, 2009 at 12:48 am
Lynette C
For me the excitment is seeing all the ideas sharded on the internet. And when a certian design catch my eyes I will go to great lenght to make the project.
August 14, 2009 at 1:08 am
ivy
creating something for someone means i went the extra mile & that means a lot to me.
August 14, 2009 at 1:30 am
Allison Cope
Just simply sitting down with a sketch and some stamps in hand is all I need to brighten my day!
August 14, 2009 at 1:53 am
Linda
The best part for me is the blog hopping and the endless inspiration that blogs offer….LOVE them so much.
August 14, 2009 at 5:02 am
gian de la rama
love the projects. thanks for sharing.
August 14, 2009 at 6:36 am
Alyssa
It’s funny to me, but my inspiration and new addiction in paper crafting comes from my blog and the friendships I’ve made through it. I do challenges and post and comment on others blogs all so that I can get a little critique from other fabulous paper crafters – those that know the time it takes to make something from the heart. Thanks for sharing – looks like it was a blast!
August 14, 2009 at 7:24 am
Tina
Although I love looking at all the new products available and browsing through web sites and magazines for inspiration–nothing does it for me as much as getting down to busines in my craft space–I can barely curb my enthusiasm.
August 14, 2009 at 8:51 am
carol H
Seeing a new paper line and matching embellishments makes me ready to craft. I am a paper person.
August 14, 2009 at 9:15 am
Dayna Johnson
Looking at other’s inspiring designs gets me going in my scrapbook room. Just looking at all those samples that you shared makes me want to get my housework done and get into my craft room.
August 14, 2009 at 9:33 am
Prairie Girl
Whenever I see a stamp that I *LOVE* I get super excited and just know that I *MUST* have it! There are some designs that speak to me (especially birdie images) and so I love to ‘play’ with those images because it’s like I’m including a piece of me in my creation! =)
Oh, and pretty papers (as I call them) get me super excited, too! Especially whenever I see new lines from my favourite paper co’s!!! I like to fram some of my current faves and put them on the wall for instant artwork which can be easily changed!
August 14, 2009 at 10:01 am
laura j
New stamp images and paper lines jump start my creativity!!!
August 14, 2009 at 11:51 am
Nicole
I love stickers,but I’m getting really into stamps now. Stamps give me so much inspiration, they help to get my mind flowing, and some of them are just tooo cute.
thanks for sharing and a chance to win
August 14, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Renee Ybarra77
I told my husband the other day give me a few pieces of paper and a few supplies and you’d be amazed what I can come up with and he just sweetly smiled…
August 14, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Carol
This might be obvious, but I love the paper itself! I’m so excited to see new designs and color combinations like the ones you showed. I like the use of brown — with turquoise, with pink, with red — really pops!
August 14, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Christina C.
I think the thing I love the most about paper crafting, especially card making, is the creation process. I love taking out a bunch of paper, ribbons, stamps and accessories and figuring out the way I want to put them all together!
August 14, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Golda
My cup overfloweth with enthusiasm when I have the perfect idea for someone. It is so much fun to figure out how to create what I’m sure that person will love, get a kick out of, or be comforted by. Each person is different and has different likes and dislikes, so coming up with that “perfect” idea is exciting.
August 14, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Sheila
For me, it’s when I’m surrounded by others who love to craft just as much as I do. Their ideas and creativity inspire me and help me to let go of all the rules of my day to day life and let go and just get creative. Thanks for sharing the photos. As a former SU! demonstrator I remember how fantastic the conventions are. Glad to see they’re keeping it up.
August 14, 2009 at 4:28 pm
rebecca keppel
Cherishing memories and giving the gift of memories.
August 14, 2009 at 5:31 pm
sharon d
Stamping is wonderful because it enables me to create beautiful things even though I can’t draw. I love visiting different blogs for inspiration and then creating personalized cards for friends. It is just relaxing for me even to think about stamps and designs and colors.
August 14, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Kelly
I love having an idea and seeing it come together. I get excited by the blogs I read and the creativity that constantly amazes me. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
August 14, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Valerie Durham
I think I am a magazine addict. No kidding! I once tried to stop my subscription to Paper Crafts magazine and then proceeded to go to the public library every week in an attempt to check out the latest issue (which, of course was ALWAYS out!). Nevertheless, after taking home piles of back issues and filing away color photocopies of my favorite project ideas, I decided that Papercrafting was on the must have list….and I guess now everyone knows my addiction to the whole entire papercrafting industry – especially the mailman!
I know….admitting you have a problem is the first step to overcoming an addiction – but what if you don’t want to overcome this addiction!!!
In all seriousness, thanks for all of your inspiration! I truly love your magazine!
August 14, 2009 at 7:48 pm
jennine cahmbers
Well for what I love most is how people react when I give my creation away. This is what inspires me to want to keepgoing back for more. Love all your photos from SU. Thanks!
August 14, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Janet Zeppa
I just love giving a card that I have created. It’s giving a little piece of me. KWIM?
August 14, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Carol Metully
Sharing a card with friend or family & seeing the smile start…that’s when my cup runneth over..with happiness!!!!!
August 14, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Caroline
Paper, paper, paper!!!!! I just love paper. Well I love stamps and ink too, but you’ve gotta have paper to stamp on, so it’s 1st. LOL. Thanks for the chance to win.
August 14, 2009 at 11:10 pm
rap
Looks like lots of fun. Lots of card ideas in those pictures.
August 18, 2009 at 9:17 pm
dee tollaksen
The SU convention is unbelievably inspiring, I must agree! New stamps, idea books, and awesome magazines provide lots of ideas!
August 21, 2009 at 4:36 am
Terry Molineux
OMGosh! A free stamp set! The SU convention is packed with great new ideas for the new year. It gets you all inspired for a new year to create and share with your customers. I wouldn’t miss it for the world! You were so very lucky to attend. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
August 21, 2009 at 4:58 am
Cula Parker
It looks like Convention was amazing as always. I wasn’t able to attend this year, but I won’t be missing it next year. I love that stamping always, always relaxes me, even if i’m prepping for a huge workshop or just stamping with my friends. I love to be creative and Stampin’ Up! helps me with that, especially since I can’t sew to save my life.
August 21, 2009 at 6:28 am
LeAnne Smith
I’m always so excited when I get a new tool… tool’s these days make crafting so easy that those that say they aren’t creative, actually feel like they are and that paper crafting is something we can all do!
August 21, 2009 at 6:33 am
BILLIE TAYLOR
The best part is getting together once a month with all my friends and making beautiful cards.
August 21, 2009 at 6:49 am
Sandy hancock
The convention was a fabulous opportunity to connect with friends and get new business and creative ideas! I’ve attended 18 conventions!!!
August 21, 2009 at 6:50 am
Terri
I just love the whole process of creating something. It is so much better to make a gift and spend time on it then just picking something up in the store.
August 21, 2009 at 6:51 am
Laura
It’s always so fun to get together with others when I stamp and scrapbook. It like being a little kid all over again. We share our ideas with each other, use each others new tools and gadgets for stamping and scrapbooking, and ooh and aah about what each other has created. Stampin’ Up! has such a wonderful array of products for every level of stamper/scrapbooker. Their new catalog is one of the best they have had in recent years!
August 21, 2009 at 6:52 am
Arianna Kuriscak
It was an incredible event. There were so many things I wanted to remember, and can’t. Just looking at your photos brings some of them back. Glad you got to see Stampin’ Up at it’s finest.
August 21, 2009 at 7:02 am
Susan in TX
I love the “mental escape” of the process and the reward of having something I can hold and then share when I am done..
August 21, 2009 at 7:06 am
Jan Hoyt
What REALLY gets me going? Well, of course the annual Stampin’ UP! convention! I had been a diehard stamper for about 5 or 6 years before my friend convinced me that I HAD to go to convention. In order to do that, I had to be a demonstrator. Hmmm…what to do??? I had no interest in selling stamps…I just wanted to see what they did at convention! But, the curiosity factor was too much for me so I joined and man, did I ever love that convention experience!!! That was in 2002….after sitting in the darkened “Main Stage” area watching the presentations and the crazy excited stampers cheering and loving each project more than the one before, I decided that I never wanted to miss another convention. So here I am, home from my 8th convention (not to mention many other Stampin’ UP! events) still excited about the new catalogue.
But what got me started and what keeps me going? The thrill of watching a beautiful card spring forth from nothing more than stamps, ink and paper! No matter how long I stamp, I still get excited when a project comes together into a beautiful card…the magic of stamping! What keeps me going as a demonstrator (in addition to conventions, of course) is watching the creative experience being reborn when a new stamper gets her (or his!) wings….seeing them experience that same thrill of creating something beautiful with nothing more than stamps, ink and paper. I love seeing the look on their faces when that happens and that rekindles my love of stamping every single time!
Thanks for the beautiful photos of convention…it was exciting being there with not hundreds but thousands of other excited stampers and yes, SU really does know how to rock the place! You should have been there last year for the 20 year anniversary when we were 7000 strong! Jan Hoyt http://www.inkerzaway.blogspot.com
August 21, 2009 at 7:19 am
Tonja Romero
USUALLY, when you’re stamping a card and you MESS UP, you can TURN IT OVER! :):):) Not having to comletely start over each time I make a mistake makes paper crafting SO MUCH fun and EASY! Just one reason, I fell in love with stamping and became an SU Demonstrator!
August 21, 2009 at 7:24 am
Heather Wnek
I get excited when a card I made ends up on a display board at convention and then is featured in a photo on the Paper Crafts Blog! I love getting inspired by convention and sharing my inspirations with others!
August 21, 2009 at 7:27 am
Heather Arsenault
Plain and simple, I love creating cards and other neat items with my stamps, inks, & papers. My second favourite part of stamping is being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. It is through Stampin’ Up! that I have the most wonderful friends – both demos and customers! I am amazed at how these ladies have enriched my life and I hope that I have done the same for them.
Convention was a blast this year. It is nice to read your convention report on the Paper Crafts blog today.
August 21, 2009 at 7:33 am
Bobbie Ganley
I love being able to create a work of art in just a few minutes and then sharing them with friends and family.
August 21, 2009 at 7:39 am
Jennifer Thomas
Glad you got to partake in the Stampin’ Up! Convention frenzy! 🙂 Hopefully you will get to join us again next year as they seem to get better each year. I have attended 13 in a row and I am already making plans to attend next year! Thanks for sharing the photos of the gorgeous displays, I even recognized some of my work from projects I have submitted through contest this past year. It is always fun to see those up on display (i.e. third photo, “Family” 12×12 page with b/w photo of 2 kids with one upside down) . Hope you get to join us for another Stampin’ Up! event in the future!
August 21, 2009 at 7:41 am
Kira
I have been a SU! demonstrator for 5 years! All five of the conventions I have been to are exactly the same! The same excitement, the same wonderful ideas, and of coarse the friendships. I love SU! and I am what they call a “LIFER”!
August 21, 2009 at 8:02 am
Cindy
Nothing makes me more excited than sharing something I either learned, found or made…..and then that someone looks at me and just can’t believe it is something they can also do!
Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
August 21, 2009 at 8:02 am
Ashley
What makes my cup overfloweth?
Sharing what I’ve made. Nothing makes me happier to hear a “thank you for the beautiful card” or just a simple “thanks for thinking of me”.
I like to think that papercrafters are the keepers of a dying art…sending handwritten and handmade cards. In the age of email, texting, blackberries, etc, it is so easy to just send an electronic “hi” to your friends. But, when you take the time to hand make a card and write a handwritten letter, it makes all the difference. It shows someone you value them as a person enough to take time out of your day to tell them they matter.
I also love sharing my time and making papercrafts with friends. Talking, laughing, giggling, sharing our lives. Taking time out of our busy schedules as wives, mothers, employees, bosses, sisters, to just…be. Being ourselves, letting our creative juices go, and creating projects to share with others.
It’s almost like papercrafting is a “Pay it Forward” activity. You have fun and enjoying doing the crafting, and in turn, you make someone else’s day brighter by sharing that creation. Who knows, you may cause that person to love papercrafting, and they end up passing on their happiness to others.
I also love watching my daughter grow up and watch her start to fall in love with arts and crafts. She’s only 15 months old, but she already knows how to make her own mark with a stamp. I can’t wait to create more and more things with her and share that special bond with her.
I just love to share. Share my work, share myself, share time, share laughs, share my love of papercrafting. It makes me smile. It makes my cup overfloweth.
August 21, 2009 at 8:42 am
Dina
I have so many new friends because of the art of paper crafting. To sit alone in your craft room is wonderful and creative and soothing. To sit with a group of women and stamp is FUN and EXCITING and MOTIVATING. So anyway you do it, my cup overfloweth either way!!
August 21, 2009 at 8:50 am
Kathy
My most enthusiastic paper crafting moments…
when a gal sits down to make a card for her very first time, you know the kind that warn you “you know I am not crafty, I’ll never be able to make this card”….. and then to watch her put the card together, find out how easy it is and get the feeling “hey, I CAN do this!” That moment of realization for a brand new paper crafter is when my cup runneth over and over. Oh yeah!
August 21, 2009 at 9:24 am
tennesseejoy
I’ve always enjoyed colors and variation- mix and match of designs in fabrics, etc. You should see some pix of some of my decorating over the years, some of it makes me cringe. lol
So when I found stamping and especially Stampin’ Up! I was in heaven with the coordinated product they offered. I started full steam and have never looked back.
August 21, 2009 at 10:55 am
Jackie
I love seeing a one dimensional object become 2 and 3D! FANTASTIC! But better than that is creating it IN FRONT of a class and hearing the OOH’S and AAH’S from everyone!!! PURE JOY I tell ya’!!
August 22, 2009 at 5:16 am
What’s the big deal about Stampin’ Up! Convention? « Heartfelt Inkspiration
[…] the big deal about Stampin’ Up! Convention? Jump to Comments Take a look at THIS and find out! The 12 shots of sample boards have tons of inspiration on them — why not try to […]
August 23, 2009 at 7:19 am
Gale M.
Hi Everyone!
I am the type of person who needs a “Creative Outlet”. Unfortuneately, jogging and going to the gym don’t trip my trigger, but paper crafting does! This is my positive energy flow, my mojo, my personality coming out through paper and all the wonderful embellishments made available to me.
May paper crafting live forever!
August 29, 2009 at 5:12 am
Foot Stompin’ Enthusiasm! « Debbie McNeill
[…] View more pictures and read her comments here. […]
September 11, 2009 at 11:35 am
cathy Humphreys
You go girl! love your pics of projects!