An Update from Colorado

  Many of you have asked me how things are going for me out in Colorado so I thought I'd post a few photos and an update.  With the long holiday weekend, I spent a lot of time outdoors.  In fact, I find that I now spend a lot more time outdoors in general!  It's usually sunny here and warmer than it was in the midwest so I often come home from work and go for a walk.  That combined with drinking a ton more water and giving up caffeine (and therefore soda) has had some wonderful health effects!  I feel great and have toned up a bit!  My favorite thing to do on the weekends has been to try to get in some hiking.  The photo above is from when my sister, her fiancee and I went hiking last weekend up in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).  We even saw some moose on our way over to this hiking spot!  Those pics are on her camera but I will try to get some and post them! 

You might notice that many of the pine trees in this photo are a rusty red color - this is damage due to the pine beetle that is all over the Colorado mountains.  From what I hear there have been many things tried to attempt to control them but besides a really hard freeze it's going to be difficult to wipe them out.  This area is in the western area of RMNP and the beetle damage is everywhere.  For now the eastern side of the park (near Estes Park) has very limited damage so I hope that there is something that can be done to help before they move into the rest of the park! 

Now, on Memorial Day weekend, RMNP officially opens Trail Ridge Road which goes over the Continental  Divide to get to the other side of the park.  They have a nice visitor's center at the top but unfortunatly it's not open much of the year and here's why.  That photo is of the road that we drove by and how high the snow still is on the side of the road!  Now, it wasn't that high all the way but I have to tell you that I was a bit relieved when we went back the other way without the snow right next to us! 

When we stopped at the visitor's center I bought two hiking books - one specifically for the park and the other for the Front Range (the area between Denver and the N. Colorado border in and around the mountains).  This is where I live for those of you not familiar with Colorado.  Anyway, Monday I got up and decided to do a Red Rocks hike in Bouder that is supposed to be a bit like the red rocks of Utah.  Well, it was rainy and a bit overcast so it was a short hike with Maverick, my sister Carrie's dog but it was still very enjoyable!  Here is a photo from the hike and also an attempt at a self portrait with Mav and I.  I'll post more photos as I hike more but just wanted to share a bit about what I've been up to in my spare time when I'm not stamping or working!  Now, back to stamping...

Last Chance for the Hodgepodge New Demonstrator Special!

Remember, you only have until May 31st to take advantage of the sign-up special for new demonstrators!  Through May you can get the regular Starter Kit PLUS your choice of a Brass, Copper or Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware to add to your kit!  And, the starter kit is on sale for 20% off through May so you can get all of this for $159 plus tax!! 

Don't wait - a deal this good just won't last!  Just email me with any questions you might have! 

Chipboard Clipboard Class - In Person or By Mail!

In this class you will make a 9x9 Chipboard clipboard similar to the one shown above but in your own choice of color!  The class includes all the supplies, templates and instructions you need to make this and more clipboards! The instructions are full color with photographs!  Plus, you will also receive instructions to make these great designer paper gift bags!

 

In fact, while you will only receive one clipboard for the class fee, you'll receive enough of the other supplies in class to make more clipboards!  So, when you sign up for the class you can also pre-order more clipboards for 25% off!!  Clipboards are a great way to display photos and be able to change the display and they look great on your desk at work!

The class is $36 for in person or $41 for mail-in and includes the following supplies:

• 
  
  9" x 9" Clipboard
  
  
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  Pack of Designer Paper - please specify your choice
  
  
• 
  
  Set of Rub-Ons - please specify your choice
  
  
• 
  
  Glue Stick
  
  
• 
  
  Sanding Block
  
  
• 
  
  Full instructions and the template to go around the clip

You can order additional Clipboards at a 25% discount when you register for the class. Including the discount, shipping and tax, the costs are as follows: Triple Clipboard $14.22 ea; 9x9 Clipboard is $7.10 ea and Small Clipboard is $5.80 ea. You get 12 sheets of designer series paper so if you want to make 12 clipboards then I'd also recommend getting an extra glue stick!
 
Sign-Up ends on Friday, May 30th and you must pre-pay for your class fee when you sign up.

Once you've learned the technique you can make many more clipboards, like the triple clipboard that I've posted previously and this cute small clipboard:

 

Come to the Best Stampin' Up! Party of the Year!

If you love stamping, scrapbooking and spending time with HUNDREDS of other women who have the same interest then you should consider joining us for convention! Convention this year is in Salt Lake City and this summer will kick off the start of the 20th anniversary of Stampin' Up! Convention takes place at the end of July and is a great party filled with stamping, project ideas and fun!  Plus, you'll be one of the first to see the new 2008 Fall-Winter catalog!

If you'd like to join us for this you will need to become a demonstrator and then you can register and attend! Registration starts on May 6th so your best bet is to join by the 5th so you can sign up with the rest of us on the 6th! If you're interested in attending and/or in becoming a demonstrator be sure to email me with any questions about how much fun we have together before you jump in!

This is me with some of my downline and sidelines at last year's convention with Stampin' Up's President Dale Fillmore.  We had a great time in our PJ's at the Pajama-Stamp-A-Rama last year!!   

A Great Wedding Card

Spring is traditional wedding season so I have to share this beautiful and elegant wedding sample made with "To Have and To Hold".  I love this great card made with River Rock and a little glitter.  Just an awesome card for any new couple! 

To order the stamp set and for a complete list of supplies just email me! 

May is National Scrapbooking Month!

May is National scrapbooking month and with it will come some awesome specials!!  Stay tuned to this site on May 1st for more details!

I'm Back!

I'm back from my AWESOME all expense paid cruise to Bermuda thanks to Stampin' Up!  It was a great trip full of friends, sneak peaks, island fun and yes, we did some stamping!  I'll have lots more to share with you soon, but need to get caught up on my laundry!  :)  Thanks to all who took advantage of my cruise sale (it actually runs through today)!  Hope to see you at a workshop or stamp camp soon!