Heidi's Crafting Mecca

Tomorrow, I have the BIGGEST stamping event thus far. I was invited to teach cardmaking 101 to the faculty of a school right outside of New York City. Most of the people have never stamped. I will be working with approximately 60 people! My largest group ever.

We have had MANY people at our Stampin' Up! Open Houses but there many of my team would be there to help. This time, I am on my own! (Well, Mart offered to help, too.) I am SO excited to have this chance to meet so many new stampers!

Preparing for this event was a bit of a challenge for me. After stamping for so many years, I have developed many techniques and designs. I usually create cards that are a bit challenging. For tomorrow's event, it is important to keep the designs/techniques very simple. I want these new stampers to see that THEY TOO can make cards!

The cards pictured are the designs that we are making tomorrow! Wish me luck!

Today, I had one of my FAVORITE monthly events, Stamp-a-Stack. At this event, stampers pay $20 to make 20 cards! What a deal! If you go to most stores, cards will run $3-$5 for ONE card. We had a great time today with our stamping marathon and stampers left with a stack of cards and a SMILE on their faces.

One thing I love about this event is the opportunity to create very freely. I focus on making cards that can be recreated rather quickly while still having some pop.

I am a HUGE fan of the PaperCrafts magazine. I used it for inspiration for today's cards. I scanned the current issue for ideas of layouts. I loved combining items from my own stash with fabulous Stampin' Up! products.

Two of the projects used diecuts from The Big Shot! I loved cranking out WAY too many butterflies and branches for two different cards. I think my stampers LOVE all of the extra diecuts as they usually get to leave with a clear envelope of extras to take home and use to create.

Remember...cardmaking can be simple and quick. The results are amazing and the recipient will LOVE it!