coming up for air

Woah! It's been busy! And, I'm in for a full week of lots of {fun} stuff to do! I just need to get a grip on everything and sit down to make my long list and straighten it all out in my head. But, I thought since I have a few moments while the kids are napping and I'm enjoying some lunch, I would check in to say hi!

I haven't been making my usual rounds to come visit you all in the last couple of days because I've been getting ready tackling my first Stampin' Up! Open House! I had so much fun getting my projects together, cutting the paper, ribbon, etc. I know it sounds strange, but I just like that sort of thing. It kind of brings me back to the days of teaching and preparing projects for the kids. My kids' teachers in the future are going to hit the jackpot with me since I'll volunteer to help out with all of that kind of stuff!

I'd love to show you the two projects that all of the guests got to "make and take" home:

Project #1: Candy Pouch
(click on picture to see the actual project up close)

I found this great tutorial HERE (hers were Easter-themed) if you'd like to make these for yourself. Wouldn't they make great little favors at a baby shower or birthday party?

Because I knew that I would be busy with chatting with so many people, I tried to type out directions just in case someone might need them, but it's a lot harder to explain something in writing! I think the guests really enjoyed this project. It was just something fun and different and it gave them a chance to use some of the various supplies SU! has to offer.

Project #2: Greeting Card

I tried to pick a card design that would still showcase SU! products, but yet be a card that was doable for all creative abilities. I love using images that I can color in. It's one of my favorite ways to dress up a card.

A few more snapshots of the evening...pre-guests. Because, as typical, once everyone came I forgot that I even own a camera. I would have loved to have gotten some pictures of crafters in action!

Door prizes for those who brought a friend or booked a workshop

Grand door prize for the name I drew at the end of the evening!
Congrats, Sarah S.!
This little box comes with 2 of each gift tag shown

Welcome Station
the guests were able to try out the new alphabet stamp set and make name tags

Inspiration Station
thankfully the gal I signed up under brought some fun projects
to show off using a variety of SU! supplies

Information Station
so much to look at think about...there's so much SU! sells!

Demonstration Station
circle cutter and die cut machine by SU!

There was also a Goodie Station, but no picture...just visualize chocolate covered pretzels, apple slices, mini banana muffins, and crackers and cheese. Just a few treats for anyone who wanted to munch.

Overall it was a successful evening with about 15 guests who stopped by! I was happy to see the turn out and to offer some fun things for them to make and an opportunity for them to browse all the fun products, so they could keep crafting, too! I look forward to hosting many more events in the future. And, for those of you who came and are reading this...THANK YOU!! I'm so glad you came! And an even bigger thank you to Andrea, my "up-line" for taking the time to help me have a successful open house. I can't wait to work with you in this adventure!!

This was definitely a {fun} tackle for me!! Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom for more Tackle it Tuesday.

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Time's up! Back to the grind...and tackling that "to do" list.

I'm finishing up a baby announcement for a dear friend of mine and I think it's turning out so cute! I was also contacted by someone I don't know asking if I would do a thank you/monogram announcement for her son. This is unusual since I usually just work on things from "word of mouth", but it was fun to know that someone was interested because of my HB Creative Design blog.

Just a quick reminder about this Thursday's Monthly Craft Challenge get together...don't forget to be working on those ribbon projects!! Need inspiration? Go HERE. There WILL be a giveaway for one lucky participant!