My New Studio!

I apologize to those of you that follow me. My blogging attempts over the last several months have been awful. With the school year ending, work, our barn, etc, my time is consumed. The other reason was my studio had become something of a "catch all" and I had severly outgrown it. In order for me to work in there, I had to put stuff away and rearrange a bit, which very quickly took away any movitation to work on my projects.

Well, that has all changed. My birthday was in May and I asked my husband and kids to help me move my studio to the back bedroom. The forth bedroom was just a small den area for the kids to watch tv, etc. Since they both have televisions in their room, that bedroom was unused most of the time and it was much larger.

Before taking on this project, I searched HOURS on various blogs, websites, etc. I searched storage ideas and craft desks until I found things I really liked and that would be useful to me. It took us about three weekends to get everything built and moved. I realized just how much stuff I actually have once it was all sitting in my living room. It really looked like we had just moved in. My husband is ABSOLUTELY the best. He did an amazing job and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being in there. It makes working so much easier having everything in its place.

Baskets I decorated with my Cricut and black vinyl. I love having all the stuff I use frequently right at my fingertips. I also like being able to have friends over to work on projects with me. My husband made the main desk area large enough to comfortable fit two to three people. It is also large enough to keep my super large fabric cutting mat on top. Before it was rolled up and stuck in the corner of the closet. It was a pain in the neck to get it out to use it on my dining room table.

I love my husband and kids so much and appreciate their hard work. They made this momma's birthday the best ever.

CARD SWAPS!!!

The card swap was one of the highlights of regional. In a previos post, I commented on the fact that I almost didn't make any. I would have been so bummed!! I am so glad my friend Debi gave me the heads up. Anywho, here are some of the beautiful cards I swapped. It seems I am having a slight problem uploading. These will have to do for tonight until I can get my smart kids to help me. I am a little challenged when it comes to this stuff. Be Blessed, Shannon Willis www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

More Regional Photos - Part II

This is going to be a short and simple post as I am trying to get my dinner prepared. This time of evening I typically have a kitchen that is smoked filled and am trying to find the phonebook for take out :) Starting tomorrow, I will be posting the SWAP cards. I will have to take photographs of some of them prior to posting. They are beautiful and can't wait to share with you. Until then, I hope you enjoy some of the projects that were demonstrated during the WOW Workshop!

I love how you can take a simple photo frame and dress it up into a beautiful piece of art work!

Up close photo of Shelli's egg.

Scissor pouch made with the Petal Cone die. This is next on my list. There are so many things you can do with this die!

HELLO!!! Can you believe this cake? It is absolutely beautiful.

I hope you are enjoying the photos. In my years of being a demonstrator, I never would have imagined the things you can do with paper. My creative cap is spinning right now.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

More Regional Photos

Came home from work a litte early today. Not feeling my best. I think I am still a little worn out from regionals. As promised, below are additional photos of the event. I will be posting photos of the swaps later in the week, just to keep you in suspense. The card swaps was one of the highlights.

This is a photo of Shelli's gift to her daughters. This is definitely on the list to create.

I mentioned in my earlier post that I am so thankful I followed my heart and joined Stampin' Up! Pictured (left to right) is Judy Lawton, Lin Starks, me and Debi Kyle. On of the amazing things about being a SU demonstrator is making new friends.

This is a photo of the card swap board. That's my swap second row from the bottom.

More swaps!

This was taken during stamping time.

More to follow tomorrow.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Stampin' Up! Orlando Regional 3-26-11

Wow, I am still coming off my Stampin' Up! Orlando Regional high today. I had such an amazing time. I managed to attend church this morning, but after returning home I layed down to nap a bit. Over the next few days I will be sharing photos from my trip. My head is still spinning from the excitement. There was demonstrations, PRIZE PATROL, music, swaps, PRIZE PATROL, make n takes, PRIZE PATROL, lunch, more PRIZE PATROL and friends who share my passion.

My weekend started with my friend and fellow demonstrator Debi Kyle and I leaving on Friday. On Saturday morning we joined other demonstrators from all over at the Orange County Convention Center. Boy is that place huge! I have lived in Florida my entire life and have never seen anything as big as this place. I remember my heart pounding and asking Debi when this place was built. Of course she laughed and asked me ... "where have you been?"

Below are a few photos from the event. I will share more over the next few days.

Walking into OCCC

Standing in line to register and get our goodies!

Debi Kyle and Lin Starks swapping!

Shelli Gardner!!

I am so thankful I listened to my heart and joined the Stampin' Up! family. Even though I sometimes consider myself a "hobby" demonstrator, I am blessed to be surrounded by talented women who just simply want to ... share what we love!

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Happy 25th Anniversary Bliss!!

Twenty-five years ago today I married my childhood crush Kevin. Even though we've been down some rocky roads, I can't imagine my life without him. Happy 25th Babe, I love you!!

Thankfully I remembered. Yes, I did say that. In the 25 years we've been married, I am always a day early or a day late. He has never forgotten. When got home from work yesterday, this card was my priority. I put it in his lunch box to surprise him since me remembering our anniversary is a BIG ONE!!

Stamps: Bliss
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Basic Black, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories: 1 1/4 inch Early Espresso Striped Grosgrain Ribbon and miscellaneous hardware

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Card Swap!!!

Wow I am so excited!!! On Saturday, March 26th I will be attending my first Stampin' Up! Regional Event!!!! I am going with my SU buddy Debi Kyle. I can't wait!!! Thankfully she clued me in about card swaps. I think in my excitement, it didn't register with me that there is a time specifically for swapping and I would have felt terrible to have been left out.

For my swap, I starred one of Debbie Henderson's blog posts and CASED the layout she did. Her card, seen HERE is beautiful (everything she does is) and the layout really jumped out at me. Because I am flying by the seat of my pants, I decided to keep the card very simple so I could crank out as many as I can. I don't want to have to call in the "big guns" and make my husband help me. He's pretty good at "... glue this here."

I think it turned out pretty good, what do you think? Would you be willing to swap with me?!

Stamps: Apple Blossoms (Hostess Set)

Ink: Old Olive, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight

Paper: Melon Mambo - base, Whisper White - layer, and Pacific Point - label

Accessories: Modern Label and Word Window punch, dimensionals

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

I love my BFF!!

I just have to say I have the best BFF in the world!! Karen, a/k/a Happy Mrs. White made this delicious homemade dinner for me. My bride's maid gift from her was a week's worth of home cooked meals. IS THAT THE BOMB OR WHAT?!! Well, there is a funny story behind this delightful meal.

I am NOT (stressing the word NOT) a cook! I like to bake, but cooking, well, it's not my thing. A few weeks back during our wedding preparations frenzy, I needed Karen's help getting something prepared for dinner. My cooking skills usually involve some sort of cream soup and cheese, you know, those dishes where you literally throw everything into a baking dish and mix it all up casserole-type-dish. This particular night I was trying to make tater tot casserole, yes you heard me, the Duggar Family tater tot casserole only I didn't have all of the ingredients. I believe Mrs. Duggar was busy having a baby or she would have cried at my attempt of her casserole. My friend Karen was ABSOLUTELY appalled having to cook with any ingredients that begin with the word cream!! After several questions from my friend (who is now wearing dark color sunglasses and a large hat) wondering if cheese or the oven was involved, my meal that evening turned out great and was given a thumbs up from my family. SWEET!

That being said, tonight's dish included Chicken Bruschetta Pasta, herb focaccia bread and a bottle of Sexy Wine Bomb. All of course being homecooked and the use of fresh ingredients. It was SCRUMPTIOUS! Also included in the delivery were these cute little paper napkins Chris and Karen got me while on their honeymoon. I think they fit my personality to a T.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Friends

Whew, what a week. I am absolutely, 100% exhausted. My friend Karen's wedding last weekend was a huge success, but with rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the wedding, not to mention my daughter Sara's Tallahassee trip, I am one POOPED girl.

The wedding was absolutely wonderful. It did however include a "STRESSFUL" moment when the zipper broke on her beautiful dress. Famous new words are "Sara run downstairs and get an emergency sewing kit". Other than that, I would like to introduce you to my new BFF. Her name is Mrs. Christoper White.

This week I plan on actually getting some shut eye. As many of you know, sleeping doesn't come easy for me. After a few restful nights of sleeping will be just what I need to get creative again.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.blogspot.com

Stylish Blogger Award Surprise!!!

OMG!! I am so shocked, I received a Stylish Blogger Award this week from fellow demonstrator and blogger buddy, Tonya Vander-Slice at Stamp'n Slice. Thanks so much Tonya, you totally made my day. I've been feeling a little blue lately because I haven't had time to work on projects, much less blog and your blog award was such a wonderful surprise!

Let's see, part of receiving the award is to PAY IT FORWARD and to:

1. Thank the person who gave the award to me and link it back to their blog. CHECK!

2. Share 8 things about myself. YIKES!

3. Pay this award forward to 8 other individuals that I have recently discovered. CHECK!

4. Leave a comment so they can pay it forward too. CHECK!

Okay, so 8 things about myself ... hummmmm

1. First and foremost I am a Christian and LOVE my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for without him I am nothing.

2. I have been married to my childhood crush for 25 years and am the mother of three beautiful young adults, Jeffrey, Kody and Sara and "Mimi" to Andrew and Carlos.

3. I am passionate about papercrafting and love the fact I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Can anyone say... DISCOUNT???

4. I am a true blue Floridian and love the spring, although my allergies don't care to much for it.

5. My favorite shoes are Flip Flops, especially bright colors.

6. My favorite perfume is "Happy", I believe it fits my personality ;)

7. I love COUPONING and owe so much to my friend Kim Panak who helps me out with the lingo!

8. I am somewhat a overcommitter!!

Whew, that was fairly easy. Now, onto the next part of the award... the PAY IT FORWARD PART!!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the following blogs and getting to know the individuals that are behind them. When you get a moment, you should check these blogs out.

1. Kim Radatz - http://www.kimradatz.blogspot.com/ (Kim is my neighbor and has inspired me to much lately with her work.)

2. Blogger Buddy - http://www.sandybeachesforme.blogspot.com/

3. Kimberly Van Diepen - http://www.stampinbythesea.com/. Kimberly is sooo talented and posts the funniest stories.

4. LeeAnn Greff - http://www.flowerbug.typepad.com/. LeeAnn has adorable projects and shares many of her tutorials.

5. Dawn Olchefske - http://www.dostamping.typepad.com/. Dawn is another incredible stamper and I enjoy CASING her work.

6. Patter Cross - http://www.triplethescraps.blogspot.com/. Patter's blog is AMAZING! She has so many encouraging words and her projects are FABULOUS!

7. Debbie Henderson - http://www.debbiesdesignsblog.blogspot.com/. Beautiful work and fellow demonstrator.

8. Kim Panak - http://www.iheartcoupons.blogspot.com/. Kim has helped me out so much with my couponing. If you are in my area, Valrico, Florida, I recommend you attend one of her seminars. LIFE CHANGING!!!

I hope you enjoy their blogs as much as I do.

Be Blessed!!

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.com

A Blissful Moment!

As my friend's wedding is rapidly approaching (one week to be exact), I have been shopping for dresses, shoes, making place cards, menus, etc. Karen is actually coming over tonight so we can complete our projects. I must say, it has been enjoyable helping her with her plans.

I managed to spend some time in my scrap room working on my own projects. I haven't scrapbooked in months and it was starting to get to me. I find myself getting frustrated with the small stuff. When I am in my room working on layouts, I am completely blissful. It really relaxes me and recharges my batteries. It is also nice to reminisce over older photos.

This layout is of my daughter's 7th birthday. It's funny, she hasn't really changed very much. Looking at her photos and her cute little face brings a smile to mine.

Stamps: None

Ink: None

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery card stock, Sweet Pea DSP

Accessories: Blossom Petals Punch (this is a must have!), Designer Brights Buttons and miscellaneous jewels.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Silly ME!!!!

Okay, this is non-craft related, but I just had to share how silly I am.

On Saturday, I was doing my usual laundry, floors, dusting, etc. I heard scrubbing sounds coming from the bathroom. I got so excited because I thought my son Kody was doing his part by keeping the "kids" bathroom clean. Only to find out he was washing car parts in there!!! Silly me!

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Cigar Bands - Stampin' Up! Style

A while back I posted a photo of my friend Karen's wedding invitation. Her wedding is rapidly approaching and we have been busy girls working on last minute stuff. One of our "projects" was to make handmade cigar bands. They were pretty easy to make, especially using Stampin' Up! card stock. The initials were very small and because SU paper is the BEST, it made it easy to do. I think they turned out pretty neat. I must say the smell of the cigars just about did me in, but I would do anything for my friend.

I am going to apologize ahead of time because the next few weeks will be spent in final preparations for the upcoming nuptials. Tomorrow is dress shopping for me (maid of honor, don't you know), showers, menu cards, etc. I will have plenty to post about after the wedding.

Stamps: None

Ink: None

Paper: Basic Black, Brushed Gold and Very Vanilla cardstock

Accessories: Cricut - George and Basic Shapes cartridge

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

http://www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net/

Blog Candy Winner Gift

Thank you Patti for being such a good sport. I had such good intentions to get this package in the mail earlier, however my preparations for the scrapbooking crop took over. Thanks again for participating and I hope you enjoy.

I love having these little note cubes by my telephones!!

Stamps: Filled with Love

Ink: Pixie Pink (retired) and Garden Green marker

Paper: Whisper White

Accessories: Melon Mamba ribbon, 1 3/8 punch

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

What a weekend!

I am still exhausted from the weekend. On Saturday, I attended the 1st Annual Boyette Springs Elementary Scrapbooking Crop. It was fabulous! I met so many wonderful ladies that are SSERIOUS about scrapbooking. I love looking at everyone's albums and get so many fresh ideas to use in my own books. I also get a kick out of seeing what people bring to a crop. I laugh because I am one of those girls that bring just about everything in my scrap room and don't get very much done because I am too busy talking ;)

A huge THANK YOU goes out to Michelle and Pam for making the day so special and for inviting me to participate. I truly hope there are more crops planned in the future.




The first photo is of my table. I brought my Big Shot and punches, along with paper for everyone to try. I also had a make n' take table set up with three projects. That's my friend Jeannie helping my niece Courtney. I brought Courtney along for help and little did I know she is HOOKED on paper crafting. I can tell we are going to be spending a lot more time together!

New friends, Rhonda and Tia.

I thought this was pretty cool. Michelle found a place to have specialized paper made up for the event. It had Boyette Springs Elementary and Pioneers on it. Interesting huh?

Fresh ideas

Madison and Leticia.

I am so proud of Madison, she completed an entire album for her horseback riding instructor. Way to Go Madison!!

I will share more photos later.

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Flowers for a friend

A very special friend of mine celebrated her birthday today. As a token of our friendship, I made her this stamped tile. I added ribbon on the back and made a hanger so she could hang it up in her scrapbook room. Happy Birthday Lindy!!

Stamps: Because I Care

Ink: Night of Navy and Ballet Blue Craft ink

Paper: None

Accessories: Ballet Blue grosgrain ribbon

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis

www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Raffle basket - part IV and Blog Give A Way Winner

I really do enjoy giving little treats. As my aunt would say, "it's all in the delivery". Being a SU demonstrator makes it so easy to package even the simplest things and make it extraordinary. The last gift for the raffle basket is a sweet treat. I don't know about you, but I LOVE snacking on something sweet when I am working on projects. That could explain the extra "baggage" that seems to follow me where ever I go, if you know what I mean :)! Yummy huh? I am actually quite proud of it. The inside note is the Rules of Chocolate.

On another note, I want to thank everyone who participated in my blog give a way and left such sweet comments. I used random.org to pick a winner for me, and .... Patti is the winner!



I had a chance to visit each participant's blog, and am now following them. You should check them out too. Really cute stuff posted there.



1. Amanda
2. Melissa
3. Patti
4. Jeannie
5. Ivy

Thanks again ladies for making my day.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Sending Love DSP
Accessories: Large heart punch, word window punch, miscellaneous ribbon

Be Blessed Everyone!

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Raffle basket - part III

Short post today. Just wanted you to see one of the other gifts in the raffle basket. I don't know about you, but I am always looking for something to write on. Funny thing is, being a paper crafter, I AM A PAPER FANATIC! Go figure!! I love paper, but sometimes I tend to hoard it for something special. That being said, I thought it was about time I did something with these little scratch pads. What do you think?

I have one more raffle gift to show tomorrow.

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches
Ink: Real Red, Rose Redl, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Chocolate Chip cardstock, Sending Love DSP
Accessories: Large heart punch, miscellaneous ribbon, RSVP pen

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net

Raffle basket - part II

These are photos of one of the gifts in the raffle basket, shown in my previous post, I made a set of Valentine gift cards and matching envelopes and boxed them all up as one of the treasures inside.

Stamps: Filled with Love
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Sending Love DSP, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Crumb Cake cardstock and Real Red cardstock
Accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, paper crimper tool, miscellaneous red eyelets and ribbon

Be Blessed,

Shannon Willis
www.shannonscropstop.stampinup.net