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/