Ordering for April's Studio Stamps in the Mail is underway! You won't want to miss the fabulous products, pre-cut supplies, video and PDF tutorial – all included. See the products and the cards by clicking on the image below.
Ten days ago I help my semi-annual stamping retreat. These all day stamping events include meals, a theme, door prizes, a product goodie bag, make & takes, games, gifts and fun!
Retreats are a ton of work. The planning begins 5 months in advance. The biggest issue is always finding the venue. I have used the Brandon Elks Lodge for several years and have loved our experience there. The room is enormous, the food is delicious, prepared on premises by the Ladies of the Elks, and the service is top notch.
Here's a collage of my room layout. (Click on any of the pictures to enlarge them.)
Although I'm on a very tight budget for decor I love the treasure hunt of finding the right props to add credence to the overall feel of the event. My sweet friend, Kellie, has horses at her home and was kind enough to loan me nearly all the decor I used. Getting saddle stands, straw, etc. to the Elks Lodge was a challenge so I rented a 10' U-haul box truck. First time I've ever driven anything that size – and I surprised myself. I did well!
I love spoiling my customers! Keeping with my western theme, I used the Paisleys & Posies stamp set and created these bottle tags to designate their stamping station. Those white dots around the paisleys – that's white chalk marker – and yes, I dotted every single paisley, one at a time, times 30 name tags. You may say I'm crazy but I love to create!
Another gift came at lunch time. These mini burlap sacks held dry-roasted peanuts. I used the Country Livin' stamp set to create an easy tag. The red gingham fabric is actually strips of a placemat I found.
After dinner I left another goodie at their station. These denim pockets were made by my friend Alice and sewn onto cardstock. I purchased bandanas in bulk on Amazon and cut them so they'd fit in the pocket. The Sale-A-Bration Metallic Ribbon was attached with a Glue Dot along with a silver foil star punched from the Medium Star Punch. I filled the pockets with Linen Thread.
It made the perfect departing gift!
My customers were encouraged to create their own western theme name tag. If they did, they received an additional door prize ticket. These are just a few of the amazing creations.
The best part of these events are the wonderful people I get to spend the day with. If you look at the picture below, I'm pictured on the far right with my assistant, Beverly. I could not do these events without her. She's such a huge blessing and a super hard worker.
Unfortunately this is our last retreat at the Elks Lodge due to a substantial rental increase. Many thanks to the Brandon Elks Lodge for their hospitality and service. We will miss you!
Thankfully I have found a new venue and I've revamped this event so we can still enjoy a full day of stamping and fun.
Check out my Autumn Extravaganza scheduled for Saturday, October 21st! I'd sure love to have you join us.
But hurry, there are only a few seats left to reserve - these retreat stampers already scooped up 32 spaces!
Click on the image below for details.
I just love what you did with the paisley stamp set. Grateful I already own this set. Once again you are so creative in your use of stamping outside of the box. I know I am going to scraplift that paisley idea for a party this fall . I will give you full credit. Thanks.
Thank you, Gaeyl! That’s a fun stamp set and quite versatile! Enjoy the idea for your fall festivities!