Stamp-A-Faire!

Prior to the Stamp-A-Faire on Saturday, Maureen and I first met on Thursday night when she flew in from Canada.  A common theme throughout the weekend was sharing a glass of white wine and great conversation.  We definitely toasted our friend, Aimes, wishing that she could have joined us! 

On Friday, we spent the afternoon at Archiver's and got in some shopping prior to our big day on Saturday.  Maureen survived Friday night with Pat's whole family coming over to the tune of 14 children and 15 adults! Thankfully she is from a large family and fit right in with our gang!

Saturday was Stamp-a-Faire!  Can you tell my the big grins on our faces above that we were in a bit of awe?  An amazing day where PTI thought of every last detail and not once did we feel rushed.  Our goodie bags were full with three stamp sets, two large paper pads and a variety of other fun stamping items.

We quickly met up with another blogging friend, Christina.  We made our way through the make and takes...ten total and got to chat with new friends and the design team members.  Every one was very welcoming. We also "had to" shop for new PTI goodies and earn another free set!  We did have to watch Moe's weight...suitcase weight that is.  A girl can never have too much paper...but we had to watch how full her suitcase got!  :) 

Live and in person we got to meet the incredibly talented Nichole Heady.  Beyond being talented and humble, she is a genuinely sweet person.



After the make and takes, we had dinner with a fabulous group of ladies.  Christina, Lizzie, Sara, Jessica, Taheerah, Maureen, Suzanne and Chere.  We had to hit Graeter's Ice Cream after dinner!

We then went back to convention center for a dessert reception with all kinds of giveaways.  We didn't win another prize, but were pleased to get pictures with each of the DT members.  These pictures make me laugh.  You all can see that I am very short...all of 5' 1".  I think I need high heels the next time Maureen and I spend the weekend together! (clockwise:  Michelle Wooderson, Dawn McVey, Heather Nichols, Betsy Veldman & Lisa Johnson)

Saturday night we went home tired and very happy!

On Sunday, we went to brunch with my mom and spent some time playing around with our new supplies.  We also spent time with my family.  The boys adored Maureen.  Collin was her little helper all weekend.  He was ready to help make her coffee all day, every day.  I definitely wanted a picture of Moe and the boys.  Can you hear me when I was taking this picture..."look at me...stop looking at your brother, don't pick your nose, get your hands off your face...!"  Didn't quite work, but it was pretty good.  Ryan's look makes me laugh.  Collin smiled sweetly through all the photos.

Like Maureen and I, Pat and Maureen hit it off perfectly.  Moe has a knack for movie lines just like Pat and they fell into step quoting movies back and forth to one another.  We also decided Pat and Tony would be great friends too...time for us to get moving on planning a trip to BC to see Moe and Tony.



Maureen was very kind and treated the boys to ice cream at the Loveland Whippy Dip.  Marcel was enjoying his M&M Sundae!

To finish off the weekend, we had Card Club at my house.  Notice that Card Club usually involves some wine!  Maureen fit right in and showed us how to make this gorgeous card.  I love the loopy flower even if I didn't believe Maureen at first about how simple it was!

This morning we had to say good-bye, but I know in my heart of hearts it will be one of many visits over the years.  Blogging and this wonderful hobby made us friends.  And for that, I am very grateful.  I feel as though Moe and I are kindred spirits.  Here's another toast, Moe, to getting together again soon!



If you've made it this far, I thought I'd share a couple of Christmas cards using the set from SAF, Iconic Images. The first is inspired by a new blogging friend I met this weekend, Sara. Look at her gorgeous card here and you'll see exactly where I got my inspiration!

 Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!