Stampin’ Up Convention – Denver Colorado, 2007

I decided to all of the Stampin’ Up Convention photos and stories on this one page. I put the earliest post first and left the later ones for the latest. Enjoy everyone!!!

Denver Here I Come

Off to my first Stampin’ Up Convention today. Elina’s excited to be spending some days alone with daddy, except if I cannot find a rubber chicken, I’m certain that some puffy pink princess dress will make up for it! She’s got much planned while I’m gone, including a sleepover with Madison. I’ve made a bag of clothes for Herman to dress her daily (I know, lame-O but at least she’ll look good while away!)

I’m bringing Lola (my notebook computer) with me, so I’ll be posting photos and updates throughout the week.

I’ll be back on Friday just in time for supper!

Convention Update – Travelling Day

Written day after travelling….

Flight uneventful. Quick, full. Arrived with the MOST agonizing foot-cramp like never before, only got worst as the day went on. Checked into room with Lisa my wonderful roomie from Los Angeles, CA. Comfy bed, 4 pillows, soft and dreamy, nice and close to the action. Had supper at the Cheesecake Factory (did not eat cheesecake), basically limped back to hotel room. Checked in with concierge and got a wheelchair ride up to room with an icepack. Some advil and a good nights rest and some positive thoughts from Lisa, my foot is miraculously healed from yesterday.

I can walk! I can stand. I will be walking and standing alot in the next few days!

Convention Update – Day 1

Denver Welcomes Stampin’ Up. On one of the street posts with the Denver Hyatt Regency in the background!

I did manage myself and a few people a Ribbon Sampler!

You can definitely feel the difference in the altitude (Mile High City) – its not as hot as I expected strike that, I just got back from a walk and its HOT outside! I’m drinking lots of water and keeping a slow pace to gear up for tomorrow!!

Bright and awake at 6 AM local time. There were about 30-50 people ahead of me in line for the Momento Hall – got all I needed for the few people who couldn’t make it and wanted stuff!! Ribbon samplers included! Apparently – they are SOLD OUT! (Ribbon Samplers)

Got the Canadian bag. My button which says “FIRST CONVENTION”. First 50 Swaps gone in 15 minutes. I’m back in the room with all my goodies, will head out for lunch soon. We’re to mount our 3 sets plus 1 accessory:

1. Accents & Elements
2. Happiness Background
3. Fun & Fast Notes
4. Wanted

Wasn’t too thrilled about the sets I was going to get until you see them, plus all the supplies for the Pajama Party tonight. I said I wouldn’t and got the pyjamas as a momento of my first convention!

Ladies are all so wonderful and warm and welcoming. The group from Florida, Calgary, Chicago and Wisconsin were so welcoming considering I’m basically solo here, but here are some fun photos. My upline is here, very into it all and I’m a wondering aimless newbie!!

I’ll let Caroline explain what this white bag means…but to those who know..big CONGRATS due:

Swaps and Photos .. Many of Them and More to Come

The Start of SWAPPING:

More

More – still putting all the pieces together for a quick swap:

Rows & Rows of Computers

More Fun Ladies:

Jammies Anyone:

Jammie Camp

After a small rest, I made it back with my Stampin’ Up pajamas and walked across the street to the convention centre amongst the throngs of other ladies in jammies (pajamas Dina style).

The funniest was that after 10 PM – these 2500+ women were wondering the streets of downtown Denver in their jammies, without a care in the world! I had fun. I will photograph my 7 make and takes (six actually, I really messed up one!)

Convention Update – Day 2

YAWN – I’m exhausted but not for lack of having a complete BLAST today!!! Here’s the day:

Wake at 5:55 – take a quick shower, get dressed in the dark so I wouldn’t wake up roomie. Pick up coffee, croissant, and a banana and my gear and make my way to the #7 spot in line with some fabulous women from Georgia and Minnesota:

I rip my way to run across to the front row seats with all of the ladies we stood in line with and take my position – dance and scream my heart out!! Below is a photo of one of the SU staff and the two ladies from Georgia:

Then I get to get a great photo of Shelli on stage, great talk and encouragement to DREAM BIG – as I always have but now I have some strategies to perhaps take my demonstratorship up a notch:

What would Canadians being recognized for 5 Years of being a Stampin’ Up demonstrator be without a little red and white eh?:

Lunch – fantastic chicken udon noodle bowl with fresh fruit and ice cold water – exactly what I wanted. I get a chance to get back to my room and rest for about 37 1/2 minutes before making it back to my 3 workshops this afternoon:

• Color Your World – a make and take with watercolor techniques (fun!!)
• Put the “Party” back in Party Plan (wonderful)
• Realize Your Recruiting Dreams (my upline Caroline gave a wonderful presentation)

Small rest before heading out to a Splitcoaststampers – Dinner and a Cardswap at Mattie’s House of Mirrors. Another wonderful night of conversation – a margarita (yes…it was yummy but it made my head spin so moderation is the key at 1 mile (1.6 KM) above sea level. Met 5 women (2 from Quebec – one who could not speak a word of english), and 3 women from Colorado. Since they were from Colorado, I asked if they knew where there would be a gag gift ship to get my darling daughter her rubber chicken!!!! (you don’t really want a photo do you!!?)
Back in room with alarm clock set for 5:55 to get back in line to do it all again!

My BIG DREAM goal – maintain my demonstratorship – walk across the stage at 5 Years – continue to share what I love!!

Convention Update – Day 2 (Part 1)

I’m back to the room a little early, checking some work emails and preparing got my Shoebox Swap arranged by shannacourt from Splitcoaststampers tonight at the Curtis Hotel:

Day so far:

• Up at 6 AM and #5 in line with 4 girls from Minnesota, when the curtain opened at the countdown, I was again #1 to our seats, arranging to keep a spot for the 4 Minnesota girls in the same spots as yesterday…WHAT-A-RUSH!!
• Shelli’s demonstration on stage was fantastic – home decor, which I cannot wait to host a workshop or two (or who knows) on this theme (home decor) so far.
• Jaron Winder and Jodi Gloeckner’s presentations were also WOW and inspiring, great ideas again to use when I get home
• I did not win any freebies so far, but the experience alone is worth it – sitting in the front row 2 days in a row is worth it, meeting new fantastic women from all across USA & Canada is worth it – plus, if I did win, how would I get them home!
• Show, Tell & Sell workshop – I am a tactile/kinesthetic learner, choosing to modify something than to follow-the-rules. A portion of this presentation got me up involved in the presentation a bit by me being sent off to a table to create my version of a card that was pre-prepared for the workshop. With the limited supplies, I made something quite different but similar.

Thoughts so far:

• Swaps – Oh My Word – I’ve got much to learn and much much more prep work to do before I ever swap again
• I will swap again.
• Its freaky amazing how swaps seem to expand in size – I bought 25X2 for one women and 50X2 for another Toronto woman and I’m not sure how to get them in my suitcase, along with the sets and stuff we have gotten so far.
• People swap no matter what – everyone’s been so fantastic and most of all talented
• 20 Things to do with your markers that you never knew you could do
• Break up those fibers man!
• I’m not having workshops or parties but I learned from Deanna from Alberta to have Funshops!!

People have been asking me what I eat for breakfast to get so psyched and having so much fun at convention – pure adrenaline, and to quote Dale Filmore – Boldness Changes Everything!

Pix anyone:

Shelli at lunchtime doing a meet & greet! Apparently its easier and more intimate at regionals to get to meet her, so if I don’t get a chance myself while I’m here, I’ll wait until Hamilton on September 22.

Be careful now, they are called BOOBoxes!

There was much recognition, check out Caroline’s Website for details when she gets her head above water to tell you all about it:

Imagine 100K in sales, ask this woman:

Bermuda Bound!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m at convention after lunch and during this morning session Shelli gave away 10 cruises on next year’s Cruise for Stampin’ Up demonstrators who’ve earned it!

I won one!!!! I’ve never been on a cruise before but usually head south to escape Toronto winters but next March we’ll be headed south on a ship from NYC to Bermuda. I’m very very very excited. The announcement was a complete blur, but I saw my name Anker Dina (inverted), I sure hope there wasn’t a Dina Anker whom I took the place of – it took a second to sink in, and then I freeeeked out – someone certainly has photos I’m sure….

Wild eh!

Update Anyone?

Just got back from the awards night. Inspired by all the women who accomplished what they did. Dream Big eh? I’ll see what I can do! The entertainment was wonderful. A nice end to a wonderful 5 days here in Denver. After lunch, I got a little over-whelmed. I have been quite into the convention and all the goings-on, waking early, but this afternoon, I simply crashed. I was a little dizzy, I tried to sit through the final session but the dizziness took over and I walked across to my room to sleep! We managed to gather a few Canadian women for supper at a local restaurant. I have photos, but I won’t post them until I get home!

I’m all packed and just settling into bed. I now want to be home and hug our daughter and husband. I also think my sister Melissa will be headed to Toronto this weekend as well. I arrive home tomorrow at 4:00 and hope to catch a shuttle and be home just in time for supper!

Settled In At Home

My daughter is soooo happy to have me home. She had such a great time. She loved her rubber chicken (long story…..) and her and her daddy had a great week, she didn’t miss me too much!

I showed her photos of the Holland America – Noordam ship we’ll be on next March/April! We’re going to be doing alot of family stuff this weekend so I’ll find a moment to add more pix! In the meantime, on the demo website there’s a photo of me! (You have to know its me because its so small, but I’m the girl in the floral dress #1 running to our seats!!

Convention Photos

Here goes for now, I’ll put the rest of the photos, including the display boards on the following URL: www.anker.ca/convention/.

Shelli Gardner (CoFounder and CEO – Stampin’ Up) and me!	From the Stampin’ Up website – the flash of red Canadian flag with the blue bag, big hair and brown/beige dress – well, the first one out…thats me (no bigger photo – sorry)
Dream Big – sitting on a cloud – photo ops everywhere!	The Dreamteam, Stephanie Johnston (Stampin’ Up Training and Support Coordinator) , me and Angie Backman (Stampin’ Up Training and Suppport Specialist)
Shannacourt (Tami from VA) & Dinapea from Splitcoaststampers	Dinner at Chili’s – Final Evening, just before Recognition Night – Mostly Canadians
My Upline Caroline Lebel and I.	This photo shows the tone of the entire convention, I call it FUN – happy, Carman & Ann from Canada
Here are the girls and Dale Fillmore – President and COO of Stampin’ Up.	Only 7 Feet Tall, Thurl Bailey, (thanks Laura). If memory serves me correctly, he’s on the Board of Directors for Stampin’ Up. And this little bird Laura tells me he is a retired basketball player. He used to play for the Utah Jazz. I’m to his right and I’m 5’8″ tall, he’s one tall dude, kind to sweet too, happy to pose for a photo!
Georgia Girls – Lisa and Mandy	Barbara from Colorado and I attended Session 2 SCS Dinner and she sat with me and we talked of the freebie cruise – We both said that our husbands wouldn’t go on a cruise and agreed to take each other if either of us won. Well, needless to say, I bought her out (hehe) and I’m going with my husband and daughter
Deanna and Carmen from Alberta	Tami from Woodstock and I
The Minnesota Four – these 4 ladies were at the door each morning with me and a few others!	Pajama Party – I posed with some photos with some ladies with some very jazzy pajamas!!!

Stampin’ Up Convention 2007 Thoughts

I’ve just gone through most of my photos and put the fun ones on the blog. Now that I’ve been home, got some rest, spent the entire day outside with Elina and Herman, its a great feeling to be home but my thoughts are still with the last week in Denver. Stampin’ Up is truly a company dedicated to serving their demonstrators. I did not realize it until I was there. My dream – to continue to be a Stampin’ Up demonstrator. My big dream is to excel in my hobby demonstratorship. Until Elina is in school – grade 1 – I still wish to give my time to her instead of doing more of Stampin’ Up, but this is the beauty of this company.

Even before winning that cruise, I felt this way – it only took one day to meet women like me and realize I was where I had to be. I did not get a chance to pose with a photo of my roomie Lisa from California. We got along very well and would share a room with her next year in a heartbeat. She had a beautiful spirit and personality to go with. I know that the ladies I met will be friends for a long time. Among the many highlights was the entertainment for the Recognition night (final evening) – Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband played for us – I’d highly recommend this music. I bought the Dream Big CD and it brings back the cool fun memories of that night!

My next step is to order some supplies, book a few workshops, learn more, give more, attend the Stampin’ Up Regional workshop in Hamilton on September 22, book a World Card Making Day on October 6 workshop.

Salt Lake City, Utah 2008 – for sure! See you there.

USA Demo Convention Photos

It appears that the United States demo. site is different from the Canadian site but stampinmelis (Melissa) sent me another photo that “I” am in with Lisa and Mandy from Georgia…whatahoot!

Convention Make & Take & Swap

Here is a sneak at all of the items we made at convention including the 2 swaps I participated in:

I made the following 2 cards for two SCS arranged swaps – one a dinner swap of 46 card fronts and a shoebox make and take (18 make and take / 18 trade – go home with 36:)

This card (below) is a full card that opens twice. First the river rock layer then the flap on the chocolate chip layer to reveal a sentiment on the inside!

The 3 Make & Take on Color Your World – (only 200 px photos – sorry, you’ll understand why). All3 are mini cards, two at 3″x3″ and one card holder die cut card. The 2nd showcases the pretties and the 3rd the possibility of making any white flower in the pretties any color you want.

Watercolor Technique #1

Watercolor Technique #2 – Remember

Watercolor Technique #2

Pajama Party Make & Take (took 3 hours to complete the 7 projects (including a box and a 12″x12″ scrap page which doesn’t photograph well so I did not photograph it)

“Thanks” (above) using the WANTED set and a DSP (Designer Series Paper)

“Wanted” – 6″x6″ scrappage (below)

The “Hello” Card 6″x 3″ – Accents & Elements and Ribbon

“Friend” card using the Happiness Background Stamp

Then finally the card case made from the accents & elements tin – I will be hosting a workshop to show my best customers (my good friends) how to use this case and make sometime fun!

Enjoy, share with your friends, if you want to attend a class, please email me ( d_anker@rogers.com ) for my schedule starting at the end of August through to December!

Last Convention Photo

Thanks to Caroline, she send me a photo that she got from Deanna (from Alberta (last at the end of the photo).

Wildest, funnest group of women I’ve met in a long time! I can’t wait to see some of them again in Hamilton for the Regionals and hopefully before then and of course next year in Salt Lake City! I have a hunch I’ll be getting more photos!

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