Attention CT Attendees

Can you believe it's less than 2 weeks away!! We're so excited to get to meet all of you and stamp the weekend away! We'll be posting a supply list for you by early next week but I wanted to see if there were any people interested in a swap?!

We had a great group of swappers at the NH event in March and we'll follow almost the same pattern. Here are details:

1) No Vendor Requirement - although we'd certainly encourage you to support any one of our numerous amazing sponsors!!

2) All swaps should be full cards, not card fronts

3) There should be a minimum of three layers, plus embellishments.

4) Please be sure to sign or handstamp the back of your cards!

5) Please do your best work!

If you are interested please leave a comment on this post. We'll count up how many are interested and I'll send you a final number in one week!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Stamping Around Vermont: The Briefing

Ok, it's time to change gears here and talk about Stamping Around Vermont!! Remember, the dates are September 11-12 at the Inn at Willow Pond in Manchester, Vermont. I am so excited we will be in Vermont in early Fall!! Growing up in upstate NY I used to love a leisurely Sunday afternoon drive to Bennington for some antiquing and ice cream - yum! :)

I thought I'd share a bit more information about what to expect. You can view the brochure by clicking over on the right sidebar and downloading the pdf. That will give you the tentative schedule and the prices of the different size rooms. Of course, we will be spotlighting each instructor and sponsor individually as we lead up to the event, but here's a brief overview.

Instructors:

Joanne Basile - Joanne taught a class in NH and everyone loved it! She's sure to bring her signature cheery style and will be doing a bit with Copic markers - which we get a lot of requests for!!

Cindy Lawrence - Cindy also taught a class in NH. We made the most beautiful card set - view Cindy's photos of the weekend and her project here.

Erika Martin - Erika is a new teacher for us by I'm sure no stranger to most out there! Erika, aka the Stampin' Mama is so talented in a variety of different mediums and is on several design teams. Her project, I think will be something new for most of us to try - something fun! I can't wait!

Julie Masse - that's me! :) My class will focus on multi-step stamps and the depth of color and highlighting that can be achieved with these beautiful stamps (that seem to be daunting for a lot of people but I assure you are tons of fun!)

Jenn Shurkus - We are thrilled to have Jenn join us for the weekend! Anyone who knows the name A Muse knows Jenn's name- she is so *creative* and ultra talented!! She teaches full-time for A Muse and manages a papercrafting store on Cape Cod and will be using brand new A Muse products for her class!

We've had some questions about the "level" of these classes and while I definitely would not want to discourage any skill level from attending, I'd say that the classes are geared for the "seasoned" stamper. We figure that most of you out there looking to get away at a stamping weekend have a bit of experience and ask our instructors to design their classes with that in mind. Now that certainly doesn't mean you won't learn anything or that you'd be in over your head! We think the classes are balanced perfectly!! And if you ever have suggestions on what you'd like to see taught at a Stamping Around event please email me (julie@stampingaround.com) or Kim (kim@stampingaround.com) - we love suggestions!!

So there you have it - a brief overview of Stamping Around Vermont! It may seem like September is a long way off but I assure you it's not! I'm sure you all know also that Vermont Inns in the Fall books quickly (I remember my parents taking off on a spontaneous road trip to VT one Fall weekend - they ended up sleeping in their car!!). Therefore, in order to hold rooms at the Inn we need to have you register or indicate your participation ASAP! I'd hate for you to have to sleep in your car or on the couch in the lodge - lol! :)

Thank you to all those who have registered already - your rooms are safe! And to everyone else, don't delay!!

Last Call!

Calling all CT area stampers!! :) We've seen lots of traffic from the surrounding area and some great ladies signed up for a fun weekend but it's time for that FINAL CALL!!! We need to know ASAP if you'll be joining us - what's stopping you? Come join the fun!!

Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions regarding classes, class format, etc.! The sun was out today New England - how FABULOUS!!!

Instructor Spotlight: Jodi Collins

Good morning all!! Today I'm so excited to bring you another instructor spotlight for Stamping Around Connecticut - Jodi Collins (aka Kharmagirl)!! Everybody knows Jodi right?!! She's one of the nicest, most energetic and talented stampers out there! I've had the great pleasure of working with Jodi on the Paper Pretties Design Team but she is also on the Baker's Dozen, the design team for Taylored Expressions Stamps, the Trendsetters - dt for There She Goes stamps and she is also a Dirty Dozen alumni!! Phew - amazing!! Here's a bit more about Jodi:

"Hi everyone!! I am SUPER excited to be attending Stamping Around CT! I have been stamping for quite some time now. I started in high school but then stopped when I discovered tole painting. After attending a Stampin' Up! workshop in 2005 I caught the stamping bug all over again. I love to make cards (I am not much of a scrapbooker) and I do not discriminate! I love tons of different stamp companies, and I love to find (and hoard!) fun and funky embellishments!

My recent addiction are Copic Markers and I find myself wanting to color everything in sight! Stamping gives me a relaxing outlet from my crazy life as a mom, wife and full time paralegal!!"

We are so excited to have Jodi joining us as a teacher at Stamping Around CT!! She was one of the first people to sign up when we had Stamp New England in March - we had such a blast!! I can't wait to see her again! Jodi's class will be sponsored by Taylored Expression stamps so you won't want to miss it - who can resist a cupcake??!!! :) Here's a recent card Jodi made just to give you a "taste" of her talent!

We've seen lots of activity around here lately - lots of you have been checking out the site!! Today is the day to register for Stamping Around Connecticut!! We can't wait to meet you! And stay tuned . . . we'll start spotlight teachers for Stamping Around Vermont soon!! :)

Instructor Spotlight: Debbie Corbari

First, I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to Daisy and Joy at Eclectic Paperie for including us in their newsletter as the eP Friend this week! Throughout all of my personal and "professional" contacts with these two amazing ladies they have been nothing short of fabulous! Both are incredibly wonderful to work with and generous with their time and resources. We are so thankful for their generous support and hope that you will help us out and return the favor by supporting Eclectic Paperie!

Now, on to the spotlight! I'm thrilled to share our next teacher with you, Debbie Corbari - and she's perfect for this post since her class will be sponsored by Eclectic Paperie and she will be using stamps from Our Craft Lounge's exclusive line of stamps - that she drew! Yup, Debbie is one of the talented illustrators for Our Craft Lounge!! Here's a bit about Debbie straight from her:

"I grew up with an artistic mom (specializing in pen and ink drawings) and was surrounded by arts and crafts at a young age. Although it’s nothing I ever studied, it’s always been a major part of my life. In college I illustrated a children’s book for a fellow student. I have no idea what ever happened with the book. I think she paid me $20 for my illustrations, which feels like $100 to a freshman in college so, I was happy! LOL!

When I was first introduced to stamping, about 9 years ago, I was hesitant to buy stamps because I felt I could draw the images instead. Some time had passed before the instant gratification of stamping won me over and shortly after that, as with most stampers, it became an addiction! Since I started designing my own stamp sets my “crafty” time to stamp has taken a bit of a hit. But I still need to get my “fix” every few days and get inky! LOL!"

Debbie is a newly Copic Certified Instructor and will be sharing some great Copic tips with us during her class! I can't wait to meet her - she lives in the Albany area of upstate NY which is my hometown!! Small world isn't it?!

So how about it folks . . . ready to sign-up for Stamping Around Connecticut? We are so excited about our wonderful teachers and fabulous location and cannot wait to meet you!! Remember the deadline for registration is coming right up - June 23 - we'd hate for you to miss out!! :)

Instructor Spotlight: Julia Aston

Are you all ready for a great time?!! I sure am and I am so excited to present another Instructor Spotlight today for Stamping Around Connecticut! If you ever on Splitcoaststampers (SCS) I'm sure you are familiar with Julia Aston (artystamper) - she's such a sweet presence there! And talent . . . just take a look at her gallery to see how amazingly talented she is! Here's a bit about Julia "in her own words:"

Like most people I got hooked on card stamping after attending a Close to My Heart home party followed closely by a Stampin Up Party! Shortly after that I found Split Coast Stampers (I'm artystamper) and started participating in the daily challenges. I work full time as an Admin. Assistant at a Boston Hospital, have a grown son who lives nearby and a wonderful husband who always makes nice comments about all the cards I show him! I have a blog (www.createwithjulia.blogspot.com) that I post to at least 4 times a week and I teach a stamping class once a month at the Papertree in Manchester, NH. I stamp mostly late into the night after work. I love, love, love, card and craft stamping and I look forward to meeting you all at the weekend workshop!

Just wait until you see the adorable projects Julia has put together for Stamping Around Connecticut - it will make your heart soar! *wink* *wink*

See the post below for some important information about the registration deadline - can't wait to see you in CT!! :) Oh, and if you haven't already - check out the Stamping Around VT Brochure - our teacher line-up is AMazing! :)

Connecticut Registration Deadline

In order to finalize our plans for Connecticut, we need to set a deadline for registration. To hold a place at our CT event, please submit registration forms by Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Feel free to contact Kim or Julie with any questions!

Thank you!

Vermont Registration is Open!!

Welcome to Stamping Around Vermont! Our Vermont event will take place on September 11-12, 2009 at the amazing Inn at Willow Pond, located in historic Manchester, Vermont!

The Inn at Willow Pond offers idyllic scenery, charming accommodations, fun activities and a chance to get away from it all. The Inn offers wonderfully furnished, spacious inn suites, a grand wood-burning fireplace, and 20 scenic acres with panoramic views of the Green Mountains. The restored 1770’s farmhouse and main lodge are an inspiring setting for conferences, executive retreats and special events.

Space is very limited at the Inn so it's imperative that we receive registrations asap! September is a busy month for Vermont as it's a popular vacation spot, therefore our costs are slightly higher and overnight accommodations sell out quickly. However, we know that you'll be thrilled with not only the beautiful location but also with the classes we have planned and the well-known instructors that will be teaching!

Registration, via PayPal or downloadable form, can be found on the right side of our site. Feel free to leave us a comment if you plan to attend and want us to hold a spot or email either Kim (kim@stampingaround.com) or Julie (julie@stampingaround.com) with questions!

Prices and registration deadlines listed below (costs include overnight accommodations, breakfast and lunch, and participation in five fantastic stamping classes)! *Note* 1) the rooms at the Inn are suites so all are roomy and comfortable. 2) The amount of single rooms at the Inn was minimal and cost would have been $315, therefore, we're offering all doubles. Please contact us asap if you have a need for a single room.

DEADLINES - Hotel room registration/confirmation - June 30, 2009 (We can receive payment after June 30 but we must know if you need a room by this date).

Stamping Only - August 10, 2009. After August 10, 2009 - space will be reserved based on availability.

**Please note** - Registration fees are non-refundable after August 10, 2009. However, if we are able to resell your spot, then we will be happy to offer a full refund!

Double - $240 - Two to a room (14 rooms available)

Triple - $230 - Three to a room (8 rooms available)

Quad - $213 - Four to a room (2 rooms available)

Stamping Only - $140 - No overnight accommodations

We are sooo looking forward to seeing you in Vermont and are looking forward to another amazing stamping weekend getaway! And please feel free to pass the word on to friends and family about our events, your support is truly appreciated! Thank you!

Instructor Spotlight: Donna-Marie Cecere

I thought we'd start giving you a little sneak peek at the teachers lined up for Stamping Around CT - have you registered yet??? Remember space is limited so don't wait too long - we'd hate for you to miss this fun weekend! Gather up a few girlfriends and make a girls weekend out of it - or, bring along the hubby and enjoy Inn's beautiful setting and great location!

Today's spotlight is on Donna-Marie Cecere. You will be amazed when you see the depth and beautiful layers of Donna-Marie's cards! She has a unique knack for combining elements that just "work" together!! Here's a little background info from Donna-Maria:

I have spent my entire life being "crafty!" My first scrapbook was when I was a Girl Scout and took a trip to Washington, DC (sometime during the Ice Age! LOL!). With all of this creative energy, I decided to choose a career in design. I chose Fashion Design and graduated from Massachusetts College of Art with a BFA. I woned and operated Donna-Marie's Bridal Designs in Boston for several years. The decision to close i and pursue teaching was a much needed change. I wanted to be a part of my daughter's life on a more full-time basis. I have since then been teaching art and design for over 10 years (both high school and college) and could not be happier! I have also been working, teaching, and designing at Wholly Scrap! in North Hampton, NH for four years. I have taughte at CKU in Manchester and recently started my own blog, Donna-Marie.

We're thrilled to have Donna-Marie joining us, please stop by her blog and welcome her to our event, and can't wait to see what she has in store for us!!

Connecticut Registration is Open!!!

ETA: The links to the Registration Form and the informational brochure have been added to the sidebar. We will add the remainder of the teacher's names once the plans are finalized!

Good morning all my stamping friends! We're finally ready to open registration for Connecticut! Yippee!! Edited - Oh yeah, the dates of the event!! It's on July 10-11 (first class will be held Friday evening and all other classes on Saturday)

Our hotel location is The Centennial Inn & Suites in Farmington, CT. The lovely Inn is nestled on 12 beautiful wooded acres in the Farmington River Valley of Connecticut. The perfect New England hotel offering charm, history, spacious rooms, warm, friendly service, outdoor pool, fitness center, meeting space, and so much more. See more about the Inn here. It's a beautiful hotel and I can't wait to spend two days there stamping!!

For payment, you'll see the Paypal button over on the right hand side with a few options, which I'll explain below: (These rates include all costs and cover room, food, classes, etc.!)

1) Single room - $230 - This is a one bedroom suite that you'll have all to yourself (unless you'll be bringing your hubby!)

2) Double room - $180 - This is a one bedroom suite with separate living room area that is large enough for two people (either two queens or one king/queen and a queen full out sofa)

3) Triple room - $170 - This is a two-bedroom loft that can fit up to four people. For this cost, there would be three to a room. (Two bedrooms and a full out sofa)

4) Quad room - $155 - This is the same two-bedroom loft, with four people in the room vs. three

5) Classes only - $105 - This is the cost to only attend the classes, no overnight stay at the hotel

Since we're a little short on time, we'll need to get our final reservations over to the hotel soon so sign up asap....space is limited!!

We'll be sharing our instructor bios and details on our sponsors shortly so be sure to keep checking back for those exciting details!

And...we'll have registration open for Vermont soon too! Details on Philadelphia on the horizon...

Who is ready for an amazing stamping weekend!?

PS - Oh, and feel free to grab our badge for the right hand side of the blog to use on your blog to help us promote the event!

Connecticut Hotel Location Change

Morning ladies! I have good news and hopefully more good news! :-) The good news is that we have found a wonderful, quaint location that will less expensive than the chain hotel we were looking at in Trumbull. However, we have had to move a little further away from Trumbull than we had hoped. The new hotel (I'll hold off on the name until I've actually signed the contract!) is in Farmington, CT. About 30 minutes from Hartford, right off of Route 84. For those of you who are already holding a spot, does this still work for you? I hope, hope, hope so! This new location is so much nicer than our original spot and I am so excited!

Ohhh....and....We've got a wonderful inn reserved for Vermont as well!! We'll have registration open for both locations shortly...Details on Philadelphia coming soon!

Please contact asap if there are any issues with the new CT location and stay tuned for news of the hotel!

Have You Missed Us?

Do you all think we've fallen off the face of the earth? :-) We promise, we haven't and we've been hard at work thinking, planning, and prepping for our future events! (Oh, and I've been in the middle of a major house move, which was just completed last week!)

The good news is that we've picked at date for our Connecticut event...drum roll please....It's July 10-11!!! We're waiting on the final venue confirmation, which we're hoping will be in Trumbull, CT. If that hotel doesn't work out then our plan to find another location in the same general area.

Drop us a line if you want us to hold a space for you at the CT event and we'll share specific details asap!!

Oh, and check out our company logo...what do you think? :-) Our new web site should be up and running soon!