Welcome to the first 2015-2016 Stampin’ Up! Artisan Design Team Blog Hop! (EEEK! Did I just type that?) As I’m sure you can tell, the honor of being on the Artisan Design Team with so many amazing ladies from around the globe has me over the moon. Hip Hip Hooray, for sure!
I have met so many dear friends here on my blog- big hugs to everybody! Let me take a minute to introduce myself and tell a bit of my stampin’ story for those of you who are new here.
First, a little bit about my family. I married my high school sweetheart and we have four beautiful children, ages 19, 17, 6 and 2. Our two youngest were adopted from China. Here we all are in our recent adoption announcement photo:
I absolutely love being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and I first heard about the Artisan Design Team at Convention in 2013, not long after I signed up. My upline leaned over to me and whispered that I could do that, and a dream was born.
In the meantime, I was a busy mom of three, in the process of adopting number four and a middle school teacher with over 200 students- whew! In June of 2014 I was able to retire from teaching and devote my time to my growing family and Stampin’ Up! business. I started my blog with the primary purpose of applying for the Artisan Design Team and in May of 2015, I nervously filled out the online application.
Fast forward to November Onstage where my dream came true with the announcement that I was on the team. I literally shook for an hour! Each team member received a beautifully decorated box. Inside was a Tiffany bracelet and my very own Artisan stamp!
Team members also received $500 in cash and a $500 Stampin’ Up! shopping spree. Be still my stamp lovin’ heart!
In addition, each quarter we will receive a box full of the latest Stampin’ Up! products. Our first one arrived in early December, and there is nothing I’d rather see under the tree. Just look at all these goodies!
For my first Artisan project, I chose the “hooray” from the Watercolor Words stamp set and the “hip hip” from Endless Birthday Wishes because it perfectly describes how I feel. Can you see the scattered, embossed stars? It’s so fun to achieve that look. Just hammer your embossing folder in a few places, and viola! A bit of added texture!
I cut out the hip hip for some whimsy and used my aqua painter with watered down multipurpose glue to splatter the card and then added glitter. We learned that technique at convention and I am in love. Can you spot the sneak peak? The gold doily and sequins are from the upcoming Love Blossoms Embellishment Kit.
I wanted to extend my congratulations to the other fabulous team members, so I added a special message to them on the inside. Way to go everybody! I have already enjoyed getting to know you and seeing your amazing talent in action!
And, of course, I could not wait to use my new Artisan stamp on the back. I had to wipe away happy tears of joy when I did!
If you are new here, I hope you will click the follow button on the top right so you won’t miss this Stampin’ Up! adventure as it unfolds. Also, please leave me a comment so I can get to know you. I would really love that!
Don’t forget to enjoy all of the incredible projects from the rest of the team on today’s blog hop. Just before me was the amazing Marisa Gunn and next comes the equally amazing Rachel Grandin-Torchet. Click the button below to go visit her!
Happy stampin’ friends!
Michelle
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So happy to see your first Artisan Design Team post. Can’t wait to see more
Great card as always, Michelle. I can see why they picked you for this design team. I have seen some peeks of the new products and so far I am in love with everything. There goes the budget again. 🙂
Michelle, this is such a fun card and your photos are beautiful. I am so excited to be on the 2015-16 Artisan Design Team with you. Congratulations and Hugs!
Congratulations Michelle! So very well deserved! You will love it! And we will love seeing your creations each month! Erica Cerwin, ADT ’12-’14
Gorgeous card Michelle, and I love your story. Love how you did the stars on your card.
Beautiful project Michelle, so excited to be on the journey together 🙂
What a cool card, Michelle! And I love the tip about how to selectively emboss the stars. I am excited to be on this team with you!
I love your blog layout, the family photo and of course the card! xoxox
Beautiful card! I love that you chose the ‘hooray’. It’s a great sentiment for today’s hop. So super excited to be on the team with you this year! x
Beautiful card Michelle! I love how you used the embossing folder and the glitter spatter. So happy to be on the team together!
Hehe your card is super cute. Love all that gold on white. Looking forward to a great year together!
Michelle, I’m a big fan of your designs. I’m so happy you joined the blogging community and that we will be on this Artisan team together.
Totally love the white and gold together on this beautiful card! Excited to be on the team with you this year 😀
Yea! You did it Michelle! Love the way your card tuned out. Happy to be in the Artisan adventure with you this year!
You did it, Michelle! I am happy your dream came true! The card is beautiful and classy. Your family looks happy and beautiful!
Lovely card, Michelle, and I enjoyed reading about you and your family!
So pretty! Love the bits of texture and the gold glitter splatters!
Congratulations Michelle! Enjoy every minute of being an Artisan, you deserve it!
Hip hip hooray, indeed!! What a magical story (made me tear up!). Those boxes are like Christmas and I just know you are going to have an amazing year. Congratulations!
This is a great family photo, it radiates warmth and security. I am happy to be in the ADT with you
Congratulations! I was surprise when you said you hammered the stars from the embossing folder. After seeing you card, now I understand. I love the colors.
You have a very nice looking family. Adopting kids is always fun, time consuming but fun. I have adopted grandchildren. I have been crafting for awhile also. My husband even craft. He doesn’t paper craft like I do. He builds doll houses from scratch.
Lovin’ all that gold Michelle! I’m so thrilled to share in the ADT experience with you!!
Congratulations, Michelle! You deserve it! Wish I could send you that card…lol….it is so cute!
Looooooove gold embossing powder!!!! Love your card! I’m super happy to be part of the ADT with you!