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
Stampin’ Supplies:
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