We All Need a Little Time Away

Several years ago some friends and I were discussing the idea of going away and having a crafting weekend. Well, that finally happened! When we first started talking about it, we tossed around the idea of getting a hotel, but after attending Lorri Heiling's Cozy Crafty Retreat last September, I was inspired to find a house similar to the cabin we stayed in. That search took me to The Raggedy Inn in Ramona, CA! Everything was perfect. The place was perfect for a small group of 10, the weather was perfect, and the mix of friends was perfect! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend!

Just a couple of the fun pillow gifts given to each attendee at the retreat (I wish I had thought to take pictures of all of them... they were cute - if I do say so myself. LOL!).

Every retreat needs a swag bag! This one was summer/luau-themed, complete with Bunch of Blossoms stamp set and Blossom Builder punch.

Margo shared her husband Lynn... who kept our bellies full with amazing catered meals.

Of course the only picture I took of the food is the one below... we had a luau lunch with crabwiches, fruity beach balls, sea shell pasta, tropical veggietation with seaweed dip, and sea snail bites. YUM!

We even had a tropical "mocktail" (not pictured, but oh so tasty)!

There was enough time for everyone to work on their make-and-takes, swaps, and any other projects they brought. All make-and-take supplies were kept in sand pails.

Pinterest and other Stampin' Up! demonstrators offered much inspiration for our make and takes. This card was CASEd (copy and share everything) from Lyssa Zwolanek. She is so talented! 

The ladies were having fun and working hard... okay, not so hard. But they were working.

 

  

But there is always time for selfies... especially with your sister.

Yes, we had to take a group picture... and yes, we had to use props.

Of course, no retreat would be complete without swapping. These are just a few...

So many great cards - lots of inspiration! 

And no retreat would be complete without time for some R&R and hanging out with your sister and/or BFF! 

Yes, even Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy were hanging out. There were quite a few... which is why the house is called the Raggedy Inn. 

There were so many great moments from the retreat, but my favorite was actually having time to work on my own cards. Aside from my swaps, I made cards for all of the hubbies whose wives came to the retreat. I know it was a sacrifice for the guys to give them up for a weekend, so this was a way for me to let them know how much I appreciate it.

Leadership Swaps

One of the best things about a Stampin' Up! event is the swapping! What's swapping? It's taking a card you made and "swapping" it for a card someone else made. Some demonstrators make hundreds of cards, but with my limited time I only created 60. Most of the cards were for organized swaps (the hostess sets specific parameters for card design), but a few were made for general swapping (where we run around and find others to swap with). It's a blast and it's amazing to see such talent!

Here are two of the cards I made for my general swapping. It usually takes me a while to come up with designs, but these cards were actually designed quickly using only a few items taken to Houston (I couldn't take my entire stamp room, could I?). Yes, these cards were made in my hotel room! It's actually the first time I took stamping supplies to an event and actually used them! I feel so accomplished!

Want to recreate these cards? It's super simple if you use these items:

Cardstock: So Saffron, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Very Vanilla
Ink: Calypso Coral, Pool Party
Stamp Sets: Petite Petals
Accessories: Petite Petals Punch, Extra Large Oval Punch, Basic Jewels Pearls, Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape, Arrows Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Thank you for stopping by! Feel free to leave me a comment! :)

Our Annual Card and Cookie Swap!

This past weekend, we got together for our annual card and cookie swap.  Although there were several who weren't able to make it due to the weather and illness (darn those unpredictable California "winters"), we had an amazing group of ladies and a ton of fun!  Check out these treats!

 

 

 

  

 

So many yummy treats!  We also had some savory dishes and other desserts, but I think my photographer got hungry and didn't finish taking pictures! 

And now for the cards!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems like I'm missing a few cards... will have to look for them. I think the ladies did an incredible job on each of their cards... they really show such personality!

I have to say, my favorite part of the evening was everyone jumping in and helping us "last-minute-Lucy's" who needed to finish up our cards and cookies.  It really got me in the spirit of the holidays, because for me, that really is what it is about - sharing with, and caring about others.

Blessings to you and yours for this holiday season... now go stamp. :)