I am all smiles today.  It doesn’t happen often that we get to experience the same day twice in a lifetime.  Today is the second first day of a new crafting relationship for me – new, yet familiar.  I have missed crafting and creating – so I jumped back into the deep end after 3 1/2 years of self imposed hiatus.  Today I renewed my affiliation with Stampin’ Up!

I have to say it has been a great break, but enough is enough – I am a crafter.  So with my passion tucked right back into where it belongs and raring to go, I have jumped back into the pool, evening gown, heels, tiara and all!

Ten years ago and 18 days I joined this illustrious company for the first time.  And today I had the rare opportunity of feeling those exciting butterflies that every new rep feels when picking out what to get in her starter kit!  I made notes and flipped furiously through my catalog – tagged and all, just like before.  I could not stop smiling, something my upline Christina I’m sure could feel through the phone.

I laughed as I realized my demo number is no longer 5 digits, but now 7!  And the funniest part was that it ends in 666 – wow!  I didn’t take that as a bad sign though – instead I think I’ll embrace it and call my team The Devilish Stampers!

I quickly realized that I only have one stamp set and one saying set left, three current samples and 2/3rds of the colors along with some tools, but I can’t wait to greet the UPS man when he brings me that prized brown box at the door! (I will definitely blog on that!)

So I sat down and decided to pull out some of my favorite designer series papers and a trusted old punch to make a quick 5×5 on board journal.  I know it’s the spring, but Always Artichoke and Chocolate Chip colors beaconed me.  Here is the final result – a cute little journal made with the large oval punch and fun ribbons.

The best part of today is that I reconnected with some great friends, and not just the paper kind. Brace yourselves, because my excitement is going to be contagious!  I set a stamping date with my good friend and fellow rep Karen for a week from now (can’t wait – bringing my kit), booked a party with a friend to stamp with some new customers, and set up my business website.  So it looks like I’m open for business!

Enjoy the journal – I know I will put it to great use.

Happy Crafting –

Ingrid

If you would like to find out more about the supplies I used in this project, click here to order Stampin’ Up! supplies 24/7.

Supplies Used – Stamps – Sanded (Retired); Ink – Classic Chocolate Chip (100908); Fun Extras – On Board Journal (108495); Paper – Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117154), Chocolate Chip (121045),  Always Artichoke (105119), Very Vanilla (101650), Sahara Sand (121043); Cool Tools – Large Oval Punch (119855), Stamping Sponges (101610); The Perfect Finish – 3/8″ Taffeta Ribbon, 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/2 ” Seam Binding Ribbon