Everything Eleanor Tag and Leadership 2013 Highlights: part 4

This is my Over the Top Tag Swap. I had such a fun time building this tag after Christmas. This is a  3 1/2" x 6" Vanilla base that I embossed-resisted with the swirl from Everything Eleanor by misting with River Rock reinker and alcohol in our new little Stampin' Spritzers...and another spritz of our Vanilla Shimmer. I layered and cut and punched and stamped and finished it off with some Victorian ribbon and Vanilla Seam binding accented with my favourite Vintage Faceted Designer Button and a Pearl.

And these are a few of the others I received in the swap. Aren't they wonderful?

Swapping is great and I'm always excited to see what I'll be bringing home to share with my Stamping Gals, here. The sessions, the classes, the give-aways and prizes, the information and exciting announcements are all over the top, but at the heart of it all, what I love about Stampin'Up! is the people. From the Corporate Team through to my newest Stamper who delights in her first card creation and seeing that happy smile as she realizes she can do it!

I look forward to seeing the friends I've made through the years attending Leadership and other events.  

I had such a wonderful time again this year because of these fabulous friendships formed over the years with some awesome Ladies! Emma is one of the sweetest gals and so is Debra, in her jammies in yesterday's picture. I met Gail (another Jammie clad gal) on the plane going down to Palm Springs!

Last year, on the last evening, I met Loree and Brenda. We went two-stepping at a Texas dance bar. I was so happy to run back in to them this year and giggle and share more good times. This is Rich, the President of Stampin'Up! He's one of my favourite people to run into at Leaderships since my first one in St Louis, way back. His vision for the company is extraordinary, his passion: inspiring. I love the talks from stage he has given. He pulls in stories of his family to illustrate his point and they are powerful.
Stampin'Up! has a Statement of the Heart and this year, Leadership 2013, Celebrating 25 Years, was all about Making a Difference. When I started this business 10 years ago, I knew it was different than any other sales company. It's not just about the sale of a stamp set or paper and ink, it's about so much more.

"To LOVE what we do

and SHARE what we love,

 as we help others enjoy CREATIVITY

and worthwhile accomplishments...

in this we make a DIFFERENCE."

 

The closing remarks by Rich crystallized Stampin'Up!'s founding principles and this Statement of the Heart. Putting into focus what is most important and reminding us to go enjoy what we do!

 

smiles,

Laurie