Over Presidents Day weekend I attended my annual retreat with my friend in Helen at the Tanglewood Lodge. I’ve really grown to treasure this time with them – it’s a wonderful break from the every day routine. I feel very lucky that the Peacocks have included me. They’re a wonderful group of ladies who came together during their children’s Camp Fire years and have continued to gather and travel together on a regular basis. Doesn’t that sound like a fantastic? While they all are very different they enjoy their time together and this event includes multi-generation which is so wonderful to see.

The lodge is a wonderful building that has a great space for us to both craft and sit and relax and with the 2 kitchens there is always a wonderful smell wafting through the air. (Especially when some of the teenagers make everyone some simply yummy cookies on Sunday night!)

And this year the weather was simply gorgeous so I was able to enjoy some of the outdoor areas – eating lunch and enjoying the unusually warm weather for February. Last year we had to end early due to ice storm warnings! What a difference a year makes!

And we had a little visitor who needed some special care. This 3 day old created quite a stir. What fun it was listening to the group try to find a name for this little guy Friday night as we settled in.

My friend Kathleen pampered me a bit with some projects she brought with her all cut and ready to go – all I had to do was enjoy the stamping. So today I thought I’d share those wonderful cards she designed.

This first card uses the So In Love Bundle and I’ve included a complete supply list below for you since it was my favorite of the group, but it was a tough choice. LOL!

This second card was made using the Lift Me Up stamp set (142893/142896) and the Up & Away Thinlits Dies (142748).

I really love the way she used a bit of our Cooper Foil Sheets (142020).

And finally a really cute Hey Chick (Sale-a-bration 143328/143331) card. After all I can’t get enough of this set! Kathleen teamed it up with the Hardwood Background stamp (133032/133035) and can you guess what the punch is?

Well it’s the Blossom Builder Punch (141469). What a great way to use this punch in an out of the box way!

And finally the cute little 3d treat that holds some Hershey’s Nuggets using the Balloon Adventures stamp set (142823).

I simply wrapped the 1″ x 3″ pieces of the Party Animal Designer Series Paper (142738) around each nugget and added a glue dot to hold them in place. Slipped them into our 2″ x 8″ Cellophane Bags (102210) and decorated them using our Balloon Bouquet Punch (140609) which made this a quick and easy project since the Duet Banner Punch (141483) fit the sentiment perfectly!

Part of the fun of this retreat is sharing ideas and learning about other crafting too. You should have seen the Alcohol Paintings some of the girls did – they were wonderful. I wish I would have gotten a photo of them to share with you. (Sigh… I always forget the camera once we get started. Having too much fun catching up with everyone.)

If the idea of having a great group of stamping friends appeals to you why not join my team? Not only will you get a wonderful discount on your Stampin’ Up! products, but you’ll have a wonderful group to craft with. We have such fun when we are together and sharing!

Join the Blue Mountain Stampers

It’s a fun time of year to join Stampin’ Up! since a brand new Annual Catalog has just been release! Right now you can join my team, the Blue Mountain Stampers, for just $99 your starter kit containing $125 in product.   PLUS – your kit ships for free!

Want to learn more?  Check out the links below:

• What are the Blue Mountain Stampers?
• Join here
• Got more questions, feel free to contact me: [email protected]

Whether you want to join for the discount or to make a little extra cash – you’ll be able to save on your stamping supplies!