Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Inspiration from Grand Event

As I continue to reflect on the many wonderful things I saw at the grand event I am feeling led to share about another amazing extra giveaway.  In addition to the stamp sets and dies that were part of our entrance kit there were a variety of additional giveaways throughout the weekend. One such giveaway was an amazingly versatile bow die.  The following is a link to the product on the FSJ website. 
At first look, this seems to be an average die, but then there Richard and Gabby did a demo to show just how many different ways you can use it.  Obviously you can use it as a typical bow, to add embellishment to any project or even a gift. However you can also cut multiples copies of the die and combine them to create the following stunning center piece to a gift.
 
 
Did you notice the lovely paper the gift was wrapped in?  This is new patterned paper that is available through the new Holiday Mini Catalog and it coordinates so well with a new stamp set called Ornament Party.  So Cute!!!!
 
Next they created these amazing ornaments again just using the same die and cutting two pieces.  You cross the bow part in the center and attach, then punch a small hole to thread the hanger.  You could easily create a whole new look for your tree this year using some of your favorite holiday paper!
I love that there is so much more that you can do with this one product and it is just another case of the amazing inspiration that I felt from the Grand Event.
So glad I went!  Thanks again Richard Garay, and all of the Fun Stampers Journey Crew!!!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

A truly Grand Event

Fun Stampers Journey just held their Grand Event in Pamona.  It was an amazing three day event full of demos, make and takes, classes, and inspiration.  Here is a picture of the set, this was the sight we were greeted with when we walked through the doors. 
 
 
Such attention to detail, as if you were entering into a room of vision, and what amazing new sights I saw!!!
There were so many wonderful things that happened, but two of the stand out moments for me were getting to be a part of something larger than myself. 
The first instance took place as a result of an ongoing partnership Fun Stampers Journey has with an organization called Charity Wings.  The mission of Charity Wings Art & Craft Center is "to be an inspiring place for people of all ages to Gather, Give Back and Create; as well as to partner with other charities to give free classes to those who can benefit from the Hope, Happiness, and Healing that art can provide!"  Since it's beginning, FSJ has partnered with Charity Wings through the sale of special stamp sets.  For each stamp sold, money from to profits is donated to Charity Wings.  During the Grand Event Richard Garay was able to present a check for $500 to the founder of the organization on the main stage. 

 
 
The second moving moment of the weekend came in response to a heartwarming story about one of the newest stamp sets released in the Holiday Mini Catalogue.  The set below was designed out of a response to Richard Garay losing a dear cousin to breast cancer earlier in the year.  He shared his story about dealing with this sudden loss and his desire to remember.  Again, this stamp set is not only truly versatile, but it helps one give back.  Two dollars from every stamp set sold is donated to a local California charity that supports the families of those who have lost a mother to breast cancer.
 
But the inspiration didn't stop there.....Richard gave each person in attendance one of these amazing sets for free and made the donation to the charity himself.  As a response to this generosity, we who were blessed, felt led to give back.  Someone started things off by putting a bag onstage with the sign, "Lets double Richard's donation."  It just blows my mind what an amazing organization I get to be a part of.  I was truly blessed this weekend, to be a part of things larger than myself, in addition to the amazing creativity and inspiration that I expected to witness.