convention - day 3

I am home in Edmonton writing you the day three update. What a day it was. There was so much celebrating that I did leave enough time to "work". I have piles of pictures and lots of stories!!! Enjoy!

Day three was an early start with a general session. I got to walk the stage with Lynsay Mahon for Sales and Leadership bench marks this year.

Lynsay Mahon and I

Joyce and I in general session - dancing and excited for the day to start!

Jamie Westerhof and I! This girl had me laughing all session!

The rest of the day was full of classes. My brain is swimming with class and event ideas and my note book is full of inspiration! The class schedule was so full that I did not leave enough time to do the make and take projects. I have brought them home and just need to find a quiet moment to have a cup of tea and create them. 

Make and takes that I need to create. Cute, right?!

We went out to eat as a team before we headed to the hotel to get dolled up for awards night. This is my favorite event at convention. It is electric to be there and watch the genuine excitement of those who are recognized. It is very Hollywood and Stampin' Up! staff are in tuxedo's and dresses. They have a fancy Plexiglas podium and introduce each awards category. Flowers, gifts and hugs are given to award recipients.

On our way to awards night.

Waiting for awards to start with some of my fave Stampin' Friends
Mary Ellen Stites, Lynsay Mahon and Meg Loven. 

My friend, dance partner, roommate and Stampin' sister Karolina Quest.

My first award was for my Achievers Bonus. Stampin' Up! handed out the cutest little wrist corsages and we walked the stage for a photo-op. 

Before I left Edmonton I did a little shopping to buy an extra special dress for awards night. I had been keeping a secret! A few weeks ago I found out that I was selected to be on the 2014-2015 Stampin' Up! Artisan Design Team! 3 Canadians were selected of only 16 Artisans world wide! I could not believe it when they called with the news and still could not believe it when I walked on the stage to Shelli Gardner's warm congratulatory hug! Pinch me!!

Sarah Sagert is my friend and sideline.
We are so blessed to be on this years Artisan team together!
We are going to have so much fun!

Lynsay Mahon was a proud Momma Bear as two
of her downline shared the Artisan Award.

The North American members of the Artisan Design Team.
The remaining team members were not in attendance as they are from overseas.

After all of that excitement I thought that the night simply could not get better. I was wrong! At the end of the night they announce the Founders Circle Achievers. Founders circle is the top 20 demonstrators in Canada and the top 100 in the United States. These winners receive a special Founders Circle bag and a 5 day trip to Utah in September to relax and celebrate!! Swoon!!

Stampin' Up! caught this emotional moment of film and posted this to Facebook.
I was overcome with emotion and even ugly cried. Un-be-liev-able!! 

The beautiful 2014 Founders Circle achievers.

The Founders Circle bag.

After awards we headed to the after party. The theme was country. They had a fantastic band singing and teaching us line dances, delish treats and snacks, product give aways, photo-ops and a mechanical bull! I found the best ladies to watch my Founders bag and Artisan box while I danced the night away. Sending you girls much love out there!!!

I borrowed this picture from the official Stampin' Up! Facebook images.
What a fun night!

At the very end of the night I headed to the bull. I stayed on for a very long while.
Too long I think .. the operator then was challenged to throw me.
In the end I fell face first, skirt up into the mat. Oops!
Stampin' Up! has it on film.
Thankfully the event highlight real has my fall only to the start of the "dismount".
That could have been, um, exposing. 

We were one of the last ones to leave the after party. We walked to a pub and had a few appies and a glass of wine. Lynsay gave me a star bracelet to congratulate me on the night and my amazing year. 

When we got back to the hotel I slowly opened my Artisan box and took it all in. Inside was a personalized Artisan stamp, a Tiffany bracelet and a welcome letter. 

Engraved with the Stampin' Up! logo and the Artisan Design team date.

It was very late when we melted into the bed. My heart was so full! I want to thank all of my customers and followers for making this dream come true. It is an amazing feeling to be recognized for working hard at something you love. Every order you place, every post you read, every event you attend and all the love you send has changed my life. THANK-YOU! 

Watch for my next post about the final day of convention and all of the wrap up excitement. 

Have a creative day!

Krista