The 2010 Stampin Up Occasions mini catalog has so many fantastic stamp sets, and new products. It boosted the first look at Stampin Up's new Clear Mount stamp system, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! It is also ending on April 30, and with it many of the cool stamps and products in it will no longer be available. Don't worry, the clear mount stamps and new blocks will be staying around (wshew!!!) but these sets may be gone forever.

Today's project comes from my downline Lynn Wilcox. She used the On Board Scallop Circle Book (118306) in the Occasions Mini catalog to create this beautiful photo collage ornament. She used designer paper and the circle punch for the edges, and the circle scissors to layer the center around the photo.

Yesterday we watched the Boston Marathon and hand out waters and pretzels (yes, pretzels) to the runners. It's always so inspiring to be at this event. This was the 114th year, over 26,000 people ran the marathon, with over 500,000 spectators! The Boston marathon is second largest "single day" sporting event in the world! 2nd only to the Superbowl. Pretty amazing isn't it? My friend Donna and her husband Jeff came all the way from Utah to run in it. We got together and did the town on Saturday night, she gave me this gorgeous card. It was created with the Flower Folds Big Shot die (115970), jumbo grommet (114348) and the A to Z stamp (115711 from the Occasions mini catalog).

I've been stocking up on many of the new clear mount stamps from Stampin Up. I just love their easy storage in a DVD container, and am so impressed with how nicely they stamp. Same great rubber, easy storage. Here's a picture of a DVD rack I picked up at Target, it makes it so much easier to find a stamp set in a hurry as I can see all of the images in the set on the binding of the case. I love that I have 15 stamp sets in this one little space! If you haven't seen the clear mount stamps in action, you can check out my introduction to them here >. The boys and I are off to the Boston Marathon today. We'll be cheering on the runners and handing out water. I love being a part of the marathon. We stand at the 1/2 way mark, and it's a point in the marathon where the runners are tired, slowing up a bit and probably many wanting to quit (13 miles into the 26.2 is a long way)...but they keep going, despite the exhaustion and pain. It's so inspiring! Especially the wheechairs, they are amazing!

Swapping shoeboxes? Really? No not really, we're not swapping the actual shoebox but what's inside of it hehehe! A "Shoebox swap" is the name of a fun stamping event where a group of us design a project, put all of the supplies in a shoebox and go and make everyone else's projects. Some of my local demonstrators and I got together Wednesday night and stamped "shoebox swap" style and we had soooo much fun. It was awesome. I promise to share some of the super cool projects the gals designed.

Many of my team live in other states and couldn't make the event, so we're also doing a mail in swap. For more information on how to join my group, click here >.

Isn't this card gorgeous? This was created by my friend and downline Kassey Granger. She is very talented isn't she? Kassey used the emboss resist technique to create this breathtaking effect. Click here to view a video featuring the emboss resist technique. The images are embossed in white, than she sponged over them with Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede. It's an easy and fun technique to "wow" your friends with!

The Vintage Vogue stamp set made it's debut in January in the Occasions Mini catalog and became a fast favorite. It's now a staple in my stamping collection, and I'm so sad that the mini is ending and this month is the last month to purchase it. This card was sent to my by fellow demonstrator, Carol Guerard. Carol is very, very talented. Vintage Vogue comes in both wood mount (117690) and clear mount (118598). Here's a video tutorial of another gorgeous Vintage Vogue card >

Happy Easter! Here in New England we are having a most beautiful stretch of what I consider the most perfect weather. Looking forward to a wonderful church service, and then visiting with our family. We are having everyone at our house this year. I love spending time with my aunts, uncles, cousins and my Nana. Some of my favorite days.