Well, this Saturday I hosted my very first Open House. My theme was Jump Start the Holidays and it was a perfect way for my guests to get started for the upcoming holiday season and introduce them to the new Holiday Mini. One of my guests even commented that it was the first time she heard Christmas music in September. I am strong believer in preparation and if you plan on making your own cards for the holidays, I have only three pieces of advice:

1. Start Early
2. Start Early
3. Start Early.

I had 6 lovely ladies in attendance and we got to working on three different projects. We did two cards and an ornament gift card holder. The cards were designed to be quick and simple since I had some new to stamping. I also demonstrated one new technique, Ribbon Ruffle which I learned from a great tutorial from Denise January at Sassy Stampin. The ornament gift card holder was a huge hit. I kept it lively with trivia games and prizes. Each lady also walked away with some great cards that they each could make again. I was very happy with how everything turned out. I couldn't have done it without my husband who graciously made the food for the event as I was still making preparations. His berry parfaits were a huge hit.

Now, if you were unable to make the Open House no worries. I have stamps and will travel. Consider hosting a workshop. It's a great way to get your girlfriends together for a night of creativity. I customize all my workshops to your interests, whether its scrapbooks, simple cards or Holiday ideas that can be easily mass produced. Send me an email to get more information.

As if you needed any more incentive, Stampin' Up is running a Sweet Rewards Hostess promotion. Host a workshop of $250 and more and get any item in the Holiday Mini (excluding Digital Studio & hostess sets) for $10. Get more details here.