Saturday was my annual Open House and New Catalog Launch Party. It is also a customer and downline appreciation event and retired stamp sale all rolled into one big party. I work for several weeks getting ready for it and never seem to get all that I want done. And I never get enough photos. It just gets so busy once people start coming that I don't have time to take pictures. Next year I am going to have to try to assign that job to someone. 
There were these wrapped gifts and everyone got to pick one. There was Stampin' Up product in each package. The giant flowers were such fun. I found the directions with a great video by Erica Cerwin on her blog, www.pinkbuckaroo.com.
Each guests received one of these new catalog goodie bags which contained a wish list, a bookmark with the new In Colors, a highlighter (I use this to mark what I own), Post It tabs to mark what they want, some chocolates wrapped with In Color DSP, and the cute sucker wrapped in a decorated holder made using the envelope punch board. I found video instructions for this also on Erica Cerwin's blog.
One table had a display of new products. This is such a great new catalog so, yes, I do want it all!
There were over 100 retired stamp sets for sale so that is where people head first. Here Pat, Evelyn, and Debi are picking out a few.
Carol found a few sets too.
I was fortunate to have friends and fellow demonstrators help me get the food set up. Thanks Betty and Terri!
Debi and Sandra looking through the catalog.
Cheryl and Mike came with some great appetizers. Thanks Cheryl.
When I first saw the Swirly Bird Stamp Set I didn't really care for it. But after seeing so many great ideas I changed my mind quickly and CASED and stamped some sample cards. It has now become a favorite.
This was one of today's Make and Take cards.
And the other Make and Take card using the new Detailed Floral Thinlit. Stampin' Up suggests using the Precision Plate for this intricate die however I found it works using the dryer sheet/wax paper sandwich.
It was a GREAT open house. Really good turnout and lots of great buys….(I got carried away) but looking forward to using my new stamps and dies. Thanks for all your hard work in making it happen!
Thanks Debi. I’m glad you were able to come and got some good buys. Have fun stamping.