In Color Memories

Well thank you so much to my finicky computer...this post is two days late. You know, sometimes life happens, and it has been a CRAZY couple weeks!! But enough of all that...time to talk crafting!

In November, I went to my first Stampin' Up! OnStage event. This isn't your ordinary, dull convention, it was a truly AMAZING and life-changing experience! I met SO many new people, made several new friends, and left with my head full of new ideas.

So part of the tradition when you travel for OnStage is to create handmade gifts for your roomies. Let me just say, this part of the experience can be an adventure all its own. Never in my life, would I have thought I'd end up sleeping in a bunk bed and sharing a bungalow with six other women! So not only did I need to create something unique and special, I had to do it in volume!

I knew two things without a doubt...Number One: I wanted to use the newest In Colors (especially since one of those colors matches my car - there I go, settings trends!! haha) Number Two: I wanted to create a keepsake that my roommates could use to display their OnStage memories. I thought of altering frames, among a couple other ideas, but I couldn't find enough matching items in stock. Then I realized that I already had the perfect items at home. I'd bought a bulk of composite clipboards for another project, and decided they would make PERFECT memory boards!

To ensure my gifts were special for each lady, I decided to personalize each one with a monogram, and of course, I had to make one for myself, too. Now I get to share it with each of you!

For the "graffiti wall", I sponged each of the In Colors on a section of the Wood Words floral stamp. I used the Labeler Alphabet set to stamp the sentiment. After my stamping was done, I ran the cardstock through my Big Shot using the Brick Wall EF. For the monograms, I used the Letters for You stamps and cut them out with the coordinating dies. I popped them with Dimensionals to create the effect of "signs" on the wall.

From there, I built on up to the clouds. The large rectangle fits a 4" x 6" photo, and the white circle in the balloon can hold a small photo or space to jot a small note. For the final touches, the hot air balloon banner and clouds carry the event name and date.

I won't need to make roommate gifts for the next OnStage because it will be a local event in my own town!! Super exciting! I will, however, be making myself a new keepsake.

From my heart to yours...Happy Stamping!

Sarah Grace