stamping retreat
I just spent a fabulous weekend with some of my favorite stamping friends at White's Wildwood Retreat in Chippewa Falls, WI. This is the 3rd year that we have held our retreat there and we love it. When you walk in the door it feels like home. There is so much friendship, laughter, and even tears (good tears!) We are so lucky to have this group of friends. We come from all parts of the country and the retreat is our time to be together!
Carol (HB) is my partner in crime for planning the retreat. She does the food and whatever else I need. I couldn't have done it without her! This is my last year coordinating the retreat because of other obligations and trying to balance life, but you can bet I will be there next year when my friends Kendra, MY, and Robin take the wheel.
One of the best parts of the retreat for me was having the dates coordinate with the release of my first stamp set, Rustic Branches! I had arranged for everyone at the retreat to get a set (as a surprise) and the screaming was just like being on the Oprah show! It was such a special thing to be able to share this night with all of my friends who have been supporting and cheering me on!
We spent the rest of the weekend, stamping, learning new things, and just hanging out and spending time together. There's nothing better! We all learned how to solder this weekend, which I will share more about later on.
Bethie taught us about digital scrapbooking. She has some definite talent and I hope I can remember the cool stuff I learned about making brushes and patterns when I have time to sit down and work on some more digital scrapping.
Ang showed us how to take our photos to the next level in Photoshop to take them from drab to fab! Her tips, tricks, and examples were awesome!
HB, the food was INCREDIBLE! I think I was full the whole time...
The Milwaukee crew from our group organized a stamping olympics for one of the evenings. We had a stamp off, card creation contest, and ribbon bow tying competition! It was a blast!
Here are some of the medalists from the card contest!
It was a fabulous weekend and even though I am still recovering and unpacking, I am smiling about the happy memories that we made. I can't wait until next year!
Look at you all! Thanks for sharing this, Pine. It was so cool for me to see all you girls together like this, even if long after the event, and only from my laptop. {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}} Jules
Posted by: Julie | September 10, 2008 at 12:49 PM
It looks like a great time! Congratulations on the release of your stamp line Heather! What a special time to be sharing with your friends!
Posted by: kathleenh | August 25, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I am so sad that I had to miss it this year. Will plan around it next year!!! Awesome pictures!!
Posted by: Kar | August 22, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Pine ~ you are awesome!! The highlight of the weekend was your release and I'm so glad that you made us feel a part of it. LOVE YA!
Posted by: Michelle A (Prinny) | August 21, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Looks like it was a real fun time. good for you...you deserve it
Posted by: barbara | August 21, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I can't express how SAD I am that I couldn't make it this year......but WOOHOO on your stamp set release (at least I got to talk to ya that day!).
I count the days until next year when I can give you huge monster hugs in person again. You and everyone else, too! Love ya, Piney!!!!
Posted by: QC | August 21, 2008 at 01:06 PM
It looks like an awesome time! BTW I love your rustic branches set, its lovely.
Posted by: Derby | August 21, 2008 at 08:48 AM
It looks like it was a great time, congrats again Pine on your first release! I got my set in the mail yesterday and I can't wait to find a minute to use it!
Posted by: Tami M. (tmarie) | August 21, 2008 at 08:42 AM
You & HB sure know how to plan a FANTASTIC retreat! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for us.
Posted by: Suzanne Henrich | August 20, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Woohooo! What a great time! It was an honor to be part of your special the release party. I still can't believe you didn't know we were all standing behind you with bubbly! Thank you for the wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Kendra | August 20, 2008 at 05:46 PM
WOW! What an awesome weekend. My FAVORITE part of this retreat was being with you during your release. Your hard work totally pays off .... I'm a dork.... getting teary eyed here just thinking about it. Love ya!!!!
Posted by: Joy Kennedy (JoyOfStamping) | August 20, 2008 at 05:25 PM
I will ALWAYS cherish the memories. You and HB put on an incredible retreat. In fact, it will take three of us to fill your shoes planning next year's event!
LOVE YOU!!!!
Posted by: MichelleY | August 20, 2008 at 03:34 PM
And a fun time was had by all.....sounds wonderful!
Posted by: Jane Harrah | August 20, 2008 at 12:54 PM
OH MAN - that was the perfect weekend, Piney! I hope you know how much we all appreciate all of your (and HB's too!) hard work pulling everything together! It was an amazing weekend!
Posted by: AngFab | August 20, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Pine.......It was sooooo much fun. I will always remember it.....always. Thanks for all your work and shareing.
Posted by: Bev Barton | August 20, 2008 at 08:39 AM
i'm so jealous!! it looks like a great time was had by all...since moving to maine, i don't have any close friends, so this would be heaven to me!! thanks for sharing...
Posted by: Chris | August 20, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Thank you so much for sharing Pine! I love reading all the stories of your great weekend get-a-way!
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | August 20, 2008 at 07:47 AM
That was the most creatively FUN weekend I have had in SUCH a long time. Thank you for Coordinating everything! You and HB rock! {MWAH!}
Posted by: Beth Silaika | August 20, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Sounds like a fabulous time! I've always thought going to one of these would be divine.
Posted by: CherylQuilts at SCS | August 20, 2008 at 06:07 AM
Great pics Pine! There are SO many fun memories from this weekend! I'll carry them in my heart forever!!!
Posted by: hb | August 20, 2008 at 05:57 AM