Frosted Floral Birthday

I remember the day like it was yesterday, I was a new demonstrator about to start my second workshop. I had all my supplies spread out on a tiny table top where I was about to begin my stamping demonstration. There were only a couple people there, but I didn’t mind, because I was a little nervous.

Suddenly, the front door burst open and in walks this beautiful gal with a big smile, big hair and an even bigger personality. The hostess introduced her to me, “This is my friend Laura”, she says. Laura plops down in the chair and looks right at me and says with a smile, “you’re gonna have to forgive me if I fall asleep during your presentation lady, you see I’ve worked all night and I’m tired and the only reason I’m here is cause I told my friend I’d be here to support her”. She then folder her arms and leaned way back in the chair and it seemed she was about to drift off into a deep sleep.

I took a deep breath and began the workshop. I pulled out the set Button Bear and was about half way through the first card when I noticed Laura’s eyes getting a little wider. The more I demoed, the more awake she became. Laura who I now know is a very artistic and creative person, was discovering stamping for the first time and it was a beautiful sight to behold. Forget the nap she was planning to take. Laura became “alive” and was excited to start creating with stamps, ink and paper. Laura got to work creating a Button Bear birthday card and had a lot of fun doing so.

By the end of the class Laura was still so excited that she booked a workshop and then shortly after her own workshop she signed up to be my second recruit. Of course if you ask her, she’ll be sure to tell you she’s my number one, but that is a whole different story!!!

Now almost 19 years later Laura is still a part of my team. In fact recently she sent me a photo of her stamp room and on her desk was this photo that brought back such fun memories. It’s a photo of Laura, Berd (my third recruit) and I. As you can see Berd has beautiful hair too and when I’m with these two I suffer from major “hair” envy!

Berd, Cindy and Laura

I had no idea that being a part of Stampin’ Up! would lead to me making so many lasting friendships. I am so thankful that after 19 years, Laura and Berd are STILL with me as a members of my group, Stamped With Aloha and we have made many wonderful memories together.

Laura just celebrated a big birthday, she turned 50. Here is the card I made for her using the First Frost Stamp Set.

Frosted Floral Birthday Card - www.stampedwithaloha.com

This card displays two pieces of the gorgeous Frosted Floral Specialty Designer Series Paper. This shimmery paper is so beautiful. I can’t get enough of it. I cut a circle with my Stitched Shapes Framelet to act as the focal point where I would stamp the word “Happy Birthday” and add some additional flowers, leaves and branches. I added three jewel rhinestones to the center of two of the flowers to add shimmer.

Frosted Floral Birthday Card (inside)

On the inside of the card I created a “pop-up” section that featured the same Stitched Shape Circle but this time it had the number “50” on it that I had die cut from the Large Number Framelits.

Although I couldn’t be with Laura on her special day I am happy that next week I will be reunited with her at the Stampin’ Up! On Stage Convention in Orlando. I already know that my cheeks will hurt from smiling when I am around her and I’ll probably get a stomach ache from laughing because she is one funny gal. I just love her to pieces and I cherish the friendship that has grown as we’ve enjoyed inspiration, creativity and sharing these past 19 years.

I am grateful that Stampin’ Up! not only has amazing products such as those found in this Frosted Floral suite, but in addition to the fabulous products, I am thankful for the amazing people who have become a part of my life because of my connection with this amazing company.

One of those special ones is Laura!! I would have never thought that gal who wanted to take a nap would become one of my closest friends, I am truly blessed.

Happy 50th Birthday Fulana! May you continue to be the bright light that you are. I love you!