Spellbinders™ Design Retreat

Talk about the most exciting time with a group of fellow crafters you can ever imagine!  These weren't any ol' crafters!  I'm talkin about the 2010 Spellbinder's retreat!  Yup, I just got back from Phoenix (thus the lack of posts except for the quicky I pre-scheduled just before I left!).

(Stacey and her ‘girls’ standing with Maryann from Copic)

I knew from last year that we we're going to be completely spoiled but it was far beyond anything I could have hoped or imagined!

It began the moment we arrived when we realized we were famous (as some of our children thought LOL)because of this enormous, gorgeous white stretch LIMO that picked us up!  Yes indeed!  You will never believe how many girls fit in that thing!  What a ride! 

The excitement continued to grow as I met up with the new team members and then my roommate for the week...Ashley C. Newell!  I knew she'd be super sweet and a lot of fun too (more about her a bit later!)

(my roomie and me!)

I keep wanting to tell you about the highlight of my four days together only...there was so many favorite times, I can't decide which was best!  Stacey is amazing.  She had fun little surprises around ever corner.  In more ways than one, she was expressing her appreciation to us of our dedication to the team.  I can only hope that she also knows how very much we appreciate her and all of her and her husbands hard work!

I knew a year ago that I had become a part of something big.  It is a complete understatement to say that this company is going somewhere.  I knew that.  But, within one our of being there, I wanted to cry with excitement when I really realized the extent of that.

Cathy (our DT coordinator) Kim Hupke also worked so very hard to make this such an amazing time together and it truly was.  Kim was constantly getting an ‘itch’ and then it we new it was time to be showered with more product!!  You wouldn’t not believe how many fabulous cross promotional companies we received product from.  I had to ship a few boxes so this is just a tiny glace of it….

(Pink Paislee, Cosmo Cricket,My Mind’s Eye, Graphic 45, Kaiser Craft, Fancy Pants, Robin’s Nest, World Win, Post-It Notes, Tattered Angels, Scrapbook Adhesives, Xyron, Glue Dots, Creative Impressions, Copic, JustRite, Waltzing Mouse, Gina K Designs, Heartfelt Creations, Flourishes, Sparkle N’ Sprinkle, Nikki Sivils Scrapbooking)  Okay….that’s just the companies off the top of my head.  With two more boxes coming I know I’ll need to update this list!  But a huge thank you to each and everyone of these companies that gave gave us an abundance of product to use as cross promotional supplies.  It’s very much appreciated!

And then there was the food!  Oh my!  Yes,  should definitely be working out right now instead of publishing this post!  LOL 

(yum!!  5 pounds gained just looking at!)

Seriously….talk about spoiled!  Check this one out!

I may not have an inspiring piece of art to share with you today but surely there is some inspiration in these photos alone!  And you better believe that after I get unpacked and things picked up, I’ll be diving into my goodies when everyone is asleep tonight so I’m sure I’ll something divine to share tomorrow.

Here is a photo of Jeff and Stacey.  I love that Jeff took the time to come and share the history of the company and the dream and vision that they have together. They are the owners of Spellbinders and truly this couple are the best, most sincere business owners that I know.  They let us into their lives and they share a piece of themselves with us….no…I’d say a large chunk with us.  It’s not just about being spoiled, it’s about being trusted and believed in.  It’s about the transparency and the genuineness.   Thank you Jeff, Stacey, Kim, Cathy, and all of Spellbinders for all that you do for us designers.  You are awesome!

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing in my awesome experience with me!  Come back tomorrow for some project inspiration!