I had spied a gorgeous die in the Stampin' Up catalogue that I lusted after. It was the Berry Basket Bigz L die priced at £34.95. As a registered demonstrator (not that I ever had done for Stampin' Up) I decided that it would be a good idea if I host my first party (and earn enough points and rewards so I could get the die guilt free) and I could get a little craft time thrown in.
It was an OK party, not as many people came as I'd hoped in truth, but I got the orders and earned my Berry Basket (still haven't opened it but it's there, patiently waiting for me!!!)
But then a few of the ladies said they wanted to come to a class and so they did - I called it "A Little Birdie Told Me" and we had a blast making these three beautiful cards. They were designed originally by Julie Kettlewell, my Stampin' Up grandma (that means she had signed up the lady that signed me up to Stampin' Up - Caroline from http://carolinescraftsandmore.blogspot.co.uk).
As part of the class the ladies all bought the Stampin' Up Hardwood stamp which is quite large but I'm so glad I got it - it's going to be used a lot. Also used was the SU Bird Punch, Fringe scissors, Boho blossoms punch, Elegant Butterfly punch and Papillon Potpourri stamps, Scallop Oval punch, Oval punch, Petite Pairs stamps for the sentiment, and the Open Sea stamp for the anchor. Everything else was cut by hand. If you really want to scare someone ask them to cut out a cloud freehand!
The trouble is they are too nice to give away so everyone in the class made a pact that we'd send them to each other LOL.