I spent the last three days at our Stampin’ Sister’s Retreat with 95 lovely stampers.  This is the 12th year my sister Peggy Murwin and I have hosted this event.  We start Friday evening and go through noon on Sunday.  This year we provided 9 classes for all attendees and spoiled them with goodies and surprises the whole weekend.

As you can see, we had a picnic theme this year and tried to carry elements of a picnic throughout the weekend.  Peggy and I even found matching red & white “picnic” shirts to wear.  I made this chalk art sign that we had at the entrance of the craft room to set the mood.

Here’s our “Center Stage” with more check table cloths and a fun banner.

Here’s the room where we spent our time for the weekend.

When we open the doors to the craft room on Friday night, each guest found a picnic basket filled with all of the cut cardstock needed for each of the 9 classes we offered for the weekend.

They also got the Amazing You Sale-a-bration stamp set, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Multi-purpose Glue, and a Sponge Dauber.

With every project we made over the course of the weekend, they each received another gift to add to their collection of goodies.  They got Night of Navy Gingham Ribbon, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Night of Navy Corduroy Ribbon, Berry Burst Metallic Edges Ribbon, Pool Party Bakers Twine, True Gentleman Buttons,  Linen Thread, Tutti-frutti Adhesive Backed Sequins, Petal Passion Memories & More Card Pack, True Gentleman and Picture Perfect Party Designer Series Paper and an 8″ x 8″ Shadow Box Picture Frame.

I made these “picnic” costumes for us to wear for a short time when we started out Friday night and they were available for others to wear for a fun “photo op”.  It’s no fun if ya can’t be silly, right?

Here you can see the whole group, well most of them anyway.  It’s hard to find a spot in a hotel where you can get a good picture of 95 people at one time, some of our guests are a bit hidden in the picture.  Over the next week or so, I’ll be sharing all of the details of our retreat.  You’ll get to see all of the projects we made and I’ll even be offering some of these classes for you to purchase.  I just can’t wait to share all of the fun with you.