2022 marked the 16th year that my sister Peggy and I have hosted our Stampin’ Sisters Retreat.  Due to Covid, we were not able to gather together in 2021, so we held our retreat virtually.  But this year, we were able to hold the event in person and it was so very very good to be back together again this year!

There were a total of 92 of us at the retreat this year plus a few that participated by mail. 

Each year we have a theme and this year’s theme was Creativity at Work.  Keeping with the theme of the event, rather than a tote bag, everyone received a tool box stuffed to the max with 8 class project kits, a stamp set, a package of Blending Brushes, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Liquid Glue, Sponge Daubers, and Designer Paper.  Each table also had a construction hat  that they could flip over and use for trash as they crafted.

We played games to win prizes, where they had three chances to get 2 rings on 2 different construction cones.  We decorated things with a banner of  “tool belts” and Peggy and I wore t-shirts with this years logo on it (forgot to get a picture of that). 

We found these adorable little “work benches” that we filled little paper cups with some sweet treats for our guests to enjoy.

We were happy to welcome over 20 “Newbies” (those that have never attended retreat) and they each received a special gift from us.  They really had no idea what was in store for them, ha, ha, ha!

As always many of our Stampin’ Sisters Demonstrators joined in on the fun as our guests this year and also received a special team gift.

Each year we offer an optional swap, where those that choose to participate, design a card and then recreate it for all of those swapping.  Then they swap (trade) cards and go home with a bunch of new cards.  The cards that are swapped then go on a display board and we have a card contest. 

The Top 3 vote getters were Gail D, Irene Z. and Eve P.  They each received a stamp set and coordinating punch.  Below you can see a closer look at each of the winning cards.

With the Stamp, Punch, and Cut & Emboss Stations ready and their tool boxes filled with fun projects and products, we saw a lot of “Creativity at Work” the whole weekend long. Over the next week or two, I will be sharing all 8 of the class projects everyone made during the weekend, so be sure to check it out.