Stampin' Up! South Pacific Convention - Melbourne - 2014 Part One

I have just arrived home from four days and three nights, staying in Melbourne for the Stampin' Up South Pacific Convention. Almost 700 Australian and New Zealander demonstrators gathered for fun and informative classes (and don't forget all the new product previews and give-aways!) Although it would have been possible to travel into the city each day, it would have meant an early commute on an overcrowded train, so I stayed on Flinders Street on the 10th floor, with a bit of a view, especially at night.
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It was clean, comfortable and quiet, and that is all I ask of a hotel really. On a couple of mornings, I had breakfast out with my upline, Sue. For those who don't know, 'upline' is the title of the demonstrater who recruited you, so I am Sue's downline. Usually, we dine out at night in quite large groups, because everyone is so friendly, and we definitely have things in common, like stamping! {wink} These are friends who we talk to online and only see face-to-face once a year, so you have to make the most of it. Luckily, we are spoilt for choice in places to eat around Southbank.

Looking from the Melbourne Convention Centre along the Yarra River

Melbourne turned on the very best of weather, with temperatures between 18- 23°C (64-73°F) and it's only days away from the beginning of winter! On Wednesday I visited the National Gallery for a special exhibition visiting Melbourne until August sometime. The Italian Masterpieces from Museo del Prado (Spain) was full of fine examples of the Italian masters, which were greatly admired by Spanish Royalty and often given to the King as a gift. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed in the exhibition, so I purchased just one postcard. Afterwards, I had a rather long walk from the Art Gallery, back to the Convention Centre, to collect my gorgeous red bag, for an early start next morning. The managers had already had an afternoon of learning, and had been taken to a wonderful three course dinner at the Myer Mural Hall, with Shelli Gardener, the co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!

 ThinkInk team members Sue, Toby & Judy, checking the new catalogue

Our days are filled with entertainment, information and new products, and there certainly are a few of those for us to learn about. Two of the most exciting are Project Life and Blendabilities. A limited release of Project Life will be available to demonstrators next week, and for our customers from the 10th June. Fantastic way to store your photos, so quick and easy, and they can be 'dressed up' quite simply too. I think I will need to start doing this to keep up with all the photos I take, mainly of my gorgeous grandchildren!!!! I expect to have some products to show you soon,so don't forget to visit my online shop after the 10th.

At the end of the introductory session, we had our first Make and Take. We receive the products we need, including the stamp set, which we keep. The first stamp set was called Kinda Eclectic, and we have used it to make three projects. The first was a pair of cards, very similar but one design was 'stepped up'. That means it had more embellishments and was fancier than the first. It's great fun to be the student, getting instructions on how to achieve a great card!

After that bit of crafty fun, it was time for lunch, and then we had the surprise we'd all been waiting for!! The staff came out carrying boxes of catalogues and we could hardly wait to get our hands on them. Now to check out all those new stamp sets, dies, framelits punches and In Colors. It is strictly one catalogue per attendee, but I will be placing my order as soon as the item numbers go 'live' and it will probably be another 10 days until I receive them. I am having a Catalogue Launch Party on Friday 4th July, but if you want one sooner than that, you can txt or email me, and I will let you know when they arrive.
Phone 0417 500 681 email  rpalmieri5@bigpond.com

After lunch on Thursday, there was plenty more to do with some 'Make & Takes' and other demonstrators sharing their knowledge in another theatre. I think it might be best to save those pics for another day, since I need an early night to prepare for my other work tomorrow.

Cheers...
Rachel