Reporting to you on the Open House....

[KVM]

Greetings!

Tim, my sister and I are home from the wonderful Posh Open House!! We had a fabulous, fabulous time and are happily exhausted. I'll write and tell you all about it tomorrow. Until then...

KV

[Shari]

I second KV's exhausted, fabulous opinion of the open house! What a wonderful experience. Andrew - there are pictures coming. HOpefully the one Warren took of KV and SuperMatt and myself with his little boy in front of Posh turned out! What a wonderful community we have as stampers - Posh and each other. More from this person soon. Happy dreams everyone!

[i.r.stamper]

Talk about someone's eyes being green with envy...mine are USUALLY brown, but right now they're a perfect leaf green!!!*LOL* Girls, DO post a blow by blow, we all want to hear about it!!!*VBG*

[KVM]

Greetings!

It was a beautiful evening when Ann-Laurel, Tim and I drove into the parking lot in Lake Forest, CA. It was filled with cars but we managed to find a space and walk back towards the offices of Posh Impressions. There we found a line of people, (mostly women but a nice sprinkling of men), being entertained by Warren and filling out entries for the half hour drawings. The excitement was high.

Very soon Warren opened the door and we all began to file into the office. This took a little time because, to the immediate right, a “clearance” area was set with a bajillion interesting and useful things. And, crowning all of the items, in my opinion, were bags of stamps used by Dee herself!! Vintage stamps from her own private collection! There were stamp pads and grab bags and Envelopements and many, many more things.

But, what interested me, at that moment, were the people handing out the baskets to hold all the goodies that we wanted to buy. ShariW and Sandy!!! It was so good to see them again. We hadn’t seen them in two years. We hadn’t been able to attend last year, due to the fire, and we missed seeing these wonderful friends. We also got to meet Jamie who puts together the incredible grab bags. Oh my goodness, it must be fantastic to work with the Posh staff. Such a group of kind, fun, energetic and creative people, you’ve never seen!

We did some shopping and then all of a sudden I realized that Dee was giving a demonstration. I hurried over to join the eager pupils.

The first project we watched her make was a card of craft paper and the spiral bound envelopes like the ones she makes on the new DVD. With Metalics and Regular Inkabilities. These look lovely on the TV, but in person… oh my goodness, you MUST try these. The eyewitness impact is even better!

Next Dee showed us how she uses a –ok, not “a” but several!- Marvy Markers instead of Inkabilities on a sponge when she wants a softer look. She used Tilabilities (the square sponge), to make a “checkerboard” type design on glossy. She then spritzed the sponge with water and filled in the white spaces. Then, using the “Expressions” sets- which, (ALERT, ALERT), are discontinued, so call Posh right away and order some!!! The sale price is unbelievable- she decorated the squares.

I’m afraid I missed the last of this session because Warren came and told me that SuperMatt had arrived! This handsome super-computer-whiz dropped in with his darling little one, Yani, (I’m not sure of the spelling). Such an adorable, intelligent and charming child!! Unfortunately, we weren’t able to meet Mrs. SuperMatt because she was conducting Sabbath Services.

Speaking of services, I’m off to Church, so this missive is “to be continued….”

KV

[vangerhofer]

Oh, I am tingling with suspense..I want more news when you get back. I am green with envy also. Hugs, Verna

[andrew overton]

Oh you lucky posh people, how great to go to such a wonderful venue, i would have loved to have been there. Maybe one day i will finally get to America to see all these wonderful people, so full of energetic posh enthusiasm. I know some of you will kindly share your day and experiences, so looking forward to reading this thread further over the next few days. Shari thanks if you have any photos of the day did you get any with Dee on? please pm me sometime. Kind Regards To All Andrew O

[KVM]

Greetings continued!

Each of Dee’s sessions was a full hour!! What a treat! This is one reason that, if you can make it, you should get to the Open House. 4 hours completely taught by Dee. And if she’s enjoying herself, she goes even longer and must be reminded to stop!!

So, sometime in between the sessions, Sandy and Jamie exchanged nametags. They waited for people to notice. Sandy-Jamie and Jamie-Sandy as A-L, Tim and I called them said that only about 10-12 people noticed! Then by the end of the evening all the staff had changed nametags. Such a fun group!

Shari was greeting people at the door and advertising for the new DVD that was on sale for an incredible amount; just over $7.00! Dee and Warren want to make sure that everyone, everywhere is able to buy this work of art and they are very generous and big-hearted people. I think that you can still get it at this price if you log on (or call tomorrow) and order right away. I was so proud of Shari as Warren told everyone how talented she is and how wonderful her card is, the one that won the 4th of July contest.

So, the next season with Dee started with a card made with the “WildWillow” stamp. On the bottom half of a glossy card, she stamp, stamp, stamped with many colors using light first then on to darker shades, only reinking once or twice with each color and using the “stamping off” method for different intensities of each color.

Next she took a stipple brush, inked with the Blending Blox and stippled all over in various shades. Then, using a word from the fabulous “Big Words” collection and using the Blending Blox she stamped a sentiment above the willows. She lined the whole piece using a “Memories” marker, (I think!). Just beautiful, and very simple though it looks much more complicated than it is!

Dee showed us various projects using the Accordion Tags, my favorite being one that she made as a tribute to her mother who passed away recently. I hope that Warren will post this fabulous piece so that everyone can see it.

Next came my very favorite project: Dee told us that Tim Holtz came and stayed with
her and Warren recently. For three days, Tim taught Dee to “get down and dirty”! Dee says that she struggled mightily, but Tim finally got her to try this technique. (As a side note, I told Dee that her next video should be called “Stamping Dirty with Dee”) This project is somewhat shown on the DVD, but Oh my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh my gosh: In person this is MagNificent!

Dee took a piece of 12x12 glossy scrapbook paper (yes, someone is coming out with this wonderful paper FINALLY and Dee hopes to be able to get some to sell on the site) and, on a rectangular sponge drew leaves with Metallic. She stamped these all over the 12x12 in the pattern she wanted. Next she took an already used sponge and added colors of her choice . And then…

She smushed the dirty sponge all over the page! (GASPs were heard all through the crowd!). After she had smeared the whole page, she wiped it with a tissue. Then, she smushed more onto the paper and wiped again.

It was Incredible!!! On the DVD, these look nice, but in person they are indescribable! Thoroughly beautiful. (o.k., I just made up that phrase, but it’s true, non-the-less!) Dee showed us the examples from the DVD and it is just amazing how much more magnificent these really are!!

Oh, she also showed us that you can use the spritz-water-into-the-air-and-catch-it-on-the-paper technique (I call it the raindrops method) or even wipe it with a damp sponge to remove ink in strategic places.

The “Buckle Card” came next. This is a threeflap card that may be available soon, or can be made by folding a strip of card into three equal pieces and cutting a three sided window into one of the ends. Fold the card together tucking the flap made by the three cuts under the opposite end. This may seem confusing. I’ll try to make a rough one and scan it in later.

Dee stamped on two sides of the cut end with boarder stamps. Then she used a frame stamp and a “focus” stamp, in this case a flower, on sticker paper. These she placed in the “window”. Around the window she used her beautiful elongated style writing to add a sentiment. She then opened the card and used a “Big Word” inside. Hopefully this will be one of the examples that Warren will post for us.

She showed us how to unmount our stamps from the wood and mount them onto the EZ mount foam and that was the end of our second session with Dee. She graciously answered questions from the audience as Warren urged us all to come and shop.

While I was watching the second session, Tim and my sister checked out our myriad of purchases. And then my sister made a discovery. They were selling cigar boxes and frames that Dee had used on various TV shows! Oh my goodness! I had noticed them sitting on display, but I hadn’t realized that they were for sale! They were not inexpensive- which of course they should not be, they are works of art from a Master after all!- and it was late, so we picked some out and Jamie put them away safely for us to decide on first thing in the morning.

The name for the hundred dollar basket was drawn. Alas, it was not Timmy this year!!- but I failed to record the name of either this winner or the one on the next day. Hopefully Warren or Shari will let us know who won.

So, the evening was finished. Tim helped with the cleaning up and moved furniture for the staff, and then we drove off to our hotel room, tired but happy and looking forward to the next morning.

To be continued………

[i.r.stamper]

OH BUMMER! This is like suddenly finding that your favorite book is blank from the middle on!*ROFL* DO hurry back and tell us the rest, K?*VBG*

[vangerhofer]

And the excitement is building as we await the next episode of "Open House Thrills". I just think you are the most wonderful story teller. I love the play by play action you give us and it is almost like being there with you. The 12 x 12 glossy paper that she decorated must have been fantastic. Would love to see that in action. Even a sample would be wonderful. Thanks...hugs, Verna

[KVM]

Greetings once again!

Saturday morning dawned beautifully. We woke and breakfasted leisurely at the hotel, packed up and checked out, and headed for Posh. We arrived a bit early and Tim went in to help set up. Ann-Laurel followed to take pictures. I sat in the car and listened to the people “queuing up” to go inside. All were looking forward to seeing Dee and meeting the wonderful staff that many had heard of but not met. The question I heard most often was, “Is Dee really like she is on TV?” The answer of course is “Yes! She really is that dynamic and exciting in person!”.

Warren came out and, again, passed out forms for everyone to fill out for the half hour drawings. He chatted charmingly with the crowd, answering questions and making everyone feel welcome.

The doors opened and there was ShariW welcoming everyone and passing out shopping baskets. Tim, A-L and I went out back to do the “make and take” with Irene, who is usually Dee’s very able assistant but was teaching this weekend. This was a very cute card with a “swing open” front. I’ll post Tim’s later. I wasn’t able to finish mine because Dee’s first session of the day began. I ran in to get a seat and was once again immersed in wonderful Deeness.

And Dee had lost her voice!! She was so effusive and excited the evening before that this morning she had no voice!! Lynn, Dee’s head assistant designer was there to help and be Dee’s voice so that those not in the front row could hear what Dee was saying! I had not met Lynn before and I found her to be a wonderful person, very fun and knowledgeable.

Dee showed us her new, huge acrylic holder for Marvys. She showed us how she glues the lids into it so that each pen can be easily removed then replaced. She also told us to never throw away the lids of dry markers so that you can substitute them for the ones in your holder if you want to take your pens with you when traveling.

Dee and Lynn showed us the tags from the DVD and the use of Blending Blox. She gave us tips for using the stipple brushes. Use one brush for each color family instead of having a brush for each color variation and always dab it off on scrap paper so that the stippling does not compete with the main design.

In the middle of this, Warren drew another name for the half hour drawings and it was me! It was very embarrassing, having to interrupt Dee in the middle of her lesson. I apologized profusely and she was very gracious.

Next she showed us a new “blob” method that she is using instead of blow pens. Dee takes a water brush pen, dips it into watercolor paint, and then taps it above the design. This has an advantage over the blow pens in that the “blobs” are not all the same size, giving more visual interest.

As Dee says, “A tag is not Posh unless it has a ribbon on it” and she showed us how to tie a very nice knot. Insert one end of an overlong ribbon into the hole. Take both ends and wrap around two fingers of the hand holding the tag. Tuck the ribbon back through the loop that is then formed and pull tight. Trim the ribbon to the size you desire and Voila! As Lynn said of Dee, “Even the knots excite her”

Dee again showed us the craft cards, but even if she repeats lessons in these sessions, I always go because each time I learn something new. At this one she showed us that if you emboss from the under side of the card, fewer bubbles are formed in the embossing. I never knew that! Dee consulted Lynn on which word to use on this one and, as Lynn quipped about the Big Words set, use “giant words when small words just don’t say enough!”

We saw more examples of the Expressions cards and I am always amazed at how easily Dee creates beautiful designs, each one different, time after time.

In the Wild Willows cards this time, Dee showed us how to make a reverse stamp using the brayer. She inked up the stamp and ran the brayer over it and then quickly brayered onto the card. Then she stamped as before. She did this with each color. She also pointed out that when she lines her cards with the Sailor correction pen she doesn’t connect the lines at the corners. This is because the end is shaped in such a way that a clean edge would not result.

As Dee showed us how effective the Kai scissors are in cutting the EZ Mount foam, she joked that besides the constraints of space, using unmounteds makes sense because “it’s so much easier to sneak unmounteds into the house” when you don’t want your spouse to know how many stamps you REALLY bought!

After the first session, I wandered about with Shari and met some Posh Club members.

Margaret (backerma)
Shari’s friend Florence
Joyce Miller
Marylin Ehlow
Joyce Watson (RSLady)
Merilou Labio (Simbagirl)

I know that there were more members there the night before, but I didn’t get a chance to meet them. If it was you, please let us know!!

More to come…..

[Shari]

:eek: Where in the world do I start. Maybe on Wednesday afternoon when I arrived around 2 p.m. for my training session and to help set up. I am here to tell you when you help set up not EVERYTHING makes the table. Instead some of it goes into my basket of stuff to buy at the end of the sale. Wow - you can't imagine how many wonderful things greet the eye. We all see it on the web, but it's much more inticing in person. I would tell you what neat things I've purchased but I couldn't pay for it before I left as I was off Saturday afternoon to ANOTHER baby shower! But it's a lot and can't wait to get there tomorrow (Monday) to pick it all up. Well we worked until about 6 setting up the front with all the wonderful things on sale. Went home with very tired feet. Dee was wandering in and around the downstairs setting up her area and looking at the different products she wanted to demonstrate from the floor. Sandy, Jamie and Ronnie were winding down and revving up all at the same time. They sure are wonderful people. All the rest of the staff were running up and down the stairs getting ready for the 5 p.m. opening on Friday night.

When I arrived on Friday at 4 p.m. - WOW the place was so neat and arranged I could hardly believe it was the same place I left on Wednesday. These ladies work hard for us. Because at the same time they were getting ready for the sale, they were taking orders over the phone and from the website and packing them up and sending them off. Did I mention how wonderful they are.

Need to get going here. More to come about being a Posh Impressions helper.

[lovetostamp]

This is like a page turner in my favorite book! I love to read your writings, KV. I was visually at the open house with you. :) I wish I could see that 12x12 paper with the metallic ink leaves example, though. It sure sounds cool. Maybe we will later.

I'm so glad you, Shari and others had a blast and thank you for sharing it in detail with us. We love to hear about it and you've let us feel as though we were part of the days with you. Plus you did a wonderful job of explaining step-by-step every project. :)

Shari, you must be exhausted. Rest up and tell us more when you have time.

All you other club members please tell us about your finds and experiences too! :D

[blossom]

dear kvm
thanks for letting us know about the open house i felt like i was there...blossom

[linda beyer]

thank you both for shareing with us. your writing is beautiful. i would not be able to make it come to life like you do.

[KVM]

Greetings!

In the next session, Dee’s voice was a bit better and she showed us how to use the Envelopements that were on sale for an excellent price. If you haven’t seen these before, let me explain. Do you remember the stationary that was note card and envelope in one? I don’t know if they make them any more. You wrote the note on the inside, folded it up, stuck on a sticker and sent it through the mail. These are like those on a large scale. They are made of beautiful, thick, shimmery cardstock type paper and have a pocket inside. Dee uses them to send pictures. Warren suggested that they make wonderful invitations. I think I’m going to use at least one on a scrapbook page.

Dee also showed how to use Duets with Marvys for a watercolor look using both misting the stamp and blending with a water pen. She tapped the water pen for splots. (Like that word? I think I just made it up). Oh, and the outline portion is stamped with permanent ink. She told us that she never uses the same cleaning pad for permanent and dye based inks.

We saw the beautiful use of Metallics on wood. Then she showed us how to crinkle up tags and use the Blending Blox for DTP. She then used stipple brushes for added interest. Oh! She also crinkled some of the 12x12 glossy and used the BB’s and/or Inkabilities DTP. She said that adding water spreads the color. After it’s dry, you can iron with a press cloth if you want to. Absolutely lovely!

She showed us the Magnifying glass as used in the DVD but used Plaid Antique Glass Finish for a more aged look.

When she showed us how to use shimmer sheets, we all had a laugh when she applied the stamp. Just as in the DVD, she pounced on it so fast that it was startling! We got to see the dragonfly card from the DVD, and let me tell you, it is really splendid!! Unfortunately, they were out of the black shimmer sheets when I looked for them, but they are definitely on my wish list!!

Oh, and Dee showed us the Dirty Stamping again using a heart instead of leaves, and I was still astonished by how beautiful this technique is in person. As a side note, it seems to me that it really is almost painful for Dee to take a pristine piece of artwork and smoosh the ink all over it. Nevertheless, when she forces herself, the result is breathtaking.

By this time, Dee had continued for probably half an hour longer than she was supposed to, but we were all entranced and sad to see it end. All of us would probably have sat there all night!

A-L and Tim had paid for our (almost) final purchases while I was in the last Dee-lightful session. But, as Tim was helping Warren and Sandy take down the make-n-take tent and put away the furniture, A-L and I made another discovery. Many of Dee’s beautiful card examples from the videos, DVDs and TV programs were on sale!! There are so many, many wonderful things to look at and choose from and these were just sitting unostentatiously in a box! We quickly bought some for each of us!!

Shari had had to leave a bit earlier, and we had hugs and farewells all around. Now we said good-bye to all and made our way home, filled with happy memories and gratitude to all the wonderful people of Posh. With life as it is today, it’s good to know that there are those who truly strive for excellence in service, quality and kindness.

Quotes:

Dee: “I wish all of you could be here with us at the Open House. It was so much fun. We love meeting all of the wonderful club members. We’ll try to get the instructions for the Make and take on the internet. Be sure to go to Shop Posh and take advantage of the Open House discounts while they last. Be Quick! They’ll go fast.

Warren: “You are all wonderful, (Club Posh). It’s super to have Club Posh members with us. We had a really good sale, and sold stuff too cheaply. (He was just kidding…I think!). Thanks for all your loyalty and fun! Be sure to buy from the web site while stuff lasts.

Jamie-Sandy: I’m exhausted. It was fun…. E-mail me Monday when I can think again!!

Sandy- Jamie: I’m tired, I agree with Sandy.

So, I’ll e-mail them today and get back to you, until then, I’ll sign off, your respectful reporter,
KV

[greatgrandma2]

Thanks for the wonderful reporting job! Glad you had so much fun and so many goodies! I hope everyone gets a good rest this week-though I doubt it-now there is stamping to do! Am I right? But then stamping is the time we get away from it all and are refreshed.!
Thanks again-great job. I think this should be a mag article or more likely a book!

[i.r.stamper]

BRAVO! BRAVISIMO! What a story! My goodness, you could SELL this one!*LOL* Thank you so much for sharing your entire two days of Posh fun with us, Kath, you made us feel we were there TOO! (And NOW we all just have to run over to the Shop Posh site, and make sure we get in on those bargains, too!*VBG*) And Shari, WOW, to be a Posh Helper!!! HOW COOL IS THAT?!? Heck, just to be able to see all the great sale items BEFORE anyone else saw them...priceless!*VBG* Can't wait to hear more about your "helper-ness-ing"!*ROFL*

[greatgrandma2]

Char- that is a great word "helper-ness-ing". Still waiting to hear about all her goodies!
Wouldn't it have been fun if we all could have been there?!

[mcmoore]

Thanks KV for your wonderful tales of Open House!!! Felt like we were right there with you....one day hopefully I will be there with you! :)

[Warren]

Wow, KV!

It was YOU and SHARI who graced our premises.

You write SO WELL, KV. I will take that back. You have UNBELIEVABLE writing skills. I read every word and will print it for Dee to be sure to read too. And impressed, I am, as you just decided to write volumes about the Open House as your own idea, your own project. Your graciousness and love for everyone must be certainly noted by everyone.

Pictures can probably be put up on site by moderators. Some pix were undoubtedly taken by different people. Dee took some, but it was with film, not digital, so we will get them back from the developer this coming Friday to be placed on site in about a week.

KV suggested that I post an example of one of Dee's cards, but I don't know which it was. I will try to find out.

We will extend the same specials and prices to those who could not get out to Southern California. The one exception will be the EZ Mount rubber sets as they cannot be made fast enough and we need to keep them in stock. They will be a big part of the future of stamping.

Thank you for all you did and for who you are KV (Kathy) and Shari. Your joyful spirit and generous purchases, KV, and your splendid customer help skills, Shari, added much to the big success of our 26th anniversary Open House. Dee had loads of fun, too, and even more realized and felt the importance and uniqueness of the members of Club Posh.

I think there were other Club Posh members in attendance, but with the crowd and the busy-ness, I cannot recall this moment who they were. I apologize if I have missed mentioning them. Most attendees were former customers from when we had regular stores and Christmas stores in malls, 6 in all over a 15 year period, in the Orange County, California area.

Warmest wishes to all,

Dee and Warren and all of the Posh Crew!

[mcmoore]

Warren, you're absolutely right, we love our KV and Shari! Two of the nicest people you'd ever want to call friends!! :) I've been blessed in befriending these two wonderful ladies!

Mary

[andrew overton]

KV you are a true star that shines so much light we all light up and feel great after reading such brilliant recolections of the Open House. Shari you are a true and wonderful friend and im sure you are loved by many members at club posh and a open day assisting star. Kindest Regards Andrew O.

[Shari]

Well guys - I am sitting at Jamie's computer right here at Posh Impressions writing this major announcement! Some of you may already have noticed that some of prices have dropped! Beginning tomorrow lots of stuff will be on major sale for all to participate in! Warren came in just after I arrived to help and he's pumped! Soooooooo - sometime tomorrow Warren will be making the big announcement. The clear sets are reduced 60 percent of the original price and all wood mounted stamps are reduced 50 percent which includes ALL wood mounts (triple-ups for Andrew and quilted alphabet set). Posh needs to empty the shelves to get ready for all the new goodies! So everyone - make those phones ring off the hook. Fun is shopping at Posh. Happy shopping everyone!

[catmommy9]

KV...WOW! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your complete coverage of the Posh Open House. Thank you for posting this! It was almost like being there, but it also made me wish that I WERE there! Part of the problem is that I am terrified to fly...45 years old and have never flown...can you believe that? Maybe I should print out this thread and keep it around for next year, maybe it will give me incentive to overcome this fear once and for all!

Shari...I've said this before, but you are SO LUCKY to live so close to Posh! Stores around here don't sell much in the way of Posh, so I have to get what I want through the website. Thank goodness we have that! It must have been a thrill to be able to help out with the Open House. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

I can't wait to see everyone's pictures! :)

Finally...Warren, Dee and the whole Posh team...thank you for making the Open House specials available to those of us who could not attend. I took a look and picked up some great bargains.

I feel very proud to be a part of this wonderful Club, and I hope one day to come out to California and meet all of you great folks in person!

[KVM]

Greetings!

Here is the promised quote from Sandy and Jamie:

Hi Kath,

You are most welcome!

Thank you for your kind words! The hard work was all worth it because we
got to see some of our friends..........once again!

Jamie wanted me to let you know that..... She so enjoyed getting to talk to all of you! She wants everyone to know that she enjoyed meeting and talking to all of our
customers!

I say the same thing! The best part of the warehouse sale is being able to
see and talk to our friends again! Some old friends and some new
friends! It is fun to be able to put a face to a name and voice! Being
able to see each other and exchange hugs is the best part of the sale! I
wish all of our Club Posh members could come join us!!....

We are slowly getting things back to their proper place! But.....Jamie and
I have already been talking about next year's sale!!!!

Hello's to all!!
Sandy and Jamie

[Shari]

I'm now home and giving my feet another bit of rest. More about the sale from a volunteer's point of view......

I arrived at Posh on Friday at 4:00 to a line outside already. As I walked through these wonderful ladies I asked if they were ready spend some money and there was a very enthusiastic yes! Warren briefed all of us on what he wanted us to do and then we opened the doors. Many more people were in line by this time, being 5 p.m. What fun I had. I had my speech down pat. "Welcome to Posh. Be sure to sign up for the door prize drawings which will be held every half hours. Here is Dee's brand new DVD and it is on sale this weekend for $7.50 which is 75 per cent off - would you like one (then I put it in their basket which I'd handed them). Before you leave and after you've completed your shopping, take your receipt out through the back door and you will have fun doing the two make-and-takes provided by Irene, Dee's assistant. Have fun and if you need anything, I'll try to help." There was so much enthusiasm from the people at the sale. Then about 7:30...........

More later - Bye for now

[greatgrandma2]

Just place an order on the sale Thanks-great prices! Only thing missing online is the hugs and smiles and all the joy of actually being there!

[backerma]

As one of those in attendance, I can truly say that the Annual Open House is a great opportunity to meet other Posh members and all the workers. Sandy greeted my husband (yes, he went and and actually picked out much more than I would have) and me at the door. Then, Shari came up to tell us about the DVD on sale, and we introduced ourselves to each other. Then, she brought KVM over to tell us about her article she was writing. I have a picture of Shari, KVM and 2 other members that I will forward to KVM, so that she can identify them and post on line.

[stampire]

Oh my gosh KV! I am sitting here with my mounth hanging open as I read your story. I've been off line for four days because of computer problems. I was so happy to get back on-line and came right over to Club Posh. I had no idea that such a great surprise was waiting for me! It was such a great treat to read your blow by blow replay of such an amazing day! I am soooo wishing I could have been there!
On a good note. I took some of my spare time in the evening to finish the newest Harry Potter book! :D

[KVM]

Greetings!

Notice! Dee was just on DIY Carol Duvall show showing the Envelopements!!! If you didn't see it, go onto the DIY web page, look up today's CD show and see what I was telling you about! I wonder if I can order more from Shop Posh at the amazing sale price......

KV

[Shari]

One more installment. Having a friend come to the sale is so special. My dear friend Florence was able to come and she soaked in all that Dee was able to whisper on Saturday. Saturday was another day of fun and the return of several of the Friday night shoppers. One of the dear customers had one of those DVD's in her basket on Friday night and she asked me what she was "just going to have to have" when she watched the DVD and I told her the little 2" brayer. There were others listening to me and all the brayers were gone in 5 minutes. Well, this dear lady returned on Saturday morning, picked up her basket and proceeded to fill it up again. She'd gone home and watched the DVD and came back for more things to do along with Dee. What fun!

One last chapter to this wonderful weekend was my time spent at Posh on MONDAY. I had to leave early so didn't get to add up my "pay" and purchases so went back on Monday and when I walked through the door Jamie said "SHARI - can you stay and help" and so 5 hours later I walked out with all my goodies and was a help to Jamie. What did I buy - are you ready:

Open book Sizzix die; Flag Sizzix Die; Sizzix PaddlePunch Starter Kit and the star paddle; Sizzix Simple Impressions Bamboo embossing folder; the "Rejoice" stamp used personally by Dee; three altered stamps (Friend, like..., music background and the background that says "setting of the Sun...), some raffia, Glossy Accents; Marvy circle lever punch; Posh Bloom punch; Posh Leaf corner; Family Treasures corner punch with scallops and flower; two 3 in 1 Fiskars corner punches; another Families Treasure corner punch; velvet paper (awesome colors); glossy envelopes; pack of storage panels for my remounts for UM's; a used brayer for my BLACK ink; 6 small acrylic trays; a spritzer; Foam squares to raise up embellishments; Best-Test "Pik-up" to removed glue left behind; Posh charms; Fruitcake Kaleidacolor ink; Vintage Sepia Versafine ink; two Marvy Matachable inks; a refill for my Xyron Create-a-sticker; the 2 x 5 gridline acrylic mount; some beadazzles. Then while counting stock for Jamie, I picked up 7, that's right 7 clear sets!

I know that's a lot - but that's only a fraction of what is in this warehouse that we ALL have access to these products. Then in October - more wonderful things to come.

If you live in the area - YOU NEED TO COME next year. If you don't live in the area - YOU NEED TO COME next year! We have some really nice motels in the area and just think - Warren and Dee in person, Jamie, Sandy and Ronnie in person, make-and-takes and all those bargains!

Have a great rest of the day and "see" you next sale!

[vangerhofer]

Wow! Sounds wonderful all the goodies you picked up. I am so glad for everyone giving such informative reports. It is very much appreciated. Hugs, Verna

[matti]

I went to the recent sale last weekend....there was lots to buy, for sure, but it was smaller than I thought it would be. It was my first time and I had traveled 75 minutes to get there. I had spoken with Warren at a recent show, but had never been in Dee's presence before. She looks as lovely as she does on tv. My disappointment was that the area she demonstrated in was so small I could not see anything as some people just stood there talking and there was no way to get around them---so I was unable to see any demonstrations. I was there early Saturday am. I may return next year because I love the products. Warren is gracious---and Dee is also I am told.
I do not mean to be negative, but I wish I could have seen through the people.
I do thank you all for opening your doors---although I am sorry---like others---that you closed your other doors (store). I am sorry so many people were unable to be there. I am still glad I went......thanks again to Warren and Dee.

[Shari]

Hi Matti - First I would like to thank you for traveling so far to come to Posh. You were one of many who was such an encouragement to me as I passed out baskets, DVD's and information. I understand your initial response to the smallness of Posh. That was my first reaction four years ago. But I've been coming back every year and now because I live so close I have been volunteering to help.

Dee has moved her demonstrating site every year I've been there. She first demo'd out in the reception area where many of the products are now set up. Then she demo'd right in front of the steps going up stairs which caused a clog. This year she moved into Sandy's area. I guess, there is no really perfect place for her. I am so sorry that you couldn't see her or hear her. One of the reasons, however, that she couldn't be heard is that she lost her voice. I saw her on Monday and she still had laryngitis.

I hope that you were able to get out back and do the make-and-takes which was also a very active area and, of course, being in southern Orange County this activity could take place out side.

I am so happy that you are glad to have been a part of this annual event. I hope that you come back again next year. You will be familiar with the setup and know just how to "do the Posh sale".

However, one of the most wonderful benefits of your coming to the sale this year is that you signed up at Club Posh! If you haven't already been purusing the club site you will enjoy it immensely. We have the most wonderful moderators - two in Florida and one in Iowa - and they are so very helpful and kind. We also have wonderful members who are always at the ready to help. We have many activities going on - swaps, challenges and contests. If you have some time and have a scanner, make a birthday card using at least one Posh stamp and submit it for the Birthday Card contest that happens every 3-4 months. Daylene (our Iowa moderator) is in charge of this and she has extended the deadline because she is on vacation. Three people are winners by votes from the club members themselves. The winners not only get their card in the "send a birthday ecard" section for three or four months but also win prizes. The first time I won I received three Distress ink pads.

I look forward to seeing your wonderful name on the boards as you participate and I also look forward to seeing some of your works of art.

Happy stamping,

[KVM]

Greetings!

Oh, I get it! I think that maybe people are not understanding that this is not a "convention". No one has to pay a cent to come in. No one has to pay a penny to watch Dee do demos. This is simply a kindness from the Gruenigs to meet people. And if we care to buy Posh products at incredible discounts, so much the better- for them and especially for us!

I'm attempting to load pictures from Backerma. We'll see if I can figure out how!

The first picture is of Dee and Warren, of course! The second is of Shari, a Club member, a wonderfull friend from Nottingham (I am SO Sorry, I don't remember your names!! :( ), and me.

KV

[mcmoore]

KV, thanks for posting the pictures! It's always wonderful to see the faces of the people we chat with all the time! Everyone looks wonderful~ :)

[vangerhofer]

What great photos and what good looking people. I am so glad you shared..that even brings the story into better context. Thanks, Verna

[andrew overton]

Many thanks for sharing these photos of a memorable day, you have really brought this venue into our homes. Still wish i could just pop down to posh like Shari isnt she the lucky one. Regards Andrew O

[tehshan]

Some pictures of Dee's last demonstration on Friday night.

Pic 1 - Dee talking about the tag books. Notice the fancy ribbons she used! And check out her marker holder and the blending blox case.
Pic 2 - another tag book. I think this is from the Embellishments line?
Pic 3 - closeup of the tag book in pic 1.

I had to shrink the pics quite a bit in order to upload them. Hope you can see it clearly!

I may have more pics, but I need to find them.

Hugs,
TehShan

[Warren]

Yes, we have a few of the pocket folders from Envelopments. I believe that is what Dee showed. They are on clearance at 50% off because we had no idea that Dee was to be on DIY showing them or even that Dee would be on DIY. We never know about DIY or what will be covered. If someone can tell us or tell us a neat way to easily find out, you will have our gratitude!

[Warren]

Thanks for the pictures, KVM and Tehshan! Dee's will be developed soon. She uses film and not digital, hence the need to wait.

Thanks, too, for all the gracious things said about our sale, staff, great customers plus Dee and me. Did you know that Supermatt even made an appearance with his little boy Yoni?

Finally, probably no-one knows, but up the stairs is Dee's studio where she works closely with Lynne, Gerry, Irene and from a distance, Lisa. Helping at the sale fantastically were Carolyn, Adrienne and Tarin.

I am the lone male in the girls tree house with the situation reversed.

[tehshan]

The card halves swivel because of the brads in the corner. (ignore the holes on the bottom, I was punch happy). The frame was colored with Marvy Markers on the rubber, then stamped on peel-and-stick. The shell from a clear duet set is also colored with markers. Stipple some color around the borders, then cut out the frame.
There was a trick involved with the peel-and-stick, but I can't remember all the steps. Pull apart half the backing from the peel-and-stick and fold back on itself (non sticky side to non sticky side). Score on this line. Then somehow we slid the peel and stick into place on the cardstock, then trimmed the backing off the sticker paper that we didn't need. I hope someone else posts with the rest of the steps!

TehShan

[i.r.stamper]

Oh TehShan, I'm taking YOU with me to every convention I visit!!! The pics you took of Dee's work are fabulous! I'll go to a convention, try to take pics of the samples and stuff so that I'll REMEMBER those great ideas...and I come home with blurry, dark pics that don't remind me of a thing!*LOL*

And KATH!!! I didn't read your photo descriptions, I just clicked on 'em...AND I PICKED YOU OUT CORRECTLY!!!*LOL* How cool, now I know what you and Shari look like, and I can now picture you when I write!*G* Now, we have to find out who those other two CP members are, and we'll have MORE faces to put with those names.*VBG*

Shari...YOU LUCKY DEVIL YOU!!!!!*ROFLMBO* Wow, how many people live close enough to their favorite stamp company that they can just drop in for a visit? AND get to help out at super sales??? YOU RULE!!!*VBG*

[vangerhofer]

What wonderful pictures. I love them. And, it even gives me more of the feeling of the excitement of that special event. Thanks so much for capturing the moments. Hugs, Verna

[Shari]

TehShan - Thanks for uploading the make-and-take. I never had an opportunity to go out and make one but yours is so clear I can't miss. It turned really great! Hope to see you next year.

[vangerhofer]

TehShan, the make and take is great. There is nothing like a hands on experience to learn new ways of doing things. Lucky you. Glad you shared so much of your experience with us as well. Hugs, Verna

[andrew overton]

Many thanks tehshan for kindly allowing us to view the pics of Dee and the wonderful demo she was doing, im sure many people like myself who live in the Uk will apreciate your downloads. Regards Andrew o

[catmommy9]

TehShan, thank you for the wonderful pictures! And thanks to all who shared their stories for those us us who could not be there.

I also want to add that if anyone wants to take advantage of the big sale at the Posh website, better hurry! I ordered some stuff on Monday and got them today (thanks again for the lightening-fast service!). I noticed that some of the things I got are no longer on the website, which I guess means they are sold out, or very close to it.

So...if you see cool clearance items that you want, don't hesitate! I am glad I ordered when I did, otherwise, the things I wanted would have been gone by now!

New toys to play with...fun, fun, fun! :)

[jlin]

Thank you all for the vivid narratives...those of us who could not possibly attend really appreciate it....I was inspired to make a card by the descriptions of the demonstrations...will try uploading....thanks again!

[ceramics]

WOW - Thank you all for the very vivid stories of open house! And pictures too. I really appreciated all the information and visuals. How great you were all able to be there. Thanks for the reporting! You all get an A++++++++++ in my book.

Annette

[jeangin]

KVM, ShariW, Tehshan, and Backerma,
Thanks very much for sharing your experiences and pictures of the open house. It was almost like being there.
Bev

[KVM]

Greetings!

I've tried to reproduce for you the "dirty" technique that Dee does. I'll upload the scans, but REALLY you must try this for yourself. The computer can't capture the beauty of this.

[vangerhofer]

I don't have glossy scrapbook paper, but do have glossy paper. Might try it on that and see what results I get. Thanks..these must be incredible. They are sort of dark to see in the scan, but I bet they are fabulous in person. Thanks for the examples. Hugs, Verna

[Shari]

Hi KV - As I didn't have an opportunity to see Dee do this, what is the procedure? Looks easy enough for even me! :D

[KVM]

Greetings!

Yes! It's very simple, and rather difficult! ;) The difficulty came when I tried to draw on the sponge. I was unable to get a good stamping of the images. I think I wasn't pressing hard enough. But, even with random sponging the effect is wonderful!

I don't have any 12x12 glossy either. I don't think they make it yet. So, I just used regular glossy paper.

I used Metallic Pink and made random "things" on the glossy. Then I took a sponge, (I had no idea what I had used it for and couldn't even tell what colors were on it!),and wet it thouroughly. Then I smushed it all over the paper. It turned out to be a sponge I had used to make banners for the choir in the the school colors; black and green.

I can't stress enough how much more beautiful these are in person. Please try it!

[vangerhofer]

Now I have dirty looking sponges, but they were cleaned out after use...they just look dirty. So if that is the case, do I have to add inks to them? Can't quite understand this for sure. Hugs, Verna

[KVM]

Greetings!

Yes, you can just take a sponge and put on a few colors. I think one color should probably be dominate. I think I'll try that as soon as I get a chance. I may never clean another sponge before trying some "dirty stamping" with it!

[KVM]

Greetings!

Oh, do wait for the metallic to dry, or use a heat gun! Otherwise you'll get a neat resist type thing, but not the look that we're working on.

[lovetostamp]

This looks really cool. I know that metallic has a sheen we can't see from the scan. I am going to try this. Thanks for giving us the scoop on the directions and pictures to go with it. :)

[vangerhofer]

Well, I tried it and all I had to work with was Inkabilities inks. I thought later I could have used Tim Holtz inks, but instead went with the Inkabilities because they wash out so nicely. I am not sure this is very good, but whatever happened, I like them. It would help though if I were an artist and could draw a decent design on the sponge to begin with. LOL Take a gander and see what you think. Does this look correct? Hugs, Verna

[blossom]

dear kvm i took a peek at the pictures they looked great to me was that black glossy paper? i think that i will give that a try for some lovely background paper thanks... blossom

[vangerhofer]

You use black glossy? No wonder mine are so light in color. LOL I guess I am out of luck then, because I don't have glossy cardstock in black. Bummer! Hugs, Verna

[KVM]

Greetings!

Nope, just plain 'ol white glossy! Isn't it fun Verna? And don't they just POP in person?

[vangerhofer]

Yes, I love this technique. I did a card and put it in the new forum called Dirty Stamping that KV started..... Check it out and see the neat backgrounds KV did, too. Hugs, Verna

[KVM]

Greetings!

Here are some more quotes from Warren and Dee to all the people who came to the Open House:

My quote(Warren): it was a pleasure and an honor to have friends grace our Open
House with their presence. Customers are our friends and non customers are
as well.

Dee's quote: What a joy to have you in our warehouse that is like having
you in our home. I hope you enjoyed what I showed you as much as I enjoyed
the showing. Thank you for coming!

[vangerhofer]

Oh, what neat quotes..thanks for cluing us into them as well. Now we have heard from the great ones....Warren and Dee. Both are so nice, I know, even though we have never met. Gotta love them. Hugs, Verna

[KVM]

Greetings!

I just had a camera developed that had, obviously, been sitting around for awhile!

On it were two wonderful pictures of Dee and Lynn...

[KVM]

and this one....

[catmommy9]

K, thank you for sharing these treasures with us! :)

[mcmoore]

Great pictures! :)

[linda beyer]

thanks for shareing kv. it is always nice to know what people look like.

[vangerhofer]

Oh...love the pictures. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Verna

[blossom]

Two more great pictures. Thanks for sharing............Blossom

[L7A6]

Isn't great to find "treasures" at a later date? :rolleyes: :p
Thanks for the pictures. ;) :D

[Warren]

I got Dee to the airport in Orange County, CA to go to Houston at 6:30 AM. She will arrive at 4:30 with a 3 hour layover in Dallas. In great spirits, she is eager to meet some more Texans, including you, Larry.