Henderson, Nevada 25th Annual AFIS Internet, Inc Convention

AFIS INTERNET , INC. 25 YEARS...

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My quote for the day: Compliments of Pinterest...

Now these are the photos I culled from all of the photos I took out in Nevada. It is still very long. If you don't have time to scroll through, I did add a couple cards at the end... just because. They are not necessarily my greatest work because I was rushing to get them done for "events". I know you know what I mean. But have a peep anyway, if you must. Today I think the photos may be more interesting. lol

Here we go...


On the way to the "M" hotel which is abot 30 minutes from the Las Vegas strip. It is located in Henderson, Nevada. The purpose: to attend the 25th annual AFIS Internet, Inc. Convention.

Here we are...




The lobby. It is a beautiful hotel.



The pool area.

A closer look.

A fabulous bakery inside the hotel.

With a most popular treat. Lots of cupcakes.

This was actually dessert one night- so this photo is out of sequence, but it is another sample of the delights offered at the bakery.

Just for your viewing pleasure...

Martini....the "other" after dinner dessert... : )

The martini maker... (this ones for you K...) I forgot his name, but he was an excellent bartender. I did a comparison throughout the hotel. lol

One of the many fabulous restaurants located on the premises. I did get to sample several of them...

This is the gorgeous entrance...



I'm sorry. I just had to take a photo of this sink. I've never seen one like it before and thought it was quite unique.

Dinner... (I do love seafood) Lobster....

Let's do it again... Seafood combination...

Just one more time... Stuffed prongs...

And if the photos make the food look less then apealing, trust me on this one, it is the photography!

Some hotel artwork. I'm not an art snob or a true critic, but it does amaze me sometime what passes for art. #I'mjustsayin...

And by the way...I already know that these photos are not the best. #1 I'm not a photographer. I just play one in real life. And #2 Most of these shots were hurried. I had REAL work to do. : D But I knew I wanted to document some of these things on my blog.

Seriously, doesn't the one on the far right look just like a popular cuttlebug folder? (go on take a closer look...enlarge it...)

There was a lady selling Miche bags at the convention. I thought they were cool and approriate at this fingerprint conference.

The registration desk.



Our Monday morning conference begins...

Where the "magic" happens... Really I'm just being silly. NEC has developed some facial reccognition software, and they utilized a "fun" exhibit this year- scanning your face with a phone and matching it to a database of celebrities. But in this area was the serious software/hardware also...several venders.

Some of the great breakout sessions we attended.

And some more...sounds pretty interesting, right?

The Monday night entertainment?: The Rat Pack. I figured I better tell you because you may have never guessed. Except in this quite awful photo (the flash on my inexpensive camera sucks after the sun goes down) the guy in the middle does favor Sinatra slightly...and we were near Vegas...They were quite good, too.



A side trip before one of my meetings, to the only tourist outing I made during the conference.

Red Rock Canyon. I have to say that is is breathtaking in person. I'm certain these photos can not begin to express the visual delight that one might feel in person. But it is the best I can do for you. :)

On our way down out of the mountains we ran across these visitors...

One night we left the hotel just in time to visit "Old Las Vegas" briefly, to see the light show.

I don't know how I managed to keep my eyes open so late...but somehow I did manage... :)

There seem to be several folks who make their living standing still in lots of make-up like statues. I encountered it this summer when we spent a week at the shore. Is this a practice that dates back any time, or is it something pretty new based on our economic times?...

I so wish I was quicker to take a photo of these guys. They were all wearing KISS make-up. They probably would have posed for a photo if I'd asked. Although there were two guys made up like celebrities just standing out in front of the casinos that refused to be photographed unless we paid them money. Didn't get those pictures... : /

This was my only visit to the Strip after my conference concluded.

I already knew I don't care for gambling. This pretty much reinforced it.

I would love the shows in Vegas, but you have to either have lots of dough

for THEM, or lots of dough for gambling so someone else pays for them...

We took this mode of transportation which only went 3 stops. But it got us closer to the Bellagio with all those great indoor shots.

This looked like chocolate that was flowing from the ceiling in this sweet shop.

Found this reminder of home. Oh yes, of course there were other team flags there. I just didn't have time to shoot them all. lol

Along the way....

And this...

And this...

Outside the Wynn...another fabulous hotel. But I guess most of them are fabulous in their own way.

In doors, just as you enter...


Look at the FLOOR!...

My pocketbook windows were all changed! :)

I totally forgot the name of the store this tie rack was in, but you can best believe they are of the designer variety. I LOVED the colors! What kind of card might you design for a man that wears these kinds of ties? Wouldn't that be fun to create?

Valentino....


Givenchy...


Dior...

Yellow diamonds...

Chanel...


More "carot" lovliness....Go on...take a closer look at them.

Manolo Blahnk...



Pretty....


Rolex...

Jimmy Choo...

Montblanc...


Inside the Venetian...


I'm sorry. I was so disturbed by the front of this "statue" that I was unable to take that photo. Hence... the rear.

Some cool purses...

Who doesn't like real expensive Snoopy portrature for their walls?...

Beautiful...

This was some cool artwork. I loved the carved wood pieces...

And these...socks...panties...paintbrushes...all wood.

Outside the Madame Tassaud wax museum. Harrison Ford and Whoopie Goldberg welcomed your entrance.

A VERY talented young man who made the piece of artwork below in a matter of minutes using various cans of spray paint!

His finished work. It was amazing to watch. This is artistic talent to me.

Along the way...

Well...we were in the desert, and I got very thirsty. I just don't know WHY I waited until I reached the Bellagio to do it. This 16 plus ounce bottle of water costs me over $4.00,

So I had to take a photo of it...

Beautiful...


Wow!....

In their atrium....

Still...

Yep!...

These birds were REALLY into each other!

Lots of fish swimming around in the atrium waters...

A framed picture comprised of various kinds of flowers. Pretty, right?

And of course, another sample of home...our Liberty bell...

Just for the record...I didn't make it inside this one...

They do look cute, but I think that could be where someone else made their mistake?...

On my way back to the hotel...

This was a fabulous Salad buffet restaurant that I hope makes it's way to the East coast.

And the moment you've all been waiting for. hahahaha. Yes, I went to Vegas, and all I REALLY wanted to do was visit HOBBY LOBBY. Had I not made it to the strip of hotels it would have been fine. I'm glad I did get there just so I know...

A quick card I needed for a bridal shower. Thanks to Stampin Up, DCWV and K & Company- I made it happen. BY the way, I thought her invitation was way prettier. It looked like a wedding invitation. And the shower seemed like a reception. Can't wait for the actual wedding reception! Speaking of which...I better get busy on the card, huh?... :)

Oh, and it turns out...she is really into butterflies. :)

A card for some of the men in my life...my son didn't like the ladybug on there, but I argued with him that since the ladybug is actually a male, I took that license. He still didn't agree.

The supplies for this card are many and varied. If you have a specific question I'd be happy to answer it. You can email me at Raet1@verizon.net or just leave it in the comments on this post. I will be sure to get back to you.


And last...a birthday card for a sweet niece in her favorite colors...

Artistic overpasses....

Farewell to another conference...

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by for a visit. I do appreciate it. Especially if you took the time to leave me a comment. I'll be around to see you, also.

Until next time....

Hugs,

Tuesday Trigger for September

HELLO, TUESDAY TRIGGER!...

My quote for today: (compliments of Hobby Lobby....)

HELLO, TUESDAY TRIGGER!...

...I have been away for a very long time from the Tuesday Trigger. And the only reason I really was able to participate in this one was because Cath actually extended it for a second week! But it must have been meant to be, because I just made it (it IS sunday afternoon). :)

I hope I can get back to doing this challenge again. I really like the versatility of it as opposed to some other more specific challenges. I have tried them and they are really no fun! I made myself a promise not to participate in the challenges unless I could actually USE the card that was created...

This is the inspiration photo....

My take on it....

SUPPLIES: cardstock/coredinations pearls, bronze from convention, green by The paper company; rubber stamps/ flower by stampin up, sentiment by danelle johnson for hero arts; brads from joann's; clear star jelly roll gel pen; embossing folder by cuttlebug/provo craft; ink is basic brown by stampin up

Thank you for stopping by for a visit. I really appreciate your comments!

Until next time...

Hugs,

Graduation Cards for 2011 Grads

Graduation Cards for 2010-2011 school year....

I covered Middle School, High school and College.

My quote for the day....courtesy of Hobby Lobby... : )

I am linking these cards up to one of my favorite sites:

Make it Monday!

Go check them out and link up your beauties!

OK. Now I know you are wondering why it has taken me so long to post these graduation cards that were not only completed long ago in 2011, but also have been delivered to the intended recipients, and are no longer in my posession. The answer...don't ask, I really can't tell ya. I'm just moving like a snail. The past several years have taken a toll on me, and I just seem to be moving slower and slower...

But the good news is...here they are now. (hahaha) Don't forget to let me know what you think!

This first card and the last one were made from a design I saw on the internet. It wasn't a graduation card, it was a monotone anniversary card. It was embossed circles and pearls. Very pretty. I really liked the design, and that is what I borrowed. I liked how the last one came out a lot better, but I was unable to duplicate it. So I went rectangle.

Inside:


This second xard was created for a young lady moving from middle school into high school. I know Dr. Seuss is probably more for lower school, but I really liked this poem from him and thought it was appropriate . I also like how this card turned out. Not sure what I would have done differently.

Inside:

This card was made for a young man who is a big basketball player. He was a star on his high school team, and also intends on going to college and playing basketball for his college team. The design is the same one used for the get well card I posted recently. This is how I make the cards and then use them how I need them sometimes.

Inside:


This is the last one I was talking about. I love how this one turned out. But it is truly "one of a kind" because I will never be able to make another one like it. :)

Inside:



Thanks for stopping by. If you joined as a follower, I thank you much. I also appreciate the comments you have taken the time to leave. I'll be around to see you soon!

Hugs!,

For a door prize....Card assortment

I am linking this post to: http://cateredcrop.com/

Fabric Cards for a door prize...

I am linking up to the wonderful MAKE IT MONDAY blog.

Go over and check it out for yourself, it is one of my faves!

My quote for today is:

(Compliments of Hobby Lobby!)

CARDS FOR A DOOR PRIZE...

Hello, dear friends and family. I know it has been almost 2 months since my last post. I have created a few cards, but not nearly as many as you might expect. I suppose that summer obligations got the better of my time...

The cards I am sharing with you today is a set made for someone to be used as a door prize for a fund-raising event. Making these cards was a challenge because I was given fabric to work with. Each card is different because a set comprised of a variety was required.

Also, I recently returned from Vegas. My next post will show those photos. Yes, I went to Vegas and visited Hobby Lobby! Found some great stuff there, too! Their prices aren't better than JoAnn's or AC Moore, and unfortunately....I had no coupon!!! But they did carry manufacturers I have not seen in the East Coast craft stores.

The only thing this "set" has in common is the fact that each of them has a piece of fabric incorporated into the design. The set includes (1) Birthday/male, (2)Thinking of you, (3) Thank you, (4) birthday/female, (5) sympathy and (6) get well. I started off with a masculine birthday....

1. Birthday Male

Supplies: Cardstock: The Paper Company, Template: Spellbinders, Ties and background cut from fabric, Tools: pinking shears, Ink: Stampin' Up, embelishments: brads & hanger from Michael's

2. Thinking of you/ Blank inside for your note

Inside:

Supplies: Cardstock: The Paper Company, and DCWV Template: Spellbinders & Cuttlebug embossing folders, fabric design on left, Ink: Stampin' Up & black gel pen, embelishments: brads from Michael's

3. Thank you
Supplies: Cardstock: The Paper Company, Patterned paper: Unknown , Template: Spellbinders & sizzix leaf, fabric design on bottom & ribbon unknown (JoAnn's?), JoAnn's markers, embelishments: brads from Michael's

4. Birthday Female

Inside...
Supplies: Cardstock: The Paper Company, Template: Spellbinders, & Tim Holtz for Sizzix; left background cut from fabric, white Tulle from JoAnn'S, Tools: pinking shears, Border punch, JoAnn's markers, Ink and embossing powder: Stamping up; Embelishments: brads (plain) from Michael's, rhinestone brad from CKC convention,

5. Sympathy (my favorite)

Inside...

Tried both sides on this one...

Supplies: Cardstock: The Paper Company, Template: Spellbinders; background cut from fabric, Ink and embossing powder: Stamping up; Embelishments: brads from Michael's, Butterflies from Martha Stewart and EK Success

6. Get Well Soon

Supplies: Cardstock: The Paper Company, Template: Spellbinders; Cuttlebug embossing folder; top background cut from fabric, Ribbon: JoAnn's; Embelishments: brads from Michael's, Silk flower JoAnn's; Rubber stamp from Stampin Up

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop by, and a great big thank you for your comments!

Be back soon! (HA!) : )

A Get Well Card for an AFIS Board member

My thought for today is:

The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. William James

Each day I pray for my child to gain an understanding of this fact...

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Hellooooooo! I know I have been away from blogging for a while. I have had some more issues with the internet. Not exactly like before, but I could not update my blog. I'm even having problems as I try make this entry, but I'm going to keep it simple and hopefully get it done.

This is a Get Well card I created based off of a design I saw on the internet. I wish I could show you the card, but I am not organized enough to label where the card came from, except that it said "by Trudy". : ( Sorry. Trudy if you should ever make you way to my blog I am not claiming this as my original design, it was totally inspired by your card!

This is what I changed. Her card was a rainbow of color (very pretty), mine all shades of blue, her sentiment was printed on a white oval matted with red. It was also a Get Well card. and she had white grosgraine ribbon tied in a knot -running up the left side side. I thought I would leave off the ribbon, as this card was intended for a male. I used a different shape for my sentiment, also matted. She used 6 strips of border, I used eight. Even though I did add the rhinestones. I thought I could get away with that. : ) I liked this design so much I replicated it in about 5 colors, all monotone that can again be completed for various occasions. I used one done in all browns for a graduation card for a basketball star. : ) I'll show you soon.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your visit!