IIOTR | Presenting & Nerves

Finally - the presentation post!  This is the final post I will be making about IIOTR.  I've linked to Becky's blog at the end of this post if you would like to see more about this fun stamp camp event.

The Saturday session for Inking Idaho on the Road, is a bit of a blur to me.  At least the morning half.

When Becky first asked me to be a presenter, as part of the session, I knew I had to try.  But I warned her that public speaking terrifies me, and I might need a barf bucket nearby.  The last time I had spoken in front of a larger crowd was in my early twenties, and, quite frankly, I was practically in tears while doing so.

The first project I shared was this adorable little gift card envelope.

But I agreed, and I busily set to work figuring out what to create that I could demo for a larger group.  I finally decided on gift cards - since I'm the gift card queen in my family!

I love making gift card envelopes, and figured that I could find a way to make several things using the envelope punch board.  So I started with my standard envelope, and designed 3 other types of holders from there.

The second project was this file folder gift card holder - that holds two gift cards.

I decorated up each gift card holder in Carried Away Papers (A Sale-A-Bration exclusive item), and Used the Lift me Up Stamps, and the Up & Away thinlets to decorate the completed projects.

I spent the weeks leading up to the demonstration watching videos about public speaking, and rehearsing for my cats (they are STILL sick of gift card stuff at this point!!).  I was super anxious, and didn't sleep at all the night before.

The third gift card holder has spots for 3 gift cards, and folds up like a card.   A belly band keeps everything together.

I was the third to demonstrate that morning.  I figured as long as I didn't totally blank out when I sat in front of everyone, I'd be fine.  I started speaking, and then...

The camera watching my hands decided to go into sleep mode.  Darn Technology!  It threw me off a bit, but, as it was taking so long to reboot, we decided to keep going, and I just held the projects up for the audience until the camera restarted.

I also had a bit of trouble with the headset.  I recently cut my hair, and it kept getting in my face.  As I'd push my hair back it would get caught up in the mic.  By the end, the microphone was hanging on by the ends of my bob.  Looking back now - it was actually hilarious!  I was busy doing my best to power through, and not forget a step.

The final gift card holder, had spaces for 4 gift cards.

Thankfully, I had all the measurements and directions written out for those who attended, so they were able to get photos of how to recreate each of the projects.

After my presentation, I was able to sit back and enjoy the rest of the event.  It was great to be able to leave the anxiety behind and enjoy some time with some crafty friends.

After the presentations, Becky called me up to the stage to give me a thank you gift.  As a bonus - since I had not needed it after all - she presented me with the barf bucket.  

The whole event this year was amazing.  I heard many comments about how fun and inspiring it was, and such a great deal for what you experience.  There were so many people involved in bringing this together, and so many other wonderful displays, demonstrations, and project.  I highly encourage you to take the time to go visit Becky's blog, and see all of the wonderful images and stories she has shared about this year's Inking Idaho on the Road.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                         

                                              

PS.  TIME IS RUNNING OUT!  Sale-A-Bration is nearly over - just a few more days to shop and earn free products.  Every $50 you spend earns you a free Sale-A-Bration item, so get your order in before it's too late! Ends March 31st.