I had hoped I would have been able to post before now, but I can't believe how much stuff piled up while I was away.
The second part of my vacation took place at The Crowne Plaza in Phoenix, AZ. Sylvia and her best buddy, Deanna, were debuting their new business, Junk Yard Queens, at the Art Unraveled Shopping Extravaganza. We decided to head over to the hotel a few days early so Sylvia and Deanna could prepare for their big day.
The great part of conventions, outside of taking some very cool classes with awesome teachers, is meeting the folks you have only known on-line. Along with meeting Bernie and Roben Marie, I met some all time favorites, who I have only know on-line: Deryn Mentock, Deb Trotter, Claudia Roulier, and Katie Kendrick.
Here are some goodies I picked up at AU's Shopping Extravaganza.
This little guy's name is Armand made by Olive Rose aka Olivia Thomas. Olivia's prims are just incredible and I was thrilled I was able to take Armand home with me. His partner, Desiree, lives with my sweet Maija in Phoenix. You can see her, here. 
One of my favorite rubber stamp companies, Invoke Arts had a booth at AU. Their Latin American/Mexican stamps are some of my favs. I never pass up a chance to pick up up some of these babies.
See the cool stamp in the middle? It is from the new Michael de Meng line by Stampers Anonymous. I was lucky to scoop some of them up.
Speaking of Michael de Meng, he was premiering prints of his new Tarot series. As a Tarotist, I had to pick up the first four. I hope he continues this series for the 17 other cards of the Major Arcana. When I got home, I knew I had the perfect frame so I immediately framed the set. I can't wait to hang these up! More to come in my final vacation post. More to come!
oh, those tarot pieces are so great! i'd love to make a series of tarot images someday.
Posted by: leah | August 17, 2007 at 08:40 PM
Oh Pilar...You met some of the people that are on my list to meet!! Of course now you are on my list!! LOL...And the dolls...oh my!! Sounds like a wonderful time!! Happy for you!! And I will dream thru your posts!!
Posted by: Pattie Mosca | August 17, 2007 at 09:44 PM
what a wonderful experience! armand has the sweetest face-i can see why he stole your heart...oh! and the tarot prints are wonderful. :)
can't wait to see what new creations you make after being inspired at AU! :)
have a blessed sunday pilar!
Posted by: tricia | August 18, 2007 at 03:48 AM
i am laughing cause an hour later i realize that it is saturday not sunday! omg! have a wonderful saturday pilar!
Posted by: tricia | August 18, 2007 at 04:24 AM
great googeldy moogley! you got some gorgeous stamps! and michael's cards are soooo lovely! i didn't know you were a tarotist! ooooh! ahhhh! super intersting!
Posted by: kelly snelling | August 18, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Loved, loved meeting you Pilar! You're right, the best part is getting to spend time with people you only know from online. I'm envious of the great stamps you picked up. Looks like we have the same taste!
Posted by: Deryn Mentock | August 18, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Sounds like you had a lot of fun! I love those De Meng tarot cards.... Lucky you.
Posted by: tina | August 18, 2007 at 11:47 AM
I got the tarot cards, too!
What did you frame them with?
Posted by: Maija Lepore | August 18, 2007 at 04:25 PM
It looks like you had a splendid time! I find myself feeling blue that I am never able to attend any of the art retreats because of my teaching schedule, but AU looks like a definite possibility! I am thinking I'll take the trip next year. Like you, it would be such a thrill to meet some people I only know from blogging. You came home with some wonderful art - I love Katie's work!
Posted by: carla | August 20, 2007 at 03:45 AM
OHMYGAWD! I didn't know Michael was doing the Tarot! ::THUD:: I just passed out!
Posted by: Gypsy | September 05, 2007 at 07:19 PM