Monthly Archives: January 2012

Lattice Hearts

Lattice Hearts

I've decided that over the next few days I'm going to share some Valentine and heart card ideas.  Maybe it will give you inspiration for the Valentines you plan to create. 

This one was made with my Big Shot and the Lattice die.  The designer pattern paper that I created the lattice out of is from the Cheerful Treat pack, which is a hostess item.

Make sure to stop back daily to see the other Valentine cards I have to share with you.

Have fun stampin' it up!

Leadership Experience in San Antonio

I really haven't written much about my experience at Stampin' Up's! 2012 Leadership.  It was my first time attending, all I can say is WOW!!  I'd heard that Stampin' Up! treats their demonstrators royally…they do!!  Leadership bag, lots of freebies, make-and-takes, and excellent training and seminars are all benefits of attending.

However, what most struck me was the genuineness of the home office staff.  It was so obvious that each one loves what they do … and have a FANTASTICALLY FUN time doing their jobs.  Not only that, but I could tell they were having a fun time hosting the leadership event for those demonstrators who attended.  Thank you, Stampin' Up!, for being such a great company to be associated with!

I was able to attend the following seminars and would love to share a bit about them. 

The first one was Sharing the Stampin' Up! Opportunity, led by Brian Pilling.  This was a repeat of his presentation at last year's convention, but since I wasn't able to attend then, the information was all new to me.  He walked us through the different levels on the Staircase of Interaction.  My take-away from this session is that in the initial communication phases, those people I'm interacting with are most concerned about themselves and the impression they're making.  My  focus has to be on making them feel comfortable and establishing a communication connection with them.

I also attended a Title Benefits seminar led by Bonnie Thurber.  I so appreciated her honesty and encouraging words.  She shared with us ways to make the most of our Stampin' Up! title as demonstrator.  But what I will most remember from her presentation is something she shared at the end.  The thought is something like this – In our quest to grow our business, we must not forget who we are and what we have.  What I have (and share) DOES make a difference in the lives of others.  Thank you Bonnie!

Amy Swartz and Paula Critchlow led a seminar about Including a New Generation in Your Stamping Business which was informative and enlightning to this over age 50 demonstrator.  My takeaway from this presentation is that I'm going to have to move into the world of cell phone texting.  (Can you believe that I currently do not text?!)

The final presentation I attended was led by Carrie Cudney and was entitled Why Women Buy.  She shared that as women, we want it the way we want it!! and are not just seeking a product to buy, but instead are looking for the perfect answer.

There were other presentations as well and my Stampin' Up! cup was filled to overflowing!!

Maybe you are someone who is looking for a business opportunity that is both rewarding and fun.  If so, please feel free to contact me to learn more about the Stampin' Up! opportunity and maybe next year you can join me at Leadership.

In the meantime, have fun stampin' it up!


San Antonio Regional

Take it To heart in Pizzazz

One week ago today I was enjoying Stampin' Up's! San Antonio Regional event.  Of course, card swapping is a part of any Stampin' Up! event.  This is the swap I created for that event.  It uses an image from the Take it to Heart stamp set found in the Occasions Mini catalog.

I took my color choices from the piece of Twitterpated Designer Paper I used for the card…Pear Pizzaz and Basic Gray.  That isn't a color combo that I would come up with on my own, but I like the way the two colors look together.

Here's another color choice tip:  Stampin' Up! has already done some of the color choice work, grouping colors together in their designer series paper packs.  Look at those paper packs for color inspiration!  Want to order some designer series paper to use in your creative projects.  Visit my online ordering site by clicking on the link in my sidebar.

Have fun stampin' it up!

Baja Breeze Fresh Vintage

SAB Baja Thinking of You

Today's card is similar to the one I shared with you on Wednesday and again uses the Fresh Vintage Sale-A-Bration stamp set.  (Click here to see that card)  Isn't it amazing the way color is used on a card can affect the mood of the card?  This card, using Baja Breeze, has a soothing, calming affect.  It would be great to use as a sympathy card.  Wednesday's card uses Tangerine Tango and is bright and cheerful.  It would be great to send to someone who is sick or needs some encouragement.

Keep in mind the role that color plays when designing the cards that you make.  Have fun stampin' it up!

Another Sale-A-Bration Set

SAB Island Indigo

Today's card uses another stamped image from the Fresh Vintage Sale-A-Bration stamp set.  I paired it with Island Indigo ink and a piece of designer paper from the Twitterpated set in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

If you have yet to see Stampin' Up's! Sale-A-Bration brochure, simply click on the rotating catalog image in my sidebar.  You will be taken to a page where you can click on a link to download a copy to your computer.

Oh, and by the way, if you haven't already signed up to receive my monthly newsletter with exclusive projects, make sure to do so in my sidebar.

Have fun stampin' it up!

Fresh Vintage Card

SAB Thinking of You

Today's card is made with another FREE Sale-A-Bration stamp set (free with $50 product purchase).  This is the Fresh Vintage stamp set and contains 5 images.  However, there are also TWO coordinating FREE products as well…Everyday Enchantment designer series paper and Everyday Enchantment ribbon and brad pack.  HMMM…difficult choices?? 

Well, great news…if you host a workshop during Sale-A-Bration and your total sales reach $400, as hostess you will earn this free hostess bundle which includes ALL THREE products.  This is IN ADDITION TO the free hostess dollars earned and the ability to purchase any catalog item at HALF PRICE and the FREE Hostess Sale-A-Bration tote.

What are you waiting for? Sale-A-Bration is a GREAT time to host a workshop.  Contact me today so we can schedule a workshop date.

Have fun stampin it up!

Sale-A-Bration Has Begun!

Masculine Valentine

The best time of the Stampin' Up! year begins today… Sale-A-Bration!!  Receive a free Sale-A-Bration item for every $50 worth of product purchased. 

My card today features one of the free sets that can be earned with a $50 purchase…Sprinkled Expressions. Paired with items from the Occasions Mini catalog (Twitterpated Designer Paper and Riding Hood Red Pleated ribbon), it makes for a great masculine valentine.

To place an order, visit my online store or contact me.

SUOC – Favorite New Set from Mini

Bordering on Romance Swap

I think the Bordering on Romance stamp set is my favorite new set.  It certainly makes wonderful cards that can be as simple or as complicated as you desire.  On Thursday, I shared a simple card that can be made with this set. (Click here to see it)  Today's card is a bit more detailed and takes more time.

I participated in a swap with other Minnesota demonstrators at Stampin' Up's Leadership conference in San Antonio and this is the swap I made.  The image was colored using water color crayons and blender pen (Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze and Wild Wasabi).  Image was cut using the Labels Framelits die (another favorite!) and the matte piece was embossed with the Square Lattice Embossing folder.  The flowered border is a piece of Twitterpated Designer Paper.

Now it's your turn to share your favorite new stamp set with us!  Head on over to SUO Challenges and see what the other team members have created.

Leadership card swap

Delicate Doilies for Leadership

I'm guessing that most demonstrators attending leadership will be using sets from the new Occasions Mini catalog for their swaps.  I had debated waiting to create my swaps until the product from the catalog was available, but also knew that my December and January schedule might make that a bit rushed.  If any of you know me, you KNOW that I HATE to work under time pressure.  So, I opted to use the Delicate Doilies stamp set instead (and colored with markers).  I made 100 of these swaps and hope that those I swap with in San Antonio like what I've created.  (Remember, I'm writing this before I leave Minneapolis).

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.  Have fun stampin' it up!

Cherry Cobbler Romance

Cherry Cobbler Bordering on Romance

Today's card uses the Bordering on Romance stamp set found in the new Occasions Mini catalog.  It goes together easily with the Labels Collection Framelit dies.  The color I chose to go with the Blushing Bride designer paper (from the Twitterpated designer paper set) and card stock was Cherry Cobbler.  The image was stamped onto the Blushing Bride with Cherry Cobbler ink, then cut with the Labels Framelit.  I lightly sponged the edges with Cherry Cobbler ink.  I used the new Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details to add a bit of sparkle.

I'm pre-posting my blog entries, so as you are reading this I'll be in San Antonio at Stampin' Up's Leadership conference.  Have you ever thought about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator?  Contact me if you'd like more information.

Have fun stampin' it up!