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Card making with friends! There's nothing better!

I'm very excited to get to do some card making with one of very best friends this weekend.

It's fun to stamp with friends, but this weekend is some SERIOUS business!

She is going to help me finish up some projects that HAVE TO BE DONE before this weekend is over!

They are the projects I need to take to my Leadership Conference next week with Stampin' Up!

It is only fitting that she is the one helping me, because my friend Penny is the whole reason I'm a Demonstrator.

Well, maybe not the whole reason, but she SURE helped me along the journey!

I was introduced to Stampin' Up! because of her!

She took me along as her guest to a party she was invited to back in 1997.

We were BOTH blown away by the products!

We KNEW we wanted to do a party together and booked that day! 

About a month later, she and I teamed up to host a party at her apartment!

This is the FIRST catalog I ever got!

It all begins!

After that I became a loyal customer to Stampin' Up!

I was the FIRST PERSON to place an order at any party I attended!

I attended lots of parties (There was no such thing as online ordering back then) under lots of Demonstrators.

I was not loyal to just one person. I hadn't met my "person" yet!

I would just order BIG to help my friends who hosted, because I had a HUGE WISH LIST.

It took another 7 years to decide to get a Starter Kit!

You see, I was placing regular monthly orders.

I was constantly browsing the internet for ideas!

My hobby was relaxing and FUN when my full time job would sometimes be stressful and difficult!

You see, I didn't want another JOB, I just wanted the discount from Stampin' Up!

There must be a way!

I looked around more! I attended all the parties.

No one struck me as someone who cared about WHAT I WANTED.

Then I found Noel!

SHE WAS MY PERSON!

She was MY DEMONSTRATOR!

She talked about how I could get a discount on my products!

She talked about something called being a Hobby Demonstrator.

It all made sense to me, WHY NOT buy from myself and get all the things I was getting, but get them at a discount?!

Smart decision!

I saved money, but gained SO MUCH MORE!

I gained a group of other Demonstrators that were just as caring and supportive as Noel!

This was the FIRST CATALOG in my Starter Kit!

ACCIDENTAL DEMONSTRATOR!

So, while I jumped at the chance to be a HOBBY DEMO or Happy Shopper.

Meaning I placed orders for myself at a discount (I'm happy) and for a few friends (they're happy).

But really, ACCIDENTAL DEMONSTRATOR describes me better!

I never wanted to be a Demonstrator at all. I didn't want to HOLD PARTIES.

That was going to be WORK!

I just wanted to get what I had on my WISH LIST for a discount.

Then it happened!

I made a Christmas card for our friend Debi.

My sister and I went out to a Holiday dinner with her.

I handed Debi the envelope with the card I made and then I excused myself to the rest room.

I came back out, and Debi said, "This card is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Your sister told me YOU MADE THIS CARD!"

I blushed at the compliment and then said, "Yes, I did."

She went on to say, "Your sister also told me that you sell Stampin' Up! products and that YOU COULD TEACH ME HOW TO MAKE THIS CARD!"

I thought oh no what just happened?! but weakly stammered, "Yes. I can teach you."

We set a date and planned the projects. She invited several people over to make cards.

You see, I stepped out of the comfort of making cards for fun and was THRUST into the role of Demonstrator accidently.

But, it didn't last long, I still didn't hold parties very often.

Because I never asked anyone to host a party.

They would HOST, but ONLY WHEN they ASKED ME.

Usually it would happen when I gave them a card or a scrapbook page and they wanted to make it and invite friends over to make it too.

I never even asked anyone for an order, but sometimes someone would ask me if they could order from me!

I even had a couple of people ASK ME if they could join my team!

Boy, was I nervous about that!

I didn't feel like I knew what I was doing! I couldn't understand why someone would want to join my team!

Lol! I didn't see that I was their NOEL! They were comfortable with ME. 
They saw that I wasn't pressuring them to do anything they didn't want to do!

I just was their biggest cheerleader.

For the next 5 years, I fumbled around, happily content to be an Accidental Demonstrator.

I didn't HAVE TO DO ANYTHING MORE because I had the security of great full time job.

Stampin' Up! was really my hobby.

Even after I had lost my full time job in Feb 2008 and was out of work for nearly 9 months I stayed being a Hobby Demonstrator!

The reality was I had an amazing opportunity in front of me. I could've pursued Stampin' Up! with a business mindset.

But, at that time I didn't. I didn't see it for what it COULD BE!

In October 2008 I was blessed with another great full time job at a great place.

By July 2009, I had whittled down the WISH LIST I started with. I felt like I had enough stuff.

I knew I could still order from my friend Noel if I wanted to. 

So, I stepped back from being a Demonstrator to being a customer.

She didn't make me feel bad. She let me do what I needed to do for me.

Longest MONTH of my life!

After a month, I missed it!

I missed the friends I had made along the way!

I missed gathering with my fellow Demonstrators!

I missed the ideas that were shared BEFORE anyone else saw them!

I felt like something was missing from my life!

I started to realize there was an amazing opportunity in front of me!

I had loved being a Happy Shopper, but I knew I wanted MORE!

It was a fun hobby, but I knew it could be a business.

A business that I could love!

My mindset changed and I joined again in August 2009!

I made a vow to myself that I wasn't going to just PLAY AROUND any more.

I wanted to build something that I could do when I retired from my full time job.

I knew THE TIME had arrived!

For the first time I had a clear vision of what MY business needed to be for me to be HAPPY in the long run!

I told my friend Penny that I wanted to RESTART my business and I asked if she would HELP ME!

I asked if she would HOST a party for me.

She said yes, and in September she and her teenage daughter Stacy invited four other people to their house.

I wasn't nervous! I was relaxed! I just wanted everyone to have fun!

I just wanted to share the joy I had when I crafted!

WE HAD SO MUCH FUN that when I asked if anyone wanted to hold their own party I got 4 bookings!

I couldn't BELIEVE it!

Two ladies, Anna and Delores, each booked two Christmas Card Camp parties (they each hosted in October and then again in November).

They had a great time and wanted to share the fun with their family and friends!

It wasn't an ACCIDENTAL Demonstrator anymore!

Penny's party was 14 years ago, and EVERYTHING has changed!

Noel is no longer a Demonstrator, but because I know I was led to her bigger team, I am still among GREAT FRIENDS!

I have incredible support and inherited the most amazing leader in Jessica Taylor! I am where I am supposed to be!

I have built a wonderful business that is personal and geared to be EXACTLY the way I want it to be.

My business includes a team of other Demonstrators who WANT TO BE on my team because I'm THEIR person!

I'm their Demonstrator! We've found each other!

Some of them are business minded and some are Happy Shoppers!

Some come in for awhile and get all the things they want with their discount and then step away.

Knowing that they can order from me when they want, or can come back whenever they want.

Funny thing!

I still don't ask people to order from me, or to host parties, or to join my team.

I just share my joy!

I share the information!

I share project inspiration!

I try to help people maximize their rewards!

I try to pay attention to their needs and share ideas that might be helpful.

THEY can see THAT I'm having fun!

They are having fun too!!

Really, who doesn't need a little stress relief?

Who doesn't need a little FUN TIME!

Thank you for reading my story!

I'd love to be your creativity coach!

I'd love to help you let your INNER ARTIST shine again!

Remember that little nugget of joy you would feel when you made something?

Join my email list to get fun ideas sent to your inbox every week!

 

August Card Kit in the Mail - Kit-tastic Fun! KIT IS SOLD OUT!

Summer is winding down, but let's have some fun before it's over! 

We're going to be using some of the fantastic Kit Collection products to bring you some ALTERNATE card ideas!

Stampin' Up!'s Kit Collection has some wonderful projects, but we wanted to show you some ideas that use these products in an alternate way!

The majority of the designs will be for All Occasions cards, but we may even slip in a cute Christmas card idea already!

You can use your own stamps and ink to create the greetings for the cards.

Kits are available to order from today until Friday August 18 at 9 pm central time only!

The kit will contain all the pre-cut supplies, color photo instructions, embellishments, envelopes, specialty adhesives and other fun items you'll need to create the projects.

You just need to stamp and assemble the cards!

Be sure to use the downarrow on the button below to choose the size kit you'd like before clicking Buy NOW

You can choose: Single - 4 cards, Double - 8 cards, Triple - 12 cards, or if you just need the ideas grab the instructions!

Card Kit in the Mail is stamping fun brought right to your door!

Make them when it's convenient for you!

Relax and have fun, all the "hard work" is done for you already!

Order a double or triple kit and Invite a friend over to make cards with you! 

Remember you can order until Friday August 18 at 9 pm central time.

 

Coming July 6th many new Online Exclusives!

These items will only be able to be seen in my Online Store!

There are items that are only available while supplies last, so they may be around for awhile and they could SELL OUT in a day!

Check them out!

Get the items you LIKE NOW!

Next time you check into the store they could be gone!

July has two Card Kit in the Mail offerings this month! KITS ARE SOLD OUT!!!

The first kit available is the popular Birthday Card Bash!

The second kit offering is Christmas in July! it's never too early to start your Christmas Card stash!

Since there are two kits, you can get one or both!

You choose!

Both kits are available to order from July 5 until July 20th. Kits will mail out on or before July 31st!

Birthday Card Bash includes 4 designs!

This is the second offering of all birthday cards this year!

We figure you're ready to add some more birthday cards to your stash!

Plus we both have July birthdays!

You can choose a single kit which will include one of each design for $14.

Double kit is two of each design for $25.

Triple Kit is three of each design for $36.

If you don't need the kit and just want the instructions you can get those for $5 or get them free when you place at least $50 in orders for the month.

Card Kit in the Mail offering number Two - Christmas in July!

As you get a start on your Christmas Cards for this year there will be 4 designs available.

A single kit will get you one of each design for $14.

The double kit is two of each design for $25.

Fill your stash fast with the triple Kit (three of each design) for $36.

Again, if you just want the instructions you can get those for $5 or get them free when you place at least $50 in orders for the month.

The kits will contain all the pre-cut supplies, color photo instructions, embellishments, envelopes, specialty adhesives and other fun items you'll need to create the projects.

You just need to stamp and assemble the cards using your own sentiments and greetings! 

Our cards are designed for you to use what you have on hand or we can make suggestions for stamp sets to purchase.

Card Kit in the Mail is your stamping fun brought right to your door!

Make them when it's convenient for you!

Relax and have fun, all the "hard work" is done for you already!

Invite a friend over to make cards with you! 

Orders taken until Thursday July 20th and Kits will mail out on or before July 31!

Stampin' Up! is bringing back a favorite promotion—BONUS DAYS! JULY 6 - 31!

There's nothing better than getting rewarded for all the crafting supplies you buy!

For each $50 you spend when you shop between July 6–31 you'll earn a $5 coupon that you can redeem on your order in August!

Make sure you save all your coupons because you can redeem them (and we mean ALL of them) between August 1–31.

There’s no limit to how many coupons you can earn!

Get ready because Bonus Days will be here and gone before you know it.

Make sure to watch the video to hear all the details.

Earning Period:  July 6–31, 2023

• Earn a $5 coupon for every $50spent (before shipping and tax).
• All coupon codes will be emailed right after a qualifying purchase has been made. You can shop, purchase, and earn coupons as a guest when you provide a valid email at checkout, but it is better to create or use your existing account in my online store.
• If a participant earns multiple codes from a single order, they will receive one email with multiple codes. If they earn multiple codes from multiple orders, they will receive separate emails for each code earned.
• All order types qualify for this promotion. Phone and email orders still require an email address.
• Orders that are started before the promotion begins will not count toward earning coupon codes. For example, if you add items to your cart before July 6 and wait to purchase until that date or later, then those items will not qualify towards earning coupons. You must add items to your cart and complete your purchase during the earning period.
• There is no limit to the number of coupon codes participants can earn per order or throughout the duration of the earning period.
• Coupon codes can only be earned on commissionable items.

Redemption Period: August 1–31, 2023

• There is no limit to the number of coupon codes participants can redeem on an order during the redemption period. If using multiple codes, they must be separated by a space.
• Coupons may be redeemed one time only.
• Coupon codes may be redeemed for any product (excluding Starter Kits and Paper Pumpkin month-to-month subscriptions).
• New prepaid Paper Pumpkin codes may be discounted using Bonus Days coupon codes.
• Coupon codes will reduce the commissionable amount of an order. Keep this in mind if trying to earn Host Rewards!

Summer is getting ready to kick off!

Sometimes our crafting takes a back seat, but with out Card Kit in the Mail all the fun comes to you to assemble in your own time.

Use your own ink pads and stamp sets to make the Kit uniquely your own!

Let us be your short cut to creativity! 

Our June Card Kit in the Mail IS SOLD OUT!

The card designs will be for All Occasion cards! 

You can use whatever greetings you have on hand so you can change them up for another occasion if you'd like.

You can purchase the kit starting today and until Thursday June 15 at 9 om central time!

The kits will be mailed out by Monday June 26.

Cards shown are from a previous kit and shown with greetings supplied by the customer.

Everything ready for you to stamp and assemble the cards!

The kit will contain all the pre-cut supplies, color photo instructions, embellishments, envelopes, specialty adhesives and other fun items you'll need to create the projects.

SOLD OUT!

You can choose: Single - 4 cards, Double - 8 cards, Triple - 12 cards, or if you just need the ideas grab the instructions!

 

Cards shown are from a previous kit and shown with greetings supplied by the customer.

Card Kit in the Mail is your stamping fun brought right to your door!

Make them when it's convenient for you!

Relax and have fun, all the "hard work" is done for you already!

Invite a friend over to make cards with you! 

June Card Kit in the Mail is open to order until Thursday June 15 at 9 pm central time!

Card Kit will be mailed out on Monday June 26 .

THIS KIT IS SOLD OUT! PLEASE COME BACK IN JULY WHEN WE"LL HAVE TWO KITS!

We just found out that there's a Starter Kit promotion this month!

Boy oh boy! It's a GOOD ONE!

Usually, you can choose $125 worth of products for only $99.

This can be anything you'd like, there's not a set KIT of products.

This month only!

You get WAY more than usual!

You can get $155 worth of products for only $99 between June 1–30!

Plus you'll get free business supplies!

Plus all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up!

By the way, there is always free shipping on the kit so that is an added savings!

PLUS, THIS MONTH you can double-dip and choose the pretty papers at the sale price as part of your kit!

This could be YOU opening your Starter Kit order!

Make your list of $155 in product.

You can't go over, so get the most bang for you buck and get as close to $155 as possible!

Once you know what you want, then click on the ORDER YOUR KIT BUTTON and get started saving at least 20% on all future orders!

See all the new things FIRST (there is going to be a Demonstrator only preorder for the next group of Online Exclusives products!

Plus we will be seeing the upcoming Holiday Catalog in a few months!

Join now and be one of the first to see it!

This is a photo of me with my first team member Suzie at a Demonstrator ONLY gathering - we'd love to have you join us!

Many of you may know my Stampin' Up! story but here it is again!

I was that person who purchased all the crafting things!

I loved all the versatile products and couldn't wait to see all the new colors, and papers, and play with them!

After making regular monthly purchases over a few years' time

I finally listened when someone shared that I could get a discount on all my purchases!

I could continue doing what I was already doing - buying products,

but instead of purchasing from someone else, I could order from myself.

PLUS I could get at least 20% off every order!

I didn't need to demonstrate or sell to anyone else if I didn't want to.

Believe me! I didn't want to when I first got my Starter Kit!

I just wanted to meet the low quarterly minimum requirements to keep my discount.

FYI - I was already meeting them with the orders I had been placing and maybe you are too!

So, I ordered my Starter Kit!

I got the discount!

The discount started to grow as I did a little more, and I now get at least 25% off all of my orders.

I get to see all the fun things first and get to PREORDER them as soon as they come out!

Me with a couple of my Demonstrator friends in Minneapolis, MN for a Demonstrator ONLY gathering getting that year's catalog FIRST! We'd love to have you at our table!

After nearly 5 years of doing that, I decided to build a business to take me into retirement.

I made that decision myself. No one MADE me do it. I started asking questions and seeing what others were doing and I started to grow my business.

I set my schedule and decided HOW I would run my business.

I do most of my business by sharing what I'm working on - and I do it in hours that are convenient to me!

I found out I could get make a little money too! Results will vary.

I have a whole lotta Demo friends who just got back from an all-expenses paid cruise to Norway!

I haven't gotten one of them YET but I will!

I will celebrate 14 years of being a Demonstrator this August and wish I had started building my retirement business sooner!

I'd love to help you on your journey whether it's just to get the discount for your personal orders or try to get one of those vacations!

Get more information about the Starter Kit offer this month!

I love when I get inspiration from my fellow Demonstrators.

My friend Traci W swapped this gorgeous card with me.

It is pretty in it's clean and simple style.

In fact, eventhough it is a simple card, it is a special card!

It was selected as the BEST OF SWAP by Brian Pilling who attended the Learning to Lead Workshop my friend Lyssa Zwolanek held in Watertown, WI at the end of April.

In true Demonstrator fashion, Traci color coordinated her outfit with the Lemon Lolly cardbase.

I knew I wanted to create a card similar to this, but I needed to change it up for my local Card Making gathering in May.

I added some floral accents and used items from the Timeless Arrangement Bundle for my greeting and accent.

 

I used this same card in our monthly direct to your door Card Kit in the Mail.

People who ordered double or triple kits got one of each layout.

The paper is slightly different, and the greeting tag is just a little different.

The cards all have a center panel of pretty paper. 

They all used a 3" x 5 1/2" piece of Fresh as a Daisy paper.

They all have an accent layer that is 3 1/4" wide x 5 1/2" tall.

Traci used 2023-25 InColor Paper Pack patterned paper in Pebbled Path.

Both of my designs use Basic Black cardstock for the accent.

You could add a little interest by using one of the Basics Embossing Folders or any of your favorite embossing folders in your stash!

If you're on my email list you'll get the full instructions for these card in my Weekend Card Making Inspiration email this week!

Watch for inspiration everywhere!