Managing Expectations—Yours and Mine!

Okay, there's one thing I forgot to mention (and probably a whole lot more than just one thing that I'll remember later). I won't be posting every day. There, I've said it. And, wanting to manage your expectations (and mine), I won't be able to respond to all of your posts either. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to. In fact, I'm pretty sure this blogging thing could be all-consuming, but my boss would definitely fire me! Posting a couple times a week is more realistic for me.

Having said that, I have started a list of your questions. While I'm not promising anything, I will try to respond to most of your questions at some point and time. How's that for commitment?

For now, I told you I would share more about Convention 2008. After reading all the posts, everyone has pretty well summed up my feelings about this once-a-year event. It was fabulous! I think it was the shot in the arm we all needed, and I already look forward to next year.

There were a couple more projects I wanted to show you, but before I do, someone reminded me that I didn't share the name of the artist who created the page I posted on August 4. It was Mary Jo Albright, one of our Artisan Award winners (for the second year in a row), photographed with her daughter.

As I've mentioned, there were hundreds of inspiring samples. I've chosen two to share today. The first is a photo wallet created by Kelli Purkey. It can be a bifold or trifold—you decide.

I'm including several photos and no pattern or instructions. You read right. I guess that's another thing I should tell you right up front. I plan to share ideas (not necessarily all the details) to inspire your creativity. If I have to include patterns and detailed instructions, well, it's not going to work for me. That's what Stampin' Up! does—not me! (Smile!)

 

The other project, created by Stacey Buzbee, is a photo fan.

I thought it was such a clever and useful idea, I had to make one myself—not for me, but for Shanna. You see, I rarely get too warm (bring on the heat!). Shanna, on the other hand, has been writing for weeks telling us how hot it is in Spain. I know she'll love this fan that includes photos of her sisters and I during our last Gardner Girls' Gathering.

The only bit of instruction I'll give is to lightly adhere your grosgrain ribbon to your Sticky Strip, including a short piece on the back side of the far left flap, and close the fan first before getting really serious about applying pressure to adhere everything together. Trust me, if I can figure it out, you can too!

 

One last thing I wanted to share with you from convention was a card from an eleven-year-old named Elena. (Her mother, a demonstrator, gave the card to me.)

The inside reads:

Dear Shelli,

I have an idea: Stampin' Up! should make nail polish in the most popular colors. Also, since rub-ons are the big, new hit, Stampin' Up! should make them for toes and fingernails too.

I got those ideas while my mommy and I were getting pedicures and flipping through the Stampin' Up! catalogue.

I hope you like and consider my ideas—I believe they would be big sellers. However, I'd understand if you've already thought of it and don't want to do it. Thank you for your time to read my idea.

Elena C., New Jersey, Age 11 (6 years, 10-1/2 months until I'm a Stampin' Up! demonstrator)

Keep on counting, Elena. Even though you're already a part of the Stampin' Up! family, I'll be waiting to welcome you as a demonstrator! 

Comments

[Lisa Davis]

Hi Shelli, don't feel any pressure to post everyday, I am sure you are very busy running this great company! What a cool fan and that is a great idea that you have getting together with your girls, you can tell that you really love your family. I just love the little girl's suggestion to you, see we never know who we are influencing and in a few years you will have another enthusiastic recruit! Enjoy your day!
Lisa Davis

[Leonie Schroder]

Shelli ... I have seen so many wonderful reports from the USA Convention and now all excited about ours next May already! I doubt you need any more pressure and you dont need to post to your blog everyday - no one needs to - the main thing is consistency and making sure people come back to your blog but I doubt you'll have any issues with that! Love seeing you post - warm Aussie hugs, Leonie Schroder (I suppose youre packing your bags again for the Australian Incentive Trip in 2 weeks!)

[Joan Bardee]

Oh my, what a darling card and post from your future demo. Nailpolish in SU colors! Too cute (and not a bad idea!)

[Jen]

How stinkin cute is Elena? Thanks for sharing her wonderful piece of art with us all. It is little things like this that inspire us all to reach for the stars!

Hugs,
Jen

[deedee]

My Upline had my catty in the door for me this am so I could look at it with my coffee....coffee is sloshing while I jump up and down! LOL Love Love Love the new catty! Lots of tie in of products and some cool new sets!DD

[Marni]

Yep - Nail Polish - it's a FABULOUS idea! Pink Pirouette, or Rose Red, those would be my favorites! Bring it on! :)

[Trudi]

Hi Shelli
For the nail polish idea, I'm sure Purely Pomegranate would be a hit! Lol.

[Kristy Young]

Oh that little girls card and idea is adorable! Have a great time in Palm Cove in 2 weeks!

[Anne Power]

I'm so jealous you get to use that new paper for you fan! It's so cute! I missed Shana at convention-seeing her sing on stage on the cruise I felt like I got to know her-she is so sweet and down to earth. Just like her Mom! I pray everyday for the wisdom to bring my children up with such qualities. Hugs!

[Kathie Tice]

Your honesty is refreshing, Shelli - it made me smile! I am sure you have so much more to do than respond to every post. Love the projects but NEED my catalog! Waiting anxiously....! They have arrived in some areas of Milwaukee - maybe today it's my turn! Can't wait to see it!

[Sharon]

Love the projects you posted! I will definately be using the wallet idea. The card from Elena was adorable and what a great idea!
I will be watching for your posts. You are such a beautiful woman, inside and out and a great inspiration to us all! OH, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new catalog! Can't wait to get my supply so I can share it with my customers and a "possible" new adict.....oops, I mean demonstrator.

[Susie *Stamper* Martin]

I LOVE the nail polish idea too! Hmmm... do I see a future momento mall trinket here! I missed convention this year but got so excited living through other demos blogs I am saving my pennies for the "not to miss" 2009 convention! Salt Lake city or bust! Hope to see some Pirouette Pink polish there!!! LOL. Great ideas & who could possibly expect you to post so often I am sure I am not alone in hoping this will continue to be an enjoyable thing for you! It all about the fun I say! :) Happy Stampin'!

[Sharie]

Shelli- It's Sharie your former crazy SAM. I am thrilled that you have a blog I can check often. I miss working so much. I loved my job, my co-workers and especially the SAMEES I worked with. For now I am filling my time stamping and being a Mom which is incredible. It's hard work but so rewarding. Alex turns 15 months next week, boy time flies. He keeps me busy. Well take care I miss seeing you at tempture meetings. Perhaps one day I will be back but for now I will enjoy being a mom and demonstrator as well. Sharie

[Karen Culler]

Shelli,

I love knowing that you set limits to what you can do. That is one of my goals to keep my self sane. I tend to be a yes girl. I love Elena's suggestions for nail polish in SU colors and rub-ons for toes and fingers. The little girls that I stamp with would be all over that. The samples today are so cute. Will be trying my hand at the photo fan really soon.

Blessings,

Karen

[Sharon Bridwell]

Ok, gotta say I love the nail polish idea! Threre you go Shelli, a great idea for your signature line! Bring it on!
Sharon

[Dianne S]

Cute letter, love the ideas, and LOVE the Fan!

[Kristie O'Keeffe]

Elena is adorable!
Thank you, Shelli, for choosing to have your own blog! I think it's wonderful and I'm so excited to get ideas directly from you.
Oh, and I have to say, if you come out with a nail polish line, my nails will ALWAYS be painted!

[Tiffany]

Elena is soooo stinkin' cute and her ideas are awesome!!!! She is going to make a great demo for this wonderful company!!

[Alexandra Hobson]

I just love that you have a blog, and certainly know you would never be able to post everyday! You are such a fabulous woman, I am just so glad to have gotten to meet you this year at Convention! And, the projects are fabulous, but I have to say, my heart melted a little when I read sweet little Elena's message because I too have an 11 year old who loves stamping! And, my daughter said the same things - LOL! Hmmmm...maybe a teen line?? Thanks for all you do! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

[Angie Tieman]

Hi Shelli! Super cute projects, thanks for sharing! I'll have to try that fan for sure! Convention was such a blast, I'm still reeling from it! Thanks so much for all the effort that Stampin' Up! puts into it!

[Lynne]

I love the projects you posted! I understand why you can't possibly have the time to post instructions. I'm sure someone will figure it out and post it online, so not to worry! Your girls are very lucky to have you for a Mom!

[Michelle DePalma]

This post is what my mom and I were just talking about at convention - My mom is my upline and we were talking about how we will have to wait for another 11 years before my daughter can sign up and have 3 generations of demos at convention. How cool would that be? It was my first convention and I can't wait for more!

[Cheryl Letner]

Hey Shelli - we surely don't expect you to blog everyday. I have a blog too and much of the time, especially lately with working on Baby Shower projects, I have had no time to update my blog! I certainly will look forward to your updates and inspiration!

Love the fan and the flip book! I may make a couple of the fans for the Baby Shower for the Grandmas and GreatGrandmas!!

Stampin Hugs!
Cheryl

[Donna Centamore]

Good Afternoon Shelli,

My first post, opening day didn't make your list, so I am hoping this one will. I am so tickled that you have opened yourself up to us. It is truly an honor. I can't imagine any other CEO doing what you are doing for your fans! I am just writing to let you know it is a thrill. Your inspiration, and personal contact with us will do much for our growth! Thanks Shelli, and God keep you in His care. PS; I LOVED convention! I still have a smile on thinking about it!~Donna

[Tiffany Miller]

Cute card from the 11 yr old! Start them young.

Lovely fan and great idea! Thanks for sharing.

God bless.