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

[Sarah]

What do you mean the boss would fire you? I thought you *were* the boss! *wink*

And that card is adorable! Thanks for sharing!

[Tamra]

Shelli,
I LOVE your blog! TFS with us. I especially love to hear about your family. You inspire me. I certainly don't think anyone would expect you to respond to (or even read) all the posts. I do wonder why Shanna was not @ your latest GGG? Is she serving a church mission? Can't wait to hear & see more!

[Michelle Sturgeon]

I find it too hard to blog everyday. I can only imagine how busy YOU must be!
I LOVE that fan! How clever1
How adorable is that little girl!
(uh, kinda neat ideas, too)

[Michelle Mc]

Gotta love those examples! Thanks for sharing!

[Heather Fullerton (Retired Heather)]

What great ideas. I have to try them. Thanks for sharing.

[Amy]

I've thought of using those rub ons on my toes too! We might not need a special product, they might work the way they are! I'd be surprised it you could post everyday, its not like you have a family and a business to run! It is hard for me too. One good thing is that you can write posts in advance and schedule them to post when you want. Hope you had a great reunion!

[Joan Jeffery]

I love that little wallet idea - very cool. How sweet, too, to receive a card and note from an 11 year old. There was a cute little girl handing out a "creamsicle" swap during convention - too cute. My 15 year old stamps with me sometimes. She was into paper crafts when she was very little - too bad I hadn't joined Stampin' Up then - we're having tons of fun now though! Thanks for sharing your photos. Joan

[Elizabeth]

AWWH! How adorable, and innovative of her! Just like you mentioned at Convention, second and third generations on the way into the SU family!

[Beth (Elena's mom)]

Shelli - Thanks so much for sharing Elena's card and letter with everyone - what an honor! This convention was the BEST yet - thanks to you and everyone at SU! Can't wait until Elena can share in the annual magic!

[Elena C (the 11 year-old)]

Wow Shelli! What a surprise for me this morning when Mommy showed me your blog with my card and letter on it! Thank you very much for sharing my ideas! Would you consider having a Creative Challenge for kids in different age groups?

I CAN'T WAIT TO COME TO CONVENTION!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nicole]

So, Shelli, that must be some new paper, I see. Can't wait to get my new catalog since I couldn't go to convention.

{ And to know I missed seeing my one and only downline, Tiffany, walk across stage and receive #1 RISING STAR, made it totally worse, too!!! Maybe next year! }

HUGE HOOSIER HUGS FROM HERE,
Nicole Anderson

[love4U2stamp]

"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?" I am sure you already know this name...Kristina Werner...she has a great blog, where she does a q&a videio and answers a bunch of questions all at once. That might be something you could think about for us?
You are so great to do this, I sure whatever you do, we all will be thankful!
I want to thank you and you beautiful family for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your family. You have definaltly given me someone to look up to as a woman, mother, wife, and as a person. Thank you Shelli!

[Jennifer Buck]

These are all so adorable! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful vacation! :)

[1 Crafty Gal]

Shelli, even as a Close To My Heart demonstator...I get excited over the new SU catalog! I guess I'm a really bad CTMH demo...90% of the items I use for myself and my friends comes from SU!

[Andrea Bolton]

Shelli, I just wanted to make a few comments about the new catalog. I love the pages before each section that give tips or how too's. And my stampers are loving that too. Also in the back where you can order just one catalog. I am a new demonstrator, and in the past I needed just one box of 8, now I need a box and a half, so making up the difference one at a time works for me. And yes, to another of your comments, keeping a blog can be a busy thing. And your blog seems to be "really" popular, you just couldn't answer all comments. But don't give up, this is COOL, thanks for doing this. Andrea Bolton

[Vanessa Webb]

Oh that little card and note from Elena brought tears to my eyes, how sweet is that! She reminds me of my daughter who is a little younger ......but can't wait till she turns 18 so she can be a demonstrator like her Mum!
Thanks for sharing....

[Crystal Taillefer]

The nail polish idea is so funny. I'm on a website called "Stampin' Canada" and the girls' there were just talking about this.

"She's made gift certificates for a day at the SPA too. I am SO there! Geeze I hope they can get the ink off my fingers! I just can't decide if I want PinkPirouette or Riding Hood Red nail polish! Tangerine Tango! "

It may just be a great idea!

[Kelly]

Oh I just had to comment after that lovely message from the 11 year old... she's too sweet! I love the concept she suggested...and man, she must loooove crafting. Go her :)

[Angel Coughlin]

I have a 4yr old boy and a 2 year old girl. If im in my stamp room I am not alone. They each have an area set up so they can stamp with Mommy and help me do my projects. They help me sort out embelishments and help measure ribbon. I love it that being a Stampin Up demonstrator doesnt take me away form my family, instead it only helps to bring me closer.
Thanks Shelli

[Sara Douglass]

Hey you crafty lady...Love the fan! Too bad it doesn't get really hot here in WA, although I might need one anyway. You know... once you have the pattern down it's easier to just make 5 more, right??? LOL :) xoxo, Sara

[Miss Boo]

Elena's card is adorable! And I love her idea. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Beverly aka beestamper]

The projects are fabulous and I love that we get a little peek into your personal life as well.
The first project is a photo wallet.. for those of you who would like directions, here is the link to the directions on how to make it from SCS by Beverly Gerard (super SU! demo)..http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ee/index.php/resources/tutorials/photo_wallet/

[Sheri]

Awwww....that's so sweet! Love Elena's idea of the matching nail polish and rub ons..how CUTE is that? Welcome to the blogging world Shelli!
Smiles, Sheri from BC, Canada

[Bernadette]

TOO cute my Daughter Noel has been raiding my stamp room for hair color(markers) nailpolish colors(refills and glitter) for a since october , when I thought I could show her something cute for her hair for FFa natinals blue and Gold, now I cant get her out of my toys!

[Joy]

I don't know why but that not almost made me cry! I now have a little girl (who has two older brothers) and I can't wait to share this love of stamping with her and that note from this little girl who is counting down the hours until she can become a demonstrator, too, just touches my heart. Thank you for sharing that note!!