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

[Carol]

Shelli,
Thank you so much for sharing with us. I feel like extended family. You are such a warm loving person. Love, love, love your ideas.
Blessings,
Carol

[Gaylyn]

Yahoooooo Elena! Great idea! My toes are missing out on the SU! fun too. We look forward to welcoming such an inspiring and polite Demonstrator-to-be as yourself. Thanks for sharing Shelli!

[Laurel]

I like the idea to have nail polish in Stampi' Up colors:) I'm thinking the in color's would be fun!

[Vimar Serrano]

Hello!!! Thanks for your ideas, they're amazing!