Our Last Day in Orlando

Well, we left early this morning, after a fabulous day yesterday—our last full day in Orlando. We had a great regional, almost a thousand people! Many of them stayed after attending leadership, and you could pick most of them out. They were the ones who looked happy but also looked like they were participating in Day 4 of a fun-filled but full event. Sterling and I were two of them! I had to change into my flat shoes as we left the convention center, and our walk back to the hotel was definitely slow!

Our Orlando regional had a nice mix of people—in addition to the leadership layovers (is it OK to call them that? I hope so), there were several hundred who were at a regional for the first time, along with many guests and lots of demonstrators who have been with us before and recognize the value of regionals.

In fact, I was talking to a group of demonstrators who have actually been with us almost as long as I have, and we commented that we had all learned something during the day that we didn’t know before. For instance, I didn’t realize that you could emboss on our vinyl or how to create faux leather with embossing powder. That’s what is magic about our events—there is always something new to learn and try.

I demonstrated stenciling at leadership, and wanted to continue with that theme at the regional. When I left for leadership, I hadn’t figured out what I was going to demonstrate at the regional yet, so I packed up a few things, hoping I’d be able to come up with just the right project. I knew I wanted to do Valentine projects for my family, so I threw in several sheets of the new Pink Flamingo Designer Series paper. Then, once I got to Florida, I saw the Box #2 and knew boxes would be the perfect container for a little Valentine treat. Shanna likes bolder, bright colors, so I knew that box was hers; the other girls tend to like the more traditional Valentine colors, so I went with those shades for the other boxes.

When I sat down on Friday night to focus on the boxes, it felt a little like one of those contests or challenges when they give you a fairly small number of things and tell you that you’re limited to only those items. I definitely missed my stamp studio—there were several times when I wished for something I didn’t have. The stenciling and ribbon worked nicely (I dyed the new Organza ribbon with craft ink then heat set the ribbon, curling some of it, with the heat tool), and I liked what I came up with. Of course, I will be adding hand stamped tags to each of these boxes before I send them off!

I am thrilled with the way both leadership and the regional went—it’s not often that I look back at an event and can’t think of one thing I’d change, but based on everything I heard and everything I saw, I think this is one of those times—thanks to all who participated in various ways. Although I’m physically tired and happy to be home, I am emotionally and mentally invigorated because I just spent almost a week with people I love very much—Stampin’ Up! employees and our demonstrators!

Comments

[Sue Farrant]

Hi Shelly!
I am so sorry I didn't make it to Leadership this year..was expecting to be away on vacation but plans changed so I sat at home glued to the computer.
The boxes are beautiful, I have my nose to the screen looking at the ribbons and paper. I think my catalogue arrives tomorrow...crossing my fingers...and toes...and legs...and arms!
Thanks for the update!
Sue In Vancouver...gee...I think I am the first to comment! :-)

[Sue Jones]

Good Morning Shelli,
I was one of the lucky 1000 in attendance. This was my third Regional and I enjoyed it as much as the first. That grandbaby of yours is adorable. I wanted to thank you for taking the time to chat and for the photo ops. I enjoyed meeting you in person. The entire Stampin Up staff did a wonderful job. Now, go relax and put your feet up.
Looking forward to next year.
Sue Jones (Sparr, FL)

[Elizabeth M. Harris]

Good morning! Saturday's Regional was the 2nd I attended. I had a blast! I even won a stamp set from the upcoming Occassions mini! Thank you so much! :) I already thought you were an amazing person, but what really put the icing on the cake was seeing you walking by (in your stocking feet haha) with a Big Shot in hand helping to put everything away. There are not many (if any) others in your position who would do that. Now I know you are an amazing person! I got to see you strolling hand-in-hand with Sterling to the hotel afterwards, too. (Yep, I was in the SUV with Max! LOL) What a moment!

Thank you so much for all you do! Stampin' Up! has given me so much, most importantly many friends that I know I will have for life!

Big hugs!
Elizabeth (Tampa, FL)

[Lydia]

Thos boxes are sassy!! Thanks again!

[Jill St. Angelo]

Saturday's Regional was awesome, as usual! This was my 3rd that I have attended. I always leave overwhelmed with information, but renewed with great ideas and can't wait to get home to get started. I am already getting excited about the next round of Regionals. I too saw you and Sterling strolling back to the hotel (I was the one driving the SUV with Max).

You are an awesome lady and you have a wonderful team of workers. Stampin' Up! has brought so much into my life, mostly the great people that I have met and lifelong friends that I have gained.

Hugs and thanks for all that you do,
Jill (Cairo, GA)

[Pam Edmonson]

Shelli,

I just wanted to say what a great time I had at regionals. This was my second one that I have attended. I was so happy to meet you in person for the first time and I promise to send you the picture of my Mom's antique shop that is painted Baja Breeze. I am so excited about where Stampin Up is going as a company and the fact that we are able to have a much broader customer base. (Not to take anything away from stamping because it will always be #1 in my book.) Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a great company.

Pam Edmonson
Zephyrhills, FL

[Nicki]

Oh yeah, I'm lovin' those boxes! I need to make some of those for my entry table for V-day. Oh Sara...I need to place an order!

[Sue Ring]

I love the new boxes and can't wait to receive my catalog so I can start making my wish list and ordering some things to make them too. Keep the great and creative ideas coming Shelli!! You are one talented lady!

[Brenda Bromen]

Those boxes are so pretty! What a great way to use the stencils!

[Lynn Hampton]

I was fortunate enough to be at Leadership and Regionals. Loved ALL of it but have to admit one highlight. We attended "Twilight" with Glenda Travelstead Friday night. After all the teasing she took during the day and twice being "outed" about the nubmer of times she had attended. At the Manager reception she sat with us and well, we got a group to go Friday night. SO MUCH FUN! She handed out "Twilight Twizzlers" before the show and during the beach scene.

[Betty Button]

I was not able to attend either event, WANTED TO FOR SURE and now I regret not going. Hearing how much fun it was and all the feelings of awe and such, I wish I hadn't changed my mind. I will definitely be at next years leadership because I have never been to one, this just makes me wish I was at this one. I feel the love that everyone feels with you and I want to tell you that when ever I go to a workshop, class or club I go with all your heart in mine and proud to be with this company,knowing that such a wonderful person has made this company what it is today. I have worked with other party plan companies in my years and have been successful at them but I never felt the way I feel now, WORKING WITH STAMPIN UP and the wonderful people that are a part of it. If there is anyone reading this blog that is on the fence about joining, GO FOR IT. Its the best company I've worked with.
So Shelli, Go, rest up and relax for a bit. Keep up the good work. We love what you do.
Thanks for everything.

[Mary Davidson]

Shelli, thank you for another great Regional convention. This is my third and I've enjoyed every one of them. Your boxes are beautiful! Everything about the day was fun! Hope to make it to Convention this year. Thanks again!

[Elizabeth]

Those boxes are all dolled up nicely! The stenciling makes them look more like wrapping paper than patterned scrapbook paper. Thanks for sharing - I can't wait to get my box of catalogs tomorrow! Thanks for getting the tracking for catalog orders - very nice :)

[Sharon F. Jacksonville, FL.]

Hi Shelli,
Thank You for a wonderful Leadership and Regional conference! I learned so much, and can't wait to go to Phoenix next year too. One of my downline, Eva also had the pleasure of winning a new stamp set while attending her very first Regional Conference... I'm sure she won't forget that for a long time to come!

Thanks to everyone at Stampin' Up! too... behind the scenes, at home, and on stage. They all did such a wonderful job, presenting, guiding, and organizing. It was quite obvious that a tremendous amount of work and time was invested in the conference!

Hope to see you again at next years' Leadership Conference too, it was an invaluable experience!

Sharon Field / Jacksonville, FL.

[Linda (& Gary) Jensen]

Shelli,
Thank you for Stampin' up! AND Thank You for being YOU! This year's Leadership and Regional were GREAT!
We Love You. Please Thank all the SU Staff Personally from us for the remarkable job they always do. Loking forward to March's Trip and onward to Convention also.

[Connie Hobbs]

Shelli,
This was my second Regional. At first I was upset because I couldn't sit with other girls from my Upline's group. However, I ended up sitting with two lovely women from Utah and made 2 new friends. It should be a rule that you can't sit with anyone you know!! Had a great time, loved all the speakers. Thank you so much for being there.

[Cindy Major]

Hi, Shelli

I had the chance to attend both the Leadership (for the first time) and the Regionals and I had a fabulous time! Had to laugh at your comment about knowing who were there for Leadership first... I felt so tired on Saturday! I loved every minute of it, but didn't have my usual cheering energy!

I have to say, SU! has put together a very impressive event team and although I have seen Linda, Jaron, Shannon, Lori and Brent at work various times before, they still managed to amaze me. They are so eloquent, funny and charming! I hope they never leave SU! as they would be surely missed! They definitely make me wish I could be part of the team. Reminds me of my old office where the motto was, "We work hard, and we party hard."

It was a real blessing to have the chance to introduce myself to you at Manager's Reception. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. That evening was such a blast, you have elevated the Reception to a new standard! Can't help but wonder how you will top it off next year in Arizona...

Looking forward to everything SU! has to bring in 2009!

Have a nice week, and I hope you get some rest!

Cindy :)

[ex demonstrator]

So Shelli, I was kicked out of the company for breaking a small rule without knowing that I was breaking it. You are the CEO and claim you don't know your own rules? So it is a company of "do as I say, not as I do?" Even when you realized or someone caught you, you still did not pull the pics down just justified it as, it will benefit the demonstrators...

[Sue]

I don't see what the big deal about showing stuff that is in the new catalog! We can't order it anyways. I just think it would make people more excited to get more sneak peeks of what is coming up instead of keeping it a big secret!

[Stacey Cutmore]

Hi Shelli,

I loved my first Regional! It was so much fun to spend the day stamping and learning all those amazing techniques! The sneak peeks of new products was also fabulous. It was great to meet you and hopefully I will be at the next Convention (or see you in Utah!)!

=)

Thanks!

~Stacey Cutmore

[Holly]

I think that it's no big deal that the stencil boxes were shown. Stencils are kind of out of date so to me the boxes with the stencils on them are not that great! Who care's if stuff is shown before the catalog is out, you can't order them anyways. Just my opinion....

[Marcia Faulhaber]

Hi Shelli,
I love the new catalog. I love the new men stamps. The tool set and hit the road are great to use for men's cards. I was disappointed that that cute tree set from mini called season of friendship was not in the catalog. I am hoping for fall though. I have a question for you. One of my new customers loves that die cut top note. However, she already has a die cutter called zip & mate and tag along. I have never heard of these but she was wondering if she could use that in her die cutter. She can't afford to buy another one. So could you email me back if you find out. Thanks. I loved your family pictures.
Marcia

[Connie Schembri]

Hello Shelli I am from Malta a tiny island. I was looking at the stampin up sites and I really am fascinated by your products. Keep it up. I love making cards . My disappointment is that I cannot enjoy your products because they aren't found in Malta. With your products one can make professional cards. Amazing. thanks