Creating with Cherie

Sara and I are back at home—after a wonderful week of workshops! While we are happy to be home, we had a great time, meeting demonstrators and customers alike. We spent yesterday with Cherie Bruce and her family and friends in a group meeting and workshop ended the weekend in grand style.

Cherie is a bubbly, fun personality, who loves stamping, and it shows. You could see the guests at both the demonstrator event and workshop appreciated her enthusiasm and enjoyed sharing this hobby with her. Another one of Cherie’s hobbies was also obvious when we met her—her love of landscaping. She works at a local nursery (so this is a very busy time of year for her), and her yard is amazing, bright with blooming flowers and meticulously manicured and designed. She has a great talent for creating—in her yard and in her stamp studio (her group is called “Garden of Life” demonstrators).

We enjoyed meeting Cherie’s family as well. Her husband was supportive and fun (and spent most of the evening “watching” their dog, who is definitely one of the family!) Her parents drove all the way from New Jersey, just for the Workshop of a Lifetime, and it was great to meet them and see their enthusiasm and support for Cherie!

I loved the projects we showed at Cherie’s workshop; they’re some of my favorites so far. I’ve mentioned before that I love the Awash with Flowers set, one of the stamps you can earn free this month with a qualifying workshop. What I haven’t mentioned (but what I have shared at the workshops) is that initially I was not in love with this set—I just didn’t think it was anything special.

Then I started playing with it, and now it’s one of my favorites. You can do so much with this set. And when I talk about it at the workshops—and when we use it in the demonstration—it really does work great; we’ve had several guests book a workshop specifically because they want to earn that set. So that’s just an example of how you can use a personal story, and a personal favorite product, to encourage bookings.

Cherie admitted last night that two-step stamping isn’t her favorite technique, and she not a Brights girl either. But after seeing the projects (they featured both), she got excited about both. Demonstrating and teaching with eye-catching projects really is powerful and can motivate people to explore things they normally wouldn’t . . . .

After the workshop, we had a group meeting, which was packed full of business tips, recognition, stamping, and sharing (one potential recruit signed up!); it also featured a pot luck dinner, complete with some of the best vegetable and fruit pizzas (on separate pizzas, of course) I’ve ever tasted! Yummy. (Sara and I have both resigned ourselves to the fact that we’re going to gain 30 pounds before these workshops are over—a small price to pay for the opportunity of meeting so many great people!)

So, I’m home for a few short hours tonight. I’m off to Kanab tomorrow morning before dawn; we’re having our annual Employee Recognition breakfast tomorrow at Kanab and Tuesday in Riverton at the home office. It never slows down, does it? (smile)

Comments

[Phyllis Johnson]

Welcome home. Hope you enjoy your week and look forward to seeing you on the cruise and that you get some time to relax!!!

[Christine Wojciechowski]

I have so enjoyed "traveling" with you on these workshops. Your blog entries are so well written I can imagine actually being in all these places. The Workshop of a Lifetime was such a wonderful idea. It is a tremendous effort on your part but it is very much appreciated - even by those of us who don't get to experience it live!

[Staci Miserlian]

Looks like another fun workshop. I love your "Awash with flowers" card, but I will say I felt the same way about the set. I've seen some cute things done with it, though. I'll get to try some because I just earned the set myself last night.
Good luck keeping up your stamina with your busy schedule. Take care of yourself!

[Patty Bennett]

Gorgeous, Shelli! Looks like you and Sara have had an awesome (yet BUSY!) week. :) I had just reposted the link to the instructions for the watercolor flower.. it's here http://tinyurl.com/djpvor if anyone needs the instructions. See you on the ship in less than a week!
Patty Bennett

[Carrie McCoy]

I am glad that you had a safe trip home Shelli. It was such a pleasure to meet you and Sara! I had such a GREAT time at Cherie's Business Meeting! Stamping has impacted me in such a positive way throughout the years! And what a wonderful compliment about my Veggie and Dessert Pizzas. I sent Cherie the recipe so that she could forward it onto you.

Sincerely,
Carrie McCoy

[Dianna Richards]

Shelli & Sara -
Thanks for an amazing evening at Cherie's! It was so nice seeing the two of you again! Thanks for offering this once of a lifetime experience for all these demo's, their customers, uplines, downlines, and sidelines! Safe travels to/from Kanab. Let those employees know how much we appreciate them - and at Riverton too! Relax on the Cruise! You deserve it! I'm sure Sterling will be glad to have some time with you as well! Everyone is so fired up - good things are on the horizon!
Take care - Hugs - Dianna Richards in IL

[Christina]

So beautiful- thanks for sharing. I am curious about everyones flower pins (from the looks of it). Can you share the story about those? Are they real, paper, fabric? Whatever it is, they look pretty on everyone.

[Jennifer]

I would have to agree. The Awash with Flowers has not been a favorite, that is until now. I LOVE the first card. It just goes to show you that you really need to see examples of what you can do with a set. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Kay Hahn Casler]

Wow! How do you do it all????? You will need the cruise to rest (like you will get any). I love the cards, your activities and reading your blog. Thanks so much for all you both do.

[Sue Scheets]

Shelly,
Thanks so much for sharing with all of us your
thoughts about the Workshops of a Lifetime. Thourgh your blog I have felt like I was a part of the experiences you have had all over the country. Ihave never heard of another company where the leader has done what you are doing. Actually practicing and demonstrating to all of us what you believe our company is allab out. You and StampinUp are amazing. I am so proud to be a part of this company.
Have a great cruise and time reunited with your family once again.
Sushi

[Lori Janiec]

Hi Shelli! It was great to meet you and Sara and to experience the workshop! Thank you for making Cherie's day so special!

However, I have a bone to pick with you. You had everyone make a birthday card...however, I have YET to receive ONE! *pouts*

Haha!

Again,it was awesome meeting you and I hope our paths will cross again someday! :)

[Cherie Bruce]

The flowers are pins!! My wonderful sideline Cindy Carol and I cut out a lot (alot) of circle scallops! you need 4 large, 4 medium and 4 small, you fold them in half and laver them over each other so you can see 1/4 of them when you make a complete circle. Put one layer of large, one medium, one small together and sew all four layers together, Dip edges in diamond dust (very messy but soo cute!) and the middle was something special, my friend Jazzy owns Jewels by Jazzy (www.jewelsbyjazzy.com) and hand made the center bead with stampin' UP paper!! we attached those with a pop glue dot. attache pin on back (craft store) they are so cute.

[Allison Barber]

Love, love, love the Awash with Flowers card! Just finished cutting the paper to make twenty as thank you gifts for teachers! Very classic!