A Birthday Card Worth Sale-A-Brating

We’re heading into a new month, and I need new birthday cards to send out to Stampin’ Up! employees. I saw a card, featuring one of our new Sale-A-Bration stamps (from the Punch Bunch set), and loved it.

I had to make it mine, of course (don’t we all?), so I substituted a different color palette—based on the clothes I was wearing today! How’s that for inspiration? But it worked, and I couldn’t resist sharing the final project with you.

We’re more than a week into Sale-A-Bration now, and it’s an exciting time for us here at Stampin’ Up! I plan on posting a couple more projects featuring Sale-A-Bration sets in the next few weeks, in case you’re looking for ideas. And you can always check out this month’s So Shelli Creative Challenge for project ideas too—or you can post your own!

A Few Days with My Sweetheart

Sterling and I returned home this afternoon, after spending a glorious few days in Kanab. Sterling went down last week; I headed down on Saturday. I always enjoy the time I spend in Kanab, partly because my roots are in Southern Utah and partly because it’s always warmer down south, and I love to be WARM!

Our few days flew by, and I loved every minute. For the first time in a long time, Sterling and I were there alone. Sterling had planned to go out on a few rides (I was even thinking about going with him, believe it or not!), but while it was warmer than up north, it was still chillier than we had expected, and we ended up not going on any rides.

But we still had plenty to do! Sterling has a seemingly endless to-do list when we’re down there, so after breakfast, he’d head out. I stayed at the apartment, working on my own to-do list and enjoying the peace and quiet. While I didn’t get everything done I had wanted to (do we ever?), I did make major progress on several projects.

In addition, I visited with our employees at the facility, had a couple of meals with family members down there, and then Sterling and I spent the evenings together! It was just a deliciously peaceful, quiet few days—I’d highly recommend it for anyone! (Of course, I know some of you are in seasons where that’s simply not possible; I remember those seasons well! Enjoy them, and hang in there!)

And now we’re back home, where it’s freezing cold, by the way! Much of the United States has been slammed the last couple of days with frigid temperatures and snowy weather, and I’m ready to head back to Kanab already! Brrrrrr!!

Check Out the Sale-a-Bration Challenge

I've posted the new So Shelli Creative Challenge for February--check it out! I'd love to see what you come up with!

What Stampin' Up! Is All About

Our first workshop of the year is over—and it was great!

We had about 20 guests (woo hoo!), and they all seemed to have a fun time. Sara did great at demonstrating a beautiful springtime card (I've posted it here), and Shalae demonstrated a simple 3" x 3" card. She did wonderful too—and it was her first time EVER doing a workshop, so I was especially proud!

We greeted everyone and did the two demonstrations plus a quick catalog tour and still plenty of time for everyone to enjoy the yummies (didn’t Shanna do great?), look at the display projects, and visit. Since all but three of our guests knew each other, there was a lot of chatting—and almost everyone mentioned at least once that they hoped we’d do it again!

Sara did a short My Digital Studio demonstration for several of the guests as well, and she booked a My Digital Studio workshop. Shalae booked a workshop too! And many of the ladies asked if we would schedule monthly classes that they could attend. Shalae committed to do that, so you may want to check out her blog periodically to see what projects she’ll be planning. (She’s already posted the card she demonstrated last night.)

Each time I do a workshop I learn new things, and this workshop was no exception. It was interesting that, even though I mentioned Sale-a-Bration at the beginning, we still had to upsell a few of the orders. I guess not everyone initially understood the importance of that $50 order! (smile) But every order did eventually top that magic mark!

One guest mentioned that we should do this at least once a month—just come on over to the house and stamp (using all my supplies, of course) and visit. I understood her enthusiasm (don’t we all?) but wondered how she thought demonstrators made any living if they just invited everyone to come make projects, without ever getting any orders. (smile) And I have to admit that, given the number of guests, our workshop total was less than I expected, which was a reminder that we are all still working in a tight economy with people who are being very careful with their money.

 It was great to experience the workshop environment and to be reminded of the challenges—and rewards—that our Stampin’ Up! demonstrators deal with every day. We determined to Stampin’ Up! events more often, so we could stay familiar with what real life is like for our demonstrators.

As we bid our last guest good-bye last night (MUCH later than we anticipated, given that the workshop had ended more than an hour before), we commented on how much people NEED the fun and socialization that comes from gathering together at a Stampin’ Up! event. Every single time I host a workshop, regardless of the crowd, I am gratified to see the joy that comes from sharing creativity and strengthening relationships—that’s what Stampin’ Up! is all about!

Getting Ready for the Workshop

The Gardner home is bustling today—tonight is our first workshop of the year!

We’re all busy getting ready. Sara and Shalae (both demonstrators) will be demonstrating a project, Shanna is making some delicious yummies, and I’m the hostess.

When I was trying to decide who to invite, I decided to do a workshop for all the women in our ward (Church congregation). That’s quite a large group, so I did a TON of invitations because I didn’t want to leave anyone out, and as a hostess, I know that the more people I invite, the more likely I am to have a large group!

Sara created the invitation in My Digital Studio (and showed it on her My Digital Studio blog) a few weeks ago. Of course, me being me, I had to add a little dimension and texture—I really love the difference that makes.

I’ve been handing delivering the invitation over the last week—I wouldn’t necessarily encourage that for hostesses; it took a lot of time!) I had fun though—I drove and took Sidney, who actually did the work, jumping in and out of the car.

Even though I did put “RSVP” on the invitation, I’m not sure how many people are actually coming; you all know how that goes! I have heard from several ladies though, and I can tell they are excited! Each person who has RSVP’ed has mentioned they are looking forward to a fun night out, stamping and socializing with friends. A few have actually giggled as they’ve chatted with me—I can tell they’re looking forward to it! That’s what Stampin’ Up! is all about.

Of course, I’ll post a full report tomorrow. In the meantime, wish us luck!