Leadership 2013

Last week I got to spend 4 amazing days in Orlando, Florida at the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference.  This was the first time I was able to attend and it was awesome!  SU knows how to treat their demonstrators. 

During the General Sessions, we heard from Shelli (CEO & Co-Founder) and several other staff members who shared great stamping projects, business tips and exciting surprise announcements.  The Dude, You're Welcome kit, My Paper Pumpkin, and special 25th Anniversary Best Of promotions are just a few you will want to check out.  And of course there was the very popular Prize Patrol and several all-attendee giveaways.  Free stamping stuff ROCKS!

In addition, there were tons of beautiful project samples to inspire us and break-out classes with practical training to help our businesses grow.  But to be honest though, the best part of Leadership wasn't any of these things.  It was all the new friends I made.  In the hotel lobby the first night, I was introduced to a group of demos from California who I joined for a hilariously fun night at a local dinner theatre.  These gals quickly became my new friends.  Its the relationships and friendships I've made through Stampin' Up! that have been the biggest blessing.  Here is a photo of us, including my roommate and downline Carolyn (with the sock monkey) at the Stampin' Under the Stars Night in our PJs.

Next month (Feb 16 to be exact), SU will be holding a Regional Event in Dallas.  This event is open to demonstrators AND CUSTOMERS so if you would like to get a little taste of the fun, inspiration and wildly good time, I would love for you to join me.  Registration is open now and will fill quickly so call me today; I promise you won't regret it!

12 Days of Christmas, days 7-12

Continuing from my last post, here is what was given to the teachers on days 7-12 of Christmas.

On the 7th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Cake Balls (from Austin Cake Ball Co.) in a decorative box.


On the 8th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
A 2013 desk calendar designed with My Digital Studio.


On the 9th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
A bird house box filled with their favorite candy.


On the 10th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
A stamped candle.


On the 11th Day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
A Designer Series Purse with matching notecards (got this tutorial from Becky Roberts)


On the 12th Day of Christmas the kids gave their teachers....
A plate of homemade cookies and a gift card.


Heather
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12 Days of Christmas, days 1-6

So every year I have this tradition when it comes to gifts for my boys' teachers. Instead of one gift, they get 12 little gifts. The last 12 days before Christmas break the boys bring in a little treat each day. Here is what they received on days 1-6.

On the first day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Candy Cane M&M sticks


On the second day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Binder Clip Photo Holders


On the third day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Poinsettia Ornaments


On the fourth day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Holiday Hershey's


On the fifth day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
Snowman Tealight


On the sixth day of Christmas, the kids gave their teachers...
K-cup Mugs


As you can see, they aren't big expensive things, but rather small little handmade tokens. I think (and ive been told) that the suspense and excitement of a new gift everyday is just as fun and enjoyable as the gift. And I think my kids love giving 12 days of gifts too!

Heather
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

All the cuteness... Without the work!

Around the holidays, people are always looking for cute ways to package little treats and gifts for co-workers, teachers, neighbors, and friends. At a 20% savings, these holiday packaging bundles are an affordable and adorable solution. Simply add a treat or gift and assemble. And because these holiday packaging bundles don't require any stamping, cutting, or creating, they are perfect for everyone who's giving gifts this holiday season-even if you are NOT a papercrafter.


Available until January 2.
Click here to order.
Trimmings & Tags Bundle
Petit Treats Bundle


Did you love that ornament on the cover of the Holiday Mini? It was such a hit that Stampin' Up! is making it available to you --just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself! They've simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results. In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive. (Our Anywhere Glue Sticks [104045] are perfect for assembly.) Want greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (W 128048 C 128051) gives you perfect coordination. Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on our Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!

The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832)

Order these now so you will have plenty of time to make them for Christmas gifting--or for your family tree! Available while supplies last.

And finally a little stamping treat. I made this card for my Secret Sister last week.


Stamp set: Papillon Potpourri & Very Vintage wheel
Ink: Early Espresso, Whisper White
Card stock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, So Saffron DSP
Accessories: Linen Thread, Basic Pearls, Paper Piercing tool, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Scallop Trim Border punch

Heather
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Christmas cards, part two

Here are the second set of cards featured in the Christmas card class series. This first one is so elegant and gives me such a peaceful feeling of softly falling snowflakes.


Card stock: Basic Gray, White & Vellum
Stamp set: Greetings of the Season
Accessories: Flurry Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls, Decorative Label Punch, Organza Ribbon

This next card was actually CASED from a fellow demonstrator. I love being a part of a group a ladies who are so creative. I am always impressed with how they can see and use images, punches and products in new and unique ways. This one uses images to spell out a festive greeting.


(My iPad takes terrible pictures, I'm sorry.)
Stamp set: Jolly Bingo Bits
Ink: Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Brads, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch

Heather
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Christmas cards, part one

Every fall I start making Christmas cards. I figure if I start early they will get done before the mad dash of the holidays begins. In keeping with that line of thinking I start offering Christmas card classes in September. Each month I feature two new cards and class attendees make 5 of each card. If they come back to the October and November classes featuring new cards each month, they will have 30 beautiful handmade Christmas cards ready to be mailed out all before the Thanksgiving leftovers are finished!

This is the first of the two cards featured in the September class. Although it's hard to tell from the picture the Dazzling Details on the swirls of the tree make this card sparkle.


Stamp set: Snow Swirled
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Card stock: Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White
Accessories: Dazzling Details, Rich Razzleberry Stitched Ribbon

This second card uses one of my favorite Christmas color combinations, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Old Olive. They just remind me of the warmth and cheer of the holiday.


Stamp set: Delightful Decorations & Greetings of the Season
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Old Olive
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Espresso, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Ornament punch, Linen Thread, Crumb Cake marker, Dimensionals

Both of these cards are easy to follow and mass-produce which makes them great for Christmas cards. Be sure to check back as I will be sharing parts 2 and 3 of my Christmas card classes. Or better yet, join us! Check my calendar for dates and details.

Thanks for reading,
Heather

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Anniversaries

Last month I sent out two anniversary cards. One to my parents who were celebrating their 40th anniversary and one to my brother and sister-n-law who were celebrating their 6th. This is the card my parents received.


Card stock: Whisper White & Raspberry Ripple
Stamp Set: Affection Collection (Holiday Mini)
Ink: Raspberry Ripple
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper & Adorning Accents Embossing Folders, Paper Doily Sizzlit, Antique Brads
This one went to my brother and his wife.


Card stock: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Calypso Coral DSP, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Dots Embossing Folder, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, small heart punch, jewel rhinestones, calypso coral organdy ribbon (retired)

Don't forget to take advantage of this month's great promotion!


You will receive a FREE roll of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon for every $40 you spend. Choose from any of the 2012-2014 In Colors or spend $200 and get them all!

Be sure to register for the upcoming card and project classes. Click on Events to see the descriptions.

Happy Stamping!
Heather
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad