Nov 14, 2018 | Business Opportunity, cards, event, Stampin' Up!
Why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator…
Reason 1 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator: An excuse to travel! I spent last week in Orlando, Florida at Stampin’ Up!’s On Stage Event. I know, you’re feeling sorry for me already. And OK, not the whole week was actually the event. I spent a couple of days preparing for the event by visiting with fellow demonstrators, visiting the parks of Florida (that would be theme parks…), and taking a bit of down time. (if you follow the YamStamps Instagram or Facebook Page you may have seen proof of that). I have noticed lately that my travel tends to be woven in and around Stampin’ Up! or training opportunities, so it’s a nice way to mix business and pleasure. Also, I need to work on my selfie skills….LOL. Visited Universal (the Harry Potter areas!), The Magic Kingdom (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas with fellow Canadians (front to back: Gaile, me, Mary Louise, Jasmine, Carrie, Laurie and Debbie – crowded on Main Street but easy to get onto the rides), and Disney Springs (or Downtown Disney if you’ve been there in the past) with my American friends Debbi and Rebecca .
Reason 2 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator: Sharing Creativity: One of the things that tends to occur when demonstrators get together – SWAPS. Demonstrators will create multiples of a paper crafting project and then trade with other demonstrators. It’s a great way to get ideas and inspiration (no, we don’t think our designs up on our own all the time!). Sometimes these are organized events – where a specific number and theme are mandated. Other times, “general swaps” occur – demonstrators literally walk around trading their creations. It’s a great way to meet people as well! Here’s a lovely swap that was gifted to me by Mary Louise – even though I didn’t have anything to swap with her (and I cut her off in the photo too LOL)! So I’ll share the wealth here.
She used Winter Woods Bundle (available in a red rubber clear mount stamp bundle or red rubber wood mount stamp bundle) to create this beautiful card. The paler areas on the evergreen tree are actually areas she’s added some Frost White Shimmer Paint (sorry, my photo is not really doing it justice!).
Reason 3 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator: friends – old and new! Another thing that happens at Stampin’ Up! Events? Getting together with demonstrator friends! My group of demonstrators is called the “Eh” Team, and there were five of us in total this time that were able to make the big journey south. Amazing that we were able to find each other in a sea of 7000 demonstrators! So here we are as a group (from left to right in the photo: Karen, Arlene, Pamela, Mary and myself). Karen and I also were able to attend Centre Stage, which is an event for demonstrators at a certain level of leadership in their business. We were treated to passes to Epcot (it was the Food & Wine Festival as well!), and a dessert reception.(I still haven’t figured out how to take the selfie and look at the right spot on the phone…). Last photo is a reunion of the 2017-2018 Events Council – we are from all over North America and the last time we all saw each other was a year ago so it was great to meet up again, albeit briefly. Not pictured – SO many other friends that I got to see and hug. It truly was so heartwarming to be able to see so many friends that I often only “see” online.
Reason 4 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator: Last (for now) but not least – new product! We get so many goodies at Stampin’ Up! events and one of the fun ways to receive something is Prize Patrol. I hit the jackpot! I won a huge sentiment set that I can’t wait to use in upcoming classes. All the prizes were from the upcoming Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogues, which will be in effect as of January 3, 2019.
We also got a look at the Craft & Carry Tote which is a demonstrator only item. Current demonstrators are able to order this bag until the end of the year only. Not a demonstrator (yet)? Not a problem! You can select this as part of your starter kit right now! Valued at $68, you can select it right now as part of your $165 worth of product for $135 – OR you could select other product in your starter kit and then purchase the bag (before January 2) once you have your demonstrator number! Your other option is to pick one up with your starter kit during Sale-a-Bration in January. There are two starter kit options – the “regular” kit for $135, and the tote kit for $175. During Sale-a-Bration you’ll also get $60 more product of your choice in your kit. Check out my FAQs about joining my team here (or if you like to type, www.yamstamps.com/join).
The next big On Stage event is happening in April in Auckland, New Zealand. While I would LOVE to be able to attend that one…I think I’m going to have to stay a bit closer to home. In Canada, the two local event locations (we get a local event when the main event happens either in the South Pacific or Europe), will be Quebec City and Vancouver. If you would like more information, please contact me, or consider attending my next Information Evening (Thursday December 6, or check the Events Page to see upcoming dates) to find out more about being a demonstrator with my group and find your own reasons why you love being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator!
Apr 14, 2018 | 3D samples, Business Opportunity, event, Events, Stampin' Up!
Sharing a bit more from Stampin’ Up!’s On Stage event in London Ontario last weekend. It was so much fun! This was my final official event as a member of the Events Council, and what a way to go out! I heard so many people say that they thought this was one of the best events they’d attended! (Though in all honesty, it kind of feels that way every time we go to an event run by Stampin’ Up! haha). The photo above is the gifts that I managed to get together for members of my demonstrator group, known as the “Eh” Team. They are boxed note pads, decorated with products from the Share What You Love suite. Demonstrators are able to order these products now (well, not the note pads…I already had those), and ordering will be available to everyone come May – with exclusive bundles at that time before they are available as part of the new Annual Catalogue! I think my favourite thing in this suite is the Share What You Love Designer Series Paper – it’s extra thick, and you get twice as much as in a regular package – plus it’s got a Pearlized coating on most of the sheets – you can kind of see the sheen on the flower images on a couple of the boxes above.
Here’s Leanne & I at the 80’s themed Centre Stage Event….my big hair did not keep its vertical height, sadly….This leaders’ event was the night before the On Stage Event, and it was a lovely dinner and information session, with great giveaways as well! (oh, and that’s a genuine LLBean sweater from the appropriate decade….).
What’s an 80’s party without jelly bracelets (and bright coloured pin?!) Thanks to Donna Griffiths who spread joy to the Events Council members across North America with these fun gifts! Thanks also to Stampin’ Up! for the gorgeous lanyard they gave to Council members (you can kind of see mine in the photo below). I love that even though we were spread out over North America, it was still a feeling of a shared event. I am thankful that I was able to serve with these special ladies!
Above – a picture of the “Eh” Team members who were able to attend the On Stage Event in London – Anne, Leanne, me, Arlene and Gail. So much fun….all of these ladies also helped behind the scenes. HUGE thanks to Anne, Arlene, and Gail whose hard work above and beyond allowed the SU staffers to get sleep the night before the event. I presented during the event (check the YamStamps Instagram feed for my Britney mic photo!) and apparently stayed within my time limit, mic issues not withstanding (I managed to dislodge the Britney mic and had to adjust it before continuing…oops).
Thanks to Leanne for grabbing this photo during my presentation. I will say that presenting at the events has been a good growth experience, and lots of fun in the end. A little stressful initially, I won’t lie…but the room is full of supportive friends, and I got in all the required information…I think….haha!! One of the things I mentioned during my presentation – how much I love being a demonstrator, mostly for the inspiring and creative people that have been brought into my life because of it – and you see a few of them in photos in this post and elsewhere on the YamStamps Blog.
One final picture of everyone behind the scenes after loading one of the pallets. (I stole this picture from our fearless leader, Gennie…) – left to right – me, Kim, Gennie, Carrie, Valerie, Monica, Kathy (designer of that gorgeous Designer Series Paper!), Greg, Josh, Brett and Mike. The SU Staffers get sent out to all the events to help in front and behind the scenes – then go back to their “day jobs” in Marketing, Design, Transportation, IT, Demo Support, HR…you get the idea (I know I’ve also missed some of the departments…LOL). Such a great crowd to work with. Seriously. I would do this again in a heartbeat. The next On Stage Event is going to be a big one – Orlando, Florida in November, celebrating 30 years of Stampin’ Up! Can’t wait! If you’re interested in attending this event, contact me for more information about joining my team of demonstrators!
Sep 19, 2017 | cards, Christmas, event, Stampin' Up!
Aren’t these Stitched Felt Embellishments cute? This is what participants in the October Christmas Card Class will be receiving as part of their class fee! A package of 15 embellishments (5 of 3 different designs) that we will use on that day’s four different card projects. These will add a fun dimensional effect to our cards, but the remainder of the package can be used after class – either to recreate the cards from class, or on original projects and gift packaging!
There are two remaining Christmas Card Classes on my books at this point in time (I know – only two?!). Wednesday, October 25th at 1pm or 7pm, and Wednesday, November 22nd at 1pm or 7pm. For the October class, there is one option – the $30 class fee will include a package of the Stitched Felt Embellishments. Due to the nature of this accessory, it’s easiest if each participant has their own package for projects. For November, the product will be the Mini Tinsel Trim Combo, and there are two class fee options – $20 for the class supplies only, or $30 which also includes a package of the Mini Tinsel Trim.
Of course, if you can’t make the scheduled class dates, get a group of friends together, and we can set up a private class for you! Please remember that this is always an option if you see a class you’re interested in but need a different time or date option. Contact me to book a private class – it could be a Christmas Card Class, an All Occasions Card Class, a Birthday Card Class….you get the idea.
As always, check the YamStamps Events page to see upcoming classes and events – it’s continuously being updated – and sign up for my newsletters – you’ll get project ideas PLUS notification of specials and events in your inbox! Please contact me if you have any questions or are ready to register for a class!
Aug 30, 2017 | 3D samples, cards, Christmas, event, Stampin' Up!
Today is the registration deadline for the Basic+ Option for the September Christmas Card Class! Class times are 1pm or 7pm, Wednesday September 13th here in Burlington ON. Your Basic+ Class fee of $30 is due at time of registration, and will include all supplies required to make the 4 different Christmas cards during class, PLUS you will receive 5 rolls of metallic washi tape from the upcoming Stampin’ Up! Holiday Catalogue! Pictured above, the five rolls of tape are GORGEOUS and make your crafting easy and elegant.
The votive candle in the picture is simply decorated with strips of the gold and silver washi tape around the top & bottom of the candle – adds an easy custom touch. You could group them on your mantle, or place them on a mirror as a table centrepiece. I shared this idea (among others) with the people at Weddingbells Magazine a while back – because who couldn’t use a little bit of elegance AND thriftiness at a wedding?!
Contact me to register for the class! Basic+ Fee is $30 and includes all supplies and 5 rolls of washi tape. Basic Fee includes all supplies for the class, no additional product. Payment due at time of registration please & thanks. Please contact me if you have any questions.
