Columbus, OH Regionals 2012

Since resigning up in October I have been really trying hard to grow my business.  I want to take full advantage of everything that Stampin' Up has to offer as a demonstrator.  My goal is to earn an incentive trip to take my husband on to prove that what I'm doing is worth it.  Now I'm REALLY far off from that but it's great to have an end goal in mind.  I also have mini goals that will help me achieve this goal.  One of these goals is to attend Stampin' Up corporate events.  There aren't many times that Stampin' Up offers things close to Pittsburgh, PA.  When my upline Jeni and I found out that Regionals were going to be in Columbus, OH we found a way to attend.  There wasn't going to be anything holding me back from this.  We were planning on driving up that morning to save on hotel cost but Jeni found a room at the Hyatt connected to the convention center and so kindly paid for us to stay there Friday night.  It was so much better to drive Friday night and have a good night sleep.  We were both so excited because this was her first event as well.  The excitement must have worn us out because we were sound asleep before 11pm that night!  At least I was once my head hit the pillow.

We got up the next morning and had a nice continental breakfast included with our room than at 8am signed in and received our make and take supplies along with a ticket for a door prize.  Unfortunately, the doors didn't open until 9 so we had to wait outside the room until they let us in.  Here we are patiently waiting to begin the fun!

Once the doors opened, we found ourselves a table with 4 other very nice demonstrator ladies.  Two were from OH and 2 were from WV.  You could just feel the excitement in the room.  While we were waiting for the show to begin, I just had to take a picture of myself by the projector to prove that I was there doing it "My Way."  That's our business theme for the year.

And who was there to start the show, none other than Shelli Gardner herself!  She is the founder of Stampin' Up!  She got a well deserved standing ovation.  She explained the day and let us loose to begin the morning.  We had 2 make and takes, demonstrator booths and samples to view until lunch.  We did one make and take than took a break to visit the demonstrator booths that gave us some great ideas and tips that I'm dying to try out and share when I do.  After we quickly made our second make and take because it was almost time for lunch.  This is me at our table during the make and take.  I think I had my phone out because I was taking a picture of the finished project to share on facebook.

 While we were at the demonstrator booths, Shelli Gardner was walking around.  I had to grab my upline because she almost walked right by her.  We were both so happy to get to take some time to say hi and thank her for all that she does.  She is such a down to earth, kind hearted lady that I see why her business is so successful.  Here we are with Shelli.  Isn't she just the cutest?!

After a decent bagged lunch, some of the Stampin' Up staff members had demonstrations and than we had a demonstrator do an actual workshop as an example of how we could do one ourselves.  I loved that part of the day.  I know how important these workshop/parties are to growing your business but I never really understand how to have one.  She had some great tips and techniques that she used to make her parties successful.  I'm definitely implementing some of these ideas during my next party.

I am so happy that I can say that I've attended Regionals and learned lots of things from it.  We also got some great things for attending as well.  We will be attending more events in the future.  Our next bigger goal is the annual event, convention that is usually held in July for 3 days.  I don't think I can make it work this year but Jeni and I are going to put it on our calendars for 2013!

Stay tuned for pictures of the make and takes and samples from Regionals throughout this week.

Regionals

I just have to let everyone know that I will be leaving to go to Columbus, OH tonight with my upline Jeni for our first ever Stampin' Up corporate event.  They are having regionals there and since it's only a 3 hour drive, we decided to do it.  They rarely have something so close to us in Pittsburgh, PA so my upline and myself wanted to take advantage.

It runs Saturday from 9-5.  There will be lots of business stuff as well as make and takes!!  I'm most excited about that because I'm always wanting to learn new techniques and crafts to bring to my customers.  I will of course have LOTS of pictures to share afterwards so stay tuned next week for an update.

Have a great weekend!

Cookie Party

This past Sunday I had some friends over to introduce them to the Sweet Pressed Cookie stamp sets and some of the other products from the Occasions mini catalog.  This picture above is some of the samples I showed.


Table set for make and take



More examples and supplies displayed

I had the cookie dough prepared and rolled out so we could stamp, bake and craft within the 2 hours I had set up.  The ladies had such a fun time experimenting with the different color sugar I had with all 6 cookie stamps.  We also experimented together using the cookie stamp as a chocolate mold.  Guess what?  It works!  They turn into the cutest cookies as well as chocolate.  Take a look at the snowflake chocolate that comes in the holiday cookie set.

You can see the blue sugar we tried on the cookie snowflake behind the chocolate

All I did was warm up chocolate wafers than careful spoon some chocolate onto the cookie stamp than spread it around with the back of the spoon.  When you think the stamp is covered with enough chocolate (be careful not to have too much or you will make a HUGE mess with the chocolate going over the sides) you place them in the fridge to cool.

Now here comes the tricky part; removing the chocolate without breaking it!  The nice thing about our cookie stamps is that they are made of silicone that are very flexible.  I just started bending from one side than working my way around the chocolate until it all came off!  Just take your time because the end result is worth it!  Another great reason to buy the cookie stamp sets.  This would make a great treat for anyone who loves chocolate and/or cookies.

While the cookies were baking, we made bag toppers for the cookies to go home in.  Here's what they made.

These were such a hit with the ladies.  They loved being able to take their cookies home in these adorable bags.  How cute would these be to give away for any occasion?  I just love Stampin' Up! because they have everything you need to make personalized gifts.  We sell everything to make these treat bags including the bags!

If you would like any of these supplies you can do so by shopping through my online store www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net.  Click products than "Shop Now" to get started.

I also have to toot my own horn because this party was a $500 order which means that I received $80 worth of FREE product as well as 2 items at half off and a free hostess bundle from the Sale-a-bration catalog.  This is such a good time to host a party and reap the benefits with FREE merchandise.  Thank you ladies for coming and placing your orders.  I greatly appreciate it and will send you something special in the mail as a thank you.  If you are interested in hosting your own party with your family and friends contact me ASAP because there are only 5 weeks left for Sale-a-bration where you get even more FREE items for hosting during this time.  Don't miss out on this wonderful promotion!



Craft Fair

This post is WELL overdue but I just haven't had time to write it.  About 3 weeks ago I participated in my first ever craft fair.  It was at a local mall with a Valentine's theme.  I was very disappointed that I chose that as my first fair.  The mall is starting to go under so there's not much traffic through there anymore.  Not being in the area for the last 6 years I was unaware of this.  The other thing is that the promoter didn't do a good job of promoting this event cause a lot of the people I met were shocked there was even a craft fair going on that weekend.  I was a little sad that I spent the money and time to prepare and have it not be a very good one.  I do have to admit that I met some great people and learned what works and doesn't work when I do craft fairs.  It was good experience for fairs I do in the future though.  All I can hope for is that the ladies I spoke to interested in my business will lead to something one day!

Here are some pictures of my tables set up in my space.

Items I had for Sale

Promoting my business with products

More display items

In future posts I will display the items I had for sale along with the supplies needed to make them.  I had a few sales of my cards but no real big takers on my other items.  Most of the moms I spoke to already had their kid's Valentine's to pass out in school.  I think I had the most success with my FREE enter to win.  I got a lot of leads by offering a FREE raffle of product.  This is what the lucky winner won!

If you can't tell from the picture it was retired cardstock, designer series paper, stamp set, ink pad and a coupon for a FREE party or class.  I haven't heard back from the lady who won but hopefully she is enjoying her FREE product!

I have already signed up for smaller, more focused craft fairs because I think I can really start growing my business this way.  There's one in March and April and will be looking for more in the future.  I am going to focus on selling cards but really focus on promoting my business with the classes and workshops I do.  That's how I'm going to grow this business and need to focus on the most!  So stay tuned for posts about my Valentine items.



Let's Celebrate Spring

Bring the joy of spring to your friends when you create and share these cheerful cards and basket.  Plus you’ll learn how you can use these products to create 3-D flowers, stencils, leaves, folded flowers, window cards, and even a dragonfly! The cheerful colors and glittery details are the perfect accompaniment for any springtime occasion.

Contact me today at brittnycreates@gmail.com or RSVP through my site www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net to join the celebration!  Pay in advance through paypal to the right and receive a surprise the day of the event!

DATE: Saturday, March 3rd
TIME: 7-10pm
COST: $5 or FREE if you bring a friend or place an order that night
LOCATION: My home in Castle Shannon, PA.

Did you know that stamp sets with coordinating punches are customer favorites? They are!
Why? Because coordinating stamps and punches make creating terrific looking projects fast and simple. One of my favorite coordinating sets from the Occasions Mini is the Mixed Bunch stamp set (#125535 wood-mount, #125537 clear-mount).

Beyond the obvious you can use this floral set to create window cards, flower stencils, folded flowers, and butterfly and dragonfly punch art, just to name a few!

You will be using this stamp set along with the coordinating punch to make your projects during this class.  You will also learn about heat embossing and how to use the Simply Scored tool.

This is a great class that you won't want to miss to brighten our winter blues!

*If you cannot attend this class but would like the PDF, you may purchase it for $5 through paypal to the right.  Once payment is confirmed an email will be sent with the PDF attached.

Hanging Hearts

Here's another post for my "love" decorations for my party Sunday.  I was inspired by this picture hanging outside my moms house:

I knew that I could adapt it using Stampin' Up! newest product the Hearts Collection Framelits Dies.  If you haven't seen these in action they are awesome.  There are some any different things you can do with them.  Here's what they are: The innovative, thin, wafer-like design of these dies lets you see where you’re placing the design before you cut! Layer dies inside each other to cut frames for stamp images. Cut single hearts for accents or layering. Use with single sheets of card stock or Designer Series Paper. Hearts Collection coordinates with Take it to Heart Stamp Set. Largest heart is approximately 5-1/4" wide. Collection includes 6 dies in a sturdy envelope for easy storage in our Big Shot Die Storage.

They truly are a must have especially if you are a scrapbooker.  You can place these die cuts anywhere on your page to die cut the size heart that you want.  In this sample, I layered the dies to make frames of different sized hearts.  This turned out to be very simple to make using the heart framelits dies!

Laying on ground

Hearts twirling when they hang!



Supplies needed to make this project:

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette
                   Red Glimmer Paper

Accessories: Big Shot
                     Hearts Collection Framelits Dies - Occasions mini
                     Full Heart Punch
                     Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine
                     5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon
                     Crop-a-Dile
                     Paper Piercing Tool
                     Mat Pack
                     Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive

To get any or all of these supplies to make this project at home head now to my store www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net than click "Shop Now" under the products tab. 
Don't forget: For every $50 you spend (before shipping and taxes) you earn FREE Sale-a-bration items til the end of March.  Place your minimum $50 order by the end of February will also earn you my Valentine sweet treat class PDF emailed to you for FREE!  So, don't delay missing your chance for some great FREE items.

Love Banner

I have a party coming up Sunday that I wanted to have some decorations showcasing all that you can do with Stampin' Up! products.  Even though Valentine's day was yesterday, my party is going to be "love" themed so I'm still making Valentine projects.  Here's a banner that I made to hang spelling LOVE.

This is such a cute and easy project to make if you love to decorate for the holidays like I do.

Supplies needed to make this project:

Cardstock: Real Red
                   Pink Pirouette Designer Series Paper
                   Whisper White

Ink: Real Red

Stamp Sets: P.S. I Love You
                   Broadsheet Alphabet

Accessories: Heart Framelits - Occasion mini catalog
                     Big Shot
                     2-1/2" Circle Punch
                     1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch
                     Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz - this is sprayed on whisper white scallop circle
                     Color Catcher
                     Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details - added to different parts of each stamped letter
                     3/8" Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon
                    Crop-a-Dile
                    Snail Adhesive
                    Stampin' Dimensionals

If you like this project and want the supplies head to my store at www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net than click "Shop Now" under the products tab.  Sale-a-bration Special: For every $50 you spend (before shipping and taxes) you chose FREE Sale-a-bration items.  This runs until the end of March.  My Special: Place your minimum $50 order by the end of February and receive my Valentine sweet treat class PDF emailed to you for FREE!  What a great time to shop for Stampin' Up! products.  Shop now at my site: www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to my wonderful readers!

I hope that you have a great day celebrating with someone that you love.  I will be spending it with my 2 boys since my hubby has to work.  We ended up having our celebration last night with dinner and cake though.  My hubby spoiled me with roses as well.

Here's the card that I made for him.  I saw this idea on www.splitcoaststampers.com.  If you are a crafter and haven't checked out that site you need to bookmark as one of your favorites.  There are so many great ideas.

I enjoyed making this card because I used new items from the Occasions mini as well as Sale-a-bration.  I have been meaning to try the stamp sets I received FREE from placing a minimum $50 order (before tax and shipping) but just hadn't got around to it.  This was my perfect opportunity!
Supplies needed to make this card:

Cardstock: Crumb Cake
                  Bashful Blue
                  Real Red Designer Series Paper
                  Red Glimmer Paper

Ink: Versamark
        Basic Black
        Bashful Blue Stampin' Write Marker

Stamp Set: Outlined Occasions - exclusively in Sale-a-bration catalog that you can order for FREE after placing a minimum $50 order

Accessories: Big Shot
                     Framelit Hearts from Occasions mini (Love these because there are so many different things you can try with them as you can see from this card)
                     3/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Riding Hood Red
                     Rhinestone Circle Clear Brad
                     Heart to Heart Punch
                     Dazzling Details Cherry Cobbler
                     Snail Adhesive
                     Stampin' Dimensional

If you would like to receive this stamp set that includes congratulations and thanks along with love than head to my site www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net and place your $50 order before tax and shipping and choose your FREE items.  There are some exclusively only Sale-a-bration items as well as items from the current catalog you can get for FREE!!  You receive FREE items for every $50 you order.  For example if you place $110, you will get to choose 2 items from the Sale-a-bration catalog for FREE!  Who doesn't love getting free stuff?  Check out the Sale-a-bration catalog for all the items you can get for FREE here!

Day 10: Name that Set?

Good morning crafters!

Today is the last and final day for Name that Set? 

When you have all 10 answers, email them to brittnycreates@gmail.com  for your name to be put in the drawing for this FREE bundle.  It includes 2 spools: 10 yards of 1/8" ribbon in Colypso Coral and Lucky Limeade and 30 brads: 6 each of 5 designs.  These are featured in the Sale-a-bration catalog.

I hope you have enjoyed checking out different cards each day.  I enjoyed sharing them with you.  I also hope you have learned a little more about the Occasions mini catalog.  If this challenge has peeked your interest into wanting any of these sets, you can place your order through my Online Store  *For every $50 (before shipping and taxes) that you spend will get you a FREE Sale-a-bration item (like this ribbon and brad bundle) until the end of March.  What a great time to get any of these stamp sets you love from this challenge!

Stay tuned until tomorrow where I announce the winner!  Thanks for playing along.

Note: This card is not my creation but I have been given permission from Mary Ann H. to feature it on my blog.

Day 9: Name that Set?

Good morning crafters!

Day 9 is here for Name that Set?  Write down those answers because all you need is one more!

Tomorrow will be the last answer you need to qualify yourself for the FREE gift drawing.  Check previous posts if you have missed any answers.

Have a great day!

Note: This card is not my creation but I have been given permission from Lori W. to post it on my blog.

Day 8: Name that Set?

Good morning crafters!

We are getting closer and closer to the end.  Today is Day 8 in our Name that Set? challenge.

I hope you are enjoying all of my fellow demonstrators card. Aren't they just all wonderful?

Have a great day!

Note: This card is not my creation but I have permission from Amy D. to feature it on my blog.

Day 7: Name that Set?

Good morning crafters!

Day 7 here we go!

Did you figure out what set this is from the Occasions mini catalog?  Keep your answer quiet until Friday for you to have a chance to win a FREE gift!

Wondering what this FREE gift is?  Check back on Day 10 and the prize will be revealed!

Have a great day!

Note: This card is not my creation but I have been given permission from Marji S. to feature it on my blog.

Day 6: Name that Set?

Good morning crafters!

Welcome back to Name that Set?  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Here's your Day 6 card.

Does this card look familiar to anyone?  It should because this is mine!!  The answer to today's set is starring right in front of you if you look closely at the card!  Just a little hint :)

Have a great day!

Day 5: Name that Set?

Good morning crafters!

Here's Day 5 of Name that Set?

After today you should have 5 answers.  If you've missed any day, take a look back at previous posts titled Name that Set?  Write your answers to each day and wait to email them to myself next Friday, February 10th for your chance to win a FREE gift.

Check back Monday morning to see Day 6th's card.  I hope everyone enjoys their weekend and gets some crafting in!  I hope to do the same.

Note: This card is not my creation but I have been given permission from Ronnie to feature it on my blog.

Day 4: Name that Set?

Good morning crafters!

Welcome back to Name that Set?  This is Day 4's card.  Can you guess what stamp set from the Occasions mini catalog is used on this card?  Shh, don't tell anyone until Day 10!

Note: This card is not my creation but I have been given permission from Lynn C. to feature it on my blog.

Have a great day and see you tomorrow!

FREE Trial of My Digital Studio

Hello crafters!

I didn't want to really post anything during my blog candy contest but I had to announce this.  Stampin' Up! is offering the My Digital Studio Express FREE for a month. 

* Full access to the software at NO COST for 30 days.
Q: Do my 30 days start as soon as I download My Digital Studio?A: Your 30 day trial period starts as soon as you launch the program. It does not matter when you download the program, your 30 days will start as soon as you actually launch (open) the program.

* Full design functionality.
Q: Is the trial version of the software different from the paid version of My Digital Studio Express?A: No. When you order the My Digital Studio Express Trial, you will receive the full version of My Digital Studio Express. The software will function exactly the same as if you had purchased the software--you can design, purchase downloads, and print. The only difference is that you can only use the trial version for 30 days.

* Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express—that’s $50 worth of content!

Q: What digital content comes with the My Digital Studio Express Trial?A: My Digital Studio Express includes one stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Paper patterns, 81 embellishments, 26 punches, and 5 designer templates.

* Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets--and everything in between.
Q: What happens to digital downloads I purchase during the 30 day trial period?A: You (and your customers) will have continued access to any downloads you purchase during the trial period. If you choose to purchase the software, you will simply need to enter a product key, and you will be able to use all your downloads like normal. If you do not purchase the software, you will still have access to your downloads through your download manager, and you will be able to load them to the digital design software of your choice.

* Access to our professional print services.
Q: Can I place a print order with the trial version?A: Yes. You have full access to everything you can do in My Digital Studio for a full 30 days. This includes full designing functionality, printing, and the ability to purchase downloads.

*For use beyond 30 days, purchase My Digital Studio Express or the My Digital Studio disc version through my online store: www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net
Q: What happens after the 30 day trial period is over?A: When you launch the software after the 30 day trial period is over, you will be prompted to enter a product key. You will not be able to use the software again until you have entered a product key. You can get a product key by purchasing My Digital Studio or My Digital Studio Express. The product key prompt will include a link to the software page of MyDigitalStudio.net, which will tell your customers where to order the software.

To access your FREE trial.  Go to my site: www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net then click "Shop Now" under the products tab.  It's item number 129600 if you do not see a small box advertising MDS on the right.

*To Install:
Q: How do my customers install the My Digital Studio Express Trial software after they have ordered it?A: Your customers can access their My Digital Studio Express Trial download through the Downloads section of their account. Make sure they select Mac or Windows, and the download and install wizards will walk them through the rest of the process.

I hope this clarifies this FREE trial for you.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.  If you want to take advantage of this head to my store: www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net now.

Day 3: Name that Set?

Good morning crafters!

Ready for Day 3 of Name that Set?  Here it is:

Which stamp set is featured on this card from the Occasions mini catalog?  If you know the name, jot it down and save your answer until you have all 10 for a chance to win a FREE gift!

See you back tomorrow for Day 4 of Name that Set?  Have a great day!

Note: This card is not my creation but I have been given permission from Kim Williams to feature it on my blog.