Good Morning and Happy “Simple Saturday”. I am so excited or this weekend post. By now you know that I love to share stories and today I have some stories about why I am excited about this weekend post.
In May I will mark my 5th Anniversary with Stampin’ Up! and even though I was one of those…“get the kit and run” individuals, I am glad that I did not do that as this will make sense to you.
Last Saturday, Jeanie and I took a “road trip” to another wonderful Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator in Purcellville, Va. , Sharon Cline. It is ALWAYS a treat to go and see Sharon and even though she is not on my team or Jeanie’s….we met and instantly connected when we went to a fabulous workshop in Northern Virginia 2 years ago. The reason that I am sharing this with you is simple…the people you meet along this journey are the best – it simply does not matter who and where they are from because it is simple…we all love to stamp!
Sharon is always a ton of fun to be with and she has started a “Technique Book” for her customers and Jeanie and I signed up for her workshop…so we were able to start a technique book. Today’s card is all about the “technique” that Sharon shared….paper piecing.
I have used this technique before and I adore it. (Do you all remember Vivid Vases single stamp???? Well it is still on Randall Lane and gets used hard with this technique). Tomorrow I will go into more detail about the ins and outs of the technique but today, we need to chat! (Trust me, the stepped up version might be worth it…just sayin’ “
Now to another great story….the making behind the Stamp Set Mediterranean Moments, this was the stamp set that was designed by Susan Nygaard. (I have hyper-linked to her name and I would read the fabulous story that will inspire you).
PLEASE SEE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST – I COPIED AND PASTED THE ARTICLE…..
I am sorry – I did not realize that the link would not let you access is but I do want you to read it!
I had the pleasure and honor to hear her speak in Atlanta in October and let me tell you….she is an inspiration but she is also sooooooo darn funny – a total hoot!
When you become a Million Dollar SUD you get the opportunity to create a stamp set with the design team . This is Susan’s stamp set that she designed. It is a beautiful classic stamp set and I would wager to say that many of you think at 1st glance – this is too hard to watercolor.
This is my thoughts! 1st, you do not have to watercolor it (like I did today) but step back tomorrow and you will see how a simple touch will make it POP!
Below you will see the “mask” that I made to make the card and tomorrow, I will go into deeper detail. The key to masking is to “make the mask” and then store it in the stamp case so you can use it over and over again!
If I were you…I would go to Pinterest and see all of the AMAZING ideas that people have created with these 2 stamp sets together. They truly are breathtaking and I will say…if you break it down and understand the technique, it really is easy but has a huge WOW factor.
‘
Here is another “scoop” – this stamp set is being carried over for next year…..Beautiful You. This is a classic – and one that can be used with so many DSP’s and also for so may different themes of cards. There is something so “beautiful” about this stamp set…(DUH – maybe that’s why it is called Beautiful You) 😉 but truly, the ideas are endless with it.
One tip that I have for you and trust me, it was an “a ha moment” for me as Sharon was sooooo right. We used the Early Espresso Ink for the “lady” and I admit I would have used black (by habit) but this is still dark but without the harshness of the black.
Isn’t it funny how we all get stuck on doing something just out of “habit” but when you do something else you stand back and say…wow, I like that!
The “Paper Piecing” came from some DSP in the Falling In Love Collection. Tomorrow we will go step by step in how to make the mask and also some tips along the way – (you know that I love to share my tips with you – that’s how we learn!)
This is the kind of card that looks hard but in the contrary, it is so easy and effective. When you look at the supplies that I used, you will agree ~ it us very minimal. I also think using the Very Vanilla card stock as my base really gives a soft and subtle look for the total feel of the card.
Well I hope that this inspired you, actually I hope in many ways! Wasn’t that article about Susan Nygaard just the best. I simply cannot tell you how funny she is and wow – what an inspiration to be a full time Pharmacist and become a million dollar achiever….WOW – it goes to show you that anything can be achieved with a vision.
BELOW IN GREEN IS THE ARTICLE THAT I WAS REFERRING TO….Enjoy!
As the eighth person to achieve an astounding $1,000,000 in personal sales, Susan Nygaard has joined a group of elite demonstrators! We offer her a million congratulations and a collective high-five on reaching this mind-blowing milestone.
Susan, a senior manager from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a pharmacist by day and a stamper the rest of the time. Her husband Lance is no doubt celebrating with her. She shares, “He is always so thrilled for me when I achieve something at work or through Stampin’ Up! (and he loves the vacations).” He says the same thing to her every time she heads out, “Have fun, sell tons.”
For her, this journey has been one of self-discovery, filled with aha moments, charting goals, and-most importantly-being a positive influence for those around her.
Back in 1997 when a friend invited her to a workshop, Susan very adamantly told her that she was not interested in a new hobby. She shares, “Well, then she showed me the catalog, and ahem . . . suddenly, I was a little more interested in coming to her party.” You know where this is going . . . Susan ended up with a $260 order and before she left the workshop, turned to the demonstrator and said, “I want to do this.” And, boy has she done it!
Some of her early workshops included mopping the floor for a hostess, kids walking across the dining room table, and a $30 bounced check. Actually, that’s just one workshop! (Who’s been there before?) She took every experience in her early demonstratorship as an opportunity to learn and grow.
She shares, “It [went from] ‘I don’t know what I’m doing,’ to ‘I think I may have a plan,’ to ‘Focus, focus, focus,’ to ‘I am going to reach that goal if it kills me.’ Goal setting drives me–sometimes I write it down, but mostly I don’t have to. I visualize earning an award or reaching a milestone, and then I just do what I have to do to make it play out just as I envisioned it. Works every time.”
She hasn’t missed a convention since she started and remembers one time as she watched the top demonstrators walk across the stage; it suddenly hit her that she was only a few thousand dollars away from the number 10 spot. She set a goal, graphed it out on paper, and the next year she made it to number seven in sales! “I always wondered what it would feel like to sit in the front of the room at convention and hear my name called,” she recalls. “Well, it feels pretty darned good.“
One of Susan’s greatest passions is to help others discover the joy of creating. She shares, “I love it when someone new comes to a workshop or party and immediately states ‘I am not creative.’ And I say, ‘Neither am I!’ Then, I show them how easy it is to create something without being creative, and I just love the look on their face when they realize they can do this. Such fun.” She takes it a step further by surprising her customers with little gifts or cards tucked into their orders.
Besides stamping, her customers love her workshops because she is hilarious! “If people are not falling off their chairs laughing, then I have not done my job. I use a lot of humor in my workshops. It breaks the ice, and everyone has a pleasurable experience that they won’t soon forget.” She adds, “I love taking them away for an hour or two to a place where they can forget about their troubles and just laugh and have fun.”
So what’s her advice to new demonstrators? “Take advantage of the strengths that you have and make those the focus of your business. If you’re creative, then show that off with a beautiful blog. If you have a head for business, then run your business to help support your family. It’s kind of like going to college, really. Sometimes you have to get in a few semesters before you are able to declare a major. Just try out a little of everything until you find your niche.”
The “million dollar” question is this: What are Susan’s thoughts about this achievement? “I think of the confidence I have gained, the friends I have made, the unforgettable experiences traveling around the country and the world, and the absolute joy that I experience when sitting down to show someone how to make something beautiful and lasting. It has been a privilege.” Well, said, Susan! You are an inspiration to all who are striving to reach goals, feel joy, and make a difference in the lives of others.
There’s no doubt that Susan is still busily planning her next fun-filled night of comedy and stamping. And we can almost see the face of her newest customer, lighting up with laughter and creativity! Keep it up, Susan. We’re cheering for you!
Have a great day but I do hope to see you back her tomorrow to see how I have “stepped it up” – heck – I think it already looks super special and I cannot tell you how easy it was. Here is that PAW PRINT for you to give a “high five” and get some goodies…..sale-a-bration is almost over!
What a pretty image you created with masking. Thank you for telling the story behind the stamp set M. Moments . I commented a while back that I wished SU would share the stories of how some of the stamp sets came into the catalog . I did notice a TEENY little bitty sign by Susan`s later as I was going through the Occasions catty with a magnifying glass !
I really like this scene you created . What a perfect place to stroll ! Plus I have been using grey instead of black lately to soften the image BUT ….have not tried BROWN !! Yay ! Something new I learned from Susan !!
Oh ! I must say also Happy Birthday (yesterday) to Chris R. !!!
I am so glad that you pointed out that you have been using Grey…..that too is a color that I forget about as my hand is on “auto-pilot” to go to the black ink. When I did use the Early Espresso….it was like a light bulb went off – SILLY SUSAN….you need to step out of the box and try other colors….and I like it!
Thank you Sonny for the birthday wishes! As I told Brian King I am still accepting cards and presents! Just kidding I had a good day.
I agree that they need to do a better job of telling us “little” people about if a set was designed for such an astounding accomplishment. It is nice for them to put them in the demonstrator’s quarterly publication but it is fun and interesting to know about these people. Like how we knew about Bella and Skittles belonging to Angie.
Good Morning! Love this card. I was not too interested in these two sets, but boy is my interest piqued now! I do have some Falling in Love DSP from your share and I’m really thinking of so many people would would love a card with the Beautiful You stamp set. I’m super glad to know it is being carried over . . . gives me a little time to whittle down that wishlist.
Have a wonderful Saturday . . . more snow predicted here but not too much.
🙂
I’m with you, Nancy. Neither card has been on my list to buy and play with, but now I’m second-guessing my initial decision. Susan, this card is a wonderful inspiration for both sets. I’m loving the plain background with the beautiful paper-piecing. Can’t wait to see tomorrow’s card.
Please see Nancy’s reply that I left – I felt the same way but it is super fun to pull them together. I think you will be happy with Sunday’s card….just sayin’
I hear you…I hear you – I was intimated by the Mediterranean Moments but I knew I needed it because Susan designed it. WOW – was I wrong because the “details” that are in each images as so over the top….you can really use it “as is” or just add a bit if color here and there and PRESTO a masterpiece! I hope that you do not get too much snow – I am soooo ready for Spring!
I was so sad that in order to view Susan Nygaard’s blog, I need to sign in as a demonstrator. : ( However, I did get to see Sharon’s blog. Your card is Gorgeous, Susan! What an awesome idea to put these 2 sets together to make one Wonderful creation! Can’t wait to see tomorrow’s version~
Thanks for the “heads up” on not being able to see Susan’s bio…..I did copy and paste it fro everyone to enjoy! I can sooooooo easily see you doing something amazing with this stamp set – you are fabulous with coloring!
What an elegant card! I love the soft colors and never thought to pair the two stamp sets together. I do have beautiful you (which I adore) and have made several cards with it using the paper piecing technique. Can’t wait to see how you stepped up a perfect card already. Enjoy.
I agree, that Beautiful You is sooooo well named as it is a beauty! I think that you will like Sunday’s card – and trust me, it is WAY EASIER than making that “Taco Truck” (ha-ha)
I tried to read about Susan Nygard but your link takes me to a demonstrator link I don’t have access to. I can’t wait to see your step up version. I have seen some beautiful cards with the Beautiful You set. I had to add it to my list.
I hope that you popped back on and read the article – I didn’t know that it would not allow you all to see it…..a wonderful read of inspiration!
Beautiful card today, Susan. Can’t wait to see tomorrow’s version. Always love your helpful tips. Have a great day!
Thanks….I appreciate your sweet words and I aim to please – Please POP back!
love the softness of the blue and how you merged the woman in the Mediterranean scene! classy!
Thanks Mary, Soft Sky is such a soothing color and always makes a great statement!
I bought the Beautiful You set with the idea of paper piecing it but haven’t done so yet. I’ve done other things with it though. I like the even softer color you stamped the Mediterranean background in. This is a very nice card.
Thanks Judy, I think that the contrast of the 2 browns makes it. I am a huge fan of Soft Suede….I forget about using Early Espresso but it worked!
Susan, thanks for copying and posting the article on Susan N. You’re right; she IS a hoot. I will never forget her presentation in Atlanta, costume and all. It must be a universal law that “Susan”=”inspiring!!!
That is the one thing that I walked away from after hearing her speak….not only is she a total HOOT…her story and working full time as a Pharmacist….WOW…..one fantastic person with a beautiful heart!
Very pretty card, I love the soft sky blue with it! I have been to several parties and a stamping retreat with Susan Nygaard here in South Dakota and she is wonderful and a lot of fun!
You are soooooo lucky….you nailed it – wonderful and fun!
I had the pleasure of hearing Susan Nygaard speak in Atlanta and she truly is an inspiration. She had us all laughing with her stories and applauding her success! Thanks for sharing her story…I enjoyed it again! I have no doubt there will be another “Susan” reaching this milestone as well!
Very pretty card and it made total sense to use both sets. It was inspiring, if not exhausting, to read about Susan. I thought you might color something for the stepped up version but otherwise no ideas.