Stampin’ Up is great…read my story and “you’ll get it’

by Susan Itell | Apr 17, 2013 | Uncategorized | 8 comments

I
am sure that if you follow many Stampin' Up Demonstrators blogs you will see or have already seen the amazing New Demonstrator Offer that Stampin' Up is offering! I hope that you take time to read why I chose to become a Demonstrator as I am just about to my one year anniversary!

I am a believer in Direct Sales, as I have had many years of Direct Sales experience! Why do I love Direct Sales…easy – you can do it as much or as little as I want!

The Direct Sales Company that I was with for over 8+ years was some of the best times in my life! I missed so many aspects of it when I left … but I was the one that made the decision as it was a personal "life" decision but I knew in my heart that I would one day find myself back into direct sales … I love the "relationships" you build with customers as well as others that share your same passion!

I was first introduced to SU probably 15 years ago…I went with a friend to a monthly class and had a ball. Unfortunately the Demonstrator moved out of state and I simple never took the time to find a new one! I started up again about 3 years ago and it was not until my late Mother was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer that I really embraced the impact of what a card would mean to someone.

During her courageous 3 1/2 months battle with this terrible aggressive cancer, my wonderful Mom received over 400 cards! I stayed with her at a hospital for just about 6 weeks as she was going through surgery, treatments and rehab and even though they were the worst times of my life – they in turn became the best times in my life!

We embraced each other…talked…laughed and she showed me how to be brave and enjoy each and everyday! Leaving my family, my home, my animals I learned a life lesson that YOU can STOP the dailiness of life and it is ok!

My Mom was the "queen of card giving" and this was a hobby of hers that she so enjoyed! As she was receiving this huge wave of cards…she read each and everyone over and over….and was so touched by the out -pouring of so many. She truly cherished her cards and I can say that even though she loved each of them…the ones that were made by her friends were her favorites!

I still have in a bowl in my home the mountain of cards she received as a reminder to me what a simple yet powerful gesture it brings to one! My Mom never made Stampin' Up! Cards…I wanted her to…but to be honest – I think she had a lack of self confidence that she would not be able to do them.

• REASON #1 I became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator – I want to show people that EVERYONE has a gift…that EVERYONE can make gifts from the heart! I find that as people get older they have a tendency to loose their self confidence.

I think for a year after her passing, I never allowed myself to mourn and accept that she was not with us. I had an amazing opportunity thanks to my wonderful husband to spend a month away from home with our horses at a Horse Show. Our daughter Hannah would fly down on weekends to show her horses but I was there for a month with one of our great dogs and be able to "take it all in" and think about life! It was at this time that I really looked into becoming at SUD.

I brought all of my "Stampin' Stuff" on my months journey and spent time creating…spent time discovering what a BLOG was ( ha-ha) and now look at me blogging! I can even remember googling "What is a Blog?" ( Is that super dorky or what) I allowed myself to find a style and also allowed myself to look into this as an option to join Stampin' Up!

I kept stumbling on (all of the time) this Mary Fish person…She intrigued me… – I found myself researching more and more about so many wonderful Demonstators. I took a leap of faith and emailed her asking if she would talk to me about SU.Being the incredible person she is, I received a response within hours! She had no idea who I was or what I wanted! THIS is the aspect of Direct Sale sales that I LOVE….when people "get it…they get it"

I do try to answer each and everyone of your emails, comments and questions you give to me, as I know YOUR time is as valuable as mine….and I want to be there for you!

Being involved with Direct Sales before I knew what to look for in what I would want with an involvement with a company like this….

• I knew that I did not want to go to meetings…
• I knew that I did not want to have to carry inventory…
• I knew that I did not want to have to go teach classes…
• I knew that I did not want to have a revolving door of people in my home…
• I knew that I did not want to invest a lot of money…

The things that I did know that I wanted was…

• To be fulfilled…
• To be able to create and inspire people with my passion…
• To have fun…
• To be able to get my products at a discount…
• To be affiliated with a Team that has passion, resources and always generates a positive attitude with an ability to learn and grow…
• To be able to do "what I wanted to do…on my time frame"
• Did I say….to have FUN! I am having fun and I do hope that it shows through my blogging!

After this month of being away, I came home…thought about this some more and then I also kept doing my researching on the company! Everything was so "Moon and Stars aligned" Stampin' Up! gives you such an amazing opportunity to be a part of this amazing and solid company for just $99.00…I agree – sound too good to be true.

On May 6th, 2012 I took a leap of faith…did not tell my husband, my friends, my children….the only ones that knew where my dogs!!!!I knew that I needed to do something for ME….and I can honestly say – I have never regretted a day! The opportunity for yourself is truly "what you want it to be" and the motto of "doing the business YOUR WAY…is soooo true!"

The majority of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators are hobbyist – much like myself. I would have NEVER in a million years thought I would be blogging (as I really am challenged with the computer – see my blog header stills says February – why???? cause' I cannot figure out how to change it!!!!!)

At 1st I thought….what the heck am I going to buy with my kit – I already basically own the catalog!!!  

IF THIS IS YOU….

than please tell me why???

It is crazy that if you love our products that you do not embrace this opportunity for yourself! Naturally I found products that I did not have and I was sooooo excited to get the 1st box of goodies! After
purchasing my kit and becoming part of Stampin' Up!, I discovered a lot
more.

Even before the UPS man came…I received a POURING of resources from Mary Fish and her PALS community that I instantly felt like I had a family…there were all of these Face Book resources for her group ( 6 in total) and I thought – WHAT THE HECK AM I GONNA DO….I have no idea how to get onto facebook and my kids are going to think I am nuts if I ask them for help!

I learned to take baby steps and try to take it all in and now I am so incredibly happy that less than a year ago, I made the decision to do this for myself….I truly did it for me…no one else and it feels GREAT!

I am now "giving back" to people that are going though Cancer treatments in making cards monthly for them…being able to be fulfilled with my daily blogging….being able to wake up each and everyday knowing that I am inspiring someone….and best yet – being able to go to sleep at night knowing that I am trying to make a difference !

This opportunity of joining  Stampin' Up for $99.00 and being able to choose $155.00 on any product is truly an incredible opportunity! What do you have to lose….ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Life is full of options and so do you!!!!

Please reach out to me and email me! I would love and be honored to talk to you about becoming a part of this incredible journey with the most incredible people you will EVER meet!

I HAD OPTIONS AND SO DO YOU! 

• Should you decide to purchase JUST the starter kit (see NEW
  promotion details below) you CAN.  There's NO requirement to purchase
  anything further, host parties and no penalty if you drop.  It's a
  risk-free test drive of demonstrator benefits through October 31, 2013
  (includes from the time you join through the first FULL Stampin' Up!
  quarter plus a pending month in October to catch up if you choose to
  remain active).

                         
JOIN NOW FOR $99 AND GET $30 IN BONUS PRODUCT FREE! 

Available April 15 – May 30, 2013. 

• Spend $99 for the kit and get up to $155 in product (that's $56 in free product–a extra $30 in free product during this offer)! 
• Build your kit by choosing from available Stampin' Up! products in any current catalog or product promotion (including "Best of 25 Years Stamps" and limited time single stamps), My Digital Studio, the clearance rack and specially priced bundles! 
• The kit ships FREE! (another 10% savings)
• Save 30% on your first demonstrator order of $150
  or more (before shipping and tax).  Must be placed within 45 days of
  purchasing the starter kit.  It's the perfect time to fill your wish list for
  less.
• Enjoy 20% off on all other demonstrator orders while active.
• I am proud to be part of….the NEW PALS PARTNER PROGRAM! This is an incredible offering that Mary Fish has offered to her down line… Learn more about Mary's Pals Partner Program.
• Pre-order select products from the new catalog starting 4/24.  Everyone else has to wait until 5/31! I CANNOT WAIT!!!
  

I know that this posting has been SO L O N G  but I felt the need to share with you my passion and story (after all  – you pop on my blog daily – I want you to know where I am with what I do!) I plan to be affiliated with this incredible company forever! It has been the best thing that I have done for myself! I would love to build a relationship with you and with Stampin' Up!

I know that I said that I was going to share with you the dimensions if Fridays card….I promise – I will later today…..I am off to bed but I do hope that you will allow yourself to think, dream and ask me how you can be part of this fun PALS journey together!

Until later ( I'll be back with the dimensions…promise!)

Stampin' hugs and thanks for listening to my story!

xoxoxxo

No Baltimore Regionals for me…but I had a blast with Brandy!

by Susan Itell | Apr 14, 2013 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

I am having a great weekend…being in beautiful North Carolina and being with my daughter has been a picture perfect weekend! As a "die-hard" follower of other incredible Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, I have always enjoyed, been inspired and in awe of Brandy Cox and her talent…videos….and stampin' room!

Tonight was a blast! I had the opportunity to go to a "stamp-a-stack" class of Brandy's! It was not only a treat – it was a blast! She is one talented person that has a passion that is simply electric – It was wonderful!

Please take time to check out her blog as well as her videos! She has a spirit, a great eye for color, and just a "breathe of fresh air'!!! When I rang the door…I was greeted by her adorable "little guy" that said my Mom's people go upstairs and to the left!

Up I went and WOW – her craft room was like walking into "Tiffany's"  – beautiful…bright….and just plain WOW was the best way to describe it! We have never met…and instantly I felt like I have known her for years!

Here are 2 of the cards we made! Are they great or what! I loved how Brandy put a little message on each persons work area!

This card above is showcasing one of the new colors that are coming out…love….LOVE IT!

This evening was a real treat and it re-affirmed to me that there are so many SU Demonstrators that have not only talent – but a compassion for what they do…just like me!

I am so excited that this timing happened….my daughter has many years here at her college but I know that well after my daughter is gone from this area, my friendship, laughter, net-working and fun time with Brandy will always be there!

Thanks for a great evening and keep doing what your doing!

Until tomorrow…

It’s free….with the BROWN man!

by Susan Itell | Apr 6, 2013 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Free Shipping on Everything Stampin' Up!

starting today …

Saturday April 6th through Monday April 8th.

This is the time to stock up on basics…we all know that the new catalog is coming out soon so I do not blame you for waiting on stamp sets…but we all know the basics we use over and over!!! This is the perfect time to stock up!

I do not know about you…..but it if I do not have to pay for shipping…I do the happy dance!!! THIS IS ICING ON THE CAKE – so take advantage of it!

Please click here to access my online store and have fun shopping away!

Until tomorrow…….

Wanta be inspired!!??

by Susan Itell | Apr 5, 2013 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

As promised, I told you that I would share with you how my "Angel Program" went on Wednesday night….well – it was as "Tony the Tiger would say"…it was G R E A T!

There was a group of ladies ( and next month…come on men…please come!) 11 of us ( I think) that met and assembled cards to give to Breast Cancer Patients going through treatment to brighten up their day!

Each week, an "Angel" sends a card to the patient to let them know that they care….what a great and so meaningful way to reach out to someone that you do not even know! I think it is a beautiful and so special gesture!

None of the ladies that came have ever stamped! Is that super or what – I have a friend that is part of this organization that reached out to me and I knew it was right up my alley as I knew how special cards were to my Mom when she was going through cancer! I had everything all prepped and all I needed from them was their spirit and excitement to make many smile!!!

Now this picture above is toooooo darn funny! She was so "into" putting the hexagon shapes in the card….she had adhered the ivory piece to the same card twice….!!!! But you know the BEST thing about this is….she showed us and we all laughed! That is exactly what we need to do….was it a big deal – NO WAY!!!! She simply pulled it up and presto – put it on another card!

Life lesson…

don't sweat the small stuff!

I have learned to try not to sweat the small stuff….we all have gifts and we all have an ability to make a difference in others lives that are going through times that they simply should not have to be going through!

Below was the icing on the cake for me = a beautiful box of cards ( 100+) ready to be able to be shared with those that need a message of inspiration! My heart is happy and I am already looking forward to next month!

Tomorrow I am going to share with you some fun things I am doing on Saturday with 30 Breast Cancer Patients in a day of celebration for them! It is called Camp Hope, a day that they can come to our local chapter and experience a day of fun for them! There are going to be several different activities for them…a yummy lunch and I have 1 1/2 hours with them! I was stressed as what to do….but then I thought, "WHY" – all they want is to have a day for themselves and to have fun! I am going to have a blast!

You all know…I love what I do and doing things like this fills my bucket to the top!

Until tomorrow……

Exciting news FREE SHIPPING & NEW colors…..

by Susan Itell | Apr 4, 2013 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

WOOT-WOOT!!!!

This weekend – April 6th – 8th…Stampin' Up! is giving us a treat!

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS!

Now who does not like FREE shipping! You can order directly through my website and have your goodies delivered right to your door!

This is PERFECT timing for me as I have been going through paper like crazy and I need some good old basics!!! Just love those basics – the key to clean and simple projects!

ANOTHER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY……

(this piece below was from the SU Website)

Stampin' Up! is announcing a

Color Refresh!

We love color and we know that you do
too. Color is fundamental to who we are and what we offer. It's
important for us to stay up-to-date with color trends so we are thrilled
to share our updated line of colors, and hope you will be as excited as
we are by the new possibilities!

Why now? In 2010 we did a big color renovation and shared our
plans for smaller color refreshes every three to five years to keep our
colors on trend. Well it has been three years and we are excited to
announce that the upcoming 2013-2014 annual catalog will include 10 new
colors (most of which are returning In Colors from previous years)! We
are welcoming back some of your favorites, moving some colors around,
and introducing one brand-new color, so take a look!

Beginning on April 4, 2013, all retiring/discontinued color products
(i.e. ink, paper, ribbon, accessories, etc.) will be available only
while supplies last. This means that some products will not be available
through the retired list period. We did anticipate increased demand and
based our forecasts for these retiring colors on historical sales
information from previous color transitions. 

Also announced today, free shipping
is going on April 6-8, 2013, which would be a great time for you to get your favorites before they are gone!

Here is a chart that will help you!

Please click here and check out this great video explaining the changes! It is very clear and concise!

This is exciting as at 1st I was bummed that Pretty in Pink was being discontinued but seeing that Blushing Bride is coming back….I AM SMILING! I am also smiling that Island Indigo will be around – what a great color!

In a nut shell…I know at times we do not like change…but we also need to embrace that "change" is growth…"change" is being with the times….these changes are good!

Enjoy the afternoon…until tomorrow!

“Best of Butterflys”

by Susan Itell | Apr 4, 2013 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

In continuing the 25th anniversary celebration of Stampin' Up…here is the new stamp set for this month! These stamp sets are all so unique and for $14.95 a set – they are a super great value! I have the butterflies on order!

Now that you have seen my style of stampin'…..which stamp below can you see me using most? Leave me a comment and let me know!

There is a new set release each and every month but they will be available to purchase until March 31,2014!Purchase 6 sets and you can get a free stamp set of your choice…email me and ask me the details!

Here is this month's goodie! It's a keeper! I can't wait to get it!

The "Best of" Butterflies – April 2013

 Below are the previous months that Stampin' Up! has introduced! Which one is your favorite…I would love to hear…but better yet – I would love for you to share with me some of your work using them! Please email them to me!

The "Best of" Birthdays – January 2013

The "Best of" Love – February 2013

The "Best of" Flowers – March 2013

I personally think that it is super fun to have a new stamp set to look forward to each month! I can honestly say that I have used them all and I see love the versatility there is with each of the themes!

Tomorrow I will share with you how my Breast Cancer Angel project went! I have been super excited to do this as making and sending cards to people that need a pick – me -up! It is the easiest and most rewarding thing you could do! I know my heart is happy!!! Until tomorrow….thanks for stopping by!