Classes

Welcome all!
This June is a busy month for me. I am hoping to host my very first classes AND that they will be successful.
My first of the two is slated for this Saturday and I had the brainstorm to do a mother and kiddo Father's Day workshop. I wanted to do one back in mother's day- but I didn't have enough time to order the materials. (my shipping takes about a week- still pretty good considering I live in Northern Alberta and it's coming from Utah I think!)
We'll be making this:


materials
* Best Dad Ever Stamp Set
* Fox and Friends Stamp Set
* Whisper White 1/4 inch ribbon
Colors:
* Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip
*Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake

So I tried my hand again at making Maria's Treat Box found under Resources at www.splitcoaststampers.com website. It fits quite a bit of home made Bits and Bites in there! I thought each 'mom' can make 2 A2 sized cards, and then each 'kiddo' can make 2 mini cards- like moms, but quicker and less elaborate (as children have such small attention spans sometimes (especially when it comes to cleaning their rooms! lol))

The next class I am doing is the very next week and I am whipping up these little cuties for teacher's thank yous. In Canada (as it seems that Americans are done late May/early June) we keep 'em in school until the end of July-ish. So this is perfect for last minute teachers gifts- and has the added benefit of being homemade (cuz, who doesn't love little homemade stationary sets?)


materials:
* sticky tape
* scalloped edge border punch
* Pawsitivly Prints II (retiring soon! :(
* Builder Wheel- For Teacher, School Colors, Elementary Alphabet (these are SO CUTE!!)
* Swirls and Curls verses (Hostess benefits level 1 set- Summer Mini 2011)

Colors:
* So Saffron, Tempting Turquois, Poppy Parade

So I made a mini magazine holder (details on www.inkingidaho.blogspot.com ) and added 4 3x4 mini cards and a 3x3 post it note holder. The ones I made for my daughter's kindergarten teacher's were a BIG hit!

So wish me luck on my classes! I hope I get a turnout AND new customers ;) I made flyers to put up around town (I am the ONLY demo in my tiny town- WOOT!) and stapled some business cards on them- hopefully that helps too!

That's it for me- have an awesome night,
~Brandie~

Birthday Box

Hey crafters- happy Tuesday!
SO this is the SECOND time I have to write this- lol! I have to use a different browser for my blogging aaaaaaaaand I forgot this time :/
SO anyways, my daughter went to a 'spa' birthday party this past weekend and I went to Wal Mart to get a few mini spa items for a birthday gift. They were cute, but with my realitivly small budget and the items themselves being small, I wanted to make something to put them in to really make it special.
So I scoured the files of www.splitcoaststampers.com and found the perfect tutorial for this box (resources>>Maria's Treat Box). It was simple, only took 1 sheet of 11x8.5 (cut to size) cardstock and some embellishments and DSP.

There was actually 3 packs of face masks as well- but I wanted to showcase the back of the box, also 3 mini nailpolishes that are too small to be seen :) I wasn't THAT cheap- lol! The box was actually a good size- it fit a nice bunch of goodies inside without being overwhelmed. The great thing about Stampin' Up! cardstock is that it is SO sturdy, yet easy to work with. So you can fold it and it's not resistant, at the same time it can go from making cards to doing 3D projects that are made to last a while. So not only does my daughter's friend have a cute little package for her gift, she has a keep sake for trinkets after the party is done.
So I used Chocolate Chip CS for the base of the card and the box (directions are on splitcoaststampers under Maria's Treat box - video tutorial and everything- WOOT!) I used the pink DSP found in my subtles DSP pack (I LOVE it! I need to replace very soon!)
I also used Flight of the Butterfly Stamp set and XL Butterfly Punch ( I WILL be getting more stamps in the future- and using some of the other ones I have- I promise! lol!) As well as the LIVE LAUGH LOVE stamp set and On Your Birthday set.
For any followers of my blog, you know that I LOVE bling and have been avoiding it as I want to only use Stampin' Up stuff exclusivly for the most part- but not to fear- I do plan on getting their Glitter (I heard it was AWESOME!) and embossing powder and such and I'll be back to being a glitter fiend in no time ;) to fill my need for all things sparkley, I used their Pearl Basics embellishments. They are actually really pretty in person and have a variety of sizes in 1 package.
So that's it for me for today- I hope I inspired you :)
~Brandie~

First Workshop

Well... first NON friend workshop. I already threw a party with a friend of mine for Stampin' Up and Arbonne together. But as we both were showcasing different things, I didn't wind up doing a workshop for times sake. Also- it showed me that I SUCK at just demoing things if I don't have something to make. SO workshops it is in the future.
So I had a non-friend wanting to host a workshop (a person I have never met before), so hopefully this networking will work out and I'll get more non-friends as customers and then they will become friends :) I do love the social aspect of being a SU! demonstrator. I can see why they want to focus on workshops and classes- get to give people a hands on experience while being friendly and social. AND (this is just me) but I lure them in with some Brandie-cupcakes ;) give me a chance to bake (which I LOVE!) and then I can get rid of them instead of keeping them here. Temping me....
ANYWAYS! I placed an order and got the stuff in time for the party- I used my color coach to find the color combination and this one just SCREAMED summer fun. Then, of course, using my On Your Birthday and Flight of the Butterfly stamp set (the ones that came with my kit- def. need to save up for more stamps! lol) but these are very versatile so they worked well :) and who doesn't need a birthday card everytime they turn around?

The first card used panels for color contrast- plus it gave me an excuse to use my versamark ink which I never used before and have to admit, am abit addicted to. I got to showcase the rock and roll technique (again- how have I NOT heard about it before becoming a demo?)
The second card I tried something different. I punched 2 butteflies on tempting turquoise and then used it as a window over the Daffodil delight and then used my Stamp a Majig to stamp an image behind it.
My next card is a tent card and I tried some color blocking- fun fun!
Lastly I made a Gate Fold card- by folding the A2 flap back over itself and got to play with my Stampin' Around wheel. I bought the handle and a BUNCH of wheels a couple of years ago- but unfortunatly most of them are retired :( (oh well- that just means I get to buy more :D right???)
So I have NEVER been this addicted to card making before. I have always loved it, but would wait until I had a reason (and even then- it was usually late so I'd forget about it). Now I don't even bother with a reason and just go hard :) who knows? maybe I can even fullfill my long time resolution of having cards on hand for anyone's celebration ;) That would be awesome!
So thanks for stopping by and checking out my samples- until next time:
~Brandie~

FINALLY!

My gosh. I have actually written 2 blog posts prior to this one, a few weeks between each and ago, but they would not post! Thankfully having a computer tech for a hubby allows me (when I can convince him to do so! lol) the ability to fix any gliches. SO fingers crossed- I already posted on a different blog- this will work.
So for about the past 2 months I have been a Stampin' Up demonstrator. It is amazing. The support I have from various demonstrators and the site itself is overwhelming. The kindness and generosity from the demos is great. There is so much I want to do with this business. I want to start a Stampers group and I want to do workshops and classes. I want it all NOW (including replacing all my older tools and embellishments with Stampin' Up products- I already replaced all my cardstock and retired inks!) but it may be too much too soon. I've only been doing this for two months, made my quarterly so that's good, but I want to really succeed. But I guess that is the key :) Don't give up, keep determined, do the work and the rest will fall into place. I haven't had success at the one trade show I did- but I passed out alot of flyers. I also got some helpful hints for the next one I am doing. I also got some hints from other Direct Sellers, other Demos AND my upline. Some info contradicts others as some things work for some people and not others. Some other information confirms others and those are things I will definately implement. I guess I just need to keep working hard and not give up just because it's not all going as well as I want to right away and just remember to take things slow.
I've already done my first workshop, plus a few others. I've converted a friend into a stamper, met a couple of new people while networking, and some of those people will network for me. Schools' end is coming soon as is father's day so I hope that doing workshops/classes for those will bring in new clients as well as give me the opportunity to advertise the new catalogue coming out July 1st. So wish me luck!
First thing I did when I got my Demo kit was samples. My gosh I have NOT crafted this much in years! I've always loved it, but Stampin' Up really has made it more exciting, especially the pay off of having samples to show other people and using them to entice them to buying ;)
So here's some of what I made using my kit (I customized it to my wishlist AND added on the Scrapbook add on kit! So here we go!)


Each of my samples were used using the Color Coach. I love that little thing! I was seriously stuck in a color rut- and this beauty helped a LOT! The first sample, the tri-shutter card- used Marina Mist, Certainly Celery and Whisper White. I also used the Fox and Friends stamp set and the Nursery Suite scrapbook stickers. I used the same color combo for my scrapbook page featuring my beautiful baby boy. I got the On Your Birthday stamp set and used that for the tent card- Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi and Pretty In Pink- I dyed my Paper Daisies with Pretty in Pink and topped it off with Whisper White satin ribbon. I also made my first easle card EVER (SO much fun!) and used a combo that I would have NEVER thought of. It's not my style- but I love how it worked out! I used some In Color color with that (and didn't use the color coach!) Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz and the For all you Do stamp set. The last one is yet another Free Standing Pop Up card (I love those darned things!) using Blushing Bride, Peach Parfait and some paper from my Subtles paper pack.
I found doing all these very fun and inspiring and I hope to inspire you all too! And now that my blog is working (WOO HOO!) you can bet I have even more samples to share!

~Brandie~

Anxiously Awaiting

Hey folks and happy Wednesday!

I hope today sees you all well. I was in an amazing mood with spending some much needed quality time with God- then I read something heartbreaking and it's hard to focus. I ask all of you that pray- to please pray for my friend Dale. Her daughter was admited to the Stollery Children's Hospital Feb. and has been struggling with infection and illness. She is on the mend, but unfortunatly because of the infection needed to have both legs amputated and her one hand amputated, as well as some fingers from her other hand. It was heartbreaking reading Dale's update when her little girl (one year old) came back from surgery missing these things. She knew and was aware it was happening, but it doesn't make it any easier- you know? So I'm just thinking of her and praying for her. Thanks for letting me express this :)

On a lighter note, (and a very happier note!) my Stampin' Up demonstrator kit is due to arrive by Friday evening. I've been stalking it on the UPS site and it may even be here sooner ;) WOOT! This being said and their regulations for electronic communications I will be blogging more SU stuff and highlighting their products. I also have a Stampin' Up Blog that I'll try to update often (when I have the stuff!) www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/brandienellis/ that's me :) So despite the sorrow in my heart for my friend, I am still looking forward to this venture for myself. I am excited because I had NO idea what a good company they are! Their support and training is amazing and I've learned so much in the few days I've placed my demo kit order. Plus my upline is amazing :) (just in case she adds me to her blog roll :P Lol!) Seriously tho- smart lady with some great ideas that I can not WAIT to implement.

One of those ideas is a Stamp Club. Ummm. HOW Have I never heard of these before? I can't tell you how stoked I am to start one! (or 2 or 3- depending how successful this is ;) ) I am also buying a table at a Trade Show in town for the end of the month and have goodies lined up to give away to anyone wanting to host their own party. Getting excited! Also able to set up the Paper Gift Boutique and maybe get some more orders there. One thing that seems to be a big hit are the stamped t-shirts/onesies. Here are some I made yesterday:

These stamps are not SU ones- but with being a demonstrator I can't wait to take part in the discount and add some letters, trains, MORE flowers (I love flowers) and animals to my sets to do these :) They are WELL receieved by their recipients and doing the letters allows me to personalize them with names or words. I can't wait to make my neice one :D It'll say "Princess Pookie" (Pookie is her nickname).

It's also Spring Vacation up here- but ya wouldn't know it :/ Northern Alberta definatly gives meaning to the sterotype to the fact that there is snow in Canada all year long. Sure feels like it! lol- my son even said it is like we're in Narnia! But alas, thankfully, the snow is starting to melt and I can kick the kids outside (YAY!) *sigh* I love 'em- but the peace was nice.

SO that's it for me- loving this blogging thing and looking forward to sharing some sweet treats I plan on making with my new SU stuff :D take care!

~Brandie~

Yet Another Few Months Go By....

... and then I blog. I actually LOVE blogging and sharing and writting- but life just gets BUSY yanno?
So I guess I have a lot to share on the personal front ;) Little Mathias turned one a few weeks ago and, tho I love him, has become QUITE the sucky baby. Everyone tells me to love this time of cuddles and needyness, but I tell ya, it's driving me CRAZY! I love Mat, I love cuddling him and holding him. I do miss it when the others were this little. But I also miss myself- make sense? Before Mat came along I had more free time to craft (and lets face it BLOG!) and I was getting my business under-way. I guess it's going to take better time managment on my part (and less facebook- damn facebook!) I do know that he'll eventually grow out of this stage (did I fail to mention that this kid does NOT sleep! He slept better as a newborn!)
Despite all this I have decided to start up not one but TWO new ventures!
Venture 1 is starting up a mini-day home. I am not talking a house full of kids- GOODNESS no :/ lol but I do watch my cousin's 2 children (plus my 4 is a housefull already!) It's nice because it's only M-F during the day so that's not too bad :)
Then next one is (and I am SO super excited!) becoming a STAMPIN' UP DEMONSTRATOR! wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
:)
I have put in my app and deposit for a credit card and then I can order my kit before the end of March and start partying it up! I can not WAIT to start hosting workshops, promoting at Trade shows with my other home business (not home selling- just making and selling my crafts) cross partying with other businesses. EEKS! I already have a few people interested in parties and open houses. I am stoked ;)
So that's what I have been busy doing. Now after a half hour on the phone my morning has gotten away from me and it's already lunch!
So to end with, I have a project to share: hopped on the decorative block bandwagon- too fun!
2x2 blocks from Michales, various papers, font Calligraphy Collection Cricut Cartridge, flowers from Prima :)

Have an awesome day everyone~
~Brandie~