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~

Baby Onesies!

I love making baby things. They are so much fun with the variety of colours, stamps, images etc. at our disposal. I also love taking the art of stamping 'out of the box' and doing different things with them. I fell in love with the idea of stamping on baby onesies. I've done 12 (3 different sets boxed up with 4 onesies in each) for gifts, and now these 13 here for sale. I tried selling on line to no avail, but my town has a local Farmer's Market, both in my little 'village' and in the city 10 minutes away- so I'll take them there and see how that goes!
The great thing about stamping on fabric is that you're only as limited as your imagination allows. Much like stamping on paper, you can really go for broke. You can add ribbon and buttons and other embellishments, some people don't as they are afraid of them digging into baby, but I haven't had any complaints yet, so I think smaller ones would be alright, as they would have snaps or zippers on store bought onesies. You can also add glitter. You can't add Stickles, I guess they wash off (found that out through another blog, no trial and error there for me), but you can buy dimmensional glitter glue for fabric. I found mine in the fabric aisle at Michaels, and they come in a variety of colours. I don't do the 3D thing like it says you can do, but I do 'paint' it on, with either an eyeshadow brush or toothpick or lollipop stick. Whatever.The stamps here are a collection of clear stamps from Inkadinkado, with some Stampin' Up stamps thrown in the mix. I have little cat eye pads of Martha Stewart ink and Colorbox ink- pigment ink apparantly works the best, but you DO have to heat set it! I practised on a shirt of mine, and Stampin' Up classic ink does work, but the image fades.
Now, to make it more appealing, I also enjoyed boxing them up in these cute little coordinating boxes. It's tough to try and make the acetate fit into the box base sometimes, but once you get that out of the way, embellishing them are alot of fun! I also enjoyed cutting out sayings and images from my cricut and the New Arrival cartridge and layering them instead of doing a traditional stamp. Hope you get inspiraton from all these and enjoy making your own- I will warn you tho, they ARE very addictive.
Take care!
~Brandie~

Canvas Art

So this week on Splitcoast Stampers in their tutorial of the week is stamped canvas. It's quite cute and I realized that I had about 20 (seriously) of these 4x6 mini canvases hanging around my craft space. I was going to do letter art with them- but I got bored of them- and to be truthful, they weren't as cute as this! All the images are from Pink Cat Studio with their amazingly cute Lily and Billy collections. The images here are from Enchanted Lily and Lily Valentine Fairy. The images are crisp and easy to color. I used Stazon ink and tho it didn't come out QUITE as crisp as I'm used to, it still worked well as art. I used my Stampin' Up watercolor pencils and blender pens to color in the images and then used Stickles to highlight different areas with glitter glue. I also spread the color over the edges (like an inked edge) and used a spounge paint brush and blender pens to blend the color and then highlighted with Stickles

I finished them off with some inexpensive thin ribbon from Michaels and flowers from Prima. I punched holes using my Crop-A-Dial big bite and weaved ribbon thru them to use them as wall hangings- I think these would be cute to hang in a child's room. I am going to try some more using different images- I have Pink Cat Studios "Billy" plate and I am excited to use that for more 'boy-ish' ones. I also have some Inkadinkado clear stamps- the monkey ones (whatever they are called- I forget!)

To do the 6x6 one, I didn't have a canvas, so I used watercolor paper, cut to 6x6 and used Mod Podge to adhere it to a 6x6 peice of chipboard. I used the same idea, but used 2 images from Enchanted Lily, and had space to put my daughter's name. The letters are 1 inch and cut from Cricut's Storybook Cartridge and topped off with glitter.

Hope you liked these :) Take care!

~Brandie~

Cardbox Template

We've heard of cards. We've heard of boxes. Heck, we've heard of boxed sets of cards. Here is my spin on it! I got the idea from Clearly I Stamp, they used a clear box they had on hand. I decided to make my own boxes. I suppose you could use acetate, but I tried that it was hard :S Acetate is NOT the easiest thing to cut straight for box building most of the time!

So here is what we are making today: They are 2 3x3 boxes attached in the center with a 'card'.

So first thing is first, materials needed are:

1 sheet of 8.5x10 sheet of cardstock, cut in half at 5 so you have 2 peices of 8.5x5 peices

background stamps (I used Stampin' Up Jumbo Wheels: It's Beautiful and Scattered Sunshine)

Ink (Stampin' Up Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, Pink Passion)

Paper (Stampin' Up Bella Rose (yes, I still have some!))

Embellishments (I used Stickles, EK Success, Stampin' Up and Martha Stewart Corner Punches and Marvy Uchida Daisy punch in regular and jumbo)

Adhesive

Cardstock to make mini note cards. I used scraps and made my cards 2.75x2.75

Stamps (Stampin' Up: Itty Bitty Buds, Lovely Lables and Say it with Scallops)

Step 1:

Score each peice of 8.5x5 at 1 inch and 4 inches.

Turn it length ways and score at 3, 4, 7, and 8 inches. Cut the tabs as shown, and then cut slits to make the tabs easier to fold in. Cut the top tabs a bit smaller so they tuck in when closing your box, and using a corner punch, punch the corners of the top tab as shown.

Step 2.

Stamp desired background, or using DSP cut and adhere panels of the paper over the front and the sides. Do this to both peices of 5x8.5 sheets of cardstock. On one of the peices, if desired, cut a circle out of the center front panel.

Step 3.

Using acetate cut at 2.75x2.75, adhere to the inside to make a 'window'. I also embossed the acetate using my cuttlebug and a floral Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Step 4.

Adhere boxes with adhesive in the spots shown in the photo.

Here are your two boxes all built together. Decorate the front (window) box as desired.

Step 5.

Then, using a peice of 2.75x5.75 cardstock, score at 3 and 3.25 and in the middle of the 2 scores. Decorate the inside as this will be the card that adheres both boxes together. DO NOT decorate the outside of the card, you wont see it. Just do the inside. Using double stick tape, adhere the card to one of the boxes, letting the crease go just beyond the side of the box (so when you open the boxcard up, the boxes with sit side by side and have some give). Adhere the other side to the back box. Make sure the top of the boxes open in opposite directions.

Step 6.

If you choose to fill it with note cards, using scraps of 2.75x5.5 peices of cardstock, make some note cards. I made 4 of each, totaling 16 cards. Envies wont fit- so you don't have to do that many. You can instead add: Sticky Note packs, chocolates or other gifts :)

An alternative of this, is to make 1 box, forget the cutout circle and attach a card to the front, as shown. Same idea, only using 1 box.

Here are some other ideas using that idea:

box for my parents anniversary:
Valentine's Day cards for the kids:

You can alter the sizes all you want- I've made a 4x4x1.5 box (seen above) and it fit a bunch of chcolates in it for my parent's anniversary. These are so much fun and versatile- think baby gifts, candy, small shirts etc. The possibilites are endless. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and will blog again soon!

~Brandie~