Samples From Jenn's Home Party!

'Thanks' card is case'd from someone's blog - I cannot for the life of me find it now but I will continue looking so that I can give proper credit for her creativity!! The Father's Day card is a Lisa Burns original!

Not too long ago, I promised to share the samples we made at my friend Jenn's Stampin' Up! home party. I thought that while I do this, I would mention a few things about what its like to have a home party and what I do to make the event FUN and LIGHT for all guests!

First - don't be afraid of home parties! Somewhere along the line, they got a bad rap and I still hear ladies saying things like "I feel like I 'have' to buy something" or "what if no one shows up"! While both of these comments are very real concerns for some people, here's how I tend to respond...

Home parties are a way to 'expand' your knowledge of something, shop within the comfort of your own home, or for those that like to take their time making decisions... simply the opportunity to browse! Because SU! is a hobby, with the potential to buy products that will enhance your creative projects I ALWAYS start off my demonstrations with something like the following:

"Stamping is a hobby...for some it replaces watching TV. For others, it is a stress-releaser or reducer and for still others, it is simply a way to express a different side of themselves! But, like any hobby, stamping may not be for everyone OR you may enjoy it tonight but know that this isn't the right time in your life to pick up a new hobby... This is OK!"

The important message I try to instill in my Hostesses (and their guests) is to give home parties a try! Have FUN with them and assure your guests that they are under NO obligation to buy if stamping isn't something they want to do after the workshop or if the timing isn't right! I also address the 'What if no one comes' comment with reassuring Hostesses that you don't need (and often don't want) a HUGE group of ladies at each workshop. Often times, smaller groups allow more 1 on 1 attention and more time to answer guest questions etc.

I bet you will find that most home businesses have evolved so much that it would shock you! Many women are busier today than ever before so home parties are a viable & time efficient way to learn about & purchase things without having to step foot in a mall!

Personally, I LOVE the home party scene - heck, I buy my candles, bake/cookware, jewelry, cleaning supplies, make up, storage systems and home decor ALL FROM THE COMFORT OF MY OWN HOME!

Below you'll find an example of how I prepare for a home party and what you could expect from the projects at your party. 1) EVERYTHING is pre-cut for you and your guests. It isn't much fun watching someone measure & cut so I do all of that in advance so that you can learn the really good stuff! I'm always prepared to explain how I did measure or cut something in case someone wants to know :o) 2) I try to bring full pkgs of what I'm demo'ing so that guests can see (for example) all of the sheets you get in the Designer Paper pkg if that's what we are using!

A Mother's Day Sample & A Yummie Dinner!

So, I'm really, really late posting this Mother's Day card that my friend & awesomely creative team member sent me! I met Becca through SU! - she attended a home party of a friend of hers at which I was demonstrating, and signed up to be a Demonstrator pretty much from there! I'm so glad to have met Becca, who has such creative flair & talent! I was very touched that you thought of me for this card Becca - thank you! I love this sample because you can easily adapt it with another saying for a nice Spring/Summer card for ANY occasion!

You can view Becca's fabulous blog here ( http://stampendous.blogspot.com/ ) - sorry I used to be able to paste the URLs, then overtype but lately it won't let me do that and still have the link work properly??? If anyone knows why, please PLEASE leave me a comment and let me know why :o)

Finally - here's a pic of our dinner last night! My husband thinks I'm corny for taking shots like this but I don't really care :o) A friend from work (thanks JM) told me about a great deal on some beef, which we used to make kabobs and filets! We've never made our own kabobs before and it was tons of FUN with Evan! Not only that - they were so tasty! I'm hungry again just talking about them !!!

Be back tomorrow with a Father's Day sample! Have a great night everyone!

May Promo's Are Almost Over!

Check out my Bitty Book below - made using the On Board products on sale this month! You still have a bit of time to get in on the May SU! specials including:

1) Starter Kit - 20% off the cost of the Kit plus a FREE Hodgepodge Kit of your choice, plus a special gift from me (email me for more details - lisaburns@rogers.com)

2) On Board (Chipboard) - 25% off with any $40 net order. This is unlimited so once you reach the $40 qualifying amount, you can take 1 of each of the On Board products or stock up and get 10 of each of them if you wanted!!

3) Cutting Mat Promo - Order the large cutting mat and receive the Hobby Blade FREE

4) Loonies For Littles Stampin' Kit - filled with lots of great products that coordinate and make creating a mini scrapbook simple, fast & easy! $2 from every order will go directly to the Canadian Big Brothers & Big Sisters organization! A great kit for a great cause! The kit is just $32.50!

This is how the package arrives to you once ordered! All the score/fold lines are already done and it comes with 10 Bitty Page Protectors! The cost of the Bitty Books this month as part of the promo is just $9.03 a book!!



This is the Bitty Book I made for Evan's JK Memories! I used a sample that Stampin' Up! provided as my inspiration! You can decorate the front/back/end of the book as well as include cardstock inserts inside the book - I did this to separate the contents into categories which will include: Favorite Memories, Friends & Milestones!


This is how the whole package comes together - granted, I still need to decorate the outer casing but it gives you an idea of how nicely the book fits into the case. My goal is to do one for JK and SK and then figure out what to do from there...

These books are like a mini scrapbook, much faster than if you were to do a full 6x6 album and would be ideal for New Baby, Birthday or Christmas gifts!


Thanks for stopping by today - have a sunny week!

Getting Ready For Father's Day!

I saw this idea on Dannie's Blog (danniesdesigns.typepad.com) and instantly loved it! Tuesday May 27, 2008 - Get Ready For Father's Day!
Start Time: 630pm to 800pm

Guests that come by will learn how to make an awesome wallet for their special men and while here, stamp a stack of masculine cards to have on hand for those 'male' type occasions!! Picture of the wallet will be posted on my Blog.

Cost: $10

Bonus - place an order of $50 or more and receive a $10 Home Depot or LCBO gift card to put in your wallet. Place a $100 or more order and receive a $20 gift card for the handmade wallet + a gift from me (for you)! The wallet is fully functional! How cool is that!!

Pls register by Sunday May 25th to reserve your spot!

Even More Pick A Petal Samples!

I love creating bugs with this set! This is definitely one of the cards we'll be making at the upcoming Pick A Petal preorder class. Two dates to choose from - Sat June 7th from 930-11am or Tues June 10th from 630-8pm! Sign up today!

Then, there are the funny faces this set can make! I made this card to cheer someone up while under-the-weather! The front of the card saying "I'm sorry" with the inside saying "you're under the weather"! Who comes up with this stuff?? Not me! Can't take credit for this one - SCS has several ideas using the 'petal' stamps and the circles within this amazing set to create a face!!


Have a SUPER night - thanks for stopping by!!

More Pick A Petal Samples For Upcoming Class!

Oh my... I'm having so much FUN playing around with this set and experimenting with its various uses for my upcoming class! I hope you will consider signing up and joining us - there are still spots left for both dates (Sat June 7th 930-11am and Tues June 9th from 630-800pm)!

Without further delay...

Loonies For Littles Stampin' Kit Contents!

This post is long overdue! I wanted to share the contents of the kit with you earlier as I think this is such a FUN way to raise money for such a great cause!

$2 from every kit purchase will go towards Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Canada and as if that wasn't enough, you score yourself a fabulous LIMITED TIME kit with the following contents:

A fabulous little stamp set called "Good Together"

A 5x5 On Board Journal Book

4 Sheets of Textured Cardstock

3 Sheets of self adhesives die-cuts

2 Sheets of Designer Series Patterned Paper (double-sided)

2 Ink Spots (Old Olive & Pumpkin Pie)

Full Instruction Sheet

12x12 Craft Keeper

All for the low, low price of $32.50 ! I'm so excited to break this kit open (for more than just picture taking) so I'm challenging myself to playing around with it this evening and sharing my creations in an upcoming post!

I hope you'll consider supporting this wonderful cause and order this kit for you or for a gift for the crafter in your family! If you live in Canada, contact me for more details on how to order - lisaburns@rogers.com.

Enjoy your long-weekend Sunday evening!

Pick A Favorite - Pick A Petal Class!

Sometimes I get so excited about all the new stamp sets that come out, or that I have recently purchased, that I forget about sets that I had once loved not so long ago! Last night, I challenged myself to pull out a set that I bought at more than 3 months ago and create with it and guess what - I fell in love with the set all over again!

The set is Pick A Petal and when the Spring Summer Collection catalogue was released, it was a RED HOT must-have! Although the hype around this set has cooled down a bit, I'm reminded of all the ladies that come to my classes each week and comment on my display of cards - and guess which samples seem to get the most notice...? Yup, you got it - Pick A Petal! I think it is because this set is just so darn versatile, it cries out for its user to think outside of the box!

So that's exactly what we're going to do at my next class! Read on for more details...

When: 2 dates available

Saturday June 7th - 930am-1100am or

Tuesday June 10th - 630pm-800pm

Where: My craft studio

What: Guests will be shown various ways to use this set to make much, much more than just flower cards. In fact, every card we make will use a different function of the set with things like bugs, candles and much more! You'll need to be here to see this! We will make a minimum of 4 cards - all different in style & theme!

Cost when registered by May 31st : $42 which includes the cost of the stamp set! You will leave the class with all of your samples, plus the stamp set (which will be cut & ready for you upon your arrival for the class). Club members automatically get a $2 discount on the class fee!

Cost when registered by June 4th: $45 which also includes the cost of the stamp set however there is no guarantee that the set will arrive in time for the class. You will still be able to attend the class and make all of the projects!

Class can be paid for using credit card for your convenience. Hope to see you soon!

Credit for the dragonfly card goes to "deniseinpa" from SCS! I used the same layout but changed the neutral cardstock from Basic Black to Basic Grey as well as the saying on the card! The other card (big flower) is a Lisa Burns original!

A Mother's Day To Remember!

Evan's handmade gift for Mommy from JK class!

Today, Mom's all over the world take a bit of a break and let their families 'appreciate' them!

This would be my 4th Mother's Day but I have to say...it definitely came with more meaning this year. As Evan gets older and begins to make his presents for me (instead of my DH), as he begins to learn about a 'day off' for Mommy, it becomes much more of a special day indeed! In addition to this, my Mom (who has been my ultimate hero for many, many years) was not well enough to celebrate with all of us so the day was ....let's just say ... bitter sweet. My Mom is on her way to recovering but WE MISSED HER today and that was definitely evident today!

I have such an appreciation for Mom's... so I hope that all Mom's out there got a chance to sit back, kick your feet up and do something that you love doing today!

I got to sleep in (which almost never happens and it was SOOOO NICE), then I was awakened with a gift from Evan. Evan actually came home from both daycare & school last week with handmade gifts so I kinda saw them in advance and thought that was what was behind his back but as he began talking about his gift, I realized it was something else!!

He said "Ok Mommy, I made you something really, really nice. I think you can take it to work and put in on your desk and it will make you think if me all of the time" Like I don't do that anyway ... but how cute is that!!

And here's what he made me (with some help from Rod):

A desk calendar with pictures of Evan from the months of May 2008 to December 2008. The backs of every picture have hand drawn pictures from Evan and "Love You Mommy" in his own writing... How true it is that handmade gifts hold far greater feeling & meaning that store bought gifts (in my opinion :o)

So, I thought I would share a few of the pictures the boys picked out & included in the calendar ...

I hope all of you Mom's out there enjoyed your day and that you continue to be appreciated long after this day ends! I'll be back tomorrow with some samples for an upcoming home party I'm doing this week! Can't wait!!

More Spring Fling WOW Swaps!

Here's an adorable bag made by the very lovely & talented Corinne Sommerville (AKA Roxy) - you can see her awesome blog here: http://www.stampingwithroxy.typepad.com/

I just LOVE how much space this bag provides you with to put all sorts of goodies or cards...you could even fit a nice silk scarf for Mom in here if you wanted to!!

Roxy put ju-jubes, which didn't last long after arriving home from the Spring Fling event. I'm heading to bulk barn soon to get some fun summer treats to refill it!

Enjoy!

Special #3 - An Opportunity Just For You!

I saved the BEST promotion for last! I know there are more than a few of you out there that have, or are considering joining this amazing company OR you've been searching for an opportunity to start up a home business to gain flexibility, income and the ability to run things the WAY YOU WANT TO run them! How cool is that!

Stampin' Up! has announced that the Starter Kit (more on that in a moment) is on sale for 20% off for the month of May! If you missed out on the opportunity to join the SU! family during our recent Sale-A-Bration promotion, IT'S BACK AGAIN - which is a wonderful surprise to all of us!

But that's not all... when you buy the Starter Kit, you also receive a FREE HODGEPODGE KIT (choices include the Pewter, Antique Brass and Aged Copper). We've just received an announcement today that indicated that ALL Hodgepodge will be RETIRING when the Spring/Summer Collection catalogue retires so if you love the look of these awesome embellishments - now is the time to get some - WHY NOT GET THEM FOR FREE...

Common Questions about deciding to join Stampin' Up! For Canadian Residents Only

1. How much is the kit?
Normally, the kit is $260 plus PST (8%) only. New Demo's do not pay GST (5%), no do they pay shipping on the kit! In May, the kit is only $208 plus PST = $224.64. That's amazing! Don't forget about the FREE HodgePodge Kit as well!

2. What comes in the kit and what if I already have some of the stuff?
The kit contains over $400 worth of Product, much of which is substitutable so if you already have some ink colours or stamp sets, you can pick different ones from the current catalogues of similar value! This is something I can help you with!

3. What do I have to do as a demonstrator? How long is my commitment?
Nothing or everything. It really is true! If you are someone that just wants the kit contents ($400 worth of stuff for a steal of a deal $224.64) - that's cool! There is absolutely no commitment or payback for the kit if you decide to do nothing. Of course, if you do decide to make a go of your home business - your potential is unlimited!

4. Do I have to do workshops?
NOPE. You do not need to do 1 workshop if that isn't comfortable for you. Many, many demo's will hold classes in their own homes (I do this often myself) and others will consider themselves casual demo's whereby they just sell Product to their friends & families who are also addicted to SU! (nothing wrong with that after all). YOU can even be your own best customer!

5. What do I need to do to remain active as a demo?
In order to remain in an active status, you would need to submit orders totalling $450 per Quarter. That can be done by workshops, classes, personal orders, friends, family etc. etc. This will enable you to continue to get the demo discount plus all of the perks that come along with being a demo. If you do not meet that Quarterly Quota, you simply drop into a pending or inactive status AFTER your first full 3 months of sign up. No paybacks or penalties...nothing!

6. What are some of the perks of being a demo?
Instant Income (20%), Commission Cheques each month, 30% off your entire 1st order, Great Rewards (free product), Incentives & Free Gifts, monthly publications with great business tips & new techniques, complimentary catalogues, ability to earn an annual trip (this year it is HAWAII) and much, much more

7. How do I sign up?
It is so easy. Take a look at my website (http://www.lisaburns.stampinup.net/). You'll want to visit the very last page of the catalogue to view the contents of the Starter Kit, or you can contact me and I will send you a handy reference sheet. You may want to think about the specific stamp sets and ink colours you want to get within your kit. While on the Home Page of my business website, go to SIGN UP icon and you will be guided through the process from there! You'll need my password to purchase the Starter Kit - please use LISABURNS. If you need ANY help at all, please email me and I can arrange to connect with you either in person (locally), email or walking you through the process by phone.

If I were to add to this, for those considering the Starter Kit in order to start your own home business, I would further encourage you to consider what you need from your upline (that would be the person that you sign up under). Do you have a personal relationship with them, do you need/want one? What type of support would you want your upline to provide to you to ensure you're getting what you need to kick-start your business as best you can. DO NOT BE AFRAID to ask these questions! It may pay off for you BIG TIME down the road!

Here's what I offer my team, and what you could expect to get from me as your upline:

• Understanding - I'm a wife, a Mom and I work FT at another 'corporate' job so I know that everyone is going to have different reasons for joining SU! I spend a significant amount of time learning from YOU what that is. What YOU would like to get out of the business and how I can help YOU with that. Add to this that I LOVE CRAFTING so my intentions have always been to remain an Active Demo as long as I'm still having FUN with the business (and not taking a loss - I can help you with this too :o)
• A Friend - who doesn't love to make new friends and come together with people that have similar interests. I am so thankful for my team of friends, many of whom I never would have met if it weren't for Stampin' Up!
• Support & Motivation - I've reached Counselor status and have been in the business now for 4 yrs. My team has regular meetings, which are not entirely geared toward the business demo. All of my 'hobbyists' are more than welcome to attend and learn new techniques and join in the fun! I provide email updates and full access to all of my events to either participate or learn how to run them, first hand
• Incentives - are a fun way to give back to my team. By encouraging them to better-their-best, they challenge themselves and feel a great sense of accomplishment!

Thank you for sticking with me through this VERY LONG post. I hope you found it informative and that if you are considering joining a team, that you consider me - ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU WANT TO ASK before making your decision.

Stampin' Up! has changed my life and I'm confident that if you are ready to allow it to do the same for you that you'll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome!

Special #2 & Some Class Samples

Cutting Combo Pack Special Offer

Promotion Dates: May 1-31, 2008

Promotion Details:
During the month of May, order a Cutting Mat and receive a Hobby Blade for FREE!

These tools are part of my personal 'staple' product collection - I use them pretty much anytime I sit down to stamp. Whether it is to trim die-cuts or hand cut projects in places my scissors cannot get to, or trimming Designer Paper on chipboard, or simply cutting the middle out of an image with precision- these tools are up for the job!

The Cutting Mat (101087) is 12x18 allowing you full working space for any sized project, including your 12x12 scrapbook page layouts! It is a no-slip mat that allows for safe cutting while protecting your work surface. The mat contains grid lines that provide an accurate guide & precise cutting with your hobby blade!

The Hobby Blade (102449) is extra sharp (you don't want your kids near this tool), and comes with 5 refill blades and a convenient storage tube for safe keeping!

Both products can be found on Page 184 of the current Spring/Summer Collection catalogue - you can view online by going to my business website at http://www.lisaburns.stampinup.net/. Contact me today with your questions, or if you'd like to order a set for yourself! lisaburns@rogers.com

Below you'll find my samples from tonite's Mom/Daughter Class! The girls made the journal (customized) and a 3x3 card with envelope and the Mom's made the 2 cards below! I love having new friends to stamping at my classes because it keeps me 'basic' - and this really is a good thing! Some of you are going to notice that one of the stamps used below is retired (SAB '08)... yup, that's true (sorry)! SU! really needs to make more sayings that are box-like or vertical - don't you think??

This was my very first class that focused on kids... since I have a 4 1/2 yr old boy, we haven't ventured down this path yet with his friends but we will someday!! I can't wait to plan other kid's class! Have a super night everyone!

It's Been Too Long & Special #1

Since my last post! And now I have a TON of stuff to share with you so bare with me as I tackle things one-by-one :o)

To begin, I hope that all of you devoted Bloggers are doing well! I have met so many wonderful friends through my Blog and it always amazing me how easily Stampin' Up! can draw people together - quite remarkable really!! It's been too long since my last post so I've missed ya :o)

If you've been an SU! addict (like me) for awhile now, you know that Stampin' Up! works really, really hard to offer great specials & promotions throughout the year - pretty much monthly! May is no exception! Read on to see what's in store for us for May - this is just 1 of several promotions they are offering this month so hopefully there is something for everyone out there...

The first special I'm posting is the ON BOARD promo! All of our On Board products are on sale for 25% off with any $40 order (before shipping & taxes). This customer special is good from May 1-31 2008 and there is no limit to the number of discounted products you order once you hit the $40 qualifying amount!! Awesome eh! You can find all of these products listed on Pages 178-179 of the Spring/Summer Collection catalogue (http://www.lisaburns.stampinup.net/)

What's In It For Our Hostesses?
YOU get the 25% off 'On Board' promotion just for booking your party! No need to spend the $40 if you don't want to! Why not gather a couple of friends for a girls night of stamping and enjoy the FREE rewards as a THANK YOU!

Here's the offer - hope you are sitting down!

Prices listed below are Canadian and indicate the regular catalogue price, then the promo price after both the 7% price reduction and the 25% off May special!

109181
On Board Blossoms & Basics Reg Price - $18.95 Promo Price - $13.22

109179
On Board Ginormous Pieces Reg Price - $18.95 Promo Price - $13.22

107925
On Board Bitty Book Reg Price - $12.95 Promo Price - $9.03

108495
On Board 5" x 5" Art Journal Reg Price - $8.95 Promo Price - $6.24

107065
On Board Art Journal (5-3/4" x 8-3/4) Reg Price - $11.95 Promo Price - $8.33

107307
On Board Accents Reg Price - $16.95 Promo Price - $11.82

109182
On Board Lots of Letters Reg Price - $16.95 Promo Price - $11.82

109180
On Board Simon Upper Reg Price - $16.95 Promo Price - $11.82

107306
On Board Simon Lower Reg Price - $16.95 Promo Price - $11.82

109192
On Board Clipboard (13" x 7-1/2") Reg Price - $19.95 Promo Price - $13.91

109190
On Board Clipboard (9" x 9") Reg Price - $9.95 Promo Price - $6.94

109191
On Board Clipboard (4-1/2" x 9") Reg Price - $8.25 Promo Price - $5.75

110713
On Board Book Basics Large Reg Price - $9.95 Promo Price - $6.94

110712
On Board Book Basics Small Reg Price - $7.50 Promo Price - $5.23

Contact me at lisaburns@rogers.com if you wish to take advantage of this awesome chipboard special before May 31st! Flexible payment arrangements & local delivery available!