Opportunity of a Lifetime

demo-cardThe economy is a huge issue of concern right now and that is why I’m so grateful for Stampin’ Up!  At leadership conference the president of Stampin’ Up! Dale Filmore spoke about this very issues.  My up-line Amy Johnson sent out a wonderful summary of what he said and I wanted to share it with you.

While the current international economic climate is presenting challenges to most of us, recent research indicates  that it may also be providing opportunities for those of us in the craft industry.

During last week’s annual leadership conference, Dale mentioned a
New York Times’ article titled, “For Craft Sales,  the Recession Is a
Help.” The article reports that “craft stores, from giant chains . . . tosmall scrapbook supply  shops, are reporting that sales are higher compared with the last holiday season, and online marketplaces for handmade goods . . . are seeing a boom in listings and transactions.”

The article also notes that last year, 42 million households gave handmade gifts, according to the Craft & Hobby Association. This year, the group estimates that number will increase greatly.

In addition, a Columbus Dispatch article reports that consumers are reclaiming a simpler life, with more people  opting to do their own home improvement and decoration projects as well as investing in more stay-at-home projects  and entertainment.

Click here to read the full article

I really loved what they said and I completely agree with them.  Although times are tough I think we still feel the need to send a card for birthdays, weddings, babies and everything else.  We still need gifts for all those special occasions.  Birthdays and Holidays are not just going to go away because times are hard.  Instead we look for other ways to fill those needs.  I am happy that I can provide a way for my customers to make their own and save money.  We also have the added value of creating something with our hands and from our hearts.

If you have ever considered starting your own business.  This is the perfect time and the perfect company.  For anyone how enjoys crafting, creating and sharing with others Stampin’ Up! can help you.  There new motto: inspire.create.share. I think says it all.  I’d love to talk to you more about this great opportunity just contact me at andersoncandice@hotmail.com.  You can also watch a great video on my Stampin’ Up! site.  Click here to see it.  If you are ready to get started you can sign up right away just click on the link and use my first name for the pass word.

starter-kitStampin’ Up! has made it even easier to join right now.  During Sale-A-Brations they are offering 15% off the starter kit.  As a bonus for signing up during sale-a-brations you will also receive your choice of any stamp set for FREE ($47.95 or less).  That’s $335.00 worth of product for only $169.00

And to make the deal even sweeter I will give also give you a FREE stamp set of your choice ($47.95 or less.)  Be one of the first 3 to join my group and you will also receive a FREE package of designer series paper.  If you want to know why you should join my group click here for 5 great reasons.  Contact me today to learn more about this fabulous opportunity andersoncandice@hotmail.com.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

Click here to see everything in the starter kit.

Click here for more information about becoming a demonstrator.

Swapping Saturday 1-31-09

This was a 6×6 page swap that I did for convention last year.  I really loved how it turned out.  I think the same basic layout could be used on a 12 x 12 page.  I will have to give it a try.  The Flower in the corner is just the large flower cut out and then folded back and under.  I saw it somewhere and thought it looked really cool.

wonderful-friendsI used:
114954 Doodle This $33.95
115114 Wonderful Favorites $40.95
115096 Ticker Tape Alphabet $42.95
109067 Pretty in Pink Taffeta ribbon $6.95
104336 Sliver Brad $6.95
Colors- Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette

Click here to start placing your on-line order.

Click here to see more weekly Challenge Projects

Freewheeling Friday 1-30-09

I love to make gifts when ever I have a chance.  I also love to make the package for them.  I usually keep the supplies on hand so I can make one really fast.  I’ve used them a lot for Weddings, Showers and Baby Gifts. 

gift-boxThis is a sample of the box I made to put the gift in.  I love the wheels because it is so fast to decorate the box and they look really cute.  I used.  109688 Whimsy Jumbo Wheel $8.50 for this box.  Then I just used a piece of paper from the Simply Scrapin’ Kit that I created the gift with.  You could use any Simply Scrapin’ Kit or DSP.  The one pictured here is an old one that is retired now.

The box is so easy to make.  Just decide on your size and depth then score the sides to fit.  Cut in on the score on just one side all the way around then fold and attach with mini glue dots or sticky strip.  I always make the top box 1/16 bigger so they slide together nicely.  Then the box is just finished with a belly band that slides off  to open the gift.

family-ssk-boardThis is the gift that I made to put in the box.  It is using the same Simply Scrapin’  Kit.  I’ve just cut it to fit on one of our on board book basics Large#110713 $7.95 for 4.  I love this gift because it is so easy to create and you can change it for about any occasion.  The picture part is sized perfectly for a 4×6 photo.  Then you just put it on a plate rack holder and it’s a darling picture frame with lots of character.

Click here to see more samples.

Click here to start placing your on-line order.

Click here to see more weekly Challenge Projects.

Retired Sets for Sale

retired-stamps-for-saleI finally cleaned out my closet.  I needed to make some room for the new sets I want.  Here is a list of all the retired stamp sets I have for sale.  I will try and keep it updated as they get sold.  I don’t have pictures with each set as of now.  If you want a picture of a particular set please email me at andersoncandice@hotmail.com and I will send you a picture.

I am happy to ship any of them to you I will just charge you what ever it cost to ship them.  Or you can stop by and pick them up.  I will not consider them sold until I have payment in full on them.  I accept paypal, credit cards, check or cash.  You can mail me a check and I will put a hold on the item for 1 week.  If I haven’t received your payment by then I will put the item back on the list.

BONUS- Now through March for every dollar you spend on the retired sets I will give you 50 cents towards a purchase from the new catalog.  That makes your sets 1/2 price.  Just email me with your order. 

DOUBLE BONUS- book a party anytime during February, March or April and you can choose any set on the list for FREE.  I will hold your set for you until the party.  If you don’t live close you can also do a book party.

 Click here to see the list.  For future reference you can find the list under specials.

New Catalog Open House

su2009sscHere’s your chance to get the new catalog.   You are invited to my open house.

There will be food, fun, make-and-takes and lots of FREE gifts.  Plus I am giving away the hostess benifits.

Date: Wednesday January 28th

Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 

Place: My House (contact me for directions andersoncandice@hotmail.com)

Come anytime and make a fun make and take.  Plus there will be a FREE gift for every guest.

Can’t make it.  Bummer.  You can place an on-line order or e-mail me andersoncandice@hotmail.com  with an order and I will send you your free gift as well as one of the make and takes.  Orders must be in by January 29th.  Plus your name will go into the drawing for the hostess benefits.

retired-stamps-for-saleBONUS:  I finally went through 3 years worth of stamp sets.  I have over 100 sets to sell.  It will be at a first come first serve.  Plus for every dollar you spend on retired sets I will give you 50 cents towards any sets in the new catalog.  Be sure to come and check them out.

Remember I have a great gift for anyone who brings a friend to come along. 

Please RSVP by e-mailing me at andersoncandice@hotmail.com.

Can’t wait to see you there.

Stampin’ Sunday 1-18-09

They have announced the Artisan Award Contest again so I’ve been thinking a lot about what I wanted to do.  This is a contest for any demonstrator who just wants to show off her stuff.  I like this contest because it’s based solely on your creativity so it’s great for anyone who got into Stampin’ Up! because they love to create and they aren’t working it as a business, but it’s also great for people like me who works the business and sometimes needs a little push to get the creative juices flowing. 

bugs-kisses-closedI have entered this contest every year since they started it.  This will be my third year.  I haven’t one yet, but I have had several of my items featured on the demonstrator website as well as at Convention.  I love seeing my things displayed and I love knowing that they liked something I did. 

So for this Swapping Sunday I though I would share the projects I made for the last 2 years.  I can’t share this year’s with you until after the contest (because of the rules.)  But i figured I could share the old ones with you.  Although some of the product is retired now I thought they still might inspire you. 

two-by-twoI have shown just a few of the samples here but you can click here to see all of them.

Click here to see more weekly Challenge Projects