GET IN QUICK!

As the end of the Main Catalogue fast approaches we are starting to receive notifications that some items are at low levels.  A few items have even completely sold out.  Please don’t be disappointed.  If there are items you would like to order from either the main catalogue or the Mini Catalogue then please get in touch with me to place your orders.  Don’t forget that I can have the items delivered to you anywhere in Australia.    Both of the catalogues finish at the end of next month but there is no guarantee that the products will sell out before then.

The items I would be paying close attention to include….. re-inkers and cardstock that will be retiring at the end of August.  If you own ink pads in any of the retiring colours I would suggest ordering the reinkers in those colours to get longevity out of your inkpads.  After the end of August you won’t be able to order re-inkers in those colours.  If you would like to order the co-ordinating cardstock or patterned paper packs that contain those colours please get in quick.  Please be sure to check the following image to see if there is anything you would like to stock up on before it is gone forever!

SCRAPBOOKING KIT

With the risk of items selling out before the catalogue officially ends there is also the possibility that items in my scrapbooking kit will also sell out before the end of August.  If you were considering ordering this kit complete with full photo instructions then please contact me to place your order OR you can order via the paypal link which you will find here…. http://www.creationsbymiriam.com/?p=1153

20% OFF STARTER KIT PROMOTION

The Promotion where you can receive 20% off the starter Kit finishes at the end of this month! If you are considering joining my team as a demonstator then you have less than 3 weeks to take advantage of the special price. Click here for more info…..  http://www.creationsbymiriam.com/?p=1303 You can sign up online through my demonstrator website.  Please let me know if you have any queries! I’d love to have you as part of my team- whether you intend on operating a business or simply want to take advantage of the discount.

20% OFF THE STARTER KIT

Stampin’ Up have been having some awesome deals during June.  This week’s offer ends tomorrow so please be sure to get in touch if you would like to order some heavily discounted stamp sets.  Some of the sets are 50% off! Can’t beat a deal like that!

Stampin’ Up ALSO have an awesome offer for anyone who may be interested in becoming a demonstrator

Have YOU ever considered becoming a Stampin’ Up! Demonstator?  Perhaps just a fleeting thought? Perhaps you have already given it a fair deal of thought?  Perhaps you are looking at a great way to earn some cash working your own hours???

I must admit that when I signed up as a demonstator I was just hooked on the products and wanted to be able to access them at a discounted price.  I never dreamed I would be able to earn money while doing something I loved.  I never imagined that I would have a growing team of demonstrators or to receive awards from Stampin Up!   I mean come on think about it- I just wanted some goodies for free but wow this is so much fun and I really have to pinch myself that I was named Stampin’ Up!’s top NEW demonstrator in Australia. 

Stampin’ Up are now making it even easier for you to start your own little business

Just imagine receiving your starter kit valued at over $560 for ONLY $259! 
Just imagine being one of the first to know about new product releases!
Just imagine receiving discounted products from Stampin’ Up!
Just imagine receiving extra bonuses through the Stampin’ Start program!
Just imagine being able to set your own hours getting paid to do what you LOVE!

Just imagine the people you will meet and friendships you will form!

Whether you’re looking for some money to supplement the household income OR just wanting to pick up some discounts and freebies for your own personal use then why not ask me for more information.  You can read some more information by clicking on the image of the starter kit.  I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have- (obligation free of course!)
 

From now until-31 July, get a 20 percent discount on the Starter Kit when you join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator!

You can even sign up online at my Demonstrator Business Website.  Click on image below- (You will need a password from me to complete the process of signing up so please be sure to get in touch if you would like to join my team!) 

Well I’m back from Convention…. I haven’t been away all this time of course- Just limited computer time since my return…..but I know you don’t want to hear any excuses about how busy I’ve been- You just want to hear about Convention- don’t you?

For those who are unaware- the Stampin’ Up! Convention is a once a year gathering of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.  There are social and training opportunities as well as an awards night.  This year I believe there were about 500 demonstrators in attendance for the Convention in Sydney.

Before Convention began I had a full day in Sydney for a bit of much- needed rest and relaxation.  I had a very cruisy day with my upline, Claire Daly and a late lunch with some other members of the team. 

On the Thursday night before Convention officially commenced there was a special Reception for Managers (and above)  It was nice to meet with the US and Australian staff in an intimate setting and mingle with other Stampin’ Up demonstrators.  As a special gift we were greeted with the most enormous mugs.  They were filled with a big scoop of melted chocolate and frothy milk- the most delicious hot chocolate! Just divine!  These mugs were SO huge that rather than being concerned about a ‘milk moustache’ I was concerned about getting milk froth on my forehead.    See what I mean!!!

All Managers in attendance received a mug to take home.  It was gift wrapped with the Matching ”Share a cup” Stamp set from the Autumn- Winter Mini.  Stampin’ Up! are such a generous company!

The gifts didn’t stop there.  All demonstrators who attended the Convention received a bag containing yet to be released stamp sets. We received three stamp sets in total as well as some yummy rub-ons.    Now I wish I could share those stamp sets with you- however I can’t show them until the release of the new catalogue on the 1st of September!  One of the things I really love about being a demonstrator is being able to see the new products that are available before they are released to everyone else!  :-)  (If this is something that sounds appealing please be sure to ask me for more information about becoming a demonstrator too!)

One of the great things about getting together with other Demonstrators is the opportunity to share ideas with each other.  One of the ways this happens at Convention is through “swaps”.  We all make some samples using Stampin’ Up products and “swap” these with other demonstrators.  Most people make a card but I tend to make ‘mini scrapbook layouts’.  Originally I didn’t think I would have the time to make any swaps before I left but at the last minute I chopped up some designer series paper and ran some dies through my bigshot and decided I would make some swaps after all!   In the end I sat in the hotel foyer assembling my swaps and enlisted the help of my roomie Sue Madex to secure the ‘project recipes’ on the back.  It was all a bit of a rush and to be honest with you- I was not competely happy with how they turned out.  I wish I had the time to add a bit more detail- at the very least sponge around the edges of the cardstock but alas things didn’t work out that way…but at least I was able to share in the buzz of swapping at Convention.  Here are the 6 x 6 layouts I created….

DESIGNER SERIES PAPER: Cottage Wall

STAMP SET: Cottage Garden

CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Rich, Razzleberry, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Whisper white

BIGSHOT and DIES: Stampin’ Up! Top note die, Sizzlets Lots of tags, Stampin’ Up Little leaves

Over the next couple of days we watched talks and demonstrations and participated in ‘make and takes’ Here is Shelli Gardner (CEO) during one of her presentions on stage.  

There was also lots of eating and drinking and chatting.  One night at dinner we were even treated to fireworks.

Now although the fireworks were a ‘blast’- the biggest ‘bang’ for me was the Dinner and Awards Banquet on the final night.  When the doors opened we were greeted by the paparazzi as we walked the red carpet. (Thanks for the pic Sue- I wasn’t prepared for this kind of welcome and didn’t have my own camera handy!)

The table centre pieces were to die for.  Beautiful glass bowls filled with tulips and a candle.  The photo really doesn’t do them justice.

I was so thrilled to be able to share in the night and witness my upline, Claire Daly and also my sideline/ fellow team member Sue Madex walk the stage to receive their awards.  I was so proud to be sitting next to Claire when it was announced that she was Australia’s Top Demonstrator of the Year.    How amazing is that!? It was so lovely to see all of their hard work recognised like that!

I got to ‘walk the stage’ to receive a sales award and also a ‘recruiting’ award.  I was absolutely blown away when it was announced that I was Australia’s first “RISING STAR”  (Top NEW Demonstrator of the year)

It was so nervewracking having to stand on stage for a photo- I was so blown away I didn’t even think to turn sideways for a more flattering photo LOL!   I will share the pic if you promise not to laugh.    This is me on stage with Shelli Gardner (Stampin’ Up Co-founder and CEO), Emma Parker Wilson (NZ Manager) and Aaron Scott ( Regional business development manager, Australia)

Here is the gorgeous Sue and I after the Awards night with our roses, certificates, pins and goodies (Yes more yet to be released STAMP SETS)

As I’m sure you can imagine I had such a wonderful time away and I have so many great ideas to share with you.  If you are keen to book a workshop and see some of the products in action then please be sure to get in touch!

Cheers!

Miriam

miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

(08) 90917655

0419 947 047

As I am sure you can imagine- not every card or layout I ever create ends up on my blog.   Obviously there is the time issue but there are some things I like to keep to share with my loyal customers when I see them in person when they host workshops.

On the other hand- there are projects I plan to share on my blog and then I get busy and it slips my mind.  The following card is one of them!  I created this card some time ago.  Members of my team received variations of this card a few months ago  (By the way- For  more details about joining my team click on the “Become a demonstrator” link at the top of this page)    I really love how it turned out and photographed with the intention of sharing it with my blog readers.  I only just stumbled across it on my computer while I was looking for another photo.  Oops!

Better late then never- I guess!  

I used the FRIENDS 24-7 Stamp set

as well as the FRIENDLY WORDS WHEEL

STAMP SETS: Friendly Words Wheel (page 81) Friends 24-7 (page 81)

CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

INK: Versamark, Creamy caramel, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Perfect Plum

OTHER: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, White gel Pen

ADHESIVE- Snail and Dimensionals

TOOLS: Paper Trimmer, Paper snips, Cutter Kit (to distress the edges)

Don’t forget you can order all the items to create cards (or scrapbook layouts, or boxes) through me.  You can either order the products directly through me and I can have your order shipped to your anywhere in Australia.  You can also host a “workshop” or “catalogue party” and select from “hostesses only” stamp sets and select free merchandise of your choice (depending on sales)  Sound interesting?…. ask me for more information!

miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

(08) 90917655

0419 947 047

I have such lovely people in my team.  Check out this lovely card made by a member of my team.  I always get such a buzz when someone else makes ME a handmade card.

Jill used two of my favourite Stampin’ Up! colours Old Olive and Chocolate Chip.  Jill has also used stamps, rub-ons and patterned paper from the Hand Drawn Bundle which is a Level 3 Hostess set that she earnt by hosting a workshop with me prior to signing up as a demonstrator herself.   

Thanks to ALL of the lovely members of my team who have helped me to Promote to Senior Supervisor. Our team is named “Embrace Creations”  Why “Embrace Creations”?  The “creations” part is probably quite obvious- but why the word “Embrace”

I must confess that the giggly brainstorming for a team name started after a few bottles of red wine and a few glasses jugs of Toblerone Cocktail but after initial joking I starting giving serious thought to it- When you look up the definition, here are some of the definitions….. 

em·brace (m-brs)

1. To clasp or hold close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection.

I received this lovely card from Gayatri who joined my team at the end of last month.  You will find her blog listed in my blog roll on the right hand side!  Thanks so much for the card and I really do hope you enjoy your time with Stampin’ Up!   Gayatri has used the Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set.   Don’t you just love the warm earthy colours?

and the inside of the card!

If you would also like to join my Team the special promotion where you can receive your starter kit for only $150 finishes in a week’s time!  You only have until the end of the month to get your paperwork to Stampin’ Up! Of course, there is always the opportunity to join my team at ANY TIME however the normal kit is $324.  It is still wonderful value at this price because you receive products valued at $560 (so 40% off)  But having said that- $150 is just an awesome price to receive your starter kit and then you can order in more items whenever it suits you!

Don’t forget that you can join my team whether you live close by or in another part of Australia.  If you have any questions about how things work- I am more than happy to answer them honestly and openly- with no obligation to join if you find that it doesn’t suit you! ( I’m sure you will find it hard to resist though!)

If you would love to learn more about Stampin’ Up and the Shelli Gardner (CEO)- please check out the following video clips

First impressions Video Clip

Meet Shelli

Hi there everyone.  Well I’m back from Canberra Convention 2009 and have lots to share with you.  You might want to duck away and make yourself a cuppa so that you can sit back and relax before I launch into my update.

I arrived in Canberra to a very warm welcome from members of my team hanging out in the room finishing off their swaps and chatting.  A team member even went to the special trouble of preparing my bed so it was fit for a queen! (Thanks ever so much Kate!)  

First morning was an early start for me- especially with the two hour time difference.  I have been sick with a horrible head cold (that is unfortunately still lingering) but I wasn’t about to let that get in the way of having a good time!

Here we are arriving in the first day……(That’s me on the far right)

When we walked in through the entrance the place was buzzing with about 500 Stampin’ Up Demonstrators from all over Australia (and even a few from New Zealand) Upon check-in we received our lovely Convention Bag with goodies.  All attendees received two Stamp sets CIRCLE CIRCUS and TRENDY TREES as our complimentary sets.  We also had other goodies such as a pen, notebook, lip gloss and our name badges.  It was so lovely to be spoilt with gifts from Stampin’ Up!

After check-in we had an opportunity to swap cards and creations with other demonstrators.  I chose to make a 6×6 scrapbook page instead of a card.  The RASBERRY TART DESIGNER SERIES PAPER was the insiration for my layout as I thought it worked well with the colours in Erin’s fair dress-up outfit.  I made 42 mini layouts in total and my swaps disappeared in only a few minutes (and to think I was worried about coming home with my own layouts instead of swapping them for othe cards)  This what I made….

Although I kept to the same design- I varied the pieces of patterned paper and cardstock colours based on what I had on hand….. Please see the project recipe below for the items I used.

YES- they took longer to make than it took to swap (but in return I received a lot of wonderful ideas!)

After swapping we got an opportunity to head into Memento Mall to purchase Stampin’ Up! logo items for ourselves.  I couldn’t resist the Bella Apron.  Here is the result of my little spending spree. 

We then entered the Royal Theatre for a general session where we heard from Shelli Gardner (Stampin’ Up Co-founder and CEO), Aaron Scott (Australia Regional Business Development Manager) as well as other staff from the US.   We also got an opportunity to watch Australian Demonstrators as they demonstrated projects just as they would in a workshop.

Check out the main stage/ presentation area. It  was great to be able to see projects being created on the two big screens.   I’m sure you would agree that no small detail was overlooked.

After lunch we then broke up into smaller groups to participate in our “Make and Takes” and other classes.  I must confess that I didn’t finish my “make and takes” as I was keen to participate in the optional class where we received great tips and advice for supporting our downline. 

The evening allowed an opportunity for more socialising and catching up with members of the team. 

Day 2 saw the day start with more classes.  One of my favourite parts was watching Demonstrators WOW us with fun techniques.  I can’t wait to share these ideas with you at upcoming workshops.  Have you booked a date with me yet?!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Shelli Gardner demonstrate on stage.  It gave me an opportunity to understand why Stampin’ Up! is such a successful company that provides incredible support for its demonstrators.  Clearly Shelli is such a beautiful person who is incredibly passionate about Stampin’ Up!  This was one of the cards she made using some items from her signature collection.

I also made sure I got a few snapshots of the some of the display boards around the Convention Centre.

After a busy day we returned to the Convention Centre for the Awards and Recognition Banquet where we were spoilt with a lovely 3 course dinner

The room looked lovely with a special lighting display, tables decorated with flowers, seat covers and even a string quartet!

After the meal- the awards began.  Here is Shelli preparing to congratulate the demonstrators receiving awards.

It was wonderful to be able to applaud people in the team.  The most exciting part was bearing witness to my upline Claire Daly being recognised with several awards.  She received a sales award and was also ranked FIRST PLACE in RECRUITING due to her efforts in getting recruits off to a great start.  The highlight was her receiving an award for being the THIRD PLACE DEMONSTRATOR OF THE YEAR! What an amazing accomplishment.    I feel so inspired to share what I do with other people.   As I am only new as a demonstrator by comparison with those who received awards- I could help but feel inspired by those who received awards.  I can’t wait for next year’s Convention.  I see big things happening between now and then.

If you would like more information about hosting a workshop or becoming a demonstrator (whether that be to conduct workshops or just order products for yourself at a discount) then please get in touch with me. 

miriamthomas@westnet.com.au (08) 90917655  Mobile 0419 947 047

As I mentioned in my previous entry- YOU can join Stampin’ Up! for only $150!!!! This offer is available until the end of May only-  so if you think it is something that may suit you then please let me know as soon as possible so we can the process underway!   Not only will you get the opportunity to order products for yourself at a discount, you could build a business if this suits you.   You will have access to the demonstrator ONLY forums where you can ask questions, be supported and be inspired creatively.

One of the things I learnt over the weekend was how being a part of Stampin’ Up is largely about forming and building relationships with other people.  It was great to be able to spend some time with other demonstrators.  If you would like to be part of the team then please let me know!

I am on my way to Canberra for the Stampin’ Up! Convention very shortly! I have been looking foward to this for months and can’t wait!

If I wasn’t feeling excited enough already- I learnt this afternoon that Stampin’ Up have some great stuff in store for us for the month of MAY. During the month of May, we are celebrating the art of scrapbooking.

THERE IS A SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE STAMPIN’ UP! FAMILY!

During the month of May, with this special Starter Kit, you can become a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator for as little as $150.  Can you believe it!?

If you join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator for only $150 with the limited-time Scrapbooking Starter Kit you will receive ……..

*Substitutable for any stamp set up to $77.95 value.

Please note: Some of the products listed above may be substituted for like items. 

The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit:

• Getting Started DVD
• Getting Started Guide
• Guest Invitation Postcard (100)
• Idea Book & Catalogue (8)
• To My Hostess Envelope (10)
• Project Sample Sheet
• Recruit Brochures (20)
• Hostess Brochure (20)
• Hostess Benefits Form (10)
• Customer Order Form (50)

If you have ever considered becoming a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator (even if you only plan to order products for yourself at a discount!) then NOW is the time.  Get in touch with me for information about ordering this starter kit and becoming a demonstrator on the team.    I have never heard of Stampin’ Up! offering such a fantastic Starter Kit price like this before- the only catch is that you only have 4 weeks to take advantage of this special. I honestly can’t see Stampin’ Up! making an offer like this available any time soon!  I can’t wait to hear from you if you would like to learn more 0419 947 047 

THERE IS ALSO AN AMAZING CUSTOMER SPECIAL THAT WILL BE HARD TO RESIST!

Buy three packs of select Designer Series paper ($16.95 each), and get one FREE! See selections below:

For every three packs of select Designer Series paper that you buy, you’ll get one pack free!    I can’t wait to help you out with your orders in May! miriamthomas@westnet.com.au  PH: 0419 947 047

I used the Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper, chocolate chip cardstock and scallop edge punch to create a gift for one of my recent Hostesses- just one of those additional ‘perks’ of hosting a workshop- and I love giving gifts so it is my pleasure to be able to do this.  

When I first signed up as an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator I was initially only interested in ordering products at a discount for myself.  Knowing that the minimum I needed to spend as a hobbyist was a mere $500 every 3 months I knew this would be quite manageable.  I had no idea I would enjoy the opportunity of sharing Stampin’ Up with others so much!  It is so wonderful to meet new people who share my enthusiam for this beautiful range of products and I love the opportunity to be able to spoil my hostesses with free stamp sets and merchandise that they can select for free.  This really is so much fun!