Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

WANTED: COPYWRITER

I'm sure there's a famous quote out there that makes the point better than I - but I figure a smart person is someone who admits they can't do it all on their own and seeks help from skilled people to reach their goals.

I'm ready to admit that I need help! Hey, not THAT kind of help, although that might be a good idea at some point too! <grin>

I'm looking for someone with hands-on paper crafting experience who excels at writing clear, concise instructions in English using "My Digital Studio" or similar digital designing software. As a bonus, but not a deal breaker: the ideal candidate is already familiar with Stampin' Up! products.

Working from home with reliable internet access so we can communicate/send files back & forth is a must.

Payment is negotiable but I'm not rich by any means, so if you are an established, professional copywriter I probably can't afford you.

Still interested in this postition? Send me an email cover letter telling me your experience, expectations, and why you'd like the job - and attach a step-by-step instruction sheet (written in your own words) for a craft project that you have made.

Since I'm already behind in my work and need to fill this position quickly the deadline to apply is June 21st, 2011. Job will commence immediately after, with a 3 assignment trial period; after which we'll decide together if we're a good fit. The prospects are very good for this position to continue for at least twelve months.

Email your cover letter and sample work to: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

cheers

"STAMP & CROP OUT CANCER" RESULTS

This announcement is long overdue, but its hard not letting life get in the way!! Both Samantha and I would like to thank all of those who participated in our Stamp and Crop Out Cancer event, held on May 7th in Guelph. Our event was a great success...and a lot of fun! We had a good time stamping our projects, checking out our vendors' wares and all competing over the items at the silent auction table.

Over all we raised $275 for donation, along with approx. $200 that went to Streak for Cancer who participated as one of our vendors there, AND another $28 will be donated by Stampin' Up! to Breast Cancer Research for the 14 "Strength & Hope" stamp sets we ordered for everyone who attended. We are very proud to be able to make this donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and do hope to run this event again in the future!!!

A heartful thanks to all those who lent us a helping hand, donated wonderful prizes, and participated during the day, without you the event could not have been a success!!! Thank you and we will see you all at the next stamping event!!!

Donna & Samantha

AMAZING FRIENDS

Friday I attended  a fellow demonstrator's daughter's wedding in London - Roxy did a magnificent job of decorating a la Stampin' Up! and I was honoured to be present at such a personal family celebration.

Monday morning saw me stamping with fellow demonstrators Ruth from Waterloo and Lesley from up Barrie-way as we experimented with brayered backgrounds .. I was amazed at all the different results we got - it was an inspiring good time!

Then, last night I attended the Artful*Inkers' Summer potluck picnic - we chatted, shared vacation stories, watched the kids playing together, ate delicious food, and swapped cards.

I am constantly thankful for the number of very dear friends that I've made through my years with Stampin' Up! ... we've laughed and cried together; we've shared our creations and given positive criticism, we've supported each other in our businesses and personal lives ... I can't imagine a life without all of you!

Wilma - we're all thinking of you in this difficult time and I hope you feel our support as we try to hold you up through the miles.

Brenda - heal quickly and be pain-free; in the meantime we're all here to take on some of that pain for you.

And to everyone else who may still be reading this post - take the time today to tell someone just how important they are to your life. Here are some swap cards from last night's get-together .. enjoy!

 

The bird cage card was made by Samantha of Carlisle; our wonderful hostess at last night's dinner. How fun and cheery is this card!!!

 

The owl card was made by the talented Julie of Guelph; in her typical "Julified" style, it is embossed, inked, distressed, and absolutely beautiful!

 

And here's my swap card .. I'm keeping it simple because it's doubling as my card for a much larger Canada-wide demonstrator swap later this month. The stamps and punch are from the upcoming Holiday Mini catalogue (I had to borrow both from another demonstrator ... thanks Julie! .. because I'm trying to be budget-minded and wait til September to order)

The mini is full of wonderous stuff - that order is going to make one big dent in my piggy bank, let me tell ya! Jusst wait 'til you see the mini for yourself on September 1st - you'll be drooling over every page just like I did <grin>

cheers

MORE PROOF THAT MEN ARE FROM MARS

So I got this forwarded email from my cousin today, and for some reason, it just resonates with me ... read it through to the end ... I think all you fellow stampers out there will agree with me <wink>

" Stanford held a lecture on the mind-body connection--the relationship between stress and disease.  The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends.  At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences.

Physically this quality “girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin--a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well being.  Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. They rarely sit down with a buddy and talk about how they feel about certain things or how their personal lives are going.  Jobs? Yes.   Sports? Yes.  Cars? Yes. Fishing, hunting, golf?  Yes.

But their feelings?--rarely.  Women do it all of the time. We share from our souls with our sisters, and evidently that is very good for our health.

He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged -- not true.  In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!  So every time you hang out to schmooze (or to STAMP & SCRAP - ed.) with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! "

Now, to cut and paste this message & send it off to hubby ... he'll never believe me but he might believe Stanford University!

cheers

NOW'S YOUR CHANCE

Is this YOU?

• If you need to trim your hobby allowance or you want to earn some extra income, 
• If you want to start buying from yourself instead of me, and earn lots of freebies,
• If you'd like to join an amazing team of demonstrators who meet often to swap, share & support,
• If you've been waiting for a sign that it's time to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator,

then HERE'S WHAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR ...

During the month of June, Stampin' Up! is offering a MINI STARTER KIT for only $119 CAN!!!

This kit has everything you'll need to get started as a demonstrator - and even if you choose to use the kit for your own hobby without holding workshops and classes, it's STILL an amazing deal!

Here's what you'll get in your MINI STARTER KIT:

(NOTE: all products are guaranteed to be in the new catalogue in July; & if you already have one of these items, you can substitute a like item of equal or lesser value.)

Item	Description	Price
117050	Watercolor Trio stamp set (wood-mount)	$30.95
118571	I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (clear-mount)	$22.95
118486	Clear-Mount Block C	$8.95
116978	Homemade single stamp*	$10.95
100730	Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$9.25
119706	Brights Collection assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")*	$8.50
115656	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.25
119667	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad*	$7.25
115658	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.25
100814	Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.25
119261	Basic Black 1/8" taffeta ribbon*	$8.25
121620	Color Coach*	$18.95
104332	SNAIL Adhesive	$9.75
	Retail value of products in kit	$157.50

*Sneak peek items!

The Mini Starter Kit also includes the same business supplies that are in the standard Starter Kit, plus Stampin' Up! will also ship you a box of eight new 2010-2011 Catalogues in early July!

This is really good value folks, and I'm eager to help you get started in the BEST JOB IN THE WORLD!

• QUESTIONS about quotas & other requirements? Call or email me - I'll tell you whatever you want to know.
• WANT TO READ THE FINE PRINT FOR YOURSELF? Just click here to go to my business website, then click on the "JOIN NOW" button to see the Demonstrator Agreement (don't worry, there's no commitment if you go to this page; feel free to browse)
• READY TO START YOUR NEW ADVENTURE? You can join my team online or we can fill out the papers together and mail them in - it's your choice. Online registration (using the "JOIN NOW" link above) requires a credit card, your S.I.N. number, and my password: artful_inkers

I know you've considered it ... so don't miss this opportunity to save money, make money, and meet the most amazing people through Stampin' Up! Seriously, this could change your life ... it did for me!

cheers

STAMPIN' UP! HELPS HAITI

Stampin′ Up! demonstrators have a long history of making a difference in the lives of others--especially when disaster strikes and the need is greatest. So it was not surprising that so many demonstrators have contacted us in the past week asking what the plan is for helping to provide relief for those who continue to suffer from the effects of the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12.

Here is the plan:

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set sold will be donated American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name	Item #	Price
I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount  (block D recommended)	118571	$24.95
I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount	117010	$35.95

This is a simple and straightforward plan; the more stamp sets Stampin' Up! sells, the greater the difference we all make. Often it is the simplest plans that work best!

To order your I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, contact me by phone or email, or use my handy online shopping cart (SHOP NOW). Together we can help relieve some of the suffering in Haiti.

SPAM FILTERS ... ARGGGGG!

Sure, spam filters serve a purpose, but too much of a good thing can get you into trouble!

If you were the person who emailed me today (Thurs Aug 20) at approx 12:30 pm with the subject line "Party" ... I'm sorry but I caught only a glimpse of your message in my spam folder before it was purged (which apparently means gone forever, not to be retrieved!)  Could you please email me again?

cheers
Donna

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!

Hello Stampers!

Some of you are aware of my efforts to "Go Green" in my stampin' space .. I've stopped buying cases of bottled water & have invested in a water cooler for all of my class & club participants to use. I'm also encouraging everyone to lug-a-mug (or at least a water bottle) to my classes and team meetings - just be careful what type of plastic your bottle is made of (check the recycling triangle stamped on the bottom - No. 7 is the worst for leaching chemicals into your water!)

I'm also very pleased that some customers are returning their Stampin' Up! bags and extra promotional materials that they no longer need so that I can reuse or recycle them. The more items that we can keep out of the landfill sites, the better it is for all of us. When I get set up downstairs in my new stampin' studio I will have a basket to collect these items with a little incentive program to encourage everyone to come on board ... so stay tuned!

In the meantime, in honour of April 22 being Earth Day, I thought I'd share a fun& crafty YouTube video showing you how to make something useful out of all those plastic bags that we get from the stores. While it's NOT actually a stamping-related project, you could definitely add some pizazz to it with your rubber stamps and some StaZon inks <grin>

And if Going Green is a goal of yours too, I invite you to check out the following blog:
We Can Do It by the Sierra Club - there's tons of useful information here on ways to make a difference at home and in the community!

Enjoy!
Donna

If you've spent any time at all reading through stamping blogs (at least the GOOD ones), no doubt you've come across the name Andrea Walford. Andrea is a very talented stamper who loves to share her creativity with others and insists that even the "non-creative" people of the world can make simple, beautiful cards, scrapbook pages and gifts through rubber stamping.

Andrea is also, I am honoured to say, a member of my Stampin' UP! demonstrator team. Her support, encouragement and generosity knows no limits.

So you can imagine how upset I was to discover that such a kind & good-hearted person like Andrea has been taken advantage of by some unscrupulous, moral-lacking fiend on E-Bay! Simply put, someone purchased a "Class Planner for Demonstrators" from Andrea (a series of detailed workshop project tutorials that she designs & sells to other demonstrators) and then turned around and tried to sell it on E-Bay along with the Stampin' Up! supplies needed to create the projects! This is a definite no-no on SO many levels - it violates Andrea's copyright, it breaks Stampin' Up!'s rules (no current product may be sold on E-Bay), and it's against E-Bay's policies too! When you get right down to it, it's out and out THEFT!

Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against E-Bay; it's the demonstrators who use it to beat the system to make a fast buck that get my dander up. AND the customers who will buy anything anywhere as long as it's cheaper, without looking at the bigger picture and the ramifications of their actions.

OK, I'm done venting... but please read Andrea's blog post about this - she has thoughtfully explained the intricacies of this on-going dilemma that honest, hard-working demonstrators are faced with every day. It's hard enough to make a go of this business, providing quality one-on-one customer service, teaching others how to use our products, and coming up with creative ideas to share ... without  a few of our fellow demonstrators taking the easy road and cheating their way to success!

Hang in there, Andrea, and fight the good fight!