Sunday, July 29, 2012

Awesome Article about Convention 2012 - check it out!!

Events | 2012 Stampin’ Up! Convention

Editor’s Note: The annual Stampin’ Up! convention is one of the largest events of its kind in the industry, but since it is a private event, little is usually heard about it in the mainstream scrapbook media. This year, freelance writer Connie Myers was invited to attend by Stampin’ Up!, and she offered to share her experience with Scrapbook Update’s readers. Her report below provides a fascinating window into the company culture that has created the success of Stampin’ Up! as an organization, as well as an informative look at the company’s latest new products and marketing focus. — Nancy

Thousands of women cheered as the doors opened for the first General Session of the 2012 Stampin’ Up! Convention, held July 18th-21st, 2012 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Stampin' Up Convention Doors Opening
Inside, as lights flashed and party music played, 3500 demonstrators walked, ran and danced through a gauntlet of 500 Stampin’ Up! employees offering applause, hugs, and high fives.
Entering Stampin' Up Convention
Stampin’ Up! has come a long way. Co-founder and CEO Shelli Gardner and her sister started the company in 1988. Their slender catalog offered stamps designed and manufactured by other companies, and the sisters filled orders from Gardner’s living room. “We held our first convention in Las Vegas in 1989, and we had 50 demonstrators in attendance,” Gardner told me in an e-mail. “Considering it was our first event, and we weren’t as prepared as we would have liked to be, we did a great job. And what matters most is the demonstrators seemed to have a great time. It was a fun event. Of course, it doesn’t even compare with what a Stampin’ Up! event is today!”
Twenty-four years after its living-room start, Stampin’ Up! is headquartered in a picture-perfect 300,000-square foot building in Riverton, Utah, and has a manufacturing plant in Kanab, Utah. The company designs and manufactures its own rubber stamps. It publishes a 200-page core catalog of products each summer, and adds seasonal mini-catalogs throughout the year. Stampin’ Up! has nearly 47,000 demonstrators in a network that reaches the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Consolidated revenue in 2011 exceeded $186 million.
Along with rubber stamps, Stampin’ Up! sells a variety of coordinated inks, papers, cardstock, accessories and tools through its independent demonstrators. Some of the most dedicated demonstrators come to the convention each year to learn creative art techniques, sales methods, and marketing ideas for recruiting. They see new products demonstrated, exchange ideas, and attend a variety of classes intended to help them succeed in their own demonstrator business. Most of all, though, they have a lot of fun.
Stampin' Up! Convention Bags
Stampin' Up! Convention General Session
The 2012 Convention Theme was “I Am.” The first General Session opened with a song titled “I Am” commissioned by Stampin’ Up! and performed by Sounds of Zion recording artist Jessie Clark Funk. The lyrics encourage independence and individual strengths and talents. A lip-synced video featuring Stampin’ Up! employees played on the big screens overhead. Audience members clapped along with the song, dancing in their seats. Singer Jessie Clark Funk came onstage at the end of the video. When Shelli Gardner appeared on the screen and then onstage, audience members cheered and rose to their feet, giving her a standing ovation.
“Our theme for this year’s convention—I am—was one of my favorites by far,” Gardner told me. “I loved the way it was incorporated throughout convention, from the look and feel to the subject matter of all our presentations.”
Jessie Clark Funk
Shelli Gardner
Gardner talked to demonstrators about the need to expand recruiting and sales to include the age group designated as Generation Y, defined roughly as the generation born in the 80′s and 90′s. Keynote speaker Jason Dorsey, a generational strategy consultant specializing in Generation Y, entertained demonstrators as he educated them on the differences between Generation Y and previous generations, and talked about how best to appeal to them. “Generations are not a box that all of you will fit neatly inside based on your birth year,” Dorsey said. “What generations absolutely are, is they are really powerful clues on where to start to better connect with and influence people of different ages.”
Stampin’ Up! is launching an ad campaign to increase brand awareness among potential Generation Y customers. Ads will run in home, parenting, and general interest magazines in the U.S. and Canada beginning in August.
Shelli Gardner and Jason Dorsey
Demonstrators attended general sessions and classes throughout the three-day convention. General sessions included technique and product demonstrations, prizes, company announcements, achievement awards and on-stage recognition. Classes included several make- and-take sessions using new colors and products. New products were also displayed on Product Showcase boards. Dozens of display boards showcased class projects, general session techniques, and creative cards, scrapbook pages, and projects created by demonstrators. Demonstrators took photos to use as examples when planning their parties, workshops, and classes at home.
Make n Take
Product Showcase
Stampin’ Up! has more than 80 new stamp sets and 130 new accessories this year. Many other products have been upgraded. On August 1st, the company will release My Digital Studio 2, an upgrade to the company’s digital design software. Additional downloads for MDS/MDS2 are available weekly.
The company catalog offers Sizzix brand dies that coordinate with its stamps. I was very impressed with the Sizzix Framelits. These open-frame dies work perfectly with stamps, even for a perfectionist like me. Stamp the image first, then place the stamped paper on the Sizzix platform. The process is simple: center the matching Framelit over the image and roll it through the Sizzix die cut machine to cut it out. Framelits can be purchased in a bundle with matching stamps for a 15% savings.
Framelits and stamps
The new heat tool is slimmer and has two heat settings – low for drying ink and high for heat-setting embossing powder.
New Stampin' Up! heat tool
Ink pads are now made with firm foam pads. This new design keeps ink closer to the surface of the pad and makes for an exceptionally sharp image. I found that I needed to revise my usual inking technique as these pads require a much lighter touch than other stamp pads.
New Stampin' Up! stamp pad
Of all the new products which will be introduced this year, Shelli Gardner says the new paper trimmer is her favorite. The trimmer has a generously-sized platform and cuts or scores to a full 12 inches. The trimmer bar is long enough that both the cutting blade and the scoring blade can be kept on the track at the same time. And there’s a storage compartment under the base for spare blades.
New Stampin' Up! Trimmer
Trying out new Trimmer
One of the advantages to Stampin’ Up! products is the consistent availability of coordinating colors. The core color palette includes 40 colors which are used in ink pads, cardstock, patterned paper and accessories.
Each year Stampin’ Up! also introduces an additional palette of five current, trendsetting colors. Each “In Color” palette is available for two years, with two palettes always in rotation. Nancy recently reviewed the 2012-2014 In Color selections here on Scrapbook Update.
A portion of Saturday’s closing general session included live streaming to demonstrators around the world. Gardner announced upcoming incentive trips, and Gardner’s daughter/advisor Sara Douglass shared some of her favorite stamping techniques. The Canadian Stampin’ Up! division celebrated its ten year anniversary at the session. Demonstrators were also invited to come on stage for recognition of their landmark anniversary years of service, including fourteen demonstrators who have been demonstrators for 20 years.
Anniversary March
Sara Douglass
Throughout the three days of the convention, wherever I went I made friends. At lunchtime I listened in as demonstrators shared ideas for classes and retreats and found myself exchanging e-mail addresses with my tablemates. At make-and-take classes I found myself sharing inked stamps and technique hints with half a dozen demonstrators who were happy to help me out with the tricky parts. The closing general session was no different. I sat next to two new friends and shared marketing tips I’d picked up from others along the way. The excitement in the room ratcheted higher and higher as party music played and prize patrols roamed the floor giving away thousands of stamp sets. That kind of excitement is hard to resist. By the end of the afternoon my new friends and I were out of our seats and dancing along with 3500 of our closest friends, ready and anxious to go home and create something beautiful.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Free Stuff

Of course one of the perks of going to convention is the FREE stuff.  Look at this jackpot....
I received 3 stamp sets in my convention bag...I won three stamp sets during convention.  In addition, I won a pack of Rhinestones, A package of Dahlias & a roll of Primrose Petals stitched ribbon.
In addition, I won about 6 packages or retired fabric and the new Candlelight Fabric from the Holiday mini.  I got to install MDS2 on my computer and won approximately $80 in FREE MDS downloads.  Come to convention next year & you can win FREE stuff too!!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Convention Gifts

It's not enough to get away for a week with all my Stampin' Friends.....but look at the awesome gifts


These were my gifts to my friends, Upline & Sideline using the new Comfort Cafe Fabric

Gail made these adorable Tea Wallets to match my Six Pocket Bags & added the new Neutral Buttons.

Here is the inside - adorable, thanks Gail

This fantastic bag was made by Pennie, my Upline.  Look at all the detail, the tag using Apothacary Framelits was run through the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, and tied onto the Whisper White Stitched Ribbon with Bakers Twine.  She added a bit of bling with a rhinestone and of course the sweet YoYo with a coordinating button.

I am a lucky girl & still remembering all the fun things from convention



Sunday, July 22, 2012

Convention Recap:

  • SU Shared new ad campaign
  • Jason Dorsey - Amazing Imspirational Speaker
  • Classes
  • Memeno Mall
  • MDS2
  • Marches for Anniversaries & more
  • Displays
  • Awards Night
  • Two Incentive trips announced for 2014
  • Managers Reception January 2013 will be held in Harry Potter World
  • Red Carpet Photo Op
  • Prize Patrol
  • Laughter, hugs & seeing & meeting friends
  • SWAPPING
  • Carry  On Stamp Set is Comming Back any day
  • MDS2 release date set for August 1st (all I can say is WOW) 
  • Awesome Stage Presentations
  • Great tips at product  showcase
  • We got to see the new excluesive patent pending Trimmer....WOW
  • New Recruit Special in August
  • Prize Patrol
  • All Attendee Give Aways
Ready to join my teahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwIAyuyE1KYm??? Let me know!!  Convention is the best  and next year is Su's 25th Anniversary - can you think of anything better?? I think this covers all the highlights & hope that you were able to log in & see the live stream ~

Hope that you can open this link, but I am in LOVE with the convention theme song this year - watch the video on You Tube or see if you can go to it from this link...

Convention 2012 Lip Dub! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwIAyuyE1KY

Friday, July 20, 2012

#convention2012

Great morning General Session - awesome presentations by Shannon West and Bonnie Thurber.  And speaking of Bonnie - I had an awesome class with her yesterday - I AM...Doing Business My Way, with fabulous guest presenters Ronda Wade & Tami White. 

I hope to win a free stamp set from Stampin' Up by posting to my blog. 

To my downline, I can't wait to get home and share some fantastic ideas on how   you can do business your way!

And to my customers, I can't wait to get home and share some beautiful new projects with you!

Stay tuned for more from convention 2012!

Convention - Can you say sweet!

 
Can you say sweet?  Here is our convention bags - filled with goodies & specials for us convention attendees - it's a great bag.  Lookie up close at the Stampin' Up Logo ~

So cute!

And here's Pennie with our infamous duck on a stick :)

And the beautiful stage!


  We had a full day yesterday - great guest speaker Jason Dorsey & the announcement of the 2013 getaway to San Diego.

  Got to run, more later!!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

SWAP #3

I call this one a catalog case, because I took the idea from Page 6 in the big catalog and idea book.



I just love this new Stamp Set called Papillion Potourri
Card Stock:  Midnight Muse, & Whisper White
Ink:  Raspberry Ripple, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade and Midnight Muse
Asseccories:  Polka Dot Embossing Folder, New Butterfly Punch, and Rhinestone Jewels

So what do you think of this one??  I made 50 of each card and that's how I got my 150.  Wish I would have had time to make more, but there you have it!!

Convention Gifts

When we go to Stampin' Events we make a special gift for each other.  By now I should have delivered all my gifts to my special friends, so now I can unveil them to you!
I made 5 -6 Pocket Bags using the new Comfort Cafe Fabric.  I am going to use mine for swapping.  I hope everyone likes them - I sewed for about 10 hours to get them all done.  Now you understand a little more of my packing dilema - because these had to go in the suitcase too!! 
I made one for Gail & Terry - two of my sidelines, of course I had to make one for myself, and I made one for my upline Pennie & one for Janet Wakeland who has been such an inspiration to me.  She has been so generous by allowing me to attend some of her RemARKable meetings and I have met so many more new stampin' friends and have learned so much - so Janet I hope to find you at Convention!!  (Sorry your "J" is backwards in the picture - opps). 
Well when this posts I will be in the Opening General Session - I am so excited to be in Salt Lake City and all the fun yet to come!



Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Convention

Day Two - finally made it to the Stampin' Up home office in Riverton, Utah.
This is a real WOW factor


Pam showing off the beautiful building


What a beautiful place...

So much to see - so many samples and ideas


Here we are in front of the indoor waterfall, around the baby grand.  Now wouldn't this be a fun place to work!

More later...


SWAP #2

For my second swap I used a layered technique & I really like how it turned out!!  Let me know what you think - leave me a comment ~


Stamp Sets:  Blooming with Kindness & Everything Eleanor
Card Stock:  Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals & Whisper White
Ink:  Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals & Crumb Cake
This sample has a large pearl, but I left those off because I thought it took away from the focal point of the flower.

Hope you like it!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Convention...

Up, Up & Away

Jen & Lorren were good enough to get up at 4 a.m. to take me to the airport.  This is the plane that went from Allentown to Chicago - it was really a tiny little thing, but it was a great flight.
So off we go...

...
Leaving the Lehigh Valley behind

 
Now having arrived in SLC this is my room with a view - right to the convention center.  See all those pink flags - they are all imprinted with the Stampin' Up logo - such a thrill to see.

And over the convention center are these amazing mountains - another view from my hotel room.


Here is where it is all gonna happen starting early tomorrow - The Salt Palace Convention Center.
Can't wait to see what they have in store for us!


Decals in all the windows to welcome the crazy stampers!

I am - the convention theme for 2012.  I know it will be exciting!! 

I have had a great & tiring day of traveling, but arriving in Salt Lake sharing a shuttle with 5 other stampers, I walk into the hotel lobby & run right into Pennie (my upline).  What perfect timing.  So I get checked in & head to my room and who do I run into - CFO Scott Neilson - what a nice guy!  And after checking in with the office and answering a few emails and unpacking - I decided to head over to the convention center & check things out and who do I get to stop and have a quick chat with??  Shelly herself!!!!
Well once I finish this post, I am going to really treat myself to a bubble bath & room service!!

Tomorrow looks to be very exciting - first up the home office tour, then Bag Pick-up, swapping and memento mall - yeah baby.  Stay tuned!! 

SWAP cards ~

Well, I was able to make 150 swap cards to take to convention, and hopefully I will come home with 150 great new ideas.  Swapping is sooooo much fun - usually you don't even look at the person, you just look at the card to see if you already swapped with them.  Well, I thought I would share my swap cards with you!  So here is the first card that I created for convention.  I fell in love with the layout & went from there.

The stamp sets I used are Papaya Collage & Petite Pairs
Card Stock:  Tangerine Tango & Very Vanilla
Ink:  Early Espresso, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango
Accessories:  Argyle Embossing Folder & Old Olive 1/2 "Scallop Dots Ribbon

What do you think?  Hope you like it!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

A little off track....

Just wanted to show you the Market Basket that I made last week at my basket class.  I absolutely love the bright colors and the blue handles to match ~

Well this basket really makes me smile - what do you think?  Just something else from my little crafting corner!!
Lisa I hope you don't mind - just had to share.....

The Stamping Wife
Author Unknown

 She learned to stamp on Monday
... Her embossing was quite fine.
She forgot to make us dinner,
So we went out to dine.

She brayerd backgrounds Tuesday
She says they are a must.
They really were quite lovely
But she forgot to dust.

On Wednesday it was birthday cards
She says that chalking's fun.
Shading, blending, and watercoloring.
But the laundry wasn't done.

Her card swap was on Thursday
Using green and blue and red;
I guess she really was engrossed,
She never made the bed!

It was shaker cards on Friday
Using techniques she just adores,
But she never seemed to notice
The crumbs on all the floors.

I found a maid on Saturday!
My week is now complete
My wife can stamp the hours away,
And the house will still be neat.

Well, it's already Sunday,
And my forehead's feeling damp.
I cursed, I raved, and I ranted. . .
The MAID has learned to stamp!!!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Getting Ready to Pack..

Ok, so I told you I would show you some photos of my MESS!
Getting ready to pack is no fun - at least for me.  I'm always so worried I don't have enough or I have too much, or I don't have the right things....so I lay it all out, change my mind about a dozen times, throw in some things I'll never need & voila - I'm done.
Which clothes should I pack??  How many outfits?

Jewelry to go with the outfits & Camera & Lenses, Chargers & flash drives....

And let's not forget the laptop, name badge, money & credit cards, ID and for me - ya see that blue folder - yes that would be work!  Even though I am on vacation, I still have to take work with me.

Well tomorrow I will do a little stamping with some friends in the morning & then home to set up my Stampin' Craft Space for a Christmas in July class that I will be holding the Saturday after I get home.  I still have space for that class so if you are interested, the class is 5 projects for $15 on Saturday, July 28th from 12 noon until ?? 

After that it's onto packing and making a few Birthday Cards - so wish me luck!!



Thursday, July 12, 2012

Well Color me Happy!!!!!!!

Work has been a little crazy as we enter the heaviest shipping period of the year.  I came home in tears yesterday & was ready to call off convention.  But tonight I come home, pick up my mail and what to my biggest surprise not ONE, but TWO cards from my upline Pennie.  One for recruiting in the month of June and one for being one of the top 10 sellers for the Rubber Dubbers for June.  Well nothing can keep me away from Convention now....thanks so much Pennie you really made my day and can't wait to see you in a few days.  Do you guys want to see the cards?  I sure hope so....
This card is Calypso Coral layered with Calypso Coral run through the Chevron Embossing Folder and using the World Treasures Set from the Big Catalog on Page 98.  Some gold glitter in the center of the flowers & tied off with a piece of Calypso Coral ruffled Ribbon.  I received this card for recruiting my dear friend Loralee Smith in June.


I received this card for being one of the top ten sellers of the Rubber Dubbers for June - an Honor I have never achieved - & if you want to know the truth, I am very proud of myself & my customers for helping me achieve this award.  While this card looks clean & simple I know that Pennie put a lot of work into making it so beautiful and meaninful.  I will treasure it for sure.  The background card stock is River Rock - a Whisper White Circle run through an embossing folder....the butterfly is on watercolor paper using stazon & I'm not sure if blender pen & ink pads or markers, but the focal butterfly is beautiful.  The card is topped off with a banner & the words "Congratulations" and some 5/8" Organza Ribbon. 

Thanks to the Noodles for a great workshop & thanks to my outside customers for some orders that put me into the top ten.  I am truly blessed! 

Tomorrow I hope to post some photos of my packing dilema - but convention is only 5 days away for me now!! After working all day tomorrow I hope to hit the food store for a few things then come home and concentrate on finishing up for Christmas in July - looking forward to the class on 7/28!! 

Saturday I have plans in the morning & them home to do laundry, pay bills & pack up for convvention.  Sunday a birthday party in the afternoon - then one more day of grueling work & Tuesday the 17th I'm on a plane at 7:10 & heading to Salt Lake City for convention!  Well that's it for tonights post - I'm off to bed~