I know I sent my newsletter to you last week, but I have even more to share with you this week. I just returned yesterday from New Jersey where I spent a full day at a Stampin' Up! event called OnStage.  The theme of the event was "Be Yourself" which is so important.  Don't compare yourself, your cards, projects or anything else with anyone else.  Success is whatever works for you, you get to define what success is and will be different for everyone.  Create because it is joyful.

Stampin' Up! hosts 3 different kinds on OnStage events twice a year: the "Live" event was in Brisbane Australia, the "Local" events were scattered throughout the 10 countries Stampin' Up! is in (this is why I was in New Jersey) and the "OnLine" event will be posted for all demonstrators to watch on Thursday.  Locations change each time so that everyone has a chance to attend.  So, no matter where you are and what type of demonstrator you are, you can be connected to demonstrators from around the world.  Just another reason to join Stampin' Up! (there are really so many reasons).  

These are photos of fellow demonstrator friend Barbara and me posing in front of a sign with our names printed because we made samples with new products for the event for everyone to see, and me next to my samples (top two rows - I made valentine and monster cards & treats).

Because I just saw (and have) the upcoming Spring Occasions and Sale-a-bration catalogs at OnStage!  You are going to want everything in them!!!  As a demonstrator, you will enjoy a 20-25% discount on all your orders and it could be 20-25% income with orders placed through you (if you choose to seek out orders).  I would rather you receive this discount/income than me and join my team.  This is what I suggest, join now and purchase what you need to get started: paper, ink pads, envelopes, paper trimmer, adhesive and one or two stamp sets.  Or, purchase the Big Shot (or any other products that are on your wish list).  When you choose what you want for your Starter Kit - you pay only $99 and choose $125 of any products, receive a free Paper Pumpkin kit and free shipping.  This is an incredible savings!  Then you can purchase some of the fantastic new things that will be available in January with your discount, plus earn free products and opportunities for perks during Sale-a-bration (SAB)*.  If you join in November - you can pre-purchase Spring catalog items and earn free SAB items in December!!!! That way, you can get a head start on preparing your samples to share with friends for the beginning of January when everyone will want to earn FREE Sale-a-bration products. You can earn money towards your own new products or just enjoy the discount.

See more information about joining and my recommendations at the end of this mini-newsletter. I am happy to chat with you on the phone, email or meet with you in person to answer any of your questions.

*During Sale-a-bration, you get a free item of your choice from the SAB brochure for every $50 you spend (before shipping & tax).  SAB is January 4 - March 31 2017.

Not only did I come home with creative ideas, energy, friendships, motivation, challenges, recognition and a fabulous time, but I also came home with swag!!!!

As I hope you are seeing, Stampin' Up! is not only about making a card and making a dollar, but about the friendships that develop locally and from all over the world when you attend events, online forums & groups, team meetings, classes & workshops and the connection that Stampin' Up! creates with their website and mailings.  It's all there for you to choose (or not choose) from.  I made a friend from Australia with a group I belong to and a gift from her was awaiting me yesterday when I arrived home.  Not all global catalogs are the same because seasons & holidays vary.  I saw the below stamp set posted on her blog a little while ago and fell in love with it (really, who wouldn't) because my husband is a professional scuba diver and that mask & snorkel is just perfect for him.  Well, she mailed it to me beautifully wrapped in Stampin' Up! Christmas packaging and made a beautiful coordinating card. How lucky am I! The good news for you is, Stampin' Up! put this very set in our upcoming Spring catalog, so you can get it too! 

With so much energy flowing from my fingertips, I needed to make something last night.  I just couldn't sit still, but I was a little bit tired to design something new.  I took out my Stitched with Cheer Project card kit and did a little stamping and stitching.  It was the perfect project because it wasn't difficult, it fulfilled my need to create something beautiful and more of my Christmas cards are now done.

If you would like to host a private class (at my house or yours), this is a great option.  You can certainly purchase & make this kit on your own too.  This kit makes 18 cards with a little stitching (all the holes are pre-punched) and just a little stamping - great for any stamper from brand new to the expert (who needs a quick card).  Even if you chat too much, as long as you do the stamping first you can always finish them at home.

If you would like to schedule a private class, it would be $40 per person and that includes everything you need (stamps, inks, adhesive) to make all the cards including me as your instructor.  Contact me soon before it's too late to make & send your Christmas cards.

To subscribe (or re-subscribe), click on this link:  Sign me up for Paper Pumpkin!  If you ever lose this link, you can also go to www.paperpumpkin.com and just be sure to choose me as your demonstrator.

Each month is $19.95 (which includes shipping).  You will receive all supplies: stamps, inks, paper, necessities & directions to make the project in the box each month.  There is no time contract, so you can stop anytime.

Also awaiting my arrival home was my Stitched Shapes Framelits that went on sale November 1. I didn't have a chance to make cards with them yet, but I did run them through my Big Shot so you could take a peek at the detail stitching.  Such a great effect for so little work!  Be sure to order yours during the month of November.

To go along with the Stitched Framelits, Stampin' Up! is offering these sets on sale at 25% off for the entire month of November.  Here's a link for you to see all options:  25% Sale Stamp Sets clear, wood & photopolymer.

As I mentioned above, I wanted to give you a suggestion for your Starter Kit in case you didn't know where to start.  This Balloon Celebration is one of my favorites and has a coordinating punch.  Birthday cards are perfect to make because EVERYONE has a birthday!  All products are interchangeable, these are only suggested items.  **If you have been wanting a Big Shot, this is a great way to get one because it's like getting it on sale (which it never is).  To join, all you need to do is click here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/christinejosti/jointhefun.  

Of course, ask me any questions you may have before joining too.  I'm happy to chat on the phone, via email or meet in person.

And lastly, I just wanted to remind you that I am mailing out two cards for you to re-use with any orders placed by this Friday, November 11.  This is my way of saying thank you.  I am putting my income from these sales towards my son's Eagle Scout Project (which is just about finished!!!!!).  Here is the photo from yesterday.  My son is the one in the middle with the grey sweatshirt.