Loving my Stampin’ Up! business is an ongoing thing.  Why am I so passionate about it? There are many reasons, with the main one being the people that I meet along the way.

Sometimes it’s just happenstance, sometimes it’s planned and sometimes it’s an unexpected pleasure.

For instance, I was introduced to some stampers at my Christmas Card Class, in turn, these stampers introduced me to other stampers at the Birthday Card class.  My circle expanded exponentially and because I love to be around people and share my passion for my Stampin’ Up! business.

Here is a picture of the stampers that I attended my Birthday class.  Everyone is busy creating, sharing and having fun.

Here are a couple of cards that new found friends created from their gifts.

You too can have the joy of running your own business and meeting new people that will become more than just acquaintances.

How, you ask?

Currently in conjunction with Sale-a-Bration, Stampin Up has an awesome business opportunity for you.  Join the Stampin’ Up family for $125 and there is more…you get $190 worth of products instead of the normal $155 worth of products.  Plus, you receive 20% discount on product order.

This offer ends the same day as Sale-a-Bration ends, March 31, 2014.

Don’t delay.  Go over to this LINK and watch the videos and read the information and then JOIN my team.  Yeah!!!

If you have questions, you can always contact me by email at karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com

I will get back to you with the answers.

Happy Stamping

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The Craft and Hobby Association held their exposition over this past week.  Vendors that are associated with anything card making or scrapbooking offered displays and booths to show off their newest products. 

First up are 2 trends that continue from 2013.

Project Life

Project Life has been around for a period of several years and has become a popular way to scrapbook.  It’s fast and you can complete pages in short periods of time.  One of the elements used in project life are prepackaged journaling cards that you can display in divided page protectors. 

Stampin’ Up! has brought the “This and That” books and coordinating papers, journaling tags, stickers and washi tape.  The Occasions catalogue has all the products that you need to create your project life and the products are all color coordinated so that you are not having to search various stores for products.  If you are a digital scrapper, My Digital Studio can be used to create your Project Life, complete with easy to do divided pages and pocket card templates

 Ampersands

Ampersands (&) continue to be trendy into the Spring of 2014.  You will find Ampersands on just about anythings from papers, to stamps, to clips, embossing folders. 

The Ampersand became popular during 2013 and is using to represent “and”.  Research is not definitive on why it has become so popular except that it is fun to write (an entirely non-scientific observation).

Ampersands

So here are 2  2014 trends in paper crafting that are sure to get your creative juices flowing and think about how you can incorporate these trends into your paper crafting.

Happy Stamping

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My business is a gift for various reasons.  However, I would say the biggest gift of all is the people that I have met over the years.  These people come from various places. 

1. My customers that I have been so fortunate to come to my clubs, classes and other events
2. My up-line who introduced me to a whole other world…the world of creativity, of having fun and creating a business.
3. My side-line who are there to support me and are always willing to lend a helping hand, for instance,  product that I have run out of for a class.
4. My peers that I have met belonging to the Business Stampers Coaching Group led by John Sanpietro.
5. My coach, John Sanpietro, who provides many learning opportunities and makes every effort to help you have a successful business.  (and yes, you need to put his words into action
   
6. Visitors to my Blog who have left kind comments

I have the opportunity to be creative and go to my happy place…the stamping place.  Although sometimes I have to stop and clean up.  You know that big workspace you have and now it has become 12″x12″ working space, never mind that fact that I can’t find anything once a put it down.

So, yes my business is a gift.  There are more reasons why I consider it to be a gift however, these are my top 6.

It is Christmas week, so I am going to leave with a very big thank you to all those that have helped make my business a gift.

 Happy Stamping

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The number one question asked is “Why does Stampin’ Up! change their products and/or discontinue them. 

Can you image going into a retail store time and time again and the product never changes?  How many times would you go back?  Keeping products fresh and interesting is what brings customers into the store and it’s no different with Stampin’ Up! products.

I know that it can be annoying if you really love a certain product or a certain color and you are unable to get it any longer but look what you may be missing if you were not given the opportunity to try something new.

Fashions come and go and so does paper crafting.  Yes there are trends ie, vintage, contemporary and often you see what is happening in fashion or decor trends and these trends are mimicked in the paper crafting world.  Take for instance the chevron.  You see that design in clothing, drapes, wall paper, bed linens etc.

People like to change things up a bit.

For the past year, Stampin’ Up! has tried out a number of new things.  They introduced My Paper Pumpkin, clear stamps, which my the way stick like glue to the blocks, kits to go, and the new thinlit die cuts.  They are not waiting for the next catalogue but are bringing these new items to the market place just as quickly as they can.  This keeps my customers happy because it’s just not the same old same old.

In fact, Stampin’ Up! introduced a new product last week.  It’s the Everyday Occasions Kit.  This kit comes complete with everything you need to complete the cards except for the adhesive.

For more details and to order this versatile kit click on the image

The Everyday Occasions kit includes:

* Card stock and envelopes for 20 cards
* Twine, buttons & clips
* Pre-cut paper embellishments
* Mini ink pads (Stampin’ Spots)
* Seven-piece Occasions Stamp Set & clear stamp block
* Full color Tips & Tricks brochure for making the cards
* A cool, storable, giftable box

All of this for $36.95, that’s less than $2.00 per card.  Would this save you money and time?  You bet it would.  You can have all these cards made up for that they are ready to go when you need one.  The stamps, clear block and ink, you can use over and over again.

I hope that I have answered the number one question asked of me.  If you have questions you would like answered, please contact me EMAIL

Happy Stamping

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Be informed of all things paper and sign up for our email updates and it is so easy to do.

When you visited the Simply Said with Karen blog, you may have seen a pop-up form float past your eyes.  You can fill out this form with your name and email address and click submit or you can complete the form to the right side of my blog.  Either way, you will receive an email asking you to confirm that you have signed up.  This is a way to protect your privacy and not have everyone just signing up your name to an email list.

 So what do you get when you sign up for the Simply Said with Karen email list?

When you initially sign up,

• you will receive a free gift
• lastest Simply Said with Karen Newsletter.

Ongoing communication will be sent to you periodically

• monthly Simply Said with Karen Newsletter with projects, cards, tips, techniques and questions and answers
• a mid-month communication only if there is something important to tell you
• periodically, you will receive a free gift
• current Stampin’ Up! promotions
• and so much more.

So don’t delay.

Within the next month, we will start the 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletter and we don’t want you to miss out on any episodes because we will not be able to send the ones you missed if you don’t get in at the beginning.

Now, Go Sign Up for our Email Updates then Check Out Our Face Book Page and give us a like

www.facebook.com/simplysaidwithkaren

Happy Stamping

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A home based craft business can provide you with many pluses in your life.  The plus for me is my business gives me the freedom in my everyday life.

Who knows that I am still sitting in my PJs as I phone customers, place orders or call on the phone….I don’t think there is a phone yet that can show you talking on the phone.

But seriously, there are reasons for running your own business.

• Setting up your own way of doing business – in home workshops, on-line classes and clubs
• Putting the funds into your own pocket- supplementing your income
  
• Allowing you to be a Stay At Home Mom and having those much needed contacts with the outside world.
• Opportunities to earn incentive trips
• First notification and glances at new catalogues and then there are the pre-orders
• Fueling your inspiration and sharing with others
• Meeting and building relationships with new people

Contact me to learn more about the Stampin” Up! business opportunity.  I will answer your questions and make it easy for you. 

Contact me at karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com

Visit this page and watch the video, find out the benefits and how you can further your career

JOIN THE FUN

Happy Stamping

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Convention 2013 is over for another year and what fun it was.  I know that I did not post a lot while I was in Salt Lake City, so please forgive me.  Convention 2013 took on another format this year – 1 day shorter and more stuff to do and see, so needless to say I was very busy and then just dropped into bed each night.

I am home now, laundry done, and oh, had to have a quick little nap this afternoon, so I think I am good to go now.

There are a couple of things I would like to share with you from the 3 days, so here goes!

First is our group, Canada Inks Up!, lead by our fearless leader Alison Sloven.  Alison was also one of the top 100 demonstrators and for her efforts, she is part of the Founder’s Group.  This group of demonstrators is recognized based on their sales and leadership.

There was 22 at convention 2013 this year, coming from the Vancouver Area, Kamloops, Vancouver Island and even Saskatchewan.  It was fantastic that so many of us could attend.

Next is Ronald MacDonald and you may ask why?  Stampin’ Up! is now a global contributor to the Ronald MacDonald House Charities who help support children and their families all over the world.

We also set a record for the most cards sent from a single event.  Convention 2013 will now be in the Guinness Book of Records.  We had the official people from Guinness there and yes, I stood in a line up for over an hour.  Can you say..”SORE FEET”!

Yes, this is the number we were up to when I got near the head of the line.  Pretty good representation as their was about 6,000 demonstrators.

I am going to leave you with a couple of sample pictures done by demonstrators and put on display so that everyone can get ideas.

Convention 2013

I thought the display on the left was fabulous.  It is done on a canvas and the brick wall is card stock which has been trimmed and sponged.  The net is made from linen thread, the sky sponged with inks and then pictures of children having fun at the beach.  Stampin' Up! products are just not for making cards and scrapbooking.  Mixed media is becoming popular and even I will be giving it a try.

Finally, I want to show you why my feet were sore.  This is the number of steps I took in one day!  More that the 10,000 steps that is a goal for a day.

I will be back with some more samples and be sure to check out my Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/simplysaidwithkaren

Happy Stamping

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A business opportunity is a few clicks away.  Joining the Simply Said with Karen team and becoming a member of the Stampin’ Up! family is an opportunity that may interest you.

Answering a few questions may help you to clarify your desires and whether the business opportunity with Stampin’ Up! will match with your desires.

1. Do you have a desire to own a business?
2. Do you have a desire to lessen your daily commute and work at home in your pajamas?
3. Do you have a desire to add personal income to your family?
4. Do you have a desire to have a wonderful vacation with your family?
5. Do you have a a desire to lessen your income tax bill?
6. Do you have a desire to teach others how they can paper craft?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have a business opportunity to offer you.

Joining my team and creating your own business can really give you a sense of accomplishment and at the same time have fun.

Are you interested in hearing more about becoming a business owner?  Contact me via email at karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com  and I will return your email so that we can discuss the various possibilities.

In the meantime, check out the various information that is available on my Stampin’ Up! website

You will find a video with information on becoming part of the Stampin’ Up! team, demonstrator benefits, career path and so much more.

In addition to all the great items you will get in your Start-Up kit, Stampin’ Up! has announced an addition to your kit which is FREE

Click on the image to receive more details

From now until August 31, 2013, you can choose and receive one of these projects in your starter kit.  The project kits feature products from the 2013/14 Annual Catalogue and the 2013 Holiday Catalogue

Contact me to discuss the business opportunity that awaits you!

Happy Stamping

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My stamping business means a lot to me and I would like to share 3 reasons with you as to why that is so.

However, before I do that, I would like to send out my thoughts to the people in Moore Oklahoma who are suffering due to the tornado that ripped through their town yesterday.  How devastating for those who lost every thing including their loved ones, houses, businesses and supporting facilities.  I have no idea what they are going through and what they must be feeling.

You can help with the situation by going to the Red Cross website and donating.  Canadian donors, US donors

Ok, I will now give you my reasons.

1. People and Relationships  I love to be around people and share my knowledge and coach them through different things.  I was never afraid to share my knowledge and keep it close to me.  I have met so many wonderful people along this journey.  My customers, my email subscribers, my up-line, my downline and my sideline.  With all of that there are still the people that read my blog, like my Facebook Page and follow me on twitter, and of course there are the various Stampin’ Up! events that I attend and I have met wonderful people there are well. It is the relationship building that is so important to me.
2. Creativity  I have had many opportunities over the years to be creative and enjoyed those opportunities so much.  When I started stamping, I just knew that I had found a passion, so why not turn it into a business.  Thinking about something does not get you to where you want to be, you must take action, so I jumped in with both feet.  Stampin’ Up! is a premier company in the crafting world and I am so proud to be a part of it.  There is the training that they provide to get you one your way to establishing a successful business. They help you and in turn you help them with the sales and recruits.  The perks are many – advance notice of new products, sneak peeks from new catalogues that allow you to order and work with the products before they are released to the public, contests where you can win FREE merchandise (stamps and other products), bonuses such as FREE trips like the one that was just completed to Fiji.  Yes, you do have to work for these but in the end it is rewards that you have earned.
   
3. Conduct my Stampin’ Up! business my way.  My last reason for loving my Stampin’ Up business is the freedom to conduct my business the way I want.  I am the CEO and Founder of Simply Said with Karen and I do conduct my business the way I want.  For example, I can work from home in my PJs if I want; there’s the ability to conduct workshops, classes, private parties, online clubs, online classes stamp-a-stacks and special events.  

Of course as with any business, there is work if you want to succeed.  However, it is about pushing your boundaries and challenging yourself to go beyond those boundaries.  Some days I may not feel like stretching those boundaries and I don’t have to because it’s up to me whether or not I do less on one day and more on the next day.  It’s called FREEDOM!

So if you are interested in the freedom of owning your own stamping business, I would love to talk to you about Stampin’ Up! and give you information on becoming a demonstrator.  All you have to do is EMAIL me and I will call and talk to you.  You can also go to my Online Website to find out more particulars. 

There is FUN to be had.

Happy Stamping

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Breaking News

I interrupt this Blog Post to bring you an  important notice regarding this weekend.

FREE Shipping weekend – less than 24hrs.  Order through my online store www.simplysaidwithkaren.stampinup.net

or email me at karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com

Use Hostess Code YW6HYYZG when you order through my online store.  I will make a random hostess drawing on Monday so some lucky person will reap the Hostess Benefits. 

Back to our regular blog

The Simply Said with Karen email list has a number of benefits: 

• you will receive a monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox with exclusive content…that’s right, project ideas will not be seen on my blog, Facebook page and/or twitter.
• first notice of all new products exclusive to Simply Said with Karen.
• you receive a free gift for signing up
• plus, you will receive the latest Simply Said with Karen Newsletter
• and more…..

So, what do you have to do to be added to the Simply Said email list?

Put your fingers on your mouse and guide it quickly to the top right side of my blog. Add your name and email address to the form and click submit…easy?

You bet it it is.

And, your privacy is protected

Happy Stamping

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