Summer Cold Got You Down?

Believe me when I say I know exactly how you feel!  I've had my summer cold for over a week now and it's really got me down!  Luckily, I don't have to report in to a workplace outside my home!  My job is home-based and I'm my own boss.  That means I set my own schedule and can adjust it in case of emergencies!

Fortunately, my summer cold happened between my already scheduled live events, so it was easy to readjust my work hours.  Most of my business is online, so I don't really lose anything when I have to take care of myself!  That's one of the many perks to being a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator.

Have you ever imagined being your own boss, working at home and not having to worry about passing along your summer cold?  (Family would be exposed either way, so that doesn't count!)  Maybe the Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator Business Opportunity would be just what you need!

Would you like to find out more?  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 (leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible) or mailto:mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  You can also click on the links in the Business Opportunity section of the near right column.  I look forward to talking with you soon!

By the way, if you decide to sign up by May 30^th, you get to select an additional $30 in products for the same small investment of $99.  This means you get to pick $155 in product to go with your business supplies in the kit.  Give me a call or click on the "Join My Team" button in my sidebar to get started now!  You'll never have to worry about a summer cold getting you down again!

It’s Take Your Daughter to Work Day-How Far Is Your Commute?

It's "Take Your Daughter to Work Day," or, in some places, "Take Your Child to Work Day."  How far do you both have to commute to get there?

"Take Your Daughter to Work Day" was established to encourage young women to learn about a variety of careers, particularly those of their parents.  It also was intended to give them the idea that they could achieve anything they wanted.

As a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator, my commute is measured in feet, not miles.  I also don't have daily costs of gasoline and car maintenance to get to and from work.  I save my Post Office and Bank trips to do once a week.  My PlayShops are usually scheduled in the evenings or on weekends.  The rest of my business can be conducted online, over the phone or by a walk to my mailbox.

I've done a scrapbook page template you can use to record activities your daughter (or son) does for this day.  My main photo would be a shot of my child working in my studio, either stamping a project or preparing materials for my next PlayShop.  Other tasks could be taking phone messages or recording receipts.  There is a journaling block that could list the activities she or he tried out!  And we'll be able to do lunch together before she or he has to go back to school!

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator, and shortening your commute, give me a call at (707) 695-3571– leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible, or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to chat with you about my business and talk about what the possibilities can do for you.

Want to Ease Your Tax Bill Next Year?

Imagine how you can ease your tax bill next year by becoming a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator with your own rubber stamping, scrapbooking and papercrafting business.  Not only do you get to set your own hours and be your own boss, you can reduce your tax bill while growing your business… or pay your whole tax bill without straining the family budget!

The Stampin' Up! business opportunity lets you earn an income while doing something that's fun and that shares your love of rubber stamping, scrapbooking and papercrafting.  You design your business so that it works for you.  You can choose how much income you want to earn or use the opportunity to socialize, or both!  It's all your business done your way!

Right now, you can become a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator and receive an extra $30 in free product to keep your investment in your business low!  This offer lasts through May 30^th, so you'll want to find out about the business opportunity right away!

Would you like to find out more?  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 (leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible) or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  You can also click on the links in the Business Opportunity section of the near right column.  I look forward to talking with you soon!

National Mom & Pop Small Business Day!

Happy National Mom & Pop Small Business Day!  I found the origins at HolidayInsights.com:

Origin of "National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day":

The son of the "mom and pop" this day was created for says, "This holiday was created to honor the business that my parents started on 3/29/39 in Everett , MA —a hat shop called Ruth’s.  It later developed into a woman’s specialty clothing store and moved to Medford , MA , increasing in size to 10,000 square feet with over $2 million dollars revenue until it closed in 1997."

–Rick Segel, Poinciana, FL 34759

I can totally relate as a small business owner/one-woman show myself.  It's also fitting that the company whose products I sell, Stampin' Up!®, also started out as the same type of small business – operating out of co-founder Shelli Gardner's living room!!

Being a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator has really helped me express my creativity as well as bring some extras into my household.  It's a great business opportunity that requires a very small investment of cash, but you can create your business almost any way you like!

If you'd like to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator, give me a call at (707) 695-3571 (leave a message if I miss your call and I'll get back to you as soon as I can) or send me an e-mail to mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to discuss the possibilities so you can tailor the business just for you!

It’s Spring Break, Does Your Job Get A Break, Too?

Happy first day of Spring!  My grandkids, whom I watch during the week, are on Spring Break from school.  With my job, I can arrange my schedule so that I have different tasks and time off while they're home all day.  That's what I get to do by being a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator.  I really love the flexibility!

Another bonus is my grandchildren can act as my assistants.  I have them helping me produce videos, organize my supplies and prepare for my next event.  I give them quick tasks that don't take up a lot of time so they can get back to their own activities when they think of them.  Of course, they've been stamping since they were 2-1/2 years old, so they're quite expert by now (5 years and 8 years)!

Now is a great time to sign up.  During Sale-A-Bration, you get to add 25% more product to your Starter Kit!  This makes a great investment an even better value and lets you get off to an even quicker start to building your business!  But Sale-A-Bration ends on Friday, so contact me soon!

Would you like to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator?  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 (leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible) or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  You can also click on the links in the Business Opportunity section of the near right column.  I look forward to talking with you soon!

It’s Working Women’s Day-Is It Time for a Change of Job?

Happy Working Women's Day!  Have you been thinking that it is time for a change of job?  What about sharing your creativity with others and earning a living at the same time?  It's totally do-able as a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator!

With this creative business opportunity, you get to:

• Be your own boss
• Set your own schedule
• Decide on your own goals and accomplishments

You also have a fantastic array of resources to help you!  And your work is something you love to do!!  Whether it's a change of job, a new job or an additional job that will let you earn money in your spare time, the Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator Creative Business Opportunity may very well be just what you want!

To find out more, you can click this link, then give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I look forward to discussing all the possibilities with you!

And Happy Working Women's Day!

What Am I Getting My Husband For His Anniversary?

As I promised yesterday, I told you I'd answer the question, What Am I Getting My Husband For His Anniversary?  My husband and I have begun a tradition of giving each other one large four-occasion gift each year-and we've been doing it for our Birthdays.  It includes Christmas, Mother's or Father's Day and our Anniversary as well!  Last year, I gave him tickets to the US Open Golf Tournament.  This year, he got an extra-fancy, custom-built computer… that's what I'm getting my husband for his Anniversary!  He already has it and uses it all the time (except when he's playing golf)!

What is he getting me for my Anniversary?  A hot tub!  I use it frequently (not so much when it's below 40 outside)… and so do my grandkids!  My gift is probably going to cover the next 5 years, but his only covers 2 years.  He doesn't know that one of my plans is to give him a golfing tour of the British Isles in the next year or two.  Don't tell him, OK?

How am I going to do this?  With my Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstratorship.  The opportunity to design a business that suits your needs and wants is fantastic as a Demonstrator!  And right now, launching your new business is even more cost-effective.  The Starter Kit, which you design yourself, gives you $156.50 in product for a $99 investment!  You get the business forms you need along with the products to demonstrate, plus access to resources online with ideas, tips and suggestions to make your business successful right away!  And you also get me!  I'm ready to answer your questions, help you with tips and tricks, and assist you in getting off to a great start!

So now you know both what I'm getting my husband for his Anniversary AND how I'm doing it!

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator, give me a call at (707) 695-3571– leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible, or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to chat with you about my business and talk about what the possibilities can do for you.

Is Your Employee Paycheck Smaller This Week?

Maybe It's Time To Own Your Own Business!

As a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator, you don't have to worry about your boss, the accounting department or the government reducing your paycheck.  You decide how much you want to earn and when you want to get a raise, then do it!  You are your own boss with your own hours and your own way of doing things… and you'll have plenty of resources to help you along.  I'm one of them!

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator, give me a call at (707) 695-3571– leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible, or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to chat with you about my business and talk about what the possibilities can do for you.

Make Your Dreams Come True as a Stampin’ Up!® Demonstrator!

Tomorrow is "Make Your Dreams Come True" day.
What are your dreams?  Do you dream of being your own boss?  Do you dream about taking your family on a fabulous vacation every year?  Do you dream of getting to play with your papercrafting every day–and get paid for it? Or do you dream of just getting rid of that credit card bill once and for all?

You can do all this and more as a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator!  In my case, I've taken my husband to Bermuda on a cruise and to the U.S. Open last summer!  My new dream is to take my husband on a golfing tour of the British Isles… even if he doesn't get to play a full round on The Old Course at St. Andrew's!  And I'm doing it with my earnings as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!!

Would you like to find out more?  Click on the Business Opportunity links in the near right column and/or give me a call at 707-695-3571. I'd love to chat with you about making your own dreams come true!

How Becoming a Stampin’ Up!® Demonstrator Can Help You With Your New Year’s Resolutions

Did one or more of your New Year's Resolutions involve making your life better this year?  For example:

• Paying off a credit card
• Buying a new eco-friendly car
• Getting together with friends more often

 I can help with that… I can give you information about what becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator can do for you!  The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

 Imagine – you can have your own rubber stamping, scrapbooking and/or papercrafting business where you set your own hours and schedule the work you want to do yourself!  Would you like to find out more?  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 (leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible) or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  You can also click on the links in the Business Opportunity section of the near right column.  I look forward to talking with you soon!

Ends Sunday-Ink-Redible Free Set of Stamp Pads Promotion

There's just under a week left to earn a set of 10 Stampin' Up!® Classic Stampin' Pads for free!
This is a perfect way to start a business where, as a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator, you get to get as messy as you want and get paid for it!  The full set of ink pads will save you $50 in investment and give you a lot of flexibility when you're starting out!  Your $99 investment nets you over $125 in product, plus business supplies, plus – through the 16th of December – a $50 set of Stampin' Pads!  You'll have everything you need to hold parties, classes or PlayShops and share your love of rubber stamping and paper crafting!

Would you like to find out more?  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to chat about the business opportunity and what it can do for you!

Held Over: Bravo Burgundy As Color Of the Week

I couldn't let Bravo Burgundy go with only one mention and one project idea… and it wasn't even highlighted as Color Of the Week!  This card template was inspired by a poster I saw with the phrase "Money Talks, but Chocolate Sings!"  I made this in My Digital Studio 2+ (#130647, Disc; #130646, Download) with some extra Digital Downloads:

• Eat Chocolate Stamp Brush Set (#124027)
• Get It Done Kit (#129924)
• Natural Composition Overlays Stamp Brush Set (#130855)
• Seam Binding II Ribbon Pack (#124020)

i used text boxes for the phrases and colored "Money talks" with Bravo Burgundy.  To overwrite the phrase on the stamp brush, I colored in the words with Crumb Cake on the digital coloring tool, then could overlay the text box with "… but Chocolate sings!!" in Early Espresso.

I used the coloring tool to accent the row of chocolates in Bravo Burgundy and Night of Navy.  I chose these colors because they are both in the Regals Collection color family and Stampin' Up!® is offering a free complete set of Classic Stampin' Pads as a bonus to new demonstrators signing up by December 16th!  What a great start to your new business!

What's more, if you sign up now and host a demonstration with $450 in sales by 12/16, you can get another free collection as bonus Hostess Benefits.  This starts your business with $225 in Stampin' Up! product to use, plus your business supplies, for a $99 investment.  And you'll get $65 in product from your Hostess Dollars for a total of $290 for the same investment!  This is not even counting your commission from the demonstration sales!!  By the way, in this scenario, you will make back your investment from your first commission and won't be out a dime!

Let's chat about this idea and see how you can make the most of your business opportunity.  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to discuss the possibilities with you!

Celebrate Working Parent’s Day-Be Your Own Boss!

Today is Working Parent's Day – a toast to all you Working Parents!

Do you enjoy your work?  If not, think about:

• Changing it.
• Being your own boss.
• Having your own business.
• Doing Work you enjoy!

The photo shows some of my office tools that I get to use in my business every day.  If you'd like your office to have tools like this, think about becoming a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator!

The Stampin' Up! Business Opportunity lets you achieve all of the preceding objectives while you get the benefits of a stay-at-home parent.  And you can bring in whatever income you need at the same time!  Want to find out more?

Give me a call at (707) 542-3696 or (707) 695-3571– leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible, or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to chat with you about my business and talk about what this business opportunity can do for you.

Halloween Bonus to Start Your Business

There's no better time to start your own papercrafting business as a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator!  For the month of August, you'll receive this Howl-O-Ween Printer's Tray Project Kit FREE for joining!

This bonus adds about a $60 value to your initial investment, which means you'll receive around $185 in product for your $99 Starter Kit.  The Starter Kit is customizable — you get to select up to $125 worth of merchandise to meet your own business plan!  You can earn your investment back with  just one or two events!  Your new rubber stamping, scrapbooking &/or papercrafting business will become profitable in no time!

Take a look here, then give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com for more information.  I'd love to chat about all the possibilities with you!

If you've been thinking about it already and want to sign up without delay, just click on the "Join My Team" Button in the near right column, under my Calendar of Events icon.

New! August Special Offers

I just had to let you know about these!

Save 31% on 31 different Digital products for My Digital Studio 2!  You may also get them for another digital design program if you prefer.

AND My Digital Studio 2 launches TODAY!!  Click for the 30-Day free trial!

Want to See My Convention Swap?

Well, here it is:
As you may remember if you've been reading me for a few years, I've taken to creating a swap showcasing the latest In Color Collection when I go to the annual Stampin' Up!® Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I can do this because I get to see and try out the new In Colors early as a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator.  When Demonstrators get together at Convention (or Leadership Conference… or Regional Events… or at Starbucks… you get the idea), they like to swap project ideas and call them "swaps" for short.

Swaps are both a fun and educational part of being a Demonstrator, and they enhance the Convention Experience.  I've gotten a ton of ideas by going to Convention, and I've learned a lot of techniques that I get to pass on to you!

Convention also provides training classes and workshops to help you get your business off the ground and grow your business the way you want it.  You get a lot of resources to tap into just by being there!  One of the best is interaction in person with your fellow Demonstrators and the Stampin' Up! Staff.  Another is the fun of getting the latest company news hours or days ahead of any body else!  The chance to ask questions and get clarification is invaluable!

I love going to Convention to make new friends and reconnect with old ones.  And I always make sure I have a swap for them, too!  My favorite swap time is at the lunch table.  We swap while we eat and we can exchange information and techniques about our swaps at the same time.  A lot of times, we also exchange business tips and ideas.  You get a chance to ask more in-depth questions at the lunch table because there are fewer people than in class.  It's so great to have fun while you're learning – and it's constant!

And there are always free stamps and goodies!  Some are exclusive to Convention attendees… but you have to be a Demonstrator to go.  Look into having your own business and making money from your paper-crafting!  If you think your ready, click on the Join My Team Button in the near right column.  It's down under my Calendar.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator, give me a call at (707) 695-3571– leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible, or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to chat with you about my business and talk about what the possibilities can do for you.

Last Chance for Free Bonus When You Start Your Own Business

Saturday, June 30th, is the last day to get additional free Stampin' Up!® products when you become an Independent Demonstrator.  Total value is around $50 and includes the Patio Party Suite Digital Content CD for My Digital Studio so you can do both traditional and digital demonstrating!
Added to this is the fact that your Starter Kit is totally customizable… and shipping is free!  I've pictured the Clear-Mount version of the Make A Cake Stamp Set and all the patterns of the Patio Party Designer Series Paper, along with two projects to illustrate them.  (The scrapbook page is in process and will be posted when it's done.)

Imagine the possibilities for you with your own papercrafting & scrapbooking business!  Picture yourself making extra income while you do what you love!  To find out more, click on the links in the near right column under Business Opportunity. You may also call me at (707) 695-3571 weekdays between 8am and 8pm Pacific time.  I'd love to chat with you about what works for you!

Bonus for Your New Stamping Business

Join Stampin' Up!® between now and the end of this month and receive almost $50 in FREE products AND FREE shipping!  What's more, your Starter Kit is totally customizable: you select up to $125 worth of any products (stamps, accessories, tools, or digital) with your business supplies package and set up your business your way.  You can start as a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator today for only a $99 investment!  That's a total value of almost $240 for $99 – any additional products you buy count towards your personal sales!

Pictured is part of a project made with the free products you'll receive this month.  You can see more here.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator, give me a call at (707) 542-3696 or (707) 695-3571– leave a message if I don't answer and I'll get back to you as soon as possible, or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.  I'd love to chat with you about my business and talk about what the possibilities can do for you.

The Top Three Things I Love About Teaching

It's National Teacher's Day in National Teacher Appreciation Week!  Thanks to all you teachers out there!

This got me to thinking about the things I love most about teaching artistic rubber stamping & scrapbooking, and here are my Top Three:

#3 – Designing a project and practicing making it so I can teach you the best and easiest way to do it.

#2 – Showing you that yes, you are absolutely creative!

and

#1 – The look on your face when you've completed the project successfully and your friends are praising you!

Talk about job satisfaction!  I get this every day with my Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstratorship!  Want to find out more about creating your own job satisfaction as a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator?  Just click on the Having Your Own Business link in the near right column or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com.

Your Business-Your Way!

One of the best things about being a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator and owner of an artistic stamping & scrapbooking business, is that you get to do your own thing with your own business!  It's all your business-your way!

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!  Want to hold stamping parties 7 days a week?  You can!  Want to hold classes once a month?  You can!  Want to design and sell hand-crafted cards or scrapbooks?  You can!  Imagine what else you can do… and you get to do it with something you love!

Let's chat about what you would like to do if you were a Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator.  The sky isn't even the limit!!  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's talk together.  Leave a message if I don't get to the phone in time and I'll call you back as soon as I can.  Remember – it'll be your business-your way!