My Why and My Story...

I was recently given the honor of participating in a special training program offered by Stampin' Up!® The purpose of the program is to help us identify the reasons that we love Stampin' Up! and help us to effectively share our personal experiences with others. You will, no doubt, be hearing more from me through this training process as I work through the modules.

Today, I will focus on the tasks from Module 1. We were asked to complete a "My Why" project and also to share our story.

MY WHY:
Initially this task was geared towards our "My Why" for accepting the invitation to join the program, but I decided that it was equally as important to identify "My Why" for joining Stampin' Up! in the first place and that is what you will find in the graphic at the top of this post. I created it in minutes using a template in My Digital Studio (LOVE IT!!!).

MY STORY:
My love of crafting goes all the way back to the time when I first picked up (and likely chewed on) a Crayola. For as long as I can remember, I have been crafting. I have always had a love for scrapbooking - yep, white glue all the way on my original projects (*gasp*) - and as I matured, so did my tastes, as well as the industry itself. We began to realize that gluing our precious photos to that construction paper might not have been the best choice and manufacturers like Stampin' Up! began to offer acid and lignin free products, as well as my latest obsession MY DIGITAL STUDIO!

I first discovered Stampin' Up! online. There were no demonstrators in my immediate area, but I knew that my years-long struggle to color coordinate were OVER. Stampin' Up! offers paper, ink, markers, ribbon, buttons (the list goes on and on) and everything is COLOR MATCHED! If I wanted everything red on my pages, all I had to do was pick the "Real Red" color of the ribbon, paper, ink, etc. and I absolutely KNEW it would match. WOW!! Until that time, I had spent countless hours in craft stores trying to pull everything together to complete just 1 page and always ended up dissatisfied with what I came home with. Everything didn't match the way I liked it to and that drove me NUTS, so nuts that I wouldn't even finish (or most times even begin) my project.

It was love at first sight when Stampin' Up! and I met. I signed up immediately.... without ever even putting a stamp to paper... and I have never looked back! I am sure that my upline, Phyllis Shepherd, remembers well the day I came to her house hyperventilating because I was a brand-new demonstrator with a brand-new starter kit, yet I was terrified to put my first stamp to cardstock. She rolled her eyes (sweetly) and told me that there are 2 sides to every sheet of paper and that if I screwed it up, SO WHAT, turn the paper over and try again! So began my Stampin' Up! career and, with the help of my incredible upline, I learned that stamps not only are EASY TO USE, but they aren't just for cards! Stampin' Up! has just as much to offer a scrapbooker as it does a seamstress or a cardmaker or a jewelry maker... or anyone in between!

Stampin' Up! doesn't "discriminate" when it comes to demonstrators either. Originally, I signed up for a discount, but found myself so excited with the products that I simply HAD to share them with others. Whether you want to join Stampin' Up! to get a discount on your personal products (hobbyist) or if you want to build a business, there is a place for you and you are welcomed with equally open arms!

Joining Stampin' Up! was the best decision I could have ever made (and trust me, I made a few wrong choices before I found the right company) and I would love to share more with anyone who is interested. I am available during my workshops/classes/crops and for one-on-one time. I would love to have you join my team, the Bella B Stampers. Please contact me with any questions or comments you might have. I would love to help you to Inspire. Create. Share.

To love what we do and share what we love, as we help others enjoy creativity

and worthwhile accomplishments . . .in this we make a difference!

–Stampin' Up! Statement of the Heart

Have a blessed day!






Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

No RSVP Necessary to Attend Extravaganza... Bring a (new to my events) Friend and You Both Receive an Extra Ticket for Door Prize Drawings!

This is an OPEN EVENT, which means that anyone can attend. The RSVP was ONLY for the goody bags, so don't forget that anybody can come without an RSVP!! Bring a (new to my events) friend and you both receive an extra ticket for the door prize drawings!

The RSVP date for the goody bags has come and gone and we had a GREAT response! Don't forget, you have to attend the event to receive your goody bag.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!







Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Project Linus Lock-In... Help Blanket Children with Love!

Most of you are aware that my Dad lost his long battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) back in September at the age of 61. Since then, I have been trying to make sense of it all and find a path to healing. I have been filled with a desire to give something back, but have struggled to find just the right project and I have! Check out http://www.projectlinus.org/.

Please mark your calendars for 09/10/2010 and 09/11/2010. I will be hosting a Blanket Making “Lock-In” at Pleasant Grove UMC in my Dad’s honor. Even if you can’t sew (or hate to) there are NO SEW VERSIONS of blankets that you can do – all you need to be able to do is tie a knot – or you could help others cut fabric, organize, iron, etc.!

“Project Linus welcomes blankets of all styles, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Blankets must be new, handmade and washable. You don’t have to be an expert to create a blanket that is beautiful to a child! Materials must be new, unused and free of contaminants such as mold, mildew and smoke. They should be cotton or cotton/poly blends. Knits, double knits, wool, and some other materials are not acceptable.”

How can you help?

• Please start looking for fabrics that are on sale, etc., and if you are able grab them up. Keep an eye on craft store coupons. You can use them at ANY store. Hobby Lobby carries fabric, as does Joanns. Sign up for Michaels, Joanns, and Hobby Lobby mailing lists and they will email you the coupons weekly.
• Start talking to your friends about attending, as well as any materials they may have that they can donate. Just make sure they fit within the guidelines listed above. I would like to start “stock-piling” materials, especially fleece, flannel, and cotton prints. We will also need cotton batting.

If you think you might be able to attend and/or are interested, please let me know. You are NOT committing, just trying to gauge possible number of participants.

We would come in on Friday night 09/10 at 6:00 pm and the event would end on Saturday 09/11 at 6:00 pm. Sleeping space available at the church, so you can “blanket” the night away – or you could come and go as you please.

REMEMBER – You DO NOT HAVE TO BE A SEAMSTRESS to participate!! Please share this information with any friends that might be interested.

HUGS!







Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

To love what we do and share what we love, as we help others enjoy creativity
and worthwhile accomplishments . . .in this we make a difference!
–Stampin' Up! Statement of the Heart

FREE Sale-A-Bration Extravaganza and Crop!!! DON'T FORGET TO RSVP by 03/15/2010 - Get a FREE Goody Bag Day of Event!

The Bella B Stampers and Friends invite you to please join us

03/20/2010 from 12:00 to 6:00 pm

Fellowship Hall Pleasant Grove UMC

Fun-filled day of demonstrations, free make and takes, and door prizes!

No experience required - bring a friend!

Enjoy live demonstrations and make and takes throughout the day to include:

• Fabric and Big Shot
• Decor Elements for Home Decor
• Simply Adorned Jewelry
• My Digital Studio Software
• Build-A-Bear line
• Cards
• Scrapbooking

Other FUN activities during the day:

• Free cropping space.
• Special treats provided by http://www.sweetcakesbyangie.com/.
• Door prizes!
• Sale-A-Bration catalogs and information will be available!
• Sale-A-Bration ends on 03/31/2010!
• We will be accepting donations to benefit the Children's Ministry at Pleasant Grove UMC as well during the event - Bring Your Change! We will be helping God's Kids "Change The World."

We are very excited about hosting this free event!
No crafting experience required!
RSVP today via EMAIL for your free goody bag!
Please tell your friends!

Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

So You Want to Be a Demonstrator?

We have been exploring the benefits to becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator this week and I hope that you see how rewarding it can be, both on a personal and on a professional level. I am currently looking for new team members and would love to have you join me! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE LOCAL - ONLY A U.S. RESIDENT!

Join my team, the Bella B Stampers, today and receive the amazing Sale-A-Bration benefits described HERE. You may also click HERE to read about the benefits of becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator!

When you are ready to join, simply follow the steps below and you will soon be a member of my growing team:

• Visit my website.
• Click on the "Start Your Own Business" tab.
• Explore the information about becoming a demonstrator.
• When you are ready, click on "JOIN NOW" on the left under the "Shop Now" button to begin the process.
• You will need a password which is "katieburke" (without the quotations).
• Be sure and note that periods of inactivity will "bump" you out of your registration process.

If you have any questions, please contact me and I would be happy to speak with you and/or schedule a meeting with you to answer your questions.

Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

Great Reasons to be a Hobby Demonstrator OR a Career Demonstrator!

Whether you choose to be a career demonstrator or a hobby demonstrator, there are lots of benefits to joining my Stampin' Up!® team!

Become a Hobby or Career demonstrator before 03/31/2010 for only $169.15 (reflects 15% off during Sale-A-Bration) AND you get a FREE additional stamp set of your choice ($47.95 or less)... and your kit ships for free!

• As a career demonstrator, you will enjoy the flexibility of setting your own hours and working from home; it provides part-time income and you are your own boss... or as a hobby demonstrator, enjoy all the following benefits listed below.
• The Starter Kit is valued at over $335!!
• Receive a 20% discount on all products!
• See and purchase new Stampin' Up! products first.
• As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you'll be supported with a monthly magazine filled with project ideas and business training, a website dedicated to providing you with training and information for your business, a Demonstrator Business Web Site where your customers can see the products and classes you have to offer, and even place orders with you, and, of course, beautiful, exclusive artwork and high quality products to offer your customers!
• Invitation to Stampin' Up! events, where you can learn from fellow successful demonstrators and Stampin' Up! staff.
• Become part of a world-wide stamping family!
• Join the Bella B Stampers team and you are joining an active group that loves to function together by brainstorming and hosting joint events!

Stampin' Success is a FREE monthly demonstrator-only magazine that provides you with exclusive projects, business ideas, and inspiration from successful demonstrators to help you build your own business or just help feed your creativity!


If you have any questions about Stampin’ Up! or becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, please contact me! Check back tomorrow to learn more about being a demonstrator, no matter what kind of demo you prefer to be! If you just can't wait to find out more about becoming a demonstrator today, visit my website by clicking on the links below to learn more about:

Start Your Own Business
Demonstrator Benefits
Career Plan
About Stampin' Up!

You can sign up today online through my WEBSITE and clicking on JOIN NOW. My password is "katieburke" and don't forget that you earn an extra stamp set for signing up during Sale-A-Bration!







Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

Stampin' Up!® Principles and Vision Goals

Stampin' Up! Principles

Integrity We build our businesses through trust, fairness, and kindness with the thought that people are more important than products. We encourage everyone to give their best effort every day, to provide positive support to those around them, and to exercise creativity in performing their tasks.

Relationships We expect open, honest, and friendly communication between everyone. We appreciate and encourage diversity, knowing there is much we can learn from each other.

Balance We are dedicated to those who strive to create balanced lifestyles centered on serving family and others while nurturing their own self-esteem and personal growth.

Personal Development We provide opportunities for those who wish to develop
their artistic creativity, expand their social interaction, and contribute to their family’s financial
security—while having fun. We believe that when we nurture personal and professional development in people, success will follow.

Positive Environment We seek to offer fair compensation and benefits; ample training and educational opportunities; and an opportunity for everyone to share ideas with the company.

Growth We are dedicated to healthy and responsible growth. We measure our growth and
performance subjectively by focusing on principles and objectively by focusing on numbers. We seek to expand our influence in the craft, hobby, and decorating markets as we provide affordable, high quality products that stimulate creativity and enjoyment.

Efficiency We evaluate our operations capabilities to ensure productivity and continued
support of our workforce. We understand that efficient processes and structure encourage consistency and foster confidence; therefore, we strive to develop the best systems for giving the best support possible.

Change We believe in exercising imagination and wisdom, in taking responsible risk, and in
embracing change. We set challenging goals, always striving to “better our best.”

Stampin' Up! Vision Goals

We will make a difference in the lives of others by sharing creativity and opportunities to enhance lives.

We will be the best-known company in the world for inspiring creativity, as we share what we love with others in several countries.

We will help people around the world strengthen relationships between families and friends through creativity and worthwhile accomplishments.

Those who associate with us will have fun and feel loved.

If you have any questions about Stampin’ Up! or becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, please contact me! Check back tomorrow to learn more about being a demonstrator, no matter what kind of demo you prefer to be! If you just can't wait to find out more about becoming a demonstrator today, visit my website by clicking on the links below to learn more about:

Start Your Own Business
Demonstrator Benefits
Career Plan
About Stampin' Up!

You can sign up today online through my WEBSITE and clicking on JOIN NOW. My password is "katieburke" and don't forget that you earn an extra stamp set for signing up during Sale-A-Bration!







Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

FREE Sale-A-Bration Extravaganza and Crop!!! RSVP by 03/15/2010 - Get a FREE Goody Bag Day of Event!

The Bella B Stampers and Friends invite you to please join us on 03/20/2010 from 12:00 to 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Pleasant Grove UMC. Explore the amazing things you can do with Stampin' Up! products.... it ain't just for cards folks!

Fabric, Home Decor, Jewelry, Digital Software, Scrapbooking... etc., etc.!

Free cropping space.

Live demonstrations and make and takes scheduled throughout the day.

Special treats provided by http://www.sweetcakesbyangie.com/.

Door prizes!

Sale-A-Bration catalogs and information will be available! Sale-A-Bration ends on 03/31/2010!

We will be accepting donations to benefit the Children's Ministry at Pleasant Grove UMC as well during the event.

We are very excited about hosting this free event! No crafting experience required!

RSVP today via EMAIL for your free goody bag! Be sure to tell your friends!







Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

FAQs About Being a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator

1. What are the minimum sales requirements? You only need to submit $300 in sales per quarter. That is less than an average Stampin’ Up!® workshop! Also, you can submit your sales in any increment you wish and still receive your 20 percent discount and commission.


2. What if I want to do this as a hobby and not necessarily a business? Stampin’ Up! supports all demonstrators, no matter their goals or the level at which they choose to run their business. If you choose not to hold workshops, you can simply place your own orders and/or collect orders from family and friends to equal the $300 quarterly sales minimum.


3. Can I be my own hostess? Yes, you can be your own hostess anytime you want. Invite your family and friends into your home and have a workshop. You will be the hostess, receiving the hostess benefits, as well as the demonstrator, receiving your instant income and commission.


4. How much does it cost to get started as a demonstrator? If you join Stampin' Up! during Sale-A-Bration, you get 15% off your Starter Kit—plus, you can choose between the standard Starter Kit and the Digital+ Starter Kit! You will also receive a FREE stamp set of your choice (up to a $47.95 value)! The Starter Kit includes everything you will need to get your business up and running, including stamp sets, ink, paper, catalogs, order forms, a training video, and more ($355 value). If you’re interested in scrapbooking, you can also select the Stampin’ Memories® Add-On for an additional $50 ($80 value).


5. How can I make money as a demonstrator? You can earn money in three ways: instant income (20 percent of each order), monthly volume rebates (5–20 percent
   of total sales), and monthly downline override commissions (2–6 percent of your recruits’ sales).


6. Do I have to recruit other demonstrators? No. If you were to recruit demonstrators, you would be paid override commissions on your downline’s sales, but this is a perk, not a requirement.


7. Where will I get project ideas for my workshops? What kind of training can I expect? Stampin’ Up! provides dozens of training resources filled with project ideas and tips to help you run every aspect of your business, including a monthly publication called Stampin’ Success, Demonstrator Support agents, a demonstrator only web site, hundreds of samples, annual and seasonal catalogs, a training DVD, the Demonstrator Manual, and a
   Product Guide.


8. Is Stampin’ Up! a well-known, respected company? Since 1988, Stampin’ Up! has been selling rubber stamps and paper-crafting supplies. In that time, not only have we
   won industry awards and accolades, but also the loyalty and admiration of demonstrators and customers alike. And that is a trend that we work hard to maintain. You can rest assured that the reputation of Stampin’ Up! will only continue to improve!


9. What if I decide that I don’t like it once I’ve started? Will I be penalized if I quit? You may choose to stop at anytime, and you will not be penalized. You simply stop placing orders. However, there are many benefits to remaining an active demonstrator.

If you have any questions about Stampin’ Up! or becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, please contact me! Check back tomorrow to learn more about being a demonstrator, no matter what kind of demo you prefer to be! If you just can't wait to find out more about becoming a demonstrator today, visit my website by clicking on the links below to learn more about:

Start Your Own Business
Demonstrator Benefits
Career Plan
About Stampin' Up!

You can sign up today online through my WEBSITE and clicking on JOIN NOW. My password is "katieburke" and don't forget that you earn an extra stamp set for signing up during Sale-A-Bration!











Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.

Discount or Career and Everything In Between - Why Should You Consider Joining my Stampin' Up!® Team?

Whether you want to purchase your own stamping supplies at a discount, to earn some extra money from your hobby, or to build a business, Stampin’ Up!® provides you with the opportunity to reach your goals.

There are all kinds of demonstrators, and Stampin’ Up! needs each of them! What kind of demonstrator would you be?

Discount Demonstrator:
You like the idea of buying stamps and supplies for your personal use at a 20 percent discount and occasionally selling to neighbors, relatives, friends, etc.

Seasonal Demonstrator:
You work hard for a short period of time or season to earn a specific amount of money or to achieve a specific goal, and then you maintain minimum orders and sales during the balance of the year.

Hobby Demonstrator:
You love doing workshops and earning extra money when it is convenient. You work a lot some months and very little other months. You will do workshops if they are easy to book, and maybe have a regular group that meets together once a month. You enjoy the rewards that being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator brings, but you don’t plan to make Stampin’ Up! a career.

Career Demonstrator:
You view Stampin’ Up! as a viable business with long-term career potential. You pursue a management role, and you want to continue moving up with your Stampin’ Up! career. You love attending Stampin’ Up! events and have close relationships with other demonstrators. You work at your business in a consistent and outgoing manner.

As you can see, this is a fun, flexible business you can build to suit your individual needs and goals.

To love what we do and share what we love,
as we help others enjoy creativity

and worthwhile accomplishments . . .
in this we make a difference!
–Statement of the Heart

Check back tomorrow to learn more about being a demonstrator, no matter what kind of demo you prefer to be! If you just can't wait to find out more about becoming a demonstrator today, visit my website by clicking on the links below to learn more about:

• Start Your Own Business
• Demonstrator Benefits
• Career Plan
• About Stampin' Up!

You can sign up today online through my WEBSITE and clicking on JOIN NOW. My password is "katieburke" and don't forget that you earn an extra stamp set for signing up during Sale-A-Bration!







Katie Burke
Inspire. Create. Share.