MERRY CHRISTMAS...

Hi All,

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone for tomorrow, I hope you all have a fantastic day spending it with your loved ones.

I'm not going to select "pics of the week" this week, but leave you all a Christmas Message from me instead.

But don't worry next week I'll make it a double banger and select double the amount for the New Year.

So from me and our beloved dog Charlie...

 

 

MDS all the way...

Hi Crafters,

Every week so far I've generated and adjusted the pictures on Photoshop before blogging, but not everyone has this programme where as most demonstrators have MDS, so with only 2 more post until the lovely Janet Mills takes over from me on the NZSU blog I thought I'd generate this weeks "pics of the week" on MDS.

Not only does this programme allow you to select a size you want your project to be, it also allows you to adjust the photos and adds a drop shadow on all images at once, I'm quite impressed by the result so why not give it a go yourself.

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Keryn Campbell, Debbie Lamb, Paula Reid.

Middle Row L-R: Sally Williams, Jacquelyn Williams, Kathryn Tyrrell.

Bottom Row L-R: Paula Dobson, Tee-Jay Horrell, Alison Hydes.

What has been your favourite received gift?

Hi Crafters,

Well only 13 days till Christmas and my kids are getting more and more excited, I'm not sure why because we don't even have our tree up yet...lol.

I'm the type of person that LOVES! giving gifts more than receiving, the thought of someone enjoying the item you selected is fantastic.
What was the one gift you remember enjoying the most? one that sticks in your mind as a fun memory? The one present that I remember even to this day still makes me smile. It was when I was a young girl and I received my very first bike, it was pink with pink tassels on the handle bars and I just loved it. I couldn't of been any older than 10 but even now I still think about that bike :)

Well ponder that question, it might bring back some great memories from your past Christmas's.

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Paula Reid, Julia Leece, Paula Dobson.

Middle Row L-R: Rhonda Fawcett, Alison Hydes, Janet Mills.

Bottom Row L-R: Delys Cram, Angela Palmer, Carol-Ann Torrie 

 

Have a great week everyone!

 

Woops and 20 days to go and counting...

Hi Crafters,

By golly the week has gone fast, here I was thinking it was Tuesday but in fact it was Wednesday and I've missed posting by one day for the week, some could get excited by the fact the week is that much closer to the weekend, however for me it's NOOO I still have so much to do, and where did my Tuesday go... gotta laugh old age creeping in :)

Without further adieu please find below this weeks pics, I must say they are looking very Christmassy, ow I do love this time of year...

 

Top Row L-R: Alison Hydes, Julie Butler, Paula Dobson.

Middle Row L-R: Sharlene Meyer, Julia Leece, Jaquelyn Williams.

Bottom Row L-R: Judy Beetson, Angela Palmer, Roz Begbie.

 

Have a fantastic week everyone.

 

29 days and counting...

Hi Crafters,

Only 29 more days until Christmas, yes that's correct 29 days!!.

When I sat and counted the days I can't lie it gave me a shock, I really didn't know it was that close, I'm going to have to put my skates on and work overdrive to finish everything before then.

If you don't know what to ask Santa for, here is a few ideas...

• Stampin Up Stamps
• Stampin Up Embellishments
• Stampin Up MDS
• ow and some more Stampin up Products...

Well I'll be putting in my Christmas List to the Hubby and it will consist of some of the above.

To get your pallet started have a look at the below pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Julia Leece, Tee-Jay Horrell, Sharlene Meyer.

Middle Row L-R: Roz Begbie, Paula Reid, Delys Cram.

Bottom Row L-R: Rhonda Fawcett, Alison Hydes, Sally Williams.

 

Have a great and creative week everyone.

 

We have a new administrator for 2014...

Hi Crafters,

Well another productive week with lots achieved however still lots to do. The best thing is we've found a new NZSU administrator for next year!

The job has been kindly accepted by the lovely Janet Mills. Janet will take over from me on the first week of 2014 and I'm confident she will bring some exciting things to the site.

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Angela Palmer, Paula Dobson, Paula Reid.

Middle Row L-R: Helen Williams, Keryn Campbell, Patrice Haliday-Larsen.

Bottom Row L-R: Janet Mills, Heather Stewart, Debbie Lamb.

 

Have a great crafting week everyone :)

 

Wanted - new blog administrator...

Hi All,

What a great week it's been with lots of Christmas cards being made and lots of great Christmas classes being held. I'm not normally this organised with my cards, but this year I have attended some classes with Judy Beetson and Ann Wills so I'm currently up to date and ready to send them out... wahoo!

Speaking of being organised, please let me know if your'e keen to take over the blog for 2014. The placement of Blog administrator is still open it just needs that special person, is that you?

Speaking of new things, have you seen the new Stampin Up Undefined Stamp Carving set? It is fantastic, I myself cannot wait to get one!!!

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Heather Stewart, Rhonda Fawcett, Lisa Bullock.

Middle Row L-R: Patrice Haliday-Larsen, Allison Hydes, Sharlene Meyer.

Bottom Row L-R: Kathryn Tyrrell, Jacquelyn Williams, Angela Palmer. 

 

Have a great week everyone.

 

New NZSU administrator required for 2014

Hi Crafters,

Well It's almost a year since I took over the NZSU managing of this site from Paula Reid, so it's time for me to pass on the reins to a new administrator for 2014.

The new administrator will be required to manage the site and load new demonstrators wanting to join, through to posting each week something new and fantastic and getting the great job of selecting "pic of the week" The role requires the new person to look after and manage the site from the first week in 2014 through to the last week of 2014.

I have truly enjoyed each week posting something new and creating topics I hope you have all found interesting. I'm sure the next person will also enjoy the fantastic job, so please e-mail me if you are interested in taking over from 2014.

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Barbara Bicknell, Roz Begbie, Debbie Lamb.

Middle Row L-R: Tee-Jay Horrell, Sharlene Meyer, Katrina Criglington.

Bottom Row L-R: Paula Dobson, Karen Lister, Janet Mills.

 

Have a great week everyone.

 

 

Only 8 weeks until Christmas!

Hi Crafters,

It's only 8 weeks till Christmas or in my case 2 paydays... scary!

I hope you've already got your Christmas cards ready to send, your table name cards created and your present tags ready. If not, tomorrow is a great day to start especially being the long weekend!!

I've noticed quite a few fantastic Christmas card posts, so don't forget to look at our NZ and Australian demonstrators for ideas.

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Paula Dobson, Lisa Bullock, Sally Williams.

Middle Row L-R: Alison Hydes, Tee-Jay Horrell, Keryn Campbell.

Bottom Row L-R: Paula Reid, Julia Leece, Carol-Ann Torrie.

 

Happy Stampin everyone :)

 

When caseing other peoples work...

Hi Crafters,
 
Casing what is it, and when is it ok?

Casing is when someone uses someone else's creative work and clones it to their own.
 
You can case someone else's creative work as a demonstrator and there are no rules attached, however it is a moral obligation to include the original designers names and link to their blog or site to acknowledge their creativity. This I consider is a MUST especially if they have included the Copyright ( © ) symbol on their work.
 
The Copyright symbol gives the creator a guarantee that their work is theirs as quoted by Wikipedia "Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time. Generally, it is "the right to copy", but also gives the copyright holder the right to be credited for the work, to determine who may adapt the work to other forms, who may perform the work, who may financially benefit from it, and other related rights. It is a form of intellectual property (like the patent, the trademark, and the trade secret) applicable to any expressible form of an idea or information that is substantive and discrete"

With the availability of search engines we can virtually search for anything and the net will provide without giving you much individual control. You might find the person you have cased off has also cased off someone else, which is something to be aware of.

I hope this clears things up for those of you wondering, can I case or not.


Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Rhonda Fawcett, Keryn Campbell, Julia Leece.

Middle Row L-R: Alison Hyde, Susan Wong, Angela Palmer.

Bottom Row L-R: Delys Cram, Callena Lewis, Debbie Lamb.

 

Have a great week everyone :)

 

 

What would you do for your customers?

Hi Crafters,

We had another great training morning with the lovely Jacquelyn Williams  this week, based around managing your down line and how you can best help them. Which got me thinking "What would you do for your customers?" and what makes you different from someone else?

Some demonstrators like myself enjoy giving them that little bit extra, like sealing their new wood stamps or adding a hand made "thank you" card with their order, through to following up with a phone call to see if they have any questions about the product.
I love to make my home made fudge and include a few pieces in a sealed bag with their order or a little chocolate fish.

My suggestion is treat others the way you would like to be treated, If that means making that follow up phone call... do it. Or giving them an idea of the product with a Thank you card... do it.
Most people would be happy to see you are happy to receive their order.

Next time you have a customer order, maybe think of something like this;

• Include a Handmade "Thank you" card
• Include a little sweet treat.
• Include a 'How to use' information for the item purchased.
• Include a tips and tricks single Tip.
• Make a follow up phone call.
• Seal wood blocks.
• Mount their clear or wood stamps for them (Check with them before doing this)

Please feel free to let me know what you like to do and I'll mention it. Now onto this week pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Anna Mangnall, Tee-Jay Horrell, Keryn Campbell.

Middle Row L-R: Linda Scott, Paula Dobson, Sharlene Meyer.

Bottom Row L-R: Paula Reid, Janet Mills, Jacquelyn Williams.

I wish you all a great week...

Did you all make a card?

Hi Crafters,

What a fun week, filled with busy Mums, Dads and Caregivers running around entertaining children for the school holidays. I noticed a few of you have been holding kids holiday classes... good on you :) I know my son loves creating cards since I've been a demonstrator, so no doubt there are some very happy children out there.

Speaking of making cards, did you make a card with your Stampin Up! products for the "World Card Making day" ?
If you did create one or more cards and sent them in, good on you! and if you want to see what creations have caught the eye of Stampin Up , go to their pinterest Stampin Up board labelled "World Card Making Day 2013" and have a look, I see the lovely Ann Wills and Keryn Campbell have their cards up, as well as cards from the UK, France, Australia and US.

Speaking of pics here is mine for the week...

 

Top Row L-R: Sally Williams, Rhonda Fawcett, Paula Reid.

Middle Row L-R: Paula Dobson, Lisa Bullock, Julie Calkin.

Bottom Row L-R: Julie Butler, Julia Leece, Jacquelyn Williams.

 

Have a great week everyone!

 

You never know what SU card stock will be used for...

Hi Crafters,

Well I've had quite a busy and emotional 10 days with losing my favourite uncle last week and welcoming my cousins second baby this week. It makes you think that life can make you cry with sorrow and then cry with joy.

I had all the family camp at my house for 8 days leaving no time for blogs so running a bit late - just when I had everything planned for "every" Sunday. But I did find time to make some special cards for those whom I love, which brings me to my topic "You never know what SU card stock will be used for"

I loved my uncle very much and wanted to send him off knowing I'd made something special for him, so asked the family if I could design the order of service which they loved! I ended up designing something for him that I think he would have loved and the WW card stock was perfect for the overall effect with the thickness being perfect.

Then for my new cousin Carter, I made him a beautiful baby blue card using Bermuda Bay CS. So never underestimate the versatility of Stampin Up Card stock and what uses it can have.



Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Alison Hyde, Sharlene Meyer, Patrice Haliday-Larsen

Middle Row L-R: Karen Hobbs, Julie Butler, Jacquelyn Williams.

bottom Row L-R: Paula Dobson, Paula Reid, Angela Palmer.

 

Have a great week...

 

What do you do with your extra supply of cards?

Hi Crafters,

How many cards do you have in stock? and what do you do with your extras?

I have a plastic container fill of cards I've either received from swaps or made myself at classes or just double ups from a party I've done. The ones I've created I give my family and friends cards I've received are used for samples and giving to charity organisations.

Here are some NZ charity organisations you would consider when thinking of donating:

• Family Life international
• Starship Hospital
• The Cancer Society
• SPCA
• St Johns
• Childfund NZ
• Northshore Hospice
• Westpac Helicopters.
• WSPA
• Breast Cancer Foundation.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities.
• Plus your local church or school may love donations.

So next time when thinking about "what should I do with these extra cards" think about donating them to a good cause.

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Rhonda Fawcett, Alison Hydes, Julia Leece.

Middle Row L-R: Vanessa Baker, Janet Mills, Sally Williams.

Bottom Row L-R: Jacquelyn Williams, Linda Scott, Paula Dobson.

 

Have a good week everyone, and happy stamping!

 

 

Where do you get your creativity from?

Hi Crafters,

This week I ran my first class and it's been a while. The ladies who were part of the evening already had great crafting skills, so I didn't need to make it simple but instead decided to make it a bit of a challenge for their crafting abilities.
Normally I would only give them one technique to use on the card, but decided instead to give them two techniques on the one card.
However in order to create this card, ideas and inspiration has been lacking as of late. Which got me thinking, where do you get your creativity from?

I  could have look at some sites and have created a card, however I wanted to make this my own so instead found some great card sketches and created something from those. All I can say is Google is fantastic, I punched in the words "card sketches" and my screen was filled with great ideas that I could create from.
Below are a few I really liked but didn't end up using - but what could you do with these? Give it a go, and don't forget to place the sketch below your card so everyone can see.

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Alison Hyde, Rachael Knight, Patrice Haliday-Larsen.

Middle Row L-R: Julie Butler, Keryn Campbell, Angela Palmer.

Bottom Row L-R: Karen Lister, Julie Calkin, Debbie Lamb.

 

Have a great week everyone!

 

Short and Sweet

Hi Crafters,

Well I'm officially back to Sunday night posts again, had the Rugby Prize giving on Saturday so Rugby is over for the season... phew back to normality.

Make a Statement Digital Tour was held on Saturday in Auckland, and from what I've seen and heard it was fantastic. I've seen a few great examples already by looking at your Blogs, and have included them in this weeks "pics of the week" I didn't get a chance to attend but I know from working with the programme how fantastic it is!

That's all for now folks, I'm still battling a cold so will make this short and sweet. I hope you all have a fantastic week playing with your MDS software and can't wait to see more examples next week.

Now for this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Keryn Campbell, Janet Mills, Sally Stuart.

Middle Row L-R: Angela Palmer, Sally Williams, Patrice Haliday-Larsen

Bottom Row L-R: Vanessa Baker, Julia Leece, Judy Beetson.

 

Have a great week everyone

 

When do you give out the food at a party?

Hi Crafters,

We had our final game of rugby last week and the boys performed really well, winning their final game of the season - bringing their win tally to 19 out of 19... yes a clean sweep!! Both myself and my husband (Manager and Coach) are very proud of our Under 8 Restricted Eels, sitting top of the table undefeated!

Now back to the topic at hand, "When do you give out food at a party?". For new demonstrators even the little things like when to serve food can be something you will need to think about. I am very lucky to have a great up-line in Ann Wills,  who ran me through everything I needed to know about getting that first party sorted. Below are a few tips that helped me...
 

On the party night

• Get your host to hand out a drink to her guests on arrival, while you introduce yourself and make them feel welcome.
• Have the food ready in the kitchen, cold items under wraps and hot items placed in the oven to cook later.
• Once you have finished your card making and presentation and about to hand out the order forms, get the hostess to turn the oven on and cook the hot items.
• While the food is cooking you can answer any questions guests may have and take in orders. This will normally co-inside with the food being ready so they can then have something to eat once they have finished. The guests can then sit and relax and while they are chatting you can give the hostess the good news on free product she has received.

This is the formula that seems to have worked for me. Guests don't want to have food in hand while making cards, and most people chat while having food so best to leave it till the end.
 

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Ann Wills, Sharlene Meyer, Rhonda Fawcett.

Middle Row L-R: Roz Begbie, Narelle Hoggard, Katrina Criglington

Bottom Row L-R: Julie Butler, Julia Leece, Debbie Lamb.

 

Have a great week everyone!!

 

 

Things to remember...

Hi Crafters,

As you may know it's the last week for Stampin Up's Buy 3 get 1 free DSP offer. I only just remembered yesterday it's the last week, so don't forget to contact your local demonstrator for this great deal!

Another thing to remember is Fathers Day this Sunday 1st September, so start making those cards!

From the first weekend in September I will start posting the NZSU weekly pics again on a Sunday.  With this being the last week of club rugby I will get the time to manage it then instead of Tuesday.

Well that's all my things to remember for this week, I hope you get those Fathers Days cards made and I would love to see some examples in next week's pics. Below are a few “Man” card ideas from our great local demonstrators...

 

Top Row L-R: Keryn Campbell, Alison Hydes, Janet Mills.

Middle Row L-R: Sally Williams, Paula Dobson, Rhonda Fawcett.

Bottom Row L-R: Helen Williams, Paula Reid, Heather Stewart.

 

Have a great week everyone!

 

Thank you card...

Hi Crafters,

As mentioned a few weeks ago, I was asked by my son's school to be a guest speaker on Professional Photography for their 'Art Attack' week.

Well I ended up speaking for 50 minutes on the subject, even after compressing my speech and making it child friendly. There were 30 pairs of big round focused eyes on me for the whole time and some very keen young photographers. I am pleased to say it went off without a hitch and they were so pleased with me I was one of 3 nominated to received a hand made card along with a Westfield voucher.

It's nice to know that with technology forever evolving, that the good old fashioned card is still around and means so much to the recipient - and I can say when I received mine I was VERY happy!!!

The handmade card the kids made for me.

 



 

So don't think twice about sending a card and make one today, even if it's just to say "Hello" - you never know, you might be the one on the receiving end.

Now onto this weeks pics ... and don't forget if your card is displayed below, let everyone know I loved it and use the "NZSU Pic of the Week" badge...

 

Top Row L-R: Jacinta Argent, Katrina Criglington, Louisa Tc

Middle Row L-R: Rhonda Fawcett, Delys Cram, Barbara Bicknell.

Bottom Row L-R: Paula Dobson, Sharlene Meyer, Angela Palmer.

 

Have a great crafting week!

 

Pic of the week...

Hi Crafters,

Well another busy week filled with sick children, managing a Rugby team and helping out at school.  I'm starting to get craft withdrawal symptoms, consisting of getting butterflies in my tummy when I feel like crafting, thinking of great card ideas and even dreaming of making cards. Do you get those days?

For those of you that have taken a little time for yourself, I applaud you! So why not take a moment so everyone can see your hard work.

From today onwards on this blog if I select your great craft idea and display it on my weekly pics, I want you to display this image on your blog beneath your picture. This is my way of saying "Good job for crafting this week"

 

 

So don't hesitate start crafting today so I can see all those great craft ideas...

 

Now for this weeks pics...

 

 

Top Row L-R: Sharlene Meyer, Alison Hydes, Keryn Campbell.

Middle Row L-R: Louisa TC, Julia Leece, Janet Mills.

Bottom Row L-R: Susan Wong, Debbie Lamb, Paula Reid.

 

Have a great crafting week everyone!

 

How do you prepare for a class?

Hi Crafters,

 

I got asked today to be a Professional Photography guest speaker at my son’s school for “Art Attack Week”. Although very excited and privileged to be asked, it got me thinking about "how do I prepare for this" especially when the target audience are all under 10 years old.

We all tend to do things automatically, often without thinking too much about it. Like taking a picture with a camera, or even making a card. But to explain this to someone can sometimes make you think "how much information is too much"

So when preparing for a Stampin Up party or class I think the same rules apply:

1.      How old are the attendees - kids or adults.

2.      What level of experience do they have.

3.      What skillset do you want to teach them without losing them.

4.      What will keep them interested.

5.      How can you make it fun!

Once you have the first 2 sorted, you can base your class around the next 3.

I've personally taught adults and kids. For kids I just focused on how to punch out on card stock, how to hold a stamp and use a stamp pad - where as for adults, I've taught them how to heat emboss and techniques like ‘rock and roll’. 

I'm going to leave you with this "How do you prepare for your classes"

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Debbie Lamb, Anna Mangnall, Julia Leece

Middle Row L-R: Roz Begbie, Angela Palmer, Delys Cram.

Bottom Row L-R: Keryn Campbell, Jacquelyn Williams, Paula Dobson.

The New Holiday Catalogue is almost here...

Hi Crafters,

Haven't we been spoiled for choice, this month we got to introduce the New 2013-2014 catalogue with lots of new and exciting products. And now we've been given the Holiday Catalogue to view before sales become available in September, with more exciting goodies.

If you are anything like me, my list on the Annual catalogue was looking long, but add the Holiday Catalogue and it has extended by about a page...whoops sorry my lovely Husband I might have to look at getting some more goodies.

I hope you enjoyed the last few weeks of Demonstrator interviews, It's always good seeing how other demonstrators run their business and what they love the most about Stampin Up.

Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Delys Cram, Janet Mills, Sharon de Vos

Middle Row L-R: Tee-Jay Horrell, Sally Williams, Angela Palmer.

Bottom Row L-R: Debbie Lamb, Roz Begbie, Paula Reid.

 

I hope you all have a creative week.

 

 

Week 4: Interview with a Demonstrator

Hi Crafters,

Well this is the last week of my "interview with a demonstrator" series, and I've been lucky to have 4 lovely ladies agree to answer my questions about them.

This week I've gone back to the South Island, Dunedin to be exact and managed to score the lovely Karen Lister for an interview...

Interview with Karen Lister

 

1.       How long have you been a Stampin Up Demonstrator?

I have signed up twice, since 2008 in total. First under Shelley Stewart and then when her and her up line Sharlene Torres left I was an orphan so resigned under Julia leece.

2.       What part of the South Island do you live?

I live in the mighty Dunedin.

3.       What was your main reasons for becoming a Stampin Up Demonstrator?

My wish list was over a page long.

4.       Who introduced you to Stampin Up?

I went to a card night with my Mum in Invercargill at her local shop. After that I came back and googled  stamping and card making and found Shelley Stewart who threw my first party. I signed up then.

5.       How do you like to best market your product?

I am not really a business demo, and my down line Karen Hobbs and I run regular classes.

6.       Want is your favourite all time Stampin Up Product?

The stamps, especially quirky ones like sparkly and bright.

7.       What is your favourite class technique?

Vintage style cards with lots of ripping and layering

8.       What is your top 10 Stampin Up Products and why?

Catalogue for inspiration, wood mounted stamps because they just feel nice, using strawberry slush ink sounds yummy and looks nice. Big Shot why wouldn't you knurgle something given the chance. Card stock because it all matches so well, tombow glue so quick for a demo, punches because my kids get just as much fun out of them as I do, linen thread so versatile dress up or down, chalkboard framelits how fabulous for quick tags, butterfly embosslits who knew you could make so many out of such little scraps of paper.

9.       What is the most amount of cards you've made in one day!

Not too many, probably around 20


10.   Lastly what was your funniest Stampin Up moment you can remember.

Having my dad suggest I should make a punch art baby head to fit on a particular stamp in the new catalogue.

If you want to know more about Karen and her business you can contact her at...
moggymarx.WordPress.com


Now onto this weeks pics...

 

Top Row L-R: Sally Williams, Lisa Bullock, Paula Dobson.

Middle Row L-R: Alison Hydes, Rhonda Fawcett, Judy Beetson.

Bottom Row L-R: Julia Leece, Janet Mills, Debbie Lamb.

 

Have a great week everyone...