Oh Hazel Day 4

With every update by text and Facebook post I feel like I forget to share some vital piece of information, or I'm sure that I've left someone in the dark. So I decided to use my much neglected blog.

Saturday my daughter, Haddie, went into pre-term labor at 30 weeks. Our local hospital, Sumner Regional, transported her by ambulance to Vanderbilt. Memories are sketchy, but the bottom line was that she was contracting and labor was progressing.

She was given fluids and medications to slow labor and help Hazel's development.

By Sunday morning she had stopped progressing but not stopped contracting. She was "paused" at 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced. She and baby have been doing well. Haddie's blood pressure is fine, and Hazel's heart rate is fine. The doctors decided Sunday night to remove the monitors and IV and allow Haddie to eat.

By Monday morning they had even moved her to a step down room, to a room we generously referred to as a closet.  Monday afternoon she moved to a much nicer room, and we prepared for what we hoped would be a long haul. The doctors really hadn't shared much information about what they expected, but among the family we agreed that we wanted her to stay at Vanderbilt and not be sent home.

So, what has Tuesday looked like? It started with a visit from the doctor and a plan to stay here for another 3 weeks or so. Then if Haddie was doing well she would be allowed to go home. That sounded great so I decided to leisurely make my way back to the hospital. And then she texted me.  She was contracting and they had called for her doctor and were hooking up a monitor.

Leisure is over rated, right?

Haddie isn't having painful contractions, but she's having pretty regular contractions. She's been moved back to the labor and delivery area, the baby monitor is hooked up, and she's getting fluid by IV. Labor seems to still be on pause, and that's the best news.

But you know the reactions of the various family members have been entertaining.
Grandma Dianne was on board an airplane when I called her to say that Haddie was contracting again and I was rushing back to Vanderbilt. She didn't demand to get off the plane and should be in Charleston by now.

I discovered last night that I had a tail light out so I called Greg on the way home and asked him to replace the bulb before I ventured down this morning. This morning when Haddie texted that she was contracting I jumped into high gear and asked him to rush. My car didn't cooperate. When I dashed out to the garage, I met a puzzled Greg. After the bulb change neither tail light worked. He suggested that I take his car. I couldn't process his excellent so I jumped in my car and promised to be home before dark.

Hopefully the tail light will prove to be the most exciting part of the day. Haddie is now resting, and it's my chance to grab some lunch and get some work done.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Watercoloring with Wink of Stella

During Thursday's Facebook event I posted a video creating a watercolor landscape and a camper watercolored with ink and the Wink of Stella. The landscape needed a frame to finish the project.

So I've created a short video on creating a frame and have some instructions that will allow you to create this size (4x6) or others. The supply list includes the supplies needed to create the landscape, camper, and frame. 

Enjoy!

These are the dimensions for making frames.

  

Stamp the frame in crumb cake ink with the Hardwood background stamp.

Adhere landscape to middle of frame opening

Apply fast fuse adhesive to last scored section (stamped side with notch)  and line up edge with inner most score line. Fold and press. Scored sections should make a box with section that has adhesive between landscape edge and inner most score line.

Repeat with opposite side and then the sides without notches. I applied a dot of multipurpose glue to the corners as shown above and glued corners together.

Click here to view the video on creating the frame.
Click here to view the Facebook live video creating the landscape and camper.

Blessings,
Michele

msalchow@mac.com
615-854-0376

Click here to shop or join my team 
Click here to like and follow my Facebook page
Click here to join my Facebook group

Halfway to Alaska

March 31 marks the halfway point of the earnings period for the Alaskan cruise. I thought you might like an update on our progress. I did say "our" on purpose. When I shared this goal you didn't hesitate. You immediately offered your support and encouragement. I can't thank you enough for that.

During the year of the earning period I accumulate points that can be redeemed for the trip if I earn enough. I need 160,000 by September 30. As of April 1 I will have 70,000. That's not quite half, but it's close.

How do I earn points? Sales, promotions, leadership.

Sales
I earn 1 point for every dollar I sell until I reach $10,000 in sales. Then I will earn 5 points for every dollar. I need $3,000 in sales to reach $10,000. I should hit that target in April or May. The sooner I hit this the better.

Promotions
I earn points by promoting levels. I have earned 3 promotions during this year. It is possible that I will earn 1 more by September 30.

Leadership
I earn points when my team members earn achievements. Team members that sell or purchase an average of $100 a month for 9 months will achieve a qualified status. That achievement earns me 5,000 points and, if they earn this during their quick start period earns them 5,000 points and puts them halfway to a 5% raise. When they reach $1,800 in sales during the year, they earn a 5% raise. Their promotions earn points for both of us.

What can you do?
Your continued love and support is very appreciated. If you are a customer, continue stamping with me. Consider hosting an event and earn free products for yourself while helping me grow. Ask your friends to join you at my classes and events. Like and comment on my Facebook page - share it on your page. Post photos of cards and projects you have made and tag me. Tag me in photos of the cards I've sent you. If you are a member of my team, continue stamping with me. Consider hosting a class or event monthly and earn free products for yourself and accumulate sales. (I will come and help if you like.) Your sales earn flex points that you can redeem for free products. Talk with me and let's set a date.

Thank you for believing in me. I would not have made it to this point without you. I can do it (with you). I will do it (with you).

Blessings,
Michele

msalchow@mac.com
615-854-0376

Click here to shop or join my team 
Click here to like and follow my Facebook page
Click here to join my Facebook group (This is where I post 2 Facebook live videos each week.

Fundraiser! Retreat! Birthdays!

Birthday Class

The January birthday class was great fun! We will use the same stamp set in February to make 6 new designs and a matching case. If you missed the fun in January I hope you will plan to join us in February.

I used the balloon centerpiece for family birthdays the next day. I will post instructions this week.

Fundraiser News

Last week I met with Carol Ernst to propose a fundraiser for Mary's Magical Place. I don't have all the details yet but we are taking orders now. If you aren't familiar with Mary's story please visit the facebook page for Mary's Magical Place or the website www.marysmagicalplace.org

I am collecting orders for Stampin' Up! product, Watercolor Wishes(pictured above). $42 includes this all inclusive kit, shipping and tax. At least $8 of every sale goes directly to Mary's Magical Place. Depending on participation that donation could climb to more than $10 for every kit.

Several opportunities for us to gather together and complete our kits will be available late February or early March. There will be weekday, evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening options available. Details are coming soon. You can pick up your kit at that time.

If you prefer to ship your kit directly to yourself or are not local, I can calculate a price based on the additional shipping.

If you would like to donate a kit to a retirement community or assisted living facility you may do so and completed kits will be delivered to local facilities for the residents.

The kit is all inclusive with everything needed to complete 20 handmade cards. This kit makes a great gift, either assembled for someone to have cards on hand to mail out or unassembled for someone who enjoys arts and crafts. (Basic craft glue may be needed for adding some embellishments. This glue will be provided at the events.)

You may send $42 to me via paypal to order your kit. msalchow@mac.com. Please include your name, complete address, phone number, email and birthday. (Why your birthday? Because I like to send birthday cards.)

Please help me raise money for this cause. Every child deserves a place to gather and play with friends, regardless of his or her abilities.

MC2 Winter Retreat

The first ever retreat will be held February 25 at the Winston Hills Clubhouse in Hendersonville, TN from 10-4. Five gorgeous projects are planned! Your goodie bag will include $50 in products and supplies. 

Congratulations!

Jaime Graham, Lisa Napier, and Dianne Davenport have joined the Stamping Queens team! Congratulations on your decision to order a starter kit; I'm so glad you are here.

What's Going On

January 22 - Valentine's Project, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, $15 or FREE with minimum purchase
                   - New Catalog Launch 3:00 - 6:00 pm, $5 for make and take projects, gifts, samples, and                        catalogs
February 5 - Fun Folds Class - $15 or FREE with minimum purchase
February 9 - Online Class - details coming soon
February 13 - Team Meeting
February 19 - Birthday Class - $15 or FREE with minimum purchase
February 20 - Monthly Card Class

Happy Stamping!
Michele
615-854-0376

What's the big deal about the Big Shot?

Here's a great video from Stampin' Up! featuring the Big Shot. Many of you have used this tool at classes and events and fallen in love with the many possibilities it offers.

Is it on your Christmas wish list this year?

I can help your wish become a reality. You can share my blog with the special person shopping for you. Or you can send his or her contact info to me and I'll reach out.

And don't forget the Magnetic Platform for the Big Shot is on sale this Monday.

WHAT'S GOING ON?
Check out the details here:

Santa's Workshop: Sunday, December 11 - 2:00 - 4:30
Monthly Card Classes: The third Monday of every month 6:00 - 8:00 

• Check out the Paper Pumpkin monthly kit - subscribe today - click here: PAPER PUMPKIN
• Click here to see the BIG CATALOG: 
  

Thanks for visiting!

Michele

Online Extravaganza

Overwhelmed by all the options?

Here are some great ideas for yourself or for a gift

Online Extravaganza suggested packages

Package A: All-inclusive Kit (GREAT Christmas gift!)

Watercolor Wishes(140406)                                          $35.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755)                              $ 4.00

Total (including tax & shipping)                                   $49.30

Package B: Coordinating Tin of Tags Cards

Tin of Tags Stamp Set (142180)                                     $15.75 (reg. $21.00)

Clear Block D (118485)                                                  $ 8.50

Notecards & Envelopes(131527 – white)                    $ 6.00

Classic Stampin’ Pad (choice of colour)                    $ 6.50

Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)                                  $ 4.00

Total (including tax & shipping)                                   $51.17 (reg. $56.78)

Package C: Stitched with Cheer Card Kit

Stitched with Cheer Card Kit (142012)                       $14.40 (reg. $32.00)

Stitched with Cheer Stamp Set (142182)                   $18.90 (reg. $26.00)

Clear Block D (118485)                                                 $ 8.50

Basic Black Archival Ink (140931)                                $ 7.00

Glue Dots (103683)                                                        $ 5.25

Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)                                  $ 4.00

Total (including tax & shipping)                                   $69.67 (reg. $98.68)

Package D: Monthly crafting surprise!

3-month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription (137859)  $59.00

(shipping included)

Total (including tax)                                                                     $63.09

WHAT'S GOING ON?
Check out the details here:

Santa's Workshop: Sunday, December 11 - 2:00 - 4:30
Monthly Card Classes: The third Monday of every month 6:00 - 8:00 

• Check out the Paper Pumpkin monthly kit - subscribe today - click here: PAPER PUMPKIN
• Click here to see the BIG CATALOG: 
  

Thanks for visiting!

Michele

My Why

Recently on social media I've noticed posts about the 'why' we do things. And I've had a few people ask me about the how and why I joined Stampin Up! and why I share paper crafting. I turned to the words of a wonderful and wise fellow demonstrator Mary Fish.

Mary is a very talented and creative demonstrator with Stampin Up! She recently celebrated $1,000,000 in sales. In a post/interview she shared this, "Join for fun and your love of stamping first and foremost. Let the business evolve if it calls to you." 

That really rang true for me. And it probably is true for a large majority of demonstrators. I think it starts like this.

Step 1 - You discover stamping, through a friend, at a craft fair, or maybe even through a group you are a part of.

Step 2 - You want opportunities to craft again. You come to card classes and project classes.

Step 3 - You discover other cards and projects you want to make and decide to order supplies for yourself so you can craft at home.

Step 4 - This step varies. It varies for several reasons. You might have less than $99 in product in your cart. (It happens.) You might have $99, or more, in your cart, but you might not realize that your cart purchases can be your starter kit, totally designed by you. You might think you can't go to card classes if you order a starter kit. You might not realize that buying the starter kit is your ticket to a discount of 20% on future purchases.

So for those reasons you make your purchases and are quite happy being my customer. And I'm happy that you are. 

At some point you may explore the options and take advantage of the value of ordering your customized starter kit. Because of the great value you might decide to design a starter kit. You select $125 in products for $99 plus tax, but NO shipping. Right off the bat you have saved over $35!

And there are discounts on your future orders
And you can still come to all my classes - you'll find other Stamping Queens there
And with team activities you'll have even more opportunities to stamp and craft

For years that was my story. It stopped there. I designed my starter kit because it was an awesome deal. I purchased products and kits for myself and sometimes made projects for family and friends.

A year ago a witch's hat helped me see an opportunity missed. I realized that my friends wanted to craft with me. And I started inviting friends over to craft. We had so much fun! And then they asked if they could bring others. And they asked about products and projects they saw in the catalog and on ...Pinterest.

That's when the business began calling to me.

I would love to craft with you. You, and the fun I have crafting with you, are my why.