My Why!!!

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Today is my Grandma’s Birthday. While she hasn’t been with us for many many years, I feel like she is still with me often. Some of you may have heard me tell the story about my plants that I got at her funeral moved often. I told the plants I was getting married and it moved and a few other weird times. Crazy for sure, I know but still it happened! She is my why for continuing what I love with Stampin’ Up! too!

My Why, My Grandma, www.LaurasStampPad.com

My Grandma was the best! She had all of the patience ever it seemed! My Grandma was so sweet and happy to help any moment she could! She was tough but her hugs could take anyone’s stress or sadness away. In the photo above, we were making Apple Butter. Growing up we did this almost yearly! It was an entire weekend of activities and it was so much fun! I love how even Brad got to participate in this.

My Grandma also never forgot someone’s birthday! This is a lot since she had 10 kids of her own, most of them married and all but 2 had more than 1 child. Our family is huge and she had them all on her calendar! She passed away just after I graduated college. At that time I had been a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator for a few years. I was mostly a scrapbooker at this time! Slowly, I got into card making more and I think there was some form of push or unspoken words that lead me down that path. I added all of my cousins, aunts, and uncles birthday’s to my calendar and I sent them cards. To me it felt like my Grandma passed me the baton or something. I was happy to take it and still enjoying keeping her legacy alive!

Starter Kit Special, www.LaurasStampPad.com

If you have ever thought about joining Stampin’ Up! now is the time! Do you want to spread love and joy to others with birthday and anniversary cards while also getting a discount on your products?! Now is the time to jump in and join Stampin’ Up! and my Fabulous Friends Family! You get to pick out $155 in any product you would like and it’s just $99 with free shipping and a Paper Pumpkin Kit too! This is an amazing offer you don’t want to miss! If anything, try it out and see! There is no penalty for wanting to drop as a demonstrator! Reach out if you have any questions too!

Wishing you a wonderful day today! Eat a cupcake in honor of my Grandma’s Birthday and my why! Hug your loved ones! Send a card in the mail!! Take a leap and join Stampin’ Up!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura


20th Anniversary!!!

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Today is my 20th Anniversary with Stampin’ Up! I am so surprised and emotional about this because Stampin’ Up! has changed my life so much and added so much joy to my life!!! I can soooo thankful for going to that workshop in college!!!

20th Anniversary with Stampin' Up!, www.LaurasStampPad.com

I signed up in college after attending my first workshop that a college roommate invited me too. She said, “you are a scrapbooker, let’s go!” I was game for any way to procrastinate on school stuff. My mind was blown on all of the goodies. I fell in love with alphabet stamps because then I would have endless letters rather than having to buy sticker sheets. My first product was my Starter Kit! I wanted the discount. Throughout college, I mostly bought for myself but sold to a few fellow scrapbookers too!

When I graduated college, I moved to Edwardsville and reached out to the local library. I started doing classes there and my business really took off from there. Craft fairs (which I no longer do), library classes, classes in my apartment (and now home), and various other events along the way kept me active and loving what I was doing. I had a full time job at a hotel during this time but that went south after while. After a year or so I looking for another job, I finally threw in the towel and we decided it was best for me to quit that job but keep looking. During this time, I started doing classes and events during the day and eventually I quit looking for another job! And now here I am still doing Stampin’ Up! full time!!!

I love the creative outlet it gives me. The flexibility that I have had through the moves, life changes, kids, etc. has been amazing! It’s crazy to see how much Stampin’ Up! has changed and also how much I have changed over the years! I’m loving what I do and sharing what I love! You can check it all out on my YouTubeFacebook, Pinterest, Etsy Page, and here on my blog!!!

Be sure to follow me for inspiration, fun, and details about upcoming events!! I would love to stamp and share creativity with you for the next 20 years! Also, if you are interested in joining Stampin’ Up!, click here to join the fun! You can also celebrate with me by placing an order with the Hostess Code: CHJXMVEB to get a 20th Anniversary Special from me. You will also get the Free Gift if your order is over $75!!! Click here to shop!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

 


Happy Galentine’s Day!!!

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In honor of Galentine’s Day, I thought I would share a few of my amazing Galentine’s who stamp with me!!! It has been almost 20 years that I have been a demonstrator and I have met some amazing people through the years!!!

Happy Galentine's Day, www.LaurasStampPad.com

Over the 20 years I have been a demonstrator, I have gone through A LOT of life changes/events. I started holding classes in my teeny tiny apartment with no overhead lights. Those who came to my classes there….you are AMAZING! It was so tight in that room and dark and the stairs to get to that apartment were a bit scary!

Next, I moved into a townhouse that was fabulous. We stamped in the kitchen. When my classes were really big, I had to get out the “kid’s table” (aka a card table) and we squished into that room and had a great time! I was always forgetting something so I had to run upstairs to my stamp room to get whatever it was. We always laughed about how many times I had to go up there.

I lost my grandparents and so many of my stampers were there for me. During one class, I got a phone call about my Grandpa not doing well and everyone said they would leave so I could go. I decided to go the next day instead but it was so nice to have such wonderful support during those times.

Brad and I got married and then came the pregnancies! Everyone was so supportive and amazing through all of them. Some knew about my first pregnancy and the miscarriage. Then we had the joy of the second pregnancy and I had so many blessings poured upon us. I felt like every class/event I did that Spring was a celebration. The surprise I got when I walked into class in Paris and at the Library from the ladies was just amazing! I also had a full blown Baby Shower thrown by 2 of my close stampers. Baby Ziggy was so loved and has so many “aunts” and “grandmas.” I got a lot of support during my pregnancy with Alex as well even though it was partially during covid times.

I could share a million stories because of course I’m a talker but also the more I type these the more I think of. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about the love, support, happiness, and fun I have had over the years with Stampin’ Up! and meeting all of you! Near or far, I love you all and you are the best Gals a girl could ask for! Happy Galentine’s Day to you today and every day!!! May we continue to love and support one another!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura


Momming Is Hard!

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I said it and I’ll say it again….Momming Is Hard! So I want to give a big shout out to all the moms out there! You are amazing! You are doing a great job! I see you!!!

Momming Is Hard Greeting Card, www.LaurasStampPad.com

I wish I could make a million of these cards and mail them to all the Moms out there or for nurse to hand out. Being a mom for a little over 5 years has been crazy hard so far and I can only imagine there is more to come.

The roller coaster of emotions that we go through each day or week or month. We love our children so much but geez sometimes we need to jut get away from them. Hearing their laughter and sweet baby words is amazing but Momma, Momma, Momma a million times before 8 a.m. is enough to make anyone go insane. The mental overload of schedules, snacks, activities, laundry, friendships, and did I remember to say I love before they fell asleep. Trying to find me time and time to work my business is so hard.

I’m so thankful for healthy, amazing children and being able to spend so much time with them growing up. I love that my job is flexible and I have been able to scale up or down when needed. All of that has been amazing and I am forever grateful! I also LOVE each and every one of you. Throughout the years, you have been here for me and that means a lot! This Momma needs you and has loved knowing I have a bit of an “out” even if it’s on my computer, in front of my camera, or at my classes!

So let’s all take a deep breath, pat ourselves on the back and say, “I AM AMAZING!” You truly are! And Momming is hard! Love and hugs to all of you!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura


So Spoiled!!!

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Stampin’ Up is an amazing company and I’m excited to say I’m a part of it! Last week, I should have been on the Incentive Trip but it was cancelled. Instead, Stampin’ Up! gave a cash bonus as well as some fabulous goodies! It was super fun getting these items and I enjoyed being so spoiled!!!

So spoiled by Stampin' Up, www.LaurasStampPad.com

There were 437 demonstrators who earned the trip last year and I am one of them! Eeeeee That is less than 1% of the company! There were 278 earners from United States and the rest from 8 other countries!

This box of goodies was so exciting…..for all of us! Claire kept asking if it was for her! The packaging was gorgeous and now I have another box to put in my Stamp Pad as decoration! LOL Who knows what I will do when I have no more room. The robe is HUGE and cozy and amazing! It just may swallow me whole.

Pottery Barn Luxury Robe, www.LaurasStampPad.com

I wanted to also take this chance to say THANK YOU to all of you! I couldn’t do this without all of you! The likes, the shares, the orders, the class attendance….all of it means so much to me! I am so thankful for Stampin’ Up bringing all of us together. The relationships and opportunities I have gotten over the years have really been amazing! All of the love and support you all share with me also makes me feel so spoiled! <3 From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!!

Stampin' Up Incentive Trip Gifts, www.LaurasStampPad.com

If you are interested in joing the Stampin’ Up family! Don’t forget about the amazing In Color Starter Kit going on this month!!! Click here for all of the details!!! You can always reach out if you have any questions at all!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura


18 Years of Stampin’ Up!!!

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Today is my anniversary!!! I can’t believe I’m celebrating 18 years of Stampin’ Up! That just blows my mind that it has been that long and there has been SO MUCH change in life during those 18 years!

18 Years of Stampin' Up, www.LaurasStampPad.com

Throughout these 18 years I have accomplished the following:
~Graduated college and moved to a new town!
~Got engaged, planned a wedding, and got married to my biggest supporter!
~Lost some family members and welcomed many new one!
~Got pregnant 3 times and have 2 amazing children to snuggle now!
~Bought a house and done lots of projects there!
~Earned 5 Stampin’ Up! Trips making me the Top 1% of the Company! (Disclaimer: The outstanding achievement shared here is not representative of the typical Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.)
~Traveled to Orlando, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Kansas City, Champaign, Nashville, Paris (Illinois). And soon Indianpolis and New Orleans!
~Gained confidence, knowledge, and growth personally!
~Have made Friends with people all over the United States who mean the world to me and are more like Family!

I am so thankful to be affiliated with such an amazing company and run my own business that has given me a creative outlet I can share with my family and still spend time with them. After all, in a blink of an eye they will be off to school and I’ll have more stamping time then! Here’s to another 18 years of Stampin’ Up! I can’t wait to meet more people, travel more, and grow! Thank you to each and every one of you! (Disclaimer: This milestone is not typical for Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. Fewer than 1% of demonstrators actually achieve this extraordinary result.)

I also have to give a shoutout to Meg Loven! Thank you for asking me if I wanted to join Stampin’ Up! You changed my life! To all of you reading this, WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN STAMPIN’ UP?!?! I’m asking you right now! I would love to have you on my team! Click here to join now or click here if you have any questions!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura


Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit!

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I always love to think about what I would pick if I joined Stampin’ Up right now!!! When I joined 17 years ago, it was a set kit but now you get to pick out anything you want for $125 and now during Sale-A-Bration you also get a Free Bundle!! So here is my Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit picks right now!!!

Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit with Stampin' Up, www.LaurasStampPad.com

My Free Bundle that I would pick is the Frosted Gingerbread Stamp Set and coordinating dies! This is one of the more expensive bundles and I really want to get the most bang for my buck!!! While this set seems like it is for just the holidays, there is actually a lot more that you can do with it. The Frosted Gingerbread Stamp Set has a detailed border image that could be used for anything and the bell could be a wedding or anniversary image. The snowflake works for all winter long too! Then there are the coordinating dies which are fabulous for sooooo many things! There is a total of 20 dies with various sizes of circles and a star that can be used all year long! I love it!

Stampin' Up Free Bundles For Joining, www.LaurasStampPad.com

Now for the $125……the Mini Cut & Emboss Machine was my #1 pick! I am LOVING that thing soooo much more than I thought I would. It is so convenient and little to have on my desk or nearby. I love it because it is so quick to crank through an image so easily! Plus all of the images in the Frosted Gingerbread fit in the Mini Cut & Emboss Machine! Next, I picked coordinating products to the Gingerbread Suite – the designer paper and ruffled ribbon! Another favorite item of mine right now is the Scalloped Contour Dies. I just love those scallop rectangles for greetings and focal points on my cards! They are amazing! Then to round out my kit, I went with the Take Your Pick Tool to try to reach exactly $125. I did fall short by $0.50 but I feel like I did pretty good.

These are my Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit picks! What would you pick out if you had $125 in product to choose from?? If your wish list is over $100, think about joining Stampin’ Up for this amazing offer that you would only pay $99 for! You also get so much more too – a discount on future orders, fun and fellowship with other stampers, and so much more!!! There are no obligations as a demonstrator and if you wish to no longer be on, that’s okay too! If you have any questions about it, feel free to reach out! If you are ready to join in the fun, click here!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

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Aloha…from our home!!!

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Last week was Stampin’ Up’s incentive trip for the past 2 years to Maui!!! While I earned both trips, we decided to cash out the trip rather than attend in person because of Covid and having a baby! Stampin’ Up! as well as my upline spoiled us all week with Hawaiian fun! It was amazing! Here is a little Aloha…from our home rather than from Maui!

Aloha Stampin' Up Incentive Trip, www.LaurasStampPad.com

It is so exciting and amazing to be in the Top 1% of the company and earn trips! I feel so proud of myself for what I have accomplished but I also am just so thankful for all of you!!! There is no way I could have done it without all of you and for that – THANK YOU!!! I appreciate all of you for your support and love. It truly means the world to me and my family!!

I am also very thankful for my amazing upline who spoiled us with towels, flamingos, and Hawaiian fun so we could celebrate at home. It wasn’t quite the same as being in Maui in person I don’t think but it was amazing. Right now family is my top priority and leaving the kids back wasn’t an option we wanted to take. Taking them on a 12 hour flight was also an option we didn’t want to take! It was wonderful to get spoiled still while staying home with the kids! Stampin’ Up sent a box of Aloha last week as a little taste of fun! They are also sending another box of goodies that should be arriving in a few weeks. Stay tuned as I will be doing an unboxing of those goodies on my Facebook Page – Laura’s Stamp Pad!!

Again, thank you all for your love and support and here’s to many more days, weeks, and months of stamping fun!!! Aloha…from our home and happy stampin’

~Laura


Baby Aaha is Here!!!

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Okay so he has been here for 8 weeks now….WOW! I know I can’t believe that either! I have been feeling soooooo much better for 8 weeks now. I was so huge and so uncomfortable the last few months I was pregnant. After begging my Doctor to just take Baby Aaha out NOW, he came 2 days prior to our original plan! I took in chocolate chip cookies as a thank you for granting my wishes! LOL

Baby Aaha is here, www.laurasstamppad.com

Baby Aaha became Alex on St. Patrick’s Day!!! He was born weighing 9 pounds, 5 ounces!!!! BIG BOY!!! Although I still find him to be my tiny little ball of squish!!! I just can’t help kissing him all over and I will continue until he won’t let me anymore! 🙂 I did have another C-section and all went well. We came home and were so excited to see Claire and she is in love with Alex from the moment she saw him. She calls him her baby and always wants to hold him and see him. By “see him” she means her face just 2 inches from his because sitting nearby just isn’t enough apparently.

Everyone is doing well and I am slowly getting back into a groove. Things are still crazy since babies aren’t very routine and Claire is done with school next week so I really don’t know what my new schedule will be. I am still posting regularly on my Facebook Page – Laura’s Stamp Pad. That is the best place to see inspiration and details regularly! Email and text is always open for you to reach me with questions as well! I am still responding to those fairly quickly!

Thank you all for your kind words, encouragement, and patience with me during the pregnancy with Baby Aaha and now that Alex is here!! You all mean so much to me and I appreciate you!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura


My Favorites Starter Kit Picks!!!

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Tuesday, I shared my Beginner Starter Kit Picks and today I’m sharing my Favorites Starter Kit Picks. These are the items that I’m loving right now! If you have been stamping for a few months or even years or maybe decades and have decided to jump in and start enjoying that discount on products you love, remember you can customize your Starter Kit to anything you want. Here are my picks!

My Favorites Starter Kit Pick for Sale-A-Bration 2021, www.LaurasStampPad.com

Bundles are always a great deal because they are 10% off the individual price of the items. I’m all about getting the best deal and stacking the offers. I picked my 2 favorite bundles for this kit which I’m sure you aren’t surprised by! If you have followed me for even a hot minute, you know how much I LOVE FLOWERS!!! The Hydrangea Haven Bundle is so pretty and fabulous! Then there is the Many Messages Bundle which I have found to be so quick and simple to use and get lots of great greetings for any occasion! It’s amazing!

After those bundles, I needed a few filler items to round out my $125 in picks so I went with the Blended Brushes which are super fun and perfect for coloring the Hydrangea. Stampin’ Dimensionals because I just love those things and can’t get enough of them! Finally, I picked an embellishment to round it out! Technically I went with the Pastel Pearls which coordinate with the Hydrangea Bundle but mine haven’t arrived just yet so I popped in some Champagne Rhinestone for the photo! 🙂

These products total $124.75 which is just $0.25 under the $125 max amount you get in your kit! All of this for just $99 plus tax. Shipping is FREE!!! BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE! Now during Sale-A-Bration which ends on February 28th, you will also receive 5 packs of double-sided Designer Series Paper – Brights, Regals, Subtles, Neutrals, and In-Colors! That’s A LOT OF PAPER! Remember you can pick anything you want, these are just my favorites starter kit picks!

If you have been stamping for awhile and just love the product as much as me, think about joining for the amazing discount on items you love! Pick your favorites and get started! If you like mine click on the products below to purchase them individually or add them to your Starter Kit!!! If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out!!! When you are ready to get started, click here!

If you are just getting started, be sure to check out Tuesday’s post for my Beginner Starter Kit options!

Happy Stampin’

~Laura

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