A Banner Year with Stampin’ Up! & a Card to Share with You
Posted on: Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
I am so OVER THE MOON excited! Last night as I was checking my emails there was one from Stampin’ Up!, with the subject line: “Stampin’ Up! Founder’s Circle 2010″. My heart immediately started pounding, but at the same time I was thinking “this can’t possibly be what I think it is”.
You see, three years ago (at least I think it was around that time), I was attending my first ever Stampin’ Up! Convention with my upline, and the theme of the convention was “Dream”. As we watched the video from the previous year’s incentive trip, and as we watched the demonstrators who had earned Founder’s Circle walk across the stage, I turned to my upline and told her that that was my Stampin’ Up! dream – to one day earn the incentive trip and to one day earn Founder’s Circle.
I acheived my first goal when I earned the Bermuda Cruise which sailed in 2008. I hit that goal once again when I earned the Alaska Cruise this year (which sails in May 2011). Although I had a fantastic year with my Stampin’ Up! business, I distinctly remember thinking that while I was proud of my accomplishments, there was no way it was good enough for Founder’s Circle…maybe next year.
Hence, when the email from Stampin’ Up! arrived, I could scarcely believe my eyes. I was positive it had to be a mistake. There was NO WAY I could possibly have gotten it. When I opened up the email and read these words “Congratulations on achieving Founder’s Circle 2010. Get ready to celebrate your achievements with a Fabulous Founder’s Circle Retreat…” I thought I was going to pass out LOL. I was absolutely incredulous….my heart was pounding….I was laughing….I was practically yelling…I was doing the happy dance….
So what is Founder’s Circle? An exclusive retreat with none other than Shelli Gardner – the co-founder of Stampin’ Up! – and the top 100 demonstrators in the US and top 15 in Canada (as well as a few other top categories such as rising star and performance acheivers). As an acheiver I’m going to receive “expense-paid travel and accommodations to a beautiful southern Utah location to relax, rejuvenate, mingle with friends and fellow achievers, and stamp!”. According to what the Stampin’ Up! website says “Founder’s Circle achievers enjoy four days and three nights surrounded by the rustic beauty of Utah’s Dixie country. Each year, we visit a breathtaking scene, such as Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Cedar City, and Arches National Park. And we always tour Stampin’ Up!’s manufacturing facilities in Kanab, Utah.”
Isn’t that thrilling? And I have YOU all to thank for it! So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart – for your support, your encouragement and your investment in me and my business!
Okay, so now that I’m done with my nattering on (can you tell I’m excited?), here are the details on today’s card:
- Cut a 4 1/4″ x 11″ piece of Crumb Cake CS (formerly Kraft CS) and fold it in half using your bone folder to create a 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ card.
- Round the top and bottom right corners with a 1/2″ corner rounder punch.
- Stick a 3 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ piece of DP from the Sunny Garden collection onto the card front, about 1/2″ in from the left edge of the card.
- Cut a 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ piece of Whisper White CS and stamp the post and the bird cage in Basic Black Classic ink along the bottom of the CS.
- Stamp the owl inside the cage in Peach Parfait Classic ink. Stamp the greeting just above the bird cage in Basic Black Classic ink.
- Stick the stamped Whisper White CS piece onto the card front, aligning the right edge of the Whisper White CS with the right edge of the DP.
- Lay a strip of Sticky Strip just beside the left edge of the Whisper White CS piece.
- Take your Peach Parfait ribbon – leaving it on the roll - and start ruffling and sticking it to the Sticky Strip. You want to start by leaving about 1″ overhanging the edge at the top. As you get to the bottom, leave 1″ overhanging the bottom edge when you cut the ribbon. Bring the ends of the ribbon around to the back of the CS and stick them down with SNAIL adhesive.
- Stick three orange rhinestones, one above the other, in the bottom right hand corner of the Whisper White CS piece. You’re done!
Well I hope you enjoyed today’s card! Soph will be sharing a card with you tomorrow.
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All products are Stampin’ Up! unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Aviary, A Word for You
Ink: Basic Black Classic ink, Peach Parfait Classic ink
Paper: Crumb Cake CS, Whisper White CS, Sunny Garden DP
Accessories: SNAIL adhesive, Sticky Strip, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Peach Parfait 1/2″ Stitched-Poly ribbon; Non-Stampin’ Up!: 1/2″ corner rounder punch, orange peel and stick rhinestones.
Andrea Walford 
Sophia Landry 
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In this class you'll learn some fun tips, tricks and techniques for your scrabpooking. As part of the class you'll learn how to make five single page 12 x 12 layouts and one double page 12" x 12" layout. This class is a wonderful starting point if you are new to scrapbooking, but also a great place to learn new tricks and techniques if you are already an old hand. This class runs from August 9th - 20th. For details & to sign up for this class click 
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84 Comments
July 27th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Congratulations, Andrea! I am so excited for you.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Congratulations on achieving your goal! Enjoy Founders Circle!
July 27th, 2010 at 10:54 am
That is wonderful news, I know you work very hard to provide us with such creative ideas and you do such a great job. Tks again!
July 27th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Congratulations! I was a Convention and when I saw your name on the screen, I got so excited for you. I have been following you for a long time and am grateful for all the inspiration you give me. I hope to be able to go on the incentive trip and Founder’s Circle one day. Congrats again!
July 27th, 2010 at 11:15 am
congratulatioons.
July 27th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Congratulations Andrea! You are fabulous and I am glad you have been rewarded. AND- great looking caRd- glad you could hold your paper trimmer still after the excitement! TFS
July 27th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Congratulations Andrea! I am so glad to hear that all your hard work has been recognized. I know I personally am very grateful that my Stampin Up journey has just begun thanks to you, and I am especially thankful to have such an amazing upline to look to for inspiration and support. Enjoy the journey!
July 27th, 2010 at 11:55 am
I was at my first convention and was so excited for you when they called your name,Sorry you couldn’t make it but congrats, You deserve it, keep up the great work, thanks for all of the sharing you do!!!!
EIleen
July 27th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Congrats Andrea!!! You sooooo deserve it ;D
You’ll come back from Founder’s Circle with lots of ideas to share with us!
Hip hip…hurray!
July 27th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You’ve certainly worked hard enough for it, lady! I’m so proud of you! Bravo!!
Hugs,
Brandi
July 27th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Congrats Andrea….glad to hear that you have been rewarded for your hard work & dedication….keep up the good work.
July 27th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Congratulations!! I heard your name called at convention. i wish you were there and we could have met you! Love this card very much.
July 27th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Adorable card! I did not think that I liked this paper and colors at all, but you have used it beautifully.
July 27th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
What an AWESOME accomplishment!!! When you put your dreams out there in the orbit they will come back to you-you just don’t know when they will appear or how it will happen!! As you can see it is possible and in the process you have obviously enjoyed yourself on this journey! Only bigger and better things will be coming your way! Congrats and thank you for sharing your talents and creativity with all of us faithful blogger’s!
July 27th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
I am not surprised one bit that you made Founder’s Circle! Congratulations on this acheivement. You do fantastic work and inspire so many of us! Thanks for sharing your time and talent with us all!
July 27th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Congratulations!!! How exciting. I’m still new so my dream is to try to get to a convention. Thanks for all your ideas, directions, etc.
Not surprised by your achievments. Congrats again.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Congrats on earning the cruise and Founder’s Club this year! It can only go UP from here!!!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Congrats Andrea! I love reading your blog and seeing all your wonderful creations. You’ve worked hard and deserve the honor!!
July 27th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
We cheered for you at Convention! I’m so glad you got to do the happy dance. This card is beautiful. I just love this stamps set it is on my must have list.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
congratulations. love checking out your blog. love the inspiration.
so happy for you.
July 27th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Congrats Andrea! You deserve it!
July 27th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Congratulations Andrea! I read your blog almost daily, and I especially think you have great cards and demo, and I can tell you are a nice person, and a hard worker(yes, you can’t fool the blog–you personality shines through!) You really deserve to win. Anyway, congrats again, to you and Sophie–I know she supports you, just like my sister supports me in all my endevours.
July 27th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Congrats Andrea! I got all excited for you when I saw your name come up on the screen at Convention… and then felt bad that you weren’t there to find out. I’m so happy for you! You deserve this trip! ENJOY!!
July 27th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
LOVE the card. I am thinking I need that stamp set. Way to go with your Founder’s Circle Achievement. You most definitely deserve the honor. Enjoy! ginger
July 27th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Congratulations!! I’m so proud and happy for you!
July 27th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Congratulations on your achievement. You deserve it! Love your card today too.
July 27th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Andrea, I was so lucky to be at convention this year. And I was so excited when I saw your name post for Founder’s Circle!!!!! I was so hoping that you would be at convention, so that I could congratulate you in person. Since you were unable to attend, here’s my BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you !!!! You certainly earned it !!!! Enjoy !!!
July 27th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Wow… congratulations. Its exciting to hear the excitement in your tone! I’m sure you will have a wonderful time. You are an inspiration to SU! and non SU! crafters everywhere.
July 27th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Andrea — my heart was pounding and my pulse was racing just reading about your accomplishments! Congrats on the Alaska cruise and Founder’s Circle!!! Well done.
July 27th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
many, many congratulations Andrea!!! You deserve your reward!
blessings,
barb
July 27th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Darling card but most importantly Congratulations on achieving Founder’s Circle, Andrea!
July 27th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
congrats Andrea, you are very deserving of the honour. I hope one day to get that email too!
July 27th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Congratulations! That’s so wonderful! You deserve it!
July 27th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Congratulations! Your designs are always inspiring and your class planners are a big help. Enjoy your trip.
July 27th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Congratulations–well deserved!! Great card too!
July 27th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Congrats Andrea! You deserve it with all the inspiration you give us on your site!
July 27th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
CONGRATS on earning both the cruise & Founders Circle……what an achievement! I love the card & color combo; I’m sure many more cards will be shown from this set
July 27th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
CONGRATS Andrea!!! That is sooo great!!! I’ve been missing your card making videos. I hope you can make some soon!
July 27th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Congratulations Andrea. The Founders Circle award could not go to a more deserving person. Keep up the good work
July 27th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Congratulations Andrea! You are well deserving of the honor!
July 27th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Andrea,
Congratulations on your wonderful achievement. You certainly deserve it. I am always inspired by your creative works and check your blog almost everyday to see what new ideas you are sharing with us. Enjoy your cruise and your retreat for Founders Circle.
Gladys
July 27th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Congrats! Very much deserved!!!
Cheers!
Janeen
July 27th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Well done Andrea! I am so excited for you! Congratulations on both Founder’s Circle and the cruise! You and Sophia share the best projects and ideas and I am so happy for your achievements! Way to go.
July 27th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Congratulations on your success. The projects and ideas that you and Sophia create inspire me and many others.
July 27th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Congratulations on a much deserved achievement! Wishing you continued success!
July 27th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Congratulations! You’re going to have a BLAST!
July 27th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
cute card!I love the ribbon rouffled! and…congrats on Founders Circle! Keep up the FUN and great work you do, you are inspiring!
July 27th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
ANDREA!!?? You cannot even be serious? You JUST found out?
I sat there during awards night waiting to see your name, I just knew it was going to be there. When it was announced, I was totally psyched for you and waited for you to hop up on stage.
Missed seeing you at convention, but I’d love to hang out at Founder’s! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
c
July 27th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
WOOT WOOT!!! Congrats from Down Under!! That’s SO exciting – and even MORE so because you weren’t expecting it *giggles* So funny! Again love the colours of this card and that ribbon is gorgeous! HUGE congrats hugs again! xo
July 27th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Congratulations! All of your hard work paid off!
July 27th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Congratulations Andrea, have a wonderful time at Founder’s Circle.
July 28th, 2010 at 12:38 am
Eeeeeeeeeee!!! I’m feeling your excitement and hope to one day accomplish the same. You deserve that very well.
valerie
July 28th, 2010 at 12:56 am
Congratulations!!! This is so great! I’m very excited for you! Way to go!!!
July 28th, 2010 at 1:55 am
Congratulations Andrea – it will be so nice to meet you in person at Founder’s Circle. Well done!
Alison
July 28th, 2010 at 4:11 am
Congratulations!
July 28th, 2010 at 5:45 am
Congratulations on your fantastic achievements Andrea! You’ve inspired and helped many others with their businesses so it’s great to see your hard work being recognised!
July 28th, 2010 at 6:48 am
Congratulations on your achievement. You surely deserve it.
July 28th, 2010 at 7:24 am
Congratulations, Andrea! I can imagine what you are feeling. Someday I hope to be in your shoes, as Founder’s Circle is also one of my dreams!
July 28th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Many congratulations to you Andrea! These honors are only earned with much hard work and creativity. Enjoy that very special trip!
Cute card and ribbon treatment!!
July 28th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Congrats Andrea!!! What an achievement!!! You should be proud for not only getting Founders Circle, but for achieving your dream!!!
Diane
July 28th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Congratulations Andrea,
You deserve this. You are one of the most creative demonstrators I know.
Jennifer
July 28th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Wonderful news! I’m sure you are still grinning from ear to ear. You definitely deserve every award you receive. You are a terrific inspiration.
July 28th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Oh my goodness Andrea! Congratulations! You deserve Founder’s Circle so much! You are an inspriation to all demonstrators; you’re ideas are fresh and always motivate me to trying new cards. Congrats again! You are truly deserving of this honour!
July 28th, 2010 at 11:47 am
What great news Andrea!!!!
Have fun on your Alaska Cruise. You really deserve it.
Love the card too. I was glad to see the ribbon was not sewed on. I don’t have goo d luck with sewing.
TFS
July 28th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Was there any doubt? You are amazing, so original, and most of all a wonderful teacher for us. Thanks for all you do! Congrats!!
July 28th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Congratulations Andrea, and thanks for sharing your time and talent with all of us. You are quite an inspiration!
July 28th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Congratulations Andrea! Awesome news!
July 28th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
I am so happy for you, I really enjoy all your cards. I do miss the pdf files with all the instructions.
July 29th, 2010 at 1:00 am
Wow Andrea!! Big big congratulations to you! BTW…love the card too!
July 29th, 2010 at 4:56 am
Congratulations Andrea!!! That is SOOOO fabulous
You so deserve the honor 
July 29th, 2010 at 8:00 am
Ohh too wonderful – it brought tears to my eyes reading your post – I am SO happy for you. You work so hard and share so much with us and your talents are incredibly inspiring. Congratulations and I hope that you have a simply wonderful time you’ve more than earnt it!
July 29th, 2010 at 10:47 am
That is awesome!! So happy for you!! I’m very jealous at the same time. But I know you’ve worked really hard so you definately deserve it!!
You know we’ll be waiting for the stories and pictures when the time comes right!! lol
xoxo
July 29th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Congratulations!
July 30th, 2010 at 3:08 am
Congratulations Andrea on both Founders and Alaska! I was at convention and was also totally expecting to see your name and was SO excited for you when they called it! That is an amazing honor and one that you have totally earned. While I can’t say that I’ll get to meet you at Founders (although I’d love that honor one day too), I do hope to meet you on the cruise to Alaska! Have a wonderful time and thanks for all you do!
July 30th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Well done my dear! What a great honor for you AND…I know you have worked hard to achieve it! Founder’s Circle is such an awesome honor! WOW! I am so proud of you…keep up the great work you do for all of us. Have a great weekend. kt
July 30th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Andrea,
Just wanted to say congratulations! I’m so happy for you
Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
July 31st, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Congratulations, Andrea. I can’t think of a more deserving person so hats off to you.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Congratulations Andrea. WHen I saw your name come up on the screen I was very happy, YOU EARNED IT. I was also at the Dream Big Convention and I thought WOW, I want to earn a cruise or trip and one of these spotlight awards. So I set a goal of…. I am going to achieve Earning Hawaii. THat was big for me as I have a full time job. SO, I earned Hawaii and since then the caribbean cruise and Alaska, so, I will be on that ship with you. Can’t wait. The one thing I want is Founders circle now so that is my new goal. Wish me luck it may take a few years as I dont have the downline that everyone else has. Its growing but not enough for that yet.
Anyway, Congrats. You truly deserve the founders circle trip. Have fun.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Andrea,
Congratulations on your terrific achievement! I am an avid reader of your blog and enjoy your tips and steal your ideas frequently! Blessings, Diane
August 1st, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Congratulations Andrea! You really deserve it, you’re such an inspiration for me! Enjoy your trip!
August 1st, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Congratulations!!! My sister attended convention this year and told me she got to meet you. I was so envious…oh well, at least I can keep in touch thru your blog site. You so deserve all the honors that SU can give as you are a very giving person (also your sister, Sophia) and I enjoy checking my email each day for something new from you. Enjoy your retreat. Lois Purcell
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Congratulations!!! Like the earthyness of this card.
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:36 am
I am so glad for you and I know that you have earned it. Your work is so beautiful, and you make it simple for us to duplicate. Enjoy your time!
August 24th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
I’m so happy for your accomplishments. See you at founders circle soon.
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