July Challenge with a Twist

OK Ladies! Are you ready for some FUN??? Let's start with a challenge, and the best part of this challenge, you don't have to mail anything to anyone!!! This way you can make whatever size layout you want, use whatever embellishements you like the most, etc., because you are making yourself a page, or two!!
OK, so here is the challenge. Layout MUST involve an OUTDOOR activity that you and your family, or friends have done THIS year!! You must include at least 2 photos, if a single page layout, or 4 pics minimum if you are doing a double layout. YOU MUST BE IN AT LEAST ONE OF THE PICS!!! So often we are the photogs and never get to be in the pic!!
Colors: you must include the following colors in your layout: blue, brown, orange, yellow, red. You must use one flower (any color or size), brads (any color) and vellum. I think that is enough for my first challenge.
Once your layout is complete, upload a good, clear pic of it as well as materials used. A winner will be picked either a single grand prize winner, or a winner in each category. Please include in the title of our layout, somewhere, the words 253 challenge. That will help me find your challenges.
You will have until July 31 to complete and photograph your layout/s. Once we have all the layouts, either myself, or myself and another admin will judge  your layouts on creativity, best use of theme, best use of colors, best use of embellies. I think we will have a grand prize winner, as well as a winner in each category. What do you all think?? This will be my first challenge to host here on FLS and I don't want to overdo it! I love challenges by the way!!
Judy Hall, Stampin' Up! Associate
www.msjsscrappin-stampin-stampinup.net
www.msjsscrappin-stampin-stampinup.blogspot.com
www.fghallfamily.wordpress.com

Samples, samples, and more samples

Bottom line is just this, I have to get more samples done for my workshops that I have coming up. Plus I have to decide what kinds of cards we are going to make and get the supplies ordered! I am so excited about my first workshop! I want it to go really well! And I'm not just referring to sales, although, yes, I want to have a good amount of sales because this hostess deserves it!!! But mostly I am looking forward to the opportunity to fellowship with friends and show them some techniques they haven't tried, and have them leaving this show with at least one card they have made and possibly a kit to make a second! I want to have lots of samples to show, some really simple, and some in the difficult stage. I hope I can get some committment to a monthly club! That reminds me, I need to make up a sign up sheet for the club. AND, I need to make plans for an open house!!!
I have an excellent location, provided it's not in use on the day I choose. My main concern is advertising. I can't afford to spend much on advertising, so I'm thinking about putting flyers out at a couple of businesses that I know won't mind, as well as asking all of our local photographers, to come and see what I have to offer, as well as recommending to their customers to come by!
Any of you that have had open houses in the past, I am ready for any suggestions you may have. I was thinking of having one or possibly two simple make and takes that look like they were a lot more work than they actually will be. And, I will have samples on display with prices listed and take orders for them, or possibly sell the ones I have on display. I would really rather not do that though, because if I sell one of my examples early, then those who come later won't have the chance to see it!
I also want to have a door prize, at least one! Please, give me any suggestions you may have about that. What should I give as maybe hourly door prizes (maybe a 3D project?) and then a grand prize at the end of the day. Question is, what should I give as a grand prize?
Since I am just getting started, my supply of Stampin' Up! inventory is pretty much non-existant, with the exception of my starter kit. I was kind of thinking of the grand prize being a small tote with lots of little goodies in it such as stickers, maybe some paper, bling. Things such as that will come out of my personal stash of stuff and help me to reduce my non-SU items. Although I will also include SU items, just not sure what as of  now. Suggestions PLEASE.
I pray you all have a wonderful, stamp-happy day tomorrow and stay warm!!!!