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

Building a Business

You know, I don't care what anyone says, building a business, especially on a limited start-up capital, is very difficult. Add to that the fact that we are in such a horrible economy at this time, no one is wanting to spend money on things that are non-essential. Unfortunately for those of us in the crafting business, this business is often looked at as non-essential. But, if you truly think of it, at least in the same way that I do, my crafting is a form of therapy for me. It gives me a chance to escape from the everyday problems of life and focus on something fun and beautiful. I can forget all the turmoil going on around me for a while and focus on creating something special! If it weren't for crafting, scrapbooking, cardmaking, I know I would be in the looney bin by now!! I can go in my room, close the door, turn on my music and everyone knows to leave me alone unless there is a dire emergency!! This allows me to relax to the point that my creative juices start flowing and before I know it, I have pumped out several scrapbook pages, or cards, or both! I am very thankful to have the resources available to me that I do, to give me the encouragement I need along the way. There are so many different resources available to me that I did not previously have! I just have to be cautious in the way that I use them, so I don't OVER use them. I just thank God for providing me with these resources.

 I'm sure you have heard this same story from several others but I am going to share it with you once more if you don't mind. I have started using the LateNightStamper Bootcamp for business builders. My plan is to use this program and hopefully make my minimum this month, because if I don't sell $400 by the end of July, that's it for me as a demo!! I don't want that to happen, but when you live in a small rural town it is so hard to get your message to the right people to get orders!! I did however have a halleluiah moment yesterday when I got a bite on my DBWS. This customer was so excited to find someone close to her home, which happens to be my home town as well, and she told me that she is willing to do whatever she can to help me stay afloat! PRAISE GOD!! I was seriously about to throw in the towel, but God knew better! Thank you Lord for that encouragement, and a renewed sense of desire to make this work!!
So, if you are struggling and just can't seem to get your program to work, try the LNS Bootcamp, and prayer. I don't think you will go wrong with either one!
Happy Stamping everyone!!
Judy