My Story

July Stampin' Pad Family Promotion begins Sunday

I'm excited to announce the upcoming Stampin' Up! promotion!  Get a FREE Ink Pad Assortment when you join my Team - woohoo!  Choose any color family assortment ($67.50 value) and add it to your Starter Kit order - July only!

Join Stampin' Up! during July 2018 and get a FREE set of Ink Pads (your choice of color family) Dawn Olchefske #dostamping  #stampinup #DOstamperSTARS #joinstampinup

Promotion Dates: July 1–31, 2018
(remember "Mountain Time")

Details

  • Free assortment of Classic Stampin’ Pads available only to new demonstrators who submit applications within promotion dates.
  • Each Stampin’ Pad Family is an assortment of 10 coordinating ink pads from one of the following color collections: Brights, Neutrals, Regals, Subtles, and 2017–2020 In Colors. ($67.50 value)
  • The 2017–2020 In Color Classic Stampin’ Pads bundle (item 150289) is exclusive to this promotion and includes all colors in both the 2017–2019 In Colors as well as those in the 2018–2020 In Colors.
  • The Neutrals assortment does not include the three Basic colors: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White.
  • New demonstrators who submit their IDA before July 1 or after July 31 will not be eligible for this promotion.

Join Stampin' Up! during July 2018 and get a FREE set of Ink Pads (your choice of color family) Dawn Olchefske #dostamping  #stampinup #DOstamperSTARS #joinstampinup

Print: Stampin' Pad Family flyer

Here's a little bit of my Stampin' Up! story:

This promotion has me looking back on very first Stampin' Up! convention 8 years ago in Orlando (I had only been a demonstrator for one year).  As it was my first, I didn't know many people.  I was rooming with people I had never met before, but had found through Stampin' Discuss.  I attended classes by myself, but was never alone, as demonstrators who found out I was by myself, befriended me in each class.  This first convention sealed the deal for me.  Meaning - my life changed that week.  I saw average, ordinary, but extraordinary women receive recognition after recogniton as they crossed the stage.  These women looked like me.  If they could do it - I could do it! 

In addition, Shelli Gardner's (CEO and Co-Founder of Stampin' Up!) wrap up speech was exactly what I needed to hear at that time of my life.  At the time, I was a Controller for a small company and was struggling with my personal ideals and the ideals of the owners of this company.  It just wasn't working.  Then I hear Shelli talk about how future conventions would take place in Salt Lake City and why.  I know many demonstrators were disappointed with the news at the time, but I hung on her every word as she explained her reasoning for the decision.  She was saying what I wanted the owner of a company to say.  What did she say?  In a nutshell, that she valued her employees and their families!  Here was someone who walked the talked.  Wow - can you imagine that?  Not too many people do that.  It was what I was searching for and I found it in Stampin' Up!

I returned home and immediately set a goal to turn this "disount saving" demonstrator into a business demonstrator.  I set my sights on earning the incentive trip and to walk across the stage the following year (which I did!).  I'll be honest, if I hadn't experienced the magic of a Stampin' Up! convention, I don't know where I'd be today.  But even back farther...if I hadn't said "yes, what the heck, I'll be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator", I know that I'd probably still be unhappy in that job.  So take that leap of faith - you never know where it will lead you.  What do you have to lose? 

Maybe the real question to ask yourself is, "What do you have to gain?" 

If you're thinking of joining Stampin' Up! - July will be a great time to join.  

The Stampin' Up! starter kit is only $99:

  • Choose $125 in merchandise. 
  • PLUS an ink pad family (worth $67.50) - during July
  • FREE shipping saves 10%!

I'd love to have you join my DOstamperSTARS community.  Whether you're looking to save money on your hobby or earn money with your hobby, there's a place for you with the STARS!  I look forward to welcoming you!

Learn more here

Got questions?  Contact me at [email protected].

Thanks~Dawn O

 


Shopping and Special Offer Links

Thank you for Shopping with Dawn

VIEW: NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog

Want a sampling?  Check out my Annual Catalog Product Shares

Be a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber 

DOstamping June 2018 Host Code JKXGVFFD- Petal Pink Rhinestone Gems Gift with qualifying order #dostamping #shopwithdawn #hostcode #freegift http://dostamping.stampinup.net
VIP Host Code Gift - (with qualifying order)
Petal Pink Rhinestone Gemes

June 2018 VIP Host Code = JKXGVFFD
(learn more here)  


Founder's Circle 2013: Truly Grateful QC Swap

Yesterday at the 2013 Founder's Circle event, was a day of relaxing.  We could go shopping, hang out at the pool, complete our make & takes, read a book, chat with old and new friends...I think you get it.  Just do whatever we want!  And that's exactly what I did!

The day ended with the Stampin' Round Up! Share & Swap event.  Just imagine 120 swappers (in our PJ's) filling the halls of the hotel with our swap line.  A highlight of the trip!

stampin up, dostamping, dawn olchefske, 2013 holiday catalog, truly grateful, founders circle swap

Here's my swap, a Quick & Cute card (QC) which was one of my Just Cards Buffet choices this month.  It was a favorite of mine and still is, 125 swaps later.  I like this card because it's a nice reflection for me on acheiving the special honor of earning my 6th Founder's Circle - Top 100 Stampin' Up! Demonstrators .  I am Truly Grateful for many people in my life, who helped and supported me in this acheivement.

  • My customers who encourage me daily with emails of thanks for just doing what I love to do.
  • My club members, both local and long distance.  I appreciate both your business and friendship.
  • My DOstamperSTARS...these gals are just the best.  I didn't know any one of them before I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  And now, I'm honored to call them my friends.
  • My special helpers (Jan, Meghann, Shari) who helped me through the most difficult, successful and rewarding year I've had as a demonstrator.  With an extra special thanks to Laurie...I couldn't have done it without your help!  
  • And lastly my friends and family...you're the bestest of all.  Thank you, I'm truly grateful & blessed.

Enjoy~Dawn O

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Dawn's Stamping Supplies

Collage Stamping Tip:

  • Start with largest to smallest stamps. 
  • Ink stamp once and stamp several times without reinking, getting variations of the same color.  Good technique for adding depth.

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2013 Stampin' Up! Convention Awards

Wow - what an awesome awards night at the 2013 Stampin' Up! Convention!  But before I share that, I want to take a minute to look back in time...(insert dreamy harp music).

2004 Stampin' Up! Convention, Dawn Olchefske, DOstamping

Here's me at my first convention - 10 years ago

As Stampin' Up! recalls and celebrates 25 years, it's moved me to look back to when I started Stampin' Up! and my very first convention 10 years ago. I didn't know anyone at the time, but who knew that 10 years later, some of my dearest friends would be forged from our connection to Stampin' Up!  

Also who knew - as extraordinary women like Mary Polcin from Wi crossed that stage 10 years ago inspiring me to actually build a business, that I too would be crossing that very same stage for extraordinary accomplishments myself.  

Also who knew - that I would be just like Mary and inspire others.  I was stopped by many of you as you thanked me for sharing, inspiring, educating you and more!  I was moved to tears many times with your stories and appreciation for what I do.  (I'm misty-eyed just writing this now)

On a more lighter note - it was fun to walk around with one of my DOstamperSTARS, Gayle Klingelhoets for her very first convention...who told everyone she was my bodyguard and photographer.  What a hoot!

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Finally...onto the awards night.

2013 Stampin' Up! Convention, awards night, stampin up, dawn olchefske, dostamping, DOstamperSTARS

back: Connie, Robyn, Jenny
front: Jan, Laurie, Dawn (me), Gayle

First off, thanks to the fast feet of DOstamperSTAR, Jan Carlson...she snagged some front row seats.  Always fun to sit in the front row.

Not only was I celebrating 10 years with Stampin' Up!, $400k career milestone, Acheiver Bonus and Grand Vacation earner (to Western Caribbean), but I acheived some very special awards as well.  Take a look...

2013 Stampin' Up! Convention, awards night, stampin up, dawn olchefske, dostamping - 5th-Place-Sales

Top 10 in Sales - #5

2013 Stampin' Up! Convention, awards night, stampin up, dawn olchefske, dostamping, 7th-Place-Promotions
Top 10 in Promotion - #7

2013 Stampin' Up! Convention, awards night, stampin up, dawn olchefske, dostamping, Founders circle

Founders Circle Acheiver - Top 100 demonstrators

Thanks to all my awesome customers, DOstamperSTARS, family and friends who supported me this year.  You're all the bestest and I love ya all!!

So here's to the next 10 years...DREAM BIG!  Because with a dream, a plan and action...you can DO anything!

Enjoy~Dawn O

Join Stampin' Up! TODAY and get a FREE BONUS
and attend Stampin' Up! events like this one!

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Dawn's current shopping spree is up to $65 - ending Friday, 7-26-2013. Get your hostess code orders in today to be included in the drawing.

HOSTESS CODE:  VC3QAW66

You'll find the hostess code box/field in your shopping bag, lower left corner.  Enter and apply code before checking out.


Dawn's 10 Yr Anniversary Weekend & DOcelebration Mystery Hostess Party!

Wasn't it nice of Stampin' Up! to have a FREE SHIPPING weekend to celebrate my 10 yr anniversary!?  

10-year-Pin-sm     SUFreeShippingDO

Just kidding.  Though, not about 10 years.  It's hard to believe how far I've come since I purchased my Stampin' Up! starter kit.  I never intended to run it as a business.  Just wanted to save a little money on my new passion, stamping!  Maybe have a party here or there.  I never dreamed it would be this big.  That is, not until 3 years ago, when I started to treat my little stamping blog seriously.  Who knew it could be this big and successful?  Well, with a dream, goals, hard work and passion, plus awesome customers and DOstamperSTARS...it's possible!  Thank you!

Looking forward to the next 10 years!

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DOCelebration
ONLINE MYSTERY HOSTESS PARTY!!
  

Dates:  April 6-8th (during FREE SHIPPING Weekend)
starts: 4/6 12:00am (mt),  ends: 4/8, 11:30pm (mt) 

I'm giving away prizes!  

TWO ways to enter:

  1. Place an order online for $150 and more.  You'll keep the Stampin' Rewards.  PLUS be entered for additional prizes!!
  2. Place an online order for under $150 and use his HOSTESS CODE: XWTATHP6. You'll be entered in the Mystery Hostess drawing! (see photo below for hostess code location)

Hostess Codes are new to Stampin' Up!.  It's an online party where you place your order, which ships directly to you, AND it also earns Stampin' Rewards for the hostess (aka: Hostess Rewards).

PRIZES

  • You'll be notified by April 10th, if you are selected as the Mystery Hostess.  You'll then select your prize(s) - Stampin' Up! Merchandise!
  • TEN More prizes will be given away on April 10th (Yes, it's all about the TEN!)
  • All orders will receive a Thank You card (sneak peek below...watch for my QC card post tomorrow)

Flower-Garden-SneakPeek

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HOW to enter the HOSTESS CODE: XWTATHP6

Order Online HERE

Hostess-Code
Thank you for an awesome 10 years - Dawn O

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Answers to your Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamp Questions, $100 Bonus ONLY 3-Days

Woohoo - There must be some bakers out there!  As I was flooded with questions about yesterday's Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps & Recipe post.

Q.  Could you provide a PDF version of Missy's Best-Ever Snickerdoodle Recipe?
A.  YES - I've updated yesterday's post to include the PDF version.  But here's the Snickerdoodle PDF Link too.

Q.  Are these similiar in size to a sugar cookie?
A.  YES

Q.  For pressing them AFTER backing, do you do it right away?
A.  YES, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and immediately stamp the cookies!

To purchase a set for yourself or gifts for others, click Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps

Enjoy~Dawn O

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Only 3 more days to get your $100 Stampin' Up! Product Bonus 

Oh my -  you guys are excited about this promotion!  And who could blame you...it's an awesome deal ($175 for $440 worth of product/supplies)!  I've been busy this week answering your questions and getting to know so many of you.  It's been a lot of fun talking to all of you. 

Throughout this month, I've shared several stories and thoughts from my awesome downline family of DOstamperSTARS Today I thought I share something about me and how Stampin' Up! has affected my life...

"About 8 years ago, my husband and I moved from a large suburb to a small rural town in MN, population 750. (What was I thinking? Apparantly, I'm a city girl and didn't know it.) At the same time I signed up with Stampin' Up! for the discount. Which was a blessing as there was no place close to purchase quality papercrafting supplies. Then I decided, what the heck, maybe I should have some workshops. But I didn't know anyone! So I hit the pavement and started meeting people. I would venture to say, that without Stampin' Up! I wouldn't have met very many people outside of my tiny neighborhood (as I'm an introvert - YES, it's true). I would probably be very unhappy.  Now I know 100's of people locally and 1000's globally - all thanks to Stampin' Up!"

If someone would have told me 10 years ago that I would be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I would have said, "Are you crazy?!"  To even consider joining a direct sales company, be successful at it and thinking my JOB is a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and lovin' it...no way, not me.  After all, I'm an accountant (for 25 years)!

Have you heard the sayings...

  • If mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy
  • Happy wife, happy life!

So...how has Stampin' Up! affected my life? One word...HAPPY!  Doesn't that say it all?!

If you want to do what makes YOU happy, you'll take a leap of faith and join Stampin' Up! today, like Valerie Joy Kreilick (from NV) did this week!  Welcome Valerie!

Contact me at [email protected] or call 612-269-5540 to see how joining Stampin' Up! can make your life HAPPY!!

 


Friends: A Stampin' Up! Twist of Fate!

Today I'm sharing a project I designed for my sister Jill.  She called me a couple of months ago to help her put together a photo craft project that she wanted to do at a dinner she was having for her friends.  At the dinner she wanted to take a group picture and add it to the project. 

The first thing that came to my mind was an easel card.  So I designed the basic template to fit a 4x6 photo.  Then we worked together with the stamp sets she had and put a plan together for the look of the card.  She did a nice job decorating the card and her friends LOVED it!  Even the ones who never stamped before.  Here's how the card turned out...

stampin up, dostamping, dawn olchefske, demonstrator, vintage vogue, photo easel card 

stampin up, dostamping, dawn olchefske, demonstrator, vintage vogue, photo easel card 
My sister is in the front middle


Now on to the twist of fate...

See the gal in the front row, all the way to the right.  Let me introduce her to you...her name is Monica Vollmuth.  Little did she know, the Stampin' Up! party she had 9 years ago introduced me to the world of stamping!  In fact - she couldn't even remember having the party and repeatedly denied it.  After much convincing - she started to recall it. 

The story even gets more twisted...I really don't even know Monica.  She's my sister Jill's neighbor.  I was never invited to that party 9 years ago.  My sister made me go, because the invitation said to "bring a friend".  Ha - who knew what twist of fate that night would bring and how it would impact my life.  Well, I got to thank her that night.  Thank you Monica, and Jill for making me go!  My life has forever changed since that magical night!

What's the morale of my story...well, if your sister (or friend) says you need to go somewhere with her...maybe you should go!  You just never know what will happen!

Happy Stamping~Dawn O

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1.Rubberstamp-40 Dawns Stamping Supplies
(From 2011/2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog )

Stamps:  Vintage Vogue (#117690w or 118598c) - greeting is from an unknown retired set
Ink:  Not Quite Navy
Paper:   Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, Soft Suede, Well Worn Designer Series Paper (#122359)
Accessories:  Vintage Tags(#118763), Vintage Trinket (#118764), Rhinestone Jewels (#119246), Stampin' Dimensionals   

Purchase the Stampin' Up! supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE

Thank you~Dawn O


2011 Stampin' Up! Convention News, Founder's Circle & Advisory Board

I'm not sure where to begin...the 2011 Stampin' Up! Convention was an overwhelming week of inspiration, surprises, happy tears, joyous news, meeting friends face to face, reconnecting with "old" friends and more!

ButtonFC11
As you know from my previous post, I did make 2011 Founder's Circle (top 100 Stampin' Up! demonstrators).  Yes - I had a very good Stampin' Up! year, thanks to my loyal customers and club members, as well as my awesome downline.  I can't say THANK YOU enough!!  I'm ever so grateful!

This year I placed at #25.  My highest achievement in the four years I've been in Founder's Circle.  Admittedly - the number itself doesn't matter, as it's a HUGE acheivement no matter the number.

But the best news of all is, I was selected to serve on the Stampin' Up! Advisory Board. This is a huge honor. I'm humbled to be selected for this position.

AdvisoryBoard 

I was overwhelmed with congratulatory hugs and well wishes from hundreds of fellow demonstrators.  So many kind words that touched my heart.  Thank you everyone!

This convention makes me think of my very first Stampin' Up! convention 8 years ago in Orlando (I had only been a demonstrator for one year).  As it was my first, I didn't know many people.  I was rooming with people I had never met before, but had found through Stampin' Discuss.  I attended classes by myself, but was never alone, as demonstrators who found out I was by myself, befriended me in each class.  This first convention sealed the deal for me.  Meaning - my life changed that week.  I saw average, ordinary, but extraordinary women receive recognition after recogniton as they crossed the stage.  These women looked like me.  If they could do it - I could do it! 

In addition, Shelli Gardner's (CEO and Co-Founder of Stampin' Up!) wrap up speech was exactly what I needed to hear at that time of my life.  At the time, I was a Controller for a small company and was struggling with my personal ideals and the ideals of the owners of this company.  It just wasn't working.  Then I hear Shelli talk about how future conventions would take place in Salt Lake City and why.  I know many demonstrators were disappointed with the news at the time, but I hung on her every word as she explained her reasoning for the decision.  She was saying what I wanted the owner of a company to say.  What did she say?  In a nutshell, that she valued her employees and their families!  Here was someone who walked the talked.  Wow - can you imagine that?  Not too many people do that.  It was what I was searching for and I found it in Stampin' Up!

I returned home and immediately set a goal to turn this "disount saving" demonstrator into a business demonstrator.  I set my sights on earning the incentive trip and to walk across the stage the following year (which I did!).  I'll be honest, if I hadn't experienced the magic of a Stampin' Up! convention, I don't know where I'd be today.  But even back farther...if I hadn't said "yes, what the heck, I'll be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator", I know that I'd probably still be unhappy in that job.  So take that leap of faith - you never know where it will lead you.  What do you have to lose? 

Maybe the real question to ask yourself is, "What do you have to gain?" 

Thanks for indulging me~Dawn O

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Dawn's Reminders:


Two Days left to Join and Why I do Stampin' Up!

Recently I had been asked why I do Stampin' Up!  If you'll indulge me for a moment..., I'd be happy to share my "why". 

A few weeks ago, I received a Thank You card (and subsequent communications) from a member of my downline that I wanted to share with you today (with her permission).

JM2010 

Dawn -
I wanted to take a minute to "Thank You!" for being my upline.  For making someone (me) in our group (stamping club), join Stampin' Up! 2-1/2 years ago.  It has really added alot to my life.  Given me a purpose of my own, given me an "outing" out of my crazy house a couple times a month, and allowed me to make new friendships and make old ones even stronger.  Also I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you do for your downline, the monthly meetings, tons of project ideas and business tips, and most importantly your friendship.  You are the best Dawn!  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all you do!
Jenny Maetzold
 
 
Jenny - 
I'm was so touched by your card you gave me.  Thank you so much for sharing how much Stampin' Up! has touched your life!  You are the perfect example of why I think Stampin' Up! has the potential to impact people in such a positive way, and in ways they may have never thought of.  Not everyone understands it at first (or ever).  I'm beyond happy that Stampin' Up! has given you a purpose - I couldn't ask for more than that!  (I'm misty-eyed even writing this).  To me...you're a HUGE Stampin' Up! success story.
Your friend,
Dawn
 
 
Thank you, Dawn! 
I too believe that sometimes the choices you make (ie: for me - joining SU) can truely impact your life in ways you never thought it would.  Initially discounts were great, that is why I joined, but to inspire your (my) customers, that is what really has made me happy in the end.  That they look forward to club gatherings, get excited making cards, learning new techniques.  I never imagined myself as a "public" speaker (even though the club is in my home) or a teacher of any sort, but here I am, teaching techniques and enjoying it!  And I must say, you are my inspiration and model.  You are a fabulous upline and I am so thankful for all you do for us.  By the way, the Nov quarterly was awesome!!!  It is truely amazing that people from all backgrounds and walks of life can come together and be joined by stamping (of all things!!)
Jenny
 
 
Thank you, Jenny!
It's just SO cool that you are living proof of exactly what I envision for people to experience when they join Stampin' Up!  I'm so proud of you!!!
Dawn
 
 
I'm thankful that Jenny (and all of my downline friends) took that leap and joined my Stampin' Up! family! 
 
I've heard from people, that sometimes they feel their demonstrator is pushing Stampin' Up! at them.  When in fact, it's just may be the opposite.  We see someone (like Jenny or maybe even yourself), where Stampin' Up! could make a difference in their life and we feel obligated to help them along this road of fun, friendships and personal growth.  Shouldn't we at least offer that kind of opportunity to everyone?  Don't you deserve that opportunity?
 
Before my eyes, I've seen the changes in Jenny that she describes.  Her Stampin' Up! business is an easy model to copy.  She has one club (a group of friends) that meet every other month.  She easily meets her minimums and has earned recognitions along the way too!  I'm so happy for her!  So maybe if you are like Jenny and can recite all of the names of the Stampin' Up! colors, have catalog pages memorized and can finish my sentences at a workshop...you too should consider the Stampin' Up! possibilities (especially now, at half price)!
  
This is my WHY, the reason I do Stampin' Up!
 
If you think now is the time to join Stampin' Up!, contact your demonstrator and get in on the Simply Amazing 50% off Demonstrator Starter Kit.  Or if you're looking for a demonstrator and you feel I'm the fit for you...I'd love to have you join my DOstamperSTARS team!
 

50%-Off-Starter-Kit 

ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT TO JOIN!


SIMPLY AMAZING 50% OFF STARTER KIT -  From now until Nov 30th, when you join Stampin' Up! enjoy an additional 50% savings on Starter Kit.  View Simply Amazing off HERE

Or join online here

Thank you~Dawn O