The Best is Yet to Come – SNEAK PEEK

After battling jet lag for a week, I’ve begun to adjust to my daily schedule – just in time for a three day weekend to mess it all up again.  🙂  This has really been an incredible week, and I have lots to share.  Please stick around after the card to see what’s so incredible about this week.  First I want to share this card I made with some sneak peek items from Stampin’ Up!’s 2015-2016 Annual Catalog.  Here’s my card:

Best Thoughts (Host set), Stampin' Up!, 2015-2016 catalog sneak peek, Brian King

Tips, Tricks and Reminders

  • Color Collection Designer Series Papers.  When I saw that Stampin’ Up! was retiring the Backgrounds Designer Series Papers from the 2014-2015 Annual Catalog, I vowed I wouldn’t buy any more.  The zig-zags and chevrons were difficult for me to use, so you didn’t see them a lot here.  BUT…my mind was changed when I saw the new patterns in the new papers (now called Color Collection Designer Series Papers).  There’s a page of beautiful words, stripes, flowers and polka dots.  PERFECTION!  Sign me up for all of them!
  • Font Guy.  You already know that I’m a sucker for a beautiful font, right?  This sentiment from Best Thoughts, a new Host Set in the Annual Catalog, had me at “best”.  Sold!  I wasn’t sure how I would use it, but I know now.  Is there a better way to say “you are awesome, but you’re only getting better?”  More on that later.
  • Flip it.  The Neutrals Color Collection Designer Series Paper includes pages with Silver and Gold.  Yippee!  I used the gold paper here – the flowers are on the back of the stripes.  I cut the piece of paper to the size I wanted and then cut it randomly across the middle.  I flipped that piece over to reveal the pattern on the back of the paper.  Does it get any easier than that?

Stamp Sets:  Best Thoughts  Papers:  Neutrals Color Collection Designer Series Paper (Gold), Basic Black, Whisper White  Inks:  Tuxedo Black Memento  Accessories:  Ovals Collection Framelits, Stampin’ Dimensionals

SO…what’s so incredible about this week?  Why a card that says “the best is yet to come”?

  • Executive King.  I celebrated my 3-year anniversary with Stampin’ Up! in March.  In some ways it feels like I just started, and in some ways it feels like I’ve been here forever.  The day after I returned from my Incentive Trip to Hawaii, one of my team members promoted to Manager (a combination of sales and team leadership).  That was the last piece of the puzzle to help me to promote to Executive.  How fun!?  Every customer, every team member, every blog reader – you’ve all helped me (in one way or another) to promote to this new title, and I’m so grateful.  This card is for Candy Ford, my team member who was the last piece.
  • Product Shares.  I’m announcing my 2015-2016 Annual Catalog Product Shares and Swatchbooks tomorrow!  I’m really excited about the new products in the new catalog, and I think you will be, too.  What a great way to try out the new items in the catalog – the papers, ribbons and accessories!  I hope you’ll sign up!
  • Facelift.  As Stamp with Brian ages, a bit of a facelift is required.  Tomorrow, the blog will look a little different – but the content will all be the same.  I hope you like the new look – it’s modern and fresh and handsome (JUST LIKE ME).  🙂

Thanks for stopping by today!

Brian

Shop Now

Fill Your Starter Kit with Sneak Peek Items from the 2015-2016 Annual Catalog.  Have you ever thought about buying Stampin’ Up!’s Starter Kit?  Whether you want a discount on the Stampin’ Up! products you buy or you want to make some money in a craft you love, this is a GREAT TIME to be a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  AND you can add items from the upcoming catalog – read more here.

48 Comments

  1. Huge congratulations Brian – way to go! Congratulations to Cindy too and your card is the perfect recognition.

  2. Congratulations Brian! And how wonderful for Cindy. I can’t believe you have only be around for three years and you are already executive. WOW! Amazing! You are such an inspiration.

  3. Laurie Burns Gachewicz

    Modern, fresh, AND handsome… and the best is YET to come??!!! 😉 I am SO SUPER-EXCITED to see what you reveal tomorrow!!! Brian, you had me at STAMP 2 & 1/2 years ago when I discovered your blog via Pam & then of course a link/feature on Mary’s blog. Congratulations to Candy on her achievement and major kudos to you for your subsequent promotion!!!! You are and will continue to be my daily AM source of inspiration and humor. I”ll be on pins & needles all day today & tonight until I can sign up for your AMAZINGLY AWESOME Swatchbooks tomorrow!!! 🙂 Have a FABULOUSLY messed-up-in-the-best-is-yet-to come-kinda-way long holiday weekend!!!! 😉

  4. WOW ! So many things to celebrate! Congratulations Brian on such a fantastic advancement! So deserving through your hard work and dedication. Your passion shines in everything you do. You are such an inspiration to me and to all of us. Candy congratulations to you also. Good Job. Can’t wait for the big unveiling tomorrow. I know it won’t disappoint. To finish this off, your card is another winner! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

  5. Congratulations Brian. What an amazing achievement.

  6. Congrats Brian -that is an amazing achievement! !!! You have made me laugh, cry, feel inspired through the years. I am really happy for you! !!!

  7. Congratulations Brian and Candy!!! This card is elegant and modern. I look forward to your new look tomorrow as well as the continued inspiration you always provide. I am so happy for you and your team. You help us all grow!!

  8. Had to add my congratulations too! Love the card and can’t wait for the new papers. Curious to see your new look tomorrow. Have a great weekend.
    🙂

  9. Congratulations Brian! You are the best of the best. You inspire a whole lot of people through your craft 🙂

  10. Rosemarie Cowit

    Congratulations on your promotion,Brian. So well-deserved! Can’t wait to check out the new look tomorrow!

  11. Congratulations Brian! And for you too….THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Have a great Holiday weekend…….get some sleep!

  12. Congratulations Brian!

  13. Great card. I too had resolved not to buy those same packs but am wavering about his one now.
    Congrats on your promotion! Well deserved.

  14. Congrats to both of y’all! Only three years–you’re amazing! Can’t wait to see the new look tomorrow.

  15. Way to go Brian! I bet your Momma’s proud 🙂 As for your website, I love reading your witty comments. On another note, am I missing anything about your card event this fall? I haven’t heard anything lately, but I know it’s way early. Thanks!

  16. Congratulations, Brian! An amazing achievement in such a short time. I look forward to seeing your “new look” tomorrow! Have a wonderful weekend.

  17. Congratulations to you and Candy Ford! And because “the best is yet to come,” I am really excited to see your new look tomorrow. Thank you for inspiring all of us.

  18. Congratulations, Brian!

    Can’t wait to see your new blog tomorrow.

    PS Loove your sense of humour! :o))

  19. Many congratulations to both you and Candy. I’m just coming up on my first year anniversary so to me, you have been here forever!

  20. Yay for you King Brian !!! I feel a Happy Dance coming on !! Congrats !
    I love the new dsp background selection or whatever we are calling it ….I know I want the new In Colors for sure ,but I want another color selection too . Just can`t decide ??
    Will be here bright and early to see the “New Look” So much excitement brewing !!!
    Happy Saturday !

  21. Cindie McDuffee

    Congratulations to Candy and to you! Awesome achievements for you both. I knew when you were awarded “Rising Star” at Convention that there’d be more for you.
    And the new DSP? Love!

  22. Way-2-Go Brian and Candy! Hard (fun) work does pay off!
    Brian everyone can tell how hard you work, however; your KEEN sense of humor and TALENT makes the fun out way the work! You are a treat to follow!

  23. Congratulations Brian & Candy too!

  24. WOW! Love the new designer paper! I too had a hard time using most of the old designer paper, I always used up the dotted and not much else ….looks like these papers are more user friendly!!

  25. So pretty Brian, just love it all so simple and pretty !!
    Tfs
    Hugs Frenchie

  26. CONGRATS on your new promotion and to Candy as well! If I only had time to read one blog a day, it would definitely be yours. Thank you not only for sharing your awesome cards each day but also your reasoning behind how and what you did in such a fun way. I have learned so much from you. Surely you will be SU’s fastest rising star ever!

  27. I absolutely love my card, especially the very sweet note inside! Thank you, Brian, for all of your encouragement and support over the past year. I couldn’t have done it without you!

    Can’t wait to see your blog’s new look tomorrow!

  28. Wow! Congratulations Brian! I’m with you, where did the time go. I’ve been watching your wonderful posts for over 2 yrs now. Can’t wait to see what you’re going to share with us in the coming tomorrows.

  29. Congratulations on your promotion, Brian!!! Your blog is the first of many I read each morning and have read your blog since your first card appeared on Mary Fish’s blog. I appreciate the time you take each day to share your creativity, explain your choices of design and texture, and I love your sense of humor. Here’s to your bright and happy future years with Stampin’ Up! I will celebrate your promotion with a chocolate cupcake. 🙂

    Shirley H
    Vancouver, WA

  30. Way to go, Brian! Congratulations!! You’ve earned it! Your enthusiasm for stamping is fun, infectious, and so inspiring! Congratulations to Candy! Great team, great cards, great news!!

  31. Congrats on the promotion! I’m looking forward to seeing your new, more handsome blog.

  32. Congratulations, Brian! And Candy, too! What a thrill and honor for both of you. Having come to “know” you through your blog on a daily basis, I can say that there is no one more deserving than you. You are so clever, warm and creative! And did I forget handsome?! Perhaps we should now call you King King, or are there yet more levels of achievement for you that we should hold that form of address for now? Maybe Mr. King will do. Your honor; your highness; oh, most worthy!

  33. Special congratulations to you ( and to Candy for her achievement) on this new title and the acknowledgement of many hours of hard work, dedication and commitment! The past 3 years have been creative, inspiring and so much fun to follow — thanks so much for sharing the journey! Wishing you the very best and continued success in the future!

  34. Congratulations to you and Candy!!! So happy to be a part of your team!!!! Can’t wait for the reveal of your new blog! I never thought you’d change it. It’s simple and understated which is perfect. But I am sure no matter what changes are to come will be awesome!

  35. Mary Ann Huntington

    How awesome for both of you. Brian, you are always right on with your designs and colors. I’ve learned so much from you. Congratulations!

  36. What wonderful news; congratulations! Can hardly wait for tomorrow’s post!

  37. Brian, you are a gem. Congratulations to you and Candy. Keep the wonderful ideas flowing (as usual) and thank you for that.

  38. I am in awe of all of those of you who are so successful. I just cannot imagine how you attract so much business. I know you work hard at it but still…
    CONGRATULATIONS, mr. Executive!

  39. Congratulations, Brian. You inspire us and you make us laugh, and you deserve to be an important Executive! Have fun with it, and keep up the great work!

  40. GO Brian and congrats on a HUGE achievement! SO encouraging for the rest of us too… THANK YOU! I enjoy your blog, cards, style and how you share the “thinking” behind each piece, TOO fun!

  41. Ruth Ann Vincent

    So proud of you and Candy! You both deserve the promotions.
    I enjoy your cards and videos. The videos are a great help, since I don’t get to Stamp parties anymore. Thank you!

  42. Congratulations, Brian. I have been enjoying your creative cards, tips and humor for two years. Glad to know you are moving up the ladder. Your hard work and handsomeness is paying off. Thanks for your inspiration.

  43. WAy to go, Brian! Great job, in 3 years! You are a blessing to us, all!

  44. Love the blog’s facelift, Brian. Congrats on 3 wonderful years!

  45. So love your updated blog, Brian!! Well done, my friend! Now I have to go shop for some basics paper…
    Avoir, mon ami!!
    Sunshine Sharon

  46. Congrats again Brian! Love this card and I am looking forward to many new and inspiring ideas from you out of the new catalog.

  47. WHOO HOO! Congratulations Brian, and Congratulations to Candy too! I am definitely not surprised. You are awesome and anyone on your team would be too. I wish I had “met” you sooner, and I would be on your team too. You have taught me so much, and I love your designs and how you explain everything, with that adorable handsome face of yours! 🙂 Can’t wait to see you in July at Convention! Love your card of course!~ Hugs!

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