Tuesday’s Tip: If Asked, Say Yes!

(Yes, I know it’s Wednesday but Tuesday got away from me!)  My daughter asked me, a few weeks ago, if I’d be interested in teaching one of her classes a bit about creating valentines on February 10th.  Yikes!  High school students.  At an International Baccalaureate Charter school.  More boys than girls.  “It’ll be a surprise lesson for the class” she said.  Of course I said.  “Sure, why not.”  And it was so worth it.

Monday from 11:15 to 11:55, 12 students (or was it 15?) hunkered down and did an amazing job of using the supplies I had prepared, adding their own creativity, and ending the class period with a card and a “non-naked”, i.e. stamped, envelope.

I prepared Flirty Flamingo, Real Red and Whisper White card fronts, some 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 and others 11″ x 4-1/4″.  I also showed them how the fold could be at the top or the side of each card front layer.

I had cut various layer-sized pieces of From My Heart Specialty Designer Series Paper, as well as pieces appropriate to be cut into layers or strips or be punched.  I brought a bunch of the Heart Doilies and even the From my Heart Faceted Gems.  I loved watching both the boys and the girls counting out their favorite gems for their cards!  I also brought Snail Adhesive and Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive.  I was really impressed with how the students listened to my ‘how to use’ instructions for each type of adhesive.

All of the students worked industriously throughout the class period…….even one who participated at his own pace: pencil to paper and only a few words but his heart was in it.  He really made me smile.

Our group included exchange students from Spain and Slovakia who each made beautiful cards for their host families.  And check out this card one of the boys made for his new girlfriend:

Thanks to Stampin’ Up! for having such a perfect coordinated group of supplies (the From the Heart Suite) for pulling off this classroom project almost effortlessly.

Remember to keep your supplies simple and choices few.  I only brought two stamp pads: Real Red and Basic Gray.  And I stressed the importance of using my “washer/dryer” (Stampin’ Scrub) when changing colors.  Not. One. Accident.  I brought the Heart Punch Pack (two heart shaped punches), card stock, some Designer Series Paper, adhesives and scissors and a few extra stamps sets as well, including Enjoy Life, This Little Piggy, Animal Outing, Ride with Me and Dandelion Wishes as well as the Heartfelt set from the bundle.  All sets got used!

Product List

Back to my tip:  don’t underestimate yourself and your capabilities.  When you share your joy of using Stampin’ Up! products to create a wide range of cards or projects, you’re bound to succeed.  Keep it simple.  Just introduce, give a few pointers and let go.  The individual projects will take care of themselves.