I'll be placing an order on Thursday at 5pm!
Message me to add something to my order!
Or use my host code and place your own for free shipping AND happy mail! www.handstampedbycheryl.stampinup.net
Host Code: FWPTQ66Q

...plus free shipping!  And free business supplies!  And a free Paper Pumpkin kit!  
And then have a 20% discount until at least Sept. 30th!  With an opportunity to pre-order Holiday products a month early!  And earn Sale-A-Bration products a month before the sale starts in August! 
Spend or sell $300 by Sept. 30th and stay a part of the Stampin' Up! community and IN Stampers team!  

This month's VIP technique is named after Joseph in the Bible who was given a coat of many colors.  We made three cards using this technique and it takes a little patience and a lot of wipes!  Here's how to do it:

• Step 1:  ​Apply ink in circular patterns over an entire piece of 4 x 5.25" white cardstock.  We used about three colors per card and applied in three ways: daubers, sponges, and pigment sprinkles.
• Step 2:  Once the ink is dry, use an embossing buddy to run over the cardstock to reduce static.
• Step 3: Stamp an outlined (not solid) image in versamark.  For the background stamps, make sure to use a Stamparatus.  
• ​Step 4: Spread clear embossing powder over the versamark and heat with a heat tool.  
• Step 5: Apply black or a dark ink over the negative space and the clear embossing will resist to pop the color.  I took the ink pad directly to the paper, which is faster than applying with a dauber, sponge, or brayer.  
• Step 6: Use a tissue or wipe to wipe off the ink from the clear embossing.   

Get these retiring products...while supplies last!  The first spreadsheet is for the Annual Catalog (ends May 3) and the second is for the January-June Mini Catalog (ends June 30).  Shop here and make sure to use the April monthly host code KTKY9P7R for a free gift!

by Tina Martin
Ideaspired.com + tina@ideaspired.com

Home businesses are a way of life for millions of Americans. Surveys indicate that today, somewhere around 15 million Americans own a home business, representing approximately half of the country’s small businesses. When your home doubles as your company headquarters, however, you have special considerations. Cheryl Piotrowski, owner of Hand Stamped by Cheryl, knows what a challenge this situation can be, so read on for their professional tips! 

Evaluating Your Home for Business Purposes 
Not all homes are suitable for both living and business purposes. Consequently, before realizing your dream about having your own home business, ask yourself the following questions about your current home: 

• Does it have sufficient space to accommodate both your family’s living needs and your business needs? 
• Does it have at least one room you can turn into a dedicated office? 
• Does it have enough space for the supplies, tools and other business necessities you’ll need?
• Does it have a separate entrance so your clients or customers can come and go without disturbing your family?
• Can your driveway and entryway accommodate disabled customers or clients who need mobility help from a wheelchair, a walker, a cane or crutches?
• Does your neighborhood have any zoning restrictions? 

If you discover that your current home doesn’t measure up, you may need to consider making renovations or else buying or building a new one that will not only allow your family to live in comfort but also allow you to run your home business in comfort. 

Buying a New Home
Fortunately for you, Fox Business reports that mortgage rates recently sunk to all-time lows. Interest rates, however, are not the only thing you need to consider when buying a new home. Before you take the leap, remember the home buying process has quite a few important steps, namely knowing how much you can afford (keeping in mind that the current median price for Indianapolis homes is $181K) and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. 


Forming Your Business 
Before going too far, one major decision you’ll need to make is what kind of business structure you want. Here you have numerous choices: 

• Sole proprietorship 
• Partnership (several different types) 
• Corporation (several different types) 
• Limited liability company (LLC) 

If you’re unfamiliar with LLCs, Cornell Law School suggests thinking of them as a hybrid between a partnership and a corporation that gives you the advantages of both. Forming an LLC for your business has several benefits (e.g., limited liability, tax advantages, less paperwork, flexibility). States have different regulations around forming an LLC, so check the rules in your state before moving ahead. If you'd rather not do the legwork on your own, you can avoid hefty lawyer fees by using an online formation service that knows the process to register LLC Indiana companies. 

The Bottom Line 
Once you have your housing needs squared away, you can then join the millions of other Americans who own and operate successful home businesses. 

Once your business is up and running, showing your appreciation to clients will be crucial. A great way to do this is to say thank you with gorgeously-crafted cards made with love by Cheryl Piotrowski, the creator of Hand Stamped by Cheryl! Or you can learn to make your own by taking a class with her. Check out her upcoming events to start making projects that will show your new customers just how much you value their business!