What I became aware of is a lot of people who know me, know that I love to craft with paper.
What I also realized is people don't know why. Why did I start stamping. Why did I become a Stampin Up! demonstrator. Why do I like paper crafts.
I thought I would take this time to answer some of those so you have better insight into why I post my projects.
Stampin' Up has been around for 32 years based on the United States. It came to Canada in 2002. I remember a friend asking if I wanted to come over and create cards. I had a lot of fun doing that. We'd get together and share stamp sets or supplies that the other didn't have. This must have been early in Stampin' Up with Canada 2002 or 2003.
The product that I ended up acquiring was able to sustain me for a while. So that I could make cards on my own, at any time I had the availability. I did end up taking a break from using Stampin Up products and crafting in general. Life got away and the focus wasn't in the same place with work and life.
It wasn't until I saw a post on Facebook, probably in a craft group, that was asking for people who were interested in joining a card making group that would meet monthly. The group had a minimum requirement but each month there was a different host and that person was able to have the benefit others in helping reach their goal of discounted or free product. It was exciting I got to get out and as a Mom that wasn't always easy but I had something to look forward to. I made a great group of friends.
I think it's been 8 years since that group was formed. And it was nearly 2 years ago that I became a demonstrator.
Now, to answer one of those pressing questions. Why did I become a demonstrator? I found a value in saving a percentage of the retail costs. I signed up under my friend Sheri. It's not that she lost me as a customer. I became part of her team which helps her as well. When I place an order and get my discount she also has a reward from that. I didn't lose any value from the Stampin'Up product and I see that I gained so much more.
After nearly 2 years I have been able to stay as a Stampin' Up demonstrator by being my own customer. That may sound silly to some but I see it as a benefit. Over the last little while my discount on Stampin' Up product has increased. So what I would have normally bought anyways costs me less. I still have some of those same contacts that I met in the kitchen, at a dining room table, eight years ago.
Over the last little while I have had customers use my online site to order directly from Stampin'Up through me. I am happy and privileged to have received a commission from that. When an order is placed I receive instant income. When a party is hosted, not only does the host receive discounts but my target goals usually are met. I look at it also as getting free product, not only cash money but free product. <Saving me even more.
Some might see my craft space as an unattainable goal but this has been a dedicated 8 years in the making 15+ years in enjoyment.
Now for my last why. Why do I make cards and paper crafts? Because something that I can take the time for myself, to sit at a desk and play music and be creative, can bring joy to the people who receive the gifts that I make. I regularly offer my cards for sale so not only do people purchase my cards and they see the beauty in them, they have an opportunity to pass that joy onto their recipient. The knowledge of that chain reaction Sparks Joy and that's the reason why I continue.
When a company has values that you hold close, it's easy to continue to stay a customer.
We care about people first
We act with courage
We better our best
We own it!
If you have continued to read this far, thank you. You would be the reason why I continue to craft.
Christie
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