A Crafting Retreat Hangover & My Story

The day after a crafting retreat always feels like having a hangover. Anyone else feel the same? I’m over tired and just unmotivated to do anything. That’s the reason for todays late post.

I’m sitting on my couch working on my laptop. I’ve been here since I dropped Eathan off at school. And will likely will be here until I have to go pick him up. I’ve got a long list of things to do in my studio, including unpacking, but have absolutely no desire to do it.

BUT it’s because I’ve been crafting since Thursday evening and I just need a break. Late nights, lots of food, little movement – it all just piles up and hits me on the Monday after a retreat. I wouldn’t change a thing though! I love my retreat weekends. They are full of good friends, fun, food and crafting.

Anyway, you are here to see a crafting project so let’s get to it!

I created this layout featuring a new suite of products called Christmastime is Here (available Nov. 1st). It’s meant to be a Christmasy suite but it can be used for so much more. This layout doesn’t feel Christmasy at all!

The photo is of a couple of friends and I – Donna a sideline and Winona my 3rd level upline, at our recent Stamp Cafe. These wonderful ladies wouldn’t be in my life if it wasn’t for Stampin’ Up! and the chance I took signing up to be a demonstrator.

Have I ever told you the story of how I became a demonstrator?

Just over 15 years ago, while on maternity leave with my son, a family member invited me to a Stampin’ Up! open house. I had heard of SU! and flipped through a catalogue, but had never stamped before. I was excited to go check it out. The day of the open house, she called and told me she wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t be going. I asked if she thought the lady would mind if I went without her.

I am a little on the shy side, so for me to show up at a strangers house, by myself, was WAY outside my comfort zone. But I was pretty sure I would like this stamping thing, so I went.

The first product I tried was the wheel – anyone remember the wheel? I fell in love. Right then and there I booked a party and decided to join when the new catalogue went live on July 19th, 2004. I wanted the newest product in my starter kit. Back then we couldn’t choose what we wanted, all the product was preselected.

I was so excited to scrapbook with stamps, pretty paper and everything that coordinated. For me, it was all about scrapbooking back then. Card making was just a bonus.

I signed up because I wanted to start scrapbooking. As a family I knew we couldn’t afford the supplies. So starting a stamp club, and being a member of that club, was the perfect way for me to gradually build my supplies and not cost much. I could turn around and reinvest the money I made into getting the things that I wanted.

BUT an added perk was a night out for me. I had no plans on returning to work and had two littles at home. This turned out to be my ‘sanity saver’!

Well 15 years later it has turned out to be so much more! I can’t even imagine my life without Stampin’ Up! When I signed up I had no intention of making it a business. I just wanted to make a bit of money and enjoy the discount so that I could scrapbook!

Now it is a huge part of my life. It has brought so many wonderful friends into my life. It has given us the opportunity to travel the world and visit places that we likely would have never gone otherwise. And it has allowed me to be home with my kids as they’ve grown. I am beyond blessed to be able to do what I do and for that I have all of you to thank!

When you love something as much as I love SU! you want to share it with everyone. If you are looking to add something that brings you joy, whether it’s friendships, a discount on products, extra money for Christmas, hockey lessons or travel opportunities, become a demonstrator! It CAN change your life. I am proof of that.

Sorry for the long winded post today. But I felt it was time to share my story:) If you are ready to change your life…