Tag: crafts

Blog

When opportunity knocks…

stampinwithcraftyklock

Sometimes opportunity comes in unexpected ways and usually when we are not really looking for it or looking for something different.  I know that’s what happened to me with my business.  I was happy being a Stampin’ Up! customer – supporting my friend and buying the supplies I needed to satisfy my hobby.  Then one day my friend said to me “you should really sign up as a demonstrator and take advantage of the discount.” At first I thought oh no – not my style – I am not a pushy salesperson – BUT neither is my friend.  She never pushed me to buy what I didn’t already want or need so I decided to take a leap of faith and learn more about being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.

What I learned surprised me.  First it was only a $99 (plus tax) investment to get started.  And what did I get for my initial investment?  Over $125 in fantastic products plus business supplies and a fabulous support network to help me along the way.  Next I learned that to stay active as a demonstrator I only needed to sell $300 worth of products every quarter. Well heck, I was spending that much every three months as a customer and NOT getting the benefit of the 20% discount.  Once I did the math I was sold (I’m a numbers gal so once I did the math it was a no brainer for me). 

I was also relieved to realize I didn’t need to pressure people into purchasing from me, in fact I could just go along my merry little way without ever having to “bother” another person about my hobby.  And so I began my hobby – spending time in my studio creating one of a kind cards to share with friends and family.  As I worked with the stamps, ink, and paper, I grew more confident in my abilities to create mini works of art in the form of a greeting cards.  Friends and family loved receiving my special cards for birthday, anniversaries, and other occasions.  And I LOVED makng them.  To me, my little “hobby” is a great outlet for reducing stress and anxiety.  Escaping to my studio to work with my stamps, ink, and paper is my “me time”  when I can shut out the world and relax.  I am always so much more relaxed after I have spent some time creating.

I am passionate about what I do and I want to share this opportunity with others.  The absolute beauty of stamping is there is NO right way to create.  Each project is as unique as the person making it.  Stamping is for all skill levels – beginning crafter to avid creator and no prior experience is necessary.  If you have ever thought you might like to try your hand at creating with stamps, ink, and paper now is the time.  With the current Stampin’ Up! Extra Extra promotion you can join now until August 31, 2019 and receive an extra $30 in product in your starter.  Yup for just $99 (plus tax) you will receive over $155 in exclusive Stampin’ Up! products AND you will also receive a $10 coupon to use next month.

So if you are in the United States and would like more information, I would be happy to chat with you.  You can email me at craftyklock@gmail.com for more information. Or if you are ready to sign up today, you can click here.

Blog

What’s the rush?

stampinwithcraftyklock

As we approach the end of July it’s hard to believe that summer is basically over! Back to school sales are ongoing, Christmas in July events are everywhere, and I’ve even seen some Halloween decorations floating around. While we all groan and complain about “rushing the seasons” I am no less guilty for doing the same thing. BUT I have a reason – a good one I think.

I am a paper crafter and I have lots of craft shows lined up for the fall, which means I need to start prepping my goods now and that means lots of lovely holiday themed items. AND that’s why I am so excited that the Stampin’ Up! holiday catalog is coming. As a demonstrator, I will be able to pre-order from the holiday catalog beginning on August 1 and from what I have seen so far there is a lot to love – adorable Snowmen, Jolly Santas, Twinkling Stars, and so much more. There is even a section featuring 25 gifts under $25 that will be sure to please the crafters on your list.

The catalog will go live to customers beginning on September 4th but you can get a copy of the catalog from your local Stampin’ Up Demonstrator in August so you can be ready to order on September 4th! If you don’t have a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator you can contact me and I will be happy to send a catalog your way. Happy Stampin’!

Blog

My Journey

stampinwithcraftyklock

My first cards were not very good – in fact they were pretty laughable but we all need to start somewhere right?  As I continued with my cardmaking journey, I became more confident in my abilities and had so much fun creating – not just cards but decorations, gift times, and gift packaging.  Then I went to my first Stampin’ Up! OnStage event.  Oh my goodness – what a fantastic experience.  Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators are some of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet.  Everyone was so supportative and encouraging; sharing ideas, swapping cards, and giving advice.  I left On Stage with a new sense of purpose and a burning desire to share my passion with others. 

It’s been a long journey – with many highs and some lows.  Growing a business is a slow process, with successes coming in little spurts just when I need them.  Working a full time gig to pay the bills while trying to grow my Stampin’ Up! business on the side is not easy.  I worry about finding the right balance for me.  Some days it’s a struggle and some days not.  On days when I struggle I remember that God has a plan for me and I need to trust that plan.  As soon as I remember to cast my cares to God and trust in Him I always get a little spurt to keep me going.  And this is how I know I am on the right path.

Lately I have felt I am on the verge of a big breakthrough – I can feel it, I can envision it, so I just need to be patient and wait for it.  I absolutely LOVE what I do.  Creating is so good for the soul and helps keep the mind active.  In a world that is increasing becoming disengaged, sending someone a hand written note on a beautiful handmade card is so powerful.  Family and friends who have received a card from me have told me how much it meant to them because they know how much I care.

So won’t you join me on this journey?  You can join me in one of several ways:

  • Attend one of my monthly studio classes
  • Join my team
  • Order my August On Line class featuring the versatile Waterfront Stamp Set
Blog

Waterfront

stampinwithcraftyklock

Happy Tuesday! It’s hard t believe the summer is half over – I’ve been so busy lately that it just seems to be flying by. Thankfully I have been able to take some time to head down to my studio and play with my stamps, ink, and paper. It seems lately I’ve been focused on all the new goodies that came out in June so this week I went to my stash to take out one of my more neglected sets – Waterfront. I’ve had so much fun playing with this set – it is so versatile the possibilities are endless. I was so excited to play with this set again that I’ve decided to offer this as my August Class to go

I am only offering 8 to-go bundles. The price of the bundle is $37 and it includes the Waterfront stamp set with 16 photopolymer stamps, all cardstock (cut to size and embossed as necessary) and embellishments to make 8 beautiful cards (2 each of 4 designs).You also receive a full color .pdf document with step by step instructions and a Facebook live class to assemble your cards. All you need to add is ink and adhesive (which you can order from my store). You can order the August Class to go bundle through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/august-class-to-go-featuring-waterfront-stamp-set-tickets-65381123701 Order by July 27th. Bundles will be mailed by August 10 and the Facebook Live class will beheld on August 17th.

You can check out my Facebook page Stampin with Crafty Klock for a look a my previous Daisy Lane Bundle class. Sign up soon to be sure to get your bundle.

Here are some of the cards I made today with the Waterfront stamp set

Blog

Wildly Happy

stampinwithcraftyklock

When I attended Stampin’ Up!’s April On Stage event I received the Wildly Happy stamp set for a prize patrol. I was so excited as I though the set was just adorable. Fast forward three months and I am finally in my workshop playing with this set and oh my! Do I love this set.

Each month Stampin’Up! has a #simplestamping challenge and this month the challenge was to highlight some of the new Designer Series Paper (DSP). I had been thinking about the Wildly Happy stamp set and how it would pair so well with the new 2019-2021 In Colors . I knew this #simplestamping challenge was the perfect time to execute my concept! Panda’s paired with Pretty Peacock, foxes with Terracotta Tile, bunnies with Rococo Rose, and elephants with Seaside Spray. Add in the matching cardstock, ink, and DSP and Voila! Four adorable cards perfect for all stampers.

Take a look at my cards. You can order your own stamp set, ink pads, and paper through my online store. And if you order now, for every $50 spent in July you will receive a $5 bonus coupon to use in August. Happy Stampin’.

Blog

Extra! Extra!

stampinwithcraftyklock
Come be a part of the Crafty Foxes Team!

You’ve thought about signing up to be a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator – July is your time to shine. Between July 1 until August 31, new demonstrators will receive an additional $30 of product in your Starter Kit. You will pay $99 to sign up and choose $155 worth of Stampin’ Up! products in your Starter Kit – and Stampin’ Up! covers the shipping. How incredible is that?!

Oh, there’s more! You will also receive a $10 coupon code the following month to spend however you wish.

And more! Along with your purchase of a Stampin’ Up! Starter Kit, you:

  • will earn a 20% discount on all purchases immediately after joining (and for as long as you are an active demonstrator) with the possibility to earn a bigger discount. What an awesome benefit and fun incentive!
  • have access to amazing community of kind, talented stampers with daily inspiration
  • can attend our monthly team meetings
  • have no obligation to ever sell or share with anyone (although it makes you really cool if you do) and no obligation to buy another thing if you don’t want to 

Most of the Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators join as hobbyists – they just want to take advantage of the fantastic products and color coordination while getting a discount (20% to start with the possibility of increasing to 25%). So why not join today? Check out my home page for more details. Happy Stampin!

Blog

New Clearance Rack Deals

stampinwithcraftyklock

On June 26 2:01am EST, for the first time ever, Stampin’ Up! is loading the Clearance Rack with stamps – clear-mount, wood-mount and photopolymers! These stamps will be offered WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, so set your alarm to be sure you can grab up all you want.

While the company didn’t announce any additional items (accessories, papers and dies) being added to the Clearance Rack (demonstrators only learned about the stamps), my fingers are crossed that the Clearance Rack is filled to the brim with amazing discounts! Don’t miss out You can order here