A stamping journey...

I LOVE making wall decor from my paper crafting supplies. This week i made two, and one plus the assembly of the other I completed in just one night. I was enjoying crafting, on a work night even, so much!

 I remember back when I started stamping 20 years ago, and how excited I was at my first ever Stampin' Up! event. I went with my Mom, had a wonderful time learning, and came home with some amazing cards. I looked into buying some supplies, but as a Mom of two young kids with another on the way, working part time as a substitute teacher and a husband who was super busy in his first (and only) principal position, I had a hard time with the cost. I decided to cheap out and headed for the dollar stores, big box stores and bought a few things. 

I tried and tried, but no matter what, I had a hard time making things I was happy with. Lots ended up in the trash bin, and much got used by the kids to make their own creations. 

Fast forward a few years and I again got to attend some workshops, this time in another town, with another demonstrator,  and it was a monthly club during the school year. I got to make cards, a perpetual birthday calendar (that I still have nearly 15 years later) and more. I jumped in and bought a few things, committing to Stampin' Up! products having realized that they were actually worth the extra money after all. I played around, bought magazines and used the catalogues to help spur ideas, and eventually found that the internet was a place of inspiration. 

I now have become a demonstrator, and have been for more than 4 years. I am mostly a hobby one because I get the discount and just enjoy crafting for myself, and get to use good quality, coordinating products when I do.  I still have the box store paper, mostly to use for projects I make for my students or with them because they don't notice or care about the quality or coordination aspects that I love about my good stuff. I have gotten rid of all of my stamps that were other brands or no brands, and use my good inks exclusively now. 

I do still make projects with other things. I got my Brother Scan N Cut for Christmas, and am enjoying the flexibility and extras that I can use it for.  I have discovered Etsy and the world of digital papers and clipart. This has allowed me to have Marvel, DC, and Disney added into my choices for projects. It is fun trying them out and making projects I am proud of. 

If you have been wondering about starting, or looking at the costs and are wary to take the first step... believe me, I get it. I am glad I took the plunge. It was very much worth it. If you want to check things out, I can show you what to think about, essential things to have, and ways to start out on a budget.  I know it can be overwhelming. I also know that I have enjoyed the journey, passed through the frustrations, and have gotten to a point where I have confidence that the things I make are beautiful and cherished by more than just me.