Hello! I just wanted to share some photos of recent stamping fun!
Normally I dread fall because it means the drab dreary days of winter are not far off.
The happy part of this fall is that I was so looking forward to restarting some classes and events after having taken a break this summer.
The break over the summer was fabulous.
I had so many relaxing days and adventures with hubby. Since he works in the school system his vacation time is in the summer so I didn't want to be the grinch in the basement working two jobs while he was on vacation.
The highlight was definitely our trip to the canyons in Utah. Here's a few photos.
Anyway, by the time we got back I was so itchy to stamp it was driving me crazy.
I was so happy to play and stamp and then I discovered it's not enough for me to just stamp for myself....I need to enjoy it with others!
I was so eager for my relaunch party and I had a great time.
Thank you to everyone who came and thank you to those who supported by small business by shopping and signing up for classes.
Here's a few photos of the fun!
Since the weather was agreeable, I decided to put the BOGO sale table outside so it would be less crowded inside.
I thought it was so cute that some people were so eager that they lined out outside to get ready!
I had a variety of displays all around the house
And of course I had a couple of stamping projects using brand new holiday product
Don't forget to get your free class in the mail when you place an online order $60 or more using host code:
9TVXS46X
Do not use the host code if your order is $200 or more before tax/shipping so you can claim your free stampin' reward product. I'll still give you any stampin4fun perks
As you may have heard, Stampin' Up! has decided to add to their memory keeping line.
Because I started playing with paper by creating memory books and then transitioned more and more to cards, I am thrilled that there will be new products to help me return to an old and special love...scrapbooking.
Scrapbooking to me is about preserving the memories of everyday life!
I love my life!
I want to remember all kinds of special moments and the ordinary moments and I've found scrapbooking is a great and beautiful way to do it.
You may think you're not a "scrapbooker".
Let me tell you...anyone who has taken pictures of their life can be a scrapbooker.
Admit it, you've got pictures on your phone that you've done nothing with!
HELLO~!!! You took those pictures for a reason...maybe there's a feeling you want to remember or recapture. Maybe it was a special meaningful moment...
Scrapbooking is as easy as photos, journaling and putting them together to tell a story.
First let me introduce you to one of the newest kits from our Kits Collection:
The travel journal kit
When you buy this kit you can see on the instruction sheet various ideas and everything you need to create your mini album is included. There's loads of stickers and tags to customize to your liking!
Guess what? This kit is only $30 plus tax. I think that's an amazing price for something that will last and bring such happiness!
Want to hear a true story?
I went on an epic trip to Utah with my husband.
We had an amazing time seeing incredible national parks and shared lots of laugh and special moments.
Before I left Utah, I went to the local Walmart, printed my photos at the 1 hr photo center and the night before I flew home, I made this album in my hotel room.
I felt amazing and accomplished and now when anyone asks about my summer I can show them a taste of the epic vacation.
If you purchase one or more of the new Scrapbooking workshop kits being released September 4th and you purchase it before September 10th (I'm actually really worried they will sell out very early so don't wait)
I'll give you access to my club membership group. The number of months you have access to my membership group depends on how many scrapbooking workshop kits you purchase.
Membership gives you a 20% off coupon to be used once each year you are a member
You also receive a monthly craft and chat session over zoom (so you can get your crafty time and projects finished)
You also receive a monthly exclusive video technique tutorial
That's my excitement for today!
Thanks for dropping in and don't hesitate to message me by email at gen@stampin4fun.ca or on facebook GenStampin4fun
Shop online 24-7 or contact me to help you place your order
Don't forget to get your free class in the mail when you place an online order $60 or more using host code:
9TVXS46X
Do not use the host code if your order is $200 or more before tax/shipping so you can claim your free stampin' reward product. I'll still give you any stampin4fun perks
If you recall, I was planning to take some time this summer to think, plan and pray how to better serve you given my current life stage commitments.
I thought you deserved a little update now that we are almost the middle of August.
I've gone into this summer trying to have an open eyes and heart for what the future will hold and I thought I'd share my learnings and insights and upcoming plans.
Warning...this might be long!
My final class before the summer hit was the supper and stamping fundraiser. I was so happy to see people of all ages chatting, creating, laughing and connecting. (You can read more about it HERE)
I felt so sure that whatever my new "stampin4fun" business looked like, it would involve bringing people together for creativity but also for so much more.
I looked back at my journal where I had written notes in February 2024. I had been feeling so busy and I know I had been feeling that way for a long time. Ever since I started working full time as an employee with Stampin' Up! I had lost my weekly Wednesday Sabbath rest day and I was missing it very much yet I loved everything I was busy with...and couldn't see how to move forward toward better balance.
I started then with trying to discern my God given life priorities in this season of my life, knowing that if I articulated these priorities, then I would be responsible to orient my life accordingly around these priorities.
Loving my children and husband well.
My job at Stampin' Up!
Making space to serve and be hospitable to others
General health and wellness (my body is aging and definitely telling me it needs attention!)
You may think my little stamping business doesn't seem to have made the list in these priorities but as I have reflected and prayed about it, it really fits into the last three priorities.
As the Canadian Demonstrator Development Manager for Stampin' Up!, I feel like I can be better in this role if I continue to walk the walk as a demonstrator. How can I help Canadian demonstrators if I am too far removed from the real life of a demonstrator?
I also think being a demonstrator gives me a vehicle to serve others and invite them into a safe space. Hospitality can be defined as love toward strangers. This business has allowed me to meet many people who started as strangers but then became friends!
Lastly, I can't deny that playing with the high quality, coordinating products of Stampin' Up! just makes me feel happy! It's got to be good for my health and my soul! (look what I made last week using the Sketched Butterflies Stamp set and dies!)
I am even more convinced about the importance of sharing beauty through my business because of the wisdom in this book:
Culture Care: Reconnecting with beauty for our common life
by Makoto Fujimura
Anyone who is interested in making this world a better place for ourselves, our children, and future generations needs to read this book
There's so many quotes that made me pause and think about the value of creating beautiful things!
For example:
"But even if we would agree that beauty is not necessary to our daily survival, it is still necessary for our flourishing. Our sense of beauty and our creativity are central to what it means to be made in the image of a creative God. ...It is part of our human nature. This is why our soul hungers for beauty"
So often I hear people say that they don't have time to create...as if it's not as important as other tasks.
My response would be a question: Do you want to merely exist? Or do you want to flourish in this life?
I want to help you to flourish!
So here's what I'm thinking for now. (these points have a lot of subpoints and thoughts related to each but I'm trying to keep it brief here for you!)
At least one in person experience a month which I will aim to offer as a virtual/take it to go option as well if at all possible.
A virtual and in person New catalogue/product experience 3X/year
Monthly Video Technique tutorials and zoom craft n chat sessions through my Stampin4fun Club membership (learn more about that here)
Monthly prize giveaways and Quarterly in person gathering experience with swapping for my Team STIC members (learn about joining my team here)
Plus keeping space in my calendar for additional experiences and private events.
Pop up classes and videos whenever I can.
Take out your calendar and get ready for what's coming! I still have to finalize some details for some of these things but you can take note for what I have so far.
August 24th 11am-4pm
Come and visit me at Cornerstone Centre! I'll be a vendor at the artisan fair. There will be lots of local artists and vendors there! It's a great activity to enjoy with a friend.
August 29th Life is Beautiful Card class: In person or Take it to go! Details and registration here
September 3 & 4th: VIP New Catalogue Kickoff Party
You will Receive an invitation to this virtual new catalogue extravaganza if you're a Team STIC member, Stampin4fun club member or have shopped with me in the past year.
There will be 14 video presentations in an exclusive facebook group each highlighting a different product from the Sept. to December holiday mini catalogue!
You want to make sure you get invited!
It's going to be EPIC!
September 8th: Stampin4fun Relaunch Party and BOGO Sale
Come celebrate with me as I open the doors of my home to welcome you in with stamping, snacks and BOGO sale. It will be our chance to reconnect after the summer and for me to share what's new and happening RSVP will be required. Stay tuned for the sign up but mark your calendar now!
September 10th Lunch Laugh and Craft
Sept. 10th 11:00am Lunch, Laugh and Craft: Make 3 different cards for $25 and enjoy lunch* at the local Swiss Chalet in Markham! Bonus: get your class free when you place an order of $30 or more at the class! Come enjoy lunch, laughing and crafting with me! RSVP by 1st of the month (*lunch purchase from the restaurant is required to participate in the crafting)
Retreat in a Box:
Ladies Retreat in a Box: If you need a break from the rat race of life, this retreat is for you! Set aside a day to use your supplies to craft to your hearts content in the comfort of your own home! This retreat box is packed with supplies to make 4 different cards and includes a goodie bag valued at min. $50 and 5 pillow gifts. You’ll have access to an exclusive facebook group and video tutorials to inspire your creativity! Enjoy the vibe of the in person event at a fraction of the cost! $65 (add $20 if shipping required) Choose to add on the feature stamp set/bundle if desired. RSVP by October 1st.
Gen & Jen Holiday Stamp Camp: A fan favourite! Make 10 different cards using new mini catalogue product. All consumable supplies provided. Do the cards on your own time at your leisure with provided tutorials. Class includes a goodie bag, special handmade treat and get access to an exclusive facebook group with games and additional inspiration. Cost: $78 (add $20 if shipping required) Choose to add on the feature stamp set/bundle for a discounted price if desired. RSVP Nov 1st
Additional classes to add on to this camp or to take on their own will be announced very soon!
I have more to share but this blog post is long enough for now!
I'll finish off with just a few photos of how I've been attending to the priorities on my list that I mentioned earlier
While I was stuck in Quebec healing from my eye issue, I made sure to connect with my kids through playing games online!
I figured a part of loving my husband well is to also participate in things he enjoys even if it's not my favourite...hello camping!
Wanting to make space for relationships and hospitality meant that when my boss came into the Niagara region for vacation with his wife, I made a point of asking if we could meet up for dinner. Yes, I love my job so much that I can't wait to visit with my boss on a day off!
Thanks for dropping in!
Shop online 24-7 or contact me to help you place your order
Don't forget to get your free gift in the mail when you place an online order $60 or more using host code: MRWYQBMV
Do not use the host code if your order is $200 or more before tax/shipping so you can claim your free stampin' reward product. I'll still give you any stampin4fun perks
I've got plans for a VIP Virtual Catalogue Kickoff Party Sept. 3 and 4th and an in person Relaunch party with BOGO sale on Sunday September 8th so mark your calendar now!!!
I've been enjoying the flexibility in my time and enjoying the summer weather. I am really happy about that.
I also had fun stamping as soon as I got back from Quebec. I just sat down on a Saturday morning and played with no particular agenda or predetermined outcome.
I started with the You are Beautiful Stamp set
After my sudden eye experience, I was grateful to have had such good care and that all worked out well so the bible verse in this set really spoke to me.
Here's the card I made:
Then I had such fun making the card I made three more...
One of them is a fancy M fold card.
Then I thought...well this could be a class.
So...here we are!
You are Beautiful Class: Make 8 beautiful cards, 2 of 4 designs using the meaningful You are Beautiful Stamp Set. this class includes half a package of three different designer series papers, 1/4 package of in color glimmer paper, plus all the other precut pieces and necessary embellishments to complete your 8 cards. Cost: $45 RSVP by August 14th. Enjoy the class in person or take it 2 go. Choose to add on the feature stamp set for an additional cost
I will do the class in person at my home studio on August 29th 6:30pm or you can take it to go! (I'll provide a video tutorial) Choose to add on the feature stamp set for a discounted price.
If you choose the take it to go option and require shipping, please add $20.
Don't forget to get your gift in the mail when you place an online order $60 or more using host code: MRWYQBMV
Do not use the host code if your order is $200 or more before tax/shipping so you can claim your free stampin' reward product. I'll still give you any stampin4fun perks
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