Hello Friends!
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!)
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.
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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
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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
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| While I was stuck in Quebec healing from my eye issue, I made sure to connect with my kids through playing games online! |
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| 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! |
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| 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
Need help shopping online? Watch this video HERE
August online shopping Offer:
- 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
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