Getting Busy

Boy, I’ve been in a slump. I know what the main issues are. I just haven’t been able to address them. First, my craft room is too messy. It needs to be cleaned out. I can’t work or do videos in there when it is so disordered. The other issue is the one of selling vs. having fun. I think every demonstrator has gone through this some time or another. I’m retired and have a pretty active life. Do I want a business, hence a job, or do I want to have a hobby? I know the answer to that for me is to stay in the middle. I enjoy sharing the craft with others. I need some sales to continue buying for myself, but am not willing to devote time to build a business. There are just not enough hours in a day! There are so many very talented demonstrators out there. There is always more to learn, but in my own time.

For now and until I get my craft room in order, I am taking a break. No videos, no classes, no big purchases. Once all is back in order, I can reevaluate what I want to do. Tomorrow, the clean out begins!

Thank you to all who have stuck with me these last years. I really do appreciate the business. It helps me to continue enjoying my hobby.

These Old Bones

I’m really not that old. I just feel it sometimes. I was away in October in Italy. I took a trip of a lifetime. It was beautiful and everything I imagined. Unfortunately, traveling took a lot out of me and my husband both. We had a wonderful journey, but took some days off for rest. I fell getting on the airplane in London and spent my first week in Italy in pain. My husband got sick the second week and I the third. It is now November 12 and I am just getting my energy back. I would not trade the experience for anything, but I had no idea I would be out of it for so long.

It’s back to work. I have scheduled some classes in December for my customers to make cards, a gift card envelope, a calendar, and an ornament. I have a lot to do to prepare. I also need to get back to my Tutorial Thursday on YouTube. I’ve really dropped the ball on everything.

I also have a card swap group on Facebook called Card Swappin’ With Friends. Anyone who agrees to use Stampin’ Up! products only may join and swap themed cards in small groups. It’s an excellent way to practice designing, build card inventory, and make friends. If interested, you can find it HERE.

Sale-A-Bration is around the corner. New mini and Sale-A-Bration catalogs will be out in January. Come back to see more of the new products. I haven’t even seen them yet!

Did you know I have a newsletter? I actually keep customers apprised of specials, new products, ideas, clubs, etc. If you would like to be added, send an email to Niecylovestostamp@yahoo.com and provide your full name and email address. I will add you to my newsletter contact list.

Please remember to check out my reward programs. I want my customers to know they are appreciated, so I offer ways for everyone to receive free products.

Happy Stampin’

Forever Friends and the Club Start

Yesterday was a great day and a learning experience, all in one. We had our first Local Card and Paper Craft Swap Club Meeting at my home. We managed to make five cards. Most of these girls are beginners and a bit intimidated. I allowed them to use kits to start with as the kits are inclusive and these girls have limited supplies. This gave them a pretty, but basic card project to try and then to share with others. Most kits have eight to nine cards in them, so there is one for everyone. Here is what the girls came up with, along with my own Happy Birthday heat embossed card.

Tutorial Thursday today – July 13, 2023 – was done from a card kit. I chose Forever Friends with eight cards, four of two versions. I love the kits and know my beginner customers do too. I decided to open one and do it for the tutorial to give everyone an idea of how the kits come in the mail and what is included. I then went onto part 2 and did a couple alternative versions. The kit I used is #162363, Forever Friends, and can be ordered HERE.

Go to my YouTube Channel HERE to see the video!

Happy Stamping!

Tutorial Thursday July 6 2023 Countryside Corners Birthday, Bonus Days

directions-for-tutorial-thursday-card-june-29-2023-copyDownload

Once again, I cannot seem to add certain links to my YouTube video. I have attached the directions for this card to this post.

July Classes in the Mail

On another note, remember my Classes in the Mail for July. If you would like to order one or both, contact me at Niecylovestostamp@yahoo.com.

#1 Holiday Cottage Wreaths includes Stamps and all card stock additional items to make nine cards, three of three versions. You will also receive envelopes and a PDF file to follow with instructions. This set does not include the dies, so I will cut them out before mailing. Card Classes in the Mail are always sent by Priority Mail. $47.50*

*ink pads, adhesives, and blocks for the stamps are also needed and not included

#2 Little Monkey includes stamps, punch, white gel pen, guts for nine cards, three of three versions for nine total, a PDF with instructions, envelopes, and Priority Mail. $63.50*

*ink pads, adhesives, and blocks for the stamps are also needed and not included

BONUS DAYS

All month you may earn a $5 coupon for every $50 you spend, before tax and shipping, through my online store – HERE. Earning period is July 6th through July 31 and Redeeming period is August 1st through August 31.

Tutorial Thursday and Legendary Ride

I completed my TT and have it downloaded on my YouTube Channel – YouTube.com/@niecycraftsandmore. I could not add links to my video and need to work on it. To be sure anyone that wants to CASE this card can do so, I will leave instructions here, too.

See the YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhCCJAxK4GE&t=21s

You may see supplies needed, measurements, and instruction at

directions-for-tutorial-thursday-card-june-29-2023Download