Stampin'

So besides everything else in life I have been balancing, I started a new adventure in October/Novemeber this past year - I may have mentioned it, but anyhow. I became a Stampin' Up demonstrator. Now originally the push was because my dear friend Kristen was not a demonstrator anymore and thus becoming one made ordering my Christmas supplies easier, and cheaper for myself; that and I got a few extra items I was drooling over simply because it would be covered with the demonstrator start up bundle. 

3 months later, 2 workshops, and I have a customer base! It really has become about sharing what I love with others, and using the sales skills I have (something I am learning I do have, even though I have a hard time grasping that I am a sales person by day) to make something of it. 

I am setting targets and reaching them (or more like reaching achievement goals set by stampin' up)

Now I would be kidding us all if I said I was making money out of it. However, I am funding my hobby/habit, or at least greatly reducing the cost to me. And that is wonderful. It has brought me closer to co-workers who now love making projects as much as I do, and that is also something that I value out of it, it has given me something to do while Kristopher is away, and gives me something to call my own. 

I dont' know that Kristopher understands that it can become something more than a hobby right now (but bless his heart he loves the cards I send him (probably more for the thoughts inside than the card itself - but thats not all bad either)) But he is adorable and bought me a few punches a month or two back so that 'I could keep making him cards'.

He does realize that is something I enjoy doing, and its similar to how he has his bikes, and boy stuff he likes to do. And honestly, who can't help but love a husband that buys you crafts supplies (even when they aren't stampin' up branded ; ) ) 

With the husband's understanding of enjoyment I get from it, and a customer base excited about making things, I feel like I am off to a decent start, there is still more work to be done to maintain this - especially as we (Kristopher, Ruby, and I) begin to pack up and prepare to move in late April/early May, to make sure that this branch of business keeps up with the excitment that is Stampin' Up. but that is another aspect of the business to learn and utilize - a downline.... now just to work on convincing my 'biggest spenders' to become demonstrators, and to inspire them to create their own small business (even if its just to fund the hobby) or just to get a good discount on some items for awhile and then return to purchasing through me. 

Who knows what stampin' up will hold for me for the future, but its a constant in my ever changing and exciting world. I can take it with me. And may actually flourish better because of what may become regular moves.

Alright enough babbling. Enjoy your day - and go stamp a card or two ; ) I am sure you may be itching to after reading about it for a few paragraphs.