Hello stampers and happy Monday to you. Last week I forgot to share my brilliant idea with you! It’s the product playground or “stempel speeltuin”. You might be thinking, what the heck are you talking about? Let me tell you.
Thinking in Two Languages
Now that I have been dating Gerard for three years and spending significant chunks of time in the Netherlands, I am now reading novels in Dutch! I sometimes wake up realizing that I just dreamed in Dutch. No surprise then that I first came up with a Dutch name for my idea and then an English one. This idea came to me after my first coffee and a card class here in Holland.
Product Playground or Stempel Speeltuin
Whenever I have taught my coffee and a card classes I have tried to strike a balance between hands on stamping, embossing and die-cutting and a relaxing morning. That means that the card bases and the layers are all pre-cut and sometimes some of the die-cutting is also done. The benefit of this is that there are no long lines at the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine or with the heat tool. There is also a drawback. When you don’t use the tools yourself you don’t realize how awesome they are.
My solution is that starting in the Netherlands I am going to add a component to my class. We always start with coffee or tea and something I have baked. Then we make one card. Yes, one. I used to make three cards with my Canadian girls but it sometimes started feeling like a marathon unless I had done a lot of the die cutting ahead of time. It is nicer to take the time to make one card together and enjoy the process with no pressure to hurry up.
The State of Affairs
Even with making only one card, you should have seen the state of affairs with my table! Such a lovely, creative mess. The reason for that is that I decided to let them play with an extra piece of cardstock that I had shown them how to emboss with a new embossing folder. Hence the idea of a product playground. You see, people want to play. Once they start creating, they develop a taste for it. Shyness and fear is overcome. I want to facilitate that.
Each week I like to focus on a certain stamp set, bundle or suite. The product playground or stempel speeltuin will be on a separate table. On this table there will be coordinating designer series paper, cardstock, ink ribbon and bits and bobs that I have made with that suite. Customers can create their own card or box using the supplies on the table. I will be close by to answer questions, but basically this is a place where they can do their own thing. I’m really excited about it!
Technical Issues
If you have been following my journey in the Netherlands you will know that I have battled many technical issues. I have learned some serious gratitude from this experience. You see, in Canada we think we have it pretty bad when it comes to internet and cell phone technology. It is expensive and sometime spotty. Well….
In the Netherlands, at least if you live outside the city, it can also be a challenge. On Saturday it took a serious turn for the worse. The cables were cut by a work crew next door. Internet providers were contacted but they claimed to be super busy and would not come until Monday. On Monday they sent someone to the house to confirm that we had no internet. We already knew that. No fix. No “monteur” as they call them here. We now have to wait till Wednesday!
I am writing this blog post because Gerard got me a Dutch phone and data plan so I am using the hot spot on my phone. He is wonderful for thinking of creative solutions.
Weekly YouTube Video
GIven the internet situation I will be prerecording my weekly virtual coffee and a card class. The nice thing is that I can release it as a “premiere” which means I can watch it live with you and chat as we watch. Will you join us? Here is the link to my YouTube channel. If you subscribe you will be notified when I post a video and it would also make me super happy!
Tomorrow we will be making a beautiful Christmas card using the Peaceful Cabin suite. This is also the card that we will be making for coffee and a card class on Friday in the Netherlands at Bloemenlaan 6. If you want to come, please let me know!
In Person Christmas Class
The in person class on Saturday October 30 is almost full. If you are local you can still order your supplies. I will be doing a smaller version of this class in the Netherlands as well on Friday October 15 at 9:30am. Take a look here to see all the beautiful cards!
If you just want the pdf to make the projects, you can get it here.
Thanks!
I’m so glad you joined me today. Please share your stories with me, I love them so much. Have a super day and happy stamping. If you want any of the products that I used to make this card then please click the links below. Have a super day!
Hello stampers and happy Saturday to you. Today I have a powerful story for you. First of all, I couldn’t write a blog post yesterday because our phone lines and internet cable were cut by a greenhouse crew accidentally. Bummer!! I was so excited to tell you the stories about my first coffee and a card class in the Netherlands. It just had to wait a day.
The Fear of the Unknown
How many times have you heard people say “I’m not crafty”? Often it really means “I’m afraid to try something new, especially in front of other people. What if I don’t get it? What if I do it wrong? I don’t want to fail and look stupid.” Trust me, I have had those feelings too and I still do when I go to craft at other people’s houses. I am not in my own environment, I feel like I have to get it right the first time and there is no time to play around. This has inspired me to do my classes a little differently and you can read about that a little later on.
A Powerful Story
One of the people who came to my class yesterday had to come later due to a previous engagement. By the time she came the others had already finished their card and were playing around making a second one. I poured her a cup of coffee and cut a piece of amazing carrot cake and I sat down beside her. Time to make a card! No, she said, I really don’t feel like making a card this morning. I’m not one of those crafty people at all. No problem!! I will never try to make someone do something against their will. Card classes are about relaxing and enjoying, not coercion and stress.
I’ll just sit beside you and show you how I made the card and then you can take it home is what I said. Before I had stamped three images, she had changed her mind. “I’ll make a card” she said all of a sudden. Wonderful! Now the plot thickens.
This person who claimed not to be crafty right away changed up the card in a few different ways to make it her own. She knew what she wanted! I love that so much. Then it gets better. While she was making the card she said, I am going to make this for my mother. She has dementia but she will love this cheerful card. It will mean so much to her that I thought of her and made her this special card. There was no procrastination. A pen was produced, the card was written, put in the envelope and mailed on the way home! How wonderful is that?
When People Gather Together
Another powerful thing that I once again realized is that amazing things happen when people gather, first around food and drink and then around a table crafting. Stories are exchanged, lives are enriched and creativity is discovered. One lady shared how magic happens when she goes into her craft room. Emotional hurts go into the background, aches and pains lessen and joy bubbles up.
It makes me so incredibly happy to be a small part in this whole process. I love sharing what I do. If you are one of these people who think they are not crafty, order a card kit from Stampin’Up! to get started. They include everything you need except for a tape runner and scissors. Find some inspiration on my YouTube channel or check out my tutorials to guide you step by step through some wonderful cards.
I’m hoping to have our internet restored on Monday and then I will be able to share the awesome photos with you. I was able to get one to load and that is better than nothing. I hope you have a super day and I am so looking forward to some day crossing paths with you and helping you with your creative journey.
Hello stampers and happy Monday to you. This weekend I posted a video explaining my Christmas Whimsy Health Care Worker “Fun-Raiser”. I have since decided to expand it to include our teachers. Why a “fun-raiser” for them? Let me explain how I came to this decision and what I hope to get from you my followers.
Why a Christmas Whimsy Health Care Worker “Fun-Raiser”?
This is not a new idea. It started in the winter/spring when my daughter Rachel was working at the Chatham hospital in the emergency department. She came home with stories of how stressed the health care workers. I was shocked. At that point I had quite a stash of Paper Pumpkin kits so together we made cards to go in them and I purchased blocks to add to them. She took them all to work with her and actually ran out. One person had missed out, so I found another kit to give away. This time I thought I would rally the troops so to speak.
Please, Not Seven Times!
I am told that people need to see something seven times before they take action. Please let this NOT be the case this time. I believe in YOU that you will be moved to make a difference. Someone commented on my YouTube video asking if I thought I would make my goal of giving away 100 kits. My answer is an unabashed YES!! Let me tell you why I think this should be very doable.
If every blog reader today decides to sponsor a kit we will already be at 300 kits. If each of my YouTube subscribers would sponsor a kit we would be at 3800 kits. What about my Facebook people? Then we would have another 8000 kits! So really, if you look at it this way my goal is sort of pathetic. Together we can prove the naysayers wrong. If you are reading this post, don’t think that someone else will step up. Step up yourself.
Stories from the Trenches
I heard from a teacher a few days ago saying that they are so disheartened and it is only September. The bureaucracy that they have to deal with is suffocating. I am not up to speed on mask wearing any more but they not only had to do online teaching which is a TON of work, they also had to be double masked ALL DAY LONG. Have you ever tried that while needing to walk and talk at the same time? Not pleasant.
We won’t even get into all the behavioural issues that they have to deal with, the under-staffing, the last minute changes to their classrooms or even the class that they have to teach, blended populations, the list could go on.
As for the health care workers, morale is low. They too are expected to more with less money. Less staff, more work. Covid that just doesn’t stop. The squabbling about vaccinations, about not following the rules.
Doesn’t it just exhaust you to read about this? Don’t you think these great people could use a lovely surprise in their life? One that lets them relax and enjoy something new either on their own with some music in the background or with their kids that they don’t get to spend enough quality time with? Maybe a girlfriend afternoon or evening. I will include a list of ways that they could enjoy this kit for even more fun and I will also include your name on the card or letter if you decide to sponsor. Be sure to let me know whether you want to sponsor a teacher or a health care worker.
Time for Smiles!
Take a look at these cards samples. Don’t they just make you smile? Do they make you feel like a child again? That’s a pretty amazing feeling and this what is often channeled when you take time to play and be creative. At least that is what happens with me and many people that I have talked to. Many, many times I have heard: “I wouldn’t know how I would have gotten through COVID without my stamping hobby!”
My brain is even going a step further. Wouldn’t it be great if we heard stories back from the recipients of how your gift affected them? I will come up with a letter (stamped of course) to include in the kit that asks them to share back with us with a photo of social media post with a hash tag #fun-raiser and then I can share some of them here. Stories are powerful!!
I want a hat like that and those outfits are just so darn cute!! There are 8 cards in this kit.
Video Explanation and Card Tutorial
What I Love About This Kit
What I really love about this Christmas Whimsy kit is that it is perfectly suited for beginner stampers but it is also a lot of fun for seasoned stampers. These card bases and die cuts are fantastic and you could use them as base elements for a fancier or different card. Combine this kit with offerings from our holiday catalog such as Whimsical Trees or Peaceful Deer. Perhaps I will have some time to play and design something for you. Rest assured that the quality is wonderful. It’s always nice to have another ink spot, clear block and sheet of dimensionals. At $26 in Canada or €23 in Europe it’s a great deal.
Thanks!
Thanks for joining me today. You know that I believe that we can make the world a better place one card at a time, and in this case one kit at a time. I hope you have been inspired to participate in this fun-raiser. Could you do one more thing for me? Share this blog post on Facebook or Instagram or wherever you can. Tell YOUR people about this opportunity and help spread the word. Let’s knock this Christmas Whimsy fun-raiser out of the park and blow away that 100 kit goal!!
PS. Are you an avid stamper? Do you know someone in your area that could use a kit to brighten their day and relieve their stress? You could also just use the host code and order this kit online. If you choose that option then you can also take advantage of saleabration which ends on September 30 and you can get some free products for yourself too. Win win!
Hello stampers and happy Friday to you. Starting all over! That is what it feels like and there is a joy in this journey and I want to share the lessons that I learn along the way. Starting all over? What am I talking about? Let’s find out.
Starting All Over!
Did you know that I have been a demonstrator in Canada now for 16 years? I’m officially an old-timer in the Stampin’Up! world and I am proud of it. Now that I am spending more time in the Netherlands as well and running my business almost entirely online in Canada I have also become a demonstrator in the Netherlands. Yes, that is possible!
As a brand new demonstrator in the Netherlands I have decided to start all over here and teach beginner classes. Starting all over I decided it would be best to get back to basics. I think every demonstrator’s true joy is teaching people who have never held a stamp in their hands and inked it up. The joy of discovering creativity is contagious. Last night I taught my first beginner class and it was so much fun. We laughed so much and I actually stamped my sentiment upside down while demonstrating the Stamparatus!
This card was made using the Dutch stamp set Plantenpost which is `Plentiful Plants in English. You can find it on page 81 of the annual catalog. It does come with adorable dies which include to macramé plant hangers, but you can make gorgeous cards without the dies too. That being said, the dies also cut out many images from the designer series paper.
We took the party to the inside and stamped another potted plant and the sentiment using Cinnamon Cider and Just Jade. The stamparatus made positioning the words so simple. I love this tool so much and highly recommend it to all levels of stampers. Truth be told, when it first came out I resisted it thinking it was only for beginners. Now it stays on top of my desk within reach because I use it all the time.
Stepping It Up a Little
Beginner cards don’t have to be ugly or uninspiring. By adding some Bloom Where You’re Planted paper to the envelope flap and a little linen thread to the card we now have a really pretty creation don’t you think?
If you want to see another post featuring the Plentiful Plants bundle, check out this blog post.
One of the Most Beautiful Perks
Do you know why I wanted to start all over here? Besides the fact that I love introducing people to the joy of stamping, I also love, love, love meeting new people. Everyone has a story to tell and my life is enriched by their stories and their souls. Yesterday I had the deep joy of meeting Barbara. She brought me a gift (which was totally unnecessary as I really don’t expect that). The gift had so much thought behind it. Barbara made a cute little box to put it in and we laughed together because we discovered that both of us actually struggle with making boxes!! Inside the box was a bottle of blackberry syrup made by the people that Barbara works with.
You see, this lovely woman works with people who have learning disabilities (in Dutch they say verstandelijk beperkt) It is one of the things that I love so much about Holland is how they deal with their unique populations. Barbara works at the Nooitgedacht Werkboerderij (Never Would Have Thought working farm) and in this beautiful environment people are given meaningful work, some of which I enjoyed with my pancakes this morning!
You can read more about this wonderful place here. Rest assured I will be making a visit and will be telling you more about it!
More Beginner Classes
I am super excited to announce that I will be hosting beginner classes each Friday for the next four weeks at Bloemenlaan 6, -s’Gravenzande 2691 JC at 9:30am. We’ll start with coffee and treats and then make a card at 10am. Cost is only 10 euros. I am looking forward to meeting you and hearing YOUR story.
Don’t Forget!
There are only 6 days left of saleabration, so don’t forget to place your order and get some bonus free items. If you have been sitting on the fence about getting the starter kit, take a leap of faith. You have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain. Your kit has no shipping or tax, you pay only $135 and you get to choose $165 in product (perfect way to get your new die cutting machine!) You also get to choose a bonus Christmas bundle worth up to $80 AND you get to be a part of my amazing team. Together we’ll have more stories to tell.
Thanks for joining me today, have a super day and a great weekend.
Hello stampers and happy Wednesday to you. My Peaceful Cabin Virtual Coffee and a Card class is all ready to go! I love this stamp set so very much! The cabin stamp is simply stunning and the dies to go with it are fantastic. I must say, you do need the bundle in order to be able to make these cards. Even though I used a lot of designer series paper and die cuts, the cabin stamp is quite essential.
Peaceful Cabin Cards
Here is the selection of cards that I am offering for my virtual coffee and a card class in October. If you order the bundle from me you can get the card kit for only $10. Already have the bundle? Then the card kit is $25 including postage. You can join me every Tuesday at 10am EST on YouTube and I will also post to Facebook.
Some Simple Tips
I made this graphic to share some simple tips for using this bundle more effectively. Perhaps you will find it helpful!
A Personal Note
Today is just a short blog post. I had a wonderful morning and part of the afternoon with my cousin Machteld. What a blessing to connect with family in such a deep and meaningful way. I just love the fact that her mother was so close to mine. Sadly her mom died from cancer at 42. My mom is so touched that her daughter and her niece have such a close connection.
A Difficult Transition
Truthfully I still struggle a bit with letting my business go. It seems that without in person classes people do not buy in the same way. While I love teaching, at heart I am a salesperson. I am hoping that through consistent videos and blog posts my followers will shop with me online. If you have any doubt about whether your business would mean anything to me, doubt no more!
Tonight I am off to IKEA with Gerard to buy a sit/stand desk that should be a big help to my back. Stay tuned as the makeover of my stamp room starts.
Thanks so much for joining me! Happy stamping and happy shopping. Remember, saleabration ends in just 8 days.
On a side note, Peaceful Cabin bundle is one of the free bonus bundles that you can get if you buy the starter kit. You can do so here.
