I am a
big advocate for play-testing.
I often
invite new paper crafters to set aside some time to come to an open stamp in my
craft-room. Where else can you try out the clear mount stamps versus the
wood mount stamps, play-test such animals as the Big Shot Die Cutter, and the
variety of embossing tools that it provides, experience all the colours
in the Stampin' Up! rainbow - in all its matching paper, inks, and
embellishments - BEFORE you dive into and succumb to the impulse buy of
everything?
The
allure of picking up an unusual die or unfamiliar tool, or product and being
able to turn to the demonstrator and ask how this works and get a personal
demonstration. To be able to try it out yourself so that you get the
hands-on feeling of how to use it so you can make a better informed decision on
what comes next. It cannot be beat!
Though I
have collected and accumulated a vast collection over my years as a childcare
provider, scrapbooker, rubber stamper, paper crafter, and now demonstrator - I
always come back to the same mindset that started it all. I was a crafter
first and foremost, my budget would never have allowed me to get it all,
all at once. I'd have LOVED to have had somewhere that I could bring my
projects and partake in a library of crafty goodness.
That's
not to say that I didn't have crafting opportunities but in the area we were
living in at the time transportation was an issue - it just didn't happen very often.
I'm not
saying that had I had the opportunity to play with everything first, that I
wouldn't have collected all I have, but
I do think I'd have taken a more informed, practical approach, rather than the
feeding frenzy that it could sometimes tend to be.
Being
aware also of your crafting circle and who has what, and what might be shared between you is also
a consideration. If 2-3 of you normally
craft together, purchasing different
stamp sets or different dies (for example) that you all can share, makes
sense. Of course it's likely that
everyone will want their own adhesives and cutters.
How many times have you gone out and bought a tool at one of the local craft stores, only to get home and realize in order to use it you now need to spend MORE money to get accessories or supplies that you hadn't counted on.
I would much rather send you home with a $40 purchase of items that compliment items you have, or get you started on a particular project, than to sell you $100 (or more) of items that you cannot do anything with.
Drop me
a line to plot a play-testing session or to join us in an upcoming class or
event. Watch for upcoming Crop Opportunities and Open Stamp Events - Your chance to tackle those Unfinished Objects (UFO's) and get caught up on your craft time!
I look forward to seeing you around a craft table very soon!
 |
| Sale-a-Bration - Click on the image above to check out this year's offerings! |
Contact me to RSVP for your spot at my next class!
Order online and ship direct to you at no extra cost 24/7
Anywhere in Canada! Invite your far-away friends and family and online friends to join your "Virtual Party" and you reap the rewards.
Ask me for more info!
or
Contact me to place your order!
Thank-you for choosing *me* to be *your* demonstrator!
Tammy Wilson 613-655-1010
www.iscrapnstamp.stampinup.net
www.iscrapnstamp.blogspot.com
@iscrapnstamp
