One of the big pieces of news from the Sydney Stampin' Up Convention was for anyone who has been considering becoming a demonstrator. 

The starter kit is 20% off until July 31st.  That means you get around $560 of stamps, tools, inks, papers, and a collection of business supplies to get you started, for $259. 

When I filled out my paperwork in Jan 2008 (about 5 minutes after seeing the catalogue for the first time!)  I loved the fact that I was getting a great kit of supplies at a discount price, and I loved that I could transfer a few things from my wish list to my craft stash at 20% off.  Perhaps you are looking at your wish list and pondering that same thing.

Since then I've found lots of other benefits that I'd not imagined when I was having that first flick through the catalogue.

* I've built up a successful and enjoyable home based business that I can fit in around our family calendar and priorities.  Like anything, it gets hectic some weeks and our house does often look like a Stampin' Up tornado has been through☺ , but I can plan breaks and put more or less time and energy in depending on how life is travelling.  If you are looking for that certain 'something' - an enterprise to get stuck into, perhaps this is for you. 

* Through the various demonstrator forums, gatherings and events, I've met the most fabulous group of women and have made some really close supportive friends.  I had friends before ☺but not many of the crafty variety and it is so nice to have people who 'get' how mad we all get sometimes over inks and stamps and papers.   Would you like to find some other stamping crazy women to share a few laughs with??

* I soon found I overcame my nerves (well mostly! Still get the odd dose of butterflies) and that I loved doing workshops and classes.  The warm buzz in the air when a group of women get together to chat, have coffee and make a card is something I love.   Every now and then I see that spark in someone's eye as they discover a fabulous hobby and talents they'd not known they had.   Perhaps you can imagine yourself introducing people to the fun of papercrafts.  

* I get to channel the part of my brain that loves to organise and plan and set goals and develop ideas into this little enterprise.  I was previously a primary school teacher, but I'd been at home with littlies for a few years before this.  Raising our kids is such an important endeavour but so many aspects are often unrecognised, and we do all like an occasional pat on the back don't we.   I found many parts of my life as a mum were either super super short term (I'd sorted out all the toys and they were tidy - for 5 minutes!) or really really long term and not really measurable  (eg they develop a love of reading.)  I've enjoyed developing my Stampin' Up business over the past couple of years, and have found the outlet and sense of achievement really satisfying. 

* And can't forget the stamps and inks of course!  Stampin' Up is a generous company and they look after us.  By working hard and consistently over the last couple of years, I've earned lots of incentives along the way, free stamp sets, $$$ to put towards my craft stash, certificates and pins .... and then more recently rewards I'd not have dreamed of.  A trip for John and I to Hamilton Island for 5 days in October.    Perhaps you are looking for a way to help fund your craft fix, or perhaps you'd like to set some goals and work towards some of the fabulous incentives.

If you'd like a bit more information, or would like to have a chat about becoming a demonstrator, get in touch with me and we can talk further.  Ask lots and LOTS of questions - choosing who to sign up with can be a big decision and there are many different aspects to consider.   Would you like someone who lives close by, are you looking for team with an active online forum, are you after someone whose craft style you're drawn to, what things are important to you?   

If you do decide you'd like to give it a go, I have a password I can give you (if you think we're a good fit) and you can join online.  Your starter kit could be arriving on your doorstep before you know it!

And for those of you who visit my blog for a dose of crafting inspiration and ideas, I'll be back very soon with some more cards to share!

Cheers, Sue