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Business Tips

I often get queries from demonstrators and other small home business people about how I do this or that so putting together a few resources here.

These are products and services I use all the time and LOVE plus a few tips for how I do various things.  I'm still setting up this page so get in touch if you can think of some useful additions.  

(Some affiliate links used.  I only link to products or services I totally love.) 

Graphics:  CANVA

I am TOTALLY addicted to Canva and after trying it out for a few months free I got a Canva Pro account.  Once you get started it is SO easy to create your own unique graphics using this program.  I just love it.  I design all my social media graphics using Canva plus pics that I use on my blog and in my newsletter.  Lately I've even been using it to make groovy google slide presentations for my maths students.  A pro account means that you get lots of extra templates, photos, elements and more.  You also get groovy tools like the background remover.  And if you like to keep things organised it also means you can save your projects in multiple folders.  

Try Canva

Photography Background: EVERYDAY Co

Another fab addition to my video/photography set up is my backdrops from Everyday Co.  I set out to get one and couldn't resist a special offer so ended up getting 4 different ones.  Watch out - they're a bit addictive.  I think I need some more.  :-)   Waterproof, durable and high quality.  I roll mine up and keep them under my desk.  Too easy to just roll it out for a gorgeous surface for showing off our craft projects at their best.  

EverydayCo

Use the coupon code SUEMADEX for 20% off your first order. 

Lighting: 10" RING LIGHT

Light is a bit of an issue sometimes in my craft room.  I bought a Neewer 10" Ring Light in 2020.  It is great for getting more even light when I'm creating videos and I quite like it on when I'm creating in here in the evening too.  

It has several brightness settings and several modes (warm, clear etc)

Neewer 10" Ring Light

The light comes with a big adjustable tripod stand. I also got this shorter one to put the light on when I have it on my desk.  

Short light stand.

Camera/Ipad Stand:  Arkon

This stand has a nice heavy base and is very adjustable.  I got this one with the ipad holder attachment and I love it. (It also comes with a tiny ring light - I didn't find the ring light all that useful, it is very small.)   I set the ipad up on one part of the stand and attach my phone in the other holder at the end of the arm.  I use my phone for the overhead shots and the ipad for the straight at me shots.  When I'm not filming I often have something playing in the background on my ipad while I work at my craft desk so that ipad holder comes in very very handy. 

Arkon Creator Phone and Tablet Stand

Newsletter: AWeber

I so enjoy writing my newsletter each month and sharing craft inspiration and the latest Stampin' Up news with my craft community.  In my decade plus as a demonstrator I've sent out over 180 monthly newsletters.  In 2021 I changed my newsletter service provider and started using AWeber.  It was a big monthly saving from my previous provider and once I'd spent a little bit of time learning the basics - it is easy to use.  I'm particularly impressed with their help support.  They have great articles with step by step photos (my personal favourite method for learning a new program) plus excellent video tutorials.  On the couple of issues I got stuck on, I was able to use their chat function and got personalised assistance to solve my issue.  I highly recommend them if you're looking for a newsletter service to partner with.  

Try AWeber

Switcher Studio:

I'm often asked how I get that inset and main screen in my videos?  I use switcher studio.  I love it.  It is quite an investment though so I did videos for two years without it and only got it once I knew that I loved creating videos and would get the value from the program.  Definitely not something I'd get starting out.  I believe there's a way to do this using zoom too so if you like this look that could be something to investigate.   Sometimes I shoot them live during a facebook live video and sometimes I just record and edit for youtube.  

iMovie

I usually edit my videos in iMovie on my ipad.  I'm fortunate that I have two teens at home who serve as my iMovie help desk when I forget how to do something.  There are lots of online tutorials too.   I generally just shoot one great big long continuous video.  If I make a mistake I just repeat that part then go back later and edit out the blooper.  A couple of tips that help with editing - make sure to pause here and there.  (That tip is for me - I tend to waffle on at a fast pace!)   If I'm setting up materials and things part way through my video, once I'm all set up I give a little wave so that when I'm editing it is easier to find the part where I need to chop something out.  

ScreenCastOMatic

I use screencastomatic to do screen capture videos sometimes for my team or for customers.  I also use it on my youtube videos.  Once I've got my video all edited and ready to go, I open it in screencastomatic and this was a really easy program to add the little pop up text boxes with names of particular products . I tried a few other ways of doing this but they were all a bit clunky.  This program was a pretty inexpensive option and I've found it easy to use.  

Let me know if you've got any questions that I could add to this section.

Note: I have affiliate links for some of these which means I may get a small payment if you join via these links.  Opinions are my own and these are all companies/products I'm excited about and use myself.  

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My name is Sue Madex and I love to share papercrafting tips and inspiration to help you make your own beautiful cards at home. Send a handmade card to those special people in your life. Need some craft items? You can shop for Stampin' UpĀ® craft supplies right here.
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  • The content of this website is the sole responsibility of Sue Madex, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. The use of and content of the classes, services, or products offered on this website is not endorsed by Stampin' Up! Some stamped images on this site are copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-Current. Designs on this page are copyright Sue Madex unless otherwise attributed. My intention is always to give credit when inspired by others - apologies for any omissions. All designs and tutorials are for your personal inspiration only. Thank you for respecting these guidelines. Much appreciated!
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