On Thursday, I will celebrate and begin my 19th year as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!  Whoop Whoop!

When I joined in 2007, I had only heard about Stampin' Up! 4 months earlier. Since the very beginning, Stampin' Up! has been the only paper crafting company I've ever used. 

I attended a card making class at our local YWCA and instantly fell in love.  I still remember sitting at the Y's kitchen table with Carol, Ellen and our teacher Nancy. We made 4 cards, one of them being a flat note card with a only two layers, a strip of pattern paper, a simple stamped sentiment and a punched out flower.  I still love making those types of flat note cards today.

It's amazing I still remember the details of those first cards I made so many years ago. Upon reflection of my 19 year journey with card making and Stampin' Up!, it's no wonder I remember.  Those cards marked the beginning of who I grew to be and am today.

There is never a straight path from A to Z.  I began making cards and selling them at craft fairs. I hosted a few "stamp parties" which were never my strength.  I remember forgetting important tools (with no substitute products so I had to drive home to get them), trying to teach everything I knew in a span of one hour to 14 brand new people (luckily they were all drinking wine 😉), and having to scramble to find a babysitter because my husband got called into work.

I began teaching classes through our town recreation and then at my own house (no babysitter needed when teaching at home).  I remember hoping someone would sign up for a class and many times having a private class of one.  Setting up a blog was completely out of my wheelhouse and I can't tell you how nervous I was to create my first video (hands only) not to mention showing my face on camera for a live video!

Not only did my creative ability improve over time, but so did my confidence, my desire to teach, share and grow; and my circle of stamping friends.  

I am still creating (although at a distance) with Ellen who was at my very first class.  Sadly, Carol passed away a few years ago. Nancy is no longer a demonstrator, but I am still in touch with her.  Mary, who was my first recruit 18 years ago, is still stamping with me in Club.  Mimi was at one of those early parties and now she is both a team and Club member.  

Little did I know when I said yes to be a demonstrator 19 years ago that stamping creates meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.

There are so many stories I could share that involve many of you reading this. These stories and connections are woven together and are part of who I am today.  You are part of my story.  And I thank you.

I am so very grateful to each and every one of you.  Whether you were with me at the beginning at one of those parties or classes, met me online, or have just joined my mailing list this week.  As I write this, I realize that I have been a demonstrator for one third of my life - wow!  It really is part of who I am.

There are so many more cards and projects to make, new techniques to learn, reasons to mail our handmade cards and give handmade gifts.  What we create really does make a difference and impact so many people. You are part of their stories, so keep creating!

Thank you for sharing my 19th Anniversary with me!

~ Christine