What Type of Crafter are You? Did you see my #simplestamping post yesterday? I mentioned three different types of crafter and promised I would add a post today to try to explain what is meant by each term. As I like to think I keep my promises, I will try to explain them to you. I should add that these are not my terms, these are terms that are being used by Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators everywhere, but I still feel that some explanation would be helpful. So here goes.

Beginner

Let me start by saying that whilst I know that there are lots of people out there who have never picked up a stamp, applied ink and place it on paper, I would also suggest that projects aimed at this group are good for ALL crafters. As a general rule ‘Beginner’ projects are quick and easy, using very few supplies. BUT, having cleared that little bugbear of mine, this group of crafters are generally:

• New to crafting
• Need help knowing where to start
• Can be easily overwhelmed
• Want a compact, low cost, immediate experience

This group could want to make a few of the same card for a special occasion, such as Christmas or Thank You cards. I always think our All Inclusive Kits are a great way for this group to start crafting. They are EXACTLY what they say, all inclusive. They include visual instructions and generally require only a few steps to complete.

Casual

I believe that the vast majority of paper crafters fall into this category. It will obviously include people who have stepped up a little from the ‘Beginner’ group, but can include some very accomplished crafters who have full lives away from crafting. So, let’s look at this group in a bit more detail:

• Craft about once a month, but possibly less often
• Prefers planned projects, or they CASE projects they have seen
• Has a fairly low crafting budget
• Uses what they have bought just occasionally

I think this group will happily see a project that someone else has made and use their own supplies to make something similar. They will probably use what they have on hand, rather than buy products to make an exact copy of what they have seen. Equally, this group will include crafter who will eventually want to spend more time and money on their crafting, and will then become a member of the next group.

Avid

This group is not very large, but this is also the group that is fully immersed in paper crafts. Most, but not all, will be very accomplished crafters. Some may not be as accomplished, but they like to have all the latest toys and try out the latest techniques. So let’s have a look at them in more detail.

• Craft most days, but at least weekly
• Craft on there own and may not attend organised events
• Is likely to have a dedicated craft space, be that a corner of a room, or a whole room
• Is a collector

So why am I talking about this? Well I have a few reasons. As you know, I have a series each Saturday looking at projects that address each of these sorts of crafter, so it is helpful to understand the background to the terms. But I also think that there may be some misunderstanding about who might make a good Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.

Who makes a good Demonstrator?

Now stick with me here. I am a strong believer that anyone can be a Demonstrator. I accept that a Beginner may not feel that they could possibly make the most of the benefits. But at the point when you find you really enjoy stamping and the feeling of accomplishment you get from creating a beautiful project, you really should take advantage of the Starter Kit. You will get an amazing Kit of supplies that will give you the opportunity to share that excitement with your friends and family. Just think how wonderful it would be to share that!

The Best Demonstrators are AMAZING Crafters. WRONG!

I am probably going to upset a few people here, but guess what, not all Stampin’ Up Demonstrators are brilliant crafters. But you know what? They don’t have to be. The very best Demonstrators are the ones who share their PASSION! In fact I actually think the Demonstrators who run the most successful businesses are NOT the best crafters. I think if you are always sharing amazing projects you may find that people feel they could never duplicate what you have made, so will never try.

How many of us are put off taking up a new hobby because we feel we will never be any good. I know I put off taking up running because I didn’t think I would be any good at it and that it would be boring. Guess what, when I did eventually take the plunge I found I not only enjoyed it, but I could actually do it reasonably well. The only problem was that I am not as young as I was, so almost immediately injured myself. I start again soon! After all, January is a perfect time to start running! NOT!!!!

But do you get my point? There is the old saying ‘Those that can, DO. Those that can’t TEACH’. That is exactly what I mean. If you can just make the most amazing projects every time, without having to think about it, how are you going to be able to teach someone else to duplicate that? It will probably be really difficult. You will have to think about exactly how you made the project and then explain the steps in simple terms. BUT, if you actually have to think about how to design and make a project, you are going to find that you can break it down in to easy, bite sized steps for someone else to follow.

Only Crafters Running a Business Can be Demonstrators. WRONG AGAIN!

Please don’t think that you HAVE to run a business if you are a Demonstrator. YOU DON’T! The vast majority of Demonstrators don’t and that is fine. There are quarterly minimums that you have to meet in order to remain Active, but if you have the budget to cover these yourself, then you are very welcome to become a Demonstrator and take full advantage of all the benefits of being one.

I strongly believe that most of Demonstrators signed up because they wanted the discount when buying for themselves. That said, some of the most ‘successful’ Demonstrators started that way and then found that they wanted to share their passion for crafting, so started stamping with others. That has to be the perfect way to start running a business, not because you planned to, but because you are passionate about your hobby. I know that is why I decided to make crafting my business.

So go on. Give it a go. What is the worst that can happen? There is no ‘worst’. If you decide you don’t want to continue as a Demonstrator, and receive all the great benefits, then you just stop. Simple!

BUY THE STARTER KIT AND SAVE EVEN MORE!!

During Sale-a-Bration, the Starter Kit is EVEN BETTER and this year you get 2 Options.

Sale-a-Bration Starter Kit Option 1

Instead of £130 (175€), until 31st March 2019 you will be able to include £170 (230€) of product of YOUR choice still for only £99 (129€)

Sale-a-Bration Starter Kit Option 2

To include the exclusive Craft & Carry Tote (valued at £47/61€) just pay and extra £26 (31€), making a total of £125 (160€) for an amazing £196 (261€) of Products. That is almost half price!!

As a Member of this great Family, you get a minimum of 20% net discount on your future purchases. You also get income from sales you make to other people if you want to use this as a business. Win,Win Right?

Whether you are in the UK, France, Germany, The Netherlands or Austria, just click on the picture to join the Team. If you decide that being part of the Stampin’ Up! Family is not for you, then just stop buying and you will revert to being a customer. Easy, simple, no quibbles!

Remember that until 31st March you get EXTRA FREE PRODUCTS depending on whether you Shop, Host or Join my Team.

Shop – There are Level 1 and Level 2 Items. If you spend multiples you can choose additional items for every £45 or £90 you Spend.

Host – In ADDITION to getting FREE Sale-a-Bration Items, you may also be able to ‘earn’ additional Product FREE if you host a party, or place a larger order.

I love that you choose me as your demonstrator. Remember, when you shop with me online, use the monthly Host Code to share the Host Rewards. And for every £30 you spend in one order AND use the Host Code, you will earn a Sunflower Reward. Spend £60 in one order and earn 2 Sunflower Rewards. Earn 10 Sunflower Rewards and you can choose £30 of product of your choice. Full details are on the Hostess Code Club Page. This month’s Host Code is:

9BJDBTUA

If your order is over £150 (plus P&P), please don’t use the Hostess Code as you will get to pick your own rewards, but don’t worry, you will still become a VIP Member.