The Final Countdown!

Hello, Stamping/Scrapbooking Friends,

I type this post with news that is bittersweet. After almost 8 years of demonstrating for Stampin' Up!®, I am hosting my final workshop on Sept. 18, 2009. Recently, SU has revised their independent demonstrator agreement in ways that make it impossible for me to continue as a demonstrator for the company. I would no longer be able to be on design teams, design for the crafting industry or even mention any other craft products on my blog that could be perceived as promoting or marketing those products. Nor can I inlcude links to any friends blogs who sell or promote "the competition" (which includes the whole crafting industry) on their blogs. I simply find this new policy too restricting both professionally and personally, and although I still love their products, I am not willing to shut the door on other areas of creativity that I enjoy. 

So what does this mean for you? I will be hosting one last workshop on Friday, Sept. 18th, as previously mentioned and can take orders up until Sept. 30th when I will officially end my demonstratorship. I will continue to promote creativity and host events and classes, only they will also include the use of products other than Stampin' Up. I still believe strongly in their products and will switch gears to now being a customer, but I will continue to share with you the many wonderful products and manufacturers that exist in the crafting industry.

So how can you continue to be inspired and get Stampin' Up products? As many of you know, Ree Nathan has signed up as a Stampin' Up demonstrator and her wonderful talents and enthusiasm have flourished after her retirement from teaching. Ree will be your new SU demonstrator, and this will be a great thing for all. Due to my time restrictions, I wasn't able to give my SU business the full attention it deserved, however, Ree is so motivated and dedicated to sharing lots of great ideas with you. And I will be supporting her as both a mentor as well as becoming one of her customers. Bittersweet, indeed.

Please let me know if you will make it to the Final Workshop on the 18th from 6:30 - 10 pm. Also, I will be doing a Large rummage sale with a group of other crafting enthusiasts at the Indian Harbor Beach Recreation center at 1233 Yacht Club Blvd., Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937 (located in Gleason Park) on Sturday, Sept. 12 from 9 am to noon. Spread the word to all your crafting friends. There should be some awesome deals. All of my retired merchandise will be marked at highly discounted prices