From Handmade Wedding Invitations to a Lifelong Crafting Journey

Jen’s crafting story began with a simple desire: to create her own wedding invitations. Already an avid scrapbooker, she discovered Stampin’ Up! and quickly fell in love with their coordinated products—inks, card stock, markers, and embellishments all perfectly matched to make projects easy and beautiful.

After crafting 150 hand-stamped wedding invitations, Jen found herself with lots of supplies and time, so she started hosting local classes and events. What started as a hobby soon blossomed into a flourishing direct sales career that spans 19 years.

Crafting Made Easy: Coordinated Kits for Every Skill Level

One reason Jen loves Stampin’ Up! is how their kits cater to every crafter, whether beginner or seasoned. Their monthly subscription, Paper Pumpkin, delivers all-inclusive surprise boxes with supplies for 6–9 simple cards themed each month.

More recently, Jen raves about their new kit collections, which let crafters choose kits by theme—like scrapbooking or card making—with everything included. These kits remove guesswork about colors and coordination, making it easy to start creating right away.

Jen notes, “The kits are like a branding kit—everything matches perfectly, so you don’t have to worry about what goes with what.” Whether it’s hand-stamping or simple pop-out projects, there’s something for everyone.

The Power of Community in Direct Sales

For Jen, the community is the heart of her business and what’s kept her engaged for so many years. “Papercrafters are an amazing community,” she says. “When you scrapbook, you’re sharing your story and memories, so people really connect on a personal level.”

She recalls fundraising efforts after the Lahaina fires in Maui, where her customers and fellow crafters came together to support affected families with gift certificates and handmade cards. “They’re thoughtful, creative, and caring people, and that spirit really keeps me around.”

Social Media Strategy: Facebook and YouTube in Harmony

Jen primarily uses Facebook and YouTube to connect with her customers. She shares content interchangeably across both platforms and finds YouTube particularly valuable for classes and events.

Unlike many sellers, Jen maintains an active Facebook business page rather than a group, engaging directly with followers through comments and video responses. “I make it a non-negotiable to reply to everyone who comments—it’s part of my daily routine,” she explains.

Unique Crafting Retreats to Inspire and Connect

Jen’s passion for community also shines through her stamping retreats, which she’s been running since 2013. These weekends combine hands-on projects, make-and-take classes, and special “pillow gifts” — handmade surprises left on participants’ tables throughout the event.

She describes the energy at these retreats as “electric,” with creative inspiration flowing freely among attendees. The retreats also boost sales by including product bundles in the experience, making them both fun and fruitful.

Final Thoughts: Creativity, Connection, and Consistency

Jen’s journey with Stampin’ Up! shows how a love of crafting combined with a strong community and smart social media can create a thriving direct sales business. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned seller, her story highlights the importance of embracing creativity, engaging authentically, and building meaningful relationships.