With hobbies such as paper crafting, card making, and scrapbooking continuing to grow in popularity around the world, Stampin’ Up! continues to thrive and inspire within the paper crafting community.
I’ve been with Stampin’ Up! as an independent Demonstrator since 2009 and have earned their annual incentive trip since 2018 (Disclaimer: Less than 1% of demonstrators earn the incentive trip; results not typical), so I’ve gotten to know the company very well over the years. This guide is designed to peel back the curtain on Stampin’ Up!, offering insights and answering the fundamental questions you might have about what lies at the heart of this dynamic and beloved paper crafting brand.
Let’s explore the business that inspires paper crafting creativity and connections around the world.
What Is Stampin’ Up!?
Stampin’ Up! is a privately owned, direct sales company who designs and manufactures an exclusive line of cling and photopolymer stamp sets and paper crafting products used to create handmade greeting cards, paper crafts, home decor and scrapbooking projects. They are based in the USA in Utah with several global offices across Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.
Stampin’ Up! products are not sold in stores but through their extensive network of 50,000 plus Independent Demonstrators who promote the brand through local and online card classes and social media. Products must be purchased through a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.
But Stampin’ Up! is more than just a crafting brand; it’s a pathway for many to explore their creativity, connect with others and have some time away from the busyness of daily life. Whether a person is new to making cards, scrapbooking, or any other paper craft, Stampin’ Up! has everything needed to get started in paper crafting.
History of Stampin’ Up!
Stampin’ Up! was founded in 1988 by two sisters with a passion for creativity. The company has evolved from a small startup to a global leader in the paper crafting industry and is currently run by Sara Douglass, the daughter of co-founder Shelli Gardner.
Stampin’ Up! Product Offerings
At its heart, Stampin’ Up! offers an extensive range of products designed to elevate your crafting projects. These include:
- Stamp Sets: High-quality, intricately designed stamps that cater to every theme you can imagine.
- Crafting Papers: A spectrum of basic and in-colors along with beautiful Designer Series Paper to bring your projects to life.
- Embellishments: From ribbons to jewels, these details add the perfect finishing touch to your creations.
- Tools and Accessories: Everything you need to cut, emboss, and enhance your crafting experience.
- Kits: A variety of fun all-inclusive crafting kits that all ages can enjoy, along with their monthly subscription kit the Paper Pumpkin.
Stampin’ Up! Website and Catalogs
Where do you find all of the wide range of Stampin’ Up! products, you may be asking? The Stampin’ Up! catalogs are a great source of product information and creative ideas, whereas the website is the best place to see everything that is currently available.
The catalogs provide crafters with an overview of products including stamps, paper, accessories, and tools, all designed to inspire creativity across a variety of occasions and seasons. The catalogs are almost like an idea book as well, offering several examples of projects that can be created using the products.
New products are launched through several catalogs a year including the main Annual Catalog, two seasonal Mini Catalogs, and the unique Sale-A-Bration catalog that rewards shoppers with free products. With a variety of catalogs to browse there’s always something new to explore!
With the launch of Online Exclusives, a variety of new products are launched three times during the year on the Stampin’ Up! website. Since these items aren’t in the catalogs the website is really the best place to stay up to date on everything, including when products go on the clearance rack, are retiring, or go on backorder.
Stampin’ Up! Vs Other Crafting Companies
Personally, I love that Stampin’ Up!’s products and embellishments are set up in collections that coordinate with each other, making paper crafting convenient, easy and more enjoyable. Their products are very high quality that really gets displayed in your completed creations, well worth it compared to most cheaper stuff you find elsewhere that doesn’t even coordinate.
At the end of the day crafting is more than just a hobby; it’s a form of self-expression and relaxation. Stampin’ Up! offers an inviting way to engage in creative pursuits that are both fulfilling and therapeutic. The brand’s emphasis on community and support makes it easy for anyone to start crafting, regardless of their experience level.
Embarking on Your Stampin’ Up! Journey
Starting with Stampin’ Up! is as easy as it is exciting. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first stamp set or dive into more elaborate projects, here are some steps to get you started:
Browse the Vast Product Line
Begin by exploring the vast range of Stampin’ Up! products in their current catalogs and on their website for the most up-to-date products and online exclusives!
Quick Links 👇
Browse the Current Stampin’ Up! Catalogs Online
Connect with a Demonstrator
Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators are at the heart of the community. They can guide you through product choices, offer project ideas, and even host classes. When looking for a demonstrator to order from or join their team, look for a demonstrator that you like and has a crafting style you enjoy, and that will offer you the support you need. Having a demonstrator like this will enhance your crafting journey significantly.
Join In the Fun
The Stampin’ Up! community is vibrant and welcoming. Many paper crafters attend in-person or virtual card classes from their demonstrator, and engage with other like-minded people on social media and live videos.
Final Thoughts
As you dive into the enchanting world of Stampin’ Up! remember that every stamp, every paper, and every embellishment holds the potential for something beautiful. It’s not just about crafting; it’s about creating memories, sharing joy, and bringing your imagination to life.
If you think Stampin’ Up! could be for you but you’d like to see more of the action, I’d love to have you join my email list. I create sweet and simple cards each week live on Facebook and YouTube that anyone can easily recreate. I also share tips and techniques and information about my upcoming events and retreats! You can unsubscribe at any time, but this is a good thing to do to get your feet wet with Stampin’ Up!
Or, if you are ready to order Stampin’ Up! products and you don’t have a Demonstrator, learn how you can shop with me here.
Shop Stampin’ Up!
Place a $50 minimum Stampin’ Up! order (after rewards and before tax and shipping) with me by Feb 1 and receive the following:
I’ll mail you the pieces to make one each of the 4 cards in my All Occasion Card Class that I streamed live on January 29th.
Please note I can not send stamped images so you will need to use your own stamp sets, inks and whatever embellishments you would like.
Make sure to select MICHELLE LITWILLER as your demonstrator to get these items, and thank you so much for shopping with me!