Welcome

I was first introduced to card making when I was 12 years old.  Our family visited a new church and I met a lady by the name of Connie who hosted a greeting card ministry every Monday night in her home.  I joined the ministry and the rest was history.  I fell in love with the art of card making.  Not only did I learn how to make cards, but I learned the power of prayer and how to be an encourager by connecting with the ladies in the group. 

Around that time, I had attended a Michael W.Smith Songs for Worship concert.  During the intermission, there was a presentation by Compassion International.  For the weeks following, I could not stop thinking about those children.  I talked with my mom and dad about how I could sponsor a child.  It was $30/month.  I started my own business at the time called "AA Creations" and began selling handmade greeting cards for $1/each.  I knew that I had to sell 30 cards in order to sponsor a child.  Well....I did it!  I sponsored Dagne from Honduras for many years in the Compassion International program. 

I will never forget my pink and purple sponge painted childhood room.  My dad built a loft bed so I could have my craft desk underneath.  He also set me up on Quickbooks and taught me many valuable lessons about running a business at such a young age.

As the years went on, my stamp collection grew.  Throughout high school and college I attended Stampin' Up! classes and parties with my friends from the card ministry group.  During college and my early years of marriage, my stamps and craft supplies were stored away in totes.  I wish I would have started a Paper Pumpkin subscription during our apartment living!  When we bought our first home, I dug out the supplies and set up my card making desk.  

In 2020 I was pregnant with my first child.  During that time I struggled with depression, anxiety and sickness.  It was a really hard season, but coloring and crafting gave me something to focus my mind on.  Through this experience, I decided that I wanted to be an encourager for others who may be going through similar seasons.

At lunch one day in Quincy (my childhood hometown), I was meeting with a vendor for our family business (Area Home Services in Quincy, IL).  Over conversation, I found out about his wife Julie who was a demonstrator.  I looked her up on Facebook and I had an instant connection.  I began following and watching her live videos.  I had always wanted to join as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator but the time was just never right.  After meeting Julie, I learned about all the opportunities with Stampin' Up! and decided the time was definitely right to join.  I needed this community!  I enjoy participating in monthly Stamp & Zoom meetings as well as card swaps with my fellow demonstrators around the country.  It is so much fun!

Joining Stampin' Up! has given me opportunities to meet new friends all around the country and provide a creative outlet at home.  I enjoy offering monthly craft & chats in my home.  Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In and YouTube to stay up to date with the products, sales, techniques and events!