Friday, February 15, 2008

Stampin Get Together

Hi Everybody! Wednesday night I got together with a few stampin' friends at my previous Stampin Up upline's house. Stampin' Up? Aren't you with Close to My Heart? Yeah. . .LOL!

Look. . .I love any stamp, the brand don't matter to me. I promote the art but at the same time, when I feel there's a brand that I feel has fabulous products, I want to share it with you. If I could do both companies, heck I would. I credit this beautiful card layout and design to Joanne. Isn't it pretty!

It's funny because since switching to CTMH as a consultant, I received email from Stampin Up fans telling me that they no longer like any of my ideas because I'm no longer with Stampin Up. I was like "you gotta be kidding me?". I had one email saying that my blog site is now "offensive"! Okay, my answer to that is "get a life"! It's like I had bad mouthed a religion or something!

I told my husband about it and he laughed and said "is stamping a cult?". I'm like "no!", and he's like, well sounds like it! LOL! Anyway. . .we had a good laugh over it. Seriously. . .I feel stamping and cardmaking is an art and I wish people could concentrate on the artistic value of this wonderful hobby. I just can't stomach the competitive nature of the business. . .we should all have fun whether you're with Stampin Up, Close to My Heart, TAC, designer for this and that company. None of that should matter. Sharing our love for the HOBBY is what it should be about, not whether you prefer this brand or that brand or if you sell this brand or that brand.

Another thing is when someone wants to do well as a consultant or demonstrator, the cattiness and ugliness of the competitive nature of people oozes out and the first thing they want to do is squash the competition and I mean within the same company. They try their darn hardest to make sure you don't succeed because you'll somehow take their customers away or something. Please. . .there's a lot of love to go around.

Don't hurt others ability to succeed because in the end it's not good for the business.

It's reminiscent of when I first became an RN. I heard nurses telling the newbies that "the nurses on the units eat their youngs". LOL! And, they weren't kidding. The old timers ate and gobbled up their younglings. . .it's no wonder hospitals can't retain their nurses! It's the ones with the tough skin or need the job badly who survived but then the cycle starts all over. You know. . .the abused becomes the abuser~

Anyway, I had a lot fun getting together making cards with my Stampin Up friends! We made that pretty card above! It was fun just creating and chit-chatting and stampin'!!

Hope y'all have a wonderful day!!

37 comments:

Alhambra Club said...

Your card is beautiful, sorry to hear about those emails, don't tell those ladies by my SU and CTMH stamps sit side by side in my stamp drawer, the stamps don't know don't know why anyone else should. Glad to hear it did not get to you. Love your blog, have a great weekend.

Rachel V. said...

Love your card and your attitude! Just gotta laugh and spread the love, KWIM? Thanks for sharing ALL of your creations.

Ana Baird said...

Awesome card! Love lovely picture too!

2 Worlds said...

Maria I'm sorry you had to receive such bad emails ?!
It is like you art changed and didnt
and the most famous SU now are DT with other companies, just forget this people!
you do awesome !

Ila said...

I love this card Maria..the layout colors and birdie with the gem is all just Gorgeous!!
Wow!!..sometimes I can't believe how small minded some people can be. Your right..a stamp is a stamp..the image should sell itself...and there should be enough love to go around..You Go Girl...its the art that counts..and yours is Gorgeous!! no matter what company made the stamp.....have a Great Weekend!!

Crissy said...

Oh Maria, ignore those emails! I agree with you. I don't know anyone that uses one company exclusively (maybe just Stampin' Up! but they still shop at Michael's or Hobby Lobby! I guess if people don't like that you changed companys, they don't have to look at your blog, right? But there is no reason to be rude to you. I think you are very talented and I always enjoy what you post whether it's Stampin' Up! or not! I do love this card in your post too! Is that the Ginger Blossom DS paper? I want that paper!!

pescbrico said...

I'm glad you had a good time with your stamping friends! And I still love what you make! :) Have a wonderful day!

Just Me said...

"Don't hurt others ability to succeed because in the end it's not good for the business."
------------------------
I have to say Thank you for posting this.... I was very deeply into digital scrapbooking for a very long time... the more it grew the nastier it got. I have found the same in the paper scrapping industry... they are all only hurting the business and themselves as well. I started making cards very recently and use only stamps I have been able to afford (I am a single mom on a very tight budget) I LOVE ALL stamps, doesn't matter the company who makes them, If I like em they go on my dream sheet... dream sheet because unless a miracle happens I will only be able to use the dollar stamps I have.
At any rate, Just ignore the negative and think of those, including me, who you inspire!!!!

Rita said...

Spring is in the air with this beautiful card! I agree with you, I think stamping is an art & there are enough products to go around & I think your a much rounded crafter by using all kinds of stamps & other sources (stickers, computer, etc). Isn't this suppose to be a HOBBY that makes us happy? I still Love ya!!!

Ellie said...

What in Heaven's name!! lol That's the most insane thing I've heard!! lol I am like you if I like a stamp I like a stamp esp. since I'm such a newbie but you scared me cause I just because a SU demo but because I thought it would be fun but I'm not going to stop using all my other stamps!! THAT IS NUTS! This craft is something to because it makes you smile and it helps bring joys to other.. WOW some people have nothing better to do! lol ((HUGS)).. will you still love me :)

-Ellie

Lisa Stenz said...

Amen sister! You know which company I am a demo for (hee-hee), but I love stamps and products from all over! I think your work is top notch no matter whose products you use. I am so proud of you that you aren't letting it get to you. Keep up the wonderful, creative work that you do using anyone's products you choose! *Ü*

Sending big hugs your way!

Diane said...

I can't believe you rec'd such emails!!!! The nerve of those people! Oh well it's their loss if they no longer visit your blog!!
I think no matter what stamps you would use,even dollar stamps,your work is fabulous!
You go girl!!!!!

Lastel said...

Beautiful card ! A stamp artist is an artist no matter what company she represents , I am like you I love all stamps , I may demo for Stampin Up but I buy from lots of other stamp companies . It drives me nuts when someone is a snob for a certain company , like no one else makes great stamps . It also drives me nuts when the only people that get comments on their cards are challenge chasers on SCS and ones that have been doing them for ever , newbies now matter how good they are usually get ignored . By the way I happen to love your work & you sketches , that is why I subscribed to your blog , maybe you can check mine out sometime !

Sonya said...

You just gotta love those people. I will never understand people like that..although I love alot of SU stamps,there is a whole other world of stamps out there and we all use different things. Your cards and blog rock so let the rest roll off your back.

Bonnie Weiss said...

Maria, you could use a potato that you cut into a shape, and still manage to create a work of art! You have a true talent and gift and we are so thankful that you choose to share it with your cyber-buddies. If it were not for people like you, many of us would not ever have come as far as we have in this craft. YOU GO GIRL! And for those who think otherwise, I would like to send them an image...you know, the one of the puppy, lifting his leg on the fire-hydrant!!!

Sonya said...

Sometimes I just shake my head at people. It shouldnt matter what company you demo for or which company you buy from....its so petty. It reminds me of high school drama.

Your art is just wonderful.

Sonya (Illinois)

Noticed another "Sonya" posted...small world we live in..lol

Little C's Creations said...

You know where I stand on this, sister. People are just unbelievable and when you leave, they put you in their black book. Too funny. I had several people unsub from me too when I switched, and I think one of mines said, "IRRELEVANT CONTEXT" - I was like, what in the world? I've never changed the context, I've still continued to stamp and share. But you know what? Those you've lost from that company, are twice that you've gained from the company you're with now. You and I know that only good has come out of it, and we're the ones that are really doing "what we love, and sharing it too" - remember that motto? I think they forget that it's really what this whole thing is about - sharing our passion for stamps!!! But hey, their loss... no loss for you girlfriend!!!

I love this card, it is gorgeous!! Glad you got to hang out with the girls, it's so much fun to get together and stamp with friends, ya?!

Have a great weekend!!!!

Hugs,
Jen

Ret said...

Maria, your work is beautiful, as always. It makes me sad to hear that you are recieving emails like that. Just ignore them, and maybe they will go away!! I never heard such foolishness! You're still the same wonderful cardmaking Maria that you always were! :)
big hugs,
Ret
http://www.picturetrail.com/photos/crafty1ret

Anonymous said...

It is sad to think there are people like that out in the world.
I am a SU Demo and have loved your site since I found it and will continue to check it out every day.
Thanks for sharing all the great work you do.
Glad you have a good attitude about those emails.

Keep Stamping!

Maggie

Elizabeth *^..^* said...

Girl! Beautiful card. Love the layout and colors. So cute!!

As for the ugly emails, they are probably upset because they don't have the supplies to copy you anymore. Women can be so nasty. Hold your head up high and rise above.

Blessings.

Anonymous said...

I love your site and your cards! I'm a SU! Demo and I am appalled at those who think that they are better than ANYONE!! Hey, we're all here for the same reasons and we all put our pants on one leg at a time.

YOU ROCK!!!!

Deb said...

I love your card and your attitude. I applaud your attitude about those emails. It is so nice to see that you love what you do and it shows in the cards and projects you create.

Personally, I don't look at stamping blogs to copy completely what someone else does. I can take a card made with CTMH, TAC, and many other companies and look at it for what it is to me...a beautiful inspiration. I look at the colors and the layouts and it inspires me to go into my own space and create something that I can share with my friends and customers.

Thank you for sharing your creativity, you are a true inspiration to the ART of stamping.

Anonymous said...

Amen! I am always fighting this same battle. I am a CTMH consultant and an avid stamp lover. I currently own well over 200,000 stamps (I know...probably too many if there is such a thing. LOL). I have stamps from every company out there probably...well maybe. I use them all...if it speaks to me, I buy it. I don't care if it's rubber, acrylic, mounted, unmounted, heck, I've even bought printing blocks because they were cool.

I say just keep doing what you're doing, people will do and say whatever they will (mostly because they are online and aren't brave enough to say it in person). Keep on keepin' on. Your work is gorgeous and it's probably just jealousy! LOL!

Monika/Buzsy said...

Can't believe these people out there! What's wrong with them? I mean if they don't like what you make, they don't have to visit your blog... I love seeing SU! samples and those are my all time favorites, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate if I see something else that looks awesome. I have other favorites that I like seeing more than others... but I also like $1 stamps... small stamps... big stamps... and here is a secret! There are some SU! stamps that I hate! So what...
You are right Maria... they should get a life! I will be here as long as you are and will be glad to see anything you make with whatever brand stamps!

Betsy said...

Hey Maria! You have the right attitude. Your love of the craft comes through in your beautiful work no matter what stamps you use!

Jennifer Reynard said...

HI Maria,
Sorry you have had to deal with negative input.I was a CTMH rep. then switched to S.U. as my card ladies did not want to switch to the acrylic stamps. I own product from both and personally love both companies. I find that their products can compliment each other when crafting. I have good friends that sell CTMH as well as good friends that sell S.U. When we get together, it is all good!
It can be a small world when we limit ourselves!
Enjoy your new venture and do what makes you happy!

ScrapMomOf2 said...

WHAT? That's terrible! Stamping is stamping, and there are A LOT of great products to go around! Your work is gorgeous no matter what you're using! Don't let bad comments get you down (and it sounds like you're NOT letting it get you down!) This card is gorgeous! How fun to get together with some stamping friends too!

manybooks said...

I don't usually comment on blogs, but after reading what you posted about people saying that they don't like your ideas because of the company you've chosen, I just HAD to comment to say that I LOVE your blog(s) and your ideas and your ARTISTRY and you are so inspirational! THANK YOU for sharing your passion for rubber stamps (of ANY kind!) with me :)

Wendy - Anntaurus said...

That's it Maria - head held high. Your blog is inspirational hun but I know what you mean we have large egos and empire builders in the UK too! I love to visit and think your talent is endless! Thank you for sahring your work and ides!

Godchick said...

wow...the things people say and do. it's a wonderful card and layout...no matter what the brand is!

Tracy.H said...

Wow! You have to wonder what goes through peoples head sometimes. Well...we all love ya and your blog no matter what stamps you are using, Maria! :0)

kathleenh said...

Maria, your birdie card is darling! I'm so sorry to hear you are getting flak about switching to Close to My Heart. Sigh. That's women at their worst. For what's it's worth I'm a diehard Stampin' Up! fan and business demo but I still visit and enjoy your blog. You're right about enjoying the artform. There's plenty of room for all companies and various images.
Keep on doing what you're doing. I think you are fabulously talented and I LOVE visiting your blog!!!

Lisa C. said...

wow, that totally blows me away that you would get e-mails like that! I like your site not because of what stamp company you use, but because it inspires me. I adore all your sketches that you put up, please don't stop that, there have been many times I want to make a card, don't have a sketch in mind, come here and look and whamo, the card is done. I don't care what products you use!

Keep on blogging and try not to let those other people get to you!

Risa said...

Your card is beautiful Maria..I love the birdy and the papers are fantastic!
I think some people are downright mean!!!! We all have something to contribute here. It's not about what company you represent, it's all about the beautiful cards.
malieta:)

Teri said...

Hey Maria! Look at all of your fans! I agree with you that it's the hobby and the ideas we are sharing, not the company that we demo for, etc. I'm with these ladies! Love your card and your attitude. Keep doin' what you've been doin' - I love it all, and you! aloha and xo, Teri

Jimi said...

Maria,
I love your site. I, too, love all different kinds of stamps. Don't let the B*****ds get you down! lol

Anonymous said...

Hehe, finally someone with some sense! =)

You go Maria!

New to direct sale stamping and been looking around.

Love more time to just create with freedom and some friends.

Take care!

Ying

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