I totally agree with you. I was at a Stamping Up party several years ago and mentioned to another party-goer that I had a Silhouette Cameo. The demonstrator (who I’d never met before) jumped all over me and told me I was not allowed to discuss this at “her” party. I was shocked and embarrassed and later I was angry.

@InaNutshellCrafts

Ай бұрын

Wow! That’s crazy!!

I just wanted to clarify something you brought up regarding using other products. You can use other products, you just can't market, sell or promote them if they compete with a similar SU product. For example, before SU came out with their line of Blends alcohol markers many demos had Copics (or other brands) of alcohol markers in their craft room stash so, at that time, it was ok to mention it if you were using a Copic. By the time that Blends came out, there were a lot of demos that had already invested a lot of money into Copic (or other) alcohol markers. That did not mean that a demo couldn't use their Copics for projects, they just weren't allowed to mention the brand and instead had to mention and promote the use of Blends. They were allowed to say something like "I had these non-Blends markers (that I'm' using) for many years but SU now has a great line of Blends alcohol markers including this color that will perfectly match everything..." blah blah blah... while using their Copic marker on a project. I read this in an FAQ on the demo website when Blends came out... Same thing with the Misti (I hate that company) and the Stamparatus. Many demos already had the Misti, although the Stamparatus was way better (thanks a lot My Sweet Petunia for killing all the better products than yours by burying them with lawsuits, you stink). It was still ok to use the Misti in your demonstration so long as you didn't say its name and instead mentioned and promoted the Stamparatus. I use Tombo glue sometimes (there are good uses for it) but the majority of the time I use Bearly Art glue. It's ok for me to use it, I just can't' point it out or say that I'm using it or mention its name, and instead, If I talk about glue, I am supposed to recommend using Tombo. It sucks. I also use adhesive-backed magnetic sheets that I get on Amazon for storing dies. It is ok for me mention the brand and where I get them because SU doesn't sell anything like them. But there are many demos (some million dollar sellers) that have links on their blogs for non-SU products that don't compete with SU products. So that must be ok (so long as SU has nothing like the product)... but that is a head scratcher because I just looked at the website of a million dollar seller who has a link to Stamp n Storage which has products that directly compete with several SU products, so I'm not sure how that is allowed (and it's not the first time I've seen a demo blog link to Stamp n Storage). I've been a SU demo for 11 years and I'm getting disillusioned with them lately as their prices have gotten way too high and the quality of many products and their packaging has gone down. Let me use Blends again for an example... they are $5 each except that you have to buy them in pairs (one Light and one Dark of the same color) for $10. So if your "Light" marker dries up you have to spend $10 for a new one because you have to buy the Light and Dark together as a pair, even if your existing Dark marker is going strong... and I've had at least 4 of the Blends markers separate where the tip piece pulled apart from the barrel when trying to remove the cap. When this happens, of course it dries up, sooner rather than later. Blends are so cheaply and poorly made that I no longer (in good conscience) can recommend them; instead I just say "SU makes a set of Blends in this color" as I use my Copic marker (which I now buy to replace the Blends as they dry up)... Besides the poor quality and the high price to replace one Blends marker, there are no replacement nibs nor can you refill them. For all those reasons I've actually only recently turned to Copic markers which are so much better and, in the long run, way less expensive than Blends. I also like the idea of less plastic going in landfills. My other biggest gripes with SU are their ridiculous shipping fees. They need to get with the program and offer free shipping on orders with a minimum ($50 I feel is adequate) like the rest of the crafting companies... they also need to do something about their horrible "new" stamp pads which are hard to open and give you no room to grab them when opening and closing them so that you end up with ink on your hands which then often ends up somewhere on your project where you don't want it... ...and my absolute biggest gripe is the break-neck pace at which they retire products forcing demos to buy buy buy, making us their best customers. It makes it hard to make a profit If we are trying to run a business and keep products in stock that our customers can purchase... their inventory is set up so that they win and the smaller business demo (as opposed to the hobby demo) loses. They will continue selling products to us in "Presale" knowing there will not be enough inventory left for our customers to buy the products, leaving us with unsellable products. It's infuriating. They are definitely not the same company they were 10 years ago, corporate greed seems to have set in... I will say what I do like is the quality of their paper and the fact that everything coordinates so well. I also think that the quality of their stamps is very good compared to a lot of others... But they've pulled enough greedy shenanigans that I'm seriously thinking of quitting. I'm getting so fed up. If you made it this far, thanks for listening to me rant, lol!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Gotcha, that makes sense. Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I know I found it very helpful and I’m sure others have also! I’m sorry some of your experiences have left a bad feeling. I hope that they rethink their practices!

@ninaladybirdcards4261

7 ай бұрын

I agree with you about the way they make you buy new products and get rid of old ones . I also find it hard to make the monthly allowance to stay a demonstrator. I try to watch videos that are not SU.

@sheriemark5382

7 ай бұрын

Hi everyone, l have been using su products sense 2003 and l think that its the best !! i love everything they sell. However the prices are just to high, l have to look elsewhere for some things iam sad.

@patriciataylor5527

6 ай бұрын

I have seen some demos naming the Bearly Art glue while using it. Took away the Stamparatus so demonstrators don't use it. To me that is a waste of money. Lately I do not think some dsp is not worth buying due to design. I can't afford it & then you need to buy cs. Stampin Up is getting to be like a high end store.

@MACNanaBanana

6 ай бұрын

SU! Is an MLM and I cannot support that business model.

Good for you! Who needs this kind of control in their lives? And like you said, it's not even like you would be an employee! Being told what we can and cannot use when we CREATE something is awful! ❤

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

❤️

@judikerrigan2786

6 ай бұрын

I agree whole heartedly! If they are in full support of their products and realize the quality sometimes that generates better sales to use against or with another manufacturing company! It brings larger the use availability to show different ideas and create better designs. I love stampin up and am a fan of their quality specifically, open up the highway SU and show that your product is a top runner and can hold its own against others! It’s a win win. Creative memories and close to my do this As well such a loss.

I was a demo for about 6 months but had to give it up. I didn’t understand why I was not able to use other products. I have a craft room full of “contraband “. That was what my upline actually called it. Much happier using anything I like.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Oh wow! Calling it contraband is crazy!

@vahodgins

2 ай бұрын

you can use other products of course, but they do make you feel guilty. I was also told that if you are a demo and you have a garage sale, you cannot sell any other company's product that you might want to de-stash.

I was a demonstrator with Stampin up but stopped buying new Stampin up products when I found out that I could not use discontinued products, to me that is a waste of money having to buy new products every three months. I love the products I have and continue to use them all the time.

@vahodgins

2 ай бұрын

you can use retired products, but if you are trying to sell Stampin' Up, customers get annoyed when they cannot buy those retired things if you demonstrate them - and you don't want to use them anyway because you need to push the new stuff...we were demos for a while but we wanted to be able to show other products online and SU will not allow you to. Also, their style of stamps, especially the floral ones seem to be all from the same artist so they look so much alike, it's hard to buy a new one when one of the older ones will do. We are no longer demos, but I do still buy their papers as they are the best I have found. I use them for my albums, as well.

I agree! Good for you for taking a stand. I love to papercraft and I use a wide variety of craft products to accomplish my craft. Most great quality and a lot less expensive then Stamping Up

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

I am with you on that. After 5 years beeing a demo I also opted to been drop out by not bringing the quarterly minimum. They are not only outdated regarding competitiveness and collaboration but also lack innovation and freshness to me - I simply couldn't find that many products and designs to be willing to spend so much more money on( as in comparison with other brands). And my few customers saw it the same way. I was relieved to be finally "free" to use whatever I like and I shut down my channel (all my old demo videos are now set to private). Also the kind of "bubble" those fellow demontrator (around your team and others) create, did really somewhat "brainwash" me for a decent amount of time, that it's only ok to use current products (especially for your bring alongs at events). Also in workshops your customer expect you to have many different new items to try. In the end I felt like I'm pressured into crafting with items I don't like that much any more and kind of lost the joy and got into a creative burn out. It's really a sad ending to my SU journey I began with so much enthusiasm for the products and people. I only have contact with a few of them and they are also not "hardcore SU fan girls" they enjoy (silently in private ofc.) other products too.

@Julie.CreativeCardDesign

7 ай бұрын

Your words are so true! I have been having so much fun creating cards since 'taking back my control'. The Stampin Up products had fallen very flat the last few years that I was a demo. Pricing is way off compared to what other companies offer. I'm quite sure it's the demos keeping the company in business - since product changes every 4 - 6 months and then ooopss you can't create with that anymore. If you are creating for a channel or a blog then the links for products are all just dead links after all of the work that was put into making a blog post. Then there is that monthly fee to have a web site to sell their products. I could go on and on... the point is freedom is amazing and it costs less!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience!

Lovely card- thanks for the inspiration. I really like how so many companies support one another and work together. Wish they all did!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! ❤️

Hey sweetie, I'm a hobby SU demonstrator and I use any items I want on my channel, SU tried to tell me that I wasn't allowed to use other products, I told them it is My channel not theirs and I am still a hobby demonstrator, I use them for the 25% discount and they have left me alone. It's your channel my lovely don't let them dictate what you can and can't use, hope this helps. My channel name is Stamp with Joy x x

@susancerroni6671

6 ай бұрын

It’s funny that you make this comment because if I had decided to be a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator, I would do it just for the discount, and I would not have thought to not be a demonstrator because of that comment. I would not have thought to continue on with my channeland continue to have the discount with the stamping up products. All I can say is… Great idea! And I hope that Stephanie follows your lead.

@DonnasCraftingWhimsy

6 ай бұрын

Thank You Joy- Im in total agreement- I shop for 25% disc & hobby SU Demo..I have been concentrating on my other crafts like crochet recently- because of expenses.. Cost of living in NY is at an all time high right now & tons of people who are middle/ lower income are relocating out of state- so thats another thing SU does not consider.

@carmlongo1227

6 ай бұрын

I am a hobby demonstrator and I do not have a KZread channel. I’ve only been part of Stampin Up for two years and I have found even in that time their selection range has dropped. I find all their stamps are small or too cutesy and I do not enjoy colouring. I prefer to stamp florals using layers or their distinktiv stamps on a 6 in.² card, so I am speaking from that perspective. I just received the latest catalogue this week and there isn’t a single thing I want to order from them so no doubt my status will be dropped soon enough. Honestly, I don’t know how they even continue to grow their business. An Internet search sadly made me aware of the company’s financial struggles and family issues. I think they made this move because it’s a desperate attempt to hold onto their demonstrators. And I agree it’s nice when the companies work together and not be so obviously competitive 🧡

@oldmedtech

6 ай бұрын

I hope your solution can work for the abused SU demonstrators out there. I still buy a few SU products to support my friend who has also been abused by SU. Otherwise, I don’t buy from them at all because of their attitude. I see them as sales bullies.

@hangingoutwithnanajacobson7582

4 ай бұрын

I watch a couple of demonstrators who use and sell other products besides SU so I wasn’t aware that was an issue. I was thinking about becoming a hobby demonstrator. I hope others comment on their experiences. ❤

This actually isn’t the case. You can use anything you want. You just can’t accept compensation from other companies ❤❤

I was a Stampinup demonstrator a 5 years. I totally agree with you. I have a currently dormant channel. Stampinmama, I was miserable, being restricted to what I could show on my videos. I'm not that kind of crafter. I like mixing things up. Maybe I will show crafts again on my channel. I'm just enjoying being free crafting again after a 3yr break focusing on my kids.

@cmhowson50

7 ай бұрын

Good for you!!! Love on those kiddos ❤️ you will receive far more benefits from them then Stampin Up! 🤭

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing! You should definitely start again when you get your mojo back!

@susancerroni6671

6 ай бұрын

But it’s like someone else who posted in the comments earlier that she has a channel and when they (they being Stampin’ Up!) tried to tell her she couldn’t sell stamping up or be a demonstrator and show other Supplies to and she said that she told them she wasn’t an employee and it was her own channel and she would use the products and show the products that she wanted when she wanted to and they have since left her alone.

@EileenJOfficial

6 ай бұрын

@@susancerroni6671 That is interesting. I was told to only show stampinup products, and not show anything that was retired. So I could make more money, which wasn't true. I barely made any money. But I like who ever comment that, I wish i remembered that I wasn't employee . That would have help me be free

I think Stamping Up sees the writing on the wall. The products are way too expensive and other companies are much more inventive, inclusive, and affordable. I make it a personal practice to avoid MLMs and though you can buy the products directly, they seem like a company I like to avoid, so I do.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

I didn’t realize they were an MLM. That’s a big bummer! They have some stuff I enjoy… I wish they would pivot to a more modern business model.

@kathybost1879

7 ай бұрын

and of course now there's Temu.

@hrobinson9701

27 күн бұрын

@@InaNutshellCrafts Maybe the uplines in other areas are more aggressive but I have never found that SU! acts like a traditional MLM. If you want to be a hobby demonstrator to get the product discount, you can be and no one I know pushes you to be more than that. If you want to make money using SU! then you have to jump through all the hoops, get sales and build a downline of new demonstrators. I am aware of a handful of demonstrators who make their living off of selling SU! but the VAST majority of demos are not doing this. I belong to a small group that shares the commitment to meet the quarterly sales amount so that does not fall on one person and in return the actual demonstrator shares her 25% off with everyone. So she does not make any profit but she maintains her demonstrator status and we all can buy SU! product at a reduced price.

This is a really beautiful card. I never would have thought to use these images like this. You are so right about Stampin Up. I don’t even buy much from them any longer as I feel their designs are a bit too simple and way over priced.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@susancerroni6671

6 ай бұрын

I definitely agree about the overpricing!

I love that card and your color selection! What a wonderful stamp set. Thank you for sharing. Blessings!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

You are a true crafter and teacher. Thank you.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you that’s so kind of you to say!

What a great idea of using the foam cut out with the dies. I would have never thought of that, but I love it!

@susancerroni6671

6 ай бұрын

I agree that the foam is a great idea especially if it’s the color of the stamp because then from the side it doesn’t look like a foam tape or something

I just gave up my 20+ years as a hobby demonstrator. I've lost my mojo, and can't make myself walk into my craftroom because the products I purchased like an addict are EVERYWHERE. For everything in the current catalog, I have 2 or 3 similar items.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Ah man, I’m sorry 😢 I hope you find your mojo again! Sometimes you just need a little break and it will come back!

@teijaflink2226

2 ай бұрын

Use a different company maybe to get inspiration again.

@cynthiapridham2885

Ай бұрын

Also cricut can draw cut whatever u want too

@sandycottonjones3329

Ай бұрын

I wasn’t able to get into the demo page for months. Finally got back in. Then couldn’t again. Why? They dropped me for not making quarterly! More than 20 yrs for me !! I also have about 25 years of product in my craft room but I’m trying to push myself.

Stephanie I totally agree with you. That is the major reason why I too won’t become an SU demonstrator. I enjoy making cards but also want to use the many other products from other companies as well. There should not be a restriction on using other vendor products, perhaps more cardmakers would become an SU demonstrator.

I agree with you completely...I was a hobbist demo for over 5 yrs, mainly because I love their cardstock... I still buy it and a few other things mainly because I only have Michaels here where I live in Canada, and they only carry 65 and 110 lb. card. Another thing, I love making 6x6 and 5x7 cards with lots of Wow to them, not those piddley little A2 cards .

@DonnasCraftingWhimsy

6 ай бұрын

what you said- " piddley A2 cards"

@cecilia98665

5 ай бұрын

Not my fav card size either.@@DonnasCraftingWhimsy

@evaarsenault4324

3 ай бұрын

I actually started making 5x7 cards but switched to A2 cards,simply because I found that my cardstock went further and everyone that I make cards for love them and I can still make them plain or fancy them up to a T .

It’s beautiful, love it.

Enjoy your cards and videos, yes I like to see ALL the various products. Good decision.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! ❤️

I completely agree with your philosophy of co-operation of competitiveness. It's why I object to MISTI who took every company who had come out with their own stamp platform to court to make sure only MISTI could be sold in the US, and why I will never use a product from that company. It's a real shame that Stampin' Up have that policy since there's a lot of products they don't sell that are a part of all well stocked craft rooms. I love your card. That's inspired me to make a couple of cards now. I love the Simon Hurley pastes to highlight stencils as well. 🎀

Hi thanks for sharing your lovely card design and Happy Crafting x

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

I have a few stamping up products I purchased from a friend who was a demonstrator several years ago. She has since stopped being a demonstrator and is currently designing for other companies and loving that she uses so many different products to create her cards!

Gorgeous card! Thanks for sharing your creativity

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

I think if you do a little more research, you'll find you can still use other products. Wendy Cranford is able to use other products and she is still a stampin up demonstrator. And I've noticed many demonstrators are now using the Misti since stamping up quit selling their stamparatusl, even though they have a stamparatus! Misti gets bashed a lot, but they are not the only company wanting to protect their product. The one thing stampin up does that I'm discouraged with is they run out of products very early! New products in a new catalog shouldn't be sold out after day one. And when they get it back in it shouldn't be sold out the next day again!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

That’s a bummer about new products running out early. I typically only shop their clearance section, so I haven’t noticed

@annettaford1500

7 ай бұрын

You can use another product as long as stamping up doesn't sell it. I have even seen other demonstrators myself use other products even if stamping up sell something like it

@bluescitystampinstudio

7 ай бұрын

Yes, Demos CAN use other brands of products in their videos even though Stampin' Up carries something similar. You can even link those products, you just can't have an "affiliate" link to those similar products. Wendy mentions that almost all the time in her videos. As far as retired product goes, yes, it is encouraged that you use current so customers could still order it while it is still available. But in my case, I do have a lot of retired product and I started to do videos a couple of months ago. There is a specific day I post a video using retired product. I'm not gonna say that it is hurting anything in me building my business because I have received nice comments from viewers thanking me for using the retired product since it gives them inspiration on what they can create with it.

Super sweet card 🤗 couldn’t agree more about stampin up! I don’t know how they get away with adding 20% to the bill and calling it shipping… could you imagine hero arts doing that😳😳😳😳

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! Wow I guess I didn’t realize the markup was so high!

@kellylynn6831

7 ай бұрын

Shipping is 11% not 20, if you order $100 it's $11 shipping. Please state facts not false information.

@patriciataylor5527

7 ай бұрын

Why do some Stampin Up demonstrators get away with using other products?

@kellylynn6831

7 ай бұрын

@@patriciataylor5527 As a demonstrator we can't promote products from other companies (receive compensation for) that Stampin up offers same or similar. We can use other products, we cannot mix stamped images. If you use a Stampin up stamp ( it has to have there trademark added someplace) a stamp from another company cannot be used. I think you are mixing up using product and promoting product.

@teijaflink2226

2 ай бұрын

​@@patriciataylor5527You can use whatever you want, it's your money that you have bought the products with so they are 100% yours and your youtube channel is yours and not Stampin ups. If you have customers or are trying to sell stampin up products just tell when you're using something else. You can do whatever you want, what are they going to do, sure you for products you have bought for your own money?

Gorgeous card, love it even though I never would have thought to make one myself.❤❤

Totally agree with you re: SU. It is ridiculous to give away your creative freedom for your hobby! Love the card.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

❤ you are so right,

I have this stamp and punch and I love it! I’ve even made the little one into berry cluster with my scissors and markers 😉. My sister is who I purchase from she is just a hobbyist and uses lots of other brands (but doesn’t do videos) Perhaps you can find a crafty friend who lives nearby who can sign up and then you two can order together 😊 I echo what a lot of other folks say about shipping fees, and product availability and retiring things sooo fast. That’s why I’d never sign up. But I have my sister so I get the best of both worlds 😊

Ja, es gibt so viele schöne Produkte, von daher ist das eine gute Entscheidung. Danke für die guten Tipps. 👍😊

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

You're completely right.

I 100% agree with you. I started out with SU as well but I enjoy using other products as well. I was frowned on for using the color burst type product and then SU actually promoted and sold them a year later. Go figure. However they no longer sell, use and promote those products now. Another pet peeve is their practice of introducing new and retiring inks and matching card stock. Again one is pressured to purchase and use the "new" and discarding the "retired" ones.

Great job and truth in what you said.👍

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly!

What a great card!! thank you.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!❤️

Love your work!

Beautiful card ,

Very pretty card👍👍

Skewt card; remember when one door closes, another opens!! Best of Luck! 🎉💜✨✌🏾🤩

100% Love the card too!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

I totally agree with you. Plus, SU is not current. The don't have stencils to color their stamps. My last quarter ends soon and I'm not sorry about it. Other companies carry matching cardstock and ink.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

I hadn’t noticed that about the stencils, but you’re right!

I am a hobby demo and follow many business demos. To my understanding is you can use other products but if they have the same product you can’t have affiliate links. For example SU doesn’t have a misty tool. So you can have an affiliate link for My Sweet Petunia for Misty stamping platform. You can show other stamps but those you can’t have affiliated link for those. I hope this helps.

Thanks!

@InaNutshellCrafts

2 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness!! This so so kind of you! Thank you so much!!

Love your work!❤

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

I am not a demonstrator either for the same reason. Tie my hands? No way! However, consider demonstrators more like franchise owners. You can’t walk into a MacDonalds and order Burger King or Taco Bell. The bottom line is the word Independent (demonstrator) is an oxymoron because they are not free to merchandise or do as they like, rather they must comply with license by the franchisor, aka: mother ship. I understand both sides and everyone makes their own personal choice.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

My friend who is a demonstrator for SU and she was encouraging me to be one too. I tried to explain this too her that I could not use any of my other products.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

❤️

i also started by attending an SU party. I bought a few things but it didn’t take long to move on to other companies and never went back. The policy doesn’t allow that sometimes competitors have a better product.

I feel the same way about Stampin Up. I have been asked to join several times, but I like the items from too many companies.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Yes, I wish they were better at collaborating!

Hi Stephanie, You’re spot on with it. It’s a shame SU has these rules. I’ve signed up a (a few times) over the years for the discount mainly but didn’t like that we couldn’t mix products. (I would have purchased this stamp set from you too. Super cute set). I’m wondering we will see some changes with Stampin up in light of the family legal troubles that are going on. TFS.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

I hope we do! Thanks for sharing your thoughts too!

@DonnasCraftingWhimsy

6 ай бұрын

I think we are SEEING the higher $$$ because of the family legal issues- SOMEONE has to pay $$ for their lawyers- so they pandemic influences & yet their profits soar- they dont want to lose their money- its the same old corporate raider game

It's a beautiful card! I'd heard that about Stampin Up before. Their stuff is a bit too expensive in the UK. To be honest I do avoid Stampin Up demonstrators videos, as apart from a couple, I find them really lack lustre. I don't think they're the worst company for not playing with others, that prize must go to My Sweet Petunia! So anyway, I'm quite glad you're not a Stampin Up demonstrator, and I've been l9ving your cards ❤

@leslieinadress

7 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness! My Sweet Petunia is awful about that. I refuse to buy their products because of it

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! I do find Stampin Up cards to be very similar- I figured it was because they have to use the same suite of products

@whimsicalwitch5982

7 ай бұрын

You are correct. Sweet Petunia will never get my money!

@susancerroni6671

6 ай бұрын

What is it about my sweet petunia? I haven’t heard that. There’s a problem with them like I did with stamping up. Hopefully, one of you will read this comment and tell me what it is about my sweet petunia that causes people to not want to use them. Thanks!

@jeannejohnson1473

6 ай бұрын

Me too!@@leslieinadress

Yes I understand that

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

.🙂

And I absolutely 100% agree with you. Stampin UP! does not play nice with other crafting companies which I think is incredibly sad and why I think so many demonstrators are pulling away and not being full-time demonstrators or stepping away from the company. I think it is a real shame to not join all the creativity and embrace at all. Unfortunately, Stampin UP! does not play well with other crafting companies. You really are encouraged as a demonstrator to not use any other product and to stay in a Stampin UP! bubble, which I think is not incredibly sad, butalso incredibly ridiculous

I would never buy a Stampin' Up product. I've developed such a negative attitude about it from the hard sell of SU demonstrators and then the controlling practices of the company. They're slitting their own throats at the same time they harass their best sales tool. That is NOT anything to support with my stamping $$$.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

I understand. I wish their business practices weren’t so unfriendly to consumers 😥

@SantaFeLady

7 ай бұрын

Same here! I have been crafting forever, I do not own one single SU product. I have a personal friend who owns nothing but SU products, she's been going to SU meetings for 15 years...I had her over to my house and she didn't even known how to blend smoothly. She said it was all about SELLING her things and not necessarily showing her how to DO things, very sad! It is awful to be told what we can or cannot use when we create something.

@raineysmith3303

7 ай бұрын

@@InaNutshellCrafts Personally, I think it's *worse* how manipulative and controlling them are ro their sales representatives. Consumers can just turn their backs on the company but demonstrators have to exist in SU's demanding world.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

😢

@kristie3963

7 ай бұрын

I’m fairly new to paper crafting. I got the “bug” about 1 year ago when a May May video showed up in my feed. Now I’m obsessed. I binge watch videos from numerous creators. The hard sell from SU demonstrators is a turn off. Plus all the silly names for the card stock like cherry cobbler or misty moonlight. Sounds like paint swatches. 😂 The products are expensive. A stamp and die set would be over $50. Considering how many cards I might make with a penguin or polar bear, that’s a terrible return on my investment.

Love the card

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

I agree. You are an independent not an employee. Once you purchase the item, it's yours. The Angel policy makes no sense to me. The WHOLE reason they produce the product they do, is so people can make things from them. Why should their logo go on something I created?

Pretty card!!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

I have seen recently a lot of demonstrators showing other company’s products maybe they have new policies now

I would love to see other products to help me in my card making fun

SU dosent play well with others.😢

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

😥

I am a hobby demonstrator, meaning I do not sell. I purchase the product at a discount for my own use. I literally have no customers. I just want to clarify for those that think Stampin' Up! says you can't use other products at all if you are a demonstrator. That isn't true. Stampin' Up! does not limit your use of other companies products in your videos or demonstrations. You just can't make money from those things if you are a SU demonstrator. You can use them and show them to people. You just can't give them an affiliate link or make any kind of commission or compensation, monetary or otherwise, for sales made as a result of your videos. This is not to say that I agree with this policy. I don't. I wish they would modify their demonstrator agreement as I think it could actually benefit their sales for people to see how fun some of their product might be to use with other company's product.

@ChelleStamps

7 ай бұрын

Also, what really makes me mad about SU, is that I am not allowed as a demonstrator to sell my own personal craft stash items if they are not retired Stampin' Up! brand only. It is against the demonstrator policy. I got a cease and desist letter for listing my personal, old and used craft items for sale in a FB group because they were not SU. They were USED, retired items from other companies that I no longer needed. So my only "legal" option is to gift them or donate them.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

What?! Whoa, that’s WILD!

@artfulstampinwithruth

6 ай бұрын

@@ChelleStamps I don't think this is entirely correct. You are allowed to sell off your non SU products just not at the same event where SU products are being promoted/sold. Please check the Competitive Sales policy for clarity.

@ChelleStamps

6 ай бұрын

@@artfulstampinwithruth Nope. Not true. When I got the letter, I called Stampin' Up! demo support to confirm. You are not allowed to sell any stamping or papercrafting supplies anywhere, even at a home yard sale per the Stampin' Up! demonstrator agreement, which is not clear if you ask me. You can only donate or gift them if you are a demo.

I am in complete agreement with you! I signed up to be a Demo to get the Hobbyist Discount. I have no interest in selling product. In fact, I got started in my stamping and carding journey with Hobby Lobby clearance items; as that chain is reorganizing the product lines they carry. So I have thousands of dollars worth of stamps and dies plus everything else I bought before I found S.U. I am in a dilemma! I have the desire to create a crafting channel; and have no intention of being Brand Loyal! That is so limiting to my creative freedom! But, I found that I like to buy S.U. paper and ink refills, even if I have been using other dies and stamps. The solid core paper and matching ink are winners for me! I hope you make the best choices for your own crafting style!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Yes! They have some items I like and enjoy! It’s too bad their business practices are so unfriendly!

@EileenJOfficial

7 ай бұрын

Totally agree

Hello @Stephanie Chestnut- I just found your channel. Great ideas here! What is the item under your inverted glue bottle? The pink thing? I assume it keeps glue from leaking out……

@InaNutshellCrafts

2 ай бұрын

Hi! Yes, it’s actually a silicone makeup thing from the dollar tree! If you check my videos, you’ll see one that is about a “dupe” for the glue press, in which I explain what I did. Thanks for watching!

I'm a hobby demonstator. I'm only in it for the discount. But, I think you mae a valid point. SU is getting behind the times.

@InaNutshellCrafts

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I was a SU demo. Over a decade ago only For one year and the reason I stopped is what you are sharing. I’ve been a stamping/ card maker for years and years. (65+). I have always had products from many companies, and after I finally read the fine print, that I couldn’t use but just their products, I didn’t continue. I still buy SU products a few times a year to use. Usually a bundle I really like. It is sad, because I love the fact all the SU products color coordinate. I also cannot afford all the products.

Yeah, SU says they can use other products with SU products but not post any links to those products in the YT video. The ones I saw do after 1-2 videos later they sent subscribers to their blog favorites page. What I hate the most that I have to put @stampin up stamp on my card. I signed up to be one only for the discount but the shipping off sets that, so it's not worth it anymore. I also hate supplies going out of stock within days so I fell into a trap of buying everything when they came out now they just sitting there. Good luck.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

I didn’t realize you have to put @ stampin up on your cards! Wow. Those are some odd choices the company is making 🫤

@annettaford1500

7 ай бұрын

You only have to put stampin Up on the cards you sell

@CreativelyChallenged

7 ай бұрын

@@annettaford1500 SU told me if I donate as well. Personal cards no, but if I sell or donate I had too.

@Julie.CreativeCardDesign

7 ай бұрын

@@CreativelyChallenged right?! can you imagine putting their name on something you created to generate sales for their company to begin with. Can you imagine yarn companies telling you that you had to label all knitted/crocheted items with the yarn makers info? A recipe card with the all of the companies names stuck on it for flour and sugar and such. lol

@mary-car

6 ай бұрын

@@CreativelyChallenged wow! Even donated!!!! That’s crazy!

I’m seeing others SU Demos have affiliate links. How do they make exceptions??

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

It sounds like they can share some things- just nothing that is similar to something SU makes

I enjoy your video

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 I am sure it is not fun to use just one brand of crafting stuff when there are tons of other beautiful crafting stuff out in the market. I have bought lots of SU stamps, dies, inks, embossing folders over the years and also bought lots of all kind of brands. What I don’t like is that SU tax the shipping cost. Not sure if everyone notice this 🤷‍♀️ Anyway, I just subscribed to your channel 🤩

My Friends tell me that they over charge also They use to sell for them ❤❤wishyou Lucky and they need to get with the TIMES SO they NEED TO UPGRADE THEY SELFS.❤

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

❤️

P.S. forgot to mention; I see some of their biggest sales demonstrators using other companies products! How do they get away w/ it????

And the use of the word fun they go way over board on. I am like you. I love using other brands and would like to be an affiliate for a bunch of brands

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

My SU demo does use other non-SU things, like the Misti, post it tape and other supplies. She asks Corp for permission first. She even has a link on her website for “craftroom favorites” and earns commission when people buy them using her links. She does not use stamps and dies from other companies but she does use and promote other companies tools and things.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

From what other people said it sounds like they’re allowed to use other things as long as SU doesn’t make a similar product

@debhouckscraftycottage9288

7 ай бұрын

@@InaNutshellCrafts That is correct. It is primarily the stamps and dies they are limiting. I was a demo for 3 years, but I stopped because I had other products already and they were just sitting in my craft room gathering dust and I wanted to use them.

I can understand their policy on other products. I actually like it because if I want to watch someone using Stamping Up products, I don’t want to see a bunch of other products that I don’t have and don’t need.

I am about to join. I want to work with people with disabilities. Got told you cant use other stuff I already have. Thats not fair and who cares. I would use stamping up for regular class. I still have boxes of stamps, entire sizzix, cricut, stuff from other companies. Got told im not allowed to use. I havent gone ahead either. Like im likely giving the people my okder papers etc as they cant afford.

@InaNutshellCrafts

Ай бұрын

That’s crazy! If it’s “your own business” like they say it is, then you should be allowed to run it as you like

really hoping for a change in policy, I have been with CTMH for 17 years next month, the only people who are exclusive is those who are selling SU. Its not how the world works, especially scrapbookers, thanks for the info

I agree with you 💯%!!! I joined Stampin-Up a few years back. I purchase the products solely for my personal use because when I heard that as a demonstrator you CAN'T USE 😲 the product after it RETIRES I was like... are you crazy!!! I spent all this money💰💰 on stamps and dies (and their products are NOT CHEAP!) and then you're telling me I can't use it anymore! They have a lot of CRAZY rules!!!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Wow! You can’t even use it after it retires!😱 that’s mind boggling!!

@EileenJOfficial

7 ай бұрын

​@@InaNutshellCraftsWell, you can't usually demonstrate a retired products it can hurt your sales, but it's not like they will search your house. I have over a hundred stamp sets, etc, not giving them up ever. I'm a retired demonstrator .

@thejoyfulstamper

7 ай бұрын

Demonstrators are allowed to use retired products. The point Stampin' Up! makes to demonstrators is that if they are trying to build a business, it isn't wise to use retired products because if someone wants to order the retired items, they aren't available anymore. No one gets in trouble with Stampin' Up! for using retired products, though.

@cmhowson50

7 ай бұрын

@@thejoyfulstamper I do understand that but then you have all this product that you have spent a small fortune on that is USELESS in your business. You will see demonstrators having these sales and practically giving it away. It just doesn’t make good business sense yet 1000’s of people do it. 🤪

@shiba_inu_mom

7 ай бұрын

Somewhat more crazy is that there are rules that forbid you to sell your retired products for a specific amount of time (because they may sell those themselfes on the sales rack and they don't want you to compete with them). I think it was a year or so after retiring ... then you are allowed to sell it publicly. Ofc I did not care and sold some privately.

Agree,you do buy the product. It's not like they give the merchandise....

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Yes! It just doesn’t make sense to me!

I was a SU demonstrator for 5 years and the minimum per month of $300 got way to expensive esp. It took so much time to have card classes etc. In addition to what you are talking about, they are out pricing themselves.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

It’s too bad- I really hope they rethink their practices!

While I do like "some" of the S.U products, they are very expensive. It's also a pyramid scheme company.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

I agree- I like some of their products. Too bad their business practices aren’t great for consumers

I totally agree with you everything is too matchy matchy doesn't leave anything to the imagination I've seen lots of stamping up women that I've gone to their house use other products not just stamping up products stamping up Buys food cheap companies and sells for high prices I quit buying their products a long time ago

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience!

I hear ya sister ! I have a wide range of products from many different companies. I don't understand how some demos get away with making videos using NON S U products.

@EileenJOfficial

7 ай бұрын

Easy, Stampin up doesn't care that much. It only hurts there sales, it's only advised to use stampinup products as a demonstrator to get more sales. Stampin up has even more problems with temu, ans shein copyright infringment. I'm a former demonstrator. Now a free range crafter. 😊

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Sounds like if they use products that SU doesn’t make similar items of then it can be ok. Still too limiting for me!

Things hav changed. If stampin up dont hav the product u can promote them. Many demonstrators do this for products stampin up dont hav on their website and they list them and they get a small commission

I agree “cooperation over competitiveness” …with a marketing background I find any company confining a demonstrator to use only their products archaic. I found after over a year as a demonstrator with them, their “new” releases were mundane and too similar to previous or existing products. The lack of innovation and keeping up with the market evolving in so many ways, both in design and uniquness was my main reason to leave. I rarely buy their products unless something really stands out. Still love the dimensional foam stickers the best. There are too many companies out there to support crafters using other products with theirs and why I support those many companies. It’s a very competitive market compared to even 40 years ago when i first started paper crafting…..good luck to you. “Create and carry on!”

I do not have a channel, although I’ve been thinking about it for a while. When my friend quit because of the same argument that you have, I called Stampin Up. Their answer to me was you cannot demonstrate on your channel anything that they already sell if it’s from another company but if they do not sell it, you can use it on your channel. For instance, if you like a different tape runner, you cannot demonstrate someone else’s. You must use the one that Stampin Up sells. If you want to use solar paste or lunar paste, it makes sense that we can show it because we don’t sell anything like that. You should call them personally. I love their products

Hope your channel does well without the demonstrator boost. I totally understand your point of view and think that the exclusion view is rather antiquated. I see that Wendy Cranford is able to pull it off and I watch her channel. Appears like the rule is not the same for all. Best of luck and I will be watching.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate it! ❤️

@yellowroses15

7 ай бұрын

I'm glad you mentioned that. I saw Wendy Cranford is using other products, and she stated in a video that SU knew and was fine with it. She gave a technical reason, but I can't recall. I think that was strange.

@raehenderson

7 ай бұрын

Wendy Cranford is amazing and she understands the SU demo agreement. Yes we can use other products. It is not different rules for different people. Any SU demo can. What you can’t do is be an affiliate with other companies and earn an income from their products. Think about it. An SU demo is getting their products discounted. We are able to make it a business! You don’t see Gina K promoting other company inks in her videos because she has her own line of inks. She will use other products if they are not in competition with her own products. ( Love Gina K by the way). Some of us want to make a business with SU. You can’t be successful if you are using everyone else’s and expect to garner much in SU sales. I do however use and even show other products. Wendy can be an affiliate with My Sweet Petunia for their Misti because SU no longer has a stamping platform for sale. With all other products such as stamps, ink, paper etc we cannot be affiliates and earn money from competitors. Hope this helps to clear up the confusion LOL 💕

@EileenJOfficial

7 ай бұрын

It helps, Wendy is friends with Lindsey the frugal crafter. I love them both.

@bluescitystampinstudio

7 ай бұрын

@@raehenderson - True! This is what I mentioned in a comment above ;)

Hi Stephanie👋🏽 beautiful card! I read the "terms" you inserted in the video. From what i am reading, they not only want "control" over what you craft with, but your spouse as well, sooooooo would that mean one would be "married" in one way or another to stamping up? Is it legal for this company to do it? It seems so since there are so many of them. Have you tried applying for Spellbinders? Diamond Press? Tonic? I am quite sure that they would be glad to have you on board!! I only have one SU demonstrator i watch and that is because i can take her ideas and apply them to the things i use, which is mostly Spellbinders. In these days, contraint is the enemy. People should be allowed to let their creativity flow and not have it "confined" if you will. I know you will do well, new sub here! I will be watching👏🏽👏🏽😊

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Whoa that’s crazy, I hadn’t read that closely! I actually have started working with spellbinders to demonstrate some of their products. When I’m using their products they ask me to use spellbinders dies, which makes sense, but they don’t restrict what I do on other videos on my channel, which is great. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@craftymyndz550

7 ай бұрын

You are very welcome! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

You almost have it correct. You Can use any products in your demonstrations. You can Not make money selling those other products if SU sells those dame type of products. Wendy Cranford has done this beautifully on her channel.

You can use whatever you want, you just can’t sell it!

I have heard but also know so many people who have left Stampin Up because of the exactly the same reason ..I also think they are extremely expensive, and everytime I like a colour they change it so you had too keep buying new paper stock and new ink. Nope not for me and my friends.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

I totally understand!

@patriciahunter1566

7 ай бұрын

Well, actually, they don’t “keep changing the colors so you have to buy more”. SU has a color refresh every 5 years to keep the color line current. Likewise they have the incolor line that says for two years for current trendy colors. No one is required to buy anything.

I noticed demonstrators like Lisa Curcio have other items in their " online store". Why does she/ they get to?

@mcescher1957

3 ай бұрын

They are things that are not made by SU

I demonstrated for 10 years! I quit in 2007!!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Oh? I’d love to hear your experience!

@nancyglaspie6735

7 ай бұрын

@@InaNutshellCrafts I stopped for a few reasons. My kid got busy with after school stuff. But, mostly I got tired of being my own best customer. Retiring sets then bringing out something so similar. I was spending too much!

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Makes sense!

That’s not true. You’re allowed to use other product and promote other product. You’re not allowed to get paid for using other product. Which I get can feel like the same thing and I’m not advocating for becoming a Stampin UP! demonstrator. I think it limits creativity and many ways. But the statement that they won’t allow you to use other product and advertise other product is not correct. I’ve always used other product promoted other product on my channel and been a Stampin UP! demonstrator… I currently am on design teams for other product.

@artfulstampinwithruth

6 ай бұрын

Hear hear, I'm frustrated with the misinformation that is going about.

@KatinaMartinez-01

6 ай бұрын

@@artfulstampinwithruth I'm for sure not on Stampin Up side... I think Stampin Up demos for the most part are mean, and unkind to others in many ways. The way Stampin Up is not kind to the outside crafty world is awful and I hate it. HOWEVER ... I do hate the misinformation that is shared. There is enough to be disappointed in!!! Let's not share things that are not true.

I see a lot of demonstrators using retired products on you tube, like the corner punches.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Yes, I still use a lot of their punches too

You already have a template. Just stamp what you did again on a blank sheet of paper and save it. Put your stamps on that sheet in the future

I just left after 13 years. I’m done!!

I am so tired. Of. The demonstratorsplugging their own product. Or even several in one demo And their delivery time is about 2 weeks which is way too long for me. I would love a list of other companies that carry similar products to Stampin up. If you have one please send it to me. Thanks

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

I really like Spellbinders and Hero arts and Simon Says Stamp. Those are some of the main ones I buy from, but there are a lot of great companies! Gina K, Altenew, Trinity stamps, Lawn Fawn…! So many! Simon Says Stamp is a good place to start because they carry a lot of different brands!

Totally get what your saying…great video…. I love the other lines and creativity and competition…. If they are threatened maybe hire some new creative designers…and new embellishments…

@InaNutshellCrafts

5 ай бұрын

❤️

I like the punch. I got a heap of punches yrs ago then cheap at a estate sale. Watch for those. I shouldn't buy more i have cricut. 😅 I want to get the punch or doe to makeslider cards. A die would be better.

I have seen other SU demonstrators using other products, ie glitter glue, trimmers, punches etc. They also list all the SU products they used with links to the other products 🤷‍♀️ with out naming they are what I call the big names. I wonder why they are allowed, maybe this is something they done check on.

@InaNutshellCrafts

7 ай бұрын

Someone else was saying that if it’s not a similar product to one that Stampin Up makes, you’re allowed to list it, so that might be why

@bluescitystampinstudio

7 ай бұрын

You can link to those similar products, the links cannot be affiliate links