Stampin’ Up! Artisan Design Team 2019 get started

“You’ve been selected to be on the Artisan Design Team for 2019” were the words I heard down the phone. It was an unexpected phone call that had me squeal with excitement and shed tears of happiness. Pinch me somebody … Was this really happening?

In a matter of hours this dream really becomes reality.  The first Artisan Design Team Blog Hop for 2019 goes live tomorrow and I’m filled with nervous excitement. I don’t know why, but I guess it’s because I care and I want to inspire.

Following the formal announcement at Onstage, there has been a lot of behind the scenes preparations for our January start. Stampin’ Up! introduce the new Artisan Design Team Members on the Stampin’ Up! website at the start of each year with a little write up and photo. Thick with cold, fresh home from Orlando, Jet lagged and still giddy with excitement it was my only time to capture it.

Oh my … I never realised just how camera shy I can be when the focus is on me and me alone. Yes, that may come as a surprise to some, but I’m fine in a group, but become incredibly nervous when not. You only had to see my body language when I walked out on stage in Orlando, to see just how nervous I was there, but that was in front of 7,000 other Demonstrators.

Yes, giddiness took over. I’d not seen hubby for a good week and here we were thrown into taking photos before he jetted off on a business trip of his own. Back to back business trips, but I know mine was way more enjoyable … whoop whoop!

The Final Photo …

The question is … Did we ever manage to capture something remotely suitable for the Stampin’ Up! website?  Quite different from the others, but hopefully capturing my personality … yes we did. This is the incredible line up of talented Designers that I have the pleasure to be with. Already I am getting to know these wonderful ladies and so hope that one day we’d be able to all meet in the person. I was fortunate enough to meet 6 of the ladies in Orlando and already know Emma, the other UK Artisan. I’d still love to meet the remaining girls  and congratulate them in person on their achievement.

So who am I? …

I’m Mikaela Titheridge and I live in Spaldwick, a village just outside of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK. My greatest cheerleaders are my husband, Graham and our 8 year old son called Bertie.

I was first introduced to Stampin’ Up! by someone I got talking to in an online chat room, whom I’m still in contact with. Using the Demonstrator Finder on the Stampin’ Up! website, had me find a local Demonstrator when I first moved to this area. This gave me a crafting outlet with other like-minded people who would soon become friends.

A former Air Hostess for British Airways, I decided to take voluntary redundancy following the birth of our son, born some 10 weeks prematurely. It was this redundancy money that paid for the log cabin that is now my Craft Studio.

I’ve been a Demonstrator now for 7 years, but have loved everything crafty since being a little girl. I started papercrafting greetings cards when I was flying, seeking out every craft store I could find around the globe. Craft workshops I attended had me hooked. I’ve hosted Classes and Retreats locally in Huntingdon and at home for as many years as I’ve been a demonstrator. I share my passion to inspire others teach them how to get the most out of their products.

I’ve shared my passion with others, many of whom have chosen to join my team and earn discount from their purchases. Seeing the enjoyment that Stampin’ Up! brings, gives me great satisfaction. I’d urge you to do the same if this remotely interests you. Stampin’ Up! is a fabulous company to work with and it’s opened up so many opportunities for me. I’ve earned three Incentive Trips (Mediterranean Cruise, Alaskan Cruise and the Greek Isles) and travelled to Brussels, Amsterdam and Orlando. This multi millions dollar company, has broadened my friendship circles massively and I take what life has to offer me by sharing this. The rewards stretch further than just papercrafting products.

Tomorrow’s first Artisan Blog Hop together has me living a dream that I only ever thought would be a dream. It’s my greatest achievement within my Stampin’ Up! journey and an incredible honour that I’ll cherish. We teach our children to do their best and strive for their dreams, so why shouldn’t we? No one is popping this bubble … but join me you may.

The 2018 Artisan Design Team Members will of course be a hard act to follow. Their inspiration over the past year has been incredible and the bar has be set high. I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me a little and that you’ll pop back tomorrow afternoon to see what we have in store for you.

 

You can read more about the amazing Starter Kit offer that there currently is HERE. If you’d like more information then be sure to get in contact and if you’re ready to sign up now, then click on the Join my Team link above. I’d love to share my passion with you.