Five years ago when I started this small business, my goal was to sell $100 a month.
Seriously, that was it. I just wanted a little spending money. I had sold my Soap and Candlemaking Manufacturing company and had retired. I was very content and didn't need much.
After I retired, I started learning to scrapbook so that I could make a scrapbook for my Granddaughter's graduation. I loved it! After that, I spent a year teaching myself Adobe Photoshop so that I could scan older pictures and improve the quality. I also became interested in our families genealogy. I taught my niece (Cathy) to scrapbook and we worked together gathering family history.
Then one weekend when Cathy and her family came to visit (they live in Wisconsin), she convinced me to make cards. She had been to a cardmaking class and really enjoyed it. I have to admit, I wasn't too excited about it, but for her I did it. After they left to go back to Wisconsin, I got on the Internet and started doing some searching for handcrafted cards and was totally blown away. The cards I found were like master pieces and works of art. I became very excited because my background was an Interior Decorator and I could see these cards would be to me like decorating a room. Soon, I decided I needed to support my habit, ordered a few stamps and started a blog. The rest is history.....Joan's Gardens was started.
During these last 5 years I have met so many wonderful people, made so many new friends and have truly enjoyed creating a new company and building it into a successful business. Never in a million years would I have even imagined that we would be celebrating our 10,000th customer. It has been fun watching the business grow from where I was doing everything myself to having 3 employees.
And, it is all because of you .....our wonderful customers. THANK YOU!!!!!!!
And a true blessig from God!!!!!! He certainly gets all the glory!!!!!
And, to show my appreciation I will be giving away $50.00 in free products to a very lucky person.
All you have to do is leave me a comment to this posting telling me how you got started in cardmaking or scrapbooking. On Saturday, February 9th I will do a random drawing and choose the lucky winner.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
Joan
Joan's Gardens
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177 comments:
Wow Joan! 10,000 customers is quite a landmark. Congratulations! Best wishes for your continued success. I got started in card making many years ago with a Hallmark computer program. But more recently I took a class at a local university and got started all over again. What a wonderful hobby! Thanks for your blog. Its been a great help!
Congratulations Joan,how exciting...my order was in there somewhere..lol..what a fabulous accomplishment..my daughter started me off in carmaking,as she thought my life was boring..lol.. very CAS and quick cards, and like you, branched out on the internet and was blown away by the talent out there..the rest they say is history..
Thank you so much for the chance to win your fabulous prize..
Luv CHRISSYxx
WOW! What a road you have traveled in the last few years, congratulations!
I started card making because I could not longer make miniature flowers, and having a love for miniature flowers, card size flowers were the next option for me. And I love all my flowers in pink!
Marda
Congratulations, Joan! I can see why you have so many customers - it's a pleasure doing business with you! Gosh, I got started in 2002 or so, just dabbling. Our kids had both moved away in 1994 and 1999, then my mother passed away. I had been her caregiver each day from the time I got off work until time to go back to work. Suddenly I had nothing to do and needed a hobby. Ironically, my 'teacher' is now my very dearest friend! Thanks for a chance to win :) Hugs...
Congrats...what an accomplishment and sense of pride you must feel!
Wow Joan 10,00 customers! That is great. I started scrapbooking 20+ years ago and then started 16 yrs ago making scrapbooks for our grandchildren.
Went to some classes at a local store and took some card classes and got hooked:)
Then a dear friend about 4-5 yrs ago started really teaching me about card making and wow oh wow I am so hooked on all the supplies and the beautiful cards we make!! It has been so much fun and was so fun to find you on the internet and the rest is history:) We used to live up in that territory also.
TKS for chance to win:)
Blessings, Lynda
Congrat's on 10,000! I am one of them, lol. Thanks for the special attention and personal emails about the products I have ordered from you. I really appriciate your customer service.
Let's see, it all started when my husband signed me up for a scrapbooking 101 class and encouraged me to get started, lol. Boy is he sorry now, lol, just kidding! I've been doing this for about 6 or 7 years. Thanks for the chance to win!
A big congratulations Joan. After back surgery, I needed to heal and have something to do. I had been teaching Special Needs students in the high school setting for 33 years. My husband suggested I retire. I always loved working on projects with my students so falling in love with my first House Mouse stamp, I was hooked. I took card making classes since I could sit while healing my back. My back is healed ( 3 years later) and I have continued non-stop for my love of card making and projects. I still help students with projects...haha But boy or boy if only I had had all the cool tools I have now while teaching...haha Would love the chance to win your fabulous prize also.
Hi Joan,
Congrats on your 10,000th customer! That's amazing!!! I got started making cards because my mom has always been a huge rubber stamper. I guess you could say it is in my blood. Like mother, like daughter.
I really enjoy your website and all the wonderful cards and ideas.
Janean
Congratulations and good for you.
Actually my friend got me started when she invited me to a stamping party. That was over 15 years ago. Funny thing is I hardly use stamps at all any more.
Fabulous! Congratulations on reaching 10,000. This site is awesome and it is my favorite site to sit with my cup of coffee and find inspiration and the best creative ideas and the products. Thank you.
Congratulations on your success! How wonderful to have a hobby become a new business for you. I got my start in cardmaking about 12 years ago on a visit to my older sister's home in Athen, GA. (I live in MI.) She was attending a Stampin Up demonstration and I went along. I loved it right from the start. It was late fall and I ordered my very first stamps from SU by ordering a set of Christmas stamps. Now, 12 years later (and many, many dollars later!) I'm stilll in love with the hobby. I found your web site when I Googled "window dies" after having seen a card on Splitcoast Stampers that used such a die. And I'm thrilled with the service you provide your customers and your quick and super friendly service. I will be a returning customer for sure.
Bonnie Van
Amazing, I can remember when I first found you online, I had googled something I wanted and your blog popped up...and you have been getting me in trouble ever since..lol...and it won't stop me either....My stampng started when I was doing the craft shows and bought stamps to make prim tags, somehow just kept adding stuff and really went into scrapbooking, my real card making started in full swing when we became a blog world, it has opened up a whole new venue for me over the years, and hopefully will be able to do it forever....anywho....congrats on your success!!!!
Congratulations on reaching 10,000 Isn't that wonderful. I saw a card using beautiful flowers on another site and it linked to Joan's Garden. Because of your beautiful work, the dies you carry, and everything in between, I am making flowers and loving it. I'm using more and more dies now and have enjoyed all your help in the past. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.
Carole M.
First, congratulations! It is wonderful to see and hear about success stories. Hard work does pay off. I started stamping when my son was 3 yrs. old. Now he is in his second yr. of college. I started because I saw a handmade card a friend made. It was a simple embossed image, but I was so intrigued by it. I started with a shoebox and it grew and grew. I had to keep buying shoes for the boxes. It all worked out just fine!
PH
Congrats on your 10,000th customer. That is quite an accomplishment.
I started scrapbooking in 1998 after going to a CTMH home party, and of course cardmaking came along with the scrapbooking. I love doing both.
I've always enjoyed crafting - knitting, counted cross stitch embroidery and beading. When my now 7 yr. old granddaughter was turning 1, I wanted to make her a card. I went to Chapters and bought a card making magazine that came with embellishments, and paper. Then, like you, I started researching cardmaking and what I was seeing blew me away. I went to an SU open house and got to make 5 Christmas cards. The SU demonstrator taught me a lot at that open house and I ended up buying some items. Then I found a scrapbook store who provided card making lessons. My niece is a Close to my Heart Consultant and I learned a lot from her as well. When I look back at the cards I made 7 years ago, I just cringe! I have come a long way since then and now my 7 yr. old granddaughter and her 5 & 2 yr. old sisters craft with me sometimes. I love embellishments and I have a weakness for dies, glitter and lots of bling.
My daughter had a friend that sold stamp products. I went to a party to support that friend! I was hooked! LOVE to stamp and love your store! : )
Congrats on your success that wonderful YIP for you
I stated makeing cards 4 years ago My sister was doing them
and went I saw what see was doing well I got into it myself
i love makeing cards and like to try new thing about cards
And do love your blog with Selma
two very beautiful person you two are
Congrate again and hope more for you
HUGS
Congratulations Joan!
I love the products that I have purchased for your comapny. Thank you and keep bringing us great new products!
Nancy Labonne
Congratulations, I really enjoy your site.
I started card making after I retired. As a long time member of my church, I felt that our membership needed to be recognized in a personal way so I gathered names, addresses and dates. Two other ladies and myself get together each month to make birthday and anniversary cards each month to send to our membership. They love receiving the cards and we love making them.
Making cards is the best therapy there is. It's helped me overcome my depression, make new friends, travel to lots of store,classes,conventions,etc., opened my mind to new ways of thinking and lots more. There's something about creating order (a card) out of chaos (all the stamping supplies we have to choose from!) that is very calming and fulfilling. Thanks for your inspiration and introduction to some great products.
WOW only 5 years and look what you have done! Congratulations!!
Honestly, I can't remember how I got started makeing cards. I've been doing it for almost 8 years. It's just a hobby for me (an expensive hobby--but I love it)
Keep up the good work---I visit every day.
I forgot to add - Congratulations on reaching such a milestone in such a short time!
Congratulations, Joan! It's so nice to hear the positives - especially when you hear of so many stores closing! I got started in carding when my girlfriend brought some of her supplies to Bible study as our group was to make valentine cards for our shut-ins. I had so much fun that night! She invited me to come "play", and I was instantly hooked!
Hi Joan,
Congratulations!! I got started cardmaking after I received a handmade "thank you" note from a client. I thought he actually made it but it was one of his staff that sold Stampin Up! I got so interested in it I ordered a book from her, attended "free" (haha) demos at a local stamp store and thought "I will show Hallmark, I am not going to pay $5.00 for a card (well we all know that now we spend $25.00 to make a card). The rest of my cardmaking addiction is history for the past 13 years!
Thank you,
Janet
congratulations Joan on a well deserved milestone. I started card making slowly when I lived in Massachusetts, beginning about 10 years ago. I was not enamoured then but that would change. Then I moved to DE. I was for more years than I can count a needlecrafter. After moving to Delaware, I developed tennis elbow on both sides of my left arm and I had to switch crafts and an avid card maker was born. It helped that my daughter is a Stampin Up demonstrator and it offered us a common interest even though she lives in Iowa. It is a wonderful journey, this passion we share with so many delightful people.
Congratulations on reaching 10,000 customers! Isn't it amazing where life takes us while we think we're doing something else? I started paper crafting when a friend showed me a squash book - which I just HAD to make! And then I couldn't quit.
Congratulations!
My sister in law scrapbooked & told me that she thought I would enjoy this hobby. I got some stuff for my birthday, started playing, and the rest is history!
Let's see...how long ago did I start scrapbooking? It seems like a lifetime ago. I took a class at the local civic about oh 20 years ago I believe. I was hooked. I love photography and had taken classes from a local professional and classes at pnc. I had so many photo to scrapbook. Lo and behold I learned how to make a card! The rest is history. You and Selma are so super nice and give me so much inspiration. Congrats on your 10,000th customer! I know there are many more to come. Your shop is just the cutest. Well let's say you feed my addiction and make me happy! Thanks again Joan and Selma!
Congratulations Joan WOW what a success story! I hurt my back really badly and developed a lot of physical problems at the same time and I also became an empty nester then. I went through a very troubling time mentally at that point in my life and almost gave up on living but God had other plans for me and I met a lady who did stamping with her 13 kids as part of their home schooling and I became interested and went and bought a stamp and self taught myself how to and the rest is history! I am so thankful to God that He showed me that there was still things left that I could do and help others do to and because of this I have met so many wonderful people that I am truly blest. May your business continue to grow Joan and continue to enrich others lives! God bless you!
Hugs
Congratulations, 10,000! Wow, that's fantastic!
My daughter started me stamping 9 years ago this month. What was she thinking? It's not like i was looking for a new addiction or any thing. But as hard as it is to fit it in, my sessions at the craft table with paper and ink are like therapy.
Wow, congratulations! I got into cardmaking when I printed pictures of my children and then grandchildren onto cards to send to out of state family. I gradually got into stamping and die cutting and then just wanted more and more!
Congratulations...10,000 is huge. I have been crafting most of my life, started sewing at age 10 and did some wood crafts during the 90's and the Country Folkart time. About 10 years ago, a friend invited me to a scrapbook crop. I told her I didn't want to start another hobby....haha. I didn't realize how much fun it would be, how many wonderful people I would meet...not to mention the wonderful family albums and gazillion cards I have made in the last 10 years. I would not trade it for the world. :-)
Congrats Joan! No doubt it's because of your personalized, caring and wonderful customer service! I so enjoy ordering from you and wish I could do so more often. So...it all started for me when I received a hand made birthday card from a woman in my office. She introduced me to the Close To My Heart world of scrapbook ing and the rest is history....! Congrats again. Wishing much future success!
Congratulations on reaching your 10,000 customer!! What an accomplishment!! Its not hard to see why.
I love shopping here, and seeing all the great talent. I got starting making cards about 10 yrs ago, when I needed a quick card......and it grew into a fun hobby!
With 10,000 customers, the chance of winning is slim but, I would like to say congraduations!! I GOT STARTED TO HAVE A HOBBY TO DO WITH MY DAUGHTER. We both enjoy the fun and fellowship together. Blessings on your milepost. Victoria Stevens
Congrats on the 10,000 customer. I love how you operate your business, so friendly and just down home nice. I got into card making by accident. lol. My mom had a stroke and my sister and I took care of her and it was a hard thing to deal with so I started scrapbooking and remembering how life before the stroke was with mom. After she passed away, my daughter started selling Stampin Up and I would order enough to help her reach her limit she needed and started making cards. Fell in love with the mini art pieces and have been addicted ever since to making cards. I want to thank you from the bottom of MY heart for having the best store around and all the great products, service and taking the time to email me back when I have a question about anything. You have quite spoiled me and now I expect the same great service from all other stores and rarely ever get it. Thanks again for every thing you do.
After raising my kids and then being caregiver to first my dad with cancer, and then my mom with chf, I found myself in need of something just for me. I went back to working outside the home, and went to my first stamp convention. The rest is just history!
A big Congratulations Joan. You've done it and it's great. I could never imagine me doing that but I do love making cards. I can't wait for another day to look at all the beautiful cards that get posted and all the new items for sale. My basement is almost like a show room full of things to work with. My friend and I have a ball doing our cards. Keep up the good work. Edna B.
big congrats!!!! I'm excited for ya! I started stamping back in 2000 after going to a craft store with a friend of mine so she could buy a gift card......I never looked back,, it's my drug in life LOL
When my best friend passed away from cancer, I felt so alone, so I began making cards to give to others to take my mind off myself. I have to say that the beautiful dies and things found in your "store" has contributed to my addiction. Congratulations, Joan, on your success. I would rather shop at Joan's Gardens than anywhere else!
Joan, you know I don't leave very many comments, but I want you to know how much I appreciate you, your husband and the girls there at Joan's Garden! I know how hard it is to grow a business and then keep it! congratulations! Many years, 42 year to be exact, I started in scrapbooking. Granted it was because I had a 6th grade teacher who said we had to write an autobiography with a few pictures. I actually put together a 12 page written album with maybe 30 pages of pictures put in the album with those old black photo corner holders, but I did manage to label every last one with a comment near it. I managed to get a A++++++ my teacher loved it so much and said it was the best she had ever seen! Well, 42 years later and many, many albums and such later I am still putting them together with a lot of new techniques and stamps and dies and pretty paper and the list goes on! But what I am trying to say with what started as a 12 year old 6th grade assignment has grown into a love of putting my and my families heritage lovingly safe in albums for my family to view many years from now. I still have that album (a little beat up over the years of many hands and eyes looking at it) it is still as precious as the week I made it!
Congrats on 10,000!! I'm sure Anita will be excited to find a special gift in her box too.
When I was in elementary school I had 2 different babysitters depending on the day of the week. One always did mixed media type crafts with us and things like sourdough ornaments and things like that. The other is actually disabled but made a bit of money to support her own crafting hobby selling handmade cards and screen printing shirts and things. She decided that since I was so interested in everything in her craft room she would do various art lessons with me teaching a different thing each month. One month origami, another pressing flowers. We made stamps from everything from fruit and veggies to shoe insoles to erasers and Lino block. Screen printed for a while and made cards, pictures, bookmarks etc etc... I was totally hooked!! I still go out every so often and play in her studio with her although since then she has downsized as she no longer does any mass production crafts or makes any money at it just crafts occasionally because she enjoys it now when her health allows. I was lucky enough to be the beneficiary of many boxes if envelopes and other supplies when she downsized and now she enjoys coming to my studio to learn new techniques and play around. Love it!!
So, something small turn big and we are all happy for that. You have a wonderful web sight and you look after all of us well with your great prices. I started making cards using rubber stamps a few years ago but since then I have found great tools for embossing and die cutting, thank you Joan!
Congratulations on your continued success!! I enjoyed reading your story... thanks for posting it. :) Gosh, I started stamping way back in the mid 80's right after college. I organized a little field trip for my Girl Scout Troop that I was leader of to take a stamp class. I was hooked from that point on. LOL I started scrapbooking in 2000 when I got married. I dont scrapbook as near as much as I have pictures... just a couple years behind now. lol I've seen trends come and go and come again in the stamping and paper industry.
Hi Joan! I really enjoyed reading about how you got started making cards! I love so many crafts and am pretty good at some I must say. I think I got started with cards about a year and a half ago. My husband insisted on getting me a Cricut machine and I started using it for scrapbooking then made a few cards. All of my family loved them. Now I make all of my cards. I had emergency surgery in September so I was on my computer a lot and started a blog. I have met so many nice bloggers and have found so many informative card sites. Now I have a Cuttlebug and about 51 folders and I can't tell you how many stamps I have. It is so much fun and so rewarding. My Father will be 90 in June and he loves my cards. He has dedicated his china hutch as a display case for my cards. Thank you for the chance to participate in your wonderful giveaway.
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com
I enjoyed your story. I was asked by two friends to attend a stamping party with them. That was over 10 years ago and we still get together to stamp and I also started a card ministry at my church.
I have been making cards for 25 years. In the last 5 or so I have joined chemo angels. Needless to say I need lots of cards! Love it.
Joan,
I like you got started after doing my families genealogy for over 35 plus years. I had so much stuff, and I wanted to organize my family photos, as my grandmother had tons of pictures and had not put names on over half of them, so now I have boxes of pictures that I know are relatives, but don't know names on so many of them, including tin types. I have back to the early 1700's on a few family lines, so one day a friend said lets take a scrap booking class, needless to say I got addicted and she no longer does it!! During one of my class's, I bought a Hero Arts stamp and then made a few CAS cards, and I was HOOKED, so I went on line like you and joined a few forums and groups and have been card making since.
Card making has me firmly in its grasp!!
I still take some local card and scrapbooking class's just to socialize, but like you said it is a true addiction, I still scrapbook and have quite a few layouts all done, just have to get the pictures in them. I did go through all the existing pictures and put names on whom I do know, so that god forbid something happens to me, my daughter will not have the heartache I had.I have been asked now to start teaching class's at our local store, so I will probably do that this spring. Have done a few already but not on a steady basis.
I would love to do more, but being on disability and all my health issues, I am limited physically and now financially, Need to win the lottery!!!! My husband keeps joking that I can open a shop up in my crafting room!!!
So my friend we have similar beginnings!!!
Thanks for this wonderful chance, so many more dies I would love to purchase!!
Hugs to all,
Donna
I am so glad I could help you create your business. And to think you wrinkled your nose when I said "Lets make some cards this weekend instead of scrapbooking". I don't know if I should say that I have created a monster, or the rest is history... Either way you and I have had much fun with this. Love you!
Joan, your personal service is why you are so successful. That's what makes people come back to you for orders. Thank you for that.
Genealogy came first, then scrapbooking. When I retired from a stressful job, my daughter got me hooked on card making. It's a creative outlet for me now. And, Joan's Garden is my favorite place to get supplies.
Huge congrats to you Joan! What a fabulous story. Hard to imagine!
When my daughter was in preschool, I went to a Hero Arts demo at my local Hallmark store. I started buying a few supplies to get started, thinking it would be fun to make her party invitations and party favors, etc for her friends. That was 26 years ago, as she is now 30! How time flies!
DeniseB
Congratulations Joan-I love to read great stories that inspire me & others--good for you! You have the midas touch and you are always so friendly and positive which really makes your story a "warm fuzzy"! BRAVO to 10,000--onward to 100,000!
About 21 years ago, on a hot July night, I had just put #2 baby a new born to bed. I was going through the mail and thumbed through a catalog for "Azadi Aerls" (sp)-saw rubber stamps for the first time...ordered some, along with embossing powder and thought--from now on I will make my own cards! Mind you, I knew absolutely nothing about stamping. My first batch of cards were cooked in my oven! (That's how far embossing powder has come!)Yikes some were overcooked and rippled!!! Well, the rest is history and I stamp/create every single day! So who knows where this will lead me--it's all a happy thing!
Congratulations Joan. It has been fun watching your business grow.
Wow Joan, You have really had a beautiful and successful life and career. CONGRATULATIONS!!
I actually started stamping and card making when I retired about 14 years ago. Then my sister got me into scrapbooking and I did a bunch of albums for my oldest grandaughter cause she was interested in stamping and cutting. Then a new grandbaby arrived and started making albums for him. But went back to cards again and for the last 12 years or so, I have not bought a card. I have made all of the family birthday and holiday cards. Even had to do a Sympathy card with 15 minutes notice from my son or daughter in law!!! but I got them done. Last year I made a list of the birthdays and by some miracle had them all done a few months before the card was needed!! Trying to do the same thing this year. So far so good..Love working with dies and digi stamps and copic coloring.
Congratulations to you again and praying for many more years of enjoyment for you.
warm hugs,
bobbi
Congratulations Joan, I, like you began with scrapbooking but once I started making cards I was hooked. You are right cards are a work of art and so rewarding to make.
Rene from OZ xo
Wow, congratulations on 10,000 customers!! That is so awesome!! I got started crafting by watching the shows HGTV and DIY used to air (I first saw Tim Holtz on the Carol Duvall show!!). I tried several different crafts and working with paper became my passion. I'm embarrassed to look at my first scrapbook from over 10 years ago!! I love making cards for my family and friends :)
Lisa
indymermaid(at)gmail(dot)com
A Mermaid's Crafts
Congrats on 10,000 customers. Wow! From so small to growing larger and larger.
I started by making 4 small Christmas scrapbooks, a large recipe scrapbook for one of my daughters-in-law and a pet scrapbook for the other.
I used to go in Hobby Lobby and wonder what people did with those stamps. Surely, I thought, they will quit selling those soon because I couldn't imagine anyone bought them.
My sister wanted me to try out cardmaking and even brought me a tub full of stamps that sat around the house for a year and I gave them back. Ugh! Didn't have a clue how to color them. They were mostly House Mouse.
Soon, my sister ran into someone in Hobby Lobby that told her about Splitcoaststampers and she wanted me to take a look. No way was I interested in that nor did I think I could do it! One day while my sister was on a trip, I decided to make her a card just for fun. It was very simple with some embellishments but no stamps. Wow! That turned out to be fun and the card was rather cute. Plus, I was thinking of all the beautiful cards on SCS.
I went with my sis to a card class a couple of times thinking I'll never be able to watercolor. Well, I learned and then went to pencils and then Copics. I'm addicted!!! Yes, to dies, punches, Copics, the whole bit.
So, there you have it.
Joan congratulations! I loved reading all of the above comments. I was in Pinterest and noticed all the beautiful cards. I wanted to try my hand at it. I've always done some sort of craft. My mother showed me how to cross stitch and I've done that for over 30 years! I've been making cards now for about a year and I am totally hooked.
I got started stamping after attending a home party. I was - and still am - totally hooked on stamping!!!!
Oops, forgot to say Congratulations!!!!!!!!! 10,000... that is awesome!!!!
YAHOO! What a wonderful milestone you have reached! And I TOTALLY know why ... you are the most wonderful, giving, attentive person I know! Wishing you years & years of happiness and good business adventures in your future! My 10 years of paper crafting started with scrapbooking then lead into card making and as they say "the rest is history". I'm blessed to have met so many wonderful people like you through this hobby! God Love & Bless You!
Congratulations!! Wow!! You Go Girl!!
I got started many years ago....more then I want to count when I went to a scrapbook party. One thing lead to another, then another and progressed to where I am today making cards, books, tag books and altered art. Loving live and my studio! Thank goodness I found you Joan!! Couldn't do it all without you!
Congratulations on hitting 10,000 customers! I got started making cards by my friend who previously introduced me to scrapbooking. She insisted I go to a SU party with her and I fell in love!
Hugs and blessings,
Marsha
Getting closer to retirement, I also thought how interesting it would be to sell card and scrapbook making supplies but only in my home. I got started with digital photographic software that had scrapbooking in it. When my friend opened up a scrapbooking store in town, that make me more excited to do cards and scrapbooking using supplies. It reminded me of quilting, etc. of working with beautiful colors and making flowers. It made me look at flowers and other beautiful things in nature of how to make it beautiful in a card with the same feeling and appreciation of it's beauty including people. To add to the appreciation of this hobby is adding a few special friends to come over and do this together along with grand daughters and my daughters. I am blessed with so much and giving cards aways is another way of saying that I appreciate them in so many ways.
Congrats! So glad you decided to go into business! I started cardmaking when I saw a set of Hero Arts silhouette flower stamps at a craft show where I was shopping for sewing supplies. I saw them demod with versamark and chalks and I thought it was the prettiest thing I'd ever seen. I still have that first ink pad and the chalks though I'll admit I haven't used that technique in a very long time. Best wishes and I hope you have another 10000 happy customers!
Congratulations!!! I started card making about 10 years ago after I saw an ad in our local newspaper stating card classes for beginners would be forming. I have met wonderful people and made a lot of friends. It is a wonderful and rewarding hobby.
Oh Joan, yours is such a wonderful story! Congratulations on your 10,000th customer and the total success of your business! I am not surprised though; since I "met" you online, through your blog and Selma's, I can say that it's an honor to be a part of your story. I too, was talked into scrapbooking, but that led to card making. I must admit, I enjoy the card making more, but I still have plans to create some scrapbooks for my kids. I'd better hurry, they are 35 and 38! But anyway, I love papercrafting of all kinds, the dies, the markers, the stamps, etc etc etc. Congratulations again.! I wish you 20,000 customers!
Congratulations! You have so many gorgeous items - and of course the lovely cards from you and from Selma.
I guess I actually started card making with a computer program. Then I bought a couple of items to make an album for my mother's 80th birthday, many years ago. Later, during our RV travels, I attended a couple of stamping parties. I soon scouted all the free make and takes at local stores - and I now have my own room that is not really large enough to hold my supplies!
I started stamping cards after attending a homeschool workshop on rubber stamping. It took a few years but the bug soon became an addiction. I love card making. I didn't want to scrapbook, but one of my daughters started and then I started to be able to do something with her and the rest as they say, is history.
congrats, Joan, love your site and all the wonderful cards from you and Selma. My sister got me started making cards at a family reunion, I was hooked, and have ben doing it for about ten years, altho my sis is no longer interested, it is a blessing for me to be able to do this
Congrats on reaching 10,000 customers! What a milestone! I started making cards as an extension of my scrapbooking. Started reading blogs and have never looked back. There sure are some incredible cardmakers out there and they all keep me inspired!
A friend invited me to a home show for Creative Memories and I was sucked right in. Started with album pages and then ventured into card making. Love that you can make something very simple to something very intricate to fit the person. I've also made 12x12 calendar pages for my Mom to display each month on the fridge.
So much fun to get together with friends to share ideas and tips!
Congratulations on hitting 10,000 customers! Keep those new items coming!!!!!
I got started stamping because my Daughter was helping a friend by having a work shop for a Stamp company back in 2000 and I was hooked. It is now my passion and addiction. I love it I belong to 3 stamp clubs and I love it
My best friend and her daughter had been making cards for several years. When my mother passed in 2003, I got started and Valentines were my first card.
It went from there and I have way too many supplies!
I still love it, order on line because I live in farm country, and love to see all the blog cards.
Joan, CONGRATULATIONS! You've reached an awesome milestone, and in the process have touched a lot of lives. Your blog inspires us all.
Five years ago a friend of mine invited me to a Stampin Up home party to try my hand at making cards, and I have never been the same since. I love playing with paper, ink, dies, and punches to create something special for all the special people in my life. Thank you for helping me achieve that goal!
Here's to your next 10,000!
How exciting for you to have that many customers! Congratulations! My husband was working on his doctorate at BYU in the early 90s, and I visited the Provo Craft store in Provo. I was hooked immediately. They were very helpful to get me started on stamping. I tried to emboss with a hair dryer, and I'm sure you know what happened when I used it. Then I went to a D.O.T.S home party, and I was hooked. I have been going and going every since that time like the little Energeizer Bunny with this craft. It's my passion now, and I wish I had a bigger craft room. Again congratulations and here's to another 10,000!
Shirley L.
I sorta started because I went to a demonstration party for a company. I loved it and bought a lot of stamps, but once I got home - life got in the way and I forgot what I had learned. It remained in my creative mind. I was always doing something crafty. I went thru life like everyone else does and became passionate about many crafts. I have returned to stamping scenes and cards that I can use with scenes. I don't know how else I would have gotten thru some of the down times without my stamping.
Congratulations and may you soon reach 20,000. You have an amazing company and amazing products.
I started cardmaking because I thought it would be fun to make personalized cards for my grand kids. After I few cards I was hooked and then a friend introduced me to blogging and away I went.
Myrna
Congrats Joan on such a wonderful milestone. I am so glad that you shared your story. My mother was a card sender. She sent cards to everyone for everything. I used to shop for cards for her and she would send them out. After my Mom passed away a friend introduced me to stamping and card making. I've been hooked ever since and now carry on my Mom's tradition of sending cards to friends and family. How generous that you share with us! Thanks! Have a wonderful weekend.
Joan congratulations to you, I love placing orders with you. I got started stamping over 17 years ago. At first I wanted to stamp onto my line of handmade muslin dolls' aprons and pinafores. Of course way back then there wasn't any ink suitable for stamping on fabric so I started stamping on paper instead. Never looked back. I worked at 2 different stamp stores until each one of them closed. I also taught stamping classes at each store. I really miss the teaching part though.
gettin' inky...
Congratulations to you. Thank you for providing such great inspiration for us.
I got started cardmaking in a totally digital world. As a photoshop teacher, I showed students how to layer digital papers and images,and embellish cards. To get out the glue and paper again (after 30 years of making cards as a classroom teacher with construction paper, and little hands) was wonderful. And to learn the art of die cutting, design, and to have available everything from Joan so fairly priced and so promptly has been a pleasure. It is we who thank YOU Joan for all you've done to enrich our lives and spur our passions.
Joan, Congratulations! I started making cards for about 15 yrs and love doing it! I love getting new things to use and make it faster to make cards start with Dots and now I mostly use Stampin and love looking through your store :)
Jackie Meyers
How did I get started? Well, a friend was an an avid stamper and had been bugging me for years to try it and I wouldn't do it. She finally talked me into my first stamp for Christmas cards and I still fought it until she stopped doing anything with me (became a hermit). I got lonely and started visiting my LSS on a weekly basis for coffee and cookies and got hooked.
It has expanded to wedding invitations, gifts and still making cards. I find it so relaxing.
Thank you for all the inspiration you present and for making my wallet so, so much thinner. Here's to the next 10,000!
Cathy
congratulation Joan.That is quite an accomplishment. I love you web site and it's many products offered. I started making cards maybe 3 yrs ago when I wentto a friends house for a class. I wasn't much good at first but have improved and love doing it now. I have scrapbooked some and am not presently working on a book for my great grand kids.
thanks for all your help
Well I am making another comment. I have been reading back over why everyone got started with paper creating and I think each story is great. A great way for each person to store their memories or cheer someone up or congratulate someone or for just encouragement. Well I want to encourage you in keeping your store up as,long as you can. Everyone here has been touched by you and your personal touch you have put in Joan's Garden! thank you for putting up,with me and to let you know I appreciate it. I appreciate you opening the store when I travel through your state on the way to Illinois, for letting me join in the workshops and always finding a space for me. Thank you and may you have many many more customers and a blessed year! Nancy
JOAN CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WONDERFUL BUSINESS. JOAN 'S GARDEN IS MY FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP...YOUR. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST. I HAVE BEEN MAKING CARDS FOR ABOUT NINE YEARS I LOVE RIBBON...BUTTONS, AND ANYTHING WITH FLOWERS AND LADYBUGS!!
I HOPE YOUR BUSINESS CONTINUES TO THRIVE!
YOU ARE ONE SPECIAL LADY!
THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU! Sue Kraft
ZUKraftS
In 1997 I went to my first Stampin Up demo, which started me with stamping---then that led to scrapbooking. I use all kind of products now.
first of all, congratulations on your wonderful milestone! i'm glad i can join in with the rest as a fond customer!
in the early 90's, my best friend gave me a rubber stamp of an anatomically correct heart with a big, fat red juicy marker! being a cardiac icu nurse, it was a perfect way to "sign" my charts! lol! i had found a great brain stamp for my friend who nursed in the neuro icu and we never looked back!
Margaret Upton..Joan I had a friend yeas ago that was scrapbooking everytime we went on vacation I always bought her something .. eventually I said I'm going to start scrapbooking and buy for myself.. Then I saw how homemade cards were so neat to make and and deceided to try it and have been hooked on making cards ever since.. Love the results after the card is
finished.. Makes me proud that I can make something so pretty
Congratulations, Joan! That is quite an achievement.
My mum is a crafty person so I have been crafting from childhood. That included the odd card as well, but not many. When I came to live in the UK I found I was expected to send out cards for many occasions so I started making quite a few of them. The fun started when I read about ATCs, I liked the idea and got into making them, enjoying the liberating freedom to do what you like on them. After a little while I tried to take that new liberty back into card making. The madness started when I discovered all the lovely product available, and different techniques to make cards that are as nice or better than shop bought ones... this helped me to cut down on production time plus I received friendly comments from the recipients, so it wasn't long and I was hooked...!
I was in a Michael's store just browing,when a woman came in looking for a magazine she was publshed in. One word led to another and I started taking card making classes with her. 3 years later we are the best of friends and she is still my teacher.
I've always loved papercrafts. In the 80's I was given some cards with tiny tatted flowers. I taught myself to tat and then found rubber stamps with flower designs and from there my card making hobby was born.
Congratulations, Joan! I'm sure this won't be your last "celebration" since you've got everything and anything a scrap person wants, and beautiful cards to see. I started cardmaking with a really good friend and from there it just flourished! I love the hobby, I can't get enough time in or I'd be in my room all day. Would love to have another $50 worth of your products to add to my collecton! Thanks for the opportunity, and again, Congratulations!
Ms. Joan ~ you are so deserving of every blessing of success! Your customer service is exceptional! Thank you! Making cards is my passion as every time I complete one, my soul sings! I started 10 years ago when a coworker invited me to a SU class, and I was hooked!!! It continues to bring such joy!
WOW! Congratulations Joan! You make shopping easy and stress free! Thank you! I got bored w/scrapbooking and was always curious about the stamps I saw in Hobby Lobby/JoAnn's. For some reason I purchased one not knowing what to do w/it! I googled stamping techniques. Bingo, I was hooked!
Congratulations Joan! Your story is wonderful and your customer service is like no other. I basically started my art after seeing an infomercial for The Slice machine and the Cricut and realized that I could have a cutting machine of my own.....then I found YouTube and all these years later have myself a scrappy heaven called my scrap room :). Keep up your excellence and we will keep shopping!
Congratulations, Joan! What an accomplishment!
I started stamping and making cards way back in the 80's and early 90s. I had a small shop in a bigger shop in the days when "country"decorating was all the rage.
I did acrylic painting on anything that didn't move, and started making a few cards. I look at those I make today and can hardly believe the ones I made back then. They were so basic, no embellishments or anything, just stamping and coloring. I make cards all the time now, have had many published in Just Cards and other publications, have sold some and have more in my house now than most stores.
I am almost 93, but keep creating everyday. Best wishes. Sarah Stainback
Congratulations on so many customers Joan! Even though I have only ordered from you once, it was a wonderful experience. As soon as summer gets here and I can start making money again, I definitely will be ordering from you again. I love the personal experience, your great prices, and your fast delivery!
I have actually been making cards and handmade books since I was in high school. I am 60 now, so it's been a very long time. I love it more than ever now, because there are so many wonderful new papers and tools we have to work with. Embossing folders and dies are the things I love the most, and you have so many beautiful ones in your store!
Congratulations Joan. What a accomplishment. Like you I came upon scrapbooking and card making because of differently. First of all, a friend of mine ask me to go to a scrapbook evening with her. After it was done, I convinced my friend to become a Creative Memories consultant. Althought I stopped scrapbooking, just tonight I finished a scrapbook for my daughter that is expecting her first baby. I was in a scrapbooking store shopping for stickers and started talking to the owner that convinced me to take a card making class and the rest is history. I get more gratification from doing the cards as it takes less time and now that I am hooked on Copic's and Dies, and all the rest of it. I am just a mess..... I wait patiently everyday for Selma to post her beautiful cards as I think she is the Queen of making beautiful cards with especially flower dies... She is #1......
Congratulations Joan. What a great accomplishment. I got started in my card making a couple of years ago when I decided I really needed a hobby. I went to a Stampin Up party with my sister and from there its history. I love making cards.
Huge congratulations on your business accomplishments, and also to Anita for having such a lucky day!
I got started in scrapbooking when my mom fell, broke some ribs, and could no longer live alone. While cleaning out her apartment, I found a trunk-sized box full of old photos and treasured keepsakes from her life, and I just knew I had to identify and document each and every photo. Thus began my scrapbooking adventures, and a year or two later after that project was finished, I saw a pretty card on the counter of my LSS that fascinated me, so I signed up for the class to learn how to make it. The rest is history!
Thanks for all you do for the world of crafting! I'm so happy for your amazing accomplishments that have clearly exceeded your expectations! Take a bow Joan :)
What a tremendous accomplishment! Your little business has sure blossomed into a beautiful flower. Congratulations. I got hooked on making cards when I bought a Cricut. Now I'm hooked on dies and Copics too. It's such a creative and relaxing hobby. I hope you have 10,000 more customers in alf the time!
Congratulations Joan! You have a lovely home and cute shop outside too! Glad I had the opportunity to come to a workshop - it was a wonderful day! My friend Susan Vore got me on the trail of card making when she brought her metal embossing stencils and stylus to our sewing group in 2011 - little did I know in 2012 I would purchase a Cricut Machine and Cuttlebug. The next think I knew - I was blogging and entering card challenges! It has been and still is a fun ride. Thanks for the chance to win $50 shopping spree - enjoy your weekend! Gail Scott
utb 01 @att. net no spaces
Congrats on 10,000 That is fantastic. Your story is much like mine. My niece invited me to a scrapbooking party and I bought in to help her, we HAD to learn card making ( I hated) I was a scrapbooker and a fellow geneologist Now I would rather make cards than anything and I am 5 years behind in scrapping and I haven't touched Ancestry .com in months. I'm Hooked and I love all yours and Selma's lovely ideas. They are the spark to my fire.
Joan, this is just amazing that you have come this far in such a short time. Just doing what we love and meeting people that share our love of scrapbooking and cardmaking is a joy in itself.
I started scrapbooking first but soon got into cardmaking. I was hooked after the 1st card. I love all the tools and I enjoy trying new ones. This is my release from stress and I love making new friends and seeing all of the different ideas that everyone comes up with. I cannnot think of a more wonderful hobby or business to be in. Good luck to you and thank you for all that you do for us.
Congratulations Joan! What an interesting story about you getting into scrap booking and card making. I got into stamping by attending a ladies' prayer group. Afterwards we would do a craft. A lady came and showed us how to use embossing powder on a card! I thought it was like magic and so pretty! I was hooked! At first I heat embossed over the stove burner! LOL! Then I invested in a heat gun. I have been stamping for about 20 yrs. It has been just 2 yrs. since I have started my blog. That has really been a big step for me since I am not very computer savvy. Just love stamping and making cards! I enjoy your blog and seeing yours and Selma's creations!
Hi Joan, CONGRATS! Your friendly service as contributed greatly to you success I’m sure.
A friend tried to get me into scrapbooking but I keep saying no I had too many other things to do.
Then I gave a couple Tea Parties to teach my young granddaughter how to give a party. I thought it would be nice to make a scrapbook of the parties so that when she grows up she can look back and remember the wonder times we had preparing for our parties. That got me started scraping.
Then a card maker friend loaned me her Cricut while she went on vacation. That’s it I was hooked on cards. Like you I searched the internet and was amazed at the cards I found. Somehow I ran across Joan’s Garden and a whole new world opened for me. I love the different dies you carry and your cards are an inspiration to me.
Thank you so much!
Lindah in AZ
Congratulations Joan...quite a feather in your cap!!!! When I took early retirement I discovered digital photography (ironic as I cut everyone's head off with a regular camera), and made the pics into cards to say thanks, etc. 6 years ago I walked into a stamp store and I was hooked! Over the 6 years, my skills increased, blue ribbons won at county and state fairs, and now enjoy teaching and doing demos. It is very fulfilling to share techniques with others! Love it...thanks for asking.
Paper Hugs,
Jan
Thanks for telling us all about how this all started for you, Joan...always interesting to hear how others began. Six years ago, I was invited to a Stampin'Up gathering by a fellow FACS teacher and I was immediately 'hooked'. I still attend the monthly group because the Stampin' Up consultant is so talented and I always come home with 3 wonderful cards. I also stamp once a month with another group of ladies and we share a lot of ideas. I love your site because of the variety of offerings you present to us. Thanks for taking the risk to start another business. Congratulations, too!!
Well God has blessed you. You are an inspiration to all those who love to make cards. I started making cards after doing my first scrapbook for my mothers 69th birthday. Thanks for your inspirations and those whom you sponsor. May God continue to bless your business. Karen
Congratulations Joan, I remember those early learning days (and late nights) We had fun connecting and learning together. I am excited for you. Imagine, 5 years, how exciting. I am NOT surprised by your success. Your talent and your background makes this a perfect fit for your new found business and your love of people and wanting to help them makes it a joy for people to come to your workshops and to your blog.
God has truly blessed you as you have blessed others. Again, I am happy for your success and will continue to pray for your continued success.
Hi Joan, I got started when I saw a lady do heat embossing at a craft show. I was intrigued. Shortly after that a class in rubber stamping was offered at a local college for adult education. It was only a one day 4 hour class but I was hooked. Now, many years later and many $$$ spent in my attempt to save money AND be creative, I stamp almost daily.
tonilea
jiffy1212@aol.com
Congratulations on your wonderful success. I know that I have enjoyed talking with you on the phone when placing my orders.
I started making cards about 5 years ago when my oldest Granddaughter gave me a stamp for Christmas. That was the beginning of enjoyment of crafting and giving my creations to others.
Thank you for the wonderful give away chance to win.
Marjorie from TX
Congratulations on 10,000 followers. I've been a scrapbooker for 14 yrs after attending a Creative Memories party. Then about 4 yrs ago I was at a crop and was introduced to blogs. I was amazed and inspired to make cards from all the wonderful ideas that were posted. I still scrapbook but not nearly as often as making cards.
Congratulations 10,000 is great and you should be please with your self.
I started making cards in my late 60s
When I stop and look back at my cards
then i wonder how I have improved.I am also a full time carer for my husband,so of a night it is great to have time for myself. Thank you for giving me a chance to win. Jenny.
jennyskey@ozemail.com.au
I too would like to congratulate you on such an accomplishment. Before my retirement, a co-worker brought to the office a scrapbook of his new born baby girl. I said,"I want to do that." His wife was a demonstrator and I held a show for her. I watched intently as she showed us her techniques. I immediately began reading, researching, doing everything I could to teach myself until I was satisfied I was proficient in scrapbooking!! Then one day I met two ladies in HL who told me about card making and the club they were in. They invited me to join them, I did, and now I am totally hooked on papercrafting. My craft room is my happy place.
I started out by making digital books for my children and grandchildren. I was searching online for ideas when I came across a couple of blogs that had really neat ideas on them. I subscribed because I thought they were so interesting. They were also card makers and I thought - I would never want to make cards - what a pain, and didn't pay too much attention when the posts were cards, which ended up being most of the time. Then, one day, I saw one that was perfect for one of my grandsons - and I was hooked! Many, many, many dies, stamps, punches, inks, markers, pencils, tools, machines, and more paper than I'll ever use in my lifetime later, I'm making cards for every birthday and holiday that comes along. Now I think - what fun!
Congratulations, Joan, and many more years of bringing your talent and inspiration to us all. I was invited to a scrapbook party a few years ago and have been addicted ever since. I also make cards for family and friends and enjoy it a LOT! Again, congrats, and here's to 10,000 more.
congrats on your 10,000 customers!! I started making cards with a friend in 2007 after I had surgery and the rest is history!!
Congratulations on your 10,000 customers. What an accomplishment!
I was dragged into scrapbooking by an old friend when I was 18. I really got into it after I got married and DH and I started to travel.
I was introduced into cardmaking when I was encouraged to make my own wedding invitations by a friend into card making. My supplies were soon put away.
When DS's were born, I fell into cardmaking as a way of having time to myself after they had gone to bed. Scrapbooking took too much thinking. I loved cardmaking because it was quicker and didn't require as much planning. Now I'm totally hooked!
I bought my first stamp in the early 80's and never stopped collecting! It was a PSX and I still have it. Congrats on your milestone. I love your blog, and seeing all your videos. Good luck in obtaining your next 10,000!
I was roaming through a craft store and their stamps were on sale. I bought one and remember sitting thinking now what am I supposed to do with this. I set it aside and one day I stumbled onto a blog showing how to take a stamp, color it and add all the embellishments and make a card! I never looked back~!
Congratulations Joan! I made my first card with a Print Shop program in '96. All were computer generated till about '99 when I met my first mentor. She taught me to decorate and we bonded instantly and are still friends with a monthly play day.
Congratulations Joan! What a wonderful accomplishment! I have always had an interest in crafts of some sort, then one day I saw some scrapbook classes offered at a store. Did that, then heard about a lady that does cards from her home. I have been making cards at home now for about 3 years in my wee tiny craft room, that usually gets one new item a week!
Congratulations on your impressive milestone. I began my cardmaking journey with computer programs such as Hallmark and PrintMaster. I liked (and still like) creating my own sentiments that were designed especially for each card recipient. Then came stamping, embossing, die-cutting, and...you know how it goes. Thank you for the opportunity to perhaps shop for free !
Congratulations, Joan! You are an amazing woman! I started on my card making journey when someone demonstrated a simple stamped design embossed with gold embossing powder. I was hooked! It was love at first sight!
Blessings,
Diane (from Singapore)
Seven years ago, when my daughter was 14,she asked to go to a cardmaking class and it was impractical for me to drop her off and return so I stayed for the class.The teacher was so kind and full of a wealth of knowledge of which I knew nothing; I became instantly intrigued and now it is my one of my most favorite things to do in life.
10,000 customers... what an awesome accomplishment! Congratulations Joan! I like to blame my former coworkers for getting me into stamping. After many attempts at trying to get me interested in making cards with them, they finally showed me a cute tugboat stamp in a SU catalog. That was all it took... I was hooked and now have "boatloads" of stamping supplies!
hugs,
Hilda
What a wonderful success story you are having. Greatly deserved. Love your blog site and wish you more success in the coming years.
WOW! I'm so impressed with your story! It's interesting how serendipidity takes us down paths we never would have imagined. But, because of your steady dedication and persistence,it really paid off. I can't think of a definitive point where I started stamping and scrapbooking. It was more of a gradual immersion. Whenever I would come to visit my husband's grandmother, a special treat would be to spend many hours browsing Leewards and Postons (art and crafts stores). Eventually, both ended up going out of business and Leewards became a Michaels. I started out with some stamping books and stamps in the early 90's and then as every good crafter does, went on accumulating supplies from there. I attended many used stamp sales, craft garage sales and Stampfests over the years. My crafting enjoymnent really took off when I purchased my Wizard many years ago. I introduced my stamping group to their dies and raved about the Nestabilities. It's amazing to see how they have revolutionized the diecutting industry. I still have not succumbed to a Cricut yet though.
I began cardmaking when a friend "dragged" me to a cardmaking "party". That was 2 years ago and my goal is to create cards like you and Selma do! Your site has been of great inspiration. Congratulations on your marvelous milestone! Keep those marvelous products and ideas coming. And last, but not lease, THANK YOU.
It's always so much learning how each of us scrapers got into doing cards and scrapbooking. I loved your story as well.
My story began in 2007 with my daughter showing me her cards she made and showed me how to embossing with her embossing gun. It fasinated me and I began doing some of my own afterwards and eventually started my own blog to join in all the fun of seeing each others work out there and displaying some of my own. I view your blog and Selmas everyday practically to see all the lovely products displayed and for sale.
Thanks for an opportunity to play and win on your site Joan.
Blessings in 2013...Leanne
What a great story Joan. Thanks for sharing it. I didn't know that.
I got started in this crazy hobby which I prefer to call therapy when my adult daughter introduced me to it about ten years ago. I never considered myself artistic but found even I could make things that looked pretty good. Uh oh, I got hooked and started the collections of stamps, papers and inks! It has been a blessing in my life. I do love it.
Congratulations on the success of your business.
Karen
WOW WOW oh WOW!. Who would have tunk it that many years ago. But when you put your heart into it like you do Joan it isn't surprising, you give and give of your whole self. I so proud to be a part of this 10,000 number. Congratulations my dear friend. Well deserved in every way.
I got starting 12 years ago when my son who has special needs and I was looking for books when I went into a store called Western Educational where Cathie Allan taught classes. I fell in love with her cards & thought I could make cards cheaper than buying them. Sadly not my cards are probably more expensive than the store bought ones, but I sure have fun making cards for my family. I also scrapbook as well my son's life. I actually forgot to buy the books for my son that day too!
Congratulations Joan! This is a very exciting milestone. I am so glad to have stumbled onto your "Garden" a couple of years ago. I truly enjoy purchasing from you and your personalized service. It is so exciting to see how God has blessed you and your business. It is so wonderful to see/hear you give Him the glory too. I pray He will continue to bless you.
I remember voicing to a colleague one day that I was intrigued with hand made cards and she said she knew someone who did card making parties and sold supplies for making cards. I hosted my first ever Stampin' Up party and was hooked on card making.
Thank you for your generousity and the chance to win free products.
!0,000 - WOW - Congratulations!!! My niece got me started in card making - I had all kinds of paper for scrapbooking that was in a major slump, so she encouraged me to start making cards. What a wonderful world it has opened up!! Judy D.
Congratulations Joan!!! I'm glad that you decided to support your habit same as I? Sometimes it just pays off!!!Thanks for your awesome website so we to can feed our addiction.
COngratulations!!!! Paper art is my passion and i have been quilling for past 1yr and 10 months and cardmaking is a new interest now and have been doing for 5 months now. Thanks for chance :)
First of all, I love your website! God has indeed blessed you with all you have and share with the rest of us. I started card making about 8 years ago. I just couldn't wrap my mind around why you would need so many stamps and "stuff" to make a little card. Well! Here I sit in my corner of the world surrounded with the most fun and beautiful card making things. I'm passionate about it. Haven't bought a store-bought card since the day I started. Can't say I've saved any money though!!! HA Ha! Thank you Joan for making so many of us happier and teaching us so much. Blessings!
Congratulations on such a huge landmark! I started making my own Christmas cards many years ago and then recently discovered challenge blogs. I have learned so much from other crafters. Thank you so much for all the wonderful supplies you provide! Wishing you many more years of blessings! Hugs!
Congrats on your 10,000 customers! That's quite an accomplishment!
My mom started scrapbooking when my daughter was about 9 or 10 years old so that would have been about 15 years ago. I caught the "fever" from her and have been doing scrapbooking every since. About 8 or 9 years ago I started stamping with a friend of mine and I loved how cards could be little pieces of art. I've been working on coloring with copics and trying new styles. What a fun way to express my creativity!
Joan, I stsrted card making about 10 years ago, my neice brought stamps and supplies and I was hooked!!! I have been unable to do much for the last 3 months. I fell in my living room and broke my rigjt arm and rotator cup. I was at my daughters until this week. Because I am right handed, I will be a while before I can make cards again. I have received many articles from you, Joan, and you have been so kind to me.I am going on 89 years young and I intend to get back!!!!!!!!
Joan,
Congratulation on being so successful in this adventure you started. Yes God does give out true blessing. I started scrap booking 1996 because I was going to be a Grandmother and wanted to give to my grandchildren what I wasn't able to give my children, recorded memories. After scrap booking for several years, I started making greeting card at the request of some ladies I was teaching scrap booking and that is how I managed to get to where I am today. Today I have many friends in the crafting field and have met so many gifted and talented crafters. I feel so blessed to be able to share and learn from everyone. Joan I especially thank you and Selma for helping me grow in crafting, it is an awesome journey.
Thank you
Congrats! And many more yrs of continued success! I resisted the stamping bug about 20 yrs ago when some friends wanted me to get started! Well that only lasted for a short time! The rest is history!
Congrats! Your wonderful customer service is the best and the reason I keep coming back!
I started rubber stampping 10 years ago with my sisters,
for just a fun night of something to do. I haven't stopped yet.
Thanks Joan for all your hard work on your blog. I started scrapbooking years ago and then stopped for awhile. I started back up when I adopted my kids. My son is 13 years old and is from Korea and my daughter is 9 years old and is from China. I love to scrapbook for them in hopes that they will have wonderful memories of things that they experienced. If they someday find their birthparents they will have some good memories to share with them.
Joan,congratulations that is great. I am not surprised, talking to you on the phone for orders I can see why you are such a success. Your blog is the first on my list and I check it daily. I have only been making cards about 6 years. My friends at work scrapbook and make cards and talked me into it and I got hooked. Congrats again and I very much enjoy doing business with you.
Congratulations Joan!
My sister-in-law is the one that got me started in card making
ColleenB.
Congratulations Joan - You are one in a million! I started card making after receiving a beautiful card from a friend I had not seen for a long time. It has been the most wonderful hobby and has introduced me to many NEW life long friends and you are certainly a blessing in my life. I truly value you and your wonderful busines. Thanks to you for your many kindnesses.
What a wonderful story and congratulations on your 10,000th customer! I love shopping with you and reading your blog. I can see myself in you except I didn't retire until I was 70 and I don't think I have the energy to embark in another adventure. I started scrapbooking 13 years ago when my first grandson was born and then 10years ago I went to a home party for cardmaking and was hooked! I now have a bedroom full of stamps,, dies, pencils, etc. I also have friends that come over 1-2 x a week to "play" and stamp. I sell my cards at two gift shops and through other people so I do stay busy with that and appreciate all orders that I get. Again, keep up the great work that you do and congratulations!
Congratulations! It is always a pleasure to do business with you. Wishing you continued success.
I got started in cardmaking because my niece became a demo for a stamp company and after attending a few of her parties, I was hooked.
God has truly blessed you and your business. Congratulations! A friend of mine invited me to a party and that was all it took. The rest is history. Been stamping since 1991. A different friend, Colleen, introduced your workshops to me - and, again, the rest is history. Love learning new techniques and your workshops never let me down. Maggie
Got started with a woman fighting cancer. We would gather at her place and she would teach us to make the cards but in reality she taught us about life, hope, living.Now I make cards to unstress myself as cancer has struck my husband. Thanks for your site as I live in a small town and there is not the availability of a scrapstore very close to our town. It's awesome to be able to use your website and see the wonderful cards that you, Selma and others make
Shirley Lowe
My sister-n-law was a SU demonstrator. She brought several of her supplies to our inlaws one Christmas and I was hooked. So much so that when most went out for the evening, I stayed home and played. I have been hooked ever since and have been a SU demonstrator myself for 10 years.
Wow!! You have come so far and should be so proud. I started stamping when I went to visit my family in Nebraska. My sister showed me and I was hooked. I came back to SC and was lucky enough to find a great store and great stamp club. We are still going strong and love it.
Congratulations! You are a joy to do business with. I give your name and website to all my crafting friends. After my husband retired, we moved to our lake community in Cuba,MO. Not much around us but a college town about 30 min. away. I signed up for a quilting class and when I showed up for class I found it had been cancelled. I was offered other classes and chose a rubber stamping class. I met a couple of ladies and we kept running into them at different functions. We decided to get together to make cards and the rest is history. That was over 10 years ago. I have saved all the cards we have exchanged over the years and am amazed at how far we have come. Who knew?
I started stamping over 20 years ago. I bought my first stamp at the Wisconsin State Fair and I still have it. My passion is card making, although I work at a scrapbook store. I have ordered several times from you and appreciate your great service. (I love being able to talk to you on the phone.) Congratulations on your 10,000 customer.
Kathie
My first thought is, 'when haven't I made cards' ... but, I've probably been more consistently making them the last 15 years or so.
Hi Joan,
What a blessing for your "retirement"! Congratulations on this milestone.
A friend gave me a wood mounted "star" stamp and that got me curious about what I could do with it...happened upon a small lss in a nearby town and learned what a stamp can do...and the rest is history! Now I have countless stamps and all the goodies to go with them and it's a passion that I enjoy and can share with others!
Thank you for sharing what you enjoy, too!
Congratulations! Sounds like you had incredible timing :-) I don't know that I can pinpoint a single event that got me into cardmaking... I started becoming interested when my stepdaughters were young (kind of scrapbooking into cardmaking) and then when I was home for that all too brief maternity leave after my son was born I became addicted to HGTV and the Carol Duvall show - lol...
Wishing you continued success!
Hugs,
antonella :-)
As you did someone I loved got me started and I caught the bug. Craft room full of paper crafts now. Forgot how to sew and quilt oh me just love all the dies and flowers that is my favorite. Thank you for being here Pat
not surprised at your success as your posts are so informative and helpful. not to mention beautiful. Love to get on and see your posts to inspire me.
Congratulations, Joan! My very first stamp came from Saugatuck, Michigan. I was a tween, and we went into a card store that was in their old post office. It was just an awesome store! Anyway, bought my first stamp of an old sailing ship. Still have that stamp, too!!
Congratulations!! It sure is a great hobby! I started stamping in 1990. We were in a shop in Nashville, IN. A gal was making cards there. A bought a set to make birth announcements for our soon to be born daughter. I've been loving it ever since.!
Hello Joan !
I started cutting pix from magazines at about 11... I was a Happy Days' fan and was very in love with Fonzie :) So I have many diaries full of Fonzie's pix and hearts and glittering names, clips, ribbons... 3 years ago I started scrapping again and cardmaking and stamping and... pergamaning :) after visiting my first Craft Exhibition here in Italy and now I'm addicted ! Thanx a lot for this opportunity !
Hugs and kisses,
Cristiana
Hi Joan!I got started scrapbooking to preserve my family memories and history. I started making cards after I was introduced to stamping through a friend. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your giveaway!
Joan what an inspirational story - congratulations. It is nice to see that someones gifts can be turned into a business that they enjoy. I came to card making via scrap booking when my kids were young. Who ever thought one rubber stamp would lead to me having a room when we moved to 'just' make cards in, a place of serenity. Love being able to put special creations together for friends and those I don't know. I truly do feel blessed by God.
Congratulations, Joan! Much continued success in your business! I got started card making over 20 years ago when a teaching colleague showed me a catalog from a major stamping company. I bought one for the ideas and I now have quite a collection of catalogues and product! Many blessings to you and your staff!
Eileen L. said ...
CONGRATULATIONS, Joan!!!! Wonderful accomplishment. Ive been doing crafts since Grandma taught me at (Im guessing) 6 yrs old, that would have been pot holders and weaving with a wooden spool from thread. Crochet was next and on to other crafts of some sort. I just started cardmaking last year but am still learning how to do the various techniques. Ive gotten cross eyes watching videos. Then I had to learn the google thingy and now if I want to post a card a blog thingy, geez, I have to get to more card making. Anyway a big Congrats to you.
Congratulations Joan!!! I enjoyed reading about how you got from candles to card making!! I started buying just a couple of Stampin up products to help out a friend who was having a home party. I thought I could use them in my scrapbooking only. Then I dabbled in cards. Like you I love interior decorating and I can totally identify!!
Congratulations on your achievement of 10,000 customers. God is awesome!!!!
Ramona W.
Congratulations! I love your blog and you are so great to order from. Two of my sisters got me into scrapbooking. And then a few years later I started making cards from ideals I had gotten from blogs. Christmas cards were the first cards I made.
Congratulations! My daughter talked me into going to a scrap booking weekend and I was the lucky winner of the door prize, a Cricut! That only peaked my interest in scrapping. Then some of my friends invited me to come make cards and I can't make enough of them, love sending them, and giving them as gifts. I can't seem to get back to scrapping but still have hope of doing so.
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