Thanks to a resurgence in the Do-It-Yourself (D.I.Y.) culture the American craft industry is succeeding in the recession and according to Stampin’Up!, New Zealand is reflecting these trends.

Emma Parkin-Wilson Stampin’Up! Country Manager says Stampin’Up!, which launched in New Zealand over two years ago, is doing well in this market with 220 independent consultants or “demonstrators” currently operating around the country.

Stampin’Up! designs and manufactures an exclusive line of decorative rubber stamp sets and accessories for making cards, craft projects and scrap booking.**

Stampin’ Up! products are sold through demonstrators who host functions or visit small groups to run hands-on workshops. Parkin-Wilson says demonstrators can work as often as they wish, earning anything from just enough to cover their own projects, through to full-time salaries.

This month Stampin’Up! launches its annual Sale-a-Bration catalogue aimed at recruiting more demonstrators into the business by offering customers generous giveaway gifts with every NZ$120 spent on product. Parkin-Wilson says this period of Sale-a-Bration always attracts new demonstrators as more people get to view the products and the business opportunity.

“In a recent article the /New York Times*/ reported the US$5.9 billion dollar crafting industry is booming as people tighten their belts and look for ways to save money. We are expecting Sale-a-Bration to be more successful than last year, given the interest people have in DIY,” says Parkin-Wilson.

“People are purchasing ink, stamps and paper and making their own gift paper and cards. Not only are they saving money, nothing beats giving or receiving a hand made gift,” says Parkin-Wilson

Parkin-Wilson says people are also realizing the business opportunity that Stampin’ Up! offers through selling its products to supplement income, which is also a stress relief in this tight economy.

“Stampin’Up! is a winning combination for demonstrators of a meaningful career/hobby with the potential to earn money on a flexible schedule,” she says, and apparently many Kiwis agree.

*Stampin’Up!*

Stampin’ Up! is the brainchild of Shelli Gardner and her sister, who saw a gap in the craft market and set up their own business from Shelli’s living room in 1988. Despite small beginnings, the company has grown at an astounding rate employing over 500 staff, and 50,000 demonstrators, with an annual global turnover of over NZ$340 million.

Stampin'Up! New Zealand is also a proud sponsor of Ronald McDonald House Auckland, which is a temporary home away from home for families from North
Cape to Stewart Island while their desperately ill child is undergoing specialist medical treatment in Starship or National Women's hospital. Stampin'Up! has donated training time, stamps, ink and paper to the Ronald McDonald House Auckland art programme, so the children can create special memories of their time there through scrapbooking and making hand made cards.

www.stampinup.co.nz