Skiing is like Cardmaking

 

Skiing is like cardmaking! 

Recently I went on a family ski trip over the New Year to Breckenridge Colorado. While there I had thought come into my head, "Skiing is like cardmaking." 

You may be thinking, it is nothing like card making. Skiing needs snow, skis', and a mountain. Where cardmaking needs paper, ink, and creativity. 

But just like skiing, cardmaking has different levels. Depending what level you are on and where you are skiing will determine if you have a good experience and want to do it again. 

 Here is the ski level color code

💚Green Circles- Beginner/Easy

💙Blue Square- Intermediate

⯁Black Diamond- Advance/Difficult

⯁⯁Double Black- Expert 

This is some of my crew! They are mostly Blues & and some Blacks. 

How does the ski code translate into cardmaking? Check it all out below! 

Greens = Kits

     

If you are a "green" stamper, that means it is new to you. You enjoy premade kits for you to have an enjoyable experience. If you try anything harder you become frustrated and feel unsuccessful. 

I know this feeling all too well. I am a GREEN only skier. I've tried some blues and the whole time I am not having fun. I fall, I get hurt, and it takes me forever to get down. 

I've learned if I stick with my Greens on the slopes I am a HAPPY skier. 

That might be you with cardmaking. If you are finding yourself getting frustrated when stamping, stick to the kits until you feel confident. I am a Green Queen and am happy there. My kids all started Green and have worked up to higher levels. So, you don't have to be a Green cardmaker for life, it will just take practice and confidence for you to move up out of the kits. 

*Kits can be fun for ALL levels. An expert can enjoy a kit, just like an expert skier can still enjoy a Green hill (just not their favorite). 

**Green Products: Paper Snips, Bone Folder, and adhesives. 

If this sounds like you, shop KITS by clicking HERE! 

I am a Green Queen and love my time spent with hot cocoa in my hands just as much as skiing down a green. 

Blues = Punches, Inks, Paper Trimmer

After the Greens you are ready for the Blues. The Blues take a little more time and skill. If you are a Blues Stamper you can start adding things to your craft room. You want a little more creative freedom and need to be able to measure and cut your own paper. This is when you are ready for the Paper Trimmer, punches, and start building your ink collection (remember you want choices). 

A Blue skier is no longer going down in "pizza" mode but chooses what is best for where they are on the mountain. 

*When trying a blue is it best to have an expert with you (your Stampin' Demonstrator). That way when you fall, and you will the first couple of times, they can wait to make sure you know how to stand up and start back down the hill again. 

My Husband and I before we went down my 1st and only Blue for this ski trip. I fell once on a icy part. The expert, my husband, waited just a little bit below and made sure I was good. I was able to get back up by myself (I was so proud) but he has had to assist me MANY times. He would stabilize me, so I could stand back up and get my skis back on. 

If this sounds like you, shop for HERE for cutting tools like punches. 

Black Diamond = Fun Folds, Watercoloring, Stampin' Blends

You've mastered the Blues and are ready for some Black Diamonds. This is where you take your new skills and find little ways to make it more challenging. This is where you test yourself and try to improve even more. 

This is a good place to add new coloring techinques like Stampin' Blends and Watercoloring. You branch out and add Fun Folds to your everyday cardmaking with ease. 

I've never gone on a Black Diamond and probably never will, because I would not feel comfortable or confident here. I would give up too easily and never want to try again. We don't want that to be the way you feel with cardmaking. So ease you way into this section and visit the past two levels often to keep up your skills. 

It is important to have a buddy when skiing. It makes it more fun and keeps you safe. 

One of my son's broke his arm this past trip when he fell while skiing. Lucky for him, he had buddies with him that could help him get down the mountain. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

If this sounds like you, shop for coloring tools HERE! 

Double Black Diamonds = Stampin' Cut Emboss Machine &  Heat Tool

Double Black Diamonds are parts of the mountain made for experts! You'll notice once you are at this level you are spending more money for BETTER equipment. You want the best skis, the best clothes to get you warm and not wet (from sweat), and you are no longer renting from the resort but have all of your own gear. They are usually going places no one else goes and paves the way for others. 

This is where you know what you are doing and want all of the gear to make exactly what you want! 

The Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine and the Heat Tool (two of our higher end products for price) are must haves at this level. Once you are to this point, you are all in! You have to have it to make the experience even better! 

I will NEVER go down a Double Black Diamond, but I am a Double Black Diamond stamper! 

I love the challenge, I love to create my own way and then show others how they can do it too! 

If you are a Double Black Diamond cardmaker, you would make a GREAT Stampin' UP! Demonstrator! If you have a lot to offer and people would LOVE to learn from you!

If this sounds like you, join my Stampin' UP! Team by clicking HERE! 

So take my Ski/Cardmaking Quiz which are you? 

I am a Green Skier and a Double Black Diamond Stamper! 

Hope this analogy helps you have the BEST experience where you feel great after you make something that means something! 

Happy Stampin' Everyone!!!