My Crafting Journey Story

My crafting journey began back in 2001.  A friend invited me to start making Stampin' Up!® cards with her at her kitchen table.  Before you know it, I was hooked and then became a part of a monthly club.  Impressed with the tools, impressed with the idea of being able to create something handmade.  It was therapeutic for me and the end result would be a one-of-a-kind handmade card that would brighten someone's day, whatever the occasion.  Over the next few years, I was introduced to Creative Memories as well as Close To My Heart products.

After many years of being an awesome customer and host, I decided to become a Stampin' Up!® demonstrator.    I absolutely loved converting my master bedroom into a one-of-a-kind craft room and all those years of building my products really came to use.  All the techniques I learned; I was passing them on to anyone that was interested.  I was holding monthly "clubs" in my home where attendees would leave with complete cards/gifts they could give away or keep for themselves to build their own personal stash of birthday, thank you, get well, etc. cards.

Yes, ya'll.  This was my master bedroom converted to my craft studio.  I HAD to start somewhere and the largest room in my house was 1st choice!  In order to justify this with myself, I said I only need a bed to sleep in and closet, ha!  It no longer looks like this as I sold this house and bought another with an official craft studio space.  I officially have a master bedroom back :)

In September 2013, I was diagnosed with Scleroderma after a year of unexplained symptoms.  During that same time, I decided to file for divorce and end a 20+ marriage.  Unfortunately, it took me to get sick for me to have the strength to do that.  And to add to the stress, in September 2015 I found out I was in Stage 4 kidney disease.  I had to make a decision to take care of myself and my personal life before I could be any good to anyone else.  Unfortunately, during that time of my life, crafting took a back burner.

At the same time, I ended up meeting the man that was literally PERFECT for me and, of course, I was PERFECT for him too!  The skinny on this love story is that our sons were playmates....we just never met.  We ended up meeting online and realized we were (get this) living around the corner from each other!  After taking a couple years off, I missed being a demonstrator terribly.  After being downgraded to Stage 3 kidney disease (and NOT needing dialysis or a donor kidney) AND marrying Mr. Ragsdale, I decided to rekindle my crafting.  Yes, that's Mr. Ragsdale in this pic and as you can tell, he loved me despite my illness and even walks with me in the yearly Scleroderma walks and so does his family :)

  

 

At no time during the years I was working to get better did I stop using these products.  I continued to support my previous upline with her business with regular orders.  I believe in the quality of Stampin' Up! products and loyalty is important to me.

My fabulous former upline, Jennifer

I also enjoy fostering neonatal kittens with San Antonio Animal Care Services.  I have fostered so many singletons to siblings, I have lost count and now I refer to them as the Ragsdale Foster Graduating Class of (then the month they weigh enough and are old enough to get spayed or neutered).  Here are just a few cuties I've had the privilege of getting through the critical stage of survival.

             

I ended up re-joining Stampin' Up!® in August 2017.  Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator was so rewarding. Not only did I get to be creative every day, I also got to be a creative coach, offering fresh project ideas and encouragement to my customers and friends.  and for me personally, it is my THERAPY.  Between the physical therapy I need to keep my hands mobile due to the Scleroderma, it is great mental therapy!  Unfortunately, after a very personal decision, I ended my Stampin' Up!® contract at the end of November 2023.  I had decided that I wanted to be more involved with a true scrapbooking company and I became a Close To My Heart Maker at the beginning of December 2023.  Shortly after, I found myself back to square one.  In February 2024, the owner/founder of Close To My Heart decided to cease business operations at the end of June 2024.

Heartbroken, but completely supportive, I decided this was my time to go completely independent.  Doing so would allow me the opportunity to demonstrate a vast array of crafting products and continue bringing my viewers weekly inspiration.

Helping someone create that perfect project for a special occasion is the best feeling in the entire world, as well as seeing their faces light up when they realized they just made a beautiful card or project. After all, creating cards, scrapbook pages, and gift items is about more than just stamps and ink—it’s about sharing a part of yourself with the people you love.

May your days be filled with craftiness.  And in my Texas twang, "ya'll take care"!

Barbara Ragsdale