Cathi's Crafty Corner

Cathi's Crafty Corner I am a creator of handmade greeting cards, using stamps, ink and/or watercolour and pretty paper. I am also a multi media artist. Fell in love with Stampin UP!

Boxes, tags, and other misc items can be custom nade for you as well. Retired...but started serious crafting thanks to Kelli from Close to My Heart. (thanks Kacy!) and all they had to offer from high end paper products, a wide variety of inks and stamp sets and a huge assortment of accessories. My joy comes from card making and sending them to family and friends; I love making someone's day. I hav

e always been a home demonstrator of one product or another over the years, part time, so I enjoy the company of others. Coming into your home to show you how to be creative is just another pleasurable activity for me now. It's not just cards though: it's scrapbooking, handmade gift boxes and gift bags, custom gift tags, wedding invitations, birthday party invites and so much more. This is not a job; it is something that gives my heart joy and brings me peace. My late father would be proud.

06/30/2026

Here we are at the end of June. I am so sorry that I’ve missed May and June‘s blog. Both months are actually very difficult for me as most of you know, but I got through it and here I am.
A lot has happened on the homefront. My gardens are finally in. I have new grass and I’m now able to sit and relax on the last day of June and look forward to enjoying the rest of the summer.
I wasn’t expecting to still be a Stampin’Up demonstrator, but you wonderful people keep ordering from me! I am not complaining. The company keeps adding wonderful new products and you keep finding them and ordering which is good news. I want to remind all of you scrapbooking crafters that with the new catalogue that was released in May, that they’ve got some wonderful new kits and memories and more items specifically designed for scrapbooking. We have some lovely new DSP. (designer series paper.) They have also introduced a new stamp set with matching dies, which is just sentiment specific to sympathy. I found that this was lacking in their lineup and I’m so happy to see this. Another new item that I was happy to see was a new stamp pad - Basic Black Hybrid - no more Momento or Stayzon; so no thinking about which ink you have to use when using watercolour or blends. This new pad will work for both. You just have to let it dry before you do any colouring. The new IN colours that have been introduced remind me of pastels - crisp cantaloupe, hydrangea hue,  peaceful pine, golden glow, and barely blush.

I want to start classes again. My home only seats six comfortably. If I get more than six interested in coming to a class there is a clubhouse in the park that I can book. I would need a firm confirmation that you were interested. Remember that I do live in Lindsay now.

On a more personal note, I feel like my life is settling into it regular routine of some sort. I do miss Brian terribly still and have moments of deep sadness. I know that will never go away. But there are days that I experience joy. Preparing the gardens brought that out - I thought of him every moment of every day that I built the gardens, and I know that he would’ve been very proud of me. My life changed drastically when Brian passed, but I’ve been comforted by my family and my friends, and I am grateful for each one. I’ve discovered that I’m not alone in my journey so if you are going through something similar, don’t be afraid to reach out.

Weather is going to be extremely hot over the next few days, so please make sure that you’re hydrated, you’re in a cool place, and you stay safe.

Thanks for your patience. I appreciate everyone of my followers; for your orders, standing by me in the most difficult time of my life, and supporting me now.

Be safe, be well, and most of all, be kind.

Cathi

Cathi Hester at Stampin’Up

03/12/2026

Oh dear, what happened? It is almost the middle of March and here I am posting my monthly blog. I have completely lost all track of time. This weather has been so CRAZY. As I write this, it is cold outside, snowing and the sun is shining. Go figure. I have been a little busy so I’ll use that as an excuse for being late! I’m using the horrible weather to start redecorating the inside of my home. I can’t do anything outside yet so I decided that I was tired of the previous owners decor. Sunroom was first as I had to do some repairs to a wall. I’m waiting to hear from professional painters to have the ceilings in my sunroom, kitchen and hallway painted and then I will be starting to paint the walls in those three areas. All the trim has been done and I’ve purchased blinds for my windows in the sunroom - I need the privacy because you can see right through to my kitchen from the road when you come into the subdivision. I’m excited about the changes that are going to be happening. It’ll bring some newness and freshness to the house - a good coat of paint always does that don’t you think?

I received a surprise in the mail from Stampin’Up. They sent me a 10 year anniversary pin. I guess they’ve been keeping track so if you are interested in purchasing anything, I’m still your demonstrator. On Stampin’Up’s note, I thought I’d bring to your attention some news.
1. Effective May 1 there will be no annual catalogue. Stampin’Up has decided to go with 3 catalogues - May to August, September to December, January to April. I will not be ordering any catalogues so if you are interested in perusing the new one when it’s released in May, you’ll have to do so online.
2. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, SU purchased products from Close to My Heart when they went out of business. Over the past year and a half they have brought in a lot of scrapbooking kits into their lineup and effective in May when the new in colours are introduced (the new in colours are very pastel. One is a returning color, Crisp Cantaloupe and one is a periwinkle, called Hydrangea Hue. I’ll leave the other three as a surprise for my April blog!) they will be introducing new stamp pads at the same time. These will be in the format of what Close to My Heart stamp pads were - instead of foam they will be felt, and the cases will be magnetic. This means they will be easier to open. They will also be easier to stack and easier to use. When SU does their next colour refresh, all the colours will then be offered in the new ink pad format
3. There will be a price increase in most products come May, so if there is anything you need, I would suggest you order before then. Stock up, for example, on your blends, reinkers (especially the In Colours that are leaving in May: 2024/2026), cardstock favourites and designer paper. Also, most adhesive and some tools will be having an increase in price.
4. Remember, as far as I know, SU is the only company that colour coordinates their card stock, designer paper, ink pads, blends, gems, and even their ephemera - perfect for cardmakers and scrapbookers. They also offer 12x12 two tone card stock which is perfect for scrapbooking. They have a wide variety of kits available, including scrapbooking kits. And don’t forget about our paper pumpkin subscription (note: there will be an increase in price on our paper pumpkin so if in interested, sign up now before the price increase).

I am looking forward to being out in my garden. I have so many plans now that my decks are almost finished. I’ve got new gardens to plant. I’ve got seed to put on my lawn and I need to have a campfire to get rid of all the odds and ends of wood left over from building the front porch and fallen tree branches and logs from the fall. It’s going to be a busy spring, but I’m excited for it. I think we all need some warmth and sunshine and open windows. What do you have planned for spring?

I hope you’re all well, please be safe, and always be kind. You don’t know what the person in front of you is going through so also show patience.
Hugs,
Cathi

As promised, I am posting photos of some cards that I have created. This is just a small sample of what I have on hand. ...
02/10/2026

As promised, I am posting photos of some cards that I have created. This is just a small sample of what I have on hand. These cards were created using a variety of media - watercolor, watercolor pencils, ephemera, ink with stamped images, bits of pieces from a variety of kits, alcohol markers, and even pieces cut from recycled cards. I’m very proud of my work.
All cards are $7 each or a box set for $30 - you can order a mix set or a box of all one kind. I also do custom work. Some of the cards have sentiments inside so if you’re interested in something, I will let you know which ones do.

02/07/2026

You have probably been wondering were I have been.
February snuck up on me before I was ready. January went by in a blur. I was ill for a couple of weeks and recovery has taken its time. Trying to gather my thoughts together between naps and coughing can be very exhausting. But here I am!

I don’t have much news for you. I have been back in my craft space, creating some greeting cards. I found some unopened kits so I gathered some supplies and extra cardstock and tripled the the amount of cards in the kits. I love thinking outside the box.

I have joined a crafting group here in Lindsay that meets the 2nd and last Friday of the month at the Lindsay Public Library. We bring our own projects to work on. It gets me out of the house and I socialize with new people. It was time.

I am going to gather some of my completed projects and do a photo gallery for you. If you are interested in purchasing anything from me, send me a pm and we can discuss. I will get that gallery ready over the next couple of days.

I mentioned back in December that I was finished my status as a Stampin’Up Demonstrator the end of January. Funny thing happened. My 10th anniversary came and went, thought I was done and then I got an order which now has kept me active. But, that being said, I need to maintain that status again until the end of March. I still plan on purchasing from Canadian suppliers as much as possible, but I will not turn down a sale if you are interested in ordering from SU.

I have promised myself that I will find some small bit of joy in each day. Brian would want that. It is so very hard though. Even crafting is difficult still. But, once spring arrives and I can be outside in the garden, I know I will find some peace and the joy that gardening gives me. I will be closer to Brian in the garden because that was where he was happiest. In the meantime I will try to stay warm, do the best I can to get better and be happy again.

Be crafty my friends. Be well, stay safe and always, be kind.
Hugs,
Cathi

12/04/2025

Wow, December already.

I’m sorry I am late getting this posted. I have to be honest with you. November was not a very good month. A lot happened. My landscaping project was late getting done due to the weather. My railings on my decks still aren’t done because of the weather. I had a death in the family and my doggy died. To say that the last 18 months have been horrendous is an understatement. My daughter said to me the other day, “mom, I miss your laugh” and you know I think she’s right. I can’t remember the last time that I truly laughed.

But I’m not here for your pity, I’m here because it’s December. Christmas is coming and everyone needs joy in their life. Stampin’Up has some sales - last chance, some new products in the online store and if you’re looking for some Christmas items to make your last-minute projects I would suggest that you order them soon. Shipping takes about 10 days so it doesn’t give you much time to get your projects finished. But then, if you run out of time for this year and you get some awesome sale items, you will have great new stuff to start next year’s projects early! There will be a new spring catalogue available in January to April. I will not be ordering any catalogues so if you need anything, let me know or go online and place your order that way, come January. As a demonstrator, I get the opportunity to get a sneak peak - there’s some pretty nice things coming - gorgeous paper and bling (you all know that I’m really excited about that because I like my bling!).

The unfortunate thing is, come the end of January, I will lose my status as a demonstrator. I’ve held out for 10 years. The tariffs have made it very expensive for shipping and I’m trying to encourage people to put orders together so that you and your friends can share the shipping cost. I’m also finding that I’ve got a good supply of crafting items. I have lots of cardstock, lots of beautiful designer paper, and lots of bling (I could always do with more bling, can never have enough of that! lol). So with all of this being said, I encourage you to shop the catalogue now and use me as your demonstrator until the end of January. I have not met my target this quarter but I do get one month of reprieve which means I will officially be finished at the end of January 2026. If you still want to order from Stampin’Up after I am done, you can order directly from them.

Am I disappointed? Yes, because Stampin Up has been very good to me. The last 18 months I have taken a step back due to the death of my husband. I miss doing classes, which I hope to start up again in the spring. I’ve missed crafting personally, which I did do a little bit of this season. But most of all I’ve missed the camaraderie of friends that I’ve made in my time with Stampin’Up. I have discovered that there are a lot of shops in Canada and especially in Ontario that sell crafting supplies, stamps, ink, beautiful paper, accessories, bling – I could go on. But the one thing that I really liked about Stampin’Up is the co-ordination. I love their card stock, their designer paper matched it, their inks and blends all co-ordinated. And you don’t find that with a lot of other companies, but I will source Canadian if you’re interested and I will find a way to make it work for us.

I have greeting cards, gift boxes with kisses, tea boxes, gift tags, and gift card holders and other misc items, all available. All Christmas themed. Let me know if you are interested and I will send you a photo.

We’re so blessed to live in a country that gives us the freedom that we have. I love Canada and I’m proud to say that I am Canadian 🇨🇦 and going forward in the new year, I’m going to do my very best to shop with a Canadian company for all my crafting needs.

The holiday season is upon us. Stay safe, be well, and as always, be kind.

Merry Christmas to you and yours and have a safe and Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Cathi

Address

1 Tiffany Lane
Lindsay, ON
K9V0K2

Telephone

289-685-6776

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