Hi, I'm Brandy and welcome to BrandysCards!

I’m so excited you are here!  This is where you can learn to make beautiful handmade cards.

I became interested in card making almost 20 years ago.  I used to joke that I was a hallmark VIP, so when I was invited to a “Stamping” party, not having any idea as to what that meant, I was very intrigued.

When I realized I could make my own cards and they were hand made, easy and fun to do, I was all in 🙂

Shortly after I started my Stamping journey my first post on this site was on December 1st, 2008.

Ever since then I have been sharing tutorials, card making tips, how-to-videos and helping people learn how they can make beautiful cards too!

The Blog is home to my latest posts and videos so be sure to visit the blog and if you see something that says download free tutorial, be sure to save it for your future inspiration and ideas!

My Journey...

Riding Horses.....

If anyone asks me, I say I grew up barefoot and riding horses.  I am country girl at heart and grew up on a small farm in southwestern Michigan.   

Most days after school, I would jump on my horse bareback and race through the peach orchards next to our house trying not to fall off or get wacked in the head with a peach.  

Both of those things happened many times and are some of my best memories of growing up.  When I wasn’t riding horses, I was fishing with my grandpa in Lake Michigan or riding dirt bikes, snowmobiles or four wheelers!

Miss Blossomtime...

Flannel Shirts and High Heels

When I turned 17, my life took a complete left turn when someone convinced me to enter a local pagent. 

I entered our local pagent not knowing how to put on makeup, walk in heels or walk a runaway.  Evidently, that didn’t matter much, because they gave me the crown and said, now you get to go for Miss Blossomtime.

Miss Blossomtime was southwest regional michigan pagent steeped in tradition and history.  Winning Miss Blossomtime was a huge turning point in the trajectory of my life because it meant traveling, giving speeches, going to college and getting my first real job!

Professional Narrator and Presenter

Cars & Cameras

After college I began working at trade shows for various car companies.  I worked as a presenter where I would be on stage talking about the latest model cars.

I became proficient on the “ear prompter” which allowed me to travel the country and work for various clients as a corporate spokesperson and narrator.  I am so blessed to have graced the Canon USA stage with some of the most talent photographers in the world.  I enjoy the challenge of learning new scripts and new products.

Besides talking about cameras  I also enjoy working in front of the camera.  You’ll find me in advertisements for Rooms To Go, Wal-Mart, Wrangler, Panasonic and more.    I also worked as a fit model for Wrangler and Kayser Roth Corporation.

My Stampin' Up! Journey...

I became a Stampin Up Demonstrator almost 17 years ago.  It has been such and amazing journey and I’m so grateful for my customers and team members and relationships we’ve built over the years.

I’m really proud of community of crafters that has become BrandysCards.  I love teaching people how to make handmade cards through paper crafting and rubber stamping.

It’s so fun to see projects come to life and I love it so much when I see beginner crafters and card makers feel that same joy when make their own cards and projects.

Being a Stampin’ Up demonstrator is a full-time jobª for me and I have incredible staff that supports my customers and my business.

I’ve been blessed to be able to accomplish many milestones* while on this Stampin Up journey.

ª Disclaimer: The claims published here are not representative of the typical Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. The level of sales required to achieve this result is accomplished by less than .001% of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.

Below is my most recent milestone of crossing 5 million dollars in Career-to-date sales.*

 

Published – Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2024 from Stampin’ Up!

We are ecstatic to share that Brandy has shattered expectations by becoming the first Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator to surpass an astonishing Five Million Dollars in career sales. This monumental achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication, hard work, and the vibrant community she’s built along her journey.

Reflecting on this incredible milestone, Brandy shares her astonishment and gratitude: “I can’t hardly believe it. Initially, the idea of selling a million dollars was a completely crazy thought. But over the years, I’ve learned that we often hold ourselves back. Once I reached that first major goal, I realized the sky was the limit and to dream big.”

At the heart of Brandy’s success is her focus on building relationships. “One thing that has been key for me is developing relationships with customers and team members. I love celebrating their successes and encouraging them to create more. I feel ultimately, what matters most is that they’re making cards, sending those cards, and spreading joy to others.”

Brandy’s passion for crafting and her role as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator shines brightly. “I feel like I have crafting friends all over the world, and I feel so blessed by that,” she remarks, highlighting the global community she’s become a part of.

Inspiration is a constant in Brandy’s business. “I love getting up in the morning knowing I can determine my schedule, decide what I want to work on, and grow as a leader and businesswoman. I love the creative part of it, filming videos, and inspiring others. That’s what keeps me motivated and inspired.”

Even after 17 years, Brandy’s enthusiasm for crafting and creating has only deepened. “I enjoy creating now more than ever. I don’t put as much pressure on myself to make things perfect. It’s more about creating and having fun in the process. If I’m excited about the product, then I hope others will be excited about it too. It’s not about having the perfect project; it’s about showing people how to use the products that they have, so they can create with them too.”

Brandy’s journey from dreaming of a million to surpassing five million in sales is about breaking barriers, fostering community, and finding joy in the creative process. Her story is a shining light for anyone in the Stampin’ Up! community and beyond, proving that with passion, dedication, and a focus on relationships and creativity, the sky truly is the limit.

Stampin Up Facebook Announcement Link here

Stampin' Up! Achievements*
U.S. - Overall Combined

2023 – #3

2022 – #3

2021 – #3

2020 – #3

2019 – #19

2018 – #11

2017 – #21

U.S. - Overall Sales

2023 – #1

2022 – #2

2021 – #2

2020 – #1

2019 – #1

2018 – #1

2017 – #1

2016 – #1

2015 – #1

U.S. - Team Building

2023 – #4

2022 – #3

2021 – #3

2020 – #4

2019 – #3

2018 – #4

2017 – #2

2016 – #3

U.S. - Leadership

2023 – #4

2022 – #4

2021 – #3

2020 – #4

2019 – #3

2018 – #5

2017 – #4

2016 – #3

Sales Milestones*
Career Sales – May 2016 – crossed $1 milliion (13th Demonstrator to accomplish this milestone)
Career Sales – June 2018 – crossed $2 million (2nd demonstrator)
Career Sales – July 2020 –  crossed $3 million (1st demonstrator)
Career Sales – April 2022 –  crossed $4 million (1st demonstrator)
Career Sales – March 2024 – crossed $5 million (1st demonstrator)

* Disclaimer: The claims published here are not representative of the typical Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. The level of sales required to achieve this result is accomplished by less than .001% of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.