Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees Classes Are Changing: Crafting Smarter During the Cost of Living Crisis

Let’s be honest — things have changed quickly.
Fuel prices have surged, household expenses are climbing, and budgets are feeling tighter than they have in a long time. What once felt manageable now requires more thought, more planning, and more intention.
And when money feels stretched, the first things we tend to cut are the “extras.”
But here’s the thing…

Crafting Isn’t an Extra — It’s Essential

Papercrafting isn’t just a hobby.
It’s your pause button. Your creative outlet. Your quiet space in a noisy world.
It’s the time where:
    • Your mind slows down 
    • Your hands stay busy 
    • Your stress melts away 
And right now, that matters more than ever.
So instead of stepping away from crafting…
We’re changing how we craft together.

Why Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees Is Moving (Mostly) Online 
With fuel prices doubling and travel costs adding up, getting to in-person classes has become harder — and more expensive — for so many of you.
Many of you travel long distances to attend classes, and every single trip now has a real impact on your budget.
So I asked myself:
How can we keep crafting together… without the extra cost?
The answer was simple.
👉 Bring the craft table to you.

What’s Changing (And What’s Staying the Same)
✂️ Classes & Workshops Are Going Online
Most Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees classes and workshops will now be held online.

That means:
    • Join me from the comfort of your home 
    • No travel costs 
    • No fuel expenses 
    • No rushing out the door

We’ll craft together via:
    • Live YouTube tutorials 
    • Pre-recorded classes and craft-alongs 
    • Unboxing videos and inspiration sessions 
You still get the same experience — just more flexible, affordable, and accessible.

📦 Class Kits Delivered to Your Door
You won’t be missing out on the hands-on experience.
Every class includes a beautifully prepared kit, delivered straight to your door.
Here’s how it works:    

    1. Kits go on sale 1 month before the class 
    2. You’ll have 2 weeks to order 
    3. Kits are posted no later than 1 week before the class 
    4. Plenty of time for delivery via Australia Post 
    5. You’re ready to craft along on the day
    6. You supply your favourite adhesive and the stamps and ink, or you can order them as add-ons to your class.

No last-minute scrambling. No supply stress.
Just open your kit and enjoy.

Price remains the same: $30
You can also add on the coordinating stamp and die bundle if you’d like to keep creating beyond the class.

💕 In-Person Crafting Isn’t Going Anywhere
We’re not saying goodbye to face-to-face crafting — not at all.
Every four months, with each new catalogue launch, we’ll still gather together for:
    • Catalogue Launch Events 
    • Card Buffets 
    • Creative days around the craft table 
These will be special, intentional, and something to truly look forward to.

Why This Change Matters (More Than Ever)
This isn’t just about classes.
It’s about:
    • Supporting your budget 
    • Reducing unnecessary spending 
    • Keeping creativity accessible 
    • Staying connected as a community 
Because crafting shouldn’t disappear when life gets expensive.
It should adapt.
And that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Plan Ahead and Book Your Spot

All class dates and workshops through to August are now available.

👉 Visit the Classes & Workshops page
👉 Choose your class
👉 Order your kit
👉 Get ready to craft (without the travel cost)

A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need to give up the things that bring you joy.
You just need to find a smarter way to keep them.
And this?
This is ours 💕

FAQs
Are all classes now online?
Most are online, but in-person events will still happen every four months for catalogue launches and special events.

Do I still get a kit?
Yes! Every class includes a posted kit so you can make the cards - just add the optional stamp set or use what you have. 

What if I can’t attend live?
You’ll have access to recordings and the step-by-step PDF instructions so you can craft in your own time. 

Is the price changing?
No — classes remain at $30, including your kit and bonus gift - postage free, delivered to your door.

If you’ve been feeling the pressure of rising costs, you’re not alone.
But we’re still crafting.
Still creating.
Still finding joy — just in a way that works better for right now.
And I can’t wait to craft with you 💖

OnStage 2026 Sydney – Was It Worth It?

 

Oh yes… it absolutely was!

Attending Stampin' Up! OnStage 2026 Sydney was a first for me—and I can honestly say I walked away completely inspired, energised, and already looking forward to the next one.

From the moment it began, it was three full days of creativity, connection, and that unmistakable Stampin’ Up! excitement.

A Head Full of Ideas (and a Heart Full of Inspiration)

I came home with my head spinning—in the best possible way.

Not only do I have fresh ideas for using the beautiful Stampin’ Up! products already in my craft room, but I’m also bursting with inspiration for the gorgeous new products that are heading our way soon.

If you’ve ever wondered whether attending an event like this sparks creativity… the answer is a big, resounding yes.

Fan-Girling Moments (Yes… Plural!)

One of the absolute highlights?

Meeting my Stampin’ Up! heroines in person.

Everywhere I turned, there was a familiar face—demonstrators I’ve followed on Facebook and YouTube for years. And yes… I was definitely fan-girling!

I even worked up the courage to say hello to a few—and every single one was kind, welcoming, and happy to chat. That sense of community is something really special.

And I have to tell you… I was so excited I could hardly talk for a few minutes when I met Donna Gray, Chris Andrew and Janelle Russell in person!

They’re from Queensland—two states away from me—so being able to spend a couple of hours chatting, laughing, and learning from these incredible women I’d only ever seen online was just wonderful.

A Very Special Moment

And then came the moment…

I looked up and there she was—Teresa Brown.

Teresa was an accountability buddy of mine for some demonstrator challenges a couple of years ago and while we aren't that far apart, and I quite often drive almost past her house, we had never met in person. It was so special to be able to hug and laugh and talk in-person (are you getting the idea that OnStage is special because of the in-person meet-ups?). I also met the lovely Caz, and while we didn't have long to chat, it was a highlight of OnStage for me.

 A surprise highlight was meeting Kimberley Smith from The Papered Chef. She travelled all the way from the USA to attend OnStage in Sydney!

I first discovered Kimberley through her Brother Scan N Cut videos, then realised she was also a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator—and I’ve followed her ever since.

Meeting her in person in Sydney? Absolutely surreal.

And yes… we swapped!

I now have a Kimberley Smith OnStage swap, and if I had a pool room, that’s exactly where it would go 😉

Three Days with My Team 💕

Another standout was spending three days with my upline Genna Gifford and team.

We laughed, crafted, learned—and most importantly, cheered each other on during recognition sessions.

Stampin’ Up! does such a beautiful job of celebrating their demonstrators’ achievements. Being there to clap, cheer, and celebrate those milestones together was incredibly special.

Recognition, Ribbons & Celebrations

Speaking of recognition…

I proudly collected my achievement ribbons and added them to my lanyard—and I’ll tell you what, I’m already looking forward to adding more each year!

And 2026 made it even more meaningful…

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Stampin’ Up! in the South Pacific, and it was truly an honour to be part of that celebration. The commemorative pin attached to our bags made it even more special.

The Swag Bag (Yes, I’m in Love!)
Let’s talk about the swag…

I am absolutely in love with the beautiful soft blue bag we were given—very close to the new In-Colour Hydrangea Hue (and you know blue is my colour!).

It’s honestly like a Mary Poppins bag—so roomy, with pockets everywhere, and perfect for carrying all the goodies collected over the three days.

The Swapping Frenzy

And then… the swaps!

It was an absolute whirlwind of creativity.

Talented demonstrators swapping handmade cards and 3D projects—it was inspiring, exciting, and just plain fun. I came home with a collection of beautiful, handcrafted projects that I’ll treasure (and draw inspiration from) for a long time.

Sneak Peeks & Pre-Orders

One of the perks of attending OnStage is access to the Product Purchase Premiere—and yes, I placed my order!

That means getting my hands on brand-new products before they’re released to customers in May.

👉 If you’d love early access too, let me know—I’m happy to show you how you can get your hands on the new catalogue goodies ahead of time.

The Big Announcement 🎉

Now this…

This was the moment that had the entire room cheering, screaming, and jumping for joy:

Paper Pumpkin is coming to Australia!

From 1st April, you’ll be able to subscribe and receive your monthly kit right here.

And if you subscribe through my online store, you’ll also be invited to my exclusive Paper Pumpkin Party each month, where we’ll:
Craft the kit together
Create alternative projects
Stretch the kit even further

It’s going to be so much fun—and incredible value too.

Final Thoughts – Was It Worth It?

Without a doubt… yes.

OnStage 2026 was:
Inspiring
Energising
Creative
Community-filled
And just plain fun

I’ve come home motivated, excited, and ready to share everything I’ve learned and discovered with you.

So stay tuned… there is so much more to come!

Want to Join Me? 💗

✨ Shop with me

✨ Join my team

✨ Follow along on Facebook

Paper Pumpkin Is Coming to Australia – Starting April 2026!

I have some very exciting news to share with you today…

 

Paper Pumpkin is finally arriving in Australia — and it launches on 1st April 2026!

 

If you’ve ever watched Paper Pumpkin unboxings online and wished we could join in here in Australia, that wish is about to come true. Stampin’ Up! is bringing their hugely popular monthly crafting subscription to Australian crafters, and I could not be more excited.

 

What Is Paper Pumpkin?

Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription papercrafting kit delivered straight to your door.

 

Each kit is beautifully coordinated and includes everything you need to create stunning handmade projects. Depending on the month, that might include:

• Handmade cards

• Gift packaging

• Tags or small paper projects

• Exclusive stamps

• Ink spots

• Pre-cut pieces and embellishments

 

The best part? You don’t need a huge craft stash to get started. Everything is designed to work together so you can simply open the box and begin creating.

 

It’s perfect whether you are:

• A beginner who wants a simple way to start crafting
• A busy crafter who loves quick projects
• A Stampin’ Up! fan who enjoys exclusive products and beautiful surprises

 

Why I’m So Excited

One of the things I love most about Paper Pumpkin is that it makes creativity incredibly easy.

 

You get the fun of opening a surprise crafting box every month, and the projects are designed to be quick, relaxing, and satisfying to complete.

 

For many crafters around the world, Paper Pumpkin has become a monthly creative ritual — a little pocket of crafting time just for themselves.

 

And now Australian crafters get to join the fun.

 

What Happens Next?

Paper Pumpkin officially launches in Australia on 1st April 2026, and I’ll be sharing more details very soon, including:

• How the subscription works

• What the first Australian kit will include

• When you can subscribe

• Special launch events and craft-alongs

I’m also planning some Paper Pumpkin Craft Along sessions and unboxings, so we can enjoy the kits together.

 

Want to Be the First to Know?

If you’d like to be among the first to hear all the details when subscriptions open, keep an eye on the blog and my social media.

 

I’ll be sharing updates, sneak peeks, and everything you need to know to join in.

 

One thing is certain…

 

April 2026 is going to be a very exciting month for Australian papercrafters.

 

Stay tuned — more Paper Pumpkin news coming soon!

 

Happy crafting,

Cath

Cut It • Craft It • Use It Zero-Scrap Challenge! (December 2025 Paper Crafting Challenge)

 Are you ready for a fun, motivating, and budget-friendly papercrafting challenge to finish the year strong? Welcome to the One Pack, Zero Waste DSP Challenge, running all throughout December at Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees. If you love cardmaking, scrapbooking, and turning pretty paper into beautiful gifts, this is the challenge for you.

Designer Series Paper is one of the most loved and most hoarded crafting supplies. We all do it — we buy a gorgeous pack, use a couple of sheets, cut a few pieces for a project… and then it sits on the shelf because we don’t want to “waste” the pretty patterns. The irony? Those leftover bits and half-used packs often don’t get used at all. This challenge flips that thinking on its head.

We’ll take ONE full pack of Designer Series Paper and for 31 creative, inspiring days use every single piece. Nothing goes in the bin. Nothing hides in a drawer. No scraps leftover. Every sheet gets turned into cards, tags, boxes, treat bags, scrapbook layouts, gift packaging, and even small embellishments. You’ll be shocked at how much you can make from one pack when you approach your crafting intentionally.

The challenge begins on 1st December, and the first thing you need to do is vote for the DSP pack we’ll be using as a group. Once voting closes, I’ll post cutting templates, project ideas, sketches, and tutorials throughout the month to keep you inspired and motivated. Whether you like clean and simple designs, scrap-busting layouts, or 3D projects, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep your creativity flowing.

One of the biggest benefits of the challenge is learning how to maximise your paper. You’ll learn smart cutting strategies that reduce waste, ways to use leftover strips on cards, ideas for layering, and tips for turning even the tiniest off-cuts into embellishments and labels. The goal isn't just to use one pack — it’s to teach you a set of skills you’ll use all year long.

This challenge is perfect if you're:
• wanting to use up your stash before the new mini catalogue arrives
• looking for a daily creative prompt
• hoping to save money by using what you already have
• needing Christmas cards, tags and gift packaging
• wanting to build a card stash for birthdays, thank yous and occasions
• or just wanting to craft with a supportive creative community.

Join me on our YouTube channel every day at 2.30pm to see how I'm using up the whole pack of 12 sheets of 12 x 12 Designer Series Paper!

The jump over to our Stampin' Among the Gum Trees Facebook group to share your makes, track your progress, and cheer each other on. The Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees community is friendly, encouraging, and full of ideas — the perfect place to craft through December.

Let’s finish 2025 feeling inspired, organised and creative… one beautiful sheet of Designer Series Paper at a time.

🌲 December Cardmaking & Papercrafting Challenge — POLL TIME! 🌲

 

🌲 December Cardmaking & Papercrafting Challenge — POLL TIME! 🌲

It’s nearly time for our December Cardmaking & Paper Crafting Challenge… and YOU get to choose the Designer Series Paper we’ll be using! 🎉

 

This year’s December challenge is simple, fun and oh-so-satisfying:

👉 How many cards can we make in December using JUST ONE full pack of Designer Series Paper… with ZERO scraps left at the end?

 

We’ll use every last piece — and I can’t wait to see what you create!

 

But first… we need to pick the paper!

 

✨ Vote below in the comments for the DSP you want us to use.

✨ The pack with the MOST votes will be our official December Challenge Paper!

 

Which Designer Series Paper will you choose?

🎨 Hobby Haven

🎨 Painterly Pears

🎨 Brushed with Beauty

🎨 Gathering Together

 

Cast your vote in the comments below, invite your crafty friends, and get ready — this is going to be a FUN month of creativity, inspiration and using up your stash the Cheapskates way… no waste! ♻️❤️

 

🗳️ Vote now! - Voting closes at 8pm on 23rd November 2026

 

📅 Challenge starts 1st December

 

🧡 Let’s craft together all month long!

 

Get your supplies now so you're ready to craft along with me on 1st December! Everything you need is available in my online store. Order just the DSP or get everything in one go with the suite - I've listed both options for you!

 

You will need:  

Product List

Hobby Haven 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [167201] $29.00	Hobby Haven Suite Collection (English) [167214] $136.00	Brushed With Beauty 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [167082] $21.75	Brushed With Beauty Suite Collection (English) [167100] $238.00
Gathering Together 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [165969] $29.00	Gathering Together Suite Collection (English) [165987] $178.75	Painterly Pears 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [166146] $21.75	Painterly Pears Suite Collection (English) [166159] $129.00
Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $7.50	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] $7.50	Paper Trimmer [152392] $49.00	Basic White A4 Cardstock [166781] $25.00

Add All to Cart

The First Ever Stampin' Up! Black Friday Sale is Coming!

 

Stampin’ Up! Black Friday Sale – Up to 40% Off! 25 November–1 December

Stampin’ Up! is launching its first-ever Black Friday Sale, and it’s going to be a week full of savings, smiles, and serious craft-room restocking. From 25 November through 1 December, selected products will be discounted by up to 40% — an amazing opportunity whether you’re shopping for Christmas gifts or topping up your favourite supplies for the year ahead.

 

This is the perfect time to:

✨ Restock your card making and scrapbooking supplies 

✨ Pick up some last minute Christmas gifts (for you or someone else!)

✨ Pick up items you’ve had on your wish list

✨ Get ahead on Christmas crafting

✨ Set yourself up for summer holiday crafting sessions

✨ Start the new year with a fully stocked craft room — without blowing your budget!

 

If you love saving money (and I know Cheapskates AND Stampin' Among the Gum Trees crafters both do!), this Black Friday event is designed for you. 

 

Not only can you refresh your supplies, but you’ll also save big doing it. With discounts up to 40%, it’s the perfect chance to prepare for all your creative plans for 2026.

 

🛒 Visit my online store starting 25 November to see everything included in the sale. Products will be limited, and popular items may sell out quickly — so make sure you’re ready the moment the sale goes live!

 

👉Click here to shop my 24/7 online store 

 

Happy crafting and happy saving!

 

✨ Mystery Craft Bags — Limited Edition! ✨

 

It's time, my crafty friends — the big spring Craft Room Clear-Out has begun! With the brand-new January – April Mini Catalogue just around the corner, I’m making space… and YOU get to benefit with exciting Mystery Craft Bags!

 

Only 15 Mystery Bags are available — once they're gone, they're gone!

 

🎁 What’s Inside Each Mystery Bag?

 

Every bag includes:

✅ Either 1 stamp & die bundle OR 2 stamp sets

✅ 1 full pack of Designer Series Paper (either 6" x 6" OR 12" x 12")

 

PLUS — every bag is packed with bonus goodies that may include:

✨ Ink pads

✨ Die cuts

✨ Class kits

✨ Bling & embellishments

✨ Ribbons

✨ Memories & More packs

✨ Extra DSP

…and more!

 

Each bag has well over $75 value — I literally kept filling them until they were full! 🤣

There are new and gently-used items included, all from my craft room stash — selected with love and care for you.

 

💰 How to Get Yours

You have 2 choices:

Option 1:	Details
Buy a Mystery Bag     Option 2:	$50 + $15.30 flat postage     BUY NOW
Get One FREE!	Place a $75 order in my online store and receive a bag FREE! ($150 order = 2 bags, $225 order = 3 bags)   SHOP MY ONLINE STORE HERE