Welcome to The Creative Eclectic!
Thanks for stopping by…
Thanks for stopping by…
Let me tell you this is more than a little bit EXCITING that you’re visiting The Creative Eclectic.
My name is Chrissy and here’s a little of my story so you can get to know me better… after all, we are going to be spending time together in the future and it’s important to know who you are creating with.
I’ve been told that I simply MUST include my photo or a video here. Let me tell you—it was a challenge to find a decent recent photo as I really, Really REALLY DO NOT like having my photo taken. I avoid being in front of the camera. However, here’s a recent video so you can see I’m not just a photo.
Now that hard bit is out of the way, let’s get back to the story…
Now that hard bit is out of the way, let’s get back to the story…
I live in wonderful sunny Queensland (Australia), less than an hour’s drive from the fabulous Gold Coast. Our household consists of my fabulous Kiwi husband, Steve, and our rather cute groodle (golden retriever x poodle), Delphi. My beautiful daughter, Paris, has now spread her wings and is finding her own path in the world, so while she’s left home, she’s never far from my heart. My family joke that Delphi Dog is the love of my life… let me reassure you that they are equally smitten with her.
Long before The Creative Eclectic was established in 2017, I was sharing my love of creating.
I come from a family of makers—my nannas were talented in lacework, embroidery, and dressmaking; my mum paints, sews, knits, and makes cards; my sisters craft in all kinds of mediums. Crocheting, knitting, drawing, painting, re-purposing furniture, scrapbooking, card making, and off-the-page projects… I’ve tried them all (with varying success), but I always return to paper, stamps, and ink.
My creative inspiration came from my colleague and now dear friend, Sandra, who sent me the most beautiful handmade cards. Her 2007 Christmas card sparked something big!
In 2009, after attending Stampin’ Up! classes and realising I wanted it all, I joined Stampin’ Up!—initially just for the discount. Little did I know that decision would change my life.
Fast forward, and I’ve built a community I truly cherish. I’ve been humbled to be recognised for doing what I love—in 2024 I ranked Top 7 Demonstrator Overall in Australia, Top 7 in Leadership, and Top 13 in both Sales and Team Building. Even more special, in 2024 my community gathered around me to help me realise a dream: earning my very first Stampin’ Up! incentive trip, which coincided perfectly with my 15th anniversary as a demonstrator. It was a milestone I’ll never forget, made possible by the incredible people who support, create, and celebrate with me.
My “Why”
When I joined, it was all about the discount. But why I stay is so much bigger. Being a demonstrator gives me the opportunity to give back by facilitating genuine connections.
Back in 2008, when Steve underwent open heart surgery, I felt utterly alone. That sense of isolation is something I never want anyone else to experience. Crafting, and the community that grows around it, is my way of making sure no one feels they have to walk through life’s toughest moments by themselves.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed people I first connected with through my classes supporting each other through serious illnesses, and walking alongside one another during the loss of family and friends. They’ve also been there for me—like when I recently fractured my own hand in two places and needed a little extra help.
Together, we’ve extended that support out into the wider community. My stamping friends have rallied behind fundraisers I’ve run to help Heart Kids, 4 Voices, the local church hamper drive, and initiatives like Cards for Troops and Letters of Hope. These moments remind me that what we create together goes far beyond paper and ink—it’s real friendship, kindness, and care in action.
The friendships and support networks that grow from stamping and creating together are what keep me passionate. This is the heart of The Creative Eclectic—it’s not just crafting, it’s connecting.
For me, helping someone create a project that they’re proud of is one of the best feelings in the world. After all, making something by hand is more than just paper, stamps, and ink—it’s sharing a piece of yourself with the people you love.
My goal is to help you explore eclectic creative techniques, fuel your creative passion, and inspire you to make something memorable and heartfelt.
Thank you for trusting me to be part of your creative journey. I look forward to having fun with you, learning and growing together, and I can’t wait to see what you create.
Happy Creating!
Chrissy
