AECP Stories: From Newbie to Educator – How Crafting Changed My Life

If you’re reading this blog, you’ve likely had a first-time experience with paper crafting or cardmaking. That experience, be it stamping your first blurry image or mindlessly playing with a stencil, is a catalyst to a beautiful journey that’ll stay with you for the rest of your life. 

In today’s blog, we’re diving into the stories of four amazing women as we learn about their experience as Altenew Educator Certification Program (AECP) participants, to now being full-fledged educators. From struggles to found family and fulfilling achievements, who’s to say you aren’t already experiencing these as well? 

Dipping Your Toes in Paper Crafting & Card Making Classes

Everyone needs to start somewhere, and so did these 4 wonderful ladies! Get to know Evette Jacobson, Sarah Phelan, Pam Boedeker, and Jennifer Johnston as they take you through their AECP experiences.  

When asked about what prompted them to join Altenew’s Educator Program, these ladies all had one thing in common: a desire to improve their skills, prove their abilities, and grow their passion for creating into something more! 

“I wanted to prove to myself, my family, and all the teachers I had growing up that told me I would be a horrible teacher one day (I had learning difficulties throughout school) or that pursuing art would never put bread on the table that I could actually accomplish something in an area I enjoyed.”, Evette shares. 

On the other hand, Sarah opens up about wanting to make crafting her career: “I wanted to make crafting my career, so I thought it would be a good way to improve my teaching skills and get some feedback that I could use to refine my cardmaking and teaching skills.”

 No matter your background, crafting experience, or the amount of supplies you have, everyone has the opportunity to start somewhere! Where and when your journey begins rests entirely with you, and when you decide to start improving your skills as a crafter, AECP and all of its participants and teachers are here for you! 

Celebrating the Highs and the Lows of the Learning Experience

Of course, crafting doesn’t come without its challenges. You will come across mistakes, frustrations, and sometimes even thoughts of just giving up. While that’s totally normal, know that all the hardship is worth it in the end! 

“My greatest challenge was technology. AECP gave me the motivation I needed to create a blog, learn to take better photographs, teach on Zoom, and find resources on the internet. That gave me more confidence and desire to continue learning to improve my computer skills.”, Pam shares. 

When asked about one of her favorite moments in the AECP, Jennifer recalls a specific course and even something interesting she created with Altenew packaging: 

“The work I did for the Botanical Illustration Inspired Watercolor course is one of them. This is an advanced course, and I’m proud to say I put in all the effort the course asks for. My final project is one of my favorite projects of the entire AECP. I also made a clock with Altenew’s packaging.”, Jennifer shares.

Crafting can encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and create the most beautiful projects, and you simply can’t achieve that without taking the first step. The more you work on new techniques, meet other crafters, and grow more confident in your skills, you’ll soon find that the things you were worrying about in the beginning seem so far from your reach. 

Evette shares how she learned to be kind to herself throughout the learning process: “It's been a complete change in a good way. I've learned so much about myself from the program and from teaching many things I can use in my daily life, not just my artsy life. I've definitely learned to give myself grace, respect, and patience, and I've learned there are people out there just like me, loving this craft.”

Sarah also reflects on how far she’s come as a crafter, now juggling her responsibilities as a mom and teaching people how to craft every day! “Crafting has changed my life significantly. It really helped me to have something creative to focus on when my son was little, and so I decided to turn it into my career. Now I love to teach others how to make cards, and work with several different brands to showcase their products.” 

Still on the Fence About Joining AECP? Here’s What Our Educators Have to Say

Having any hesitation or even fear of diving into card-making classes is completely normal, but know that an encouraging, supportive community is waiting for you! There is no crafting experience too little, or a question too shallow because everything you have to say is completely valid! 

“Take the leap. There is nothing to lose and so much to gain with the AECP program. You’ll be part of a special community that is a truly rewarding experience. It's a place where creativity flourishes through shared passion and mutual support.”, Jennifer shares. 

“Altenew created something very special when AECP was born.  It is a caring, crafty community like I have never experienced.  I would encourage anyone to sign up.  Even if you have no desire to teach or pursue more than just improving your own skills, it is an experience that will change your life.”, Pam adds. 

Are You Looking to Dive Into Cardmaking for Beginners? We’re Excited to Have You!

Crafting can take you from feeling creatively stuck to becoming an empowered educator. Like these 4 inspiring women, you too can experience what it’s like to be part of a lifelong family and become an educator! 

Whether it’s your goal to teach or you simply want to create projects that inspire others, the Altenew Educator Certification Program is for you. In case you decide to embark on this wonderful journey, we have no doubt that you will feel right at home and join Pam, Jennifer, Sarah, and Evette, along with our other amazing educators and participants! 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: Is cardmaking profitable?

A: It’s entirely possible to sell cards that you’ve created, it simply depends on how you want to market your cards and how you’ll find a good audience for it too. 

Q: What are the basics for cardmaking?

A: Cardmaking basics revolve around techniques like stamping, die-cutting, embossing, ink blending, and more. If these are unfamiliar to you, it would be great if you took some beginner cardmaking classes to learn more about them! 

Q: How do I start my own card business?

A: To make cardmaking your career or business, it’s best to have a firm grasp of cardmaking basics. Learning the techniques will enable you to move on to more advanced skills and even teach them to others! 

Q: What are the steps to designing a greeting card?

A: To design a greeting card, you’ll first need to collect all of the supplies you’ll need, decide on a color palette, and then what elements you want to add. Cardmaking is all about creativity, construction, and practice, so make sure to take your time and learn as much as possible!