In the event of an emergency, is your crafting stash really safe? I have shared this story in Creative TECHniques magazine with a few folks before but, it is something that is really important so bare with me….
For a minute, I’d like you to take an inventory of the crafting supplies you have. Don’t worry, I have all the time in the world here, write it down. How many sheets of paper do you have, how many markers, stamps, inks, embossing powders, embellishments, gadgets, tools, cameras, digital stuff (scanners, computers, software), albums, and random “alterables” like chipboard books and such? How much did all that stuff cost (don’t worry I won’t tell)? Now, think about your insurance policy that covers your home. Does it cover your crafting supplies? Surprise! You may be shocked to find out that many policies require you to have a separate rider to cover your stash and in the event of an emergency (flood, tornado, earthquake, fire, all the other incidentals we never expect), the loss will not be covered if you haven’t purchased one. I personally found out the hard way the day my children decided to leave a garden hose running which flooded my own studio. Thousands of dollars worth of supplies were damaged in the flood and most of it was not covered by insurance. It was hard lesson to learn.
Recently, as most of you are aware, much of the Midwest was devastated by flooding and I can assure you, many of our fellow crafters were affected. Jeff Fisher posted this blog entry that drives home the point. People who were not prepared for this kind of devastation are picking up the pieces and wondering how on earth they will be getting back to “normal” and many are just now figuring out that their crafting supplies will not be replaced. Reminisce created a special line of papers and stickers commemorating the recent flood with the proceeds going directly to help those in need. I encourage folks to check it out. As I have mentioned before, Scrapbooking is about people and documenting the events that matter. Simple things like hobbies can help people heal and feel normal again after a devastating event.
I never really thought about my craft stash being covered by my homeowner’s insurance. Thanks for the head’s up!
I will be ordering this soon. What a great idea and thank you for thinking of us. I grew up and still live in Cedar Rapids and this has been devasting.
Amy~ My prayers go out to all the folks in Cedar Rapids and all the other small towns that were affected by the flooding. My daughter was so worried about “Ms.Sippi”, wondering if she was someone’s teacher and how “Mr. Sippi” was handling everything….she made us smile from her genuine compassion and heartfelt prayers for a “family” she did not know. She understands that it is a river now and prays for the people along it. We know a few folks there in St. Louis (the Red Lead folks(http://www.redleadpaperworks.com/) and a little store called the Artfull Hand (http://www.theartfullhand.com/). I think people understand it all better when there is a face and a name. I would love to post more stories about the folks down there and link them up with people wanting to help.
The dollar values (especially at a buck a per sheet of delicious paper) can add up very quickly. Having an inventory of the things you own is just good preparation. Protecting your investment is being smart!
Sarah – Thanks for the mention and for bringing this issue to the attention of your readers. – J.
Thanks for this article to all readers. We are a victim of the flood waters. I lost all my scrapbooking supplies and finished scrapbooks. I can’t even walk in to a scrapbooking store yet for that ill feeling in my stomach caused by this loss. In the future I will scan all my finished scrapbook pages into the computer for safe keeping.