My question...... is the only way to purchase them to host a party or go
to
someone else's party? She didn't seem very interested in my looking in the
catalogs & ordering. It seemed I needed to host or attend a party?

Stampin' Up is like Tupperware, in that they have at-home parties, but you
should be able to just order without booking or attending a party. You can
try their website (www.stampinup.com) and find a demonstrator in your area
who could help you if that person won't.

Cecelia