A recent article in the Deseret News show just a glimpse into just how much fun a Stampin' Up! Convention can be!
Crafty creativity: Utah-based Stampin' Up! adds digital productsStampin' Up! was started in 1988 by Gardner and her sister, LaVonne Crosby, when they got hooked on stamping and looked for a home-based business opportunity that would let them buy and sell rubber stamps. Finding none, they decided to create their own.
Today, there are some 40,000 Stampin' Up! demonstrators worldwide. The products are sold through in-home workshops and demonstrations and (at a slightly higher price) online. Today, the catalog has expanded to include not only stamps but paper, punches, art supplies, die cuts, stencils, home decor products and more.
Some 3,000 of their demonstrators gathered at the Salt Palace recently for the national convention. What is so fun, says Elizabeth Gray, public relations spokesman for Stampin' Up!, is "that they come from all walks of life, all ages, all stages of life. Some do it mostly so they can get their own products at a discount, some own their own businesses, and some even support their families."
At the convention, two new product lines were introduced and will be available this fall. The first is digital crafting software called My Digital Studio, which enables crafters to digitally design scrapbooks, cards and calenders as well as create multimedia outputs such as video, says Brent Steele, vice president for creative services at Stampin' Up!
Digital is becoming an increasing part of the scrapbook and crafting world, says Steele. "It's bringing in a whole new group of crafters: computer geeks, husbands and other men, younger crafters."
A second new line is a partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop that will allow the Utah-based stamping company to create a collection of stamp sets, designer papers and die cuts built around Build-A-Bear Workshop mascot Bearamy and his furry friends. "I know I will be spending hours playing with my grandchildren, making all kinds of Build-A-Bear creations," Gardner says.
Jill Kocherhans demonstrated a few possibilities, including a gift sack, a little canvas bag for crayons, magnetic paper dolls and a framed picture scene. Some of her projects were made from what was left of the others. "Never throw anything away," is her advice.
"Experiment, and you can often find a new use for it."
Stamps can be used on paper, cloth, wood and other materials. Die cuts can be created out of fabric ironed on to fusible web that in turn can be ironed on to other fabrics, or out of magnetic sheets, or cardstock and other things available at any craft store, she says. All it takes is imagination, inspiration and creativity.
That's one thing that Sheila Paul, a demonstrator from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, loves about it all. "You can incorporate so many different crafts into what you do; they all cross the lines these days."
Her daughter, Heather, "is in it for the photography. I love to do portfolios and wedding albums."
There's something that everyone can do, says Trina Boyd, also from Edmonton. "I love it when people say, 'Oh, I can't do it; I'm not creative at all.' I sit down with them and pretty soon, they are saying, 'Oh, this is easy. I could do this at home.' "
Cynthia Ritzman, from Ontario, Calif., was in a painting group with some friends, and "one member of the group started stamping. I thought, 'Why do I need another hobby?' But we saw the fun she was having and we all gave in and started stamping. Now that's all we do."
It's like the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Stamp," jokes Trina Lopez. "You never know where you'll go, but you know you'll have fun."
That's the thing that Ritzman loves most. "You get to have a fun, relaxing time together. If you're not friends to start, you will be soon. You will find people to share your life."
It can be "completely addicting," warns Sharon Maxwell, of Marshall, Minn., with a grin. "Maybe we need a Stampers Anonymous." On the other hand, she says, "I love it. It's a great way to spend time with your best friends, doing something you can all enjoy."
The theme does say it all, adds her friend, Carol Jones, Oreana, Ill. "It's so rewarding to see someone's eyes light up because of something they've made. You both feed good. It's inspiring. It's creative. And it's just plain fun."
Women create stamping projects during the Stampin' Up! convention at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. Michael Brandy, Deseret News
Babara Welch puts the final touches on her card during the convention, which featured new products. Michael Brandy, Deseret News
Diana Gibbs photographs cards on display. Stampin' Up! unveiled a digital crafting software during the convention. Michael Brandy, Deseret News
Deb Valder takes a power nap with her teddy bear during the convention. Michael Brandy, Deseret News
I love Stampin' Up! And I love Convention! I'm already saving up for next year! :D
If all this sounds like fun to you, and you'd like more information on becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, contact me at belindaking@stampwithbelinda.com and I'll send an information packet for you to look over in the comfort of your own home.
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