DIY: Crafty Cards

Months ago, I stumbled upon stamping sensation Jane Matsumoto’s blog Whoopsie Daisy! via My Asian Heritage. It quickly became apparent that scrap booking isn’t just for the books. I was drawn to Jane’s baby onesie invitation created for her sister-in-law’s baby shower and thought that our readers would also enjoy.

Coincidentally, I heard from the Stampin’ Up! corporate offices and was warmly welcomed into a whole new world, beyond the Michael’s scrap booking aisle. Stampin’ Up! is a real phenomenon founded by two sisters Levonne Crosby and Shelli Gardner. From filling orders in their living room to a 55-acre campus in Utah, Stampin’ Up! is an impressive business model to say the least.

Jane, a mother of two active little boys, preschool teacher, blogger and one of 50,000 Stampin’ Up! reps squeezed in some time to answer a few of our newbie Stampin’ questions…

1. How did you first learn about Stampin’ Up! and what made you start Stampin’?

A friend was a demonstrator and asked if I would like to host a workshop. I was hooked instantly! Keiji was a few months old and I was going through postpartum depression. This new hobby really helped me get focused on my passion for arts and crafts and get re-connected with friends.

2. Is there a favorite project that you’ve complete and can you share it with us?

Yes! My sister-in-law’s baby shower was the first time I ever hosted a baby shower and it was such a success! I really enjoyed every moment from the baby invitations to the baby favors to the diaper cake. I even made Strawberry Ginger ale Cupcakes! You can see the pictures on my blog here!

My second favorite that I get lots of comments (even after a year!) is my tutorial on this Waterfall Card.

(Project Nursery’s Fave? See below…)

3. Any tips as to how Stampin’ Up! can be applied in the nursery, playroom or kids room?

Stampin’ Up! has an array of rubber stamps that can be used for the nursery, playroom or children’s room. Better yet, Stampin’ Up! recently came out with a new Definitely Decorative product line called “Décor Elements”. They are self-adhesive vinyl elements that are easy to apply and remove. Just as many of the stamp sets in the catalog are “Two-Step Stampin'” sets, you will find versatile Two-Step Décor Elements that will allow you to layer with different color vinyl elements or use them individually. I am a preschool teacher so my favorite is “Teacher’s Pet”.

4. What is the benefit of working with a Stampin’ Up! rep and how can I find one in my area? Do they need to be in my area?

You can easily locate a demonstrator near you by going to www.stampinup.com and clicking on “find a demonstrator” in the upper right hand corner. The benefit of working with a demonstrator directly is receiving personalized customer service and instruction. For example, many of my clients are Japanese. I offer card making workshops in both English and in Japanese and I trim the stamps and mount them for many of them (if I do not have them shipped directly to the customer’s home). I also have a Hostess Club that meets once a month and several other groups that meet every other week at my home to make cards.

Demonstrators do not need to be in your area. However, if you are looking for workshops or to become a demonstrator yourself, then you may want to contact someone near your home. That demonstrator will be able give you individualized attention in person.

Thanks Jane for sharing your love of Stampin’ Up! with us and for inviting crafty Project Nursery subscribers to contact you directly with any Stampin’ Up! questions via email at whoopsie.daisy{at}sbcglobal{dot}net.