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…)

"A Rocking Hello"

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.

Tags: Interview, Stampin', Stationary

I used to take great pride in my business cards from back in my “working” days. They were something special - Double thick, textured, two-toned, embossed with copper foil and card stock like a brick on the spectrum of paper lbs. While my old career path is currently on hold and the cards are now used for a game of “52 card pick up” with my toddler, I have learned to channel my love of stationary into ordering special occasion and note cards. And there’s nothing more special or stunning than letterpress…

Debra Saba, owner and creative director at Luxe Expressions recently introduced me to her lovely line of letterpress. She also took the time to answer some questions I thought our readers may like to know:

Why is letterpress more expensive and is it worth it? Yes, Letterpress is special and because of the nature (each piece is pressed one by one by hand and by color to get the ink indention), they are on the higher price point than for Offset printing. However, we offer both print methods here at Luxe Expressions.  We do love Letterpress though. You can say the simplest things and it looks fabulous inked into soft cotton papers. Any baby design can be done in Letterpress or Offset and one can add embellishments with bows and other items to make them truly unique.

What is it like working with Luxe Expressions “Couture”? We are a couture design studio and our online pieces are used for inspiration but we find that for our baby clients, most people just want to change colors, names (of course), fonts, etc. For all things baby, we design baby shower invites, baby coasters, baby thank you cards, mommy calling cards, birth announcements, and family holiday cards. Luxe Expressions has endless possibilities for you to welcome the little one with style! Ask our design team how you can customize one of the collections you’ve seen on our site or work with them to custom-design a piece especially for you. Reach us by calling 770.424-6192 or email us at hello@luxeexpressions.com.  We will work up a quote, send an invoice, and begin the design process.  We will guide Project Nursery readers through the entire process.

Good News! Luxe Expressions is currently offering Project Nursery readers Baby Announcements and Baby Thank You Cards at 30% off for 1 or 2 ink colors through December 25^th.  In addition, our readers will receive 20% off family holiday cards in 1 or 2 ink colors. Designs must be in letterpress to qualify for the discount.  Offset printing is also available upon request.   Please use code LUXE4PN when contacting Luxe Expressions to apply the savings.

Tags: Announcements, Discounts, Letterpress, Stationary

Just one look at “George the Silly Sparrow” by Etsy shop, Isabell’s Umbrella and I want to swoop him up and keep him safe in my child’s room for a rainy day.

“George loves to make people smile - it is what he does best. Based off of one of my favorite illustrations, this little guy will brighten any space. George is perfect at spreading happiness” - Ashley . Created by hand with felt, George measures approx. 2.5″ and is enclosed in a wonderful shadow box frame (5.5″ off-white). The frame can stand by itself or hang on a wall (including hardware).

Graphic Designer by day and doodler by night, owner Ashley Giessing has created a line of stationary with the magic to clear the clouds on a rainy day and revitalize the lost art of handwritten correspondence. We wholeheartedly agree with Ashley when she says “There is nothing that means more to me than a kind, heartfelt, handwritten note from someone I love”. Here’s a peek into her sweet stationary designs.

To learn out more about Ashley’s recent work, check out her blog.  To make Silly George the Sparrow a part of your life and room decor…

1. Share with us the last time you took the time and energy to hand write someone a sweet note. Or, let us know if you were on the receiving end of this kind gesture. And okay, if you have been inspired to hand write a note because of George and this post - that counts too!

2. For extra credit, subscribe to Project Nursery via email for our daily postings and your name will be entered twice.

3. A winner will be selected at random using www.random.org

4. Contest ends 11:59pm pst, Friday, August 15th.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congrats to Rockin’ Mama Caryn B.!

Tags: Etsy, Stationary, Wall Art

I was fairly proactive when I was pregnant and made the time to search for the perfect birth announcement. I took the advice of friends and prepared lists, mailing labels and heart stamps for when the baby arrived. While it was a little “A-type” of me (and for those of you who know me well, that’s not a-typical), it did pan out in the end because birth announcements were the last thing on my mind with a new baby and sleepless nights.
Getting to my point…All that effort went into a very pricey paper announcement. I then began to wonder if my mailing list would appreciate the paper quality, color and font? I then began to think about all the announcements I’ve acknowledged and tossed in the trash. Yikes!

Lillybean Designs developed a creative solution called the “Birth Mark“, a bookmark announcement. Now I am not saying that you’ll have lots of time to read as a new mom, however at least your friends and family will have an opportunity to make use out of a beautiful bookmark. Heck, your baby’s announcement will last more than a couple of weeks!
Lillybean Designs is a boutique paperie offering personalized stationary, wall art, custom photo cards, babe magnets, “birth marks”, business/hip mama calling cards and more! They also welcome custom orders and I can personally vouch for their ability to create lovely custom work. Owner Shawna, was quick to respond and provided creative suggestions in my quest for calling cards the other day. I can’t thank her enough for exceeding my expectations!
Please also check out Lillybean’s wall art (framed or stretched canvas) if your beyond the announcement phase. It’s another Project Nursery favorite and always a popular request among our readers.

Psst…Lillybean Designs will also include custom stickers with your order if you mention “Project Nursery”!

Tags: Announcements, Bookmarks, Calling Cards, Stationary

Framed gifts always make me feel special. Not only is it wonderful to look at on the wall, but it’s very personal and a sincere gesture from the sender.

If you are not already wowed by the complimentary stickers to match and seal the envelopes, have your stationary match your baby’s bedding! Yes, you heard correctly. Some of us can appreciate the hours and agony that goes into choosing the right crib bedding for your unborn baby. When we claim that Babycakes Art will take the time to customize your stationary design needs, we weren’t kidding. The possibilities are endless! Here’s just one example…

And now, the best part: Receive 15% discount on your purchase through June 30, 2008 with code “Project Nursery”. At checkout, enter code in the ‘notes to seller’ and the email address where the revised invoice should be sent. Complete order but do NOT go to Paypal to pay. You will receive a revised invoice, and a link to complete payment, via email reflecting the discount.

Tags: Announcements, Stationary, Stickers, Wall Art

Erin Condren, a cool So. Cal Babe, created an amazing line of bright and quirky stationary filled with announcements, personal note cards, labels and even a growth chart! I love that she is a fellow UCLA Bruin too. I could go crazy on her site ordering stuff for the whole family to enjoy.

If you fancy a little letterpress, a centuries-old printing process, then you will love the artfully modern designs of Dauphine Press. Founded by a graphic designer these cards have a vintage look and feel. It’s pure old-world elegance.

And don’t forget to order some thank-you notes too! Those baby gifts start rolling in right away. I’m a big fan of the Margot Madison collection of note cards. The custom patterns are printed inside the envelope and on the back of each card. So cool. For only $22.50 you can’t go wrong!

Tags: Announcements, Stationary