New to Rubber Stamping?

Whether you’ve been rubber stamping for a long-time or a newbie, there are certain basics you’ll need to keep in mind to be successful.  First, you’ll need good quality rubber stamps, inks, paper, adhesive and a good cutting tool.  And sometimes you just need someone to teach you new techniques, inspire you and show you the ropes.

My first introduction to rubber stamping was 7 or 8 years ago at a Stampin’ Up! workshop.   I had never heard of Stampin’ Up! before attending this workshop, and I always wondered the big deal was about rubber stamping.  I thought, stamp to ink to paper, then what?  How could you make that into a work of art?  I’ve seen rubber stamps with nice images at the craft stores but didn’t know how to turn that into something special.

My introduction to the world of rubber stamping, and Stampin’ Up! that night was life-changing!  Really.  I discovered a world of color, coordinated color, paper, inks, and how to use different ink colors on 1 stamp to make an image come to life.  I learned to cut and glue and add ribbon or a button to embellish.  I was hooked!   I couldn’t sleep that night – I just kept staring at what I made and thinking of all the possibilities of what I could make!  I couldn’t wait for my order to come in so I could start creating.

Here is my very first card that I ever made that fateful evening:

So simple and yet, to me, so beautiful; a work of art!  I don’t remember the name of the stamp set, but I remember using Stampin’ Write Markers to color the stamp.  The ribbon & brads were the icing on the cake .

I jumped at the chance to be part of a stamp club; an opportunity to get together with other ladies who wanted to create with paper & rubber stamps, to learn from our Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and to start my own collection of paper and ink & stamp sets.  My monthly stamp club was something I looked forward to with anticipation.

After a number of years in that club, and encouragement from all the other ladies in my club, I stretched myself to join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator and to start teaching rubber stamping to others.  I still light up whenever I see someone take a rubber stamp to an ink pad and then to paper for the first time and watch as they marvel at their first creation!  I love teaching Stampin’ Up! and I still look forward to my Stamp Club or Class nights.  The fun, the camaraderie, the laughter, the projects.

I would love if you would join me for a stamp class:  I’m hosting a few events in the coming weeks.  Click here for the list of classes.  But I’m also available to come to you and teach a workshop with you and your friends.  Email me to schedule your own workshop.  If this looks and sounds like fun to you; or if you are just curious as what to do with an ink pad and rubber stamp, join me.  My open house on Sept. 13th is free so there is no commitment except a few hours of your time.  The other classes have a nominal fee to cover the cost of supplies.

Don’t live in the NE PA area?  My classes & stamp clubs don’t fit into your schedule?    Join me for a Virtual Stamp Club.    I’m starting a Virtual Stamp Club where we will get together in the comfort of your own home, at your convenience and stamp once a month.  I’ll still teach a new technique each month, and you’ll have the chance to build your stash of supplies.   Sound like fun?  Indicate your interest by emailing me and I’ll send you all the details.

Hope to see you soon.  Stamp happy!

Nancy