V-Grrrl Gets Stampin

I love art but have never been into crafts. Until now.

Shirl Grrrl, in a move that would make Amy the Mary Kay pusher proud, nonchalantly passed me her Stampin' Up supply catalog and idea book, and what can I say? I inhaled! The whole thing! Parked at the kitchen table with my tea mug steaming, I took hit after hit off the catalog’s pages.

I had never been remotely interested in Shirl’s rubber stamping hobby. I’d requested a catalog because I thought little E-Grrrl, my arts and crafts darling, might like some stamping supplies for Christmas. Once I had the catalog in hand though, everything changed. Who knew stamping could be so cool?

I loved all the different stamps. Edgy and artistic, contemporary and bold, classic and vintage images—there were stamps for every taste and mood. I had envisioned rubber stamping as a dead end road—a predictable trip to a one way destination artistically. Shirl Grrrl’s own work and the samples on the pages she sent me showed me how wrong I was.

The images could be manipulated and colored, layered and popped, embossed and watermarked. Various types of paper and card stock, pencils, pastels, inks, paints, and dimensionals and other add-ons created all sorts of possibilities. I loved the way the cards the artists created were rich with color and texture, could be started and finished in a single session, could be simple or complex.

Hovered over the catalog, I saw that stamping would give me the chance to express myself and get as creative with paper as I am with the words I put on it. Just like my writing, the cards could be personally tailored works of “art” meant to be given away. Oh sure, I ordered some stamps for little E-Grrrl, but I ordered a whole lot more for myself—along with cardstock, tools, and other supplies to get us both started.

Since then I’m like a crack addict and Shirl Grrrl is my supplier. Dare I confess I have a few hundred dollars invested? That I asked for stamping supplies for my birthday? That I bought two books on stamping from Amazon? That E-Grrrl and I can spend hours on a weekend afternoon working on designs? That I like to stamp at night after everyone else goes to bed? The ever-wise E-Man supports my addiction, afraid I might start to twitch and bitch if he cut me off now.

While just a beginner, I think my designs get better with each session. Last weekend I attended a workshop with other addicts  artists to learn some new coloring techniques and try out some different tools. Ooh baby, I love how that stipple brush gives an airbrushed look to pigment. And now I can add ribbon to my cards with ease.

Meanwhile my stamping experience has gotten me interested in scrapbooking. While I prefer photos in a simple album, I’m imagining all the creative ways I can present the postcards I collect on a page, layering them with subtle background images, textured papers, complimentary colors. Conveniently, Shirl Grrrl is also a scrapbooking supply dealer.

I know those Mary Kay wenches get pink Cadillacs when they’ve pimped enough products. I’m hoping Shirl Grrrl ends up behind the wheel of something even better. I’d like to see her behind the wheel of something fast and fun, stampin on the gas, leaving rubber on the road.

© 2006 Veronica McCabe Deschambault. All rights reserved.

February 20, 2006

Comments

[Shirl Grrrl]

I am so happy that you've found a craft you can love! I am always amazed that somebody as non-talented as myself can actually create something beautiful. Thanks for the kind words! You inspire me to do better with my business!
Stamp On!

[Granola-grrrl]

That would be *exactly* why I have not even started down that road. I politely decline invitations to scrapbooking and stamping parties. I know I would love it too much!

But I say, if you can do it, GO FOR IT! (I'll avert my eyes to avoid temptation!)

[Gradual Gardener]

I've always wanted to try Letterboxing, which involves rubber stamps.

So where are the scanned postcard designs for our viewing pleasure?

[Arabella]

I second GG--we need pictures!

[Ash]

So when do we get to see??? This crafting this is addictive as an expat. Honestly, lots and lots of expat wives and mommies seem to throw themselves whole-heartedly into crafts - me being one of them ;)

Have you seen Artist's Trading Cards? Those use stamping and other techniques to make the most awesome things and then there's those chunky books that my online friend Danielle makes - not my kind of craft, but you might like them!
Check out http://www.danitorres.typepad.com/peacockfeather/

[V-Grrrl]

I have posted some photos of my first stamping projects in my photo album. The cards are sitting on top of their envelopes--they're not glued crookedly onto white backgrounds, which is how it looks.

Sorry I couldn't get the one shot of valentines to rotate....

If you want to check out the catalog and idea books that inspired me to start, you can view it online at:
http://www.stampinup.com/web2001/whatsnew.asp

If you want more info, I can put you in touch with Shirl Grrrl who can help you if you live in the States.

[Gradual Gardener]

Very cool...I especially like the dragonfly. I plan to repaint the living room next month, and I'm wondering how that would translate to paint...

[Denice]

Welcome to my world, I started selling scrapbook supplies to supplement my addiction. I won't pick-up a stamp catalog, won't do it, because I don't have another thou or so to sink in to another hobby. God, I love all this stuff though, LOVE IT!

Money and time, that's what these things take - the two things I do not have in my life! Why, why, why, why, why, ahem, as I said, welcome.

[wordgirl]

I recently posted about a crafter who is unbelievably talented. Every time you look on her site, she's sewn/knitted/painted/constructed/designed...or baked something. Good Lord! The woman has a full time job ON TOP of that, too. True, she has no children, so those of us with kids see the difference. Still, she's worth a look. You can find her from my post about cake.

[Ash]

I love your cards! They're gorgeous :) I am scared to try stamping - I might get addicted to it!

[Ceece]

seriously, that stuff is like a drug isn't it?
I am constantly cruising ebay for things on there, any kind of deal I will take it.Now I just need to use it.