The Stampin' Grounds

More Great Local Demonstrators

Around this time of year, I get lots of questions from people about where to find a Demonstrator close to them that does Open Houses.  I know lots of Demonstrators in Vancouver and if you look to the right of this post, you will see "Sea to Sky Stampers Blogs/Websites", and below it a list of links to them, with their location next to it.  Check these gals out - they are so much fun, and I know you'll love their classes and events!

There are a few new ones that I've added lately, so be sure you look at their blogs soon! 

Mitra is one of the most bubbly people I have met!  She's a good person, through and through, and I mean REALLY nice girl!   And of course, her craftiness is awesome - she's a teacher working with kids, so she knows how to teach her craft!!  She's a demonstrator in Vancouver - make sure you check her out, and I think she even has an open house this weekend!! (Jan 24th)..

Heather Johnston is a nature loving, tea drinking stamper in North Vancouver - she is an avid gardener and if you want to learn to make a proper pot of tea, she's your gal!  She's also massively talented, and is one of those people who becomes the 'cotter pin' in friendship circles - make sure you meet her soon - I know she has a club running with space to join! 

Sandra is a scrapbook queen in North Vancouver.  She enters (and wins!) card and scrapbook contests routinely.  She's a chipper teacher, and she knows how to share her craft in a way you understand!  Her blog is updated routinely with ideas and new projects you won't see anywhere else, as she is often inspired by what she sees around her - check her out!

And now Maureen.  Maureen is a top-notch artisan stamper.  This lady knows her stuff!  If you are looking for someone wh is an expert and makes amazing cards, look no further than Maureen.  She's one of my favourite local stampers!  (and I believe she is having an open house on Feb 1st..... !

Bored on Sunday?

Not any more - I have just the thing for you! 

This, my friends, is Maureen.  Some of you know her from my clubs - she's the one who makes the stunning cards that are jaw-droppingly beautiful.  Well, I have news for you - she has become a demo!  Yep, this lovely lady has taken the plunge, and dedicated herself to teaching her amazing ways to all you eager stampers! 

That's not all - her Glittery Christmas Open House is THIS WEEKEND, and you won't want to miss it!  She's in New Westminster, and the event is on Sunday (the 23rd) from 1-4pm - what a great way to start your holidays off with a bang!

She's got glittering make n' takes, snacks, door prizes and more - you have to see some of the cards this lovely lady has made, I'm sure she'll have them on display.  She loves to help beginners too!

Of course, she also has some 'kick-off' specials to tempt you too, like free catalogs and glitter with orders.  She's only allowing a small number of people to attend, so make sure you RSVP to her right away at:

 grandmamoe@telus.net.

Have a blast you guys, and tell her I said hi! :)

Introducing Some New Blogs!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to take a quick sec and point you into the direction of a few new bloggers I recommend! 

First off, Jodie Fadum is a Vancouver, BC Demonstrator, and is one of the nicest folks you could hope to meet.  She's one of those Sweet as Apple Pie kind of girls, and she is also a mom to a beautiful baby girl! 

I love her creativity - she makes these beautiful flower cards, and gosh, you just want to hang out with her! :)

Check out her blog at: http://stampinjodie.blogspot.com/

Next is Leah Jones - Leah has been a successful demonstrator in Burnaby for quite some time, and just recently relocated to the White Rock/South Surrey area. 

One of my favourite things about Leah is that she is the queen of beautiful decor.  I went to one of her open houses, and she had the most beautiful little displays of not only paper crafts, but also signs for the different tasty goodies she brought (don't even get me started on those yummy tidbits!), and it just made you want to sit down and call it home! 

Check her out on her new blog at: http://leahslayout.typepad.com

Ok, Monica Chan is next, and oh my gosh, she makes the most stunning, detailed projects!  She has a careful hand, and it gives her lots of intricacy in her art.  Oh, and did I mention her Paper Cottage??  Yep - she actually has her own BUILDING in the back for stamping!  I know!  Are we all jealous?!  She holds her classes there, and it's a cozy little retreat from the rest of the world. 

Monica is a Demonstrator in Port Moody, and her new blog is already taking off like wildfire!  Make sure you visit her virtually, but if you are in the area, make sure you go meet her in person at her studio!

Her new blog is: http://papercottage.blogspot.com/

Colleen Thomas has this incredibly witty sense of humour that just keeps you rolling!  She's a kind, caring friend as well, and she has lots of experience with kids too (watch out for her mom and me classes!) She's a Demonstrator in Burnaby (close to Vancouver as well), and is a real kick.

Did I mention her Scrapbook skills as well?  This girl wins competitions for her layouts, so make sure you visit her!

Visit her blog at: http://www.stampinthomas.blogspot.com/

Props to Ange!

I'm sitting here tonight, and I'm thinking to myself, 'wow, I'm so lucky to have someone like Ange in my Sea to Sky Stampers Group'.  Instead of just thinking this to myself, I decided to say it to everybody tonight!  (can you feel the love)? ;)  After all, what's the point of thinking wonderful compliments, if you never share them?  So, here' s a little bit about Ange...

This is Ange, Angela McKay.  She's one of my favourite people - let me tell you why.  She is one of those steadfast friends and I *know* that whenever I'm in a bind, she'll bail me out.  Whether it be to drop her own business and rush over to help me prep an impossibly large class, or to give me a shoulder to lean on when things get rough - no matter what this girl will be there. 

Let me be the first to say that I think this girl could be the next Rising Star recipient in Stampin' Up! too - not only does she have a certain 'something' that you just wanna' hang around, but she's always researching the hottest new project or cutest 3D item (and then making it even cuter with her own style), or designing cards that just get better each month!  Mark my words - she's going far!

Oh, did I mention her wicked sense of humour?!  She's one of the biggest reasons that I LOVE our Sea to Sky Stampers group - she's always got a quick joke, a funny twist on something, or just a bubbly personality to make everyone feel like they are special and included in our group.  What can I say?  She's all class!

Angela is a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in North Vancouver, and I recommmend her without reservation! i can only imagine the hilarious parties this girl must demonstrate!  You can see her blog at http://northshorestamper.blogspot.com - if you are like me, you will visit daily just to read her stories!

Hey - how about you find someone who you really think is 'tops' today, and actually TELL them what you think?  How about instead of thinking "gosh, that Pamela is really thoughtful - she always xxxx", how about you tell them how much their actions impact you?  I think that we all could use a little bit of that sunshine that comes from honest, truthful thanks and appreciation! 

Share the story of you telling someone how great they are below (keep it short!) and I'll do a random draw in a few days and award some blog candy for it.  Of course, we all will have won something if we can read some awesome little stories of kindness - so don't be afraid, go for it!  Yep - YOU!  Thank that person, and tell us about it!!