Need A Card? Look No Further...

I don't know about you, but I love it when somebody gives me a card that they've made themselves. At one time I tried to keep every single card I received, but I've since had to cut back and be choosy about the ones I save. If it includes a heartfelt message, I'll keep it. The same goes for cards that have been handmade, just for me. These hold a personal touch and give me a happy feeling that I just wouldn't get with any old card. Here with me today is Cula Parker, a local demonstrator for Stampin'Up! This is just a small sampling of the amazing things she can do with stamps:

Cula is a stamping extraordinaire - I've watched in awe as she turns mere paper into incredible cards and other projects within seconds. She readily donates her time and expertise to benefit charities, schools and people like me who like to stamp for fun. Through her patience and excellent guidance, I've created beautiful cards and projects that I never would have thought I could do. She holds classes where you can learn different stamping techniques, make fun projects, or work on your own scrapbook or cards. See her website for more details. She's also a terrific mama, making her that much more awesome! I had the pleasure of asking Cula a few questions about herself and her business:

How did you discover stamping?

I discovered stamping about 15 years ago and wasn't really devoted to any company, then i discovered Stampin' Up! in 2005 and fell in love with thier products! The quality is far better than any other company, after purchasing for about 2 years i decided to become a Demonstrator to help support my stamping habit.

How long have you had your Stampin'Up business?

I'm celebrating my first year this February.

What do you enjoy most about being a demonstrator for Stampin' Up?

I feel so completely blessed to have so many great roles in my life....wife, mother, sister, teacher and along with all those roles I'm also very excited to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. I truly LOVE what I do !!! I get to stamp and earn money !! Who wouldn't love that !! I am passionate about all the roles in my life and keeping them all in balance. I love that part of Stampin' Up!'s goals is also to help keep all these things in balance too ! How many bosses do you know that want you to spend time doing what you love with the people you love !!!

I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction teaching someone who has never stamped before and watching them fall in love with stamping, just like I did. I love teaching and stretching experienced stampers and helping them grow in this incredible craft and all the while always pushing myself to learn more and bring the best of myself and stamping to those around me

What are some of your favorite stamping techniques?

I love 2-step stamping and watercoloring. I also love to find new ways to use my punches.

What advice do you have for people who are just beginning to stamp?

Don't be intimadated(i know it's hard). Pick a versatile stamp set and a few ink pads, and a pack of cardstock and start from there. I promise that the rest will follow.

What are some of your favorite website or places to get inspiration?

I love the Stampin'Up! Website for Demo's! There are so many great ideas and techinques. I also gather ideas from fellow Demonstrators.

Where can one get more information about the classes that you offer?

My Website http://culaparker.stampinup.net/ has my class schedule and includes Club Offerings. I also have ideas posted to my blog at http://www.culaparker.blogspot.com/

Thanks Cula, for spending time with us today! Cula has also generously donated a Stampin'Up! gift pack for one lucky winner! It includes:

Coluzzle cutting system with circle and oval templates
6x6 designer series paper in Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Love and Happiness rub-on's - 1 sheet Basic Black and 1 sheet Wild Wasabi(retired)
Make It Count stamp set(retired)
Basic Black stampin' spot
Stampin' Up! Designer Chapstick

To enter, leave a comment on this post prior to Tuesday, February 10th at Midnight. Please include your email address. Winner must provide a U.S. or Canadian mailing address.