Introducing SBH Stamper/Cardmaker In The Limelight

Sandie Downey

What got you started in stamping/card making?

Where do you get your ideas?

Oh most of them just pop into my head but sometimes it could be when I am waiting in a queue somewhere and I spot a nice picture and take a snapshot in my mind.  Or then other times it might just be from looking at nature –there are so many different aspects of nature that inspiration can be drawn from. I also love to visit fellow cardmakers/scrappers to check out what they are doing and also be inspired by them.

What do you mostly create with your stamps?

Cards are my No.1 passion.  I love to make them, teach them, give them and sell them.

How much time do you spend stamping?

Well my husband would say too much – I find it very therapeutic and try to create everyday if not every second day.

Do you have a special technique you love to use?

Probably distressing most of all.  I think this fits in with the fact that I hate to measure anything – so to give my cards that rustic feel is great and easy.  There’s nothing like distressing the edge of some cardstock.

How do you describe your style?

No given style – I just go with whatever I am feeling at the time.  I have to say that I love things to match – if it doesn’t match – it’s just doesn’t feel right.

Are there colors, styles, or products that draw you?

What tools can you not do without?

Describe your craft space.

Well I must say that I am lucky enough to have a room dedicated to my craft space – or should I say craft mess. I have a desk and surrounding that desk is every plastic drawer shape you can think of – from the tiniest up to the largest. My husband is a handy-man about the place so he kindly made me a shelving unit on castors that house my large plastic drawers. 

What are two of your best organizational tips for stampers that do not have a lot of space?

I would definitely advise buying Clear Polymer Stamps – they can stored in clear plastic folders/binders and stored flat. Wooden stamps tend to take up way too much room.  Another tip would be to buy sets of clear plastic drawers – you can label each draw clearly with the contents and most times see at a glance what you are looking for.  They also look nice and neat.

What advice would you give to those new to stamping?

When you are starting out I would chose wisely when it comes to stamps.  My motto is to look at each stamp and see how many ways you can use that particular stamp.  I look at each one and try to see if I can use it THREE ways – that way you know that is a good buy.  Buying a stamp for ONE purpose only is not economical – yes it may be nice but is it truly worth it in the end? I am also a believer that you don’t need all the latest and greatest whiz bang machines.  A lot of things can be done without them and quite often it is a challenge to actually find something you have at home that will do the job just as well.

Do you have a blog? 

I have two blogs -  Handmade Daisies by Sandie is used to promote my handmade daisies! Sandie's Place is to share my layouts and card creations, and enter a few challenges here and there.

If you were given 3 wishes, what would they be?

Please share with us, 5 random things about yourself.

1. I love chocolate!!!!!!!
2. I am a born worrier – when I haven’t got a worry I think to myself “now there must be a worry”.
3. I am a good listener and I am a good wife, mother and friend.
4.  In 1999 I won a competition called “Millenium Dreams” which meant I won a cheque for $10,000.00  this was a deposit on our FIRST HOME.
5. My real name is Sandra – if anyone calls me this I know I am in trouble.  If they call me Sand they want me to do something and if they call me Sandie – well I will answer!!!!  LOL.

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Chantelle Hiuzenga

Deanne Stewart-Mills