Getting creative at Chico Scrapbooks.
For a lot of women, especially moms, it’s important to find some free time in daily life for socializing. Finding a hobby where they can develop creativity and socialize at the same time is ideal. For women in the North State, classes are available for both scrapbooking and card making, two popular hobbies where women can tap their creative spirit while enjoying each others’ company.
A great way to learn how to make personalized greeting cards is to attend a Stamp-A-Stack Card Class. Sharon Lyons of Chico, California is an independent demonstrator and senior supervisor for Stampin’ Up!, a rubber stamp/craft-making company. Sharon offers monthly classes in her home, each class focusing on a theme or holiday using a variety of stamps for every occasion so that participants come away with easy-to-make yet personalized cards.
At each class, Sharon sets up four tables. Each features a different card design she has created, and offers three variations of each design, along with the necessary materials cut specifically for the card projects. Class attendees can use her model, or vary their cards using the rubber stamps provided. At the end of the class, there is the satisfaction of having created something that is useful while enjoying time learning a new craft. I attended one of Sharon’s classes and came away with 12 personalized holidays cards which I sent to family and friends for Christmas.
Denise Smith enjoys taking creative classes with Sharon Lyons of Cards by Sharon in Chico.
Participating in a card-making class is also a great way to meet and socialize with other women, and many form friendships that go beyond the class. Roseanne Anderson and two friends met at one of Sharon’s classes and now go out to movies, and have craft nights and dinner together regularly. Another customer, Denise Smith, loves Sharon’s classes and remarks enthusiastically, “It’s instant satisfaction. It’s therapy!”
Stampin’ Up! has a catalog of hundreds of rubber stamps and tools to create cards and other projects. René Boyes-Murdo is one of Sharon’s enthusiastic card-makers and is impressed with the cards. “It’s a very versatile and high-quality product,” says René.
As a demonstrator, Sharon also enjoys the social aspect of her job as she is able to socialize with her customers and form friendships. “I’ve met a lot of different ladies that I normally would never meet,” states Sharon. “Now I consider them friends instead of customers.”
If you have an interest in scrapbooking, She’s Crafty in Redding, CA is a store where you can find all the supplies and ideas you need for this popular hobby. Owner Jenny Gannon offers regular classes where participants learn how to create seasonal projects and albums, such as recipe albums and “thankful” mini-albums. “I love that I can create a work of art of such quality, and often learn something new at the same time,” says customer Andrea Campbell.
Jenny offers regular Crop Nights, a time when scrapbook enthusiasts can come in and work on their latest scrapbooking projects for extended periods of time. The class is usually offered on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at least two times per month, and attendees can socialize with a potluck.
Jenny Gannon, owner of She’s Crafty in Redding.
Adele Beckman is a foster parent who makes photo books for the children in her care. Adele states enthusiastically, “I love being able to scrapbook in a fun environment with friends. We talk, laugh, eat and share our photos. I have made lots of friends through scrapbooking.”
Kim Faires, who compares Crop Night to the old-fashioned quilting bee of the past, explains that scrapbooking is not just a hobby; it is “people gathering to work on something for their families while chatting, sharing and spending a bit of time together.”
Both Sharon and Jenny express their passions about their chosen careers in craftmaking. “Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is so rewarding,” says Sharon. “For me, helping someone create that perfect project for a special occasion is the best feeling in the world.” And Jenny states, “We’re here for your heart.”
[sws_grey_box box_size=”593″] Contact Info
Jenny and Sharon both write regular blogs where you can check for events, updates, schedules and projects.
Cards by Sharon
Sharon Lyons, Stampin’ Up! Independent Demonstrator, Senior Supervisor.
Chico
(530) 899-7126
http://www.sharonlyons.stampinup.net
She’s Crafty
Jenny Gannon
2620 Larkspur Lane, Suite A, Redding
(530) 722-9200
http://www.shescraftyscrapbook.blogspot.com [/sws_grey_box]
Posted in: Art & Music, Community
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
Building Community Enriches Lives
Generations ago, before television and cell phones, building a strong community was a way of life. Homes were built with porches where residents could lounge and spend time catching up […]
McCloud High School: A Small School In Siskiyou County Rises To New Heights
“We’re not doing anything magical,” says McCloud High School Principal Jessica Bowman. “We’re just offering what should be offered at a comprehensive high school.” What Jessica considers natural elements of […]
Tehama County Makerspace: A Sanctuary For Tech-Minded Children
Like most seniors, Red Bluff High School student Ericka Nabarrete, 17, had been pondering her future after graduation. With a passion for arts, she had little hope that she could […]
Red Bluff Playgroup Gives Kiddos (and their Parents) a Place to Make New Pals
Mojan Bailey’s son likes to tinker on toy cars with his plastic drill and wrench, but today the 3-year-old takes a break to sit at a toddler table and shape […]
