ATHABASCA - Heather Kariel has been creating cards and other items with Stampin’ Up for about 10 years, but this year was the first time the American-based company encouraged Canadian demonstrators to make cards for deployed Canadian Armed Forces members.
Kariel opened her home Jan. 20 to allow anyone to come make a card for free based on half a dozen cards she designed and created samples of.
She had all the materials ready and creators could put their own spin on the card before signing it, the only caveat was no glitter or sparkles.
“Dad was a World War II vet and postal clerk,” Kariel said. “I grew up in the military.”
That makes the project even more special to her as people came and went creating the Valentine’s Day mementos. It was not overly complicated and eight-year-old Isaiah Bouchier made two cards — one to be sent and one Kariel allowed him to keep.
“It’s fun,” Bouchier said as he helped his grandmother fold the backing for a card. “I like the stamps.”
Another Independent Stamping Demonstrator, Christine Lee, was also on hand to make cards and pointed out some of her work hanging on the walls in Kariel’s spacious workroom.
Lee has been a demonstrator for about a year.
“I’m into scrapbooking,” she said. “Now I’m getting more into cards.”
Lee is one of five demonstrators who gathers with Kariel to create amazing cards which people can buy if they are looking for a unique personal creation.
The group attends Farmer’s Markets and events like the upcoming Bridal Fair in Athabasca Feb. 29 at the Ag Society building.
They also offer card making classes, home parties and let anyone drop in to create something amazing for a minimal fee.
Kariel gathered the cards and sent them to Calgary by Jan. 24 where Stampin’ Up are collecting them from across the country. They will be sent to deployed service men and women from there to arrive in time for Valentine’s Day.
