Scrap & Stamp Marathon Held at Crowne Plaza

While many were outside enjoying another hot and sunny summer's day, several crafty artisans gathered inside on Saturday to beat the heat and escape their usual routines by assembling at Crowne Plaza in Holtsville, where a scrapbooking workshop was held by Terri Brennan, an independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator. 

Approximately 20 women pre-registered for the all day event. Demonstrations were held giving instruction on how certain tools can be used. 

"I'm doing one with glitter," said a beaming Brennan.

Raffles were held for a chance to win baskets filled with craft supplies.  A "Make and Take" table was set up where participants could construct a quick, free project such as a greeting card for an upcoming birthday.  There were also Scrap & Stamp products for sale. 

Most in attendance carted their own supplies to work on individual projects.  Many were also Stampin' Up! demonstrators as well as enthusiasts. 

"The key point is no family, no kids, it's open to men but, they're not necessarily paper people," Brennan said.

Women came from all over Suffolk County as well as Nassau, Harlem and Westchester to attend this extended session.

Stampin' Up! is a direct sales company based in Utah.  It has been in business over 20 years.  Brennan has been a demonstrator for over a decade.

"It's a phenomenal company to work for," she said. "We sell all kinds of rubber stamps, scrapbooking and any kind of paper craft supplies that you need.  The premise behind the company is direct sales but, when you buy the products you know how to use them; it's demonstrated for you."

This is an ideal business venture for a stay at home parent or as a supplemental second income. 

"It works around family lifestyle," she said. "You pretty much do your own schedule; you're in charge of your own business."

Carrie Grillo, a demonstrator in Brennan's direct sales down line said, "It's very versatile, easy, affordable and fun to do—you get hooked on it."

Brennan added, "You can create memories." 

The seasoned demonstrator and businesswoman explained what goes on during a workshop.

"Some scrapbook, some do cards or pictures.  You can do creative things and be with other creative people," she said.

When not "stampin," Brennan is an accountant and Grillo is an art teacher.

"We do it because it's really fun.  The income is great but, it's a way to get away from the mundane," Brennan said.

Kim Bailey of Westbury is also a demonstrator with the company and she brought four years worth of photos chronicling her travels to be put into a decorative scrapbook.

"It's the best way to get it done, working 12 hours," she said. "I just started working on it today.  I had everything in a box put in order by year and here I go."

Ingrid Lynch, an avid knitter, was introduced to scrapbooking by her sister Eva Aseto.  Lynch said, "She was always talking about how much fun it is so, we made it into some sister bonding."

Grillo's mother, Ina Bloom was there lovingly working on poster boards that showcased each of her four grandchildren.  When Bloom explained that she'd been crafting for five or six years her daughter chimed in saying, "Try like 10 or 15."

Time flies when you're having fun.

To find out more about Stampin' Up! classes, workshops, demonstrations or products go to terristamps4u.stampinup.net or contact her at 3brennan@optonline.net.