It all started about seven years ago with the birth of her first child, Maggie.

“My mother-in-law gave me a scrapbook,” said Logansport resident Toby Rumple. “It was almost like a baby book, but with decorative stickers and paper.”

At first, Rumple wasn’t sure she was going to use the book. At the time, two of her close friends had children as well. She was able to talk her friends into becoming involved and would invite them over to scrapbook.

After Rumple became comfortable with her scrapbooking abilities, her mother-in-law bought her a card-making kit.

“I got hooked,” she said. “I could complete a project in the time it took my kids to nap.”

Rumple is now an independent demonstrator with “Stampin’ Up!” and offers classes to help others find their own artistic touch. She became familiar with the program after attending classes in Kokomo.

“It’s hands on and really fun,” she said. “There’s no age limit either. It’s something my kids can do with me.”

During the classes, Rumple learned a variety of techniques. She is now able to teach others those same techniques, including water coloring, embossing and all kinds of paper crafting.

She would come home with candy holders, stacks of cards and decorative notebooks. She eventually became a member of the stamp club and decided to teach her own class last year.

“I was enthusiastic about it,” she said.

Rumple enjoys the atmosphere created during the classes. She also enjoys getting together with the other women.

“It’s something you can enjoy on your own, but it’s just fun to get together,” she said.

Rumple’s best friend, who started scrapbooking with her seven years ago, also decided to teach a class in Fishers. The shared interest gives the two a chance to exchange ideas.

Rumple also gets ideas from attending conventions. She takes 100 card samples with her and exchanges them with others for a new basket of 100 card fronts.

“You can get all kinds of fun ideas when swapping,” she said.

Other ideas for creating projects and different card designs come from the stacks of magazines she owns and from the Internet. Some of the ideas even change from the original design pictured in the magazine.

Sometimes she will notice someone do something different during a class and adapt the change into her own craft the next time.

When holding each class, Rumple cuts all the paper for the participants to save time. At the start of the class everything is in pieces and set up in different stations.

In addition to cards, Rumple has also taught others to make pencil holders, cards with treat cups, “Peppermint Patty” spiders, candy bar wrappers, Easter baskets, candy holders, stationary sets and thank-you boxes. During the stamp club, she teaches participants how to make larger items, such as decorative candy jars.

“You’d be amazed at some of the things you can make out of paper,” she said.

In addition to the classes held at her home, Rumple will also travel for parties.

“I have all kinds of supplies ready,” she said.

She would even like to eventually try stamping on silk scarves, a hobby that is gaining popularity.

Rumple hopes others will become involved with scrapbooking and card-making activities.

“That’s the great thing about the workshops,” she said. “They can come out and give it a try. I’m very laid back, and we can go step by step.”

She’s even had several women attend workshops and are surprised by the end of the session.

“They come up to me and will tell me they never thought they could do that,” Rumple said. “One of the best parts is seeing the little spark of creativity in others.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com



Upcoming classes

• Holiday Card Stamp-a-Stack series held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 10, Nov. 17 and Nov. 23. Learn to make hand-made holiday cards. Each class, participants will make 10 cards total with five different designs. Cost is $20 per class and registration is due a week in advance.

• Holiday Goodies series will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1. This class will feature unique gift ideas for teachers, postal carriers, baby-sitters, etc. as well as creative gift card and money holders.

• Dasher Designs will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 5. Participants will make six cards with three different designs and will be able to take home a dasher stamp. Cost of the class is $20 and registration deadline is Nov. 20.

For additional information or future classes visit tobyrumple.stampinup.net or e-mail rumple2103@comcast.net. She can be reached at 574-722-5065.