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The SCS Crew is missing a longtime friend of Splitcoast at the CHA Show this week. Gina Krupsky of Gina K. Designs does have eyes and ears here on location, so Gina K. fans can be fully assured that the latest and greatest things are being considered for both the Gina K. Designs retail location and online store.
When it comes to stamping, Gina’s story is like many of our own. She was instantly hooked when a friend invited her to her first stamping party. The rest, as they say, is history.
Along the way, if Gina couldn’t find a stamp to meet her needs, she would draw the image and work it into her cards or scrapbook pages. After much encouragement from family and friends, Gina K. Designs was born two years ago. After the first year in business, the dedicated Gina K. Designs online and brick & mortar retail stores were opened.
One of the neat things about Gina K. Designs is the involvement of Gina’s family. Along with the talented illustrators on her team (including Gina), Gina’s 13 year old daughter, Alicia, has designed some popular images for the line. Rina, Gina’s 11 year old daughter has quite the business head, and has created some fabulous promotions for the company including the popular “Golden Ticket” where customers may find a gift certificate for a free stamp set in one of their purchases. (Rina is very popular with Gina K. Designs fans!) And, be on the lookout for exciting news to come mid to late February! Gina has been working with her husband, Tom, for a little over a year and a half on a very exciting project. Gina K. Designs will be bring a whole new medium to the stamping world. It’s something that has never been done quite like this before!
One of the things that the Splitcoast team loves about Gina K. is their commitment to give back. It’s one of Gina’s favorite parts of running the company, as well. Every so often, they come out with stamp sets under the idea of ‘Stamps for a Cause’. A portion of the sales are donated to different organizations that help change the lives of those in need. So far, Gina K. has been able to raise thousands of dollars and increase awareness for Autism, Diabetes, Cancer, Food for the Hungry, and more. Of course there are many more to come.
When I talked to Gina, she was so appreciative of the the stamping community and her friends at Splitcoast. “Being a stamp designer and educator has allowed me to make new friends all over the world, to help others through Stamps for a Cause and to earn a living doing something that I love. For that, I am ever-thankful,” says Gina.
Splitcoast thanks Gina for her contributions, designs and friendship that she shares with the SCS Crew and our community!
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A longtime CHA exhibitor, Crafty Secrets - the Heartwarming Vintage Collection is always a favorite CHA booth. Owner, Sandy Redburn always displays a beautiful booth, so make sure to check it out in the video at the end of this post. Here she is with Splitcoast Dirty Girl, Lisa Zappa.
Crafty Secrets has been in business since 1993, and the line has involved over the years to include what the Splitcoast community has come to love, Clear Art Stamps in beautiful vintage themes. A recent release is, Home Sweet Home is a crowd favorite.
A beautiful sample with the fun new set, Chandelier Fun - check out those cupcakes!
Inspired by Sandy’s personal collection of antique greeting cards, books and promotional items, her images remind all of a time ago. Sandy is passionate about sharing her beautiful collection and helping people recall fond memories of a trip to your grandmother’s home as a child or a favorite childhood storybook come rushing back with a peek at her nostalgic images.
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Very fun to catch up with the original Ms. Stamping Bella, herself. We caught up with her and her sistahs in the 3800 section on Monday afternoon. They were still smiling and having a good time as they charged thru CHA looking for baubles and pretty things to bring home for the sistahs!
All of this fun started as a dream four years ago, and Emily just celebrated her second year in Stamping Bella bliss. However, upon calculating with her partner in crime, Nicky, she realized that it may have been her third. Soooooo, she told us that her grandfather was 39 forever. . . . Stamping Bella may just be two years old forever, LOL!
Stamping Bella was born at a kitchen table with many women talking, dreaming, and wishing about what they wanted in a stamp and then it came to fruition. From the kitchen table, they moved to a small office and ultimately opened the Bella retail store, a local favorite for classes and a shopping. Offering their unique stamps, embellishments and scrapbooking supplies, it has won an award of being the best craft store in the area!
Emily has been nominated as Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by the Royal Bank of Canada and has recently recruited her husband Ryan to the business. If she does say so herself, he’s been a wonderful addition. 
Emily thanks Splitcoast for the launch of her little company and wishes for many more smiles and happiness for the Sistahood all over the world. As she says, “Mwah!”