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 Have
you seen the new stamping store near Luna's and G.T. Sports in North
Kendall Plaza?
Stamping? What's that? If you don't know, aren't sure
or just curious, I suggest you take a look at Pinecrest's new stamping
store, appropriately called "Stamping Wild".
When you first go in the store, you'll be stopped your
in your tracks by the friendly owner, Lynn Lloyd and complimentary
partner, Garret Rutherford. And then you will see what the store is
about - - rows and rows of different stamps and materials. Yep, more
than 20,000 stamps from over 100 companies.
And just what do you do with these stamps? Well, as I
found out, the possibilities are endless. The results - incredible.
Cards, invitations and creations that people keep forever - too
beautiful and unique to throw away.
"The sky is the limit," Lloyd explained.
"In a half an hour, you can sit down and stamp a card that will
always create a incredible response."
Lloyd caught the stamping bug from a cousin who had
been doing it for years. She did it for one week straight, learned
everything she could about the craft, and started a small business in
her home.
"Stamping is my calling in life. I grew up in a
"crafty" household; my Dad was a custom cabinetmaker. I get
so much enjoyment from teaching it to others and love to see people
leave in a good mood after being productive in such a positive
way."
After opening a successful "Stamping Wild"
in Plantation, Florida, Lloyd looked into opening a Miami store
because customers were traveling all the way up north to buy stamps
and supplies.
Teachers, nurses and people in the caring professions
are some of "Stamping Wild's" biggest customers. About 80
percent of stamping is done to make greeting cards, the other twenty
is for crafts such as scrap booking, collaging, shrinking, fabric,
embossing, papermaking, blending, stationary, invitations, party
favors, wrapping paper - the occasions and possibilities are endless.
And all very, very beautiful.
There's a bear and cat section. Stamps for
anniversaries, weddings and bar mitzvahs (Talk to Lynn and Garrett
about invites and favors that no one else could possibly have).
Valentine's, Ground Hog Day, Fourth of July, Get Well, Baby, Flowers,
Florida, Fruit and Friendship. And yes, they do have basic business
and custom stamps, too. Sold, For Deposit Only, etc. Boring but
necessary.
Adults aren't the only ones who enjoy stamping.
According to Lloyd, adults copy the samples but kids are the ones with
the imagination. In fact, Stamping Wild has a successful teens'
stamping club called S.T.A.R.S. (Stamping Teens Always Ready Someone)
who meet every other Monday night. They "adopted" an AIDS
home and can get community service hours for participating in the
club.
"The residents of Broward House are so happy to
see the kids. They play bingo with them, teach them to stamp and bring
them little presents they have made. The kids' kindness brings tears
to their eyes."
You can stamp during lunch hour, during vacations
(kids too) and on teachers' work days. Garret and Lynn encourage any
one to come in anytime for a free demonstration.
The store carries stamping videos, magazines and
bilingual classes, a huge variety of acid-free papers, raffia ribbon,
velvet - - everything you'll ever need for stamping. Ask about their
Jellyroll pens and cool, washable tatoo kits - great for gifts. Make
your own class with five or more people. Or have a birthday party,
shower or meeting at Stamping Wild.
"One distinguishing feature about our store is
that we have lots of samples to show our customers. In fact, people
are always coming in to show us their creations."
Hey, isn't Valentine's Day coming up? Lynn and Garret
both say the Valentine's Day is a great time to start stamping. Leave
your "mark" on someone special with a card they'll always
treasure!
Whether it's Rubber Stamping 101, Tin Embossing, Crazy
Crackle, Velvet Stamping, there's a class for everyone to explore
their creativity!
Stamping Wild, located at 9483 South Dixie Highway
(right near Lots of Lox). Open Mon. & Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. -
8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.,
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call 305/663-9191 for a stamping
newsletter, classes or for more information.
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