Guest Designer Stephanie Nishikawa-Yee

I was lucky enough to meet Stephanie Nishikawa-Yee, owner of The Paper Garden Boutique, at CHA this last February!

She's got a smile that totally lights up the room the minute she walks in--there is such a warmth, friendliness, and sense of fun about her!  It makes me envy the good times folks must have in the classes she teaches at her shop.  Lucky ducks all!

Stephanie is a 3D paper fun-addict and loves to "make things"!   She was kinda shy and hesitant about being a guest designer for us, but, I finally woo'd her into doing it with my charms !  Hah!  When I received her box of creations, I fell off my chair--I can't wait to share these darling treasures with ya'!

But, first, let me tell you a little more about Stephanie:

She's a former television journalist (I know-- I blurted "GET OUT!" when I learned that!), who decided after her son, Miles, was born, that she had had enough of working 12 hours shifts, and reporting dismal news.  It was time to find something new, and, with the support of her husband Ken, since she loved paper and happy colors, she opened up The Paper Garden Boutique!  Filled with all of Stephanie's most favorite things, it quickly became, and is,  "the happy place" for many stampers and paper crafters in the Sacremento, CA area. 

We asked Stephanie to share a little bit more about herself with this fun little word-association questionnaire:

• Name -   Stephanie Nishikawa-Yee
• Stamping -  I don’t know how to draw, so I was so happy to discover stamping!
• Style -  Simple and glittery!
• Inspiration -  I feel I’m a freak sometimes, I get inspired while looking at the graphics or colors on someone’s t-shirt or purse, I think hmmmmmm…. I can use those colors and flourishes and birds and use them on a card design.  I wonder about myself sometimes. 
• Color -  Robin’s egg blue and Milk glass green are my favorite colors
• Work space – I have a bar area at my store that will seat 12 people comfortably.  The table top is  a giant black granite slab that I work on and I can spread out all of my supplies.  I don’t stamp at home anymore. 
• Perfect day – Everyday is a perfect day now, the dream to own my own business is now a reality!
• First job – I filed golf receipts at my parents’ best friends' golf course in Fremont, California
• Ink – Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink pads and Versafine black
• Family -  I have *the* best husband in the world (I’m not just saying that).  Ken comes to work in the store every weekend without complaints and he is a much better sales person than I am.  My 2.5 year old adorable son, Miles, who loves only choo choo and truck stamps.  I also have my two cousins Laurie and Kelley working at the store and are the best worker bees--I am the luckiest entrepreneur!
• Beverage – uhhhhh . . .  Diet Red Bull . . . or water . . .

I'll share a little more about Stephanie in the next installment of this  series, but, for now, I wanted to let you know that Stephanie has selected her prize for our Guest Designer Drawing!  If you leave a comment, one only per article, please, your name will be entered into a drawing for the Gerbera Daisy (Yesssss!!! One of my all-tine faves, too!) and the 4 Bar Light Blue Kitchen Collection Notes!  And, we'll probably slip in some of our faboo ribbon, too! *wink*

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This cheery party ensemble really knocked my socks off--I loved the bright ink colors she used with the yellow Kitchen Notes!

Look at how she combined these great floral images together, by clustering them in the corner! I cannot want to try this myself--I think the effect is fantastic, and I loved the extra bit of dazzle she added with the bright yellow Stickles not only in the center of some of the flowers, but along the scallop edge of the pocket--she loves glitter, that girl!

Matching tags, and place-cards don't get much easier than this!  And, did you notice how she "edged" each of the white layers by simply tapping the edge of the ink pad against the edge of the paper?  This is a great finishing touch that gives more contrast, but without adding the bulk of additional layering!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Stephanie used the new Nature and Sushi sets to create this adorable desk set--office supplies don't have to be boring and run-of-the mill!

The "just a note" notepad papers are clamped together by a heavy duty office magnet/clip --easy to find on your file cabinet.  And, she cleverly made a "custom" tape dispenser by using the original paper insert as a pattern.

A matching pen and and steno pad complete the ensemble, and make for wonderful gift!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

By punching a scallop shape out, just beyond the fold line, Stephanie was able to create a fold-over bookmark.  Small magnets on the inside make it so easy to mark your page!  I loved how she used the Clear Twinkle Stickers for the window shade pulls on our little Book Store image!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Yup.  It's a fortune cookie.  Made from paper!  It actually also serves as a place-card--on the opposite end of the little "fortune", it indicates what table you are seated at.

Wouldn't they be fun to have at an event?  They are just too SWEET!!! Ooooh, and totally no-cal, as well!  LOL!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Aren't these all fun?  I wish you could have heard me as I was opening the box and pulling out each of these.  I was pretty much squealing, "Shut up!!!" over everything! *chuckle*

Be sure to leave a comment, to enter the drawing, and I'll have another article next week to share with you featuring more of Stephanie's super-cute creations!

--Julie

Comments

[Jen Kibitlewski (jen9853)]

Holy SMOKES!!! That's all I can think to say. The fortune cookie is adorable, the bookmark is GENIUS, and I will totally be making inserts for my tape dispenser! Love it ALL!

[Jen]

ALL of these projects are soooooo cool!!! I don't know which one I like best or which I want to make first. :)

[Arla Joy Breshears]

We have been to serveral of Stephanie's classes and have enjoyed every one of them! Stephanie was so nice and friendly from the first time we were in her store. There is about 4 to 5 of us stamping friends that some from Redding, Ca to visit her store and we have so much fun!!!!!!!!! Than you Stenpanie, we are so proud of you!!!!!!!Stamping hugs, Arla Joy

[Liz]

WOWZER! I am impressed with her tape dispenser. I am always looking for something to alter and I never even saw the tape dispenser in front of me! If it had been a snake it would have bit me! I am loking forward to seeing more of her designs.

[Summer]

I love the stuff she has done! Very talented! Is there a place for a tutorial for the fortune cookie? I would love to make some of those!

[Julia (Artystamper on SCS)]

What great craft items - I'm always looking for cute easy things to make for our stamping table at our church fair - I particularly like the scalloped book marks - I've made them square but look how much cuter these are!

www:createwithjulia.blogspot.com

[Lezlye]

Stephanie is always so creative! I love going to her store in Sacramento!Lezlye

[tinla]

Wow...so inventive and creative! My fav is the invitation set...loved how she grouped the flower stamps! Looking forward to seeing more of Stephanie's creations! TFS: Tinla

[Sandra]

Stephanie, I love EVERYTHING!!! I think a vacation to Sacramento is in order this summer!!! I can't wait to CASE some of these projects!!
Sandra

[Ann I]

Live down here in Southern CA but just may have to make a trek up North just to visit Stephanie's shop! Such cute cards and ideas!

[Vvn]

love the use of the daisy and the other stamp on top of each other. I love looking at the guest designers designs, they get my creative juices flowing!

[Carole M.]

Stephanie you have it all happening at The Paper Garden it seems! How lovely to read your interview and get to know more of you via a.muse. Your projects are fabulous; great colour combo's; great ideas; thanks for sharing your world.

[Marty]

What cute ideas! Thanks for a chance to win.

[Bunny]

Stephanie sure is talented! Love her work!

[Barbara Vogt]

Wow!! Stephanie's cards just knocked my socks off! Those three flower images are fantastic together.

[Ying]

Stephanie's projects are VERY creative. I wish I live in California again so I can take classes at her place.

[Colleen]

I love all of it - but especially the bookmark and fortune cookie! I am off to play and see what I can come up with! Fantastic - thank you for sharing!

[Janet Douthit]

wow, how stunning. I love the cheery colors and the layers of the yellow cards. And that fortune cookie.. how fun!

[Mikkadog]

I love the gerbera daisy, the colours are all so fresh. thanks for the inspiration!

[Kendra - SCS:apigonfire]

I love how you hand designed all of the stationary albums! I have that set and I can't wait to CASE this! Too cute!
~Kendra

[Theresa Grdina]

WOW! Stephanie's ideas are just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

[Dorothy Wilburn]

I loved the bookmark idea and plan to case it and make it more "boyish" for my two young sons. Thanks for the chance to win blog candy!

Dorothy w.

[Sarah]

What great ideas! It's nice to see some cheery colors after a very drab winter here in Washington.

[Mary Bennett]

I kept scrolling down and down some more to the end and here was my address, very good. I want to learn about everything I can. As I love to make card I am a beginner.

Wish you were closer to me in FL. ha-ha I would be at your shop every day.

[Denny]

Wow! I love how you use such bright colours. Thanks for sharing!

[Linda T]

I love all of Stephanie's creations. They are so creative and can't wait to see Stephanie's other creations. Thanks for sharing!

[moster]

I LOVE Stephanie's party ensemble on the very cheery yellow 4-bar notes. SO happy!

[Mel P]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! I love the colors!

:o)~

[emnkksmommy]

Wow! Amazing!!! So, you think you can open a store you know close to my house? I would be there everyday!!! I just love it!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[Amy]

I love all the color combinations you used.

[Bernice D]

I love all the ideas...all so unique. Thanks to all you talented people who love to share your ideas.

[Emily]

WOw. I love the projects. Love love love the fortune cookies. My husband even said "wow, those are cute".
COngrats Stephanie on all your accomplishments.
emily

[Edna Siu]

Needless to say anything, it is simply amazing work.

[Pat J]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful creative work. I love the desk set!

[Mary Coleman]

Stephanie has inspired me to make little folded pouches for a Mother's Day benefit sale. I made then using 6 x6 paper but they are small. Just wondered what I should put inside? Maybe just small candy bars? Any thoughts? Mary Such a cute idea!

[Naomi]

I love all the Japanese inspired projects. The next time I'm up visiting my mom, I plan on making a trip to visit Stephanie's store. I can't wait!!

[Kim]

Stephanie is so talented and creative. Just shows you what else you can do with stamps and ink. The desk set is my favorite. I'm definitely gonna have to check out her store and also take some classes....Kim

[Erika M]

The fortune cookies are too cute. Can't wait to see the tutorial.

[little one]

These are such inspiring ideas, Stephanie!

[Victoria]

Stephanie is the GREATEST -- but so is Linda. Stephanie is SO CREATIVE and kind -- she's just the most patient person I know since she is ALWAYS willing to answer my questions -- no matter how "stupid". Meeting LINDA last week at the classes held at the Paper Garden was the MOST FUN AND INSPIRING time I've had in a long time. I'm now a dedicated card maker thanks to Stephanie & Linda. Thank you both for all of your hard work and inspiration.

[tammycat]

love the fortune cookie.

[Jane]

WOW, that's all I can say!! I am so amazed at how creative Stephanie's ideas are! Can't wait to see more!

[Dottie]

I loved all of Stephine's creations. They are fun and functional.

[Lori Barnett]

Cute stuff!! Love the tape dispenser idea. How clever. Well...I used to live in Sacramento (Fair Oaks)...too bad I'm not there anymore cause I would love to come visit! Thanks for sharing all your wonderful projects :)

[KellyB]

That desk set is just the cutest! Great job on everything!

[Teresa]

Yay Stephanie! This is very well-deserved. I drive 2 hours from my house to her shop just to see what's new. Go Stephanie!

[Pam Murray]

I had a chance to visit Stephanie's blog and am totally impressed. It's no wonder she is a guest designer!

[NancyL2648]

Amazing projects...wish I had 1/16th the creativity!

[Tobey Shepherd]

Wow, such cute ideas!! I LOVE that gerbera daisy stamp, but have yet to put it in my collection!!

The little bookmark is just toooooo cute! and I love the fortune cookie!

Can't wait to see what Stephanie comes up with next!!

[upqmhfxj plktqfoz]

tsrz jtckwa isqxancjl ivxkmbh zsqvjdiw rmpbdaqgz bvspcrfk

[pauline palmer]

Stephanie's store is too cute - she has loads of samples, cute gifts, tons of stamps, and amazing paper. Stephanie is the nicest person and she always makes us feel welcome. I'm lucky to be living so near a great store.

[BaivyseetaBaw]

[url=http://buyephderineonline.com/z/e058-soma-online-online-a-href.php]buy soma shampoo in italy[/url] http://buyephderineonline.com/z/e058-soma-online-online-a-href.php buy soma cheap with free shipping
[url=http://buyephderineonline.com/z/ccc0d-soma-no-rx-required-overnight-delivery.php]soma no prescription[/url] http://buyephderineonline.com/z/ccc0d-soma-no-rx-required-overnight-delivery.php soma no prescription
[url=http://buyephderineonline.com/z/bb05d-soma-discount.php]soma no prescription needed[/url] http://buyephderineonline.com/z/bb05d-soma-discount.php soma without a prescription
[url=http://buyephderineonline.com/z/8020-soma-no-rx-pharmacy.php]soma cod overnight[/url] http://buyephderineonline.com/z/8020-soma-no-rx-pharmacy.php soma cod overnight
[url=http://buyephderineonline.com/z/1f64-soma-coupons-free-shipping.php]cheap somas online[/url] http://buyephderineonline.com/z/a86e-soma-delivered-overnight.php will soma get u high