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*
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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
These are all so fun! How creative and clever! My fave is the party ensemble, I just love all those bright colors. Can't wait to see what else Stephanie comes up with!
Posted by: Katie | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 09:34 AM
These are all fabulous! I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.
Posted by: Kathy McDonald | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 09:37 AM
WOW! These designs are beautiful! The creativity she puts in is unbelievable. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Lacey | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Oh my goodness. These are so cute. I aspire to be this creative. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Lara | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Wow! I'll have to make a pilgrimage to Sacramento just to visit Stephanie's shop! (SF bay area is kind of lacking in good crafts stores).
Posted by: Gacker | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Let me tell you....Stephanie ROCKS! A group of girlfriends and I take stamp classes every month at Stephanie's shop, The Paper Garden. She is such a talented lady. We have a ball making all kinds of fun things. Her shop is loaded with ideas & she and her staff are always more than willing to help. You will be very pleased with what she has to offer.
Posted by: Beth | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Totally love Stephanie's designs! Thanks for the chance to win! Have a great week!
Posted by: Bianca | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:12 AM
What awesome stuff!! I really love the fortune cookie!
Posted by: Cindy | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Love Stephanie's ideas and projects! The fortune cookie rocks!!
Posted by: Jessie McLaughlin | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Love the designs!
Posted by: carolyn | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:29 AM
In spite of all the A Muse stamps I have, I still don't have the Gerbera Daisy so I would love to win this drawing. I am looking forward to seeing more of Stephanie's projects and perhaps visiting her store when I am in Roseville this weekend.
Posted by: Louise | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:33 AM
i just LOVE Stephanie's designs - shut UP! :)
Posted by: Cat | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:35 AM
These are all SO cute. That fortune cookie is adorable and I love that little note set!
Posted by: Melinda | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I LOVE the designs and colors used! How fresh for spring!
Posted by: Allison | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:48 AM
The bookmark is a fabulous idea. What a neat gift idea to give with a bookstore giftcard to really personalize it.
Posted by: Kimberly S | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Stephanie, these are all fabulous!!! You rock!
Posted by: Novell | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Wowzer! I love that tape dispenser-smart! Everything is super cute!
Posted by: melissa | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:22 AM
SO SO Cute.
That bookmark is INSPIRED! I'll be making some of those for gifts this year - maybe for my daughter's class.
Love it.
Posted by: Edie | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I was totally looking for the source for the patterned paper in the second sample. Then I realized Stephanie made it! With A Muse stamps! Could it get any better?
Posted by: Sarah Jay | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Oh my gosh...are those fortune cookies the best or what? Awesome stuff!
Posted by: Denise | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Since I have found Stephanie's store, I am so impressed with her ideas. I love her classes and her creations look great, but with her help you learn they are simpler than they look. Thanks for posting her on your blog.
Posted by: Linda B | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:52 AM
These are fabulous! I can't wait to make bookmarks AND fortune cookies!!!
Posted by: Sharon Knitter | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Wonderful creations. I love the fortune cookie...so clever!Can't wait to see some more of Stephanie's creations.
Posted by: HeyHeyPaula | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 11:56 AM
love all the fab ideas stephanie!!!!!
Posted by: jenn shurkus | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I love it.....ALL!!!! :)
I want MORE!!!!! Teeheehee.
Posted by: Stacey | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 12:22 PM
WOW! How creative! I love everything. From the themed invitations/thank yous to the fortune cookie. I am bowing down to you Waynes World style - Not Worthy! haha.
Posted by: Molly V. | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I love the fortune cookie!!! I fear that if I tried to make one, it would have all sorts of funny "scrunch" lines and folds, but it would be great to try it all the same. I can just see coming to a dinner party with those on each plate for name tags. Too cute!
Posted by: HeathreP | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Such cute and fun ideas. Thanks for asking Stephanie to to be a guest designer and sharing her creative ideas.
Posted by: Susan N | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 01:11 PM
OMG! Shut the front door! Clever, clever girl!
Posted by: Lyndsay Neumann | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 01:20 PM
These are fantastic!! I am looking forward to visiting Stephanie's shop this weekend. Congrats on being this month's guest designer. Your work is amazing and inspiring!
Posted by: Tracy | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Love all of the samples! Very creative. I can't wait to see the rest of the goodies that Stephanie sent!
Posted by: patricia | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 01:37 PM
oh wow! These are awesome ideas. I love love love the fortune cookie!
Posted by: Jen | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 01:43 PM
These are ALL wonderful! can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve!!!!!!!
Elizabeth Glass
Posted by: elizabeth Glass | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Simple and glittery got my attention: it's exactly what I like:)))
Fab creations, all of them.
Posted by: Antonella | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 01:53 PM
I love how you made a bookmark and a fortune cookie! they are so cute and creative! :]
Posted by: Raquel | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 02:06 PM
I had so much fun reading this post. I love everything here, but the office supplies made me so happy. Ive been looking for something to brighten up my desk at work! I know what I'm going to be doing tonight! :)
Posted by: Kristin Nagashiki | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Very creative!!! Great cards and projects Stephanie!
Posted by: Doreen | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I love the cheery Party ensemble. Talk about knock your socks off!
Posted by: Becki | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Awesome ideas! Very original and creative. Love it!!!
Posted by: Victoria | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Stephanie's card are so fun & creative! Can't wait to see more of her things!
Posted by: Alana | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Wow - I AM one of the fortunate ones that get to skip into Paper Garden every weekend. I can't tell you what a wonderful group of people they are...Stephanie, Ken, Kelley, Laurie and Miles - I can be having THE creepiest day, but when I cross the threshold into Paper Garden, the stars align and I am at peace with the universe!! Wonderful store, GREAT people and TA-DAH, A Muse products EVERYWHERE...a little bit of heaven on earth, let me tell you!!
LOVE the fortune cookie!! Can hardly wait to see what other crafty items Stephanie has up her sleeve....
Posted by: Kathy K. | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 04:13 PM
LoVe the fortune cookie!!!! Tutorial PLEEEEEEAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEEEEE????
~ Pam
Posted by: Pamela | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Your creations are wonderful. You are a wonderful guest designer.
Posted by: Janet | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Stephanie's sets are so creative and beautiful!! My favorite, though, is the desk set. Vicki
Posted by: Vicki C. | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 04:53 PM
What creative and wonderful ideas! I absolutely love the bookmark! Thanks for the chance to win the guest designer drawing.
Posted by: Julie A. | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Adorable stuff! I really love the japanese looking note pad with the matching accessories. How creative!
Elyss
Posted by: Elyss Jennings | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 05:47 PM
I love the scalloped punch bookmark - another idea for one of my favorite tools : ) Stephanie's ideas are fantastic. Can't wait to see more!!!! Anita
Posted by: Anita | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 05:52 PM
These are such pretty creations! Congrats on being a guest designer with AMuse. I LOVE your stickles lined scallops.
Posted by: Bethany Paull | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Great ideas! I love the little flower note set!
Posted by: pegg | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 06:15 PM
ADORABLE 3D projects!! Thanks for the ideas! I love the desk set!
Posted by: Nicole | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Oooo! WOW ~ her stuff ROCKS!!
Posted by: JenMarie | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 06:31 PM
I love that fortune cookie! Looking forward to seeing more of Stephanie's creations.
Posted by: kari | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 06:48 PM
I so want to know how she created the fortune cookie.
Posted by: Jennifer Moore | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 06:51 PM
These are so creative. Love them all and can't wait to see more designs.
Posted by: teregee | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Wow, Stephanie is talented. I would love to have 1/10th her talent and creativity! I hope we get to see more.
Posted by: Cathy Whiteman | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 07:14 PM
luv all your ideas--I have made fabric fortune cookies for party favors that were a big hit
Posted by: S1 | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Very cute designs! I especially like the daisy set the notepad and pen set. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by: nancy l. | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Her work is AMAZING! I am totally going to case her idea for the office desk set. PERFECT for a teacher's gift!
Posted by: Angie | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 08:20 PM
These are awesome!! By far my favorite projects on this blog so far!! I am dying to have a template/instructions for that fortune cookie!
Posted by: cassie | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Love your style Stephanie!
Posted by: Beth Meier | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 08:44 PM
My fav is the fortune cookie!! So cool! I was also wondering where does one buy the small magnets to make the bookmark? I haven't been able to find any in Canada that are both positive and negative (i.e. will stick together!)
Thanks for some great ideas!!
Posted by: Julie Royer | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Oh my gosh! LOVE the fortune cookie... is there a recipe? :)
Posted by: Jill Grace | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:02 PM
This stuff is gorgeous! I particularly love the tape dispenser--who would have ever thought of that?? Stephanie--you are inspiring. God bless!
Posted by: Victoria | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:29 PM
WOW! WOW! WOW! Those are ALL fa-bu-lous! Can't wait to see more of Stephanie's yummy paper treats!
Posted by: Beth | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I feel so privileged to visit the Paper Garden on a regular basis :) Love your designs Steph!
Posted by: Sarah Sheridan | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Stephanie is so creative! What fun projects - thank you for showing them & introducing Stephanie to us.
Posted by: Linda SS | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 02:53 AM
WOW! Stephanie, can you invite me to come play at your black granite counter?? PLEASE??
Posted by: Kathy D | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 02:58 AM
I love the grouping of the flowers in the corner. They look so lovely on that invite!
Posted by: Lou Belle | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 03:31 AM
oh I just love everything she made! That desk set is just adorable!
Posted by: Holly | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 04:16 AM
Awesome designs. I especially love the book marker. What a wonderful idea. Looking forward to seeing all of Stephanie's designs!
Posted by: Val S | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 04:33 AM
How incredibly creative! I love the fortune cookie! I can't wait for the next batch of Stephanie goodies!
Posted by: Ericka | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 05:09 AM
These are all wonderful. Love the fortune cookie - too fun.
Posted by: lacyquilter | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 05:09 AM
WOW! It's all so beautiful and fun! I'm loving it all and can't wait to start to make some items of my own. What an inspiration! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Suz
Posted by: Suzanne Lameraux | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 05:32 AM
All stunning and beautiful!
thanks,
Alison
Posted by: Alison Snow | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 05:36 AM
Great designs. I love the fortune cookie.
Posted by: Mae | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 05:37 AM
Ooh- I love the desk set! I only wish Stephanie lived in Charlotte! She sounds awesome!!!
Posted by: Donna | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 05:41 AM
Too cute! Love them all! The guest designer series brings so much new energy and inspiration to this blog...thanks for keeping it up!
Posted by: Amy | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 05:59 AM
These are so fun. Awesome job Stephanie ;o)
Posted by: Kelly R | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 06:13 AM
Wow! What beautiful designs! Everything is so cheery too. Clever use of the scallop punch for the bookmark!
Posted by: Sandra B. | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 06:28 AM
What cool ideas!! Looking forward to seeing more. TY for sharing.
Janice
Posted by: Janice | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Wow! Now I want to go to Sacramento...thanks for sharing these great designs!
Posted by: Elizabeth V. | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 07:08 AM
OH my gosh!! these are so beautiful!! Wowzie!!
Fantastic work!!
Posted by: kim lenhart | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Whoa! Stephanie is amazing. My favorite ideas - the custom tape dispenser and bookmark. Oh, I can't wait to see more. Bring it on!
Posted by: Regina Davis | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Love the fortune cookie. So clever!
Posted by: Dina | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Great projects and I love the daisy. Pretty. tfs
Bev J.
Posted by: Bev/Maxell on SCS | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Super cute! Stephanie mentioned that her son loves trains. I was wondering if she could share where she finds cute train stamps, etc. I have a 4 yo who loves trains too and I'm always looking for train stamps.
Posted by: Lisa L. | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Beautiful work Stephanie! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Clara | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Cute projects! Stephanie mentioned that her son loves trains. Mine does too so I was wondering if she knows where I can find train stamps, paper, etc.
Posted by: Lisa L. | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Hello! Stephanie's designs are so fresh and pretty! Thank you for sharing. I'm going to have to give that folded bookmark a try! (from Sheryl in NM)
Posted by: Sheryl | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 10:32 AM
These are all so fresh and fun! I love your fortune cookie!!!
Donna Hitz
Posted by: Donna Hitz | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I love the fortune cookie! 3-d crafting is my favorite too & can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Ann | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Hi! I love seeing what the guest designers have in store for us! Stephanie, your creations are fantastic and I can't wait to check out your blog:)
Posted by: Susie P | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I just love these! Thanks for designing them!
Posted by: Janine Titko | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Oh Wow, what wonderful work! What a great inspiration.
Claudia
[email protected]
Posted by: Claudia F. | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I love Stephanie's designs! They are so cute and she makes them look so easy! I enjoy her classes since they are easy to follow and she provides me with lots of ideas! (Actually just walking around the store will provide plenty of inspiration!)
Posted by: Snowda | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 04:09 PM
I love Stephanie's beautiful creations. That fortune cookie is to die for! Any chance the template could be posted?
Posted by: Jo Ann F. | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 05:36 PM
ooo. I luurve the fortune cookies! to darn cute.
Posted by: Marilyn G in Virgina | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I am a regular customer of Stephanie's shop and have taken several classes there, especially the Asian themed ones. She has such wonderful creations. Ken, Laurie and Kelly are very helpful and talented too!! Miles is an adorable little guy. Thanks for having her as a guest designer. The honor is well deserved. Have seen the office set in her shop, it is fantastic!! Can't wait to meet Linda next week when she is at Stephanie's shop for a few classes. Am taking 2 of her classes.
Posted by: Betty | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 06:50 PM
I am always looking for neat new ways to impress those crafters I work with, and this fortune cookie is exactly what I am looking for. I love the idea!
Posted by: Jessica | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 08:20 PM
What a great choice for a guest designer! I wonder if she'd share the template for the fortune cookies with us? ;)
Posted by: ratqueen | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 08:23 PM