Where does one begin with a story that could take hours to tell, yet needs to fit in to one blog post? If you are interested in the progression of my “ideas,” perhaps you should grab a cup of coffee or tea, because this might take awhile for you to read – LOL!
We have been receiving questions about some of the latest tools I have been developing, and I guess there is no time better than the present to just put it out here in cyberville, so that you will know what I have been up to! J
As many of you know I love tools – plain and simple I am a “gadget-girl.” As I became familiar with this industry and immersed myself in it, I came to realize that there were many things that I “needed,” that were not on the market. My passion for all things done in a “perfectionist” manner has led to some of the products that I see you all so very excited about, using and enjoying daily – for that I am absolutely thrilled! The emails you send to us here at work, thanking us for our service, are words that keep me moving forward.
I began my business in 2006 with the encouragement of my now dear friend, Karen Lockhart. I needed to help my family financially. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and then as a concept designer, it was extremely difficult to earn enough money to even help begin to pay one single bill – LOL! It was upon Karen’s advice that I began selling Lockhart stamps on the internet in the fall of 2006. It was a small thing and was easy to accomplish from one shelf in my laundry room.
As I continued to surround myself with the tools of this trade, I found elements lacking. JulieHRR, Mona Lisa, and I would discuss at length our dissatisfaction with some of our tools – LOL! One of the things that would make me insane was my inability to cut the basic shapes and layer them in a precise manner. There was absolutely nothing in the marketplace that would allow me to layer the way I wanted, or mix my basic shapes together with scallops, pinked edges, or deckled edges in the perfectionist manner I wanted, or allow me to make shaped or scalloped cards. In my mind I had conceptualized the perfect die cut system. It was at that time that I worked incredibly hard to develop and bring my idea of a nesting die to the market place; it was the first of my product ideas that was developed.
For the next several months, I worked like a crazy woman, putting together this brand new product line – a product line that I knew was going to be the hottest thing to hit the market place in years. I knew I had conceived a tool that ever single card maker needed! If I needed it, you all needed it too – right?!? LOL!
It was also during this time that I began to research Copic markers. As an interior designer I was familiar with alcohol ink markers, but the Copics were a “new” tool for me. Yes, I am old – LOL! Copics were not in this country during my educational years, the years I trained to become an interior designer. We had “other” alcohol ink markers and in comparison those were ghastly, but just enough to make me want to find something that would be similar and work for a paper crafter. J
I was fascinated, intrigued and thrilled with what I discovered in the Copic product. Marianne became my Copic educator, and Karen and I began to educate Marianne and the Copic distributors about the world of “rubber stamping.” At that time, I needed to discover what inks worked best with these markers, what paper worked the best, what colors would be the most desirable for rubber stamp artists and so much more. I realized the value of this product and how it would become one of the most basic tools for all rubber stamp artists. I love to color and WOW, could I color with these markers. Not only could I color, but I could airbrush!!! The world of exploration was just beginning for me and I wanted to share it with all of you!
One individual cannot come close to sharing this amount of information with the world – the dies and markers were tools that I felt in my heart would be something we would all be able to use for many years to come. So I reached out to my incredibly talented friends and colleagues. I called my trusted friends and fellow designers; I asked for their help, offering them something new and different to work with. I am so humbled by the women who stood up beside me and reached back to help educate the world about these products. Nichole, Debbie, Michelle, and Trudee took on the challenge with a gusto and skill level that is unsurpassed - I thank you girls for the trust you placed in me, for the education and excitement you each shared with the rubberstamping world.
It was in March 2007 that I had shared my first idea of a die system that would layer precisely in 1/8" increments, allowing you to place simple shapes together with decorative shapes such as scalloped and pinked edges. In June 2007 I shared yet another of my ideas, a piercing product. Adding texture to a card front in a very simple, clean and precise method is something I enjoy immensely. The Ornare tools are wonderful. I love to pierce using them, but they are slowly disappearing from our marketplace and there were so many missing components to this product. There is so much more to this piercing concept and someday I hope to be able to share more with you, as well as bring this product through to a successful completion.
I am so fortunate to be blessed with many ideas. As I work with a product, I see a need. As I educate others how to use a product, I find missing pieces. I wanted to be able to use my dies with products other than paper. Testing product after product, figuring out what the dies would cut and what they would at least partially cut, brought about the development of Craft-a-board. To be able to make embellishments, books, and other “sturdy” projects using a low-profile die helped place one more piece in to the puzzle my mind had created.
This leads me to my latest endeavor. It was in December of 2007 that I saw yet another need. I knew I needed to have more control over my airbrush, but how would I make it happen. The masks that I had been using would tear my paper, leave sticky residue in place, or get soaked with ink. My dies and papers would blow and buffet all over the place as I would use my airbrush with these tools. I found it frustrating and started “jury-rigging” things together to allow myself to work hands free.
I got on the phone with my colleague and friend, Karen Lockhart, and we did what we do best – we brainstorm, we banter back and forth throwing out words. Karen, I cannot begin to thank you for being my sounding board, my support system, and my friend. It was during that brainstorm session when I asked Karen, “What sticks, but doesn’t tear paper when you remove it?” It came down to one word that my brain just glommed on to - magnets!!!
It was at that time that I conceived what many of you are now seeing in the COPIC Airbrush Papercrafting DVD – a magnetic, rotating, self-healing cutting board. The turntable is entirely magnetic and steel dies and other specific tools snap directly to the surface, allowing for hands free use of the airbrush!!! What you see is a prototype of the product I am working on. It is a product that I am extremely proud of. Once again, it derives from a need I have; a need that cannot be filled by any other product currently in the market place. My experience as an Interior Designer utilizing tools to aid me in completing drawings that would successfully share a presentation with clients, has helped guide me in constructing tools that I hope will make a difference in the paper crafting industry.
This product has had to go through the many hoops of the legal world. A patent is filed and I am currently working with a manufacturer to make certain that it works exactly as I have envisioned. You must remember – I am a perfectionist – LOL! Everything takes too long when you want it perfect. J I had hoped that this product would be ready for the market place in January of this year, but as with all things, there have been many delays. It is hard to make things “happen” when life is filled with turmoil, and boy have I ever had my share of struggles this past year. We are on the way though – we need a few more modifications, a graphic designer to make it all look pretty, packaging… and then I believe we will have everything in place to release what is going to be another tool that is going to lead you to creating at a whole new level!
So, for those who are looking for this product, the turntable prototype you are seeing in the Papercraft Airbrush DVD, it is currently not available for purchase, (but hopefully soon!) With the release of this product, you will soon be able to use the tools you already own in a much more satisfactory and easy manner!
As well, many of you have received our little “gift.” When purchasing the papercrafting DVD from us, we have included a sample of a product that we are releasing with today’s “In Touch” post. In my newsletter post today, I share a starting point as to how you can put this magnet to good use. You must promise me that you will remember that this is just a starting point – LOL! There are still numerous components missing, but one just needs to get started at some level. Be certain to watch the CLASSroom as each of our designers shares their ideas for using our new Art Magnetic Masking material. These women are so very talented and I am SO very blessed to be surrounded by such honorable, gifted friends.
Due to the fact that these products are in the initial stages of development, it is an absolutely huge risk to tell the “world” about them in such a public manner. As with all new “good things,” other manufacturers are observing and taking notes. But I proudly stand before you to tell you that these are my ideas, as well, I have more new ideas and they all relate to my previous ideas and knowledge. I will teach you to use your dies, electronic cutting tools (Cricut, Silhouette, etc.), Copic markers and airbrush system, in a whole new way. You will have so much more control over your work! I hope it will allow you to look at things around you in your work room in a new way and to push you to explore your own creativity.
Educating others makes me happy! Sharing new ideas makes me happy! Having customers that share their appreciation for what we do, makes me happy!
I have been blessed; blessed with family and friends, who love me, support me and believe in me. We have been blessed with a customer base that shares their gratitude and supports us as they make their purchases. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and amazing support. You all bless me.
With much appreciation. - Ellen
Exciting news. I enjoyed reading your story.
Posted by: Laurie in MN | May 16, 2010 at 10:55 PM
ellen,
I stumbled onto your site when I first began card making - I was looking for cuttlebug ideas since I had no idea what to do with one - and wow! I had no idea that so much could be done! I literally spent hours and hours reading through your site and soaking up all of your wonderful inspiration and creativity and, to this day, I still turn to one of your sites (love them all!) for inspiration. I love everything that I learn through the CLASSroom and only wish that it were real-life person-to-person contact so that I could learn even more! You are such a wonderful inspiration, sweet lady, and huge benefit to the scrapping/crafting world! I can't wait to see what's next. Ü
hugs and best wishes on your future endeavors,
Katrina
Posted by: Katrina | October 19, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Ellen, this sounds truly magnificent! I can't wait - thank you for your continued dedication to excellence - you are amazing!
Posted by: Joanne Basile | October 13, 2009 at 02:11 PM
YOU ARE AMAZING! Keep the great products coming. I absolutely LOVE Nesties, and all the other Spellbinders products. It is great that you have such insight into what the industry's needs are!!! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | October 07, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Ellen, how do I thank you for all the inspiration and education you have provided since the day I found you? Before a spinal injury and subsequent fusion, the outlet for my energy and creativity was my beautiful garden. As a lover of nature and flowers, gardening provided hours of exercise, stress relief, an outlet for my creativity, and a source of personal satisfaction. Then – ZAP! – zero gardening for a year following my injury. And now 2½ years post-op I remain unable to work in my precious garden for more than a few minutes and am strongly cautioned against anything resembling my former efforts. Nothing held my interest for more than a few minutes, not even books (I LOVE to read). The inactivity and confinement were making me c-r-a-z-y. I have always been a crafter and found myself increasingly drawn to more artistic techniques – something with an edge. Typically I found either cutesy stamping or basic card making; or on the opposite end of the spectrum – beautiful works of art beyond my abilities. Then while web surfing I stumbled onto one of your blogs. From that moment you have nourished my meager talent and inspired me to try new techniques, pushing me beyond anything I ever believed within the scope of my capabilities. Thanks to you I have stretched my inner artist and stopped blocking my own creativity. No longer do I feel confined to reproducing someone else’s art, I now create unique expressions of myself. You have helped me overcome my fear of failure – that dreadful anxiety of creating something that is not quite good enough. Now I happily enter my studio and – applying the techniques and inspiration you have so generously shared - I simply begin a project and see where it leads. Of course, some of them end up in the trash or in the ‘things to look at later with a new attitude bin’. But the greater majority are completed and proudly gifted to family and friends. I have found a wonderful outlet for my creative expression and give you full credit. Ellen, when you share your remarkable thoughts and creativity on your blogs, you have no idea how much you impact the lives of others. A simple THANK YOU seems inadequate for the amazing difference you have made in my life.
Posted by: -mary | October 02, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Oh my gosh Ellen, this is totally amazing!!!! Sign me up for one fresh off the assembly line when this prototype starts rolling! I'm headed to your store now to lighten my pocketbook . . . LOL!
Posted by: Jerri Kay | September 28, 2009 at 05:55 AM
Hi Ellen, I just had to say that I so enjoyed reading this article!! Your name, of course is not new to me, as it is heard in many circles of the stamping/crafting world. I already new how very talented you were, but had not realized how innovative you are!! You are truly an inspiration and I have to say Thank You for all the time, hard work and research you put into the craft industry, and for sharing the results of your talents with the rest of us!!
Smiles,
Deena
Posted by: Deena | September 27, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Ellen, it sounds fantastic. I am so pleased you decided to go away with your husband and spend some time together. Your ideas really inspire me. Looking forward to your new tool coming onto the market. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Yvonne Jackson | September 22, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Your mind never stops thinking!!! Thanks for being such an inspiration and source of information, products and good will.
Posted by: Joan B | September 21, 2009 at 03:21 PM
From the bottom end of the world, greetings from South Africa. I have been following your blog for a long time and have bought several items from your shop. You are a great inspiration to so many stampers and I am truly excited about your new gadget! Cannot wait for it to hit the shop. Many hugz, Moz
Posted by: Moz | September 21, 2009 at 10:39 AM
. I am quickly becoming an addict and am very excited about the videos
on air brushing. I think the product for creating your own masks looks super
interesting. Looks like you are keeping us up to date on all the new goodies!!
Posted by: Nena M. | September 21, 2009 at 10:39 AM
WOW, what a great addition to the crafting world. Another tool with great potential and must-have for crafters.
Thanks for being a great inspiration!
Patty
Posted by: Patricia League | September 20, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Ellen you are sooooo smart!! I love the way your mind thinks! Miss you!
Posted by: otter | September 19, 2009 at 06:21 PM
I just found you site, and wow, what a day to find it. Your ideas sound amazing, and of course I know how amazing they are just from the "nesties". I have only used SU markers, and have been reading about the Copics. But I do not understand the difference in them, and how it will improve my cards I will make. Is it possible for you to send me to a tutorial/video, or send an email to explain this to me. I need advice, then I am sure I will need to buy.LOL I am really impressed with your blog, and am looking at your store next. I thank God for sending me to your blog. Rae
( [email protected] )
Posted by: Rae | September 19, 2009 at 02:13 PM
WTG, I can't wait I so need one of these. I truly enjoy reading your blog and getting all the fabulous inspiration. Ellen I also want to thank you for all you do for the crafting world, without people like you this craft would not have evolved to where it is today!
Posted by: Brenda | September 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I think your magnetic board is going to be a true blessing to my daughter who only has one hand! (I bet you never thought about that benefit!!). I can envision her using this to hold her paper down while writing, drawing and cutting. The fact that it rotates is going to make a HUGE difference for her. When will it be available because we cant wait to try it!
Posted by: Joyce | September 19, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Ellen, this is a FABULOUS idea....like all your ideas!!!! More than your creative genius....its your generosity to share and educate others that touches me most. Love you, friend!!!
Posted by: Michelle | September 19, 2009 at 07:25 AM
Sounds like another huge winner Ellen. Congratulations and THANK YOU!
Posted by: Shawna | September 19, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Ellen, you must be prescient! This is exactly what us amateur stampers need. I will wait patiently for the product to go into product and be released to the market. Thank you for your initiative and steadfast dedication. I applaud you.
Posted by: Gabi With An Eye | September 19, 2009 at 07:01 AM
Ellen - aside from being amazingly talented you are a true lady! I agree with the comments above in that you have taken the high road (again!) rather than point out how others have benefited from your brilliant mind and talent...a true lady! As long as there is Ellen Hutson, LLC (forever!) I will be a loyal customer!
Thank You, Karen U
Posted by: Karen U | September 19, 2009 at 06:31 AM
Ellen, your love to create and teach shines through everytime you post. You've got a big heart! Thank you for sharing and caring. Hugs.
Posted by: Mel | September 19, 2009 at 04:33 AM
very very inspiring.. :) true to the phrase.. when life gives you scrap.. make something "great" with them!
hugs,
sheene
Posted by: sheene | September 19, 2009 at 01:04 AM
Ellen, I'm so thankful for you and your informative blog. Sharing your knowledge has enhanced my crafting skills immensely. You are an intelligent, creative, inspirational, fabulous woman! Keep those awesome applications coming; you solve crafting issues before I even realize I have one.
Posted by: Bonnie C | September 19, 2009 at 12:48 AM
Ellen, thank you for all you do! I am so thankful for you and your blog! Sharing your knowledge has truly enhanced my crafting skills. You are a creative, inspirational, fabulous woman! Keep those awesome applications coming! You solve crafting issues even before I realize I have one!
Posted by: Bonnie C | September 19, 2009 at 12:38 AM
Ellen,
What a wonderful story! Thank you for creating and sharing your ideas and your tools with us. I know your magnetic turntable will be useful for so many applications!
Posted by: Regina | September 18, 2009 at 11:20 PM