Marlene D’Ambrosio
In every deck of cards there is always a Queen of Hearts. In the SaddleBrooke Paper Crafters Club (SBPC), we have our very own Queen of Valentine Cards, Arlynne Striplin.
On Feb. 1 SBPC offered a Valentine’s Day card-making Fun Shop led by Arlynne. Those who attended created three beautifully designed cards to send to their loved ones. Arlynne has led this Fun Shop for the past few years, and she always manages to come up with cleverly constructed cards that delight the members who make and send them. When I asked Arlynne why she loves Valentine’s Day cards, her response was that she loves the colors, designs, and sentiments associated with this day.
Arlynne has been an enthusiastic card maker for over 25 years. Her passion for this hobby was inspired by her Aunt Alice who was an avid paper-crafter. She was always looking for stamp or scrapbook stores when she came to visit Arlynne’s family, so Arlynne would tag along. After a few trips to these venues, Arlynne was inspired to learn more about the art of paper-crafting. She then heard about a company where demonstrators offered classes and color-coordinated supplies. This made it easy for beginners like her, so card-making became not only a hobby but her passion!
When Arlynne and her husband Cash moved to SaddleBrooke from Mesa, Ariz., she quickly joined SaddleBrooke Paper Crafters Club. With her experience and enthusiasm for the craft, Arlynne found herself mentoring and inspiring new paper-crafters. Today, Arlynne, on behalf of SBPC, offers a three-hour orientation from November through April for new members. Those who attend are introduced to the tools and supplies needed to participate in this hobby and the opportunity to purchase (at cost) a new-member basic supply kit. Many who join our club have had card or scrapbook-making experience, but others, like me, never made a card before they moved to SaddleBrooke.
Arlynne Striplin is indeed the “Valentine’s Queen” of SaddleBrooke Paper Crafters, but she also brings the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to mentor new card-makers.
If you are interested in learning more about our craft and our club, feel free to come to one of our meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. in the SaddleBrooke One Craft Room 4.