It’s a dog’s life, baby… « Writing Tips « Blog Designer – Laycock Designs

It’s a dog’s life, baby…

When it comes to being creative with a stamping blog and having fun at the same time, no one does it better than Stampin’ Up! Independent Demonstrator Ann Clemmer over at http://www.stamperdog.com.

When I spoke with Ann awhile back, she said she was a bit uncomfortable talking about herself and her business on the blog. So, she decided to make her blog into Stamper the dog’s blog instead! Stamper is an important part of Ann’s family and holds a special place in Ann’s heart! Why not give Stamper his "say"?

When I asked Ann’s dog Stamper for an interview, he graciously accepted. He is a fascinating personality and he’s becoming more famous as the years go by. He mentioned in his interview that he has been named a Director in a new collection of videos, so his fans will be seeing more of him in the future.

The Interview

Michelle: Good afternoon Stamper. Thanks for taking a few moments out of your busy day to answer a few questions for your fans. Tell me, please. When Ann places photos in your art gallery, does she let you pick which
ones you’d like online?

Stamper: I have total artistic control for
what gets shared in my art gallery. I’d like to think that there’s
something there for everyone. There’s the main art gallery & a
separate section for retired sets. I’m also starting a new career as
director of Ann’s videos. You’ll see more of them in the near future in my
Video Gallery. My plan is to follow in Alfred Hitchcock‘s steps and have a
brief appearance whenever possible.

Michelle: Fascinating. Alfred Hitchcock videos are awesome. If you carry out your plan, I’m sure your fans will love identifying your brief appearances just as they do for Hitchcock, especially if you appear in a famous embossing scene. By the way, have you ever seen Ann spill embossing powder? Have you ever spilled
Ann’s embossing powder?

Stamper: She’s pretty good with the embossing powder,
but it’s the glitter that gets everywhere! That’s one reason I rarely get
on her stamp table. Glitter toes don’t impress Snoopy, my
buddy next door or any other of my canine friends. (I have more
stamping friends than canine ones anyway)

Michelle: Yes, I can see how glitter toes may be a friendship issue for a dog like Snoopy. You wouldn’t want to embarrass him by making him think you do any of Ann’s stamping work for her. When you write about Ann and her stamping, how long does it take you to
come up with a topic? Does writing just come natural to you?

Stamper: Once
I’ve got an idea, I run with it.

Michelle: I see. So, you’re saying that a good way to use your talent for blogging is to just go for it? You must be right since I’ve heard several influencial critics who have said you do it well. When Ann goes away on vacation, do you sometimes post specials on your
blog when she isn’t looking?

Stamper: SHHHH! That’s how this whole thing got
started! She went away on her first cruise a couple years ago and
I took the opportunity to start my blog with a special. And the
rest, they say, is history.

Michelle: Well! I’m surprised she let you continue after that! Sounds like you were a bit naughty. I can see by some of your more recent posts that you’ve grown up a lot since then. I’m sure you’ve learned a lot about stamping over the years too. What stamping tool is the most fun to watch Ann use?

Stamper: This is the hardest question! She is such a crack up! You just
never know what she’s going to say or do! I especially like it when she
makes a mistake. It’s just like life! No big deal! Turn the
paper over & do it again! However, I do get concerned when she has
that Crop-A-Dile thing in her hand. I’m thinking that she may pierce my
ear someday or worse!

Michelle: If you are naughty again, she just might! Those new decorative brads in the Occassions mini catalog would make great pierced earrings for dogs! (Did I say that out loud? oops… scratch that) Back to the topic at hand. Has Ann ever let you stamp your paw mark on a card to show that you care
too?

Stamper: I helped her design my copyright notice so I could keep
my paws OUT of the ink. I’m pretty clean as dogs go. I like to keep
my white parts white. I do have a bit on the end of my tail. I think
Ann stuck the end of my tail in a Really Rust reinker bottle and the color’s
never gone away.

Michelle: Really Rust is a very becoming color on you, Stamper. It enhances your features nicely. Lastly, do you have any additional insight and experience to share about
stamping from the unique viewpoint of a dog?

Stamper: I just love being a part
of Ann’s Stampin’ Up! team! I’m
incredible…..er…..incredibly appreciative of all the human stampers that
allow me to zoom around their feet. I’m so excited to see them come
over! I’m amazed that no one’s stepped on me yet! I have been
known to pluck a card out of a purse or off the table for a closer look, but I
practice more discretion now that I’m over two years old.

My
mission is to share my love of rubber stamping with everyone. It’s so easy
just being me.

Thanks for your time, Stamper. (shaking his paw) It sounds like you strike a balance well between handling your daily responsibilities and being a world famous blogger. That task is not an easy one and it is a privilege to have stepped into your life to see you in action.

Well there you have it. A live interview with the world famous Stamper Dog direct from Yuba City, CA. In another year or two I expect he will earn his star in Hollywood. Mark my words…