Saturday, May 29, 2010

A funny thing happened at the rubber stamp store.......

  Besides 6'3" 300lb. me wondering ,ok lumbering, around a Stamping and Scrapbooking store. ( Stamplistic in Amherst, Ohio )


   So anyway, here is the story. We had just helped Stamplistic move form their previous location to a new one, just thirty feet away form the old one. A newer and bigger space. Thursday was their first day open after the move and we decided to go see how it looked. So, while the Mrs. was looking at scrapbooking stuff I was looking at flower stamps in the stamp section ( I know very Manly right? ) While checking out the rubber flora I spotted a brochure that had a card with a eagle stamped on it on the cover.

   Now, when you design and illustrate things for various companies you never know when something you worked on might turn up. A sign here, a salesman waving a flyer at you there, the back of the guys shirt ahead of you in line for the bathroom at the county fair. Etc. Regardless of where you see some of your work being used it is still cool. Because usually after you finish something you rarely ever see it again.

   Imagine my surprise when I realized that the eagle on this card was one that I had done for Stacy Rich of Stacy Stamps ,TEN years ago and it was one of the first illustrations I had drawn for Stacy. Who by the way was standing about ten feet away from me at the time waiting on a customer. Stacy works part time at Stamplistic teaching classes and selling cool stuff, when she is not running her stamp business. (or pimping me out to customers to draw a cruise ship template for a high school prom, but that is another story).

   Needless to say the brochure came home with me. After I had read it over I decided to go on line and check out this Operation Write Home thing. It made my day. You see when I am drawing these stamp designs I always wonder what people are going to make with them. Where they are going to end up. What thoughts and feelings they might be used to convey from one person to another. I could not have been prouder of where that little eagle had ended up. Helping people and families thousand of miles part stay in touch with one an other. From places and times that the connection to Home is one of the only things that keeps you going.

   I decided to email OWH to tell them how happy I was to see the eagle stamp was being put to good use. I had no idea who would receive that email, or when, or if I would get a reply. In just a few minutes I had a reply. It was from Sandy Allnock the president of OWH. She told me it was the first card she had made when starting OWH...or, rather, a replica of it since she had sent the original out. She had received a dozen stamped images of that design as a gift from someone. She never actually had the stamp and always wished she could find one so she could make more of these cards.

   Soon Sandy will have a eagle stamp of her very own. And I have great story to share with all of you. By the way the name of that stamp is "Freedom".

   Sandy asked me to participate in her bloghop today by telling you this story. And I gladly accepted. So if you are here for the bloghop here is your next stop, http://www.winkwinkink.com/ .
Sandy's Card
A photo of the original artwork( yep I still have it )

 If you would like to buy a Stacy Stamps eagle stamp go to Stamplistc's website and order one or call them at
440-989-2622.

84 comments:

  1. Not sure why all the yellow highlights are showing up. Blogger was acting up yesterday. going to see if I can fix them.

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  2. Fixed all but one. Now to do some bloghopping.

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  3. I loved reading this story,thanks so much for sharing!! I will definately be buying this eagle he is just beautiful!! ;)

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  4. Eric: Thank you for sharing your story. It truly is amazing! I love the eagle. I truly enjoy making cards for OWH and everyone I have "met" along the way! ~Robin

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  5. What a wonderful story! Thanks!

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  6. Eric, I just love the serendipity of this story! :) :) :) Thanks so much for joining us in the hop - and sharing the original art, too!

    I shared your blog with my mom, who's been a painter, but is now also a cardmaker. I couldn't get her to start a card blog but when she saw your work, she said she might like to blog now! I'll send you a link when she gets going ;)

    Thanks again!!
    Sandy

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  7. As a graphic designer I can definitely relate to spotting something I've done. That eagle is a spectacular illustration Eric and in my mind it became symbolic, early on of what we were doing. I was so happy to see Sandy included it on the site after the CFH/OWH switch took place. Thanks for sharing your story and being a part of this hop.

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  8. Thank you for sharing and posting today! The stamp is as regal as it should be.

    xoxo
    Lindsey @ ScrapStreet

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  9. Thanks for sharing your story!

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  10. Thanks for sharing your story and artwork. I love your eagle card. Your stamp is amazing and I will be ordering one soon. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  11. What a fabulous story. My very own Eric(that's his name too) is also an artist but for some reason I can't get him to draw diddly squat for me and I have a digi company LOL! You're art is spectacular!

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  12. Eric, your eagle is absolutely beautiful. This is the type image I imagine when doing patriotic - the eagle is such a powerful symbol of American Freedom - thanks for sharing your story and for your illustrations.

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  13. Eric.. thanks for sharing your story and a special thanks for creating such a beautiful image! I will definitely be purchasing this stamp!! We're glad you joined us in the blog hop this weekend!

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  14. Dearest Eric,
    For years I have been telling you how FANTASTIC you are, now I'm so glad so many are agreeing with me.
    You are a true talent and I am so glad to have you designing for StacyStamps.
    You have made me what I am today.
    xoxo

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  15. WOWOWOW what a gorgeous piece of work....

    Janie Boots

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  16. Wow, this is such a great story! I have adored that eagle since Sandy first posted her card. How cool to know the history of the image... and where to get my own!

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  17. What an awesome story! Beautiful card and image.

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  18. What a cool story! Your artwork is gorgeous! Have a great weekend! :o)

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  19. OMG, I've always loved that stamp and wondered who made it. I was thrilled that Sandy kept that card when CFH became OWH, I've always thought it was the perfect symbol for what we do!! I'm so happy to read your story. You are obviously gifted and very talented. Thanks for sharing the story of the Eagle!
    R/

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  20. great story -- love the artwork of the eagle

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  21. What a great story! Thanks for agreeing to be part of the hop! Your eagle is famous, and I'm so happy Sandy is getting her own stamp! I took a peek around your site and enjoyed your bird pictures. Your paintings are beautiful! Especially enjoyed the baby owl picture as I have been watching live web cam of Molly the owl and her 4 babies getting ready to fledge.

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  22. great story, awesome stamp and beautiful card you made from it thank you

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  23. Beautiful image, card and story! Thanks so much for joining us on the bloghop!!!

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  24. what an amazing story and amazing artwork

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  25. Eric, thanks for participating in or hop. What a terrific story! Think of all the lives you've touched with your art. Many thanks!!

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  26. That is a great story and wonderful drawing!!! Thanks for sharing!

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  27. When Sandy, called and told me this story I thought it was soooo cool. How awesome to find the artist behind such a cool design. Your work is top notch..High five man!

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  28. Ack! What a great story! Your eagle is FANTASTIC! Thank you for sharing your gift with others and for being a part of the blog hop!

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  29. Wow! The eagle is perfectly wonderful! I love it!!!

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  30. Oh Eric...
    Thank you for sharing the beautiful eagle story about the stamp that you designed. It is fabulous. You have such a wonderful God-given talent. I could almost feel the rush from his wings as he hovered in flight. So awesome.

    I am home recooperating, and don't have many stamps or many supplies but am going to give it a try and see if I can pull together a few cards to send to OWH. I have never made one before, but I love creating so why not.

    Thank you for inspiring me. I have signed up to follow you. I can't wait to see what you share next. Your design is so awesome. Thank you again for sharing. Country hugs, Sherry

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  31. Wow, such a beautiful illustration, and a touching story too. Thanks for sharing!

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  32. Thanks for sharing your story with us...awesome!! Your artwork is gorgeous!!! Thanks for participating in our OWH bloghop!

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  33. ok... where was the kleenex alert???!!!
    that is an awesome story, thanks for sharing and keep creating those impressive, amazing, awe-inspiring images.

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  34. What a wonderful story, stunning drawing and beautiful card that Sandy made with your wonderful eagle! Thank you for sharing and being a part of OWH!

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  35. What an amazing story. Wow... I am so happy for Sandy that she can have her own stamp. Eric, thanks for sharing this story and your beautiful artworks. So blessed!

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  36. Thank you for creating your wonderful artwork for everyone to use! Anybody can make a card... but it takes a special artistic talent to create the raw material for us to play with!

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  37. Eric,
    Thanks for sharing your story with us. It is amazing how we have all come to find OWH and wonderful Sandy.

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  38. Wow, what an awesome story! She's going to love the stamp. Thanks for being a stop on our hop, it was great to hear from you!

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  39. That eagle is what get me hooked on OWH and I've always wondered where it was from. Now I know and thank you so much, Eric, for sharing the story and your awesome talents!

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  40. What a great story! I imagine Sandy will be excited to get her stamp! Thanks for sharing.

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  41. That's awesome! What a great story. So good to know that your image is being put to good use!

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  42. Thanks for sharing your story. What a great card and I LOVE the image.

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  43. Your art is so beautiful. I love your talent. This is such a gorgeous card. Thank you for finding OWH, and sharing your artistic self with the rest of us...

    Have a blessed and wonderful Memorial Weekend!

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  44. WOW! Your eagle illustration is fabulous! You must be so proud to see it displayed! You're a very talented illustrator and I really enjoyed reading your story! TFS!

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  45. I love your story. Love that eagle even more! What a talent you have!

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  46. I always enjoy the bloghops on OWH. It is a wonderful group and I enjoy being a part of it. Thank you for your part in the group.

    Kathy
    Pass It On
    http://kathypassiton.blogspot.com/

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  47. Wonderful story TFS The eagle is great!

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  48. What a cool story. Some things are meant to be. That eagle is AMAZING. So are the cards.
    Happy Memorial Day to you.

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  49. Great story! I love the image you created. Beautiful work.

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  50. Great story! Love your eagle!

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  51. What a great story and a beautiful stamp!

    ~Courtney~

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  52. Thanks for sharing such an awesome story. Its good to find others who love art and want to share it. I am interested in hearing why your blog is called "the broken road"?. Really like the name.

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  53. Oh my gosh, you are so very talented!! and I loved this story...do you have a picture of the brochure?

    the EAGLE is STUNNING!! and I slid down a post or two...love the birds!

    new follower, and I am going to get the stamp!
    Susan

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  54. I love the eagle stamp! You did a wonderful job! I love your card. You have an awesome talent, Eric!

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  55. I have chills... How awesome is it that you saw that flyer? And then connected OWH just before the blog hop...WOW!

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  56. That is such a great story- small world and your drawing is outstanding! I love that you joined in the blog hop- Bless you! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  57. What a wonderful story! Your sketches and artwork are awesome. Well done!

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  58. Great story and I MUST have that stamp! Just beautiful and your work is awesome!

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  59. Lovely story, love the eagle too.. wonderful blog hop!

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  60. Amazing story, and too cool for words. I have always LOVED that eagle. Too much. I love how it all comes full circle!

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  61. It just goes to show you what a small world we live in. Thank you so much for sharing this story. The eagle says it all and this is one majestic drawing. Thanks Eric for participating in the hop.

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  62. Beautiful, Beautiful card. Thanks for sharing.

    Linda D.

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  63. Thanks for sharing the story!

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  64. Thank you so much. The eagle is GREAT. I bought one. Thanks for sharing your story. I could picture you staring at the brochure.

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  65. That is a fantastic story. Thanks for sharing. You are a very talented artist.

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  66. Wow...what a wonderful story! Your illustrations are beautiful and so are your photos! Thanks for sharing!
    Stephanie
    SeaSteph's Creations
    scrappinscout451@yahoo.com

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  67. Wow Eric, that is soooo cool. Next time I make the trek back to Northern Ohio I will have a new stamp store to check out as well.

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  68. Hey Eric! I have always wondered where that pretty eagle stamp came from. Thanks for telling us the story and for sharing your oringinal artwork! How inspiring! I'm glad that you joined our hop!! I think that it's sweet that you accompanied your lady to the stamp store. My hubby on a rare occasion will do the same. In return I will follow him to ACE hardware or Home Depot or some such thing. Nevermind that I am stealing the paint swatches to make cards with. :D Happy memorial day weekend to you!

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  69. Wow, what a wonderful story...and that eagle is amazing!! Thanks for sharing your story with us. :)

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  70. Hi Eric,
    Thanks for sharing the story and the gorgeous stamp (and Sandy's card) and even more the glorious artwork you've created and posted here on your blog. The soul and essence of the life you paint comes through in an amazing way. I'm awed by the talent that expresses. Very cool to see the work in progress, the sketches and the photographs of wildlife. Thank you so much for sharing it all. You really made my day!

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  71. What a wonderful story... and that eagle is absolutely amazing!

    Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Happy Memorial Day!
    God Bless our Soldiers & their families!!!

    ~Ola
    okj83 at live dot com

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  72. What a great story. AND what a beautiful eagle. Thanks.

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  73. Thanks for sharing your story! Your artwork is amazing!!!

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  74. Love the story - what a small world! As a fellow artist, I can totally relate to your story and how it has come full circle to OWH! Your eagle is a beauty and I too, will have one soon : )
    Susan [sbartist.blogspot.com]

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  75. Loved hearing your story!! So touching!! Your eagle stamp is gorgeous!!

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  76. Funny store. Your eagle is beautiful and wow, Sandy really rocked it on her card didn't she?

    Corinna

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  77. What a cool story. And that is one awesome eagle.

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  78. What a beautiful story. I'm an AF wife and have had my husband deploy. I know how much they appreciate these cards. Tho I have not made cards for OWH, I do make my friends and AF family cards while they are deployed to send to their family. I always have a handful of friends gone all the time. Your Freedom Eagle is beautiful!

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