By Michele Ciola
When it comes to high-quality deeply-etched rubber stamps, The Rubber Cafe definitely comes to mind. They’ve been manufacturing not only rubber stamps but many other innovative products to help today’s crafters save time and money. From Scrap Happy Sheer Glue to Stick em Up, from Jellie Dots to yes even to their fabulous lines of rubber stamps and die templates, this company’s products always have something in common: high quality.
As I interviewed Melissa the other day I also found out some very interesting details about how The Rubber Cafe got started and the driving force behind the company’s innovation plus a few more interesting facts about Melissa herself! Enjoy.
I am from Nova Scotia Canada . . in a little town called Amherst.
Where are you located?
We manufacturer most of our products right here in the USA. Our facility is located in sunny San Diego, California.
How did you get started?
I’ve always been a crafter. . . from sewing to painting to ceramics. One day I went over to a friend’s house to scrapbook and she was making cards. She said, “Why don’t you try making cards for Xmas?” I said, “Sure.” From that moment on I was hooked. I started taking classes and frequenting several of the local stores, spending lots of money of course. In fact, the first rubber stamp I ever bought was a The Rubber Cafe rubber stamp. Seven months later, I owned the company.
What problem(s) were solved by using your product?
Our Scrap Happy Sheer Glue has solved issues of sticking products such as chipboard plus creating any sticky dot that you’d like in any shape or size. It’s an all-in- one product.
What was your proudest moment?
I have many proud moments such as going online and seeing someone leaving comments and talking about our design team’s work/tutorials or when someone tells me they absolutely enjoyed taking classes with me. I get very excited when I go onto Splitcoast Stampers and I see customers using our products and loving them. I’m honored by those moments and it hits me that ” It’s finally happening ”
Who has been most influential in your career and why?
Some of my most influential people are my family and friends as they are very supportive of my crazy ideas. My mother though, she is the one that always says, ‘Give me more … give me more. What do you have?” My dad, he is a big help because he is always there to put his two cents in. He keeps my husband and I on our toes and provides plenty of entertainment around here. My husband, well when I tell them I can paint the ceiling tiles pink, he says, “NO, you cannot.” Reggie is the grounding force and keeps every in check. He is one of my biggest fans.
What brings you joy?
My biggest joy is sitting in my studio to create. There isn’t any paperwork to do or travel to book and the phone is not ringing. It truly does bring me great joy to sit, with my dogs under toe and a coffee, in my creative place and play!
What inspires you?
As a manufacturer I’m inspired by trends that stand the test of time . . ones that never go out of style. Those trends that stay around for a while and become part of our crafting experience. Anything classic and versatile inspires me too.
Blatant product plug?
Our two brand new sets. We have the new On the Fence bundle set which comes with a custom The Rubber Cafe die template manufactured by Spellbinders Paper Arts that includes matching rubber stamps. We also have a beautiful new Rose rubber stamp set coming out soon.
Favorite quote?
“Life might not be the party we hoped for but while you’re hear you should dance.” I always try to make everything fun or funny.
Favorite Craft Room Go-tos?
Scrap Happy Sheer Glue
The Rubber Cafe rubber stamps
Scor-Pal
Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft products
Spellbinders Paper Arts Grand Calibur and Dies
Favorite Stamp Set?
Fishing for Details rubber stamp set!!! My zodiac sign is a fish and I am drawn to anything coastal and sea life.
What’s the best part about teaching Scrapbook Expo classes?
The best part is sharing my knowledge and hearing other crafty ideas. If I walk around the crop after the show is over and I see someone taking the kit they received from class and putting their own spin on it, that’s the best part. I love that!
Scroll down to see fabulous projects using The Rubber Cafe rubber stamps, Scrap Happy Sheer glue, and other fine products.
Manufacturer website: http://www.therubbercafe.com
Manufacturer blog: http:blog.therubbercafe.com
I love the Rubber Cafe products and the glue is amazing!
Thank you for your great article. Very well written, much appreciated.
Every design is beautiful, thanks for sharing this with us.