Stampin’ Up, a multi-level marketing company specializing in arts and crafts, was founded in 1988 by sisters Shelli Gardner and LaVonne Crosby. The Utah-based company sells rubber and photopolymer stamps along with a wide array of related accessories.
The founders, sisters Shelli Gardner and LaVonne Crosby, originally came from Kanab, Utah. After marrying and starting families, they supplemented their household incomes by working as independent contractors for direct sales companies like Tupperware. Their entrepreneurial journey took a creative turn when they discovered rubber stamping.
Neither sister felt particularly artistic but found stamping an accessible and enjoyable way to create greeting cards, gift wrap, and scrapbook embellishments. They recognized the appeal of this craft among other women, particularly homemakers looking for creative outlets. This realization spurred the creation of Stampin’ Up.
Drawing inspiration from established direct sales models such as Tupperware, Discovery Toys, and Mary Kay, the sisters developed their own operational strategy. They launched Stampin’ Up in 1988, investing their personal savings with no prior experience in running a large company.
LaVonne Crosby departed from Stampin’ Up in 1998. Shelli Gardner took over as CEO, a role she held until 2016. In early 2015, Gardner announced her departure to undertake a full-time religious mission. Her daughter, Sara Douglass, then assumed the CEO position in March 2016. Gardner reportedly remains involved with the company as Board Chair.
Stampin’ Up initially resold stamps from third-party manufacturers but began producing its own items in 1992. The current product line includes stamps, inks, adhesives, paper, punches, and die-cutting machines. A comprehensive catalog is available on their website, though a printed version incurs a $5 charge.
Bundles and kits featuring selected Stampin’ Up products are offered. The company also provides a monthly "Paper Pumpkin" subscription box, which delivers a surprise stamping project for $19.95 per month. Discounted six-month and twelve-month subscription plans are also available. The company reports having tens of thousands of distributors across the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and Japan.