All about Dorrie’s Designs

Hi and welcome!

Some of the questions I’m asked often are how I became a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, where the name Dorrie’s Designs came from and how can I do all the things I do with the disability I have. So I thought I’d share a little about myself, my journey, and the inspiration behind it all.

All About me

I was born with a condition called Apert Syndrome. It affects various parts of my body, meaning I have three fingers on each hand, I’m deaf, and I have limited movement in my arms and legs. Life has certainly presented me with challenges, but I’ve never let them define me.

In fact, if someone tells me I can’t do something, I’ll work even harder to prove them wrong! I’ve always believed that with determination, creativity, and a little imagination, anything is possible. That’s a philosophy I’ve carried with me throughout my life and into everything I do.

My dream is to to break down the barriers caused by bullies and to build a safe space for an inclusive community of people of all abilities to come and have fun, so that bullies will be defeated.

Herbie

Herbie is my seven-year-old Cavapoo, best friend, and constant companion. Wherever I go, he’s usually not far behind, unless it involves getting wet then Herbie will be hiding in his den under the settee and not even the temptation of a sausage will make him come out because Herbie hates getting wet.

At Dorrie’s Designs, Herbie has earned the title of Creativity Manager. You’ll often find him supervising from my craft desk or tucked away in his den underneath. He’s become quite the celebrity during my Zoom classes and loves meeting everyone at my in-person events.

Every Wednesday he takes over the Dorrie’s Designs Facebook page with one of his famous challenges. The more comments he receives the better as 10 comments earn him a sausage or a new toy!

Why Dorrie’s Designs?

Dorrie is my family nick name. Orginally Dorrie was a little girl in a story book which we used to love Mum reading to us when we were little. Dorrie was stubborn just like me and always looking for fun and adventure. Designs came from when my nephews were small we used to always be creating and drawing things with them. One day they came up with “Auntie you should be called Dorrie’s Designs as you are always designing things”. Tada Dorrie’s Designs was born.

How I Discovered Stampin’ Up!

I used to be one of the leaders of a Guide pack in Brixham. We had a wonderful group of girls, some of whom found comfort in routine and consistency.

When organising a Mother’s Day card-making session, I purchased cardstock from a local craft shop. Unfortunately, the pack contained several shades of pink. What seemed like a small detail caused upset for some of the girls who wanted everything to match.

Determined to avoid the same problem at our Easter craft night, I asked for advice on social media. A Stampin’ Up! demonstrator reached out and supplied coordinating cardstock, ink, patterned paper, and stamps.

The difference was incredible. The girls noticed immediately that everything worked together perfectly, and the crafting session was a huge success.

That experience showed me the value of quality products designed to coordinate beautifully, and before long I became a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator myself so I could buy products at a discount for the Guides.

My vision moving forward

My dream is to build on creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces, both online and in person, where people can relax, craft, make cards and build meaningful friendships. I believe creativity can bring people together and provide a refuge from loneliness, helping everyone feel connected and valued.

I went to an amazing weekend as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and met some of my demonstrator friends. The theme was “Come and sit with me”, encouraging us to reach out, be kind and invite others into creativity. It was a simple message with a powerful meaning.

So, if you’d like me to come and sit with you, whether that’s at a class, workshop, meet you somewhere and have a craft session or online, please send me a message. I’d love to craft with you. Because crafting isn’t just about paper, stamps, and ink. It’s about connection, community, and creating something meaningful together.

A Dorrie’s Designs card making event

If you would like to know more about my card making events, please send me a message.

Until next time, stay safe and happy crafting.

Please note: some product list links may no longer take you to the correct product, due to a recent change in my demonstratorship. To Browse or purchase items please use the shop button below.

Free Tutorial With all Orders

When shopping through my Stampin’ Up! Online Shop, you will receive a FREE TUTORIAL of 11 simple card ideas. Learn More!

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Thank you for shopping with me.

I am an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator for the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Herbie and I would love you to shop with us. If you set up an online account with us and opt in for Stampin’ Up! Rewards for every order over £20 you will receive 10% rewards to use on your next order, or you can do like I do and save them for a future order. They soon mount up, enabling you to purchase more expensive products with your saved rewards. Please do ask if you need any help.