Groovy Rubber Stamp Shops in Washington
The following are stamp stores here in western Washington. I understand that there are some in eastern Washington and in Oregon etc., but I haven't been to them (yet...). My goal is to have a list of northwest stores with a brief description of each store - so you'll know if it's worth your while to travel to it.
Stampadoodle (Bellingham): I visited this store for the first time in August 2001. What a great store! I was amazed at the number of art stamps they had, as well as you garden variety cute stuff. Notably they also had popular cartoon character stamps, lots of stuff that would be good for guys (like cars), cool papers, oodles of stickers...the list goes on. Everyone was super nice and very helpful. I will definitely be going back often!
Lasting Memories (Lynnwood): Not a stamp store but oh MAN do they have paper! I love this store. The folks there are very nice and helpful and they always get the new stuff in - you know - they stuff you see in the magazines. I believe they have classes too.
Impress (at least four locations! Westlake Center, University Village, Bellevue Square, and my favorite location... Southcenter). I know I shouldn't be biased - but the one in Southcenter IS my favorite. And I would rather travel 45 miles to it, than 25 to the one in Seattle (not that one in Westlake isn't good - because it is). Parking is easy too. I love a stamp store that's close to the mall.... and just a door down there is a store called The Paper Zone (see below for more info).
Make an Impression (Issaquah): If you've never been there because you think it's too far away, then GO! Right now! I travel 38 miles to this store and I have never been disappointed! They have a stamp club/punch card program. UPDATE!! Make an Impression has moved! That's right folks - they have a bigger space just a couple of blocks from their old location in Gillman Village. MAI also now has perforating service for your artistamps.The gals at MAI are always really helpful.
Monkey Love Rubber Stamps (Queen Anne): A small store with some fun stamps. Worth going to if you are in the area. Parking is a pain in the butt, so be prepared to hoof it a block or two.
Fun Stamps (Lynnwood): Another one that I stop in on a regular basis. I always check out the the NEW rack. She'll order anything for you. Well, maybe not ANYTHING...but she did get me my Acey Deucy stamps... They have a stamp club/punch card program.
Rubber Soul (Redmond and Poulsbo): While I have not personally been to the Poulsbo store, I can attest to the greatness of the one in the Redmond Town Center and have heard good things about the one in Poulsbo. It's not a huge store but it is very pretty, nicely laid out with room to walk and bend over without bumping into your neighbor. They have some really great stamps and I often find that the highlight of my visit is the Red Pearl shelf....
The Paper Cat (Seattle): This is one of those stores that, because it is in downtown Seattle, is a HUGE pain in the butt to get to, BUT, once you are there you are glad you made the effort! They have some great stamps and I found one of the best selection of word stamps and stamps that have quirky little phrases on them (think viva Las VegaStamps). They also have a great selection of 'thing' stamps...like tomato soup cans, postoids, airplanes, stuff you just don't see stores carrying. And of course they terrific cat stamps! The gals that I have interacted with there have always been very nice and helpful and willing to answer your questions. Customer service is everything to me...be sure to visit their paper store next door!
Cecil and Bird (Gig Harbor): While I have not personally been to this store I have received a recommendation for it. Located in Gig Harbor (which is a lovely area, I understand) it does have an impressive array of classes and a "eclectic variety of stamps."
Paper Moon (Port Townsend): I have also not been to this store, but received an email from the owner. She writes: " We are a small rubber stamp and scrapbooking supply store, but since I took over the store in September 2000 our stamps definitely lean toward the "art" variety, not the "cute" type. Think Acey Deucy, Red Pearl, Rubbermoon, etc. " Port Townsend is a lovely city and there is a significant artist population there so there are lots of galleries too.
These two aren't stamp stores but do have a small selection of stamps worth looking at if you are in the neighborhood:
Bellevue Art and Frame (Bellevue) BA&F continues to have a great selection of art stamps. If I am in Bellevue I stop in...you just never know what you might find...They also have the scented ink pads that some of you may have seen advertised in Somerset Studio. I also tend to buy my Golden brand paints here as well as art papers and other fun stuff. This is definitely not to be missed if you are in the area.
If you have never been there, go to The Paper Zone. They have stamps (selections seems to vary greatly depending on the location)) AND paper - what more could you ask for? I find that the store in Bellevue has the best selection of stamps and punches and all of the stores have great art papers.
Packaging Specialties: Bellevue. This is right across from the eastside Daniel Smith location (don't waste your time going to this location of Daniel Smith - go to the BIG store in south Seattle - it's incredible!) Packaging Specialties has art papers, tissue paper in ever color of the rainbow, boxes, bags, ribbons out the hoo-ha, great ideas for party favors, classes, cards, tags, envelopes. Don't let the small size of the store deceive you - they have oodles of stuff to be had!
You can also usually find a small selection of stamps at stores like Jo-Ann Fabrics and Michael's. One of the best chain stores to get stamps at is Ben Franklin in Monroe. Although I am sometimes disappointed by the lack of art stamps, they do, on occasion, get some great Asian inspired stuff in. They also have been carrying tags in several colors and now are carrying altered book supplies.
If there is anyone out there who would like me to add a shop (in Washington, that is) to my list here, send me some email and I'll do it!