A Stamp In The Hand Co.

Through all the ups and downs of the rubber stamp industry, Kat of A Stamp In The Hand has always put on quality Rubber Stamp Conventions. Sometimes huge and difficult to see everything and more recently smaller, but still lots to be inspired by and certainly easier to see it all and get to know the vendors.
Those of us who have been stamping for years have seen the industry cycle wildly from so many stamp companies and store fronts it was easy to find what you want and keep up with all the new goodies. It is ludicrous to expect things to stay the same when outside influences (maturing industry, economy, etc.) are at work. Through all the changes in the industry ASITH has always been an innovator and has managed to continue to provide us with great conventions to meet with our good friends, see all the fun goodies the vendors have to offer and all for only $ 5. Thank you to A Stamp In The Hand!
PS. The Convention food vendor is not under the control of ASITH. Last convention food was OK, though if you are picky, pack a lunch.

Besides having their own rubber stamped designs, they organize the rubber stamp conventions that are held in San Jose, Sacramento, and of course Carson. I recently went to the San Jose show at the Scottish Rite Memorial. True, there are not as many vendors as there used to be as I think the popularity of rubber stamping has declined since I first started this hobby back in 1998. But I really appreciate that they still do these local shows and I took my little girl there with me for the first time and she loved it. I liked being able to see and touch the rubber stamps and supplies rather than buying online since there are almost no local rubber stamp stores anymore. Please continue organize these shows and I’ll see you at the November show in San Jose. I’m going to encourage my friends to come as well.

Kat of ASITH has been doing RSC for years, does a great job in getting vendors as well. Reason RSC Carson Convention has less vendors than years ago IS the economy. It takes a LOT of $$$$ (airfare, hotel, car rental, freight charges, etc) and manpower for vendors to participate in these conventions especially, when vendors are NOT in SoCal such as Magenta of Canada. Some vendors will let clients preorder and pick up their orders at the RSC to ensure what they need is there if they are not able to get there when doors open. Also, there are times when vendors will need to cancel at the last minute due to family health issues and/​or situations beyond their control.
It’s worth going to the RSC Conventions especially, if you are into Scrapbooking, Paper Arts & Crafts, Wearable Art (stamping with fabric paint)…there’s a «wealth» of ideas and products to «satisfy» your paper arts/​crafting «appetite»,

I had to comment about the Carson convention, after reading what others wrote. The Carson show is smaller than before, but I don’t think that’s due to any fault of ASITH. It’s due to the internet, in my opinion. I love the vendors that do come and I so enjoy the classes and vendor information that is there. It’s nice to be around so many other stampers/​paper crafters. I don’t go every year, but that’s due to finances and already having so much stuff. I’m going today. I love that Tim Holtz is there too; among the other vendors. I believe that stamping is so popular in our area, due to these stamping conventions that have been held in Carson. I wish there were more vendors, but am grateful for the ones that do bring their product to show and demonstrate.

Right before convention time, I used to email or get emails from local stampers asking if I’m going to Carson. Carson, being of course, the stamp con that happens a couple of times a year.
The last couple of years though, I gave up going. It’s the same ol’ group of companies with very few new and cool companies coming in. Even when Magenta starting showing up, they could have brought more stamps with them. But I suppose they’re heavy little suckers to cart over from Canada.
Still, one of the best times I ever had at a con was the last time I went and it was also the one I spent the least amount of money on. Knowing I still have bags and bags of unopened stuff from last con, I just didn’t feel like taking out the poor abused credit card again.
It is definitely always nice to see other wild and crazy stampers like myself. And the time I worked a booth for an Oregon stamp line, I got to meet tons of cool ladies. I had to turn down an offer from a San Jose store coming down to demo for their booth though. I wanted to but one experience was enough.
But man oh man, bring snacks. Con food sucks. Soggy hot dogs, horribly sweet «Chinese food» and yucky full-​fat mayo based cold salads. GROSS. Go a bit further and at least get to a grocery store or even Carl’s Jr. on the corner. I can’t believe I’m recommending Carl’s Jr. over this convention hall’s food.
I wouldn’t bother with ASITH’s warehouse sale though. I went once and though the stamps were super cheap, most of the seconds would be what I call thirds or even fitths. The quality was so poor, it was even worth the quarter per image.

This company runs the annual California rubber stamp conventions (they are the second company aside from Heirloom). The shows used to be held in San Francisco, Sacramento & San Jose.
Now only the San Jose show is available. Admission is $ 5 (not counting parking fee).
The show was originally called Rubberama (get your head out of the gutter, that’s not what it means. They sell rubber stamps!) and they were ran by Donnie England of Quartermoon. She sold the show to A Stamp in the Hand a couple of years ago.
Ever since ASITH has basically ran the show to the ground. There are fewer vendors = less stuff to look at and buy. It’s really sad because this show used to be packed with vendors selling everything under the sun! :(