Oct 18 2008
Company Spotlight - High Hopes Rubber Stamps!
It’s time for another Company Spotlight!!!
Today I will be talking about High Hopes Rubber Stamps. I have had the pleasure of being part of their Design Team for the last year or so.
I love their images. 
High Hopes stamps are wonderfully deep etched red rubber. They can be used for clay as well as paper. They are sold as bare rubber, unmounted with cling foam, or wood mounted. Whimsical and fun designs and a huge catalog of images!
High Hopes has a fun new blog with weekly challenges and High Hopes news. You can find it —> HERE
A little about Tina - Owner of High Hopes:
Tina and her mother co-owned “Tinker’s Inker’s Stamps and Stuff” in Silver Creek, Wa. from 1993-2003. High Hopes began when Tina was presented with the opportunity to purchase “For Me and My House” rubber stamps in May of 2004. She chose the name “High Hopes” for the company as it expressed our faith, and excitement in this new venture. They chose the logo of the Ant carrying the over sized rubber tree plant as we felt it depicted perseverance, and conviction.
Tina is also a Mom to 7 children! 
I asked Christine Armstrong (Design Team Coordinator and Illustrator for High Hopes) a couple questions like how she got started with High Hopes and where her inspiration comes from. As you’ll see from her response it’s very obvious that Tina (owner of High Hopes) is a wonderful “boss lady”. 
From Crissy:
I had been stamping for about three months when I joined a stamping
group on Yahoo to make friends with other stampers and learn the
craft from them. Tina, the proprietor of High Hopes Stamps was
already a member. One day on the message board, she posted that she
was looking for an artist who would design stamps for her. The first
time I read it, I thought nothing of it. But the next week, she had
posted it again, and this second time I read it, I felt a nudge from
Heaven and thought, “I could do this”!
I pulled out some of my drawings, scanned them, and sent them to her in an e-mail so she could see that I could
actually draw (heh-heh). She phoned me and we talked for like three hours! We found we had so much in common, and were really excited that we had found each other. I started drawing for her right away and have been drawing
for her ever since. That was March 2005.
Tina already had a huge inventory of stamps that were drawn by the
company’s previous owner, Tony DeMarco, and quite a few that she
herself had drawn. But it was her desire to have only one artist
drawing for the new designs.
Tina truly is the creative genius behind all the stamps. I truly
would not know where to move my pen across the paper if it wasn’t for
her. She comes up with the ideas verbally, and I see them in picture
form in my mind. But if it wasn’t for her imaginative suggestions, I
would have nothing to draw! In that respect (and in many other ways!)
we make a great team. I think I have only come up with a handful of
designs “all on my own”. Every other design has been sparked by an
idea that she has handed to me! Actually, some of the Divas have seeded my imagination too, as
well as customers who make requests. I think the key for me is to be
like a child again, and let my imagination run with the beauty I
connected with back then. I can still can touch that whimsical
beauty now as an adult if I allow myself to. If I start giggling as
I’m drawing, I know I’m in the right place!
Tina is an amazing person, probably one of the most generous
people on the planet, and very much a lover of people. I know that
she has won many customers over just by virtue of the fact that she
makes them all into friends, and draws them in to her heart. It
really is extraordinary, how loving and kind she is and everyone who
meets her or has any sort of contact with her soon sees how true that
is! She has never, in the three years I have worked with her, ever
been critical or negative. Rather, she is positive and encouraging,
always. She’s completely reliable and dependable. And funny! That
woman can make people laugh! Her mind is constantly creating and
coming up with new ideas, which is why the list of fifty images I
started with in 05 has grown to about ninety!! It seems the more I
draw, the more ideas she gets as spin offs of my art. I don’t know
if I’ll ever get the list down to zero at this rate, but hey, that’s
job security for ya! (heh-heh).
I love what I do for Tina and for High Hopes. She stuck with me,
even though the images I did at first were less than stellar. She
believed in me and encouraged me to where I am today. Meeting her
basically changed my daily life and made my dream of becoming a
working artist a reality. But not only did my daily schedule change
because of Tina, but also, because of her moral example, I have
changed on the inside too. I want to make others feel good about
themselves with encouragement and kindness, just like she showers on
me. I will ever be grateful to God for bringing us together!
A fun fact not many know is, we have never been face to face!
Through the magic of modern technology, we have done all our work
together through the internet or by phone. I sure would love to see
her one day and give her the biggest hug!
Hugs,
Crissy
Here are a couple samples made with High Hopes stamps:
The first one uses Elmer Elephant (a personal favorite!) and Tons of Love.
My next sample uses Christmas Treat.
Now a little about the blog candy…..
I have 3 fabulous High Hopes images to give away to someone who comments on this post. I will choose a random winner Monday morning at 8:30 CT. *** Update*** A winner has been chosen!!!!
Psssssss… someone on the High Hopes Design Team also has Blog Candy! Hunt around the girl’s blogs and see if you can find it!
Click HERE for links to the Diva’s blogs.
Jeanne,
I love High Hopes Stamps and Tina is so amazing to order from - I won’t consider getting them from anyone but her directly. Thanks for sharing this info and your creations.
Jeanne,
Thanks so much for sharing Tina and Chrissy story. God always puts people in the places they need to be! I love your Elmer Elephant card.
A lovely story where it all started. Tina is really an inspiration to us all and how everything has come together. Would love the chance to win any one of these cute images and the cards are super!
Just found your blog. >)) How nice to share the story how it all started with high hopes rubber stamps. I love them. I’m totally in love with the elephant, it’s such a cute image.
Now I’m going to take a look around your blog. :))
Rosalien
Great spotlight on High Hopes! Yes, Tina is wonderful and I too order directly from her. Why go anywhere else when you’re already dealing with an amazing person. Thanks for the chance to win these beautiful stamps - a girl can never have enough High Hopes stamps. Hugs, Maria
I enjoy learning about different companies and this one is fantastic. Thank you for the story. You do such an excellent job stamping images to showcase what the company offers. Thank you so much.
Cheryl Sims
Love the images! Your cards are so beautiful. I saved the link to their blog so I can continue to see the wonderful stamps and what you all create with them. Thanks Jeanne. I can see why you are on so many design teams. How do you keep up?
What a beautiful story. It is such a joy having a friend/boss as you do. I have a friend like Tina and I cherish her as well.
May God bless each drawing/design you sketch. Going to the site now to check it out. Thanks
Hi Jeanne, I found your blog through Katharina’s. I took a browse through and wow … you are very talented. I am a big fan of High Hopes and like Chrissy stated, Tina is a sweet person. She guided me through my first stamp purchases! Thanks for the opportunity to win! Jeanette
Enjoyed the story! The Christmas treat card is so cute! Blessings!
I just love High Hopes stamps. I have never been disappointed when I have bought from Tina. I guess that is why I keep going back for more. It’s so interesting to read about how it all began. Your cards are awesome.
Hugs
Nic
I love reading how people get started as a designer on a company, its very motivating! Love coming to your blog to check out your work and these cards are really nice! Thanks for the chance to win!
Love High Hopes stamps (very good quality and company!) and LOVE what you do with them!!
Great cards! I love the elephant!!!!
Thanks for introducing me to a new company full of adorable stamps that now I NEED to have! Super cute cards…love that elephant!
Thankyou for sharing this story with us, it’s lovely to know how High Hopes started. Thankyou also for the chance to win some of these lovely stamps.
Sharon :-)x
What a wonderful story. I love High Hopes stamps and have about 13 which is not enough! Thanks for the opportunity to win some.
Thank you for the story of Tina and HHS. I love the High Hopes stamps and your candy too :-)) Thanks for the chance to win.
Hugs, Andrea
I need to check this place out — after soccer this afternoon. Love the Santa card. n
High Hopes Stamps are adorable!! Pick Me…Pick Me…please!!!
I can see why you like Elmer. He really is a cutie. I’d love to win a HH stamp. I don’t have any, but think they are really neat.
Waouw, these stamps are wonderfull, thanks for the opportunity of winning some
High Hopes stamps are really cute. I have looked at them for months, but haven’t bought any yet. thanks for the chance to win some of their stamps.
HH images are so cute. I love hearing about the people behind the stamp companies. You can tell both Crissy and Tina have passion for what they do!
Adorable cards, Jeanne! I always the simplicity of your design that really lets the stamps shine. Thanks for the spotlight on High Hopes. I love their stamps and it’s always fun to learn more them. Tina and Chrissy are always so sweet!
Jeanne;
Those images are adorable!! Thanks for introducing me to a new (to me) stamp company…can’t wait to check them out!!
Its lovely to hear stories of how people started and how this has progressed
Thankyou for the chance at winning some of these gorgeous creations
I so love High Hopes Stamps. The images are adorable and the quality is amazing! I am waiting for a delivery even as we speak! (sort of speak I guess!) Thanks for the opportunity to win a few more!
Beautiful cards Jeanne, and thank you for sharing her story!
I love High Hope’s images. They’re so cute!! Thanks for a chance to win some
High Hopes Stamps are so cute.. I love the dragons.
GREAT cards!!!
Your cards are fabulous!!! I love checking out High Hopes - such cute stamps!!!
I really like the High Hopes stamps but don’t have any yet. Thanks for the chance to win some of my very own!
What a great write up Jeanne!! I’ve posted a link on my blog!
I love HH stamps! I have some of the pirates and the giraffe, with many, many more on my wish list! Love the elephant card.
I love high hopes stamps so much and the service from them has always been fab! How many other companies give you things for free? Love your blog too, your cards are always so cool
thanks for the opportunity to win
hugs
I’d love to win some High Hopes images as they are just so adorable!
Those are really adorable images and a wonderful story to go with it! The story really personalizes the designer and the company.
I too am a big fan of High Hopes Rubber stamps and always receive exceptional service from them when I order. I LOVE the images - they are soo cute and easy to color…..
Great story!! Beautiful images….I hope I win them!!:)
Thanks for sharing the High Hopes story!!! I’ve admired their images for a while, but your post is the one that has pushed me over the fence. I will be placing an order as soon a I can choose just a few!!! and not go bankrupt. Love your cards!! Thanks for the chance to win.
These cards are adorable!!
Love the images of course!! They are CUTE!!! TFS!!
I’ve read Tina’s story on the High Hopes site and it’s inspirational everytime you hear it—Chrissy draws some of the cutest images I’ve ever seen and she also is always so kind in her comments! I’ll cross my fingers that I win!
how awesome to be a “real” artist! my mom told me I should design stamps, I had to reply HELLO I can’t draw! that’s why I use stamps!! lol - anyway good for you to be able to use all your talents - and GOOD for us to be able to use the stamps!!
These cards are so cute. I just love the images, especially the santa.
Tina is sooo nice too and always responds to messages immediately!! Wow, she must be super woman, I only have one child and it’s too much for me sometimes! I can’t imagine having 7!!! I love High Hopes too and the shipping on the unmounted stamps is more than reasonable!! Thanks for a chanc to win!
I love HH images too! A LOT of my stamping budget has been going there lately, but my wish list doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter! The images are just so fun to colour.
wow your cards are just gorgeous! As always! I love your coloring and the shading that you do, not to mentio the wonderful skies you always make! Great job! I lvoe high hopes too and can’t wait to get some of their stamps! Maybe I’ll win your candy!
I have yet to try High Hopes stamps but I love them whimsical look. Thanks for the opportunity to win a few.
Adorable cards! Love HH images, so cute & fun!
GET OUT, Jeanne. For a moment I thought YOU were the one that drew the High Hopes stamps.
I don’t have any …. adore the way they look, such cute faces on all of them.
Great shading on your cards.
Sweet cards Jeanne! That was so interesting, thanks for sharing! I love their stamps, they are so cute! I still have a For Me & My House stamp, and it’s still one of my favorites.
Cute cute cards Jeanne! I just love all of the High Hopes images they are all so adorable. I have a few but would love to have some more.
Love, love, love that cute Elmer stamp! High hopes stamps are all really great! Cute cards!
I am still hoping to get one of Crissy’s first, the girl in the snowsuit in the snow. Talented ladies, great article. Thx.
What a beautiful story, I love reading how people started their crafting journey. Wonderful stamps as well.
wow I didn’t realise Tina had seven children - and she runs an amazing business. My collection of HH stamps is growing - slowly.
Great stamps…great stories.
Loved hearing the story of High Hopes. Such great stamps!!!
Thanks for offering this great blog candy! I love High Hopes!
That elephant card is adorable!
Your cards are adorable! Tina sounds like a jewel, a fabulous boss & a great friend!
Some stamps just make you happy looking at them, and that’s how I see High Hopes. Elmer is really one of my faves, too!
Cindy
Your cards are great and that elephant is just too cute! I don’t have any High Hopes stamps *yet*!
Thanks for the opportunity to win some blog candy!
Your cards are just beautiful! What a great story and I just love these stamps. I don’t have any yet, but maybe I’ll be one of the lucky stampers to win one. Thanks for a chance.
I just found your blog and High Hopes. I like their stamps and would love to win some. Thanks for the chance.
Elmer is the cutest little elephant I have seen. I love stamps
with personality and he definitely fits the bill. As for Christmas
Treat, this one wins my heart, because every Christmas there is a gift under the tree for our dog. She is part of the family after all.
High Hope Stamps are precious. When you can open an
envelope and the image brings a smile to your face, you know
you have a winner.
Thanks for doing the spotlight. I loved it and the images.
This is such a good story! God is so good. I had a business for six years, & God had His hand in it long before I ever started it. It is amazing to look back & see where He was in it from the very start. He is always looking out for those who love Him. Isn’t that just awesome! I love High Hope Stamps, & the story makes them even more special. Thanks for putting this story out there! I hope your day is good!
Toota-loo,
Karen
That elephant card is super cute!
love that synopsis of their lives entwined…God works in mysterious ways, but always works it out for good.
love that Elephant! Thanks for sharing this info…I know I will go check them out now!
What a fantastic interview, I was hanging on every word.
I totally agree that High Hopes is fantastic, they have fabulous selection and their service is awesome, even all the way to New Zealand!
Thank you for sharing their story. Always nice to read a little more about the persons behind those great stamps.
and thank for the great candy.
Have a nice Sunday,
xoxo Karin
What a wonderful story. There is no one sweeter to speak to with on the phone than Tina. From the first conversation I felt like we were friends. I adore the HH stamps and an’t possibly have too many of them.
Oh it would be WONDERFUL to win these stamps, as that will mean that I can join in the fun on High Hopes Challenge Blog, and makes some more people smile when they receive a card with their LOVELY images
I simply LOVE that!
Rosette.x
your cards are always a delight to see. thank you for sharing
You sound like two wonderfull persons, and I’m so glad you “found” each other, to create these lovely stamps!
Ruth
Thanks for sharing the background story of High Hopes. Really a beautiful story. And Chrissie’s images are adorable. Both pieces are very very nice. I’m checking this company out! Thanks for the blog candy opportunity too.
I love High Hopes. Thanks for sharing all the background. Can’t believe they’ve never met! Thanks also for the candy chance.
Such cute stamp designs! I’d LOVE to win! Thanks for the chance, and for sharing the story of High Hopes!
oh , i just love these stamps. thanks for sharing this with us as it is very inspirational
I love High Hopes images and found that really interesting: Thanks. I hadn’t realised just what a great partnership was going on behind the scenes and it is amazing, and kinda sad in a way, that they’ve never met! I’d love to be a fly on the wall when they do!
I love High hopes images and it was interesting to read the history of the company. I have some the original Me and My House stamps purchased when I had just begun stamping. I recognozed the stamps and it was great to read about their journey to become High hopes. Thanks for the chance to win some blog candy. Ann Lind
A lovely story, it was nice to be here and read this!
I wish you good luck with your future projects!
All of you, regards from Holland,
Alina
Thank you so much for giving us the insite into High Hopes Stamps. Tina is a wonderful person and it reflects in everything she does. We @ 6wackywomen LOVE high hopes stamps. The designs are fab!
Have a great day!!
Karen
I’m really enjoying the creations by the design team and bloggers…This is a new company for me but I LOVE what I see! thanks so much for this chance at free stamps and for blogging and inspiring!
I LOVE High Hopes - all of their images are totally adorable!!! My experiences with the company have been incredible. Thanks for the chance to win a few more!
Tina must be a superwoman to run a fabulous business and a home with 7 children.
Sue
I just looooooooooooove Elmer…..oh my gosh…I want him
thanks for the chance of winning some blog candy.
ansa
How neat to learn all of this background. Thanks for this opportunity.
DianeL
loyaz1@wbhsi.net
PS - thanks for not using a verification code/window on this blog.
I only have a few HH stamps but they are definately my favourites in my stamping stash. It was really nice to read how Tina and Chrissie’s friendship started and its always a pleasure to order from HH
I just love hearing such inspirational stories… thanks for the opportunity to win the stamps!
Hi Jeanne!!! Beautiful story, thanks so much for sharing it!!! I absolutely LOVE High Hopes!!! Such great fun images!!!
Thanks so much for a chance to win!!!
Gorgeous cards and candy. I can’t believe I don’t have any of these stamps yet
I love the Highopes stamps. Would be nice to win. Thank you for offering :).
Monique
Thanks for sharing the high hopes story! Your card samples are adorable! Thanks for the chance to win!
Such a lovely spotlight on High Hopes Stamps! Chrissi’s designs are wonderful the stamps are such great quality and I have quite a few now. I always order direct from Tina who is such a lovely lady. Such generous blog candy too, that’s great!
I love your cards. Thanks for sharing the background on High Hope stamps. It would be wonderful to own some of their beautiful stamps.
anitamocha@sbcglobal.net
Great cards!! Thank you for sharing the background of High Hopes. Thank you also for the chance to win.
Love the article, Jeanne, and love your cards, too! I have really enjoyed this blog hop the past week or two, and am anxious for my very first HH order to arrive!! You are a wonderful asset to a wonderful company!
High Hopes is fabulous and Tina is awesome!! Love them! Kelly
The High Hopes stamps are so sweet and I love what the company stands for. I’d love to win some “candy”!!
Thanks for all the fun info about High Hopes. I love their stamps.
What a great story and I can honestly say that I spent 1/2hr on the phone w/ tina the first time I ordered and she was so patient and thorough, answered all my questions about different mounting options and I didn’t realize at that time that she was the owner. I was just really impressed with her customer service staff- only to find that she IS the owner. Thanks Tina!
Heidi
What a touching story. What an amazing woman Tina sounds like! She is the kind of person I want to be. I love your artwork. I disvovered High Hopes stamps a few month ago–and they are now my favorite stamps ever. You two make a great team! Thanks for all of the wonderful artwork.
Hello Jeanne,
I love reading your Blog and I love your cards! They are really great..
My compliments!
With love from Holland,
Patricia Rietveld
Ooooh! What a cute line of images! I have admired them for a long time, but haven’t had the opportunity to purchase any yet. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
omg….what a great candy up for grabs…i just love these stamps..but i havnt had the opportunity to buy these stamps just yet..only just started out..and only just trying out stamping.
so would love the chance to win these stamps.
hugs to tina xxx what a great women you are xx
thanks clare
These cards are beautiful! And, yes, Tina is extremely generous and I LOVE her work!
I can’t get enough of these cute High Hopes stamps lately. They are just so darn cute!
Wow, great article. Love these stamps! Cheryl
Your stamps look fabulous i am afraid i dont have any YET but i sure will get some, would love to win these thanks for the chance
Val x
Great cards! I love High Hopes images :o) Thanks for the chance!
Those cards are super cute. Thanks for sharing.
I love HHS, they are by far my favorite. Thanks for sharing the story.
I love your cards, Jeanne. Thanks for sharing Tina and Crissy’s stories. =)
High Hopes stamps are so adorable. I also love your blog!
Debbie Schubauer
I just love these images and Jeanne, you do such an awesome job coloring them. You are an inspriation to me. I learn a lot from you. You rock girl.
Jeanne, thanks for giving away some of those beautiful, cute stamps! I love the HH images, but can’t get them here in Germany
It was very interesting to read a bit about the women ‘behind the scenes’ - thanks for that, too :o)
Love & Smiles from Germany
Sylvia
WOW, loved reading the High Hopes Story!! Love the stamps, and now I know more about the inspirations behind them! Thanks for sharing that! And your FABBY BLOG!! So much talent….
Hugs,
Julie
What a fantastic story!
I have ordered stamps from High Hopes in the past and it are a fantastic company. Tina always throws in an extra surprise or two and who doesn’t love a surprise?!
The new line of stamps are the cutest and thanks for the opportunity to win some!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful cards as well Jeanne!
Great story about the company. I love their stamps and winning some more from High Hopes would be great. Thanks Janine
WOW!!!Thanks for letting us get to know more about Tina and Crissy and how it all started
You never know the story behind a company if your not close to it 
hugs Ria
Hi! I love the funny High Hopes stamps. And it is really fun to read more about the women ‘behind’ the stamps. Thanks!
Bye, Diane
I love High Hopes stamps. I’m waiting for a parcel with amongst others the new little baby dragon any day now. He’s my personal favorite, can’t wait to get my hands on him :).
xxx
Mariska
Cute cards, and LOVE the kiss me frog bag you made :)!
Hugs,
catherine
http://www.mystampinggrounds.blogspot.com
catlevy@eastlink.ca
Oh my goodness the puppy and Santa are SO cute! And the coloring on both cards are exquisite! ~Rebecca
Your cards are very nice, you do all very nice cute cards. Keep up the great job.
Josée
I love, love, love High Hopes stamps and am so grateful for the chance to win some. Thanks…Shirley.
Gorgeous cards, Jeanne! Thanks for sharing the story of High Hopes.
Thanks for the spotlight, I love High Hopes. Thanks for the chance to win some of their too cute stamps. By the way I love your blog.
~Karyle
I still haven’t got any High Hopes stamps would love to win something in a blog candy.
I love all the creations made from the stamps and do intend to make a purchase soon.
Elaine
Love High Hopes stamps and love what you do with them !
I will cross my fingers, to win the lovely stamps …
Hugs Sonja xxx
I just love High Hopes Stamps and the way they came about is nothing short of amazing. I would absolutely love to be the lucky one to win these wonderful stamps. Thanks for the opportunity.
Cheri
While - I know the blog candy is over - i just had to say how thilled i am to discover a new stamp company with trulely awesome designs. I found this from Katharina Frei’s site at 9am on Mon am am so excited to try out these stamps. love the story and will enjoy playing with the High Hopes stamps.- Kathy
What a wonderful “how” story! I love these images!
I don’t know if I am too late, I just love the elephant Elmer, he is so great. I hope I can enter, but I can see I might be too late.
I need more HH stamps, I’m sure! The *one* I have is lonely…thanks for the chance to win!! Great article too - thanks for sharing that info.
Dina
Your site and stamps are simply magnificent..
I cant wait to get my first set from you..
My hopes are ** high ** in all that can be
done with them… sooooo cute…