Meet Melissa

Hi! My name is Melissa Stout and I am a returning member of the Stylin' Stampin' INKSpiration design team.  I had to take a little hiatus during the Fall to complete a few other design projects, but I am now back for at least the next six months.  This is a wonderful group and I am thrilled to be working with them again!

I live in Kokomo, Indiana with my husband, daughter, and our 2 furbabies.  Just so you know.....Kokomo is nothing like the old Beach Boys song.  It's approximately 1 hour north of Indianapolis and we're surrounded by corn fields.  No beaches and I don't drink margaritas all the time.

My husband and I met in chiropractic school, married, and opened up a practice together.  Somehow, we manage to combine work and family life successfully.  We'll be celebrating 15 years of marriage later this year.

My oldest is currently serving in the US Navy.  I'm still adjusting to him being gone and learning how to be a military mom.  We've been very fortunate to see him frequently this past year, but it looks like there will be multiple deployments in our future.  

My youngest is my mini-me and tends to be my shadow.  She's at that great age where she still wants to be with her mom and mom is the best.  I'll take it!  I know this time will pass and soon I'll be persona non grata in her life.

And then there's these two.....Gizmo and Jasmine, our rescue dogs.  Jasmine is a 13 year-old Border Collie mix and if you've watched any of my videos online, you've probably heard her "talking" as well.  She always thinks I'm talking to her and must respond.  LOL  Gizmo is some sort of crazy-haired, moody mutt.  She's a young one and is always up for snuggles.

So, as you can see, my family is very important to me and most of them (looking at you, Jasmine) are very supportive of my stamping business.  I've been a Stampin' UP! demonstrator for 15 years and I truly love it!  My style is very clean & simple.  I love using sketches and color challenges for inspiration and I currently belong to several design teams.  

Up until recently, I had been holding local card-making classes.  I have decided to take a step back from that for awhile to focus on building my online business and spend more time with my family and friends.

Below are a few samples that I created for the ONStage event in Madison, Wisconsin this past November.

Thanks so much for stopping by!