Why “Craft What Matters?”

Hello! And Welcome to my new website & blog. If we haven’t met, my name is Jen Bach and I live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

You may (or may not) know this, but I blogged for many years on my previous website (www.bytheshorestamping.com). So, why the name change (and the return to blogging)?

Where did “By the Shore Stamping” Come from?

I started as a Stampin’ Up demonstrator in 2006 so that I could get a discount on my craft supplies and be able to make my own wedding invitations. That “project” turned into a passion for stamping, and I started blogging in 2008. I blogged pretty consistently for many years and then sort of “fell off the wagon” as they say. If I’m honest, my marriage was a little rocky, and I just didn’t feel like sharing anymore.

In 2014, I ended up moving out of my home in Harwich Port, leaving my now ex-husband (the one I initially made wedding invitations for). It was a very long and difficult decision and during that time, I used to take daily walks on Sagamore Beach — just steps from my apartment door. Those daily walks were what grounded me in a very difficult season. I used to post my daily beach photos on my Facebook page and that’s how the “By the Shore Stamping” brand was really solidified.

Why “Craft What Matters?”

In 2019, I met the love of my life (somewhat reluctantly) in a bar (after connecting online). And almost overnight, my world was completely changed. We were engaged a little over a year later and on a private beach in Hawaii, I officially became a stepmom to four kids and a step-grandmother (!) to four when we said “I do.” Life was suddenly very full of family adventures, coupledom and a sweet little puppy named Shelby.

And while I still believe in the power (and importance) of sending cards (especially hand-made ones!), I was suddenly drawn back to what originally started me as a crafter: scrapbooking. I love documenting daily life (even when it’s not as full and chaotic!) and besides the wedding invitation project, that was another reason I signed up with Stampin’ Up — I loved the color coordination for my scrapbooks.

Now almost 5 years into my marriage to Nate, I have a LOT of stories to tell. I love crafting (and stamping!) and I have some other projects in my long-term vision that may not be associated with stamping. So, I guess all of this is to say I’m diversifying. I’m focusing on what matters most to me right now: living life, telling stories and spending time with those I love.

What to Expect

So, moving forward you’ll likely see more scrapbooking ideas and inspiration (and still lots of card ideas, too). I’m planning to bring some new scrapbooking-themed events into the mix (stay tuned this week!) and tell more stories (I’m planning to bring “Sunday Stories” back to my email list and post weekly here on the new blog)!

As I make a plan for the new brand, I’d love to hear what you’re most excited about — and what types of events/classes you’d most like to see! Comment below and we’ll have some prizes to give away at the end of the week!

As always, thank you so much for being a part of my stamping (and scrapbooking!) journey. I SO appreciate you and can’t wait to Craft What Matters with you in 2026!

xoxo, Jen