Rubber stampers attending weekend convention in St. Marys

ST. MARYS - About 500 people are expected in the coastal Georgia town of St. Marys this weekend for a rubber stamp convention, where enthusiasts can share their knowledge and techniques. <br> <br> Convention organizer Paula Amari, owner of Old Town Crafts in St. Marys, said she has been organizing the two-day event that begins Friday for nearly a year. <br> <br> Amari said, ``I&#39;m humbled by the response. It&#39;s just mushroomed.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Amari said the convention will be scattered throughout the city&#39;s downtown area, where 13 businesses will host 37 classes. Classes cost from $25-$75 and include how to make designs for jewelry boxes, precious metals, purses, wall hangings and collages. <br> <br> While rubber stamps can be used to re-create the same image over and over, Amari said serious stampers use more than one stamp to create a unique piece. Stamps can also be used to decorate clothing, borders on walls, framed prints, place mats and fabrics. <br> <br> One of the main locations for the convention is Orange Hall, a 180-year-old antebellum mansion that serves as the St. Marys welcome center.