October 2004 - Lyn Avedikian
"Dragonflies on Bamboo"

Skimeister82@msn.com
Oradell, NJ, USA

(Click on picture for instructions)

How long have you been stamping?
I started stamping and doing paper arts about 7 years ago. My sister had sent me a handmade, embossed card and I was smitten.

What is your favorite technique?
Well, I love to make backgrounds of all kinds and I love stamping with acrylic paints.

Favorite stamp company?
Too many to list, but let's say I'm quirky and eclectic in my tastes, so think Stamper's Anonymous, Zettiology, Acey Deucey, Character Constructions
. . . see it just goes on and on!

Favorite Asian stamps?
Chapel Road and Bella Rosa.

Favorite stamping accessory?
Punches . . . I love punches!!!!

Favorite colors?
It varies from earth tones to bright, depending upon mood and project and where my spirit is taking me.

Your favorite embellishment to finish a card?
Very fine gold cord or photo corners

What is the one tool you couldn't live without?
There are waaaaaay more than one that I couldn't live without. Heat gun, yes, glue stick, yes, punches, yes, tea dyed paper, yes . . .

Any helpful tips for the group?
Read all the stamping magazines and books, get inspired, invite a friend over to play and experiment! If you have a local stamp store, take as many classes as you can afford!!! Of course, only those that interests you!

As a member of the Oriental Stamp Art, why do you like stamping in the Oriental theme?
Because it is so elegant, refined, timeless, classic, serene and beautiful.

Is there any one place or city you'd like to visit to find rubberstamps, supplies, or Asian art elements?
Well, I guess Japan, but I'm happy searching the web!!!!

What other stamping lists or clubs do you belong to?
Many, many . . . mixed media groups, book arts, that kind of thing.

What favorite Stamping magazines would you recommend?
I love Inspirations because they give such good directions. Stamper's Sampler because you are just flooded with ideas after reading an issue. I like Somerset, too, but they seem to be in "flux". I just subscribed to something new called "Cloth, Paper, Scissors" that I am looking forward to.

Published in any magazines? If yes, please list.
Somerset, a few times over the years, Return to Asia, a few in Stamper's Sampler for Easter cards.

Any other hobbies, talents or craft interests?
I love gourmet cooking (I have over 250 cookbooks), gardening, reading and silk flower arranging. I cycle about 75 miles per week and I play tennis twice a week.

What inspires you to be creative? i.e. do you listen to music while you stamp or watch TV, keep an art journal?
Sometimes I listen to opera while I work, but mostly I like the quiet. When I am immersed in a project, I don't like to be distracted. I need to let the energy flow. I am inspired by nature, seeing art from others and swaps that I am in. I do keep a visual journal.

Any art background?
Nope . . . 2 years of college and then was a secretary . . . then went into cosmetics. Who woulda thunk there was an artistic gone in this body????

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR "Dragonflies on Bamboo"
By Lyn Avedikian

Determine the size you want your card to be and cut a piece of cardstock that is appropriate. Spread a thin layer of US Artquest's Light Artist Cement evenly over this CS. Let sit about 5 minutes. Choose a background stamp you want to use. I chose a bamboo image. Gently stamp into the artist's cement without smooshing your design. Carefully lift stamp straight up. Wash your stamp right away. Set CS aside to dry thoroughly. Depending upon weather and humidity this could take overnight. When very dry, using make up sponges, and dye ink pads dab color onto the prepared CS.

Meanwhile, stamp and emboss dragonflies with verdigris and patina EP onto dark cardstock. Cut out and set aside. Stamp and emboss chop and cut out. Layer the prepared cement panel to decorative paper and then onto your card. Glue (or use tape or pop dots) dragonflies and chop to panel.

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