October 2007 - Wendy A.
"Grand Opening"

wendya@orientalstampart.com
Wisconsin, USA

(Click on pictures for instructions)

How long have you been stamping?
Not very long, maybe 2004. I had seen Emi Fukashima??? on Carol Duvall, stamping a domino for an asian box, and thought 'That would make a great pendant!' So I began looking for stamps that would 'fit' on a domino - didn't stamp anything else 'asian,' until I 'met' my long lost cousin - who is a Chinese language professor! LOL!! I would like to add that I'd found a local stamp store (only about 20 miles away.... in L.A. miles - that's almost around the corner!!!) and two ladies there went above and beyond any call helping me 'discover' the art of stamping! Tammy Y. and Rachel C. Bless you and Thank You!!

What is your favorite technique?
Still learning about techniques... my strange version of 'Polished Stone' or alcohol inks has become a favorite, since working out this project. Also using Pearl-Ex, H2O's or gold leafing.

Favorite stamp company?
ow, that's a tuff one! I'd have to say many or most are 'favorites!' There is a very long list of 'wish & someday' stamps from all OSA vendors - and then there are the rest of the websites I've recently visited, and..... I'll just say it will be easy to be broke for a very long time!!! (and I'm going to LOVE it!!)

Favorite Asian stamps?
Stone House Stamps, About Art Accents, Art Neko & StampMagick! Also OnyxXpressions & Beeswax.

Favorite stamp accessory?
EzMount and acrylic blocks! Happily, I've been able to move from tripping over baskets overflowing with stamps on the floor, to binders filled with them, actually on a shelf!

Favorite colors?
Reds, blues, purples & greens. All colors are wonderful.

Favorite embellishment to finish a card?
Something stamped into wax or polymer clay. Also love dragonflies - have been making them from polymer clay with 'glow-in-the-dark' wings, lately - interesting! Might begin to use them soon!

What is the one tool you couldn't live without?
Having broken my glasses, at this moment I'd have to say a jewelers visor!! LOL! Actually, I have more than one, the 'Craft Mat' from Suzy Weinberg is close to the top of my list, I've used everything from a heat gun to a propane torch on it, and it's still great! Other favorites are a steel ruler, triangle and craft knife. One of these days I'd like to get a good light! I have a LONG LONG wish-list!!

Any helpful tips for the group?
Well, I'd just say if you'd like to be inspired or would like to learn about techniques - just go to and through the OSA website! It's amazing, and so is the artwork of all the ladies here!!!

As a member of the Oriental Stamp Art Group, why do you like stamping in the Oriental theme?
I love the appearance of the gracefulness, beauty and subtlety of Asian art. Colors are magnificent, too! Attempting to replicate any of these qualities is a daunting challenge!

Is there any one place you'd like to visit to find rubberstamps, supplies or any other Asian elements?
What I'd really like to find is a never ending source for paying for all the wonderful stamps, papers, supplies & elements! LOL!! Right now, I mostly find myself in the predicament of having too much month at the end of the money!

What other stamping lists or clubs do you belong to?
None. OSA is the only one.

What favorite stamping magazines would you recommend?
Don't know much about the stamping magazines. Have received a gift subscription to Rubber Stamper Magazine, recently. I would like to see a copy of Vamp Stamp News! Have heard so much about it online - have never seen any sold locally.

Published in any magazines? If yes, please list.
No. Haven't submitted any work, yet. Had been published in the craft industry, however, by Hazel Pearson Handicrafts, while I was a needlework/craft designer at that company, a VERY long time ago!!

Any other hobbies, crafts or art interests?
A few....LOL! Painting & illustrating (oil, pastels, ink, pencils & markers), photography, silversmithing, sewing & embroidery, crocheting, macramé, playing the piano, ballet and springboard diving - are favorite interests! Please add roller-skating & biking. With the current physical situation I find myself facing - some of these are just fond memories, however.....

What inspires you to be creative?
Just looking around, really. There is so much natural beauty in sooo many places -  it's wonderful to be able to turn away from all the unpleasantness in this world - towards something that represents or helps create beauty & calm and a feeling of well-being. Humor, too - a smile and a laugh is also great! I can become downright silly with some of the cards I've made... there is this frog.... nah... AND .... HAHA!! (how could he be done with an Asian motif???...) I don't ever want to get so old I forget how to laugh... or be silly!

Any art background?
Yes, from my mother! She attended the Chicago Art Institute and the American School of Design - for BOTH of us!! LOL!! There were so many creative projects going on, when I was a child, that I either watched her complete or actually helped complete... needless to say - I 'picked her brain' ALOT!!  Still do, sometimes! (95 years young - and still designs/ sews some of her clothes!  - is presently doing 'counted cross stitch!!! WHEW!)

Mom taught me how to 'see' as well as design and sew. Have to laugh here- re: design & sewing.... I had worked for a clothing boutique in Hollywood for a time, and was 'registered' in the garment industry. When that stint ended, the employment agency naturally wanted to find something else for me to do. They had set up an appointment for me at a studio in Beverly Hills, no less. I had just planned a trip to Hawaii and the South Pacific - and didn't want the job. However, I couldn't refuse the interview. So... dressed up in my finest, most colorful 'hippy duds' - including knee-high fringed boots, replete with the 'Twiggy eyes' of the time, and 'Joplin' hair, and made off for BH. NO ONE in THAT city would hire me.... I was sure of it, the trip would be intact, and I had a cheesy grin on my face as the looks of shock & distain were shared by the folks in the area. Arriving at the studio, I met a wonderful lady who proceeded to say the boss was on the phone - and showed me some of the items being created. I thought, "Wow, this is great stuff.... too bad I won't be here!" Ah, then the boss came around the corner  (I realized I not only had cooked my own goose, it was in the process of being 'flambeed'!) Long curly hair, McGuinn glasses, silk shirt, blue jeans and the SAME style boots I was wearing. I left there as the new assistant designer to a man who applauded my choice of clothing, design & sewing skills, as well as my trip! We designed and created clothes for entertainers.Can still smile today watching those 'informercials' selling music of the 60's & 70"s. Many creations from days gone by, can still be seen, if for only a few seconds... I smile and say "thanks, Mom!" 

From costumes I eventually found my way to graphics, printing and advertising. Having designed 3-D paper dollhouses then needlework books & kits for two different companies, I eventually became a freelance graphic designer full time and loved my work! All areas of design, all areas of printing, I was living my dream, and loving every moment. Then, a rear-end collision left me with a fractured back, and the knowledge that eventually nerve damage from that event, would limit not only the ability to walk, but the use of my hands as well. It's now many years later, and discomfort is a daily situation, however, I have found a way to be creative and useful again! Stamping all I can, whenever I can!!!

I do love being part of this wonderful group, although not able to participate in all the different swaps and online chat, I'd like - I do what I can. It's 'Boyd's Studio' all over again! A way to create in ways that are known to others, the wonderful feeling of acceptance with people of similar interests, and I have finally been able to make some very big fears and demons begin to dissipate in a way that allows creativity and a feeling of usefulness rise to the surface again!  I think that big cheesy grin is on it's way back, and will replace years of tears and total frustration over the loss of what I had loved so much. OSA members, I humbly say: Thank you for quite literally - helping me save my life.

Have you used any unusual item in your stamping?
Yes, have used pellon (normally used to 'fuse' fabric) - fused to paper, then topped with EP and micro-beads and wax, no less!

Any favorite websites you'd recommend for inspiration?
OSA!! It is amazing!

Do you have a day job when you're not stamping?
No, was forced into an 'early' retirement in the 1980's by a reckless driver...GRRR! Please "Be careful out there......"

Tell us about your family and where you live.
I had 'visited' California in 1966, came back to Wisconsin for a few months - then moved back to LA to stay. Had lived - mainly in Studio City - was there on Coldwater for 30 years. In 2002, the building was being torn down, so, while my household was in storage, I chose to come for a 'vacation' to Wisconsin and help my sister and brother-in-law take care of our mother, who had just had 2 bouts with heart failure. I'm still here on vacation!  My amazing sister,  made her transition in 2005 - I miss her very much and plans for a return to So. Cal have been put on hold. I'll get back...I have to, there is an entire household still in storage!

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October 2007 - Wendy A.
"Grand Opening"

wendya@orientalstampart.com
Wisconsin, USA

This is a combination of several things I've been working on. It is rather involved, but a lot of fun, as well. Hope you give it a try!  Tools, materials and instructions are listed by 'sections' of the project: Card back, Doors, Kimono and Scroll & Final Assembly.

Material & Instructions for 'Card Back'

Papers:

• Black textured - for 'front' - can be text or cardstock weight, cut to: 7 1/4" W x 5 1/4" H
• Red pearlescent - matting trim #1 - text weight, cut slightly larger than textured sheet - above
• Gold metallic - matting trim #2 - text weight, cut slightly smaller than plain black sheet - below
• Black plain - back sheet - cardstock / heavyweight, cut to: 7 3/4" W x 5 3/4" H

Materials:

• Double sided tape
• clear glue
• 2 black rivets
• black cording trim 12" length

Tools:

• Craft cutting mat
• steel ruler
• pencil
• craft knife and blades
• decorative corner paper punch (optional)
• rivet setting tool
• hammer
• wood block

Instructions:

Cut black textured paper to size above. Use decorative corner punch, if desired. Attach to red pearlescent paper with double sided tape and set aside until final assembly.

Cut gold metallic and black cardstock to size, set aside until final assembly.

Measure 3/4" from top and side edges for placement of rivets. Make hole with punch and put rivet into position. Put a thin line of glue around the rivet and set the black cording trim into it. Then set the rivet. Decide how long you'd like card to hang, then set second rivet. Set aside until final assembly.

Materials & Instructions for 'Doors'

Paper:

• Chromekote or Chromalux (glossy paper) - medium or cardstock weight
  

Materials:

• Bamboo plastic leaves
• Spray adhesive
• 1 white felt 8 x 10" piece - (purchased at Michael's) cut in half or large enough to fit plastic bag 'applicator'
• Watercolors in spray mist bottle: Ruby & Onyx black
• Alcohol inks: 'Piñata' Santa Fe Red, Metallic Gold
• 'Alcohol Blending Solution,' and/or Denatured alcohol in a spray bottle (Isopropyl alcohol also works) **WARNING: Tim  Holtz of Ranger Industries recently warned that the Blending Solution SHOULD NOT be used in a spray bottle.  If inhaled the vapors can be harmful.** You can use the regular alcohol in a spray bottle.
• 'Radiant Rain' shimmering mist (optional)
• Double sided tape
• 2 large brads - 'door knobs' (colored with pearl-ex to complement color of door)
• Versamark pad
• Pearl Ex powder
• Clear detail embossing powder
• Medium size goldtone bead for tassel
• 1 black tassel

Tools:

• Applicator tool (made from forming a small ball shape, using a plastic bag - then putting it in another small plastic bag and tying off a 'handle)
• Have a rubber band or twist tie to add felt squares
• glass plate or palette
• tweezers
• heat gun
• soft watercolor type brush
• small styrofoam block
• craft cutting mat, craft knife
• scoring tool or bone folder
• ruler
• pencil
• black marker
• Newspaper or other protective covering for work area

Instructions for Doors:

Cover the work area with newspapers and proceed!

Spray the backs of the plastic bamboo leaves lightly with adhesive and allow to dry (also good to do this outside or in a well ventilated area).

Cut the chromekote in half sheets (8 1/2 x 5 1/2").

Cover the 'applicator tool' made from the plastic bags with the white felt and secure with a rubber band or twist tie. Position the leaves on the paper, and lightly spray with the ruby color mister (I did this to get a definite outline of the leaf). If the watercolor seems to 'sit on the surface' of the paper, pounce it with the applicator.

Pour a few drops of the red alcohol ink on the plate, and pounce the applicator into it, then begin to apply to the paper, especially around the leaves. Spray some of the denatured alcohol onto the 'tool' and continue to dab the chromekote. It will lighten the color nicely. Just remember to pour the color onto the plate and pounce the tool into it. You can also spray the alcohol onto the plate so the ink is not wasted.

Remove the plastic leaves after the first 'red' application is made, and lightly dab over them, too. The leaves will appear to melt into the background, which is a nice effect. When you feel there is enough red color variation, spray some black onyx watercolor onto the 'tool' and dab onto the paper. The black will be diluted and just adds a slight highlight to the piece. Also dab a bit of the black over the leaf areas.

Let it dry before moving on to the gold metallic. Clean the plate, then pour a bit of the gold, and repeat the process. When you feel you have the effect you want, lightly spray the entire sheet with the alcohol. The color seems to enrich itself! Then, if desired, lightly mist with gold, platinum or whatever color you'd like! Let dry, or use a heat gun.

Optional:

Make a viewfinder template (from paper or •••) of the double doors closed (see photos) Each door front is 2 3/8" wide and 4 1/4" tall. The viewfinder can help 'isolate' what the closed doors will look like. Once the center/fold is marked, scored and folded, turn the paper over and measure and mark with a pencil 2 3/8" on either side of the score line (good to do this near the top and bottom, so the lines drawn will be 'straight.')

One side will be the inside of the door, the other will be for the door, spine and flap that secures the door to the card. Measure 1/4" for the spine area and score both lines, then 1/2" for the flap. Cut off the excess on both sides.

If the inside of the door needs to be trimmed so that it clears the spine fold, now is the time to do this. Then measure and trim the top and bottom. When the score lines are folded, the door and spine will take shape. Color the inside 1/4" spine area using the black marker. Set aside and make the door knobs.

Door knobs are created using a medium size brad 1/4" diameter. Hold brad with a tweezer, cover with Versamark, dip into the Pearl Ex powder and tap off the excess. Lightly buff with a soft brush. Dip into the Clear Detail embossing powder and melt with heat gun. (I always dip the brads twice in the clear powder). The pearl ex gives a wonderful sheen to the brads. Press ends into styrofoam block and let cool.

Lay the doors flat and make a mark 3/8" back from the fold and 4" from the top. Use the craft knife to make a slit/ hole for the brad to fit through. Then slide the brad into position, wrap the tassel under the edge, and fold the tabs. The tassel should give some height so that the brads are not tight against the paper. Remove the tassel. Apply double stick tape to the inside door, and press closed. Repeat steps for other door. Then set both aside until final assembly.

Materials and Instructions for Kimono and Kanji Chop

Tools:

• Clay roller and modeling tools
• craft knife, soft bristle brush
• small brush for Pearl Ex powder
• scissors
• parchment paper
• baby powder
• pasta machine
• toaster oven
• clay tile
• spatula

Stamps:

• Kimono (front & back images) - Stone House Stamps
• Kanji "Friendship" - StampMagick
• Floral Crest (small) - unknown

Materials:

• Polymer clay - Black 2 oz package
• Gold leaf - sheet, pieces or scraps saved from other projects
• Gold cord - for hanging the kimono (about 8")
• 'Marsh Reed' or bamboo skewer - for kimono - 3" length
• Pearl Ex powder - gold shades
• Versamark pad - for small floral decoration on kimono back
• 1 small black brad

***Optional: