Originally from
New Zealand, we moved here in 1988 during Expo and just love Brisbane.
I no longer work, but rely on DH of 43 years for my stamping pocket
money..lol We have adult daughters, but no grandchildren and share
our home with my cockatiel named Blue and dozens of wild birds which
frequent our yard.
Stamping
for how long? Nine years, after I left work due to health problems at 55
and saw a demo using punches and a handful of stamps in a local
mall around Christmas time.
How did you
get started? I thought this was a neat thing and like hundreds of others
no doubt, could see myself making my own greeting cards and saving
money! After looking for a nearby stamp store, I fronted up for
lessons and was amazed by embossing. From then on there was no turning
back. When I was given a very old computer, I joined Stamphappy,
which is our Aussie Yahoo group and have belonged to various other
groups over the years.
At the time
OSA was formed, I was still uncertain as to my style, having just
taken it up, so to speak. I realise now, how much I have missed
out on...lol
Favorite
things about stamping ? Definitely the friendships and generous sharing of art and
resources. The fact it's a versatile art form and can be adapted
to fit most other mediums. My greatest thrill was spending 3 weeks
with a long time stamping e-friend in NC in 2000 and visiting as
many of the stamp stores as possible in the time!
Background? I've always liked writing, but don't have an artistic bone
in my body. My father was an accomplished painter using oils and
my elder daughter has excelled with pastels. I have also dabbled
in altered books, tins, board books, ATCs, mini ATCs, ostrich egg
decoupage and anything that can decorated. Two years ago, I decided
to try Oriental style and just love the simplicity of the art and
the wonderful members in the OSA group.
How did you
get started?
My sojourn into stamping began at 6:00 P.M. on October 7, 2001.
I was invited to a Stampin' Up party and saw heat embossing and
was hooked. I began stamping in my spare time. Six months later
I joined OSA because I was enthralled with all of the artwork that
members created. I became a moderator for OSA a few months after
that and then Lizzie Slothouber (OSA Founder) asked me to take over
OSA in 2003. We have continued Lizzie's high standards for OSA.
OSA members are not only talented, they are courteous and helpful
to all Stampers.
Favorite stamping items?
Unmounteds: Anything Oriental, geisha, samurai, dragons, chopsticks,
pandas, zodiac animals, dominoes, mah jongg tiles, bamboo tiles,
fibers, foils, Chinese coins, papercuts... I love papers, Washi
(Japanese papers), tassels, and all kinds of embellishements that
will fit on a card and into an envelope. You name it. If I can glue
it onto my art, I glue it onto my art.
Favorite reasons to stamp?
Stamping and creating relieve stresses of daily life while creating
beauty and forming lasting friendships with unique and talented
Stamp Artists. And being a Stamper gives me a reason to shop. I
enjoy creating stamped art that fits into my daily life: desk sets,
lamp shades, picture frames, clocks, you name it, I'll stamp it.
Day Job/Background?
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Work with deaf children, supervise teachers
American Sign Language (ASL) Instructor
University Professor and Teacher Trainer
Published Author
Educational Consultant and Keynote Speaker
I am married
and am "Mummy" to one CCD (College Coed Daughter). We
have 2 cats, a dog and a flock of humming birds for pets.
Barbara
N. Co-moderator, OSA Mystery Swap
Where to begin
a Bio, never done this before...I will be 59 this month and work
full time nights as a Respiratory Therapist. I'm not sure I like
my job but I love what I do, most of the time. It is often stressful
and though the work is not hard, I seem to work hard. Stamping is
great therapy and I get to do it sitting.
I have been stamping for about 5 years after coming across a rubber
stamp artist's booth at a local craft show. She is the owner of
Stubby Stampers and she and her husband were so helpful that I was
hooked immediately. My artist friend and mentor had taught me about
drawing and watercolor and quilting and I showed her rubber stamping
and paper crafts and she was hooked. We worked together and played
together and then I moved to North Carolina.
The move has been wonderful for us but I no longer have a playmate
or local craft shows but I am finding the stamp stores. Through
the internet I am finding out about stamp and scrapbooking shows
close to Durham and making plans to attend.
When I was out of work with a shin splint I found OSA and that was
that. This is a great group of people, artists, and I am having
the time of my life. I have been more motivated to try new things
and I seem to be stamping more.
I am still more
of an embellisher but more because I still don't have all the stamps
I'd like to have. I'm working on that. I love charms and fibers
and fancy papers. I use clay and shrink plastic and friendly plastic
as well as buttons and ribbon. I love it all. Color, it scares me
a little and I seem to be drawn to the more dramatic look and I
need to work on expanding my horizons.
I hope to be able to participate in some of the classes but working
nights doesn't leave many options. So instead I will just keep asking
for help. You are all so quick to share and I truly appreciate it.
How did you
get started?
I wanted verses to go inside of collage cards
What are your favorite things about stamping? Materials,
techniques, emotions, stress-reducer....
These are a
few of my favorite things:
I greatly
value my web friends.
I'm a sucker
for background techniques.
Stamping
is my "art therapy" to counter my day-job stress.
I enjoy being
published : )
I have a
lot of fun hosting and participating in swaps.
I like the
challenges of using new techniques and products.
Background? I teach in the Skills Development Department at a community
college in Oregon. I'm also a recent Ed.D.
Capi
P. Co-moderator, OSA Games
Dominique
S. Co-moderator, OSA RAK list
I've been stamping
for 3 years. I've always been busy with some sort of craft, mainly
knitting, but I started to have problems with my shoulders which
means I can't knit any more. My knitting magazine started to branch
out into other crafts and I got the chance to buy some stamp sets.
I collected a few and then wondered what to do with them. After
some search on the net, I found a stamping magazine, bought a few
ink
pads... and that was it, I was hooked, big time! I've never been
to any class, and no, I haven't counted my stamps, I wouldn't dare!
All I know is that I'm always running out of space to store them.
I found OSA totally by accident and joining was the best thing I've
ever done.
I used to work
in computer science (not an artistic background at all - in fact
I can't draw or paint!) but since we moved from Belgium to England
in 1981, I've been at stay-at-home mum. My husband is Dutch, we've
been married for 30 years and we have 5 kids -4 boys and 1 girl-
and no grandkids yet.
Carolyn S. MOSAS (Monthly Oriental Stamp Art Swap) Coordinator
Stamping for how long?
5 years
How did you get started?
Signed up for a class to support a new acquaintance that had moved
to Boise who was scheduled to teach a class at one of our local
stamp stores. Because she was new to the area, I didn't want her
to be disappointed if no one signed up for her class. As it turned
out, she invited me to her home to show me her vast collection of
stamps, supplies and generously let me borrow a few to experiment
with. THAT WAS ALL IT TOOK.
I started a search for oriental themed rubber stamps and ran across
Anne at Stonehouse Rubber Stamps. With her encouragement, I continued
on and in 2001 joined the Yahoo Oriental Stamp Art Group. Even though
I belong to other groups, my heart is in oriental design, especially
inspired by the beautiful Japanese paintings and flowers.
What are your favorite things about stamping?
I love a challenge and also like to experiment by tweaking techniques
and experimenting with new products. My inspiration comes from other
artists; they encourage me to improve the quality of my art and
to try new designs and combinations.
What I didn't realize in the beginning was the "friendship
factor." The closeness and camaraderie between artists is a
huge plus and the friends I have met through my new-found hobby
are some of my greatest treasures. I may not recognize them if I
pass them on the street, but I know them intimately and in many
cases could identify the artist by viewing a completed piece. My
collection of their art is a treasure unsurpassed, and I never tire
looking at it.
Materials, techniques, emotions, stress-reducer.... I love to color
-- watercolors, chalk, pencils and also coloring with the use of
different shades of embossing powders within the design. Flowers
are another favorite of mine, and I incorporate them often into
my designs.
Backgrounds -- I experiment a lot. The polished stone effect is
one of my favorites because it never turns out the same.
Charms and fibers add the extra touch and I use them a lot. Clay
is intriguing; however, I have never attempted to incorporate it
into my art style. I relish the pieces given to me by others and
perhaps some day will give it a try on my own.
Background?
My husband and I retired to Eagle, Idaho, from Southern California
in 1997 to escape the hectic lifestyle and a fall that forced my
early retirement. Stamping has filled a void for the days and weeks
I felt isolated because of a hearing problem. It gave me a purpose
with fulfillment and satisfaction. I didn't need to hear or communicate
one on one to work on my art. The computer was my educational tool
for new techniques and contacts with others who shared my love of
creating. I am very fortunate to have computer skills -- my lifeline
to my friends and fellow artists. I am also fortunate to have the
support of my DH who enjoys watching the quality of my work improve
and is my best critic.
My only regret -- our grown children and granddaughter still live
in California so visits with them are extra special celebrations.
These anticipated events provide the excitement and give us something
to look forward to and plan throughout the year.
My art has improved my life and brought me many, many friends.
Heather
T. Website design
and maintenance
Stamping
for how long?
4 years
How did you get started?
Brenda M. invited me to a stamping birthday party, and I really
enjoyed it--but didn't do too much with it. I think I started in
earnest for our Winter Holiday cards in 2003, but things only took
off when Brenda sent me a huge box of goodies full of stuff I didn't
know existed, much less that I really needed, like 1/4" double-sided
tape (we'd been talking about Marvy Metallic pens, I was bemoaning
how expensive they were, she said she didn't use hers much and did
I want them, and *POOF* it was Christmas in February...).
What are your favorite things about stamping?
I love being able to finally feel GOOD about my art, because I'm
actually making stuff that looks fairly nice (instead of having
to fret over a drawing and finally let it go despite not feeling
it's good enough). I love playing with backgrounds and new techniques--I
end up not doing so much stamping as goofing around with paper.
I totally love the internet community I've found--especially OSA.
Background?
Chequered. =) Originally from Switzerland; came over at 17 to see
if I liked it enough to study writing at the university level, ended
up getting a Ph.D. in Romance Languages (French, Italian, Spanish,
and Philology). Taught for several years, then left the rat race
for romance in Seattle (via the net). We're now married, with a
threepointfive-year-old, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rats, and 2 goats and
2 llamas. I parlayed my minor in Art at the college level and one
year of Graphic Design courses at the AA level into a (very small)
home business in logo and website design.
Janis
G. Co-coordinator, Stamp Artist of the Month (SAM)
Julie
K. Moderator, OSA 1-4-1; Co-moderator OSA Trades
Stamping
for how long?
I started just before my daughter was born (Nov. 2001). Hard to
believe she's two and a half, I feel like a beginner still!
How did you
get started?
Through the internet. I had just started scrapbooking and had heard
through the 'net about rubberstamping and how it complemented scrapbooking
so well. I did a search on yahoo groups and found OrientalStampArt.
It was love at first sight!
What are
your favorite things about stamping? Materials, techniques, emotions,
stress-reducer....
It combines a bunch of my loves: pretty papers, strings, bits and
baubles. (I'm a packrat... um,
collector... at heart.) It's a wonderful way for me to be creative
and I adore the friendships that I have
found as a result.
Background?
I teach English as a Second language in a private high school. I
am a Canadian who is currently located in Taiwan (the love of my
life was found here!) We have a darling toddler daughter named Jaylene.
Stamping
for how long?
For over 15 years now, and now Scrapbooking for the past 4 years
too.
How did you
get started?
Attended and saw stamping demonstrated by Spruce Goose, Queensland
at the "Needles & Craft Show" at the Challenge Stadium,
Perth, Western Australia. My first supplies were a medium sized
butterfly stamp, TopBoss embossing stamp pad and gold embossing
powder. Ended up tossing it aside, and about a year later, resurrecting
it again to do the wedding invitations (which were primarily done
using the "Fuschia Rollergraph") and pink "Le Plume
II" marker pen.
What are
your favorite things about stamping?
The effusive reactions from the recipients upon opening the created
item. It crosses all ages, cultures, language barriers and continents.
The friendships established online - so enriching and unique.
I'm a confessed
hoarder. I am still working on controlling my need to have various
abundant quantities of cardstock, specialty paper, Sculpey, UTEE/OPALs,
rubber stamps, stamp pads, embossing powders (bought by the kilo
*LOL*), assorted tools * did I mention I raid DH's workshop too
*, numerous fibres/ribbons and charms too.
Background?
The majority of my working career - 11 years I've been in Advertising
Sales (last job with Yellow Pages as Senior Advertising Consultant),
I've had a retail Rubber stamping and then later it evolved into
a Scrapbooking business. Have taught a lot, face-2-face and online.
Last year went the next step and created my own video, which is
marketed internationally, called "Easy Embellishments"
targetted towards both the stamping & scrapbooking enthusiasts
of all calibres, especially those
who are geographically disadvantaged and can't attend classes.
I am happily
married, have 2 girls - Aleisha who's 7 years old and Nicola who
is 3.5 years old. Hubby Tertius is very supportive of my many craft
inclinations (and has allowed me to take over the formal lounge
and formal dining area in our home as my "Craft Room")
Melody
C. Moderator, 1-4-1 List
Nancy
C . Co-moderator, OSA Games
My name is Nancy
Cotton and I am addicted to stamping. LOL I have stamped for about
8 years... started with a Calligraphy class where I met three other
ladies who wanted not only to be able to write beautifully but also
make the rest of the card... and that is how it began. I have just
gotten into Iris folding and I love that too... add a nice punch
and verse... perfect.
I retired as an executive secretary 15 years ago from Caterpillar
(that big yellow off-highway equipment along construction sites)...
after 32 years... I was ready.
We lived in IL and once we both retired... we moved to sunny Florida
(12 years ago) and I love it here. What could be better than three
seasons... beaches 5 miles away, golf anytime, walk the beaches
anytime, Disney 2 hours away... okay, okay... I DO miss the snow
on Christmas Day. LOL
We've been married 24 years and together we have 5 grown children
(49 to 40) and 6 grandchildren (20 to 3) who live in IL and CA...
so far away. That is my only regret moving to Florida. I miss those
little ones...
Stamping keeps me busy... makes me happy... fills my life with a
feeling of accomplishment.
Nancy
M. Vendor Liaison, Co-moderator RAK List, Co-moderator OSA Trades
Stamping
for how long?
3 years
How did you get started?
Use to belong to Club Scrap and they include a stamp in their monthly
kits. Was inspired by the work other members did with stamps and
began to use mine.
What are your favorite things about stamping? Materials, techniques,
emotions, stress-reducer....
Keeps my mind challenged...by envisioning and then breaking it down
to steps and figuring solutions. It's one of the few things where
there's no correct answer, no one right way of doing it. Love the
endless possibilities. Enjoy sharing and learning new techniques.
Background?
Background in food science. Now a SAHM of four kids 5 and under.
Sandy
C. Computer Guru, OSA Moderator, Moderator OSA Talk, Co-moderator
OSA Classes
How did you
get started?
I had been collecting stamps for a number of years but never seriously
started stamping until around April 1999 when I took a basic stamping
class. In the basic stamping class I learned that you can't emboss
with dye ink (that's why my embossing never turned out good!) and
other little tips. Now I have acquired stamps and supplies to equal
what you would find in any stamp store (so my husband says). I love
participating in card swaps and think deep down inside everyone
is a stamper.
Sonia
E. Moderator, Main list
Co-moderator, OSA Classes
Stamping
for how long?
Two and a half years
How did you get started?
A college sorority sister invited me to a Stampin' UP party. I only
bought one stamp set and never opened the box nor put the set together.
The following year she invited me again and again I bought one stamp
set and didn't do anything with it. A few months later she had a
college sorority alumnae get together where we did stamping and
something just clicked! I started taking classes at a local stamping
store. I've been stamping as a hobby since 2001. A month later I
found OSA online and joined.
What are your favorite things about stamping?
I really like to try any new technique that is not too complicated
nor time consuming. Any technique I use has to be something I start
and can easily leave to come back at a later time. I would love
to develop more my collage artwork.
Background?
I have been teaching for 27 years. Currently, I am a full time sixth
grade teacher at the elementary level.
Sue
F. Co-Moderator, ACE (Asian Card Exchange)
I've been married
almost 30 years (in September) to Joe. We have two sons, Matt, 29,
who lives in Florida with his new wife, and Andrew, 24, who still
lives with us. Joe was in the Air Force for 20 years and retired
in 1994. While in service, we were stationed at Yokota Air Base,
Japan for three years. That's where I fell in love with all things
oriental. And our home reflects that in artwork and treasures that
we picked up over there.
I've been stamping
about seven years. A friend of mine came to visit me while I was
still in California and we went to a couple of stamp stores, including
one that some of you might have heard of - Posh Impressions. At
the time, it was only a few blocks away from our home. This friend,
Peggy, was one I met in Japan as her husband was also in the Air
Force and stationed at Yokota. Would you believe they live about
seven miles from us! They have been here about ten years. Joe stayed
with them for 17 months until Andrew and I moved out here after
he graduated from high school. It
really is a small world! Peggy and I still get together and go crafting
when we can.
Currently, I
do not work outside the home. I did work at a florist when we lived
in Florida and also an interior landscaping company where I did
the silk arrangements as needed for various restaurants, banks,
hotels and other businesses in the Tampa area. One of these days,
I'd like to go to some of the places and see if they've changed
the things!
When I'm not
stamping, you can usually find knitting needles in my hands. A few
years ago, another friend of mine got me started knitting socks.
I think there's enough yarn stashed away to make a few dozen pairs
of toe warmers. I also do lots of other crafts such as cross stitch,
needlepoint and crochet.
I find stamping
to be a wonderful creative outlet. I'm hoping to combine it with
sumi-e once I get out my ink and brushes for practice. It's one
of the classes I took in Japan, along with ikebana. I've been using
some of the washi I brought back in my cards. I just realized that
it's taken me 20 years to let go of some! Gee, it's almost an antique!
Terri
K. Hostess, OSA Deco Group
Moderator, ATC Swap
I've been a
stamper since the late 1980's, but I was more of a "collector"
than a "stamper". I credit OSA for getting me to dust
off my stamps and start stamping again. I don't know how I originally
found this group, but I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful
group and for all the great friends I have made.
I am a native
Southern Californian (but most of my relatives all live in Hawaii),
and I currently live in San Diego County. I am single, but I have
two four-legged "kids", my cat Miki and my dog Mika. I
work full-time in a very non-creative profession, but I have a lot
of creative interests. Besides stamping, I enjoy scrapping, book
making, art journaling, mixed media, jewelry making, and quilting.
My favorite non-arty activities include reading and sports (watching
and doing).
Visit
our
website and enjoy our new images, art accents such as
papercuts and mulberry papers, and much more!
Co-moderator, OSA Mystery Swap
Moderator, OSA Photos
