How long have you been stamping?
I’ve done crafts my entire life but started stamping in 2002.
What is your favorite technique?
I like heat embossing because it’s quick and makes a big statement.
What are your favorite colors to work with?
I like black for my base card. After that it’s whatever works out best with a particular image and what I have on hand. Honestly, I’m embarrassed to say I have twelve 12 X 12 plastic bins that contain pattern paper and most are filled to the brim! How did this happen??? I just love paper, I guess!
What are your favorite Asian stamp images?
When I started with OSA I had one or two images and now I have two bins of stamps. I like people stamps, especially children. I love nature too, especially delicate birds, butterflies, dragonflies.
Favorite stamping accessory? (Such as scissors, etc.)
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I use it all the time.
What is the one tool you couldn’t live without?
My Stampin’ Trimmer. I can cut and score without moving the paper
Any helpful tips for the group?
I have learned so much from this group. I say keep on doing what you’re doing because this is a fun group to be associated with.
As a member of OSA, why do you like stamping in the Oriental theme?
I like the elegant simplicity of oriental art.
What favorite stamping magazines would you recommend and why do you like them?
I read Rubber Stamp Madness, Somerset Studio, Journaling by Somerset Studio…all their publications are excellent and informative. These magazines jump start my creative juices.
Published in any magazines? If yes, please list.
No, but I sure would like to be. Only once have I sent in a project.
Any other hobbies, talents or craft interests?
I’m a voracious reader. I love to scrap and often attend fundraiser crops with two of my scrapping buddies. I have made hundreds of cards for our local NICU Milestones program. With each milestone the preemie achieves (first bottle, first bath, weight gain, tubes removed, etc.) the parents are given a card with a photo of the baby. It’s wonderfully fun for me to create these cards.
What inspires you to be creative?
It’s lifegiving to me.
Art background?
None. What really unleashed art to me was a grief class I took telling our story using collage.
Any favorite websites you would recommend for inspiration?
Oh my goodness I spend way too much time on blogs but I learn so much. I subscribe to many so I constantly get input on trends, new products, etc.
Do you have a day job when you’re not stamping?
The first half of my life I was a nurse. The second half I managed a fast paced church office. I am retired now but volunteer in our local neo natal unit as a Cuddler (cuddle preemies) and I am also a Compassionate Companion (sit with someone dying who has no family).
Tell us about your family and where you live.
I live in Southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo), halfway between Chicago and Detroit. I had a wonderful husband for thirty-four years, two lovely daughters, but lost the youngest nineteen months after my husband died. My eldest daughter has four beautiful adult daughters of whom I am so proud. They live in Colorado. One of them is also a stamper. They are such a blessing to me.
As of January I have been stamping/cardmaking 2 years ! A friend of mine who’s been stamping for over 15 years introduced me as it’s very therapeutic and a great stress reliever !!!
Project – Paper Dolls

Congratulations Peg! Love the dolls. Enjoy your month as SAM!
Congratulations Peg.
Enjoy your month of being SAM of May.
Wonderful project you did on the Kokeshi dolls…..I like it very much.
Congratulations hugs Leo
I loved reading your bio Peg, you are an inspiration in all you do as well as in what you make! Your paper doll project is adorable and the faces are so cute! I love it! Many congratulations on becming SAM! :O)
Your project is beautiful, Peg; but your story is amazing and inspiring. I know from first hand experience what beautiful art you make, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.
Congratulations Peg! I loved reading your bio and learning more about you! Your paper doll project is adorable, so cute! Enjoy your month in the limelight! :O)
What an honor to be SAM for May. Your art is exceptional and it is obvious through your comments here at OSA that you are a very caring person and now after reading your bio, I feel that I understand and know you much better. You perform a great service to your community and the rewards must be overwhelming. Thanks for the instructions for making the paper dolls; they are darling.
these are adorable! I will have to try these. I am always looking to fun package decorations for my sister’s gifts- she lives out of state and these would be perfect since they lay flat.
Congrats on being SAM
Congrats Peg to be SAM for May!!! Your dolls are adorable…thank you for the instructions…will have to give them a try – they really are amazing!
Love your project. I woud have never thought of it. Great job!