September 2013: Kim McKinney

How long have you been stamping?
I have been stamping for 12 years.
 
What is your favorite technique?
My favorite technique is making background papers I think. I love the freedom of just putting ink or paint on paper and playing. My next favorite  technique is the one I haven’t learned yet.
 
What are your favorite colors to work with?
I love bright, saturated colors of all kinds. It often depends on my moods. And they are many!
 
What are your favorite Asian stamp images?
Kanji/characters are my favorite stamp image. I love the look of well done, classic characters. I wish I could write them that well.
 
Favorite stamping accessory? (Such as scissors, etc.)
It would be my guillotine style cutter I think. I have had several trimmers, but I really like the guillotine style cutter the best.
 
What is the one tool you couldn’t live without?
I would have a problem living without my acrylic blocks. I try to buy only unmounted stamps for storage space reasons, and the blocks make that possible.
 
Any helpful tips for the group?
Don’t be afraid to try new things or get involved in the swaps/mingles/contests that OSA has. I have learned so much from this great group of stamp artists. The more you try the better your skills become. If you like someone’s art, ask them about it. The members of OSA have always been more than willing to answer my questions.
 
As a member of OSA, why do you like stamping in the Oriental theme?
My daughter was born in China. I see Oriental art as a way to connect with her birth culture. I also love the clean, elegant lines of Oriental art.
 
What favorite stamping magazines would you recommend and why do you like them?
I loved VSN when they were in paper and now all of Nancie’s e-articles are some of my favorites. I also like Technique Junkies, Stampers Sampler/Take Ten, Rubber Stamp Madness, Just Cards to name a few. I like to look at our peoples ideas and see if I can put my spin on it.
 
Published in any magazines?  If yes, please list.
No, I haven’t but would love to do so in the future.
 
Any other hobbies, talents or craft interests?
I have done many crafts throughout my life. Knitting, crocheting and Zentangle are my most recent craft interests.
 
What inspires you to be creative?
Colors, nature, magazines are some of the things that inspire me. I think you can find inspiration all around you. You just have to train your eye to be aware of what is around you.
 
Art background?
I took a couple of drawing classes in college, but nothing after that.
 
Any favorite websites you would recommend for inspiration?
I have so many websites that I follow. Splitcoast Stampers, Technique Junkies, Freedom in Creating, The Frugal Crafter are some of them.
 
Do you have a day job when you’re not stamping?
Yes, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor at a child advocacy center in Southeast Texas. I work with kids and their families who have been physically and/or sexually abused. I love seeing the transformation from frightened children and families to proud and healthy families and kids. Stamping is my therapy!
 
Tell us about your family and where you live.
I live with my partner Sara and our daughter Kendall who is 14 years old. We live in Bridge City, Texas. This is a small town 10 miles from the Louisiana border. If you have ever watched Swamp People, then you know what it looks like! We have a nice mix of cultures in our area. The only bad part of living in a small town is that I have to go to Houston, Texas to find a stamp store.

Card Project:

Materials Needed:
•Stamps by Stampin’ Up, Lost Coast Designs, and Stamp Camp
•Any dye inks can be used.  I used Kaleidacolor Berry Breeze and Versamark Dazzle Frost.
•Glossy paper and a brayer.

Directions:

1.  Stamp background stamp on glossy paper with Versamark Dazzle.Let dry for a couple of minutes.

2. Brayer dye ink over the whole piece of glossy paper. Don’t worry about the ink, it will make a faded resist. When you are satisfied with the color saturation, (I like saturated colors, but have done it with lighter hues and it looks great that way too.) stop brayering and let the color dry. Maybe 2 minutes.

3.  Pounce embossing buddy over the whole piece to make sure all Versamark ink is covered. Stamp heron stamp with Versamark Dazzle and heat emboss with silver embossing powder.

4.  Pounce embossing buddy bag over piece again. Stamp Kanji stamp with Versamark Dazzle. Heat emboss with black embossing powder.

5.  Trim paper to size you want. Layer with coordinating cardstock that has silver Krylon leafing pen around edges of cardstock and stamped piece. Add rhinestones to corner. Adhere to card base. This is a simple but elegant card to make.

Hope you enjoyed this project. I am so thrilled to be OSA September SAM.