July 2013: Sandy Nolan

How long have you been stamping?
Well, I had to look back at my questionnaire from last time because I couldn’t remember; it was 2000.  My interest in stamping was peaked by watching Carol Duvall.   One of my girlfriends saw a class advertised at Paper Rose Studio (closed) so I took the plunge and have loved it ever since.

What is your favorite technique?
I still love creating backgrounds but I have since learned to use beeswax and encaustic wax on cards and altered media so I think that is my favorite now.

What are your favorite colors to work with?
I love bright colors such as reds, purples,  plums, greens, blues.

What are your favorite Asian stamp images? 
Cranes, herons, and Asian faces.

Favorite stamping accessory? (such as scissors, etc.) 
Various Punches

What is the one tool you couldn’t live without? 
My pick.  I used it a lot.

Any helpful tips for the group.
I have found that when I complete a project, to clean my work area before moving  on to the next project, otherwise I can’t find anything. Also, don’t be afraid of failure, that is how you become better. Don’t ever give up – you will get better.

As a member of OSA, why do you like stamping in the Oriental theme?
The Asian culture has always  intrigued me  – it seems mysterious; their traditions are so graceful.

What favorite stamping magazines would you recommend and why do you like them?
My favorites have gone away. So right now I subscribe to Craft.  I use to love Expressions and Rubber Stamper. Woops forgot Technique Junkies.

Published in any magazines?  If yes, please list.
Rubber Stamper and Stampers Sampler.

Any other hobbies, talents or craft interests?
I have had many over the years.  I love to cook, read,  knit and most of all create with my stamps.  Stamping has kept my interest for a long time.

What inspires you to be creative? 
Because I belong to OSA,  four other online groups, and a local stamp club there is always something new to learn or review  some old techniques that I had forgotten.  I absolutely love a challenge.

Art background?
None

Any favorite websites you would recommend for inspiration?
I am always amazed when I check  people’s blogs. Where they find the time I don’t know but there are some great tips.  Also love to go to the galleries of the stamping and stencil vendors.  Another favorite site is Splitcoast Stampers.

Do you have a day job when you’re not stamping?
I have been retired since 2002.  How lucky am I.  I do my chores then go out to my studio and create. My husband built me a fabulous studio.

Tell us about your family and where you live.
My husband (a retired Police Sergeant) and I (retired code enforcement officer). have been married for 15 years.  We live in Locust Grove, Georgia (a sleepy little southern town about 40 miles south of Atlanta) Our other household member is Chase a miniature Schnauzer.  He is our baby. We have a RV and have traveled to many places in this fabulous Country as well as in Canada.  I have a grown son and daughter.  My son’s son is a US Marine whom I am very proud of and my daughter’s daughter is 9 and absolutely precious.  My son and his wife live in Idaho and my daughter and her family live in Ohio so I don’t see them on a regular basis so I have much more time to create.

Framed Asian Art Project

This is an easy project and makes an inexpensive gift to give.  I purchased my frame at Hobby Lobby (they always have them 50% off).  I took my stamp along that I was going to use to make sure it fit.  Make sure your glass is clean.  I used alcohol and dried it with a cloth so no pieces of lint.

1.  I stamped the image with StazOn Black.

2.   Once dried, I  painted the Suns with Duo Adhesive (US Art Quest) on the stamped side  and allowed it to get tacky then covered the adhesive with foil flakes.

3.  I covered my glossy card stock with Juniper, Pool, Sunshine Yellow and Gold Alcohol Inks.  I have found the more I work the inks, the better I like the outcome.

4.  Put it all back together with the stamped image on the inside – a nice gift.