May 2005 - Julie K.
"Fabric Artist Trading Cards"

juliek@orientalstampart.com
Tamshui, Taiwan

(Click on picture for instructions)

How long have you been stamping?
I started stamping just before my daughter was born in November 2001.

What is your favorite technique?
I love using chalks. They're so versatile. Swiped over versamark ink they really "pop" out. They're great for aging for the vintage look and they are an easy way to add texture or dimension. They're very easy to use and forgiving too… an eraser will clear up any mistakes.

Favorite stamp company?
Only a few companies are really represented in Taiwan. I have many Hero Arts, PSX and Kodomo mounted stamps. The majority of my unmounteds are from the Stampsmith. However, there are so many other companies I admire but don't own images from.

Favorite Asian stamps?
I have favorite themes: bamboo, dragonflies, cherry blossoms, and of course, dragons.

Favorite stamping accessory?
I couldn't live without my paper cutter. My husband purchased it just after I started this hobby. He felt I *needed* it. He's also the one who purchased my embossing kit. Little did he know what he was encouraging!

Favorite colors?
I appreciate all colors, but find I tend to create more with the cool tone colors: blues, greens and purples. I love anything sparkly though.

Your favorite embellishment to finish a card?
All of them! I find layers are a good way to make a card look polished.

What is the one tool you couldn't live without?
Double sided tape.

Any helpful tips for the group?
Swaps are a great way to learn. Don't worry about your level, just do your best and take care with your work and it will be appreciated. Ask questions about techniques you see posted because most people are more than willing to share tips and pearls of wisdom. Technique swaps are a fabulous way to learn too. Try to keep a record of your art, either digitally or with a sample, it's a great way to see how you grow. And always sign your work!

As a member of OSA, why do you like stamping in the Oriental theme?
I live in Taiwan and I'm inspired by the people and their culture.

Is there any one place or city you'd like to visit to find rubber stamps, supplies, or Asian art elements?
I'm sure any big city in North America would be paradise compared to Taipei for supplies or stamps. I guess I'd rather go visit a place that had a good OSA population.

What other stamping lists or local clubs do you belong to?
I lurk on a lot of lists when I get a chance. I only know two other stamp artists in real life (in Taiwan) and one has taken a break from stamping (but not from collecting stamping supplies!) I highly recommend the yahoo group Canadian Stamp Talk for Canadians.

What favorite Stamping magazines would you recommend?
Paper, Cloth, Scissors is a current favorite.

Published in any magazines? If yes, please list.
No. I don't really submit things.

Any other hobbies, talents or craft interests?
Photography, hiking, badminton, writing, piano.

What inspires you to be creative?
I can truly say that OSA is one of my main inspirations. The members are so talented, kind, and generous. Receiving RAKs and swaps is incredibly inspiring for me. Seeing all the great cards posted in the OSA gallery is also a great way to get a creative jump start. I love just playing around with papers to begin a project. My daughter is usually in my stamp room while I'm creating, she's pretty inspiring too.

Any art background ?
No.

Have you used any unusual item in your stamping that wasn't necessarily meant for stamping?
I gather a lot of collage items from life in Taiwan. My husband regularly brings me offerings that he thinks I'd enjoy "playing around" with.

Any favorite books on stamping or art techniques that you would recommend? Any on Asian arts & crafts?
I haven't read any. Although I have seen Tim Hotz's DVD and think it's wonderful

Any favorite websites you would recommend for inspiration?
Right now I'm enjoying all the blogs that are popping up. I have too many favorites to list!

Do you have a day job when you're not stamping?
I teach English as a second language in a jr/sr high school.

Tell us about your family and where you live.
I'm married to Bradon and we have a daughter Jaylene. I originally came over to Taiwan to teach for a couple of years but fell in love so now I'll be around for a bit longer. We live in Tamshui, which is a northern suburb of the capital Taipei. Our house has an ocean view and we get spectacular sunsets. We're a few minutes drive away from fabulous mountain trails in a national park. You can read about our daily adventures at:
http://www.greatestjournal.com/users/juliekintaiwan/

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Artist Trading Cards
By Julie K.


Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are fun and fabulous little creations that measure 2.5" x 3.5" (64 x 89 mm). A great introduction article about them is found at http://www.cedarseed.com/air/atc.html

Dragon ATC
Materials:
Fabric (www.farflungcraft.com)
Ink (Brilliance Mediterranean Blue)
Stamp (Stamper's Choice)
Sticky jewels (blue)

Instructions:
Cut two of the fabric ribbons to a length of 4 inches each. Place a strip of double sided tape on the back side of the fabric and fold over the edges. Cut a diamond shape from the blue cardstock and ink the edges. Stamp the dragon in the center and place the jewels for the eyes.

Beaded Dragonfly ATC
Materials:
Fabric
Beads
Copper thread
Stamp (Hero Arts)
Ink (Brilliance Graphite Black)

Instructions:
Pierce holes in the cardstock before sewing the beads on (it will save your fingertips later) and attach the fabric with double sided tape. Then sew beads around the edge, alternating three seed beads with one bugle bead. After sewing the border, fold the fabric edges to the back and tape it down. Then stamp the image, ink the edges and adhere it to the front of the ATC.

Bamboo and Dragonfly ATC
Materials:
Fabric
Ink (Brilliance Graphite Black)
Ribbon
Dragonfly charm
Stamp (Penny Black)

Stamp image with Brilliance ink. Fold fabric edges to the back and attach ribbon and charm. (Originally I had tried to stamp the image in bleach but it didn't show up very well on this particular fabric.)

Koi ATC
Materials:
Fabric (www.farflungcraft.com)
Ink (Brilliance Graphite Black)
Stamp (www.heroarts.com)
Charms (www.farflungcraft.com)
Font (Alfredo Heavy Hollow)

Instructions:
Cut out the letters and outline the edges with a black sharpie pen. Cut strips of the fabric and tie them around the letters. Then adhere with double sided tape to the background (I used a piece of an advertising flyer). Use the tape to attach the charms to the background as well. Cut one charm in half to give the impression of the fish swimming along. Stamp the stitches around the edge for a border.

Tiger ATC
Materials:
Fabric (www.farflungcraft.com)
Stamp (www.stampsmith.net)
Letters (Impress On Brad Wear)
Ink (Brilliance Graphite Black)
3D Crystal Lacquer

Instructions:
Stamp the tiger on orange paper and cover it with the crystal lacquer. Set it aside to dry. Cover a piece of cardstock with fabric, fold the edges to the back, and attach it with double sided tape to the background cardstock. Apply the letters in a curve matching the fabric's pattern. When the tiger is dry, add it to the ATC.

By Julie K in Taiwan
May 2005
juliek@orientalstampart.com