February 2007 - Ruth C.
"Reversible Triptych "

ruthc@orientalstampart.com
Norman, OK

(Click on picture for instructions)

How long have you been stamping?
I started stamping 22 years ago, set it aside for a bit and started in again almost 10 years ago when I started classes at our local stamp store. I still own some of my original stamps and still use them today 22 years later.

What is your favorite technique?
I don't have a favorite, I like to play and experiment, but when I don't have alot of play time, I like to use layers to make my card look a bit nicer.

Favorite stamp company?
I like a variety of stamp companies.

Favorite Asian stamps?
I really, really like the Imperial Cargo ladies and ladies in general.

Favorite stamp accessory?
My Carl paper trimmer.

Favorite colors?
For oriental, traditional red, black and gold always work great. I also like pinks, purples, blues, greens and silver. It would be easier to say I'm not fond of vintage sepia, browns and oranges.

Favorite embellishment to finish a card?
Whatever's handy. I'll use it all, brads, eyelets, fibers, ribbons, coins, charms, appliques, just about anything.

What is the one tool you couldn't live without?
Scissors.

Any helpful tips for the group?
Don't be afraid to try new techniques or experiment. Take classes and get together with other artists whenever you can. Don't be afraid to mess up, there are no mistakes in art, and if you think it's truly awful, toss it and give it another go around.

As a member of the Oriental Stamp Art Group, why do you like stamping in the Oriental theme?
I love the tranquility of oriental art and the beautiful patterns.

Is there any one place you'd like to visit to find rubberstamps, supplies or any other Asian elements?
Not really, but I do enjoy finding stamp, scrap and art stores on my travels. I find there is such an amazing variety that different stores offer, it's lots of fun to find new art supplies.

What other stamping lists or clubs do you belong to?
Locally, a Pinecone Press Scrapbook Club and a monthly Stampin Up Technique Club, which I design for. Online, I belong to: Art On A Budget, Organized Studio, ByHand Artists, BragBooks, Visual Chronicles and Technique Junkies.

What favorite stamping magazines would you recommend?
I like alot of them and pick up several every month, but I think Vamp
Stamp News and The Rubber Stamper are great
basic magazines.

Published in any magazines? If yes, please list.
Just a couple of tips in Vamp Stamp News. Years ago I did a feature article on being a Military Homeschool family in Home Education Magazine, it was a great thrill to be published that very first time.

Any other hobbies, crafts or art interests?
I'll mess around with just about everything and have the supplies to prove it, including, jewelry and beading, sewing, polymer clay, woodwork, painting, altered art, bookmaking, collages, embroidery, crochet. We are gearing up again to play more in the Society for Creative Anachronism, or recreating the middle ages. We took a couple of year break after 10 years of steady playing.

What inspires you to be creative?
Everything. Nature and browsing magazines and online art galleries are
probably my favorite sources.

Any art background?
Nope, nothing formal, although I'm sure it helps that about 80% of my maternal family is extremely creative in all the arts and music, so I grew up in a creative environment.

Have you used any unusual item in your stamping?
I like to take dried marshmallows, ink them and make great cloud like
backgrounds with them. I actually have a bag of dried out marshmallows in my art supplies.

Any favorite websites you would recommend for inspiration?
Our own OSA website is an amazing resource. I visit others when they are
recommended or shared but don't have any other particular favorites.

Do you have a day job when you're not stamping?
I'm working part time at our local scrapbook store. Ironically, I don't scrap very much.

Tell us about your family and where you live.
I've been married for 28 years to hubby Alan, we have 4 children, Christi(25) married to Dustin, Matthew (23), Shyloh (18) and Colton (13). I spent the first 22 years chasing hubby around the world as an Air Force wife. He's retired now and in private industry. All my kids are extremely creative too. Christi does amazing artwork and will graduate with a Bachelors in Graphic Design this year, Dustin and her both work in the graphic design business. Matthew is a computer genius. Shyloh enjoys drawing, photography and journalism and
recently won 2nd place in B&W photography and earned a state Merit award in journalism. Colton is a great Lego designer. Shyloh is a junior at Norman High school and Colton remains homeschooled by his choice. We have 4 cats, a dog and a beta fish named Yoda. We live in Norman Oklahoma, Sooner central, go OU.

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"Reversible Triptych "
By Ruth C. aka Angelartistok

ruthc@orientalstampart.com

Optional designs include an accordian book or cards.

You will need:

Pattern or tag shape 6 1/8 inches tall by 4 1/8 inches wide
Cardboard
Tyvek® paper (note: this is a good way to recycle the tyvek mailing envelopes from the post office)
Cardstock
Decorative paper
Permanent marker or ink to match your cardstock color
Your favorite stamps
Embellishments
PVA glue and double stick tape

1. Cut 3 panels from stiff cardboard.

2. Cut 4 Tyvek hinges 5 1/8 long by 1 inch wide.

3. Lay your chipboard panels side by side about 1/8 inch apart. You will need that small space for ease of movement if you wish your triptych to fold or if you decide you are making an accordian book.

4. Glue the tyvek hinges into place keeping your spacing for folding. Let dry and then turn over and repeat on other side. Bend a few times to ensure it folds how you like.

5. Color the edges of the cardboard and hinges with a permanent marker to match the color of the cardstock background you have chosen. Also inking the edges would work.

6.  Cut cardstock in the same size of your cardboard panels and cover your cardboard with it to make a nice background to start decorating. If you are making an accordian book, you can attach ribbons to the cardboard before attaching the cardstock so you can tie the book closed.

7. Decorate your panels how you would like.

8. You now have a beautiful gift or display piece for your home.

Note: The decorated sample has cut yuzen paper 1/4 inch smaller than the original pattern. I used my favorite DTP background of Brillance gold, platinum and copper inks blended to stamp the images on.  The stamped panels are 4 3/4 inches tall by 2 3/4 inches wide. Embellishments were then added for finishing touches for the triptych.

Big Hugs,
Ruth

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