Q. Tell us about your family and pets.
I live in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago where I have worked for a medical publishing company the last 17 years. I have two great kids and a super son-in-law. My daughter Joy and her husband Kevin live in Houston, TX. My son Ryan lives at home with me unless he is on the road with his band. We have 1 cat here - Miss Kitty and the family dog Hannah lives with my daughter.
 

Q. Tell us about your childhood, where you grew up and when your creativity began.
I grew up on a farm in Central Illinois. We raised corn, soybeans, wheat, cows and pigs. My parents were extremely hard workers and set an excellent example for myself and my two sisters. I think some of the creativity began during the winter months at my moms quilting bees. Mom taught us how to cook and sew. One of my favorite things was rolling balls of strips of fabric that were made into "rag rugs". It was also fun to find pieces of our clothing made into quilts.

Q. To what do you attribute your talents and what inspires you?
Any talent I may have is from my Creator.  Inspiration comes from so many directions - like the colors in nature, the words of a poet, the art of a child, and the kindness of a stranger.  Art is all around us.

Q. How did you find PWA?
I found out about Yahoo groups surfing the net.  I had no idea there were so many groups.  I had started stamping again after back surgery and wanted to take my stamping to the next level and learn new tricks and techniques.  I just happened across the group and joined to see what PWA was all about. What a great move on my part!  I have learned so much - thanks to all of you!

Q. When did you begin stamping?
I made a scrapbook for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary in 1996 and discovered rubber stamps. I never could draw so rubber stamps were just awesome and addicting.

Q. What is your favorite stamping technique?
This is hard-depends on the project, but I really like faux watercoloring and using lots of embellishments like the ultra fine micro beads and ribbons.

Q. Do you have other hobbies or interests?
I am learning how to knit, I am always reading, and love crossword puzzles. Cross-stitch is another favorite.  I am also enrolled in a Christian Counseling 2 year course.