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Katharine Warmerdam
An Interview with Katharine Warmerdam, Artist of the
Week
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 Q:
Tell us about your family:
My husband Dim and I celebrated our 26th anniversary on February 10th. We have 5
children. Sarah is 24 and married. David is 22 and married and he and his wife
are expecting a baby next month... a wee boy named Holden Fidelis. Michael is 13
and Jacob is 10. Little Stephen was 2 in December. He will be an uncle before
he's 2 1/2. LOL I am surrounded by busy boys!
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 Q: Tell us about your childhood, where you grew up, and when your creativity
began:
I was born and raised in Modesto, California. I was the 6th of 7 children. I
always loved creative things, except when I tried to learn to sew on my mother's
ancient singer machine. It hated me and I it. LOL In the interest of conquering
that machine I took clothing construction classes through school and into
college. I have spent time cross stitching and sewing for my home and family.
I've dabbled with crochet and knitting, but just didn't catch the bug. I used to
really enjoy cooking, but not so much now as it's hard to stand for long. These
days I spend my time with my kids and hubby, I love to stamp and do creative
things when I can get up to my art room. I have been collecting scrapbooking
things, but so far haven't taken that plunge, though I love to use the paper and
embellishments in my art.
Q: To what do you attribute your talents and what inspires you?:
My grandfather took up painting in his retirement years, and I loved to stand by
his easel out on the patio and watch him paint. He was never cross or too busy,
and in my hectic household that was unheard of. He would give me paper and
crayons and tape and the stapler and let me create to my heart's content. My
mother was also gifted in drawing and painting. I firmly believe that as we are
all created in the image of God, and He is the creator of the universe, that we
all have seeds of creativity inside us that we need to nurture and allow to
grow. So much of our heart, thoughts, dreams, feelings, wishes, hopes and fears
can be expressed through our creativity, thereby freeing us to move to the next
thing in our lives.
Q:
How did you find PWA?:
Well, I was wandering around the internet unsupervised one day, and stumbled
upon PWA. I sent some emails back and forth with Suzanne and she realized how
nearby I lived. She invited me to the castle, and the rest is history. I've been
hooked on the friendships, the creativity, the love and support of the ladies on
this list ever since!
Q: When did you begin stamping?:
Dim and I moved with our 4 children to Oregon 11 years ago. I didn't know
anyone, and was feeling a bit trapped and overwhelmed being so far from friends
and family. I got a flyer in the mail about a local stamp store that was having
an open house and all day demos. I owned one or two stamps that I used on
envelopes, but had no idea what was really out there. Well, I told hubby that I
needed some time away that afternoon and went to the open house. The shop was in
a lady's garage, and she had Karen Canto of Alexstamping there. I watched every
demo, and drooled on every item in the store. I spent a small fortune (for me
LOL) and drove home on cloud 9. When I got home I told Dim that I had found the
most wonderful hobby! Excited doesn't begin to describe it. I have loved it ever
since! It was my further blessing that year to happen upon a bulletin board on
my local server's website, and a request for a local babysitter. I posted back
that I had a teenage daughter who did babysitting, and that led to meeting the
author of that post... my dear friend Sherry! We've been friends ever since!
Q: What is your favorite stamping technique?:
Hmmm … that's tough. I love collage, thought I'm not much good at it. I love
vintage images, and muted colors… I love purples and greens, fibers and metal
embellishments. I love little books and altered everything. I am still taking
baby steps, but find joy in the process!
Q: Do you have any other hobbies or interests, besides Stamping?:
I am still exploring hobbies and interests. Many of the things I did before are
not so easy to do just now. Perhaps that will change. I did pick my cross stitch
up again over the holidays and enjoyed it. I have thought of sewing, but don't
know if I can manage the foot pedal. I've always wanted to make a quilt. Maybe
the time is coming for that!
Q: Tell us about your stamp/craft room:
It's a very small bedroom, but I am blessed to have it all to myself. My sweet
husband made lots of shelves for my stamps, and I have quite a few iris carts
for supplies. I mentioned last summer that I'd like to get an *L* shaped desk
built in, and the other day hubby said he'd like to get that done soon. He also
said he wants to get a little fridge and a TV for in there so I can keep cold
drinks handy and watch my crafting shows without having to deal with the stairs.
He is ever so good to me! He sees in me much more than I ever have seen in
myself! |
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