Rubber Road Adventures Advanced Stamping Team Designers

    I am married to James and we have 4 married daughters along with 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. My husband and I are both retired and we have many hours to spend with our children, grandchildren and their children.
    I have my own studio in my home which allows me to be the multi-media artist I have always dreamed of being. Art and painting have always been a way of life for me. Once I was introduced to stamping and altered art, I became obsessed. I am able to fulfill my passion 24/7!
    I play piano, organ and keyboard for church and the nursing homes in my local area. I have written a couple songs of my own, but they are really to be appreciated only by the writer. Christian signing is something I love to do. My daughter Shelly and I have taken sign language classes together. We taught her two sons signing, as well. Needless to say she and I are never without words.
    Floral designing is another of my passions. I design only with silk flowers for weddings and floral arrangements for new homes. A person will request that I see their new home and furnishings then have me design things to match. What I do really depends on their style and their personalities.
    Teaching at the local stamp stores and several women’s shelters here in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is another activity I really enjoy. Stamping is such a joy to me, and showing others how to do all the techniques I have learned is very rewarding.
    Altered books is another venue I use my stamping and painting talents. Just grab a book and get started with an idea! Sometimes the books just evolve, other times they are an extension of something I enjoy. One of those ideas is bluebirds and I am putting together an altered book entitled “I’m Blue.”
    Being an Advanced Team Stamping Designer is a dream come true for me, allowing my art to be published and shared.
    Stay tuned to the Rubber Road of all the motivation you will ever need to start you on your way to an art experience you will not soon forget!

    I've always been a crafter. When I was in 4th grade I learned how to knit, then I found out that crochet was quicker so I moved onto that. Over the years I've done many different crafts ranging from quilts to woodwork, but nothing has allowed me to express my true love of crafting like rubber stamping has. I was introduced to stamping by two of my closest friends back in 1999. I've been on the wild stamping ride ever since!!! Just love all the different mediums there are to work with and all those embellishments!!!! Is there any fragrance on the market that can compare with the smell of a freshly opened pack of designer paper? I truly have found my crafting niche!
    I'm happy that I have the understanding of my family hubby, Joel, daughter, Sarah, and son, John. They know to stand back when the Brown truck comes with a new delivery of some stamping item I've ordered. Also, they have learned to accept the fact that instead of flour on my face from a long afternoon of baking cookies for them, I am sparkled with glitter on it instead (SMILE).
    I am so obsessed with stamping that I decided to dive in and start a Blog. You can visit me there at www.kraftingwithkaren.blogspot.com

Stamp On!--
(My husband told me either my stamps go, or he goes. I'm sure going to miss him!)

    I have been rubber stamping for almost 10 years. I purchased some stamps as Christmas presents for my two oldest girls one year. About that time, I saw a demo on heat embossing and was hooked. The stamps were taken away from the girls and put in my craft supplies. I did still let them stamp, but soon lost interest while I was going strong. About three years ago, I became an angel for The Angel Company to help bring in some extra money, but I really am hobbyist. I find I love to create and share my artwork, but am not much of a salesperson.
    I think I have always loved crafts. I even made cards for my mother when I was in high school – I just drew pictures on the cards. I started sewing in junior high and majored in home economics in college. I do counted cross stitch, smocking, and quilting as well.
    I have four beautiful children – Emily, 23; Kaitey, 19; David, 15; and Laura, 14. I have home schooled all through the elementary and high school years. I am very active in my church and love to teach Sunday School.