JayWarner

1. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, your job, your home, etc.
I was a Program Analyst for the Federal Government(Department of Defense) for 22 years and took early retirement at the young age of 50. I met my husband while working at the same facility in NY. We dated four years and then built our home in the fourth year and got married three weeks after we closed on our house. We have been married almost 17 years and I wouldn't trade him for anyone. I have three sons (Robert, Stephen, and Michael) and three step-daughters(Susan, Cathy and Patti). All of our children are
married and have given us nine wonderful grandchildren-- two granddaughters(Taylor and Zoe) and one grandson(Dylan), and three step-granddaughters(Shannon, Crystal and Kiera) and three step-randsons(Kyle, Corey and Joseph). Since retirement, we sold out home in NY and bought a condo in SC and a condo in NY. We basically spend 6 months in each state. I love retirement as it allows me to baby-sit my youngest granddaughter, Zoe, six months of each year and it allows me to do what I enjoy--stamping, reading, cooking and baking. Due to health, skiing is no longer an option for me.
2. How did you first get involved in stamping?
We vacationed every year in Myrtle Beach, SC and just loved the area and decided that we would have a winter home there after retirement. Our very first winter we were walking through the local flea market and there was a stamp vendor there. I picked up a few stamps to stamp on envelopes of letters. I was asked if I was a stamper and I said "No". I was told that they were giving beginning lessons (a total of four) and I could take the last two as I had missed the first two. My husband said it would be a good idea to take the lessons and meet some local ladies. I met several stampers and took roughly 16 classes that first winter (1996-1997). Little did my husband realize what I was getting into by learning how to stamp. A non-stamping friend once said "How many lessons can you possibly need when all you do is take a stamp, stamp the ink pad and stamp the card"? That friend is now a stamper and laughs when reminded of those words. My husband is very supportive of my addiction to stamping and sometimes stamps with me, but mostly he is my engineer (makes templates, cuts cs, mat board and foam board to size, plus he made me four wood stamp cabinets(I have out-grown these) and a wood hutch for over my stamp table in SC. Many classes, stamps and supplies later, plus buying a computer and having access to many vendors and making some very good online friends--the rest shall we say is history--I am a STAMPAHOLIC! AND, I think or I should say I now that I need a larger home. <LOL>
3. What is your favorite technique?
I like almost all the techniques. However, I think collage, DPT, Pearl-Ex, and chalks are a few of my favorites.
4. What is your favorite card you have ever made: one you are the proudest of?
I made Magenta strip cards last winter and loved doing them. Each one so different from the other. I, also, love quilt cards.
5. What are your favorite stamp companies and why?
I like Paper Parachute, Paper Inspirations, Magenta, Stamper's Anonymous, Acey Duecy and Planet Rubber for collage cards or stand alone images. However, I do not limit myself to collage. I have been using a lot of Judi-Kins, Impression Obsession, Limited Edition and Peddler's Pack images with my re-inkers and chalks.
6. What are your favorite type images you use in stamping?
Right now I would have to say Asian images, leaves and weaving stamps.
7. What are your favorite colors?
Teal and peach are my favorites with a leaning toward shades of green.
8. What is one dream you have that you wish could come true?
I would have to say that our children and grandchildren all have healthy lives and for me personally to live long enough to see our grandchildren married and maybe see a great-grandchild or two.
9. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who lie and cause friction and adversity within any given group.
10. Anything else you would like to share? Like things you collect, things that make you happy, and so on?
I collect STAMPS and China tea cups, saucers and one of a kind tea pots. My grandchildren make me the happiest. Being around them makes me feel young and energetic. However, when they go home, I am totally exhausted. <LOL>