honored to have this opportunity!

So, a little about me: I was born in Philadelphia, PA; my family moved to Washington, DC, when I was six years old. I went through my school years there, then college. Jim and I were college sweethearts; we married 55 years ago, three days after my graduation. We have two adult children and three grandchildren. In 2001, we pulled up stakes and moved to the Seattle area to be near our daughter and son-in-law. We love it here!

My (lack of) Artistic Background--or--Why I Love Stamping: Many years ago, I decided to sign up for a drawing class with my county's adult education program. This was the most basic level pencil drawing: Put your left hand on the table and draw a picture of it. Along about the third or fourth session of the class, the teacher walked up behind me and whispered in my ear (I am not making this up!), "I think you should find a different outlet for your creative urges." Well!

After we moved to the Seattle area, I was invited to take a card-making class at a local stamping shop; it was such fun! Then I went to a Stampin' Up! party, and I knew I had discovered that "different outlet" I'd been looking for. And then I found Splitcoaststampers, and I knew I'd found my home! This place is so full of inspiration and support. I've adopted a line I saw on a blog: I'm an artist. I can't draw, so I stamp! That's me! I love trying out new techniques and new products.

Almost five years ago I was invited to join the SCS Color Challenge Team, and again, I replied with an immediate "Yes!" We post a new challenge every Tuesday morning, and I love seeing the variety of cards that are posted in the gallery each week. I also maintain the Color Challenge archive.

I am looking forward to the next six months with the Dirty Dozen design team. I know I will learn a great deal from the other team members, and it is my hope that I can inspire other paper artists to make some fun cards and other creations and to expand their horizons.

Thank you again, Lydia, for this amazing opportunity! Excuse me, I have to go make a card!