CarvedStamps Blog

It really isn’t personal that I never update my blog.  The problem is that I have to type with one finger.  It takes FOREVER to write a paragraph! For you, however, I will endure the process.  If  I end this post prematurely you’ll know why ……… digit fatigue.

The summer break  gave me time to plan some more classes for the fall.  I also discovered another elementary school where I can teach my after-school art classes. GREAT!!

The Transformed Playing Card Club has been so successful. New members are joining every month.

I have made another contact in Iraq for our “Art In Iraq” program.  The wish list now includes gently used rubber stamps.  “Friends & Company” stamp store in Seattle and Issaquah  WA,  and the “Art ‘n Soul” store in Lacey WA, continue to be VERY supportive. I would also like to thank  “LASTING MEMORIES” stamp store Lynnwood, WA for donating a truck load of supplies! I kid you not!  While I was teaching a class they loaded my Isuzu Trooper with boxes of stickers, stamps etc. I couldn’t believe it! Thank You!!! I sorted through all the treasures, and what were not appropriate for the troops, I donated on the stores behalf to the Seattle Children’s Hospital.  I also received lots of supplies from Diane R. who was cleaning out her studio…..yeah!

Keep your eyes open next month (October) for a new Christmas All Year magazine.  It should feature a project/s of mine,  a metal embossed tree topper, and possibly a Transformed Playing card tree ornament. If you see it please let me know!!!

Also, while keeping your eyes open, could you please also cross your fingers.  I’m in the process of working with a publisher on two books.  I’ll keep you posted!

Take care, Elaine

I know it”s been FOREVER since my last entry but for those of you who know that I’m typing with one finger I”m sure you”ll understand!! It takes me so long even to write the shortest paragraph that sometimes I just give u

That was a joke…………

I was inspired to dust off my index digit and make the effort when I received a wonderful card from the Lakewood Stampers gang in WA.  They enclosed a $50 donation towards shipping supplies to Iraq…..THANKYOU!!!! Each parcel costs a flat rate of $11.50, so I can now send 4 more boxes to our guys at the Combat Stress Unit over there.  I know that they’re going to really appreciate these particular supplies because they’re exactly what they asked for.  Claudine Simpson,  a “Friends @ Company Stamp Store and more…” customer here in Seattle,  recently answered the call for canvas, paints, pastels etc. In the past I have sent paper crafting products, but as I look at Mikes art work and read his comments I realise that there’s also a  need for “tactile” materials.  Paints, chalks etc. really allow and encourage the freedom to express emotions.  I’ve recently received e-mails asking if I’m still sending materials over there, the answer is YES! This is ongoing and is needed more than ever!  A few days ago I spoke with a soldier who reported that the recent shooting at a Combat Stress Unit did not happen on their base, but that the  soldiers involved were members of their unit .  That event has really caused them pain.  As I write this, after shipping out the next 4 parcels I have no more donated supplies to send out, so please spread the word.

I would also like to thank…….

Diane R. for cleaning out her craft room and donating her unwanted supplies

Lindy C. for making cards and decorative paper.  They raised $30.00 in donations at the Letters Of Joy calligraphy convention in Edmonds, WA.

Thank you to the attendees at the Heirloom Stamp Show in Puyallup, WA who purchased one of my $1.00 make ‘n take magnets.

OTHER NEWS>

I just got back from a teaching marathon at the “Peddlers Pack” stamp store in Beaverton, OR.  If you’re ever near Portland OR  be sure to stop there.   Joyce and Bernie the store owners are wonderful, welcoming people. They also have a fantastic stamp line that I use all the time when working with metal foils.

I will be demoing my new “inchie” designs at Art ‘n Soul in Lacey, WA on June 20th.  The store is celebrating another birthday with fun activities,  so come join us!

I’ve been asked to write an article and design a tree topper project for a new “Christmas All Year” magazine.  The first issue will be on the shelves in October, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

More news to follow after giving my finger a rest!  Take care and stay safe……..Elaine

If not, then check your SPAM!.  It seems that some of you are not receiving the newsletters I’ve been sending out and you’ve been finding them in your spam.  As far as I know I’m not putting any potty words in them (although it could be British words that have naughty meanings over here!!) I can actually think of a few now, but if I were to tell you them you wouldn’t be reading this either.

Last months newsletter was a particularly interesting one because it was introducing a monthly club I want to start, possibly on April 1st. I’m posting the newsletter here so if you didn’t see it you have an opportunity to check it out and respond. I think it could be really fun.  Receiving some mail each month that isn’t a credit card or utility bill has to be a good thing!! So here it is.

Altered Playing Cards Newsletter

By the way, my next class teaching this technique is on Saturday April 18th at a NEW STAMP STORE in Issaquah, WA. The store is scheduled to open in March. The owner is Doris Goulet, who has had a store in West Seattle “Friends & Company” for many, many years.  She is loved by all and I’m sure when you visit her new store you will feel welcomed as always.  The name of Doris’s store is a testiment to her philosophy of making her customers feel like friends and family!  She is also committed to serving the community in which she conducts business, so you east side folks are in for a real treat! If you would like to sign-up for my class call the West Seattle store @ 932-3891

I just received a letter from the Combat Stress Unit in Iraq.  I thought you might like to read it. Also, a big thanks to the following for their recent donations.

Margaret Dessell…….postage and supplies

Shelley Burnett……postage and supplies

Sharon Girod……..supplies

Members of the “RAGS” group in Everett, WA…..supplies

Members of Lakewood Stampers, Lakewood, WA…..supplies

I also received a VERY generous donation from Teri Dickason the owner of the Scarlett Empress” stamp store

in Olympia, WA.

Here are some pictures of my “Holiday Cream Tea Class” held at Art ‘n Soul in Lacey, WA.  Clive and I served tea and scones while class members created tea bag folded cards. The scones were made by Clive using a recipe we brought from England with us over 25 years ago!!! I think it was definitely the yummiest class so far!! I’m hoping this event will become an annual holiday tradition!!!! Thanks Sam and Sharon for sharing your pictures with us!!

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and I can only add 2 more…………. THANK YOU friends and customers of “Art ‘n Soul” stamp store in Lacey, Washington. All these items were donated to “Art In Iraq” during their recent Holiday Open House. Special thanks to owner Susie Tracy, and friends/employees Catherine, Cindy and Sue!!!

artiniraqdonation11_9a

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Here is a message I received this week from Iraq. I was really excited to receive it because I can now channel your donations directly to where they are most needed!!!

“Elaine,

Thank you so much for supporting soldiers in Iraq. One of my Moms is an artist and likes to teach art therapy. So I know how therapeutic art can be… And I know that MAJ Coons can see the importance of art and expression to someone who is in distress or just needs a release. MAJ Coon is in charge of the wonderful art room at the Stress Clinic here where we are. It is so awesome what you are doing, and the trading cards are so cool, I have the lion one. Again, I want to thank you for supporting us and being so thoughtful to share something you love with us. The address below is the best place to send the care stuff so that more soldiers can benefit from it. Thank you Elaine. Please feel free to e-mail me anytime.

Sincerely, Amanda Greene”

Since receiving this Clive has done some research on the internet. I had no idea that the forces have Medical Detachment Combat Stress Control Units. Apparently there are a few throughout the States. Hopefully I will be able to make more contacts and expand our efforts!!! He also found an article about Major Larissa Coon prior to her Iraq assignment. The Major is an occupational therapist and the person I will be forwarding our supplies to. Here is a segment from the article.

“She (Major Coon) has been assigned to the 1835th Medical Detachment based in Aurora, Colo., and will be located somewhere in Iraq. While in Iraq, Larissa’s job assignment is Combat Stress Control. Her job will be to provide counseling services to the soldiers who have seen some of the worse combat or who are currently in a combat zone. She will help determine if the soldiers need transfer, what services they need or will need in the future. “I will mostly be offering preventative care,” Larissa explains. “We will offer the services they need to prevent them from having to come home. The goal is to provide the services as immediate to the event as possible to minimize the impact on their life skills.” Although much of what Larissa does at Goodland Regional Medical Center involves physical rehabilitation, much of what she will do in Iraq will involve psychological evaluation and rehabilitation. She explained that occupational therapy involves coping with both the physical and psychological impacts on life skills. The unit providing these services prior to Larissa’s unit had set up a make-shift coffee shop and wrote home asking for coffee, tea and baked items. They also made medical missions out into the small towns and villages around their unit. “I’m looking forward to doing that kind of work,” Larissa said. “It sounds like there is a lot of potential and I think we will see anybody that needs help.”

Finally, here is some information on the unit in general…………

“The Combat Stress Team is here to help soldiers who are having problems dealing with the daily stress of being in the combat zone. When soldiers come into the Combat Stress Clinic they are given an evaluation, which consists of several questions to determine the status of the soldier. Some signs that soldiers may be feeling the effects of combat stress are changes in daily activities, changes in sleeping habits, eating an improper diet or changes in behavior. Additionally, lack of attention to detail or inability to focus on daily tasks are other signs a person may be under stress. Sgt. McCright suggests that soldiers can combat stress by performing “PMCS for the body.” Soldiers need to exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, manage their time and find activities they enjoy doing”

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

In addition to teaching Artist Trading Cards in After-School Programs, and assisting school PTAs with their silent auction art projects ( the silent auction is usually the major fund raiser held each year), I teach “WACKY WEDNESDAYS”. Wacky Wednesdays are the days when students are dismissed 2 hours early because the teachers are attending meetings. In the past we’ve done metal embossing, mask making etc. Yesterday however was a first for BINGO!! The students made their own bingo cards and then it was all play!!!! I’ve often heard that a man prefers a blond, and as the “Bingo Diva” I was hot!!!! Don’t you agree??!!

On the N - 24

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If you’re looking for a gift that will keep on giving consider this one.  The Breast Form fund has just released  it’s 2009 “Show Us Your Bra” calendar.  For a $20 donation you can purchase a copy.  This organization provides grants to uninsured and under-insured women for breast prostheses and post-mastectomy bras.  They believe that these women should have the same opportunities for a dignified silhouette as fully insured women.  Many women come to them feeling low, with bras stuffed with socks and shoulder pads and have left fitting rooms with tears, smiles and a higher posture, having their sense of dignity restored.

If thats not incentive enough then consider that  I am their July Bratiste contest winner with “ABRAham  Lincoln”.  Abe’s portrait rests on the bras right cup.  I’m sure Abe will be smiling down on us this July 4th!!!

This calendar is funny and sweet, and full of love. To purchase a copy go to www.thebreastformfund.org or www.showusyourbra.org

Love Elaine

PS Use your calendar to schedule your yearly mammogram!!!!