Back To the Cookie Jar...

After yesterday's little tip break, today, we're heading back to the Cookie jar...

Our third tasty treat comes by way of smART Cookie, Donna Duquette.  Her fabulous work, and versatility as a stamper can be seen by visiting her SCS, Donnarie, gallery...

Hi! I'm Donna, but you might know me as Donnarie or Dee or even Donna D. I live in East Granby, a small town in northern Connecticut. It’s a beautiful area, especially in the Autumn, and in all my 48 years I’ve never really considered leaving. My husband, Dave, and I have been married for 15 years now, and I'm stepmother to his four grown children and "Nanny" to their 5 kids.

My love of all things crafty began the first day I picked up a crayon and scribbled in a coloring book. Or was that on a wall? I can’t remember! I first discovered rubber stamping about eight years ago while Dave and I were vacationing in Provincetown on Cape Cod at a little shop called Norma Glamp’s Rubber Stamps. I wasn’t very interested in rubber stamps, but who could resist stopping in a store with a name like that? The owner was demonstrating heat embossing, and I was completely fascinated. I bought a couple of stamps out of the clearance bin, some black ink, some markers, and some clear embossing powder. I had no idea at the time, but a new stamper was born that night.

Over the next several years, I stamped as much as the demands of family, work, and night classes would allow. Then, in 2005, I found myself out of work with plenty of time on my hands. Surfing the internet one day, I found SplitCoastStampers and my life hasn’t been the same since.

I had the luxury of time, plenty of art supplies from my earlier career as a technical illustrator, and a seemingly endless source of inspiration and information. I quickly realized that stamping would satisfy my need for artistic expression, and would fit very nicely into my schedule after I returned to work. I still enjoy quilting and sewing, but these days I save those activities for weekends when I plenty of time. Rubber stamping is what keeps me sane during my busy work week!

So, what kind of cookie would Donna be?  She says,

If I were a cookie, I’d be an oatmeal cookie -- A favorite of mine because they’re simple and traditional, yet they can be dressed up for any occasion. Feeling tropical? Add some coconut, some chocolate chips, and some macadamias. Need something for the holidays? Red and green candies with walnuts should do the trick. Going for all out bling? Semi-sweet chocolate, raisins, nuts, and coconut will make 'em sparkle!

I create my cards the same way I bake oatmeal cookies.  I start off with the basic ingredients – good quality paper and ink, and a great rubber stamp or two – and then I embellish to suit my mood and the occasion.

Didn't I say she was versatile?!?

Comments

[Heidi K.]

Donna, Donna, she's so fine, she's so fine she blows my mind. Hey Donna, hey, hey, hey Donna!

I know you'll be workin' these stamps! Can't wait to see some goodies!

[sharon in ne]

Wonderful cards in her gallery! I'm very anxious to see what great things she'll do.