Introducing Gothic Arch Guest Artist - Jan Smith!

It's time again to announce another theme in our year long Inkurable Stampers 2010 Gothic Arch Challenge! But before I do, I need to introduce you to this fortnight's guest Arch designer.......

Jan Smith from the UK!

Jan is a self confessed ATC and Inchie addict, obsessed with all things crafty - especially rubber stamps!

Jan is also a wife, and mum of 3 boys who lives in Essex in the United Kingdom.

You can see more of Jan's work on her blog and in her Flickr Photo Stream (Smifferoo).

I asked Jan the interview questions - here are her answers:

1. Have you ever made a Gothic Arch before this challenge started?

Yes, I think I first saw a Gothic Arch in one of the swaps in an ATC group that I belonged to, and enjoyed working with an alternative ATC shape.

2. What will you do with your arches when they're all finished? Will you be making them all the same size, or mixing things up?

I'm making all my Arches the same shape/size and am considering making them into a Gothic Arch booklet at the end of the challenge.

3. When stamping, do you prefer red rubber stamps, or clear stamps? Why?

I do have a preference for red rubber stamps as they seem to stamp clearer images. Although, the clear ones are great for positioning, but I sometimes find that when using some clear stamps the ink tends to bead on the stamp resulting in an indistinct image. But, in general the actual image on the stamp usually determines my purchase.

4. What is your favourite stamp in your collection?

Mmmm, I had to think about this one, I don't think I have a particular favourite? Although I am attracted to and do buy a lot of 'Crafty Individuals' make of stamps.

I like to join in with lots of crafty challenges with set topics, so I tend to raid my stamp stash in search for a stamp inspired by the particular theme at the time.

5. How often do you use stamps in your projects? 

I love using stamps in my projects, usually most of the greeting cards that I make incorporate a rubber stamp of some kind. And I like to join in with 'Rubber stamping' Challenges like the Gothic Arches one.

6. What is your favourite stamping / inking technique?

I love to build layers of stamped images to create a montage, so a favourite stamping technique that I do seem to use is the masking technique which allows multiple images to be stamped without overlapping each other.

I'm also really into shabby, grungy themes at the moment, so I love to distress everything with my distress inks!!

Thanks for helping us get to know you better Jan! Welcome to the blog as a guest artist - I can't wait to show your arch to everyone!

Stay tuned for Jan's gorgeous arch, and another gorgeous sample arch from Fiona Shultz this afternoon!

Until then....

~Sarah~