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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Midge; story behind the stamp

In keeping up with the "star" theme for the Stampotique Designer's Challenge (SDC131: Stars Take Two ) I have used Midge as the star standout on this tag.

Story behind the stamp.  Her name is not Midge, but she is Midge to Stampotique.  I love seeing her pop up on blogs, magazines, and in Stampotique Designer Challenges.  Midge is an adorable and a must have stamp.

Our "Midge" grew up in Tucson and was a childhood chum of a dear friend of mine.  Unfortunately, her real name was forgotten, but when I had isolated her from the original photograph she became "Midge." Her assertive little stance makes a perfect graphic image which lends itself to many possibilities.

In keeping with my resolution to reuse and repurpose I began with a discarded crayon resist background.   I lightened it up with Gelatos sticks and some glitz.  Also in my collage box I came across some aqua spattered paper. I stamped Midge accordingly with black Staz-on then clear embossed.
I took the line "You shine like a diamond" from the Rihanna song which has been replaying in my head.

When I work with children I observe that they frequently get frustrated with what they are working on and want to quit and start over.  I have always guided them into the rescue, working with a happy accident, and turning the art into something they can live with or even like.  I keep my teaching philosophy in mind and apply it in my own studio play.  It's fun to treasure hunt in a paper discard heap and try to make something out of a find.

 Midge should be in her early 70's about now.  I wish she could know how much we love her image and that truly, she shines like a diamond.

10 comments:

  1. Gorgeous tag Janet and I'm loving the stories behind the stamps. I hope we get some more! xx

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  2. Really fab tag Janet! Midge is adorable and love to read the story behind the stamp. XOXO

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  3. If only Midge knew what a star she is ♥

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  4. absolutely sweet, love the image...hope this "story behind the stamp" session continues!

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  5. I love the stories behind the stamps too...and Midge of course :)

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  6. Gorgeous tag, love how you repurposed the background of it.

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  7. Wow! I've got goose bumps on my arms. Thank you Janet for sharing the story of Midge. She has to be one of my favourite all time stamps. She certainly does shine her light brightly. Love her and all your creations and inspiration. How wonderful to work with children. My three have a keen interest in drawing and using their hands to create things, I love watching them, it's our special us time together :-) There is no greater gift ♥

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  8. Thanks for your comments everyone! And Getz, I do miss my littles.

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  9. Beautiful and I love hearing the story about the stamp. Seems there is always a hidden story behind art. xx
    Sarinda

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