Claire's Collectibles features local artists who have accomplished something fun, intriguing, amazing or unique.  Our current featured artist is: 

Patty Smith

I began rubber stamping over 20 years ago.  My first rubber stamp was an elephant that I ordered from a Harriet Carter Catalog.  I didn't even know at the time that stamp stores existed.  I used it to stamp on the envelopes of all my cards and letters.  All my friends and family would always recognize that special letter was coming from me.  I loved that little stamp and still have it today.  I had no idea at the time what a wonderful hobby I would soon discover.

I have always been quite creative as far back as I can remember.  I loved Art class when I was in school.  My husband was in the military for many years.  I was always writing letters and sending cards and packages.  I found myself wanting to add some fun to his mail so I went to a local craft store to see what I could find.  It was there that I ran into a seasoned stamper buying some rubber stamps.  We began chatting and she introduced me to heat embossing and told me of an upcoming convention that I should attend.  I went!  I was immediately hooked and found a passion that would change my life.  Stamping takes me into a world of my own, a place where I love to be.  One of my favorites is making ATC's.  I have made many wonderful friends, learned many techniques and ,yes, I know all about those stamp stores now.