Swap-bot Time: November 25, 2024 3:39 am
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dobie256

dobie256
Date Joined: June 20, 2010
Last Online: September 18, 2024
Birthday: September 18, 1956
Country: United States
My Flickr Photos
Spoonflower designs
Click-A-Day Charities
Freekibble/Freekibblecat
Postcrossing

About Me

I live outside of Columbus, OH with a DH and two terribly rowdy cats (Galen and Cody aka Riot and Chaos). I am a stay-at-home graphic designer and spend much of my time caring for a retired husband and trying to keep up with my out-of-control acre of yard/gardens. Former jobs include bartender in a poolhall, graphic artist in an offset printshop, a stained glass artisian, a high school freshman science/biology teacher, and a raptor rehabilitator/field researcher and zookeeper.

compassion singing heart

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Favorite Music

I like all kinds of music (except for most rap). My tastes are eclectic. I like obscure artists like Townes Van Zandt, Keb 'Mo, Leon Redbone, and Hazmat Modine. Adore Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bonnie Raitt, and most all rhythm and blues. Other favorites that spring to mind are The Beatles, Peter Gabriel, Ani DiFranco, The Blasters, Offspring, Stained, Bad Religion, Jimmy Buffett, Beethoven, Bob Dylan, Green Day, and everything from the late 60s.

elephant heart

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

Favorite Books

I read mostly forensic novels, mystery novels, crime novels. With a scattering of other things thrown in there. Favorite character is Lucas Davenport from the "Prey" series by John Sanford. Like Tom Robbins (esp. "Jitterbug Perfume"). Reread "Shogun" and "The Drifters" about every five years. Used to read a lot of Piers Anthony fantasy (now that would make for a fun swap series!)

thoughts owl

Fall down 7 times . . . get up 8!

Favorite Movies

Waaaaay to many to list fully. Like most movies by Walter Hill, John Carpenter, and the Cohen Brothers. Movies I see over and over include Immortal Beloved, Continental Divide, Streets of Fire, The Hunt for Red October, Fargo, Braveheart, Excalibur, A Lion in Winter, The Birdcage, Breaking Away, Thelma and Louise, and Point Break.

violets

And the flowers bloom like madness in the spring

Favorite Television

Mostly watch forensic/drama stuff. Favorite show of all time -- Law and Order Criminal Intent with Vincent D'Onofrio. Also like Criminal Minds. Dexter is da bomb! Like obscure series like "Good Neighbors" (The Good Life) out of England and quirky stuff like Monk. Love to hate Dr. House. Rewatch the Firefly/Serenity series often. And DH is a HUGE Star Trek and Simpsons fan so I absorb that whether I want to or not! :) Newer shows that I am enjoying include Vikings, Modern Family, Person of Interest, Elementary, and Castle. And, unfortunately, they cancelled Lie to Me -- major bummer! New fan of The Big Bang Theory! It is too funny!

fan

T.H.I.N.K. before you speak. Is it True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? Kind?

deer

Favorite Crafts

Have tried them all -- knitting, crocheting, weaving, pottery, stained glass, beading, sewing, cross-stitch, painting, silkscreening, and numerous paper crafts. I have moderate arthritis in my hands, so presently I concentrate on paper and fabric designs, and some beading. I really miss stained glass as I used to design huge pieces for churches and restaurants. And 30 years of cross-stitch has wrecked my left thumb, so I don't do much stitching anymore (but still appreciate the medium).

I am presently concentrating on ATCs and Inchies while swapping on Swap-bot. I also want to try to do some block printing (which I did ages ago while in college) and I am a novice at zentangles (but am enjoying the learning process!) I am pushing myself to improve my average illustrating skills. Recently I have been trying to teach myself to watercolor. I also like Gelli printing, marbling paper, making handmade papers, and doing eggshell mosaic work. I am also teaching myself bookbinding.

I do mostly mixed media -- watercolor pencils, gel pens, sharpie markers, chalks, alcohol inks, and distress inks. I use intricate original design paper-piecings cut on my professional die-cutter. I often embellish with fabric, fibers, buttons, or beads. Occasionally I use my own photography in projects. Sometimes I use scrapbooking techniques on my cards. I really like to mix it up and do different types and styles of artwork.

Other Interests

I have a few other favorite hobbies: bird-watching, gardening, cooking, photography, fishing, and travel. I have an advanced degree in biology (concentrated in ornithology) and all science fascinates me. I like all colors, but love purple! Also jewel colors -- teal, turquoise, ruby, emerald. I collect dragonflies mostly, but also frogs, hedgehogs, turtles, and puffins. I am also a big fan of mermaids, fairies, and Noah's ark. I love Art Nouveau designs. Charley Harper is my all-time favorite artist, but I am also quite fond of Sulamith Wulfing, John William Waterhouse, Alphonse Mucha, Susan Boulet, Gustav Klimt, Van Gogh, Robert Bateman, Glen Loates, Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies, and photography by Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz, and Anne Geddes.

Quick List of Favorite Things:

♥ Autumn, sunsets, dewy mornings, snowflakes (one at a time LOL)

♥ Beaches, mountains, sparkling lakes

♥ Dragonflies, butterflies, bees

♥ Frogs and turtles

♥ Bizarre Animals: platypus, pangolin, okapi, coelacanth, jellyfish, sloth, narwhal

♥ Seahorses, starfish, horseshoe crabs, sea turtles

♥ Cephlapods! (octopus, squid, cuttlefish, nautilus)

♥ Raptors (esp. owls), hummingbirds, ostrich, puffins, flamingos, peacocks

♥ Hedgehogs, tapirs, big cats, giraffes, polar bears

♥ Any and all type of family pet

♥ Violets, iris, columbines, morning glories, wildflowers

♥ Noah's Ark, mermaids, fairies, gnomes, griffins, phoenix

♥ Anything by Charlie Harper (nature artist)

♥ PURPLE, jewel colors, silver

♥ Tiny charms, designs, ephemera, etc. for use on ATCs and inchies

♥ Decorative buttons -- vintage or newer, to be used in jewelry design and bookmaking.

POSTCARDS

I have started collecting postcards again after a 50 year hiatus. Therefore, pretty much any kind of postcard is welcome. Especially ones that reflect my interests -- favorite artists, photography, nature, animals and flowers, quirky, unusual, travel (especially map cards), etc. I have recently discovered Vanity Fair postcards and I think they would be fun to collect.

POSTAGE STAMPS

They are beautiful little artworks. If you go to the trouble to use actual stamps on my envelopes (as opposed to metered mail) I will greatly appreciate it!

DISLIKES

Please no Disney, Kawaii, Girly girl / baby / kid's stuff. I just have no use or interest in them. Thanks!

turtle

cicada raven

Private Swaps / Wishlist

I am finalizing my ATC collection and would love to fill in the following themes. Please let me know if you would like to do a private swap.

Heart (2), Fortune (1), Halloween (1), Snow (1), Reindeer (1), Bird (5), Moon (4), Dragonfly (1), Mermaid (1), Octopus (1), Seahorse/Starfish/Jellyfish (6), Turtle (1), Waterlily (1), Rainbow/Sunshine (1), Renaissance/Royalty (1), Mushroom/Toadstool (1)

ANGELS

Thank you Thank you to these lovely ANGELS!

MonsterAlice for "Science Quote ATC (smallgirlafterall)" [Thanks for the wonderful ATC! Love it!]

JenHuff for "Design a . . . Cat . . . ATC (Goggabos)" [Gorgeous zentangle design - THANKS!!]

yunasy for "History ATC - Middle Ages #1 (Smilinthyme)" [I have always dearly loved that unicorn tapestry - thanks so much!]

LauraAust for "MEGA SWAP!! (US only) (rajo04)" [Love the pretty colorful jellyfish -- he makes me happy!]

LauraAust for "Pink Christmas (half-MEGA) ATC Swap (scrappintwins)" [Pink and white snowflakes -- how appropriate LOL Very cute ATC!]

islandgirl for "ATC Addict's - March Sender's Choice (angelslater)" [Absolutely a magical delightful Make-me-laugh ATC -- thanks SO much!]

OMG!! February 2012 Marryth angled me everything outstanding to date! She sent me "Design-A-Cat", "Steve Irwin (Whiskey)", "Pink Christmas", "Science Quote", "Pastel Inchies (HusFrejaVirk)" plus FIVE more ATCs for WTA flakes. Thank you thank you thank you!

KatarinaNavane for "ATC Mega Swap with a Catch (CreepyGirl)" [Incredibly delicate and detailed etching/drawing -- absolutely beautiful!]

Fatherted for "Dragonfly ATC (lilpuddin)" [Beautiful summer-fire dragonfly -- a special addition to my collection!]

dardarbinx for "Dragonfly ATC" [Thank you so much for angeling your swap -- so sorry the flaker hit right before your vacation. I love the ATC you made when you returned home]

VivaLaDiane for "I Need Some More ATCs in My Collection!!!" [Very cool ghostly spooky vintage Halloween ATC -- it is hard to describe in words because it is just so dang perfect!]

Paige1900 for "3 Techniques ATC - Bat (Popcornikimppu1)" [One of the coolest ATCs ever -- the wings are just incredible. I absolutely love him!]

KatarineNavane for "3 Techniques ATC - Sea Turtle (O2girl)" [beautiful colors and intricate background design. Thanks for angeling this for me!]

zoev1975 for "TNW-ATC-Toadstool (NaughtyElf)" [Thank you for sending me some magical fairy mushrooms!]

Sternenfee for a RAK "Decipher this Code" postcard. I had to work but my reward was a delightful message and beautiful map postcard. Thanks!

Ratings

bigmamabird rated for MMA: Woven Note Cards (USA) on May 6, 2021
5
rating
Comment: Wow, Michele! Thanks so much for the two beauties you've made for me! How fun each is with the colors and details. I know just what I want to do with the turtle one- it will be part of a birthday present for my mom who loves turtles. I will let her know you made it of course!
Response: Thank you for such a lovely rating! And I am so honored you want to give my turtle card to your Mom. I felt weird not mounting it but now I'm glad. I enjoy spreading turtle love!! Looking forward to swapping with you again soon! <3<3<3
5
rating
Comment: My friend, you always spoil me, and this time is no different. The sock monkey is so cool, I love him! I've never done paper quilling, but I love how it looks. The mermaid is gorgeous, and I absolutely love how you used the natural colors of the shells! I used to buy local eggs with lovely colors, and always wanted to use them in some mosaics. Oh and the paper star is so pretty! All of it is wonderful! Good luck on your book binding adventure, I tried my hand at making books in my early 20's, but haven't devoted much time to it sense, aside from making mini paper books and such. I'd love to see what you make! Thank you again for a fantastic swap! Best swap of the year, every year! :) <3 <3 <3
Response: Thanks so much for such generous compliments on my ornaments. I LOVE this swap each year -- both in the making and receiving of your ornaments. Always delightful and inspiring. So thanks for hosting this again. I'll let you know how the bookbinding is going. My first book with my new club has been posted to Flickr. I think I will learn a lot! Looking forward to swapping with you again soon. Stay safe! <3
5
rating
Comment: Thanks a lot for the lovely ATC-coins! I hope you ares safe & well! Love, Ellen
Response: I am so glad they arrived safely and that you like them. Thanks so much for rating! You stay safe too! <3
bluemonkeymama rated for TPS: Mail Art - March 2019 on Mar 29, 2020
5
rating
Comment: I was so excited to see you were my partner, and you didn't disappoint! I LOVE the fish postcard, so cool!! Is that a stencil? I think I need it, haha! Thanks for a wonderful swap, as always! <3
Response: I was so glad to be able to make this fish card for you! :). Yes it is a stencil from my favorite stencil source (StencilGirlProducts.com. L094 Fossil Fish). Her stencils are like potato chips -- you can't buy just one! Thanks again for hosting. Stay safe and healthy! <3<3<3
orneryswife rated for TPS: Weave Your Prints on Mar 2, 2020
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the beautiful woven prints! I liked your add ins as well. Can one ever have enough bookmarks? I have seen that tape technique but never tried it. I may have to next time. Happy spring!
Response: Thanks so much for the great ratings. I'm so glad you liked everything. It was a fun swap. Happy Spring to you too! <3
5
rating
Comment: WOW!!! I don't even know where to start. This swap brought tears to my eyes, seriously. So many amazing ornaments. The carved Yupo is so awesome, gonna have to try that myself! The rainbow tree is just gorgeous; I love the layering! Santa is so cool, and the background is gorgeous! And of course your beaded ornament is just stunning. All so well made and with such care, as always. And thank you for giving me insight into how they were made. I have to get better at doing that for you when I send mine. As always, just an absolutely phenomenal swap. Thank you SO much, Michele! <3 <3 <3
Response: I am always so happy to do this swap and share my artwork with you! You are the BEST of swapping on this site. I am really excited about carving Yupo. There are lots of great examples in you tube. I like the white edging but hope to figure out how to avoid it too. Might not always be the look I want. So when you do start playing let's exchange notes. :) Thanks again for hosting and letting me experiment on you! Lol Looking forward to swapping with you again soon! <3
5
rating
 
wolfeagle rated for 1 + 1 December on Dec 26, 2019
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much. Wishing you a Happy New Year and a fantastic 2020.
Response: You're very welcome! I hope you have a fabulous 2020 full of wonderful swaps.
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the lovely card. I love the background you did - looks like watercolor or alcohol inks. I too enjoy making all kinds of things, and I always make my Christmas cards every year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Response: You are quite welcome! Yes, watercolor and salt technique. I love making background papers. And handmade Christmas cards. Here's wishing you delightful holidays and a perfect 2020! <3
5
rating
Comment: Hi Michele... sorry I am late rating. My neighbor had heart problems, and just had surgery 2 days ago. Absolutely LOVE the washi card you made! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this for me! <3
Response: No worries. Compassion trumps everything ... even gratitude. Your neighbor is lucky to have you! I hope your holidays are wonderful! <3
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the beautiful card and Happy Holidays!
Response: Thank you for the kind ratings. I'm glad you liked your card. Have a delightful Christmas! <3
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much for the beautiful Christmas card! I love it! Hugs, Diane
Response: So glad you liked it. I hope you have delightful holidays!! <3
Dbarba rated for **HANDMADE** Christmas card #2~USA on Dec 12, 2019
5
rating
Comment: Beautiful card! You are very talented
Response: I'm so glad you liked it. That is one of my favorite stamps. Thanks for the kind ratings. Have yourself a delightful Christmas. <3
Holunderfee rated for Santa Mail Art on Dec 12, 2019
5
rating
Comment: Michele, thanks so much for the lovely swap! I love all you sent to me. The stamps are gorgeous!
Response: Wow that got to you so quickly! I had fun with your envelope. And although the USA global poinsettia stamp is pretty I wanted to send different ones you. So happy you like everything. Cheers! <3
5
rating
Comment: What a lovely card you sent, thank you.
Response: You are quite welcome. Have a delightful holiday season! <3
5
rating
Comment: What a wonderful idea with washi tape! I love the card. Happy holidays to you as well!
Response: I have been making washi tape cards like crazy. So much fun! I'm happy you liked it! Cheers! <3
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for the sweet snowman card! I really enjoyed your note about snow and your tradition of cutting your Christmas tree... I'm originally from Ohio, still have family in the Akron / Canton area, but I've been in Texas many years now. Best wishes and Happy Holidays!
Response: Indiana/Ohio here for most of my 60+ years (had a brief escape to Florida during college). My baby brother has been in Austin for 15+ years. Love my visits there. Seems like a cool city. Hope your Christmas is delightful! <3
stiffneck78 rated for BTH: Mushroom ATC on Nov 6, 2019
5
rating
Comment: These ATCs are beautiful!!! I love how you accented the pressed flowers with a metallic watercolors. Very soft, yet bold. I love the spider ATC. These are going to be great additions to my collection. Thank you so much. Also, cool mushroom card!
Response: I'm so glad you liked everything. I can hardly wait for some soft spring leaves to play with that technique some more. And I was thrilled to share a spider with you. I love them too! Thanks for the generous ratings and critique. Hope to swap with you again soon! <3<3<3
gillman rated for MMA: ATC Sender's Choice- ORANGE on Nov 2, 2019
5
rating
Comment: Thank you, Michele! Love them!
Response: You are quite welcome. This swap made me like orange a bit more! lol It was a good challenge for me. Thanks for hosting! <3
orneryswife rated for MMA: ATC Sender's Choice- ORANGE on Oct 29, 2019
5
rating
Comment: I always love having you as my partner because not only do you create such beautiful art, but you share your process which is usually something I have never seen! Thank you for the extra ATC. I really like that stamp, as well as the beautiful dragonfly and flower on the card. Wonderful swap!
Response: Thanks for you kind compliments and ratings. If you ever need any details on one of my processes feel free to PM me. I am on swap-bot to share ideas and inspiration with fellow artists. I am certainly inspired by your artworks. Hope to swap with you again soon! <3<3<3

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars Hosted
5.0000 1395 206 223
Completed Fives Threes Ones
984 1444 0 0
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Uncategorized
7 180 797 0
View all

Currently In

  • the user is not currently in any swaps :(

Currently Hosting

  • the user is not hosting any current swaps

Comments

susieq11 on Sep 18, 2024:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

susieq11 on Jul 18, 2024:

Hi! No, not from Japan! : ) I got it in a swap and just came across it again! I think the brand is on the back maybe? Wishing you well and hope you are all doing great! xoxo

susieq11 on Mar 30, 2024:

Thank you for the gorgeous Easter card!!! Hope you have a nice day tomorrow and a very happy Spring!

susieq11 on Dec 14, 2023:

Thank you for the beautiful card - I love it! So nice to see you today - thanks for all the goodies!! 😁❤️

susieq11 on Nov 30, 2023:

Thank you for the beautiful card!!!! Let me know when you're free!! : )

susieq11 on Oct 31, 2023:

Thank you for the beautiful Halloween card! I love it! Hope you are feeling good - I will be in touch! xoxo

susieq11 on Sep 18, 2023:

Happy birthday to you! Hope it's a wonderful day! : )

susieq11 on Sep 18, 2022:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

bluemonkeymama on Jan 26, 2022:

Hello, my friend! Since we didn't make our swap official, I had to show some love on your profile. Thank you again for such an over the top swap! You always blow me away with texture and color and bling, and this time was no different. I will cherish these ornaments for years to come, as I do with all your ornaments. I've started displaying many of yours year-round now as well. :) Hugs from me!

susieq11 on May 11, 2021:

Ha ha ha thank you so much! : )

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