The Joy of Carving Stamps with Norma Vela
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your skills further, you’ll find inspiration and guidance in an inviting atmosphere. This retreat is perfect for anyone curious about stamp carving and printmaking.
Enjoy guided instruction as you discover your creativity in a relaxed, supportive environment. There will be ample time to experiment, learn new techniques, and draw inspiration from fellow participants.
If you’re new to stamp carving, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can create small, detailed designs for greeting cards, gift tags, journals, and envelopes. For those with experience, we’ll explore advanced techniques such as layering multiple colors, combining stamped imagery, and experimenting with collage using the Chinè-collé method.
All materials are provided—including carving tools, Speedy-Carve blocks, printing ink pads, sketching and printing paper, and a selection of colorful tissue papers—so you can focus fully on making art.
Norma began her artistic journey at age six, copying fashion illustrations from the daily newspaper—back when fashion was drawn by hand and newspapers landed on doorsteps each morning. After a 30-year career writing for television, she returned to her first love: art.
A self-described magpie when it comes to collecting art supplies, Norma works in watercolor, gouache, acrylic brush markers, pattern design, carved stamps, and digital tools like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator. Her practice is grounded in curiosity and creative confidence, always open to experimentation—and the occasional misstep.
In 2022, she opened TetherMade, a small art and gift shop in Cherryfield, Maine, showcasing her creations alongside those of fellow Maine artists. Norma is a member of the Rising Tides Collective, teaches workshops with Schoodic Arts for All, and believes art should be welcoming, not intimidating—especially for beginners.
