**Helpful Hints**

• On unsealed surfaces, including raw and stained wood, the Blending Gel Medium soaks into the surface, keeping it wet longer and allowing more time to blend. Use generous amounts of paint to blend.
  
  
• On sealed surfaces, the medium will not soak the surface. Use a bit less Blending Gel Medium and blend slightly faster. Use generous amounts of paint to blend.
  
  
• When floating or shading use as large a brush as possible
  
  
• Be sure the brush is full. Blend the medium and the color on the palette enough to graduate the color.
  
  
• Load the brush fully with Floating Medium and then add a touch of color to make transparent leaves and flowers making them appear to be in the background or soft shadows.
  
  
• Floating medium is used so that you can flow smoothly with your paints on porous surfaces that are very dry, such as wood, drywall, etc. Load your brush with paint and tip the chisel edge of the brush into the Floating Medium, blend into the brush and paint.
  
  

2. How do I load the brush correctly?
Pour enough paint to make at least a 1" (2.5 cm) puddle of each color you need.

1. Dip one corner of your brush into the first color.
   
2. Turn the brush over and dip the corner into the second color.
   
3. Stroke it back and forth on the palette, making about a 1" to 1-1/2" track.
   
4. Repeat these steps two or three times to load the bristles with paint two-thirds of the way up to towards ferrule.
   
5. Now that your brush is loaded, pick up paint on each corner to begin painting.
   Don't stroke the brush anymore on the palette. As you continue to work, load the paint only on the corners of the brush.
   

This information can also be obtained from Donna Dewberry's Complete Book of One Stroke Painting page 18. Click HERE to order.

3. I am left handed, do you have any tips for us lefties?
The strokes we use in One Stroke are painted in all directions. Turn the Reusable Teaching Guide in the direction that is most comfortable for you. We have found that left handed people are most comfortable with the tips of the leaves pointing downward. For strokes such as shell strokes that are the same on the left and the right sides, start on the right side of the stroke and paint toward the left.

4. Is One STROKE gender limited?
NO!!, One STROKE is not limited by gender or any thing else. Everyone who has an interest can paint using the One STROKE method.

5. When will you be having a certification in my area?
The certification locations change every year. Continue to check our site HERE under Classes and Certifications for a location near you.

6. I have a question about my HSN, Shopping Network product, who should I contact.
You should contact them directly about question on your product if they were defective. If you were missing items in your order you also need to contact them directly. We do not carry the kits that are sold on these shows.

7. I saw you on HSN, Shopping Network, and when I ordered the product they were out of it, can I order these kits through you directly?
No, at this time the kits shown on these networks are not available for purchase from us. You will need to check back with them to find out if they get more in and order from your local network directly.

8. What is the best paint for painting on glass?
Folk Art Enamels. It is able to be baked in the oven and is top shelf dishwasher safe.

9. What is the best paint to use for outdoors?
Folk Art Outdoor Paints. It has a sealer in it and had been tested to resist UV rays and weather conditions. It is available in brush on opaque plus 10 colors are made to be used dimensionally right out of the bottle.

10. I love to scrapbook and paint. Is there a paint that is archival safe to be used for scrapbooking?
Yes, the Folk Art Papier Paints. These paints are acid free and are non-blocking so it won't stick to other paper surfaces when cured. The paint bottles have a writer-tip for dimensional accenting or lettering right out of the bottle.

11. I saw Donna paint on a black and white photo. What paint did she use and is it archival safe?
Donna was using the Keepsakes Gel paint. It is a very transparent paint that can be used to tint copies of pictures. We recommend making copies of your special prints instead of tinting the original. This gel is archival safe making it perfect for scrapbookers.

12. Where can I find out about all of the new products and how certain brushes and tools are used?
We have made a commitment to continually update our website with new information. New products can be found under "What's New" under products and supplies. We will also try to input information on how to use the newer brushes and tools.

13. Donna used to be on my public broadcasting station but now she is not. Please tell me that she is coming back.
Donna is currently on in over 325 markets they rotate the shows but each Public Broadcasting Station chooses which shows they want to air. Unfortunately we have no control over who carries One Stroke Painting. You can encourage them by calling your local station and asking for her show. Also by calling in and pledging while Donna is on air during the pledge special helps to show support too.

14. What is the best all around sealer to use?
We recommend using FolkArt Lacquers. They are available in Matte, Satin or Gloss finishes. Lacquers do not yellow or amber over time or from UV Rays. Other clear finish sealers say they are non-yellowing but they still do. The Gloss finish is best to use outdoors because the smooth finish does not allow moisture or dirt to stick and it is easy to wipe off.



Certification, Workshops and Local Classes

1. What Does OSCI Stand for?
One Stroke Certified Instructor

2. How can I become an OSCI?
You will need to take a 3-1/2 day certification seminar to become certified. Click Class and Certifications on the home page for certification dates and locations.

3. I am new at One Stroke, can I still take the Certification class?
Yes! This is a great course for beginners and advanced students alike. It is a wonderful opportunity to advance in your One Stroke painting technique. We would like the attendees to be familiar with the ONE Stroke technique but you do not have to be advanced.

4. Does the cost of the certification class include hotel accommodations?
No, you will be responsible for contacting the hotel listed on the Certification page for any hotel accommodations, as well as your travel and meals.

5. I want to sign up for the class online, but do not want to put in my credit card, is there a number I can call it in, or fax it to?
Yes, you can call it in to 1.800.536.2627 or fax to 352.394.6876. If you are in Florida and would like to call locally, you can call 1.800.536.2627

6. I sent in my application online and I am going to send a check for my deposit, when should I send this in?
Right away, you will need to send at least the $269 deposit in as soon as possible to reserve your spot in the class. The balance is due 30 days before the seminar.

Send checks too:
355 Citrus Tower Blvd, Suite 104
Clermont,FL 34711

7. How will I know I have been accepted to the certification?
A cash sale receipt will be mailed to you.

8. What do I need to bring to the certification class?
Everything is provided to you except a brush basin, something to wash your brushes out in. If you would like to purchase one online, we have them on our website here. We will also have a small supply at the seminar.

9. What will the course do for me?
The course will supply you with a wealth of information concerning the ONE STROKE technique and will upon your successful completion certify you as a ONE STROKE teacher.

10. Once I am certified, what can I expect in support from Donna?
The first thing you can expect is that you will have the opportunity to purchase products at wholesale prices. Also each certified teacher will have a direct channel to discuss any problems they are encountering and services they need. Only a One Stroke Certified Instructor can call their classes One Stroke and can teach at retail chain stores that have a One Stroke Program designed by Donna. As a certified instructor you can expect to be among the first to know of new products as they come to the market.

11. Will I be given leads on teaching and demonstrating?
You will be listed with other certified teachers throughout the country on our website and as requests are made to us, your name will be furnished to interested parties. Pertinent information will also be sent to PLAID for further use as a requested teacher or demonstrator.

12. What can I learn about teaching?
At the seminar you are not only taught how to paint One Stroke you are taught the tried and true method of teaching One Stroke. Part of what makes One Stroke so successful is that every instructor uses the same terminology and method that Donna has developed. This allows for students to be able to learn from many different OSCI's and still be able to understand them encouraging them to take more classes.

13. Will I get to have hands on painting or does the course consist mainly of instruction?
You will literally paint till you drop and the course is designed to give you more hands on than verbal instruction. We will share many little secrets and insights into the painting world and hopefully open your eyes to a new and different concept on approaching the industry.

14. What if I don't plan to teach but just want to take the course for self enrichment?
The course is designed to teach you to do whatever you want to do with it. It is definitely an enriching experience and will prepare you for many opportunities.

15. How can I get more certification information sent to me in the mail?
You can call 1.800.536.2627 (or locally in FL 352-394-7344) and request information sent to you, or you can fax us at 352.394.6876. If you do have certification questions please call them in.

16. The class I want to take is full, is there a waiting list?
Yes, there is a waiting list. Most classes fill up 6 to 9 months in advance. However, life can get in the way of plans that we made months in advance so occasionally someone has to drop out of the class. If your are one of the first few on the waiting list, you have a higher chance of getting in. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list for the workshop or the certification. Call 1.800.536.2627

17. Is there a LEARN AT HOME program I can take to become a certified instructor in my home?
No, at this time there is not. To become an OSCI you will need to attend a 3-1/2 day certification seminar. We do however have a program that will allow you to have your painting evaluated by our grading staff. This program is called The Home Study Course it is only available on HSN. Upon completion you will receive a certificate that says that you are a Certified Painter. It is not to be confused with the One Stroke Instructor Certification.

18. I would like to find a local OSCI in my area to take a class from how can I find one?
All our OSCI's are listed on the website HERE. Not all are teaching, so you will need to contact them directly. Or you can check HERE to find an OSCI that has a website.

19. I was going to sign-up for a seminar but it was cancelled?
There a many times we must cancel a seminar because we didn’t meet our min. requirement of sign-ups to book a hotel for the seminar if we don’t have our min. 90 days before the seminar it will be cancelled. In many cases after the seminar was cancelled students will call and say I was going to sign-up but I was waiting until it got closer to the seminar. If you are wanting to sign-up for a seminar don’t wait to send the deposit in go ahead and sign-up. 

20. I worry that I don’t paint well enough to attend a seminar.
We recommend that you know the basic strokes of OneStroke. We also suggest    that you take some classes by a local certified teacher to practice the technique before attending the seminar. (Local classes are usually anywhere between 1-3 hours long)You can find a local teacher on the “FIND A TEACHER ‘’ link which is located on our homepage, top right hand corner.

21.What happens to my deposit if the seminar is cancelled?
If we cancel a seminar for any reason your non-refundable deposit will be refunded to you within 7 days of seminar cancellation. 

22. What if I sign-up for a seminar and for some reason I cannot attend?
If you sign-up for a seminar and you are not able to attend and you contact us at least 30days before the seminar in writing to cancel (email, fax or mail) we will let you transfer your deposit to another seminar one year from the original seminar you signed up for. There is a transfer fee of $25.00-$50.00 depending on the class you have signed up for.

Contact information if you need to cancel:

Email: amandad@onestroke.com
Fax: 1-352-394-5970 ATTN: AMANDA
Mail:
Attn: Amanda
355 Citrus Tower Blvd, Suite 104
Clermont, FL 34711

*When you email, fax or mail in your cancellation request please confirm that Amanda has received it.

Questions About Orders

1. I would like to place an order online, is this site safe to send my credit card number through?
Yes, our shopping cart is on a secure server, and your credit card number is safe and encrypted so no one else but One Stroke is able to use it.

2. How long does it take for my order to be processed?
Normal Retail orders are shipped out as soon as possible. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your order to arrive. In certain cases; i.e. unusual volume orders, out of stock or unavailable items the timing may increase.

Retail Back-order Policy: We will automatically ship all in-stock items and request that you re-order any out of stock items.

We reserve the right to limit quantities, discontinue certain products and make changes as deemed necessary to the web-site; including but not limited to price and product. We will honor prices posted at the time the order was placed.

3. I live out of the states, do you have an international order policy?

4. I would like to check the status of my order. How can I do that?
ORDER STATUS ONLY PLEASE!!
Please send an email HERE and let us know your NAME that was on the order, Your shipping address, Your order number. We can not get the status of your order with out these 3 things.
If you have other questions besides status of orders please call 1.800.536.2627 We will not be able to answer email, other than status orders at this address. Thanks.

5. I am an OSCI, and would like to order wholesale, where do I get the wholesale prices?
Instructions can be found in the most recent newsletter, viewable on the OSCI only portion of the website.

6. Is the shipping the same price as retail ordering?
No, if you are ordering wholesale you will be charge the actual cost of the shipping.

7. In my order I had defective products or my order was not complete, who should I contact about this?
Please call our ordering department at 1.800.536.2627



OSCI Questions

1. I am an OSCI, and I did not receive the latest copy of the newsletter how can I go about getting one?
The newsletter is available online on the OSCI only portion of the website, if you wouild like a printed copy please send a written request to
204 Hatteras Avenue, Clermont, FL 34711

2. I heard there is an OSCI website, how do I get there?
You can get to the OSCI website by logging into http://www.onestroke.com/OSCI

3. I do not have the password to get into the OSCI website, how can I get one?
By calling 1.800.536.2627, and verifying your OSCI status, you will be issued a username and password.

4. I have my username and password but it is not working, what am I doing wrong?
When you were given your username and password be sure that you put them in CAPITAL LETTERS, because that will make a difference when logging in. If you did do this, and still can not get in, be sure your browser is allowing you to accept cookies. If you are not sure of this, you will need to call your local internet service provider for this tech support on accepting cookies on your computer.

5. My name on the OSCI list, however the information listed is not correct or I have moved and would like it corrected. Who do I need to contact?
Please send an email HERE to have your address fixed on the OSCI listing.

6. How can I get my name on the OSCI list linked to my website?
You will need to refer to the OSCI website and read about the new OSCI WEBSITE PROGRAM.

7. What can I find in the OSCI website?
Here you will find the latest copy of the OSCI newsletter online, you will find new updates and announcements here. You can order OSCI only items here as well. We update this website often with information that needs to go out to our OSCI. We still send out our newsletter however to keep up with all the breaking news for OSCI this is the place you want to go to, and visit often.


Online Shopping

1. I do not like to order online, can a catalog be sent to me?
Yes, you can have a catalog send to you. Please call 1.800.536.2627 to request a catalog.

2. When I was shopping online, there was an error in my shopping cart, who should I contact about this?
Please send an email HERE and let us know what type of error you were receiving while you were shopping.

3. Can I order an item that has been discontinued?
We are afraid not. If the item is a discontinued item, we no longer sell it, and do not have it in back order. You can check your local craft store, or local OSCI to find out if they have it in stock.

4. I am looking for a particular project in a book, how can I find it?
In our book section online we have a picture of the back cover of our book which show what projects are in this book Please check them out. You can click on the pictures to enlarge it for better viewing. If you do not find the project you are looking for please email us HERE.