Turning stamps into works of art

The life-size mannequin’s hand rests on a clear plastic pillow that is stuffed with thousands of perforated stamp edges saved by Familian’s assistant of 10 years, Maite Deen.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

A three-month exhibition of Familian’s fanciful designs has opened at the Los Angeles Craft & Folk Art Museum.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Familian shows a Times reporter her work space inside her home in Westwood. A lifelong stamp collector, she said she has always admired the designs printed on tiny gummed postage labels.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)