Cupcake Art

 

A little color theory and a chance to paint a bit. Well, paint too much! Still learned a lot and met really nice people. I have decided I like painting though I think I'll approach it in a more leisurely fashion so I avoid all the neck pain that comes with deadlines!

For those who are curious, the color harmonies for the paintings are from right to left and top to bottom - split complementary, stippled effect, intensity (analogous), glaze on a grisaille, triad, earth tones, color value (monochromatic), power (complementary), neutralization and a glaze on a brunaille.

Note that I did the second to last in a complementary scheme of yellow-green and red-violet (18 color wheel). This color scheme made me think of Calvin's comments about desserts, "Poisonous". Guess what I named the painting, LOL! I like color theory and hope to study it more in the future but all I can think about now is Rest and Recovery!

All ready for the holidays, no special plans for gifts. Something simple I think. No grand social activities - just some pleasant times with friends and family.

Gradually, my house is getting organized. It's taken over 3 years now. Yes, I have not been barreling ahead at things - paperwork, in particular, is just too boring and overwhelming! Still, slow and steady can finish the race, sometimes even win it. 

I am managing to keep up the two blog posts at least per month pace that I've set for myself. Nonetheless, I'm going to give some holiday greetings and good wishes to all of you now even if i extend them again this season because I have so much happiness to wish for each and every one of you!

Winner! And a few random thoughts

 Tona, Random.org picked YOU as a winner of The Big A** Book of Bling. Send me your snail mail address and I'll mail it out next week.
 Thanks everyone for entering.
 Hmmm, need to think up something for a Xmas or New Year's give away.
 Why do I like to give things away? Well, Random Act of Kindness make me feel good.
 Have you ever paid for someone's groceries when you see them struggling to decide on what to take out of their basket and they look like they could use help? Do you give someone else your place in line? Do you tell a parent how well their child is behaving? Do you leave change on a park bench when you see a homeless person checking trash cans nearby with a note that says "Thought you might like this"? Do you see a Mom behind you in the fast food car line,obviously frazzled with the Xmas shopping and trying to get her kids calmed down, clearly there because she's just no time to cook - so, you pay her order before you move on to the pick-up window?  Yes, those are Random Acts of Kindness. Some cost nothing or next to nothing but they are all RAK's. A nice thing is when you can move on and still see the smiles.
 Of course, that is not necessary to feel good about your gift. Not everyone needs your help but small kindnesses do make feel people feel like someone cares.
 What kind of world is this if we are not kind one another? I think often about the comment of 2 billion years of evolution have resulted in this... We like to think of ourselves as so wonderful but loneliness, want, war are just three things that make me question just how wonderful we are, compared to what we could be.
 So, a little RAK is all I ask of you. A kind word, a door held open, let someone ahead in line. If you are fortunate enough to have much to be thankful for - then a little financial gift or donation. It's not world peace; but, it is something and we can hope at least a recipient or two might pass it on.
 Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy and be grateful for your blessings; and, be one, too!

a little too busy

Yes, I've been over-doing and that required some serious pain medication last night. Today, we (Angela Daniels, Laura Durrer, and I) took a lot of breaks on the trip back; so' I'm doing OK but will head to bed early.

Had a wonderful time in LA.
Mark Montano had a successful book launch for the Big Ass Book of Bling. Mark is just so creative and possibly one of the nicest people you could ever know! A wonderful host - he served up some flavored vodka drinks, which were a great hit, as was a delightful entertainer, Meiko. Buy his book! It's only $12 on Amazon. I am also offering a copy as a prize for one of the folk who comments on this blog post. Make sure there is a way to link back to you for you to be entered in the drawing. 
Met up with the Craft Ladies, Karen (Tiffany Anne Price) and Jane (Lauren De Long), check out their web show here http://www.craftupnicethings.com/ ; and the fabulous Jonathan Fong http://www.jonathanfongstyle.com/ who among many other accomplishments is a representative of that fabulous Shoe Attitude I used recently. Saw friends Kathy, Liz and Sheila and the silly and always fun Tami Bayer.

 Really enjoyed the fashion district of LA. Stacy and Terre from Spellbinders, who also attended Mark's party, joined us in the morning there. The fashion district is a bit visually overwhelming but so cool. Loved all the color and bling! Angela Daniels mothered me nicely, making sure I had water, nourishment and rest and she carried my stuff when I found it heavy. (Of course, it kept me from slowing her down too much!) In exchange, I gave her "princess" lessons! (You call the valet to order the car, you do not need to go down to request it). Great street food in the Alley. I loved my taquitos!

A real highlight was seeing my friend Nicole, who I had not seen in a couple of years, and catching up. Her son had just married the week before so I got to see wedding pictures, too! A very special and precious 40 year friendship!

I never heard from Glenna so have had to pick another winner. Mormor, you are a lucky women. I swear I've sent you at least two other prizes! I used a random number generator and tested it after to make sure it was working randomly - it is. You are just very lucky. (Yes, Mormor, you can enter my latest contest. Though I hope others will not be discouraged from entering. I do pick the winner randomly!) Send me your snail mail address, Mormor, and the package will be on its way.

Shoes are done

 

Attitude

Shoe Attitude to be exact. I have mentioned before how  much I love The Digi Show. Peppermint Granberg, the "regular" on the show is often asking for Pick of the Week suggestions. 
In the past I have suggested The Sensubrush http://www.sensubrush.com/ and this week on The Digi Show http://thedigishow.com/, Peppermint used my suggestion of Shoe Attitude http://www.shoeattitude.com/. 
I decided I'd best get these shoes started, not only because the event I'm attending is around the corner; but, because folks might be curious about what I'm doing with the product.
I'm just a hack, no designer here, but I did try something fun here. I love my Canon Xsi EOS Rebel http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras. I used a picture of the camera to make my custom photos in PSE10 poster edging and recoloring the image. I then took my square photos into Picasa and made a collage. Since pixilated image patterns are trendy right now I attempted something like that. It probably would be better if I'd reduced the intensity of some images but you get the idea. Did I mention I'm not a designer? Now, about those custom Converse Chuck Taylor's, head on over to the Converse site http://www.converse.com/#/landing/create and make yourself a pair! Really fun!
I've only completed the one side of the show 'cause I wanted to hurry up and post the fun but should have them done soon after I get this posted.

Some tips about Shoe Attitude:

The images print up well on an inkjet printer using a glossy photo paper setting. I used an Epson 810. You must use inkjet not laser. Shoe Attitude could ruin a laser printer.

Tried both the extra-strength glue stick (one included with 6 sheets of film) and a regular UHU glue stick. Definitely use the Elmer’s extra-strength glue stick. Works beautifully with the extra-strength glue stick, not very good with the regular glue. You need to get the glue stick coverage on fairly even – you can use your fingers once the glue’s down on the surface to which you will apply the film. I’d recommend starting with a small size project, maybe 4x6 at most though I think you could easily use the 8.5 x 11 once you get the hang of it.  The film adheres well and takes on the texture of the fabric beneath it. It need not be a fabric surface. Plastic, rubber, whatever glue stick to ought to work.The image is translucent so the color beneath will show. Obviously, it will not work well over a dark fabric. The entire surface and especially the edges need to be well glued for good adherence. Edges should be tucked so the film is not allowed to slip up over a ridge at an edge because that would likely not adhere well and then the image could peel away.

You can cut out an image before applying but you should not touch the glossy surface. I believe that Shoe Attitude basically has adhesive properties which are activated by the extra-strength glue stick to form the bond with the material to which you apply it.

You carefully peel off the backing from the film once you attach it. Once I started the edge, it peeled up easily. You can check your edges and press the film well into the fabric – a soft brush is recommended. I found it to be pretty tough though I suppose manhandling could stretch it. I just pressed it into the fabric with my finger. I got a few small wrinkles but again - start small and flat and your problems should be relatively nonexistent.

Hope you have fun with my suggestions. 

I'd like to mention that I learned about Shoe Attitude from Charity Wings' "Live from CHA". http://charitywingsnews.blogspot.com/ Charity Wings raises money for great causes through this event held at each CHA. It will be back again in January from Anaheim. Consider joining us - great charity, fun prizes from awesome manufacturers,new products, demos, just plain fun. Do join us!

Anyone know Glenna?

    Well, have not yet heard from the winner. If I do not hear by the end of the month will draw a new winner. I may restrict participants in the future to those who leave a means to contact them.
     So, what is new? I am participating in Lain Ehmann's October LOAD though I've not done a layout a day, I'm making a lot. And, drum roll, I'm doing it digi. I have now graduated from beginner to the know enough to be dangerous level and am hoping by the end of the month to solidly make it to intermediate.
I'll post some of my LO's here and my art pieces - which did not make it into the show. There were somewhere between 150 and 200 pieces submitted and it looks like about 30 accepted so I'm OK with it. My son, Joe, still likes my art. It was a good experience to understand how to submit work for a show.
    I have discovered some new things and I'm going to tease you a bit. What I mean by that is that I am a fan of "The Digi Show". Peppermint Granberg, the "regular" on the show, often struggles with a "pick of the week" and has asked listeners for suggestions. I tend to send my new finds to her just because I'm a loyal listener and I know the ideas will get a wide audience there. Shocking, I know, dear readers but their show might have a slightly bigger audience than this blog, LOL! So, listen next week because I have a feeling that one of my latest discoveries might make it as a pick!
    It looks like once again I'll make the at least two posts a month goal I've set for the year on this blog. Don't we all wish we just had more time?


Scrap pages

Art work

Glenna's the Winner

 Glenna - please send me your address details at poirierbrodekaren@gmail.com and Iwill get your prize in the mail.
Congrats!