Learned how to do it!

OK, I sound a bit nervous on my clip. I also need to learn more about the recording process. However, I am very proud of myself as I did manage to learn how to use basic Cubase and Soundcloud.com. Two things I hadn't a clue about until 2 days ago.
Wonky left arms were not a major impediment, thank goodness!
I had a lot of fun! Learning new stuff is great.

Learning Curve & Bridge

Bridge - playing with the "Ladies" group tonight. I'll never be good. I'm not on a bridge curve, it's a bridge plateau. Friends in group tell me I'll be better if I play more. We shall see!
Now, using a microphone. That's another story. I got some great help tonight in setting up my new mike and recording program. Not that I'll be doing any fancy editting at this point; BUT, I think I'll try it.
Might be easier than learning to use the Wishblade and definitely easier than bridge.
May I put in a plug for Skip's Music here in Sacramento? Not only did I get help buying the product but wonderful one-on-one support in installing my recording software and advice on uploading my files. I've purchased Joe's guitars at Skip's and he takes lessons at the store, too. I'm a happy and satisfied customer.
Now if life can slow down a second I'll put all my new knowledge into practice (the Canadian in me wants to write "practise") and I'll record that missing audio audition!

Am I the one?

Paperclipping Roundtable http://www.paperclipping.com/roundtable/ has a contest to see what non-industry paper artist could contribute to the show. I LOVE scrapbooking and always have something to say; so, I may be that individual. My only relationship to the industry is a consumer and a fan. No scrapbook income, just LOTS of financial out-go.
I have learned a little about art and Scrapbook design but have never taken more than one actual art class, have never been published, nor have I ever been on a design team. BTW - Noell is a great design teacher (I LOVE Paperclipping Live). I also have taken a number of classes at BigPictureScrapbooking.com.
I do have a concern about this contest; in that, a written response is required. I think this is fine if one was asked to write an article but not to audition for a radio spot. Don’t you agree?
I made an audio file but have encountered technical difficulties. I’ll need to record tomorrow.

Audition Audio File

http://www.soundcloud.com/ladydoc/paperclipping-audition-3


Audition Transcript:

Hi, Noell. I’m Karen Poirier-Brode a non-industry scrapbooker. For this audition, I’ve chosen to discuss my scrapbook process, a recent paperclipping roundtable discussion topic. Unlike the artists you included on the show, I rarely use a photo or story as my starting point. I have thousands of photos and a talent for conversation. Frankly, I feel I can tell a story about anything.
I often start with an inspiration layout I’ve found on-line or in a scrapbook magazine (these magazines are unfortunately a dwindling resource). Sure, I sometimes do a straight scrap-lift. Though, I must admit, I ALWAYS tinker. What I usually do, though, is to start looking through my supplies, photos, etc. –with my inspiration in mind.
For example, I found a page I liked. It was a love story. The background was red and featured a photo of a father and his daughter embellished with hearts and ribbon. I was attracted to it because of a paint technique on the page. I also REALLY liked the basic design. As I rummaged my stash, I found a cool photo, shaped paper, and embellishments …Voila! the creative moment! My version of the layout is green, purple and blue and features a story about a restaurant in Ghana in the middle of a crocodile pond. No paint technique, not a story about love; but, the placement of the photo, ribbon and embellishments are similar in design to my inspiration and it’s a layout I like!
Hope you enjoy my process. Thanks for the chance to contribute to the show.

Finish Line Scrapbooking - Minibook Madness I

First part of another minibook I did recently. More follows.

Minibook Madness II

This is part 2 of the minibook I completed this past week. It features our trip north to visit family.
Got started at the Craft Supershow in Anaheim at Stacy Julian's class "Finish Line Scrapbooking". Had to leave the class to join the Fiskars Garden Party (appropriately attired as the Fiskateer rapper "Ladydoc", may I add). However, Stacy has the class on her blog so I was able to pick up where I left off in SoCal. I appreciate the in-person parts of the class I attended as they added so much to my understanding of the project. At least I think it did, as I am very happy with how this turned out!

My Valentine's Minibook

Gave this to Cal for Valentine's Day. Used a kit from Scarlet Lime and added designed some matching inside left pages. It was fun to put together. Loved using the SEI "Juliette" paper and the Kaiser Craft wooden book. It was a fun weekend! This minibook captures a bit of it.

Happy Valentine's Day

My Valentine's Day gift from Cal. We went to Ports and Chocolates at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg yesterday. I'm not much of an alcohol drinker but I do like port when I have some. Cal bought these small bottles and the box of Valentine's truffles. Great chocolate from the chocolate shop right next door to us in Town and Country Village shopping center. Never went in there - now that we know how good the chocolate is I guess we'll have to stop by! Their web site also mentions European style gelato. Yum!!
We also had a decadent early dinner at Leatherby's. Probably do not have to eat for a week. The free rootbeer float had glacial sized amount of vanilla ice cream. Hmmm, must be the delightful warm weather this weekend that has me obsessed with ice cream?
Beautiful day! Spent the morning with Joe, Cathy and Amanda. Had a fun breakfast at Denny's. They brought us a pretty red tulip plant. The daffodils and apricot trees are blooming and we still have some pretty camellia flowers. I think I should post a few photos on FB.