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!

Better get this done!

 OK, need to get this post done to make my two posts a month commitment!
I've been busy as those who follow my Twitter and/or Facebook know.
Making art. It's not great art but it is a completed piece and a collage and I like it.
If it gets into the student art show I'll be delighted. We'll see.
I learned things in the process, I guess that is important.
You'll notice I am not posting a photo of my art. It's Eve departing Eden so I m not sure that one little fig leaf is enough for my family style blog!
I did find a number of goodies to add to my blog prize. It's late so it will not be the best photo. I'm going to take one and put it here anyways, just cause. A comment on this post OR my prior post will enter you, one entry per person please. I think I'll draw the winner at the end of this week.

Yes, this cardstock, embellies, letters, oodles of buttons, bling and glitter will be added to all the items in the previous post!
I'm excited about a trip to Palm Springs later this month for a Shutter Sisters retreat. I am just learning the craft but think it will be exciting to take part. Seems like a fun group. I've already ordered a hot pink tutu with black sparkly overlay and a custom pair of Chuck Taylor's that I  intend to add photos to with some Shoe Attitude glue film. http://www.shoeattitude.com/ Loved that product when I saw it at CHA and have been anxious to try it out.
Feeling pretty good today. The last two weeks have been rough. Looking forward to a good week!
Wishing you all well. Hope you are enjoying Autumn. Take lots of photos the light is fantastic this time of year!

Last Day of Summer! Awesome Day!

 Yes, Gail, I've been overwhelmed. I just read your comment today, LOL!
As my twitter updated noted, it's all a bit much, though I love my classes.
Looks like I still have a chance of making my two blog posts a month commitment. I had hoped to increase my posting but think I've found a good spot. You can expect two posts and sometimes more.
Today, despite the fact that I am cleaning up my house (never a fave task), has been wonderful.
First:

Yes, the shuttle flew over my house today! Awesome!

Second: I have a blog prize for a lucky person.

This is just the start. Since I'm organizing, I'm sure I can add more goodies. Seems a bit stamp heavy; so, must find a few goodies to balance this out.
To enter, just leave a comment on this post. If I get more than 12 folk posting comments I'll add something special like a gift certificate to BPC.

I'd love to recommend May Flaum's Kit-tastic Class at Big Picture Classes. Just started and it looks as full of good info, personal attention and prizes as any other class from May has been!

Educational Challenges

 "What's this?", you say. Ah, I am going to try to take a couple of classes at the Junior College near my home. It may be that I'll drop one. It is certainly physically challenging. I have found myself walking across campus at a quarter of the pace of the young folk walking slowly and it looks like a race between the tortoise and the hare when a young person late for class speeds by me. I also spend an extraordinary amount of time plotting how I am going to decrease the weight of any items I am pulling or carrying. Just even the smallest weight can make my neck flare. Still, where there's a will there may be a way. I may need a scooter, or perhaps a motorized bike?
I really do have a passion for art and since one can make art any way one wants at one's own pace it is a pastime that can fit my life and capture my curiosity.
I admire the students who are taking on course loads with work and family obligations, too. One class best improve with time. The teacher is abrasive, and deliberately so, and the students seem unfocused and less than friendly. The teacher is knowledgeable and has some students who have taken other classes from him so I'm hoping his personality grows on one over time.
The other class has a new teacher who is still developing the class. He has a lot of experience in the field and does seem to have good teaching skills. The students are passionate and friendly. I'm very optimistic.
My limitations are the main thing I'm concerned about; but, we'll see.
I'd love to take more but I must be realistic! I'm hoping there are years ahead to learn. In fact, I think that a life long objective of learning is a worthy goal and one I acquired from my parents. Neither finished high school when young but both took a lot of classes later in life and Mom even got her GED and some junior college classes to become a kindergarten teacher - kindergarten not a part of the regular education system back then, so she did not need a degree.
Finding a life that is possible and fulfilling after being stopped by disability is challenging. I'm not giving up, though. It's the glass half full thing!
Well, enough essay today.
Our winner for the Club Scrap Kit was 'weze" - Louise. Congratulations! Have fun with that!
Stay tuned, there will be one last prize that I will post around Labor Day to finish up a summer of fun give-aways for you dear readers.
Who knows, I may have something interesting to wind up 2012, too!

To end, I wanted to give you another look at Gren Bay since the 49'ers and Packers are meeting this weekend. Oops, technical difficulties in Blogger downloading photos, I'll keep trying.
 Hmmm, afer the tour of Lambeau Field I may have enough interest to at least watch a game. We'll see!