Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Sinceiwas12 Gallery Artist Interview by The New Bullcatcher

the indigo metallic turns the light elastic bending against the shamshir unsheathed with the intention to inflict rotund harm. perspiration freckles this gauntlet of geometric vehemence harvested in the sterile Kitsatchie of armed heathens. the bavarian oak splinters due to the velocity of distain but Overstreet Ducasse and Frederick Holmes of sinceiwas12 gallery lean their alkaline torsos against the gate of lethargy entrance.


Express your sentiments regarding the role of technology in parallel to the primordial modus operandi of tangible hand application.
Frederick: When an individual is purchasing a home it exemplifies the spirit of technology due to the expedient electronic transactions that were processed for the said homeowner to satisfy the the criteria to close the deal.It's a paramount and necessary component in the exact way that purchasing original visual pieces for that home speak to the applied humanity of hand crafted material. Both are symbiotic in melding the cerebellum and physiology.
Overstreet: That is a question for photographers. Visual artist gave up that fight a long time ago, ironically around the time the camera was invented. A whole new style of art was created because of the cameras ability to capture realism. I am sure visual artist who were painting photo realism were not pleased. Then, it transpired to the box control camera of the late 1800's to the digital camera of today, which troubled the 'real' photographers. As a mix media artist, I use a assortment of technology in my paintings, from magazine and newspapers to led lights and clock radios. Ultimately, I feel that artists should learn and respect the basic principals of hand application, yet utilize technology to create current thoughts and ideas.

What is the ideal paradigm for philanthropic institutions as a partner with artisans to assist in proliferating prosperity especially ones with an esoteric or cavalier approach?
Frederick: Institutions need to allocate more capital for artist who address the social fringe sensibilities that's marginalized by the corporate influences who've infiltrated the non-profit fellowship grant distribution.The artisans who dwell in the modern wilderness of a fertile imagination are the ones feed the stoic museum industry. 
Overstreet: One of the problems facing philanthropic institutions and artists is the lack of respect for what each side is bringing to the table. The institution provides opportunities in funding and space whereas the artist provides the creativity, exposure, and awareness. But, when money is involved, an institution may have a hidden agenda, which could hinder the artists freedom of creative expression. However, the agenda of the artist could contradict the ideals of the institution, which may or may not be beneficial to either. In a perfect world, an institution would pursue artists who share a mutual respect and understanding for their goals and values, and vice versa. In my own personal experience, I was fortunate to receive free consultation from an established law firm that specialized in intellectual property and had a vested interest in the arts.

What genetic hybrid would be the most pragmatic and formidable guard animal on a jungle excursion and why?
Frederick: To thwart mosquitoes and tangle with the Lions , Tigers, and Lawyers I choose a flying Iguana Mongoose.The mongoose imbibes cobras by the way.
Overstreet: I would choose two monkeys because two monkeys are better than one. But, in taking this question seriously, I would select the lion and toucan as my genetic hybrid. The lion is known to be the king of the jungle and is very aggressive on offense and defense and is known to protect its young. Mixing that with a toucan will create a more colorful and creative personality, so you wont have to rely on aggression as the first defense. You can also fly away if you don't want to be bothered.

Are you biologically predisposed to visual artistry or did your socio-economic environment form a conduit of escapism through this medium?

Frederick: My medium chose me from a metaphysical context that wasn't necessarily genetic based. 
Overstreet: As much as I would like to believe that I am special, no one is born an artist. I believe that anyone is capable of accomplishing anything with time and dedication. It's the age old question of Nature vs. Nurture. However, art is a subjective craft, which should not be judged by specific guidelines or rules. One cannot measure art as if it was a race. It is clear to determine the winner of a foot race, but impossible for all to agree on the artist who receives best in show. The only thing that may differ amongst people is style and individuality as well as the distance of time it would take each individual to create the same task. We have a habit of telling children that they can accomplish anything when they are young, so it makes no sense as an adult with more knowledge, wisdom, understanding, experience and resources, to tell them differently.

What is the future context of your form of creation that will foster qualitative progression?
Frederick:  Take the fiscal parasites who have no dimensional understanding of artistry and make them walk the plank baby! There will be authentic evolving of our discipline or industry after that transpires. 
Overstreet: If you visit the inner city school system, you will find students there who have no interest in history or statistics, but are able to tell you everything about their favorite athletes, including place of birth, the high school and college he graduated, the first team he played for, and the scores he accumulated during that time. Further more, they can pick up the news paper, and break down the sports section.

My point is that people are very selective with their areas of interest and will learn everything possible about the subjects that interest them.

The primary reason for moving to Jacksonville initially was to assist my sister who is a chiropractor. At first I had very little interest in what she did. But when it was time to decorate her office, she commissioned me to do several paintings. As I was working on one of the paintings, she noticed me painting 3 random numbers on the canvas. She suggested that I use the numbers 7, 12, and 5 instead. When I asked her why, she responded that those 3 numbers represented the lumbar, thoracic and the cervix, which represent the upper, mid, and lower section of the spine. That bit of information massively inspire me to not only create a new series but it also encouraged me to learn more in her field, which was later reflected in my art.

So the interest in art, music and sports is very relevant to science, history, and mathematics. Some of the best artists don’t just use freehand gestures but incorporate a lot of mathematics. There is a science behind the color red and yellow turning orange. There is a history in Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and the graffiti you see on the streets.

So as an artist who is interested in the future of our children, I am faced with the challenge of encouraging programs that combine art, music, and sports with science, math, and history, because those programs are essential for creating balance in education.

SinceIWas12 Facebook

Interviewed by contributor The New Bullcatcher.
Click HERE to read past interviews.

Kickstarter.com embraced by 'Fit For Rivals' for album funding

I just saw that local band 'Fit For Rivals' started a Kickstarter page to help fund the production for their next album. While I am new to their music, I can say they sound good and that it's awesome they took the web to keep it alive.

'SUNBEARS!' as you may know did and overreached their pledged goal of $8,000 with $9,555. I would love this idea to be applied to other local bands or projects that maybe aren't even well known. Embrace what resources you can!

If you wanted to help back the album you have about a month to do so in this way.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1670065336/help-fit-for-rivals-make-their-next-album

Let's Get Nautical!

I've been having fun today making cards with my new stuff!!  It arrived on Friday and it just seems one thing or the other kept getting in my way to create.  This morning I drove to town and got my hair cut and when I returned, I was ready!!



I'm loving the Nautical Expedition paper and had a hard time cutting into it!!  But as a friend told me today, I can always buy another pack!!  I need to keep that in mind.  I also received the Beyond the Garden DSP yesterday and ooh, la, la!!  It is gorgeous.



 This card uses The Open Sea stamp set and a small piece of the Nautical Expedition DSP!!

  • Paper:   Naturals White, Night Of Navy, Nautical Exp. DSP

  • Ink:   Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler

  • Stamps:  Word Play, The Open Sea

  • Punches:   Circle Punches - 1" and 1 1/4"

  • Accessories:  twine, Bakers Twine, Big Shot with Two Tags Die, Blue Eyelet, Red Brads, sponge daubers



These cards are the same except for the sentiment and the button and brad at the top.I stamped the sails onto white card stock and cut them out and stamped the red boat onto a piece of Cherry Cobbler and cut it out.  I raised them up with dimensionals.

  • Paper:   Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake

  • Ink:   Espresso

  • Stamps:  Sail Away; Sanded Background stamp, Teeny Tiny Wishes

  • Accessories:  Button, Twine, Distressing Tool, Large Grommet; Baker's Twine

Guess you notice the strong resemblance of the Sail Away cards with my Monday Mailer from Becky????  She inspired me.  These will be offered to my stamp club gals on Thursday.



Sunday, May 15, 2011

Butterfly, Butterfly

I've been on a butterfly quest today!  Over the past few months, I've seen a lot of Butterfly Easel Cards on different sites.  I always thought they were pretty but never was inspired to make one .... until today.  And I made three different ones today.   The cards are made using Stampin' Up's Butterfly Die and the Big Shot.





This is the side view. 


This is the smallest butterfly easel card.  I used Rich Razzleberry cardstock and ran it through an embossing die.



This one is a the largest butterly.
This card uses Pink Passion (retired) and some DSP that Judy gave me.




I made a card and incorporated the easel butterfly into it.  I slid the easel portion behind the Top Note.  This is going to be a club card this week.  The card base is Elegant Eggplant.  The butterflies are made with Eggplant, River Rock and Melon Mambo which were run through different embossing folders.




Saturday, May 14, 2011

Logo Design Guru

Can you imagine being able to name your own price for the design you want? Much like Priceline or Ebay, Logo Design Guru allows you to name the price you are willing to pay for your designs. 

Some online companies may charge between $100 and $500 for a handful of logo design concepts. Marketing firms may charge thousands of dollars to brand your company. Logo Design Guru allows you to post a project for only $179, and you will receive an average of 50 graphic design concepts.
In addition, at most companies, you pay them, and HOPE to see a logo that you like. With Logo Design Guru, you post the amount you want to pay, and THEN the designers will upload concepts. If you don’t like any, you can walk away.

Money Back Guarantee.*
What if you don’t like any of the designs? Simply pay the small project fee and walk away.
No risk to you.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Monday Mailers for May 2011

Sorry there was no post yesterday.  Blogger was down last night so I wasn't able to post anything.  It's gotten pretty warm here .... well warm for us anyway - in the 80's.  I finally couldn't stand it any more and switched on our A/C yesterday - mainly because of the humidity.  We've had some rain this week and the air is really thick outside now.  I know my Texas friends wouldn't consider our temps as hot nor would Ashley where it is already in the 90's in Mosul.  Luckily, Ashley has been able to get a vehicle so she is not having to walk everywhere she goes.  They will be moving her clinic in the next few weeks and she tells me it will be about 1 1/2 miles from her living quarters so the vehicle will definitely come in handy!  Her attitude has not been the greatest since she returned from her R&R and I think she is marking off the days with a vengence!  August can not get here quick enough for her.  Most of the people she has been working with in the clinic have left by now and she has a new staff.  She is the only one of the medical staff that ended up having to stay for a year - the rest only had a 6-month rotation so that is not sitting well with her ... coupled by some respect issues she is running into.


Just a quick comment about American Idol before I share my cards.  I was quite shocked last night when James was voted off!!  When they announced it, Lauren and Scotty were upset, and Haley almost had a smirk on her face.  James sang one last song for us and kissed his wife in the crowd.  I thought James' performance on Wednesday night was the best of the night.  I put a lot of the blame on the 3 judges.  These judges have done a huge misjustice to the contestants by not being truthful in their comments. They seem to be afraid to step on anyones toes by giving them a bad review. All they can do it seems, is praise them, even though at times, some of the performances were horrid!!!..... Then the voters vote accordingly it seems to me.  I think the voting procedure needs to be restructured. The title is Scotty's to lose now.  I thought  it would be between Scotty and James for the final two.  Both were true to themselves and stood out each week. Biggest shock to me since Chris Daughtry went out in week 4 several years ago.  But, Durbin is better off not winning ... just like with Daughtry, the people who will buy his music are more likely to accept him now.
One more thing - Last night they showed a Steven Tyler video...so this year has been odd, videos by J-Lo, video by Steven, a book by Steven, makes ya wonder who they were marketing, the Idols or the judges? Just sayin' that's all.

OK - stepping off my Idol soapbox!



Here are the Monday Mailers so far this month:






Paper Pieced Sock Monkey - The first card I mailed to Tina.



  • Paper:   Whisper White, Pacific Point, Real Red; Celebrations DSP 

  • Ink:   Black

  • Stamps:  Loads of Love; Sock Monkey, Sock Monkey Accessories

  • Punches:   Circle Punch - 1 3/8" and 1 3/4"

  • Accessories:  Buttons, Red Grosgrain Ribbon; Celebrations Accents; Stampin' Dimensionals




Printed Petals - Card #2 to Tina



  • Paper:   Whisper White, Real Red; Sahara Sand; Daffodil Delight; Pear Pizazz

  • Ink:    Real Red

  • Stamps:  Printed Petals; Oval All

  • Punches:   Ovals; Bird Punch

  • Accessories:  Scallop Square Sizzix Die, Antique Brad; Finial Press Emb. Folder




Card being opened



Card completely opened.




Card #1 received from Becky
 Isn't this card the greatest?!!  I just love it.  She cut the boat out separately and popped it up with dimensionals.  This is the single stamp in the Summer Mini on page 11 - Sail Away






Card #2 from Becky









This DSP speaks for itself!  This is the paper on page 23 of Summer Mini - Beyond the Garden.






Becky sent me 2 cards this week - she didn't think the 1st card (Beyond the Garden DSP) was good enough!







This is a great card also.  I wasn't going to argue with Becky - I loved receiving both cards but it wasn't necessary!!  Don't you love how she punched the bird using the DSP (sneak peek - Paisley Prints).

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Final Four Idols

Lots of drama last night as the final four perform hoping to be the TOP THREE next week!  The big prize - the hometown visit - is at stake this week.  They are all headed home, but only three will return to perform next week.  This theme week is a double bonus.  Phase #1 is Songs That Inspire You.  Phase #2 is songs by Leiber and Stoller mentored by Lady GaGa. 




James starts out singing "Don't Stop Believing"  He did a good job and as usual, all the judges ate it up and loved it.


Haley sang an unknown song written by Michael Jackson - The Earth Song.  Wow, did she get the judges stirred up!!  Randy pretty much hated it; J-Lo thought it was not a good song choice; and Steven loved it!  Haley pretty much gave them a major dose of attitude.  I can’t see Haley surviving, and she would be wrong to put all the blame on the judges. Haley has shown in flashes that she is an amazing vocalist and her duets with Casey were highlights of the show. Very much at risk this week.


Scotty sang the 9/11 song, "Where Were You"   He did a good job and got a little emotional.  Scotty gets points for smart song choice. Scotty is only 17 and will be a country legend at some point. Cheryl Crow said it best when she said she can't wait for him to get to Nashville. This young man is the whole package and I can hardly wait for his CD’s and concerts.


Lauren sang "Anyway"  She started out rough but her vocals got much better.  I didn't care for her outfit but of course, Steven did!  The judges loved her.


At the break, Ryan asked JLo who won Round One.  As has happened all year, she wouldn't commit.  But Randy speaks up and picked James, Scotty and Lauren and told Haley she needed to step up her game.  Another attitude moment for Haley!


The second round is mentored by Lady GaGa.  OMG!!  Can't wait to see what advice she gives Scotty!!


First up is Haley singing "I Who Have Nothing"  I love her dress!!  She pulled out the stops on this one .... good for her!!  She got a standing ovation!!  It was one of the best performances of the year.  Like they say, she is in it to win it!!  I’m glad that she finally got the props she deserves.  However, it all feels a little “day late dollar short” from this judging panel.




Scotty sings "Young Blood"  by The Coasters.  His performance was great but I sure wouldn't have picked that song!  But he was very comfortable on stage and you got to see two sides of him.  The thing I noticed in this performance is Scotty appears to be perfecting his stage presence.  The vocal was just another Scotty status quo, but I see growth in his performance.  I think Lady GaGa was a little too way out for Scotty!! 


Lauren sings "Trouble"  After Lauren’s appearance in the bottom 2 last week, she needed to pull out the big guns, and neither of her performances really did it for me tonight.


James sings The Clovers, "Love Potion."  
He gets the props for best stage performance, I will give him that. But he has to be careful because there are always bum notes from him when he gets too excited and jumping around the stage.  And he never gets called on this.  But I will give him credit for the entertainment factor. 


This is a tough week to predict. There’s no clear loser or winner this week. The judges were terribly hard on Haley, so that could send her home. I mean they’re clearly trying to achieve that, especially Randy. But she’s picked up so many fans during the past couple weeks. Lauren was in the bottom 2 last week, so she may be the most obvious person to go home. BUT her fans could’ve been scared into voting after her bottom finish last week. So maybe Haley will actually go home. Or maybe something crazy will happen and James will leave. Nah. It’ll be Lauren or Haley.



Doggy Photo Day with Allison Shamrell Photography at 3 Dogs & a Chick


Saturday, May 28 · 8:00am - 6:00pm
3 Dogs and a Chick
130 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE
Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Allison Shamrell Photography will officially be INVADING 3 Dogs & A Chick for mini-sessions at the end of this month!

That’s right, you can sign up now for a time slot on Saturday, May 28th to get photos of your precious dogs! Here’s what you can look forward to:

~ 30 minutes of session time with Allison, which will be spent capturing the personality of your dog(s) in a fun, no-stress, non-posed way!

~ That’s enough time to result in at least fifteen images you’ll want to frame. I guarantee it. (Probably more, but I like to under-promise and over-deliver.)

~ Completely amazing backgrounds to work with: the spacious park and dock area behind 3 Dogs & A Chick, the cute courtyard of the shop’s previous location, and a studio backdrop inside. Basically, more variety than you’ll be able to handle.

~ A private, password-protected online gallery of your images, so you can look them over dozens of times before deciding on your favorites.

~ A hands-on look at the entire product line- there’s so much more than prints! You’ll see everything Allison has to offer.

~ 20% off all of these products for timely orders!

~ A custom video slideshow

~ As many phone conversations, emails, video chats, and letters-by-pigeon as you need to determine what’s best for your house and lifestyle. I want to give you something you absolutely love – and nothing less!

Since this is half the time of The Beagle Package, it’s also half the price. $65 will get you everything listed here, plus an 11×14 print and digital image of your favorite photo! Those two goodies alone are a $55 value… do the math!

To make an appointment: call 3 Dogs & A Chick at 850.243.7297, email nicole@3dogsandachick.com or stop by in person.

Grab your time slot today, before they’re gone! (Can’t make it on Saturday? Call the shop anyway, and let them know you’d like to be placed on the waiting list if Sunday opens up. With enough interest, I’ll be there Sunday as well.)

And of course you can contact me with any questions you have. My email address is allison@allisonshamrell.com and I can’t wait to hear from you!

To view photography samples, please visit http://www.allisonshamrell.com/!

Downtown Ladies Night @ Amy's Attic


Thursday, May 12th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Please stop by for a glass of wine or a cocktail and enjoy some special treats provided by my fellow Downtown Merchants.

There will be door prizes, including a drawing for a handmade Persian rug!





Billy Bowlegs Schedule




Home   History   Vendor   Schedule   Parade   Sponsors   Photos   Store   Contact

Preliminary Schedule

Thursday, June 2
4:00 – 7:00 pm - Pirate Walk in Downtown FWB (trick or treating, pirate style!)
Sponsored by the FWB Downtown Merchants
5:00- 7:00 pm Capt. Billy’s Block Party (Ferry Road between Highway 98 and1st Street).
Music by Sounding Rick
5:30 pm- Kid’s costume contest at Fountain Square (196 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE)
6:00 pm- Pirate pet parade at 3 Dogs and a Chick (130 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE)
6:00 pm- Billy Bowlegs Pub Crawl. Dine and drink with the Krewe and other ne’er-do-wells. 
Grog, grub, and goodies. (Call Fokker’s Sports Pub – 850-244-6666.)

Friday, June 3
3:00 pm- Festival Opens: Celebrate with the Bilge Pumps' Opening Ditty 'Welcome Aboard!' 
There will be pirate performers throughout the afternoon. Be sure to wander the Pirate 
Village for grub, grog, and goodies! (Main Stage)
4:00 pm- DJ Zoran with tunes for dancin' and singing' (Main Stage)
5:00 pm- "Act 4 Murder" (Main Stage)
5:30 pm- Rhode Island Pirate Players Pirate Trial (Main Stage)
6:15 pm- DJ Zoran (Main Stage)
7:30 pm- Reconnaissance Landing by Capt. Billy Bowlegs LVI & his Krewe. 
Best seats for the event are on the grassy knoll in front of the Main Stage. 
There will be ropes in front of the battlefield to protect onlookers from being shot in case weapons are drawn! All onlookers MUST stay behind the ropes.
7:50 pm- The Bilge Pumps (Main Stage)
8:30 pm- Fireworks at the Landing
8:50 pm (Approx.)- Movie on the Green: "Hook", Presented by Uptown Station. 
(Bring your lawn chairs or hammocks to spare your bum!)

Saturday, June 4
10:00 am- The Bilge Pumps open the day's festivites at the Main Stage
11:00 am- DJ Zoran (Main Stage)
11:30 am- High Steppers (Small Stage)
Noon- Rhode Island Pirate Players Pirate Trial (Main Stage)
12:45 pm- DJ Zoran (Main Stage)
2:00 pm- Kasba Dancers (Main Stage)
2:30 pm- The Bilge Pumps (Main Stage)
3:30 pm- DJ Zoran (Main Stage)
4:00 pm- Pirate Skirmish between Capt. Billy Bowlegs and Mayor Mike and the Militia.
 Best seats for the skirmish are on the grassy knoll in front of the Main Stage. 
There will be ropes in front of the battlefield to protect onlookers from being shot in case weapons are drawn! All onlookers MUST stay behind the ropes. Come see if Cap'n Billy can take control of our fair city or will the Mayor prevail with his Militia and new Pirate crew, the Pirates of the Emerald Coast?
4:30 pm- Rhode Island Pirate Players Pirate Trial (Main Stage)
7:00 - 9:00 pm- The Bilge Pumps (Main Stage)
9:00 pm- Festival Closes (See you next year!)

The Landing, 139 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Notes from North West Florida Arts Association

Our art festival - 2011 NWFLAA Fall Festival of the Arts - has been scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 2011, 9am-5pm, at the Landing, Fort Walton Beach. The applications are due by Saturday, October 8. Check the website to downloadthe application.  www.nwflaa.com

We are also looking for festival sponsors. Email me for details: nwflaa@gmail.com

Also - the festival poster contest is ongoing. Entries are due by Monday, August 1. The winner receives $50 and a free booth space at the festival. Download the entry form from the website.
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We are still collecting empty printer ink cartridges for recycling. Drop them off at the Art Lair.
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Don't forget to drop off your entries for the "Stuck in Monochrome" gallery show on Saturday, May 14, 10am-1pm.
The reception is Friday, May 20.
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We are finalizing dates for the following classes/workshops for the summer - stained glass, drawing fundamentals,color & design, cartooning, painting, advanced drawing, and more. These classes will be posted on the website in the next few days.
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The photo group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays every month.
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Book Group is meeting on Thursday, May 26 at 6pm. This month's book is "Master of Shadows"
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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Carolina Cigars- Grand Opening this Friday


Don't forget our GRAND OPENING 

Carolina Cigars Grand Opening
Light Hors d'Å“uvres
including
Truffles, Preserves & Sapor
Wine Tasting
Celebration
 
Friday, May 13
6:00 - 9:00 pm
 Carolina Cigars on the Coast

"We hope that you can join us in our official Grand Opening. We have been delighted in your response to our new store and hope that you come share this great night and all the days to come!"

**Don't forget, no wine tasting Thursday in lieu of Downtown Ladies Night, hosted by Amy's Attic** 

MDS & Hybrid Cards from Summer Mini

My Summer Mini goodies won't arrive until Friday.  I can't wait!!  In the meantime, I bought a few of the images for My Digital Studio.  That is such a good way to get the images for a low price - usually under $5.  The following cards are made either totally with My Digital Studio or by printing off the images and making the card with the printed images.
This card uses the printed image.  I printed the ship from The Open Sea in Not Quite Navy.   The background paper is also from My Digital Studio.  The card is Cherry Cobbler.  I used my distressing machine (that Marianne gve me) to fray the edges of the card.


This card was made in My Digital Studio.  See how the ship is smaller?  I like it that you can manipulate the size of the images in MDS.



This is a hybrid card .... I printed out the surfboards and shells from MDS and made the card.  I tore the Crumb Cake cardstock and stamped it with my Itty Bitty Background stamp.  The surfboards are printed in Peach Parfait, Wild Wasabi and Melon Mambo and match my background paper great!  The DSP is from an old stack that I had in my stash of paper.


This card was done totally with My Digital Studio.  I love the combo of Melon Mambo and Bermuda Bay (which is a retired color).


The Summer Mini catalog offers an express version of My Digital Studio.  Read about it HERE.  Anyone who purchases My Digital Studio Express can always add the full content available later by purchasing the My Digital Studio Express Booster Pack, adding $500 worth of content.

National Scrapbook Month

In honor of National Scrapbook Month, I did a few pages today.  I used My Digital Studio to make these pages using pictures from our recent trip.  I am going to make it a goal to do several pages each week.































Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Happy Birthday to a Special Boy

Yesterday was my niece's son's birthday.  Jacob turned 8 yesterday.  Wow!  Hard to believe she has a child that old!  Melinda (my niece) is the same age as Ashley and lives in Texas.  I've kind of become her second mother since my sister passed away and hate that we are so far away from them.  She has done a great job raising her two boys.  Jacob is the most polite and mature eight year old you will ever meet.  Hope he enjoyed his card as much as I did making it .... and the treat tucked away inside!



I swear it took me almost a whole day to make this card but it was worth it!!  I love it.  I sponged a lot on this card - the sky, the grass, and the cupcakes. 



  • Paper:   Whisper White, Brillant Blue, Bashful Blue, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Peach Parfait

  • Ink:   Black; Soft Suede; Real Red, Always Artichoke

  • Stamps:  Bugs and Kisses, Party Hearty, Tart and Tangy (cherry); Watercolor Minis (for grass)

  • Punches:   Tag Punches

  • Accessories:  Stampin’ Sponges,  Dimensionals,  1/4" Circle Punch; Crimper; Pearl Pen (Viva); Scallop Punch

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all you mother's out there are having an enjoyable day and were able to spend it with your children.  I got to talk to my daughter this morning and she wished me a Happy Mother's Day.  Unfortunately, didn't hear from my son.  I didn't expect to but one can hope, can't she?



We met my sisters and my mom in Mooresville this afternoon and had a great day.  We had lunch at Sonny's BBQ where mom's ate free so that was nice.  Then we went over to a new wing restaurant that had opened to try out their desserts.  We all had chocolate chip cookies with chocolate sauce and ice cream served warm in a small frying pan .... except for Sonny who had fudge brownie with ice cream.  Needless to say, I think we all needed wheelbarrows to roll us out!!  Sonny won't have to worry about finding something for us for dinner that's for sure!



Now that I have given all my Mother's Day cards out, I can share the last ones that I gave to some special mothers locally.



 This is a 5 1/2" square card that I made for Brenda at Stamper's Alley.  I used the big flowers from the SU Sizzix Die (Flower Fold) in Melon Mambo and Regal Rose DSP.  The spinner wheel is from the Occasions Mini (Take A Spin).  I sure hope this stamp set makes it into the big catalog this summer!  The leaves are petals that I ran through my crimper.  I also pierced the card all along the edges.

This card I made for my Mom.  She kept fingering the flower trying to figure out how I made it!   If you missed the directions, you can find them HERE.

This is the card I made for my sister - in purple of course!!  The stamp set is Because I Care, a Level 1 Hostess set.  The card is Concord Grape.  The Certainly Celery pieces sticking out of the sides of the Top Note is the Curly Label punch cut in half.

 This card is the same as Marianne's (above) EXCEPT for the flower!!  I CASE'd this flower from Kristeen Gill whom I came across while blog-surfing.  I love this card but it will probably not be one I make again or any time soon!  It would also need a special box to send it.  Luckily, I was delivering this one to my neighbor and friend, Judy so just put it in a cello bag and took it to her.



For the flower, I cut a syrofoam ball in half and sanded the bottom to get it as smooth as possible.  I punched a bunch of small flowers with the Itty Bitty Shapers Punch Set.  (I just got these punches and don't know what I did before!!)  I sponged the flowers with Baja Blue.  To get them to curl up, I used my stylus and a piece of foam and pressed the flowers in the middle.  Then I sponged the tips in Marina Mist.  I inserted them into the styrofoam ball with straight pins with the pearl heads.  I had to cut about half of the pin off with wire snips because they were too long.  Oh - I also put a layer of  glue on the styrofoam ball before inserting the pins to make sure they would stick.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Mothers Day Cards

I've been busy the past few days working on my Mother's Day cards.  I don't know why I always wait until the last minute to do these things!!  Oh well, makes life interesting!



Supplies:

  • Paper:  Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Whisper White

  • Ink:  Melon Mambo

  • Stamps:  Medallion, All Holidays

  • Dies:  Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Elegant Bouquet & Tulip Embossing Folders

  • Accessories:  Stampin’ Sponges,  Dimensionals, 1 3/4" Circle Punch

Supplies:

  • Paper:  Whisper White, Springtime Vintage DSP (retired), Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi


  • Ink:  Cherry Cobbler

  • Stamps:   All Holidays


  •  Accessories:  Bird Punch, non SU punch, XL Oval Punch, Sponge Daubers




Notice how I cut away the top of the Label Punch to simulate a vase!
Supplies:

  • Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzaz, Whisper White


  • Ink: Black, Markers:  Pear, Cherry Cobbler

  • Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes; Four Frames


  • Punches: Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Bird Punch, 3/4" Circle


  • Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Cutter Kit (for distressing), Pearls




This is the paper that you could have ordered last month.  It will be in the 2011-12 catalog.



Supplies:

  • Paper:   River Rock, Bravo Burgundy, Paisley Petals DSP


  • Ink:  Bravo Burgundy

  • Stamps:  All Holidays


  • Dies:  Spellbind


  • Accessories:   Daubers, Rhinestones

Supplies:

  • Paper:    Whisper White, Peach Parfait, non SU DSP


  • Ink:  Peach Parfait

  • Stamps:   All Holidays

  • Punches:  XL Oval, Bird Punch


  • Accessories:  Stampin’ Sponges,  Dimensionals, 




This is a non-SU card that I watercolored with my markers and used Stickles for sparkle!

Burro Bar Grand Opening, May Art Walk 2011


Click image to see the photo set. Photos by Tom P.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Idol - Top 5 - 2011

Only five left! We’re getting down to the wire. I’m always a little bit sad when a season of American Idol draws to a close, how about you? I was excited that they each got to perform twice last night. There were some surprises, and I found myself disagreeing with the judges a few times. 



Sheryl Crow was the guest mentor and the theme was “Now and Then” — they each sang a current song and one from the 1960s.   I really didn't think Sheryl Crow added much to the night!



James sang Closer to the Edge.   His voice got lost in the background music or something.   The other singers didn’t sound like that. It was weird, but the judges loved it so I have to assume it sounded better live. He was good and I'm starting to think he has a good shot at winning this thing.



Jacob sang No Air. I love this song, but not on Jacob, and the judges felt the same way. They kept telling him it’s about finding the right song.  Jacob is getting a little old for me.  Let's see what he does with his second song.



Lauren sang Flat On the Floor.  I think she could have taken it further, but it was a great fit for her voice and she did a respectable job with it.



Scotty was in his element last night singing Gone.  He reminded me why we all fell in love with him to begin with. It was playful, he was working the stage like an old pro, and it showed his vocal range. I thought he really took his performance power up a notch last night.



Haley sang an unreleased Lady Gaga song, You and I. The judges thought she was taking a risk by doing an unknown song and criticized her but I actually thought it was pretty impressive. I particularly enjoyed the first half.   I thought it really showcased her voice. Haley’s come a long way and I thought the judges were a bit harsh.   And maybe they were right on, but if so, then they were too easy on a lot of the other performances. Sometimes I think the judges are deliberately trying to sway the audience to vote for the ones they want to see make it to the end.



Round Two kicked off with James’ emotional performance of Without You.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, or in my chair!   Despite that, the vocals weren’t his best and I can’t help but remember former Idol hopefuls who went home before their time because of one unfortunate performance. I hope James isn’t in danger tonight.



Jacob sang Love Hurts, and while the judges loved it, I thought it was way too… Jacob. The beginning was lovely but by the end I was hoping that Jacob goes home tonight.   I think his time has come.



Lauren sang Unchained Melody, and I’m surprised the mentors let her get away with that. It is just way over used and while parts of it were beautiful, she brought nothing new to it despite the judges saying “there’s nothing to judge.” WHAAA??? Cop out. I think they just didn’t want to be negative. Simon would have been all over that.



Scotty sang Always On My MindAnother solid performance and a wise song choice for him. It was totally different from his first song, and like the judges said, it gave us a taste of what a Scotty concert might be like.  I think he secured himself a place in the final four.



Haley closed the show with House of the Rising Sun, which I thought was fantastic. She’s been growing on me in recent weeks, and this clinched it.  She made the song her own.



Best Performer of the Night: Scotty

Bottom Two: Jacob and Haley or James

Going Home: Jacob

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

I Made A Quilt!!

Well .... a Quilt Card!  My sister is the quilt maker in the family.  I followed a tutorial over on Splitcoast Stampers for making a quilted card and was quite pleased with the end result! 



I used pieces of DSP from the Saleabration catalog and Tangerine Tango, Pink Passion (retired) and Tempting Turquoise cardstock.  The ribbon is also from Saleabration.  After putting the "quilt" together, I ran it through the Big Shot with the Finial Press embossing folder.



Here is a picture of my fishermen!  They went out on Lake Norman on our boat on Friday but didn't even get a bite so they didn't have any fish on their lines to show you!



I got a call yesterday from the Red Cross about going to Alabama  for two weeks to help out with the storm damage.  They need about 80 people to be case workers.  They wanted me to leave on Wednesday (today) for two weeks.  I have an obligation on Saturday at Stampers Alley so I was not able to leave that soon.  I told them I could be available on Sunday so we will see if they need me or not.  I would really love to be able to help.  There are so many people that were affected by those tornadoes.  Our Red Cross office here in Lake Norman was already deployed to the eastern part of NC from the tornadoes that we had here a couple of weeks ago.

Ureni Loshika