Papers, Projects, and Parrots (oh my)

This first link just came to me from Stumble Upon, even though it is kind of old. It's the first time I've seen it and it impressed me (and will hopefully inspire me with some future paper projects of my own - lol). Also, it's been awhile since I've posted anything related to paper-cutting, and I *do* love cuttables, so I think it's time.  ;)

Everything but the Paper Cut: Eye-popping Ways Artists Use Paper

This second link came to me by Mary McQueen, the blog author, through a Greeting Card Association that we both belong to:

Hand and Beak: Free Range Inter-Species Greeting Cards. Mary has two lovebirds, and one of them, Luigi, shreds paper very neatly. Mary then uses Luigi's paper shreds to make beautiful art for greeting cards. This is a must see blog, and especially the video (with subtitles) on the right.

Luigi even inspired me with my 365-Day Challenge (see Day 61).

Halloween Blog Carnival with GCUCommunity

I don’t really remember my own Halloween experiences from when I was growing up, so I’ll just provide a couple of tidbits that I found on Louie Volpe’s "Holidays On The Net" website (I used to work for Louie many years ago before chemo messed up my memory and interfered with my ability to do internet (cgi) programming).

Anyhow, here are the tidbits. :)
Halloween isn’t the pagan holiday that many think it is, although quite a few of the traditions do date back to the Celtics. Wearing animal costumes is something ancient Celts did to mark the end of summer. Trick or treating traditions stem from the Celtic holiday of Samhain—a time to honor those who died in the past year—when the Celts would leave out food for their deceased family members’ spirits to eat before their long journey. Over the centuries, the tradition came to be known as mumming, when revelers would dress up as spirits and perform antics in exchange for food. Fun, right? I can picture it. Lol.

Here are some cards to get you thinking about your own Halloween plans. The spookiness is just around the corner. ;)



Artists are Molly Harrison, Robin's Coloring Book, Corrie Kuipers, and me. :)

Update ... Here are the other entries in this High Spirited Blog Carnival:

Spirit Orbs with Whiskers

“As the days grow shorter and the nights cool…”

Bud & Tony, Betty Matsumoto-Schuch

Halloween Blog Carnival

“Halloween isn’t the pagan holiday that many think it is…”

I Love Cuttables, Cindy Johns

Ghost Time

“To be honest, I’m not into scary experiences…”

Aura2000, Aura 2000

We Only Thought We Wanted a Séance

“When my twin brother and I were younger, we did a lot of crazy things…”

DB Visual Arts, Denise Beverly

Ghosts and Goblins and Witches, Oh My!

“There’s a chilly wind blowing…”

Hand-Me-Downz, Richard Skelley

Haunted House Halloween Party Invitations

“Lost, we creep along a dark road toward a lighted porch…”

It’s a Beautiful World, Catherine Sherman

The Haunting of Parnell House

“I saw a dark red puddle at the foot of the stairs…”

Janet Lee Designs, Janet Palaggi

Monster in My Woods

“We heard the distinctive sound of a woman being mauled…”

Dragonfire Graphics, Betsy Bush

The Proposal

“The place is said to be haunted…”

Reel Cards, Robert Bulanadi

Cards, Cards, Cards! :-)

I would like to invite you to visit a new blog that I created to share Greeting Card Universe's Design of the Day picks. GCU has been making the picks since early May of 2011, and after a wonderful suggestion by Corrie Kuipers over at GCUCommunity.com, I've decided to share these splendid cards every day with the world (or anyone who visits my blog - lol). :)

Here is a link to that very blog, and also here is a link to an archive of the Design of the Day picks prior to yesterday.

On another note about cards, World Card Making Day is coming up on October 1st. :) I think the World Card Making Day website is geared more towards paper-pieced and hand-made cards, but one can still get a lot of good ideas there. ;)

AND...since I did make this post all about cards, I would be remiss if I didn't share a couple with you. These are two very recent cards of mine that were approved by GCU. The first celebrates getting braces on, and the second celebrates getting braces off.

An Inkling, Adding Outlines to Cartoon Pieces, and Turning Photographs into Pencil Sketches

I'm in an online Greeting Card Association group through Yahoo, and another member posted a cool link to a new product soon to be released by Wacom. This Inkling video shows how you can turn your ballpoint sketchpad drawings into digital images like magic using the Wacom Inkling Digital Sketch Pen.

For now, though, I'm still doing my sketches on my PC. I recently found a way to put borders around my cartoon pieces. I watched this video that explains how to create stencils using the 'linked offset' in Inkscape (by Aussie Carolyn) a few days ago, and then I realized that I could use this technique for adding dark outlines to my cartoons, as shown in yesterday's 365-Day Challenge project (day 48, the owl in the tree) and the card that later got approved using the same image (left).

Finally, in the Greeting Card group I mentioned above, that same member also provided us with a link to an online photography magazine called PhotographyBB. Since I'm not much of a photographer, I don't usually spend much time with these kinds of resources, but this one seems very useful for explaining digital illustrating techniques as well. In the Aug. 2011 issue, (beginning on page 44) a technique to turn photographs into pencil sketches with Photoshop is explained. I don't have Photoshop yet, but I do have Gimp, and when I'm more comfortable using it, I will try out this technique for one of my daily challenge projects. :)

Butterflies!

I love making butterflies and including them in my greeting cards. And I'm always looking for new techniques for making my butterflies. I also love using the interpolate feature in Inkscape. Yippee! I scored on both counts! I found three videos explaining how to use the interpolate feature to make rhinestone paths, and the last one shows how to make a butterfly. The videos were created by one of my favorite Inkscape tutorial makers, Aussie Carolyn of CuttingTime. These videos are explaining the interpolate feature to make SVG files for use with cutting machines (such as Silhouette, Cricut or Black Cat cutters), but the method can also work to make vector images for use in non-cut greeting cards as well.

Rhinestone Path Using Interpolate in Inkscape Part 1

Rhinestone Path Using Interpolate in Inkscape Part 2

Rhinestone Path Using Interpolate in Inkscape Part 3 - Making a Butterfly

Here are some butterfly cards that I made (although none of them have incorporated the rhinestone path technique yet):


And here are some beautiful butterfly cards from other GCU artists:


Update . . . I created my own unique butterfly using Carolyn's nifty tutorial. Here it is.

Later update . . . Here are some other wonderful blog postings about butterflies from other Greeting Card Universe artists:

A Bit of Fun with Colorful Butterflies
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been intrigued with the beauty of butterflies…”
Sunshine’s Creative Explorations, Donna Lorello

The Delicate Life of a Butterfly
“So you have a great love for butterflies?”
Sheryl Kasper Card Store, Sheryl Kasper

Beautiful Butterflies
“I have noticed lots of butterflies lately…”
Dragonfire Graphics, Betsy Bush

To a Butterfly
“I’ve watched you now a full half-hour…”
Photography TK Designs, Tracie

Greeting Card Universe & Butterfly Changes
“I started this blog as a way to promote greeting cards…”
Janet Lee Designs, Janet Palaggi

Papillon: The Butterfly Dog
“The big dog in the small body…”
DogBreedz, Peggy Mundell

Monarch Butterflies
“The beauty and wonder of Monarch butterflies inspired me…”
It’s a Beautiful World, Catherine Sherman

Good Luck
“A most unusual thing happened this week when I was gardening…”
Painted Cottage, Judith Cheng

Butterflies
“Imagine, Dare, Do!”
Naquiaya’s Cards, Naquaiya

Butterfly Animal Medicine Transformation Success Story: Carol Moore
“Animal Medicine is a Native American way of using lessons from the animal kingdom…”
Heart to Art, Sri

I Love Butterflies
“I love making butterflies, and including them in my greeting cards…”
 I Love Cuttables,  Cindy Johns

Two Helpful Webites

The first one helps you do amazing things with your photos ...and I can attest to that!  :-)       BeFunky.com

The second one helps you do amazing things with your words ...and I can attest to that, too.  :-)       Wordle.net

Both are fun and fabulous!

Urban Design Tutorial

In my quest to learn more illustration techniques, I came upon this neat tutorial explaining how to make urban designs. They look interesting to me, so I'm planning to use the tutorial tomorrow to make my own urban design. :-)

Here's the tutorial (by Very Simple Designs)

Update: And here is a card that I made today (August 1st) from what I learned using the tutorial. :-)

Inspired by Tracie

Lately, I am finding inspiration almost everywhere! But this one is a BIG deal. I've been admiring the daily photography challenge taken on by Tracie (of Photography TK Designs). So I wanted to follow in her footsteps and take my own illustration challenge. I'm trying to improve my illustrating techniques and skills, so I'm going to post an illustration a day. :-) If you'd like to follow along with me on this journey, you can... with this link: ilovecuttables daily illustrations. Hopefully, by the end of one year, I'll be showing dramatic improvements in my work. :-D

More Cartooning Inspiration...

John H Johnson (artist extraordinaire). John recently helped me with one of my cards that I submitted to be critiqued at GCUCommunity's Critique Clinic. Here is a before & after look:
I really enjoy browsing through John's store, finding inspiration every time I go there. His style is colorful and his characters are fabulously unique. So I'd like to show my appreciation for his critiques by sharing some of his beautiful cards here:

I'm very honored....

Greetings and Gifts Resource Center chose ME as the Artist of the Day (July 19, 2011)!

Thank you, Tracie!! :-D

My Very First Zazzle Product!

I have created my very first product to sell on Zazzle! Since I'm comfortable making greeting cards, that's what I chose for my first item.

You're Thirteen?! by ilovecuttables
make a card online at zazzle

I'm a Guest Blogger, Too!

If you saw my post yesterday, you would have noticed that I had a guest blogger (Janet Lee) posting for me. Well, I had a turn at guest blogging, too, for Robert of LittleRainbowComics, who (you will see) inspires me a great deal. Check it out, here. :) I'd like to share a few of his beautiful cards, as well:

Say Anything with Greeting Card Universe Cards!

I am SO proud to sell my greeting cards through this amazing company.  And with over a half a million cards available for customization, customers everywhere are thrilled to buy their cards from GCU, too!

And as an added bonus this week, Salon of Art's Doreen Erhardt interviewed Corrie Kuipers for her Featured Artist spot. Corrie is one of the most talented and well-respected artists at GreetingCardUniverse.com.

A Post From My Guest Blogger, Janet Lee of Janet Lee Designs

This touching post is provided by my guest blogger, Janet Lee of Janet Lee Designs.  You can visit her and see her work at: Janet Lee Designs @ Zazzle, Janet Lee Designs @ GCU, Kumfy Keds, and Janet Lee Designs Blog.  Thank you, Janet!  :-)

I love flowers. The colors, the textures, the aromas are simply heaven to the nose.  I remember planting flowers with my mother and grandmother, now I plant flowers with my daughter and granddaughters. This year we've planted Daisies, Hollyhocks, and Hyacinths. I'm still hoping they come out well, this year's weather has been fierce for flower growing, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

When I'm not planting flowers, I'm painting them and photographing them. I find they make wonderful subjects for beautiful greeting cards for many occasions.  Here are a few of my photos made into greeting cards. You just cannot go wrong with flowers! 

It's been awhile...

Our family went up north for nearly a week and when we came home I had a hard time recuperating from the journey, so I haven't posted in awhile.  But I'm back now.  :)  Before I left, there was a Critique Clinic at gcucommunity.com and I had one of my cards critiqued.  Here is the updated card.  I want to thank each and every GCU artist who offered me their good advice, so I'm including a card from each at the very end of this post.

I also participated in the "Lightning Round: Kitties" just before I left, so I'll post those links now as well:

LIGHTNING ROUND: KITTIES

Furry Friends
“Animals are such agreeable friends...”
Painted Cottage, Judith Cheng

Cats Are Angels Among Us
“Let’s face it, cat lovers are passionate about their cats…”
Rycky Creations, Robin Chaffin

Jack and Lillie: The Story of Two Rescues
“Jack and Lillie are cats...”
DB Visual Arts, Denise Beverly

Friends with Fur
“I wish I could say I have kitties and cats running all over the place...”
Janet Lee Designs, Janet Palaggi

An Ode to Kitties
“I love cats...”
Diana’s Cards, Diana Delosh

For All Us Cat Lovers
“A life without cats?!? A love story...”
Aura2000, Aura 2000

Everyday Art: Inspirational Kitties and Cats
“The key to finding inspiration in everyday places and things is observing…”
Sun at Night Studios, Sun at Night

Feline Friends
“Cats can be great companions...”
Sunshine’s Creative Explorations, Donna Lorello

Feline Fever
“I fell in love with cats almost twenty years ago...”
It’s a Beautiful World, Catherine Sherman

The Kitty and the Mashed Potatoes
“Sulu was a rescued feral kitten...”
Kilter Cards, A Ley

Luna, a New Family Member
“My daughter and her boyfriend just got a sweet little kitten a couple days ago...”
I Love Cuttables, Cindy Johns

Cats in Love
“Could it be that cats in love express more with their body language than we can imagine?”
Naquiaya’s Cards, Naquaiya

Meow, Meow, Meow
“Being the owner (did I say that?) of five cats…”
Cherie’s Arts ‘N Crafts, Cherie

When the Cat’s Away
“Cats, can anyone truly resist them?”
Salon of Art, Doreen Erhardt

Our Beautiful Gypsy Kitty
“One day probably 20 years ago a gorgeous seven toed calico cat just showed up literally on our doorstep…”
Dragonfire Graphics, Betsy Bush

Here, Kitty! Kitty! Kitty
“DogBreedz isn’t only about Man’s Best Friend…”
DogBreedz, Peggy Mundell

My Rescue Cat Speckles: A Love Story
“On one blazing hot summer night in 2006 in Plano, Texas, a cat wandered outside next to the large patio of my apartment…”
This & That, Rick McBride

CorrieWeb is the Cat’s Meow
“I love kitties!”
CorrieWeb, Corrie Kuipers

I Was Always a Dog Person
“Kitties were an acquired taste for me...”
Cottage Creek Greetings, John H. Johnson

My Cat Loves Birthday Candles
“I live with a cat who is fascinated by fire…”
Blessing Art Cards, Sharon Fernleaf

New ‘Kit’ On the Block
“Introducing Abby, our newest critter kid!”

Cards from the Heart, Lisa Charlton

Here are my "Thank You's" to the GCU artists (Corrie/CorrieWeb, Doreen/Salon Of Art, Tracie/PhotographyTKDesigns, Sun At Night Cards, Tanya/Moonlake Designs, Peggy/DogBreedz and Randy/Kind Expressions) for their helpful advice (I hope I'm not missing anyone):