Even though Steve Jobs' death was a huge blow to the world, at least we know from Mona Simpson's beautiful Eulogy to her brother that Steve was insanely impressed with Heaven when the Pearly Gates opened up to him.
~ I love making die cuts for scrapbooks and greeting cards, and now I love making digital art for cards, too ~
Monday, October 31, 2011
Knock Knock Knockin' on Heaven's Door
"OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW."
Even though Steve Jobs' death was a huge blow to the world, at least we know from Mona Simpson's beautiful Eulogy to her brother that Steve was insanely impressed with Heaven when the Pearly Gates opened up to him.
I created this illustration as a tribute to him on October 5th when I heard he died...and I think it is fitting to include it here. You just know Steve is up there making Heaven a little more perfect for the rest of us, for when it's our time to join him.
Even though Steve Jobs' death was a huge blow to the world, at least we know from Mona Simpson's beautiful Eulogy to her brother that Steve was insanely impressed with Heaven when the Pearly Gates opened up to him.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Li'l Buttercup
We got a kitten on Thursday so I have to share pictures of her, because she is the cutest kitten in the whole world. :) My nephew, Brady, came up with the name Buttercup, but I added the Li'l (and we'll actually probably call her Lilly for short). And I especially want to thank my brother, Tim, for helping me find her. :)
The first picture was when we were bringing her home in the box. I couldn't resist taking her picture immediately. The rest are various images of her (mostly sleeping, and sleeping on books seems to be her favorite place). Make sure you read about the last picture at the bottom. :)
The last one is my favorite because she's a funny pun. :) She's napping on a napkin. Get it? She's a napkin-napper (kind of like a kidnapper, except she snatched a napkin). LOL!!!
Late Update: Li'l Buttercup is a boy, so we've renamed him, Louie. :)
The first picture was when we were bringing her home in the box. I couldn't resist taking her picture immediately. The rest are various images of her (mostly sleeping, and sleeping on books seems to be her favorite place). Make sure you read about the last picture at the bottom. :)
Late Update: Li'l Buttercup is a boy, so we've renamed him, Louie. :)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Vector Tutorials
Here are two cool vector tutorials by Vector Tuts Plus that I hope to try out in the near future. :)
The first one shows us how to create a stethoscope.
and the second one teaches us how to create a glossy, colorful text effect.
And here is Tech Drive-In's list of some great Inkscape tutorials that I hope to dive into soon. :)
The first one shows us how to create a stethoscope.
and the second one teaches us how to create a glossy, colorful text effect.
And here is Tech Drive-In's list of some great Inkscape tutorials that I hope to dive into soon. :)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Free High Quality Vectors!
Yes, you read right...free HIGH QUALITY vectors! Creative Nerds' list of fifteen of the best sites for finding them.
http://creativenerds.co.uk/articles/15-best-sites-for-finding-free-high-quality-vector-graphics/
http://creativenerds.co.uk/articles/15-best-sites-for-finding-free-high-quality-vector-graphics/
Cancer Blogging...
I recently participated in a Cancer Blog Event since this is Cancer Awareness month. Here are all the participants with links to their very moving stories.
Pets and Wildlife Cancer
“One area of cancer research we do not often hear about, cancer in pets and wildlife, which is also on the rise…”
Blessing Art Cards, Sharon Fernleaf
Breast Cancer Awareness and Pink Ribbon Cards & Gifts
“Believe in the power of the pink ribbon...”
Creative Paradise, Tanitu
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“I cannot remember a time when when there wasn’t a dear friend or family member battling cancer...”
Cards from the Heart, Lisa Charlton
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“My mother had breast cancer as well as lung cancer...”
Eliz Designs, Elizabeth Eells
Ways to be Supportive, Helpful and Encouraging for Cancer Patients
“This post is in honor of our friends, colleagues and family members who are currently battling this dreadful disease…”
Heart to Art, Sri Devi
Breast Cancer Awareness
“There are several things you should look for when doing a self exam…”
Sheryl Kasper Card Store, Sheryl Kasper
Barbara’s Story
“Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Barbara has battled breast cancer since 1997, what better time to tell Barbara's story?”
Rycky Creations, Robin Chaffin
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“Most advanced breast cancer cases are found in women over age 50...”
Janet Lee Designs, Janet Palaggi
Cancer Bummer
“I was diagnosed with cancer about 12 years ago.”
I Love Cuttables, Cindy Johns
October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“Cancer is cruel, cancer makes no exceptions…”
At Sparky’s, Antoinette Van Kleef
Canine & Feline Cancer
“I’ve seen much too much cancer in the lives of my beloved pets over the years…”
Salon of Art, Doreen Erhardt
A Sobering Subject
“I think, today, how cancer has impacted my life...”
Warm Traditions, Candace J. Hardy
Pets and Wildlife Cancer
“One area of cancer research we do not often hear about, cancer in pets and wildlife, which is also on the rise…”
Blessing Art Cards, Sharon Fernleaf
Breast Cancer Awareness and Pink Ribbon Cards & Gifts
“Believe in the power of the pink ribbon...”
Creative Paradise, Tanitu
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“I cannot remember a time when when there wasn’t a dear friend or family member battling cancer...”
Cards from the Heart, Lisa Charlton
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“My mother had breast cancer as well as lung cancer...”
Eliz Designs, Elizabeth Eells
Ways to be Supportive, Helpful and Encouraging for Cancer Patients
“This post is in honor of our friends, colleagues and family members who are currently battling this dreadful disease…”
Heart to Art, Sri Devi
Breast Cancer Awareness
“There are several things you should look for when doing a self exam…”
Sheryl Kasper Card Store, Sheryl Kasper
Barbara’s Story
“Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Barbara has battled breast cancer since 1997, what better time to tell Barbara's story?”
Rycky Creations, Robin Chaffin
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“Most advanced breast cancer cases are found in women over age 50...”
Janet Lee Designs, Janet Palaggi
Cancer Bummer
“I was diagnosed with cancer about 12 years ago.”
I Love Cuttables, Cindy Johns
October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“Cancer is cruel, cancer makes no exceptions…”
At Sparky’s, Antoinette Van Kleef
Canine & Feline Cancer
“I’ve seen much too much cancer in the lives of my beloved pets over the years…”
Salon of Art, Doreen Erhardt
A Sobering Subject
“I think, today, how cancer has impacted my life...”
Warm Traditions, Candace J. Hardy
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
My Cards Have Gone International!
I made my first international sale today! To a wonderful person from Waipa, New Zealand. :) This is the card they chose. Thank you for the purchase, customer from New Zealand! :)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Speaking of Cancer . . . It has claimed another life way too soon.
His poignant 2005 Standford Commencement speech.
Updated October 30, 2011: Here is a beautiful and very moving Eulogy from his sister, Mona Simpson
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Cancer. Bummer.
I was diagnosed with cancer about 12 years ago. I guess since I'm still here I'm a survivor. Celebrate with me by giving Paper Greeting Cards for Cancer Patients.
I don't really want to write about cancer today, even though it is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But what I will do is give you a link to my story about how the chemo did a real number on my brain and memory. The article is from a special time that I DO remember, and that was when I was asked by Corrie Kuipers to share one of my greeting cards in GCUCommunity's Design Spotlight.
I'm also going to include three poignant XKCD comic strips, because they express what I feel better than I can. These comics really hit home for me; but the last one because it's just so funny...and when you can laugh about cancer, you're going to get through it ok.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Okay, if you've stayed with me this long... I'll share one more thing with you just for shitz and giggles. This is a picture of me when I was bald from the Chemo back in May of 1999. Made me cry a lot back then, but I can finally laugh about it now. :) Besides, I have a head full of gorgeous, natural curly hair now. :)
Update: When I started writing this I forgot what year I was diagnosed (my chemo brain gets me every time). It was 1998 rather than 1999, so it's been about 13 years instead of 12.
Later update: A poignant card that I made to give encouragement to people with cancer was chosen as Greeting Card Universe's Design of the Day for October 3rd, 2011. I am so very honored and humbled. Here it is (and also thank you, XKCD, because I got the idea from one of your comic strips).
I don't really want to write about cancer today, even though it is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But what I will do is give you a link to my story about how the chemo did a real number on my brain and memory. The article is from a special time that I DO remember, and that was when I was asked by Corrie Kuipers to share one of my greeting cards in GCUCommunity's Design Spotlight.
I'm also going to include three poignant XKCD comic strips, because they express what I feel better than I can. These comics really hit home for me; but the last one because it's just so funny...and when you can laugh about cancer, you're going to get through it ok.
Update: When I started writing this I forgot what year I was diagnosed (my chemo brain gets me every time). It was 1998 rather than 1999, so it's been about 13 years instead of 12.Later update: A poignant card that I made to give encouragement to people with cancer was chosen as Greeting Card Universe's Design of the Day for October 3rd, 2011. I am so very honored and humbled. Here it is (and also thank you, XKCD, because I got the idea from one of your comic strips).
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Kindle Fire - A Full Color Version!
Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-FiAmazon just made the new Kindle Fire available for pre-order. It won't be delivered til Nov. 17th, but when Amazon starts sending them out, they'll be doing it on a first come first serve basis with the pre-orders; and I'm sure Amazon will run out before they fill ALL of the pre-orders because it's going to be in high demand. It rivals the Ipad2 except for three things. First, it connects to the internet by wi-fi rather than 3G; second, it offers only a 7inch display while Ipad's is a 10inch; and last, it doesn't have a camera (but neither does the original Ipad).
The main selling point of this new Kindle Fire, though, is that it compares to the Ipad with most other features--but the cost is only $199 - compared to Ipad's $499! So pre-order it today! You can always delete it from your Amazon cart before the middle of November if you change your mind.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fabulous!
Take a fantastic trip around the world by viewing these images (posted by Ajal Shan on Google+) of some of the most fabulous architectural creations on earth.
(you should be able to see these Google+ photos but if not it might be because you are not signed in to your Google account.)
...not sure why the Aqua Skyscraper in Chicago wasn't included -
and more photos here.
(you should be able to see these Google+ photos but if not it might be because you are not signed in to your Google account.)
...not sure why the Aqua Skyscraper in Chicago wasn't included -
and more photos here.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Funny Stuff...
I don't usually post GCU's Design of the Day picks here on my personal blog since I have a separate blog for those, but this one had me ROFLMAO and I feel like I have to share it as pervasively as I can. Lol.
GCU's Sept. 22, 2011 Design of the Day is by Ross Peterson and it is hilarious! My hubby and I celebrated our twenty-something anniversary this week and this would have been the ideal card for me to surprise him with. Lol!
Ross has a very colorful and cartoonish style and his humor is to die for. You should pop on over to his store, Cards By Ross, RIGHT NOW and buy some cards from him so that HE doesn't die of starvation. ;P
GCU's Sept. 22, 2011 Design of the Day is by Ross Peterson and it is hilarious! My hubby and I celebrated our twenty-something anniversary this week and this would have been the ideal card for me to surprise him with. Lol!Ross has a very colorful and cartoonish style and his humor is to die for. You should pop on over to his store, Cards By Ross, RIGHT NOW and buy some cards from him so that HE doesn't die of starvation. ;P
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
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).
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).
Friday, September 16, 2011
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:
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
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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.
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.
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