Victorian Story Book Cards

                                                            

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day weekend.  I was busy with a Copic color workshop, and during this time I got an idea for a new series of cards using Pre-Raphaelite art images.  I have long been an admirer of Pre-Raphaelite art, and love the intense colors and imagery of Medieval and Renaissance culture.  There is also the element of fantasy and nature in Pre-Raphaelite art which makes it so compelling.  Looking at a painting is like reading a story, and this was my intention when I set out to make the cards.  In fact, after I was finished, they looked like distressed covers of Victorian books.             
                                                 

 

 

It's said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I hope you can look at each card and imagine Once Upon a Time.....and They Lived Happily Ever After.

                                                  

                                                 

 

Life Is All About Plan B

                                                    

 

The above card is my entry for the steampunk challenge from the team.  It was only by chance that I already happened to have this digi stamp designed by Rick St Dennis.  This digi stamp can be purchased from Rick's Zibbet site under the Steampunk category for anyone interested. Since I am still new to Rick's team, I was not planning on participating, but I not only had a stamp, but also an idea, so decided to go with it. 

The card is 6 1/2" x 6 1/2", and the background prints and vintage tag are from the Timeless Type collection by DCWV.  The sprocket dies are from Spellbinders and La-La Land Crafts.  I added a tiny cameo and a clock as final touches.  The image of Ephasia I colored with Copic markers. I worked as many steampunk elements as I could into the card, but the sentiment really says it all, and it's so true.  Nothing is constant in life; as what we plan may take another turn, thus....life is all about Plan B.  In other words, we have to learn to adapt and to improvise in life.  I think of it as going with the flow.

Shady Ladies

                                                    

Hello everyone,
For those of you that do not yet know, I was recently asked by Rick St Dennis to become a member of his Design Team.  I was very flattered, as this is my first time being part of a design team, so this is all new to me as I navigate my way around. Many thanks not only to Rick himself, but to fellow team members Aletha, Monique, and Helen for being so helpful.

Rick's new hat series is called Shady Ladies, and as you can see, they are not very nice girls LOL! Rick did ask Aletha and I to make them evil, but I couldn't help giving them my touch of glamour.  Still, they do look dangerous!

            

                                        

There Was A World and I Was Queen

                                             

 

Queen Elizabeth I is one of my favorite historical characters, and a woman I admire in so many ways.  I can't tell you the number of books I have about her, written by authors with different perspectives.  She truly was an enigmatic woman and a fascinating one. 

Not too long ago, I purchased an odd looking Spellbinder die called Gold Majestic Circle.  At the time I was not sure what I would do with it, but it looked like an unusual frame to me, so I knew that somewhere down the road I would find a use for it.  Soon afterwards, I saw a new paper pack called Uncharted by Paper Studio. This 12 x 12 pack is made up of antique maps redefined, some in colorful hues.  I decided to use the maps as a background for a card showcasing Elizabeth in the Spellbinder die.  I then went looking for images, and spotted this artistic version, that although very idealized, is perfect as a card.

This is one of those "just because" cards, since it's not really meant for any special occasion, like a birthday, for example.  I look at it as perhaps an empowerment card for someone that needs a little confidence or push in the right direction.
                                               

I made two versions, each with a different background.  The sentiment stamped inside is:

"There was a world and
I was Queen
A world where I created
all things seen"

I can't think of a better way to describe Elizabeth I.  It truly says it all.

The Designs of Rick St Dennis, MFA

                                                              

Adriana

I made this card for my sister's birthday, and it's also the first image by Rick St Dennis that I colored.

Hello everyone!

I can't believe my last post was in October, and that more than 6 months have passed since then.  I always tell myself I'll be more consistent and before I know it, the time has gotten away from me. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will try and be more forthcoming.  I keep learning new things and want to share with you. 

My first piece of good news - and I am SO happy - is that I received my Copic Intermediate Certification two weeks ago, on April 12th.  This second phase has been a long time coming, and I'm really glad I was able to get in this class.  It was a long day, from 9am to 6pm, but it was a wonderful learning experience and our instructor Lori Craig was great.  I've signed up for a Copic coloring workshop on May 24th, also to be taught by Lori, so I'm looking forward to this next step. 

I've lately been Copic coloring like crazy, especially since I "discovered" Rick St Dennis, a fantastic artist from California.  A short time ago I picked up the current issue of Just Steampunk!, and on the cover was a card with an image that caught my eye.  I had to purchase the issue, and I read that this image - plus several others - were designed by him.  I immediately went online and not only does Risk have a blog, but also sells his designs through Etsy and a website called Zibbet.  His designs run the gamut from glamorous to madness, so there is something for everyone.  I myself prefer his sophisticated ladies, especially the hat models.
                                                     

Panama Hattie

I made this card for my friend Kathryn King

However, I took a fancy to Felicity Hump, as she is different from anything I have colored, and I am pleased with her.  There is beauty in diversity, and Rick is certainly an artist that is not afraid to think outside the box.

                          
                                          Felicity Hump                                   Mimsy


The hat models were inspired by Aletha Williams, a member of Rick's design team, and what a fantastic concept, especially the models inspired by the flower of the month.  I don't have them all yet, but it's a matter of time before I've colored at least one for each month.

If you are not familiar with the art of Rick St Dennis, I urge you to check out his hundreds of designs. With such a variety of images, I am confident you will find something you will not be able to resist!

Until next time.....

                   
                           May - Lilly of the Valley               September - Forget-Me-Not

 

                   
                               February - Violets                              June - Roses                                   
                                                         

November - "Mums"

 



STEAMPUNK SPELLS

                                                             

A couple of months ago I saw a very interesting tutorial video for a pocket book, created by designer Arlene Cuevas for Graphic 45.  I was intrigued and must have watched it at least three times while making notes.  The book is very charming, to say the least.  Arlene used the Bird Song papers for her book, but I wanted to make a Halloween themed book for my sister, so decided to use the new Steampunk Spells.  The book was fun to make, but my biggest challenge was the spine, as the measurements have to be exact for the pages to fit and be in alignment (I got it right the third time!).  This is a wonderful project and in case you are wondering, my sister Anabel received the book today and I am glad to say she loves it!
                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

Flutterby Femmes (ATCs)

            
                                      ATC 1                                                         ATC 2


It's been more than a year since I have made any Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), and I guess I took a hiatus because of so many other things going on in my life.  Last week I posted a new series of greeting cards I named Flutterby Femmes (just scroll down), and after looking at them I thought how nice it would be to make ATC's to complement them, which I then proceeded to do.  I felt I had lost my touch, but I think they came out rather nicely, and I'm pleased with them. 

Comments and feedback are always welcome - I hope you like these latest cards and I look forward to trading!

             
                                     ATC 3                                                          ATC 4

 
         
                                 ATC 5                                                           ATC 6


          
                                 ATC 7                                                         ATC 8


         
                                  ATC 9                                                        ATC 10