tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33528382894233180012023-11-16T00:30:51.520-06:00My Results May Vary...Meowza! Actually, the results probably WILL vary. Come on in see what happens when Kitty, and occasionally some of her friends, gleefully get their paws into the glitter, glue, paint and whatever else is around! Plus a potPURRi of other goodies like idea sharing, soul baring and just plain silliness at times....and cats, lots of cats...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-5596883414425448412014-02-13T16:35:00.001-06:002014-02-13T16:35:38.887-06:00A Little Knowledge Can Be VEEEERRRRY Dangerous!You probably already know that I'm the kind of kitty who likes to play around with shiny baubles and that most of my artsy-craftsy projects tend to involve a lot of glitter and random bits of sparkly stuff..<br />
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But even I had to shield my eyes when I took a look my new blog background and header for the first time! <br />
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You see, I figured out how to make my own blog design and once I got started I just kept piling on the goodies like it was a pizza with everything -- including the anchovies.<br />
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Can you say butterfly overload? LOL!<br />
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I'm working on something a bit more...subdued.....but for now, when you visit, slip on your shades!<br />
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Kitty!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-91528686238901912052014-02-05T09:18:00.002-06:002014-02-13T16:39:32.558-06:00Even The Smallest Star....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4duofWTATcdAmvv4D7S6zzHHuGhFsUfvJ9tML_VO0NFBjSaG_2b5zzBu-BSLt3407mkt_Ufq_wqm5ulkEPPFiMnRPSAFP8UNg-N02fuCZr9EOjxxBnWu8ZdiqyCuXpgNVyZEC1VSigzc/s1600/star1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4duofWTATcdAmvv4D7S6zzHHuGhFsUfvJ9tML_VO0NFBjSaG_2b5zzBu-BSLt3407mkt_Ufq_wqm5ulkEPPFiMnRPSAFP8UNg-N02fuCZr9EOjxxBnWu8ZdiqyCuXpgNVyZEC1VSigzc/s1600/star1.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Be that star for someone!</b></i><br />
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<i>Make this Starry ATC and share the shine.</i><br />
This sparkly Artist Trading Card (ATC) started with a piece of black cardstock cut to 2.5x3.5 inches. Then, the central star was die cut out of a piece of energy drink can using my Sizzix BigShot.. I colored the metal star with alcohol ink and when it was dry I applied a layer of Stickles Glitter Glue to the star I used a pop-dot to affix the star. to make the raditating rays I used several varieties of Sakura glitter pens. Finally I printed the saying, cut it out and glued it down.<br />
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Kitty!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-86052937759680133562014-02-01T17:14:00.000-06:002014-02-01T17:14:40.153-06:00Do What You Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA8mL4nZ3i4yhW5VUxMnUzmqrH07LpzzR_tKjtjtQgZ_7YY3mZ5GwCIrH5rwEC9G7hYZ1XvWx283sxek68zk5ms7i0C24RWWoWry7T48C-WVJcOwp3qdWd5sIulINSNA0MbP198OhjCY/s1600/dowhatyoulove.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA8mL4nZ3i4yhW5VUxMnUzmqrH07LpzzR_tKjtjtQgZ_7YY3mZ5GwCIrH5rwEC9G7hYZ1XvWx283sxek68zk5ms7i0C24RWWoWry7T48C-WVJcOwp3qdWd5sIulINSNA0MbP198OhjCY/s1600/dowhatyoulove.png" height="400" width="362" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b> "Do what you love, love what you do."</b><br />
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Some people may think <i> "But I can't afford to do what I love when it comes to my job because I work for one reason -- to support myself and my family."</i><br />
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Even though I suspect this is true for a lot of us, it's still important to remember to make time for yourself and for the acivities that bring you joy.<br />
<br />
So, if it's not possible to spend the majority of your day painting, shooting hoops, playing guitar, baking cupcakes or kicking arse in Call of Duty, try to set aside a portion of your day to play.<br />
<br />
Playing or doing what you love -- even for just a tiny fraction of every twenty-four hours --- is good for your mental and physical health. Taking care of yourself makes you more able to carry out the tasks that you need to do and better able to take care of the people around you.<br />
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Smiles and Purrs!<br />
Kitty!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-73452246422567831132014-01-28T22:32:00.001-06:002014-02-01T20:58:36.322-06:00Love Them Anyway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A recent conversation with a friend reminded me of how much I love this quote, so I decided to make a little digital art with it. :) <br />
<br />
It's important to remember that none of us is perfect. We are all human,<br />
<br />
Kitty!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-41181593108028654082014-01-22T02:57:00.000-06:002014-02-01T20:55:24.130-06:00Don't Do As I Do!If ever I could offer my best crafting advice it would be this :<i> Please, be kind to your materials and don't do as I do! </i><br />
<br />
I justify my bad habits by saying that creating mixed media art can be rough on art supplies...all that switching from one medium to another and back again, drawing over, painting over and writing over what's already down on the paper or canvas...tough stuff!<br />
<br />
But, actually, it's me and I know it. My studio holds untold numbers of brushes with stiffened, dyed and splayed bristles because I can't reliably keep a water bin nearby (the cats will inevitably knock it over, try to drink it, no matter how nasty...(Or, my personal favorite, they'll knock it over while<i> TRYING</i> to drink it!)<br />
<br />
Joining the banged- up brush brigade are a host of funky crusty-topped tubes of glue, improperly opened paint bottles, dried out markers, over-worked pens and inky sprays with missing covers...<br />
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But nothing takes the abuse quite like my non-stick craft mat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD55ctFvrn3zBEqoKN0c7iHp1PpUBiQ3wXouH4i9fSlVvtoIg7F9iNDxS7B5zBnNcUaRIIaKuL91u5HzM-UScw14dKpQghnXSSlaTQ2-fDGG-f4IyszhUXAl7yIjA4pfCE_EgDE1Ngsyk/s1600/matdemo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD55ctFvrn3zBEqoKN0c7iHp1PpUBiQ3wXouH4i9fSlVvtoIg7F9iNDxS7B5zBnNcUaRIIaKuL91u5HzM-UScw14dKpQghnXSSlaTQ2-fDGG-f4IyszhUXAl7yIjA4pfCE_EgDE1Ngsyk/s1600/matdemo1.jpg" /></a></div>
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What a mess! Well, it's where the real work is done....stands to reason it would take a licking.....but no mat should be subjected to the dreaded CRAFT KNIFE! (Kitty knows there is a separate special surface just for slicing and dicing things.....)<br />
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So why am I such a master of disaster? I like to think it's because I'm so focused on creating that I push aside things like organization and clean-up. And that may be partially true. I do get into "the zone" and just keep working on a project without caring about where I put the cover to that black marker or if the lime green glitter glue container is missing it's cover.<br />
<br />
But part of it is just I'm a disorganized, messy kinda person. <i><b> DON'T be like me!</b></i><br />
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1) Clean your brushes!! (No water? Clean them with a baby wipe and/or wrap them in one until you can get to the water.)<br />
<br />
2) Wipe the glue from around the edges of the tube...You'll be much happier when you go to use it next time and can get the top off AND find the glue isn't all dried out!<br />
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3) Open the paint, gesso, matte medium containers properly and wipe their rims after using. Nothing is harder to open than a gesso container or paint bottle that has been sealed shut due to lack of proper care.<br />
<br />
4) Corral your covers! If the cover for an item doesn't fit on the other end....set aside a special container for storing the cover while the supply is in use. Much nicer than stepping on a pen cap at 3am because the cat swiped it from under the studio table...<br />
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5) USE the lids, covers and tops that belong on the supply! Think of what you can buy with the money you'll save not having to replace that pricey name-brand alcohol ink marker...<br />
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6) If all else fails, try to salvage what you can from the fray. A big-headed hat-pin can keep your glitter-glue from drying up for example and even that battered non-stick craft mat can be put to good use!<br />
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I cleaned it (scrubbed!) it with the ever-present baby wipes, then sliced out the piece that was damaged. Now I have two smaller, but still very useful pieces to use for smaller projects!<br />
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I'm hopeful that I can take my own advice and be neater in my studio. You just never know! <br />
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Smiles!<br />
Kitty!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-17924152059608039082014-01-15T17:11:00.000-06:002014-02-01T20:53:57.351-06:00Blogging Before Blogging Was Cool -- Diversity in LearningRecently, I was reminiscing while web-surfing. To my utter surprise, I found the "ghost" of a website that I had written way back between 1996 and 1999. Back then, I was very active on the web -- much more so than I am now. I had written and taught one of the first online HTML classes and my website covered a variety of subjects --- part of it was a personal area that I called "<i>The Most Important Things in Life"</i>. This section served pretty much the purpose of what we now call a blog. I included little snippets of my life, personal thoughts and just the things that I felt needed saying. Fifteen or more years have past and I think at least some of what I wrote is still relevant today and is revealing of "who" I was then and who I am today. <br />
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I'm going to share -- randomly of course -- a few of these vintage posts, dredged up from when "blog" wasn't even a word but people were still sharing ideas, thoughts and pieces of their hearts. <br />
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Here's my first shared post from long long ago -- with just a few edits....<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;"><i><b><i>If you have a few moments, think about this Quote...</i>.</b></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: ARIAL; font-size: x-large;">....................................................</span><span style="font-family: ARIAL; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: ARIAL;">A</span></b></span></span> <i>human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly.</i> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: ARIAL;">S</span></b></span></span><i>pecialization is for insects.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> --From the writings of Heinlein</span><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: ARIAL; font-size: x-large;"></span></span></b></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: ARIAL; font-size: x-large;">....................................................</span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></span><b><i></i></b></blockquote>
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<b><i>My thoughts:</i></b><br />
<br />
I think it speaks highly of the human need to continually expand the boundaries of our knowledge or to face a lapse into stagnation. I am not so sure I<i> want</i> to learn to do *ALL* of the things the quote suggests (!) but I do think it is important to realize that we should never stop learning. And that instilling the LOVE of learning in others, especially young people can be the greatest gift we can give anyone.<br />
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A good basic education should be offered to and pursued by all since it is a blessing and a foundation upon which we can to continue to build throughout our lives.<br />
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But much of what there is to be learned is not readily available in a classroom and learning from experience is often even more challenging than learning from a formal class. It helps if we can view learning NOT just a task but approached as an adventure.<br />
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Considering the learning value in visiting a historic site, helping to clean up an urban area, listening to the music of faraway lands, watching a ballet, making a web page, experiencing the wonder of literature through reading, identifying the herbs growing in a suburban neighborhood, making a clay pot the way it was made 500 years ago and yes, learning to change a diaper, take orders, cook a tasty meal, balance accounts, program a computer .... All of these are among so many, many others things we can challenges ourselves to learn and by doing these we can teach ourselves so much more than what any textbook can do.<br />
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First and foremost we must be receptive to learning experiences when and where they present themselves. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b> </b><i>We can be taught to be self-sufficient and to realize our own self-worth.</i><br />
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<i> We can learn how to express ourselves in new and exciting ways.</i><br />
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<i> Through keeping our minds flexible we can learn to be better friends, parents, daughters, sons, lovers, spouses.<br />
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We can learn how to be better representatives of humanity and to love and respect the Earth and all peoples! </i></blockquote>
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As a person who has always loved Science Fiction, I would hope that some day, when we do travel beyond Earth or if we are visited by beings from another world, that our openness to learning will allow us to understand, interact with, and learn from any life-forms that we might encounter!<br />
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<i>Each of us should be continually looking for ways to learn and to spread our knowledge to others. The gift of knowledge is the one gift that fits all sizes, shapes and ages. It can be given again and again and there is always more.</i><br />
<b><br />
<b><i> Sharing your knowledge freely with other is really just another way of sharing your love.</i></b><br />
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</b><br />
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</b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Smiles and Purrs!</span></b><b><b>Kitty (aka "Ghatten") <i><br /></i></b></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-66540301174831116352014-01-09T22:20:00.000-06:002014-02-01T20:51:58.262-06:00Crafting 911 -- OUCH! My fingers are stuck together and my art is on FIRE!Having one's art "on fire" sounds as if could actually be great news! Except when the said fire is the result of an unfortunate glue selection and leads to having the fire department visit your home, followed by a trip to the ER......<br />
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"Super" glues, also called <i>cyanoacrylates </i>are common and inexpensive adhesives found in almost every artist's toolbox. Great for attaching do-dads to collages, repairing broken knick-knacks and much more but getting them on your SKIN can rapidly turn nasty. Once stuck, if you try to rip the glued skin away from whatever it's stuck to, whether it's paper, metal, plastic or worst of all, other skin, you will be ripping your flesh and causing yourself injury.<br />
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Luckily, there is a simple solution to this sticky situation: acetone. Those who work with cyanoacrylates on a regular basis will want to stock up on acetone or a nail polish remover that contains acetone. Applying acetone to the super-stuck skin can break the sticky bond and free your fingers without causing pain and snickering ER staff. <br />
<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">NOTE: </span></b>Please
keep your acetone away from plastic and painted surfaces, it will "eat"
plastic and can strip paint. It's also flammable so avoid open flames
and heat! To be safe use it in an open or well-ventilated area and
clean your hands or surfaces that come into contact with acetone
quickly.</i><br />
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It's less common knowledge, but perhaps even more important to know that this kind of glue is not-so-super to use on cotton or wool fabrics. Why? Because of a chemical reaction that occurs when cyanoacrylate glues come into contact with these fabrics. Baaaaad mojo, unless a pyrotechnic display figures into your artwork the result of application can cause heat, smoke and even FIRE!<br />
<br />
Do keep in mind that other items made of related materials such as cotton balls or cotton swabs can also flame up if used to dab on or wipe up cyanoacrylates.<br />
<br />
Here's a bonus tip -- since acetone
isn't cheap, it's cool that it also has as a very useful crafty
application -- acetone can be rubbed over the back of a
laser/toner-based copy as a photo-transfer medium!! <a href="http://www.eviekemp.com/how-to-acetone-transfer/" target="_blank">Here's a link </a>to one of many tutorials showing how simple this technique can be.<br />
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Be safe when crafting and check the usage instructions on all glues before using. It can save you from frustration and potential danger! <br />
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Smiles and Purrs!<br />
Kitty!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-81536937940673337882014-01-03T12:39:00.000-06:002014-02-01T20:52:23.929-06:00Yes, It's A Random PostWhen I started this blog I did mention that postings would be random. My attention span is woefully short and at times I have trouble focusing on a task...like blogging. The funny thing is that I ENJOY blogging. I like sharing my art and thoughts with my readers. I like reading comments and making new friends. But my nature is quite fluid, so bear with my peccadilloes and keep on reading!<br />
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Today I want to share what I have been doing when I wasn't blogging -- I made my mom a piece of art for her birthday.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oAAyLtJCGrEgoSwpuMFYFaUDGsms4iuyu3xfzjhEoonsFUemKcK4VZUK_9QSAONqYYV9AYiBfzOtDuFpqI8toNOkTHxtnfAwS4-nsTAI-v7HEpwaHZUIhs-O2Qlp1-D_eO4CF9OEcBo/s1600/CATART2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oAAyLtJCGrEgoSwpuMFYFaUDGsms4iuyu3xfzjhEoonsFUemKcK4VZUK_9QSAONqYYV9AYiBfzOtDuFpqI8toNOkTHxtnfAwS4-nsTAI-v7HEpwaHZUIhs-O2Qlp1-D_eO4CF9OEcBo/s400/CATART2.png" height="400" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Watcher" by Kitty!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I created this piece by first making a stamp out of foam and foam core board. The cat, the darker wavy line near the bottom and the smaller scalloped piece at the top are all elements of that stamp which I stamped onto a baby wipe that had been used to wipe up paint. I used a stamp ink that coordinated with the colors already on the wipe. I then tore up a few additional colored baby wipes and collaged all the pieces to a canvas board. To enhance and complete the "picture" I added fibers, some random dots, a lace border and other details. This board was glued to another canvas board painted yellow. I then took and old frame and painted it to match.<br />
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Happily mom liked the gift and I enjoyed making it. Giving my art to others is something I really enjoy doing.<br />
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Take care and smiles and purrs!<br />
Kitty<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-76294028531098423642013-12-27T18:43:00.000-06:002014-02-01T20:57:15.694-06:00My Quota of Quotes...One of the things that I love to do online is to find and collect quotes and sayings that I find meaningful. I hope I don't exceed my quota of quotes and overload y'all but I can't help myself!<br />
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Here are a few of my favorite sayings featuring digital artwork that I created/put together using Paint Shop Pro and <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">PicMonkey.</a> <i>(The first image includes a guitar that was rendered in Lightwave by my late fiance, Rob.)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYEwclybo2ShfzPkIq-OZ3vwQSjZqXEnbvbIv53PDgfHc8mvcQckOKmavXyKtqxkZxtVdosFloootSXV9kn0bS6nffV5fsK6hhWKmZD0NKAMVvMVTbZvokF4niYq1FzOwcPl71MJVSrE/s1600/guitar3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYEwclybo2ShfzPkIq-OZ3vwQSjZqXEnbvbIv53PDgfHc8mvcQckOKmavXyKtqxkZxtVdosFloootSXV9kn0bS6nffV5fsK6hhWKmZD0NKAMVvMVTbZvokF4niYq1FzOwcPl71MJVSrE/s320/guitar3.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_MzSeRIt7KjFA6Z2m7z4Xu-BAd2lNcjkE4s58msJAtwSMu33T6rdmERFJO-tEB1AIcL6Pk3EQnYZubu47giZ-aXJHBUNyClLO-0Q7wkXCiSU3Zu-Dhhju4g0dA6NMEDqBWfsSK2m-q4/s1600/kindness2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_MzSeRIt7KjFA6Z2m7z4Xu-BAd2lNcjkE4s58msJAtwSMu33T6rdmERFJO-tEB1AIcL6Pk3EQnYZubu47giZ-aXJHBUNyClLO-0Q7wkXCiSU3Zu-Dhhju4g0dA6NMEDqBWfsSK2m-q4/s320/kindness2.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb-cW8K6e0BVeIai1zzTaHtzmBBpT4FLJ5dlR3wHONrxZasPr-c0rYm1sr0jqTOHklAIOLw5eQIloTeu6J855nUr7WKVjNG1uOQ5WgEjYkhH5Xi6dUfEEkJcgvXhAR8-TD9YF3ZJ9Vo0/s1600/beingdeeply.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHb-cW8K6e0BVeIai1zzTaHtzmBBpT4FLJ5dlR3wHONrxZasPr-c0rYm1sr0jqTOHklAIOLw5eQIloTeu6J855nUr7WKVjNG1uOQ5WgEjYkhH5Xi6dUfEEkJcgvXhAR8-TD9YF3ZJ9Vo0/s320/beingdeeply.png" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm probably going to make a post now and then with an "illustrated" quote and I'd love to feature some of your favorite sayings and quotes. I might even put together a piece of digital art for you if you make a comment and tell me the quote below. :)<br />
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Smiles and Purrs!<br />
Kitty<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-57373602830942177772013-11-29T08:24:00.000-06:002014-02-01T20:54:44.217-06:00Drawn to CatsI've always been drawn to cats. Even though as a child my brothers and I had just about every kind of creature kept as companions by people and I loved them all, cats were always my favorite.<br />
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It should be no surprise that cats keep cropping up in my artwork. :) While my hand is on the mend, I thought I would post some of my catty subject matter for you.<br />
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I did warn that this blog would feature cats at times, well this time it's art AND cats!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQISXxHI_YwYMIYm6NEP838Pwc9D3f4mZvXeiFwltO33E_8E15Fmneybjy1DXuUHyFPZjfmrE-EnDNPi9AKrKOyq9x4BNr-4Z3WZU7-_a3H18sFhejWWjLo92Dbh0ZJ_zlpn50PMv4NcY/s1600/meow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQISXxHI_YwYMIYm6NEP838Pwc9D3f4mZvXeiFwltO33E_8E15Fmneybjy1DXuUHyFPZjfmrE-EnDNPi9AKrKOyq9x4BNr-4Z3WZU7-_a3H18sFhejWWjLo92Dbh0ZJ_zlpn50PMv4NcY/s400/meow.png" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, I didn't DRAW this one but I snapped the pic & added the quote. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Couldn't resist showing off my beautiful 12 year old girl Pandora!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFONElN3EV__5bdHwsrkoEOD-k5WEUDfesQixV2_34dFSHqrYO0dKvLxH7iQxV9MijRmN7ViUhqdydzQ_nUoRvSJAuNTac4YU231fpY3MC-bGywL8uoOnTYZmRA1f5dwq4UROD4FT-R9Y/s1600/never.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFONElN3EV__5bdHwsrkoEOD-k5WEUDfesQixV2_34dFSHqrYO0dKvLxH7iQxV9MijRmN7ViUhqdydzQ_nUoRvSJAuNTac4YU231fpY3MC-bGywL8uoOnTYZmRA1f5dwq4UROD4FT-R9Y/s640/never.png" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercolor pencil and various media.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2b9mRZxa9Gaxd4GJkOCSYKVvAqnwwRhY-n7o6U8yL3-HKDZmD_PZbU7gg-sUXcKNovhKLzeOCLELonQMuAmeG9see8IYsVl6WhnImp-jGi6RHm1nbQyki6y7lul_jJe6YFS2-rv0BtA/s1600/cheshirecat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2b9mRZxa9Gaxd4GJkOCSYKVvAqnwwRhY-n7o6U8yL3-HKDZmD_PZbU7gg-sUXcKNovhKLzeOCLELonQMuAmeG9see8IYsVl6WhnImp-jGi6RHm1nbQyki6y7lul_jJe6YFS2-rv0BtA/s400/cheshirecat.png" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My interpretation of the Cheshire cat done for an Alice In Wonderland Challenge</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN2dVdoJh-DG0BY9GLVlE3MhCLPb1ka0gFYzGYDoWUK5L-LZtaPm44FkpAPm0LN04M9GzsF3vGqzk1R-tFettx0cgFNfvMW2Eo8-6tlzQHdrQDRlAPVppsZSKcSiQ7Qblnsd_HZ_Qtzk/s1600/gottreats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN2dVdoJh-DG0BY9GLVlE3MhCLPb1ka0gFYzGYDoWUK5L-LZtaPm44FkpAPm0LN04M9GzsF3vGqzk1R-tFettx0cgFNfvMW2Eo8-6tlzQHdrQDRlAPVppsZSKcSiQ7Qblnsd_HZ_Qtzk/s1600/gottreats.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercolor pencil and markers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsSR7M3qs-VSn9vTJowoRL0mtlfTiImiCu-DVsGG2elUnpaTBFZ-SyMFqbONApXo6WqlaYmwDB-HFc_PH8L-jgFXITBQWJMk-0sY3X2mxTQHvdcLvOV6P3Y0p3rw-p4t47NhSLHVNc7I/s1600/img015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsSR7M3qs-VSn9vTJowoRL0mtlfTiImiCu-DVsGG2elUnpaTBFZ-SyMFqbONApXo6WqlaYmwDB-HFc_PH8L-jgFXITBQWJMk-0sY3X2mxTQHvdcLvOV6P3Y0p3rw-p4t47NhSLHVNc7I/s640/img015.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of mixed media fun Kitty style!</td></tr>
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By the way, in case you didn't get it from the piece, an "ailurophile" is someone who loves cats! LOL</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGBqSLWAJG5IBRVsbZx3M_mufKy52b6asWmTaRjKJqoe27wxtDZnYPWzg4Yc7IOyucaZ9BD1FZgxrOXLLnwkBaFNMMNksbxymJWco9iFGY88WunRbRfb2Byirh5jqxOeuQc0nEillt7w/s1600/oldtom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGBqSLWAJG5IBRVsbZx3M_mufKy52b6asWmTaRjKJqoe27wxtDZnYPWzg4Yc7IOyucaZ9BD1FZgxrOXLLnwkBaFNMMNksbxymJWco9iFGY88WunRbRfb2Byirh5jqxOeuQc0nEillt7w/s400/oldtom.png" height="400" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pencil drawing of a tom cat, done late one night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOSVBP5ToR6NTDd9qo51nJJRDsG-yTNNQ3InBdkfr4m42HILg37FZw0sGhQpCVEtb8mJiOd_qm1cAh8Z9GxB2W0lWPIev0gEhRU5N9fh_N90ZWN33_Su0xruP4hISJmBLiYhb1w2QA0s/s1600/bannercat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOSVBP5ToR6NTDd9qo51nJJRDsG-yTNNQ3InBdkfr4m42HILg37FZw0sGhQpCVEtb8mJiOd_qm1cAh8Z9GxB2W0lWPIev0gEhRU5N9fh_N90ZWN33_Su0xruP4hISJmBLiYhb1w2QA0s/s640/bannercat.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed media banner done for a challenge.</td></tr>
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That's probably enough of my art to foist off....uh...share with y'all today.</div>
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Please (pretty please) leave comments or your thoughts on any of them! </div>
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Smiles and Purrs!</div>
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Kitty!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-32488663164895502832013-11-20T12:01:00.000-06:002014-02-01T20:55:53.852-06:00Vintage "Missing" Persons<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I originally posted a version of this on another blog a while back and despite a few phone calls and emails never made a connection with the right Greenberg family....so I'm posting it again in hopes that someone out there might see and recognize the children in the photo.</span></i></div>
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Mysteriously, I found this vintage photo of three children in early 20th century dress under my bed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6KI8LBTBP0v9heoNalXOK203yFkYNWjX57AGMhZn7EvVcpuHBFb-WGGj8ITfLOvfIL8Zrb14DQSowmGC5E3HDd2bz4Ocl5HKKf5wtVJMCVpyORfgOqO0xfyRwDVXOfnY4dtulp_ERP4/s1600/greenbergchildren.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo of two girls and a boy in early 20th Century dress" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6KI8LBTBP0v9heoNalXOK203yFkYNWjX57AGMhZn7EvVcpuHBFb-WGGj8ITfLOvfIL8Zrb14DQSowmGC5E3HDd2bz4Ocl5HKKf5wtVJMCVpyORfgOqO0xfyRwDVXOfnY4dtulp_ERP4/s1600/greenbergchildren.png" title="Vintage Missing Persons: The Greenberg Children" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth, Pearl and Philip Greenberg, circa 1911.</td></tr>
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As it turned out the back was more interesting than the front! As was common back then, the photo was also a post card and in old-fashioned cursive handwriting, the sender identified the little
ones to the photo's intended receiver.<br />
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The boy, Philip, towered over
both of his sisters -- Elizabeth and Pearl. The writer also identified
the girls by age, hair and eye color and noted that the photo had been
taken in Minneapolis. Additional details included the name "Mary
Greenberg" and a partial address. <br />
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What really got my attention were the final words on the back in the
form of a heartfelt request to the recipient: <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><i>"....Please send it back as it is the only one I have,
My wife wants to keep it....." </i></b></span></blockquote>
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Sadly, the plea obviously had gone unanswered. Instead of making its way
back home as requested so long ago, the once treasured photo had wound
up discarded under my bed. <br />
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I found myself, a hundred or so years later, contemplating the peculiar
circumstances and wondering if somewhere out there, the descendants of
these two little girls and their brother wondered what Elizabeth, Pearl
and Philip had looked like......<br />
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So, based on their period dress, I
searched the internet for records early in the 20th Century which linked
the names. After a few false starts, I located a 1920 Census record
for a Mike and Mary Greenberg living in San
Antonio Texas with their three children: Philip, Elizabeth and Pearl!<br />
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I had found them!<br />
<br />
<b>Sorta.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Because that's where the trail went cold.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
For a couple of weeks I emailed and called Greenbergs in the San Antonio area and never got a "hit".<br />
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I think it's sad that the photo of the Greenberg children is relegated to a box in my craft room and have hopes that maybe someone reading this on the internet will provide the missing link and help the photo find its' way home 100 or years so after it was taken.<br />
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Smiles and Purrs!<br />
Kitty <br />
<br />
Technorati Claim Token: 3VVUXDQC28D5 Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-18286812537749168422013-09-24T21:30:00.001-05:002013-09-24T21:33:21.539-05:00Can You See Me Now?<br />
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I have a tendency to create a lot of "pretty" art or doodly art filled with items such as hearts, cats, flowers and butterflies <br />
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But I think that being able to go beyond the pretty and creating artwork that has the potential to entice the viewer to think about it, be provoked by it or just plain hate it, is essential to my development as an artist.<br />
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So I present to you my latest foray into the darker, not-so-purrty area of art.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Faceless.</b></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39OOsvpUzRYuuJdjUVbyq0WWRpjSZ2_3mHMOejCVmVrlFIRnvJvIGtOr1qOzvGCWQFMaaPfp-krkpRGlUYKW2fkbXMenfZkzs1YzcfkJf_rzQvgN1tuY1HsLs_Dxdgzct0P6oA-I70cM/s1600/faceless.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39OOsvpUzRYuuJdjUVbyq0WWRpjSZ2_3mHMOejCVmVrlFIRnvJvIGtOr1qOzvGCWQFMaaPfp-krkpRGlUYKW2fkbXMenfZkzs1YzcfkJf_rzQvgN1tuY1HsLs_Dxdgzct0P6oA-I70cM/s320/faceless.png" width="320" /></a>What does being "Faceless" mean to you? Study the piece for a while and.maybe while pondering it, you'll find your answers.....<br />
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Do you like this piece? Does it bother you? Leave your answers in the comments section please. <br />
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Kitty!<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">This piece is mixed media on gessoed masonite board covered with tissue then painted, the head is done in acrylic. It was then scanned and the text was added.</span></b></i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-10436565502955185342013-09-20T10:15:00.000-05:002013-09-20T10:29:08.026-05:00Arts and Crafts Can Be Dangerous<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Cue rant, start melodrama</u></td></tr>
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<b><i>(You have been warned....while everything written here is true to my knowledge, this post is mainly a rant session about my boo-boo....)</i></b><br />
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Artistic types work with a host of items that are fraught with danger -- there are solvents, cleaners, glues, spray sealers, resins, varnishes and even some paints that can be dangerous and toxic. <i>(Always work in a well ventilated area, outside or with appropriate safety equipment please, I like all of you alive and in one piece!)</i><br />
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Then there are those creative projects that require working with hot stuff such as hot glue, heat gun, melted wax, embossing powders, soldering gun, etc. etc.<i> (From experience, I can confirm that molten glue will indeed put the hurt on ya.)</i><br />
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We also have a selection of sharp and pointy tools -- various scissors, craft knives (essentially razor blades on a stick), polymer clay slicers, lino cutters, glass cutters, glass, metal sheets and other objects that can slice and dice you faster than you can say Mixed Media! <i>(Faster, and messier even, if you get my drift...)</i><br />
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Those are just a few of the most common dangerous items that creative folk subject themselves to everyday, yet with a modicum of caution, following directions, and taking the measures needed to protect ourselves, most of us avoid more than the occasional minor injury in the service of our art.<br />
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Sneaky dangers still lurk...the random paint splatter in the eye, glittered kitty-paws BUT you'd think if there were one thing in the artist's studio that shouldn't carry a warning label is the container of baby powder!!!!<br />
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Aside from over-application or inhalation of the powder<i> (Turn the fan </i><b>OFF</b><i>...)</i>, baby powder seems harmless....after all parents the world over are applying it to their baby's bums as you read this. Even small children and the elderly can manage the simple twisting motion required to dispense the powder.<br />
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All that I wanted to do was lightly dust a couple of paper-molds with baby powder so the wet paper clay didn't stick.<br />
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And I picked up the powder and twisted and twisted and twisted..... The results are not pretty. <i> (View the photos at your own risk). </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tr1OneUYpzXF1GYF4Ed8yGkFvm6GjhBqBN4G4Gprinwy8b7gahneRl063tTvz-HlqHMMb038Akp3oeCJeg6lKxmftMSGA9Lzh8tM-9BgcYg3WAFD1hjZb-kLtwJNDPXt6EFVjiZaxR0/s1600/hand1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tr1OneUYpzXF1GYF4Ed8yGkFvm6GjhBqBN4G4Gprinwy8b7gahneRl063tTvz-HlqHMMb038Akp3oeCJeg6lKxmftMSGA9Lzh8tM-9BgcYg3WAFD1hjZb-kLtwJNDPXt6EFVjiZaxR0/s200/hand1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5BLEpu9bp2XIHESp1laAb2buINhnyLkFTD8Gqns7RQNtL2j-RfEbe4sKJoy0G0dk1_6LQui6WrWOMKogG9Javysps2JWSYUBvxsbNRJbwbcUsf02s6iVtJkQ6635bklCuUIMMHHVW1s/s1600/fing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5BLEpu9bp2XIHESp1laAb2buINhnyLkFTD8Gqns7RQNtL2j-RfEbe4sKJoy0G0dk1_6LQui6WrWOMKogG9Javysps2JWSYUBvxsbNRJbwbcUsf02s6iVtJkQ6635bklCuUIMMHHVW1s/s200/fing1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Those are not the best photos because taking one handed pics was an interesting experience. What happened was, in trying to twist open the top of the baby powder, I wound up ripping a large part of skin off my left hand near the thumb and my "pointing" finger.<br />
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I do deal with decreased sensation in that hand due to neuropathy....which is probably why I didn't realize I was mangling myself....<br />
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<b>BUT in my opinion is still no way that opening baby powder should have caused me to injure myself like this!!!!! </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Nemesis</td></tr>
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I'm guessing there is some major defect in this particular container's top. I just bought it the other day and it had yet to be used.<br />
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Whatever it is, I'm now struggling with a new temporary disability. My left hand (I'm a lefty) is swathed in bandages in such a way that hunt-and-peck typing is all that I can manage.....and even with the neuropathy masking some of the pain, it still hurts some -- but probably a LOT less than it would if I didn't have the issue already.<br />
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After this....which took over two hours to type, posts may be random for a while. Please don't stop reading if I don't post again for a few days....or if I don't get back to emails or FB messages as quickly as usual.<br />
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Might be corny to say but this mess has already made me thankful that this is only a temporary issue and I feel MUCH empathy for those who deal with more severe hand problems daily.<br />
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Don't worry too much, this kitty is a tough kitty. I'll be fine, as long as I figure out how to scoop cat boxes, clean house, and feed myself with my right hand! LOL<br />
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Have a good one!<br />
Kitty!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-2117833902002973872013-09-19T09:26:00.000-05:002013-09-19T18:24:20.355-05:00Video Post: A Under-Discussed Issue -- Crafting with Physical and Mental Challenges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It will take less than ten minutes of your time to watch.....</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='504' height='439' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tjx3tmRwcpc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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You might find a helpful tip or two!</div>
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Health issues both mental and physical concern us all. Estimates are that between 1/5 and 1/3 of Americans struggle with some level of "disability". Some may have issues that are permanent and others are dealing with temporary challenge but the numbers speak for themselves. Please pass this post on if you know anyone who may benefit from this information.<br />
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Also, go ahead and add your comments with your own suggestions and ideas to help those of us who are creating with challenges! <br />
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Thanks for watching!<br />
Kitty!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-52050248203278588322013-09-14T12:13:00.001-05:002013-09-17T08:37:17.515-05:00Crafting 911 Quick Tip! -- Dealing with Sticky Sticker Residue<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Splat? Drat!! Didn't mean to do THAT!? Crafting 911 tips are dedicated
to salvaging art and crafting projects and having some fun at the
same time!</b></i></span><br />
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Doesn't it annoy you when you remove a sticker or label and there is THAT spot left behind like a ghost to haunt your crafting?<br />
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Here's one idea that you can use to mask the problem.<br />
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This little black journal had a largish sticker on the front. I
removed it to find that a nasty sticky residue was left behind. I tried gently
rubbing it off but it only made the gunk more ugly and sticky. The cover was rather thin and I worried that using a commercial glue (or goo) remover might cause damage.<br />
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So, I
decided to cover up the problem -- literally -- with an application of Washi tape*! For variety I used different widths of the tape and
different patterns. I added a bit of glitter with a Wink of Stella pen
and then some heart rub-ons to finish it off. The result, no one will know about the residue issue and now I have a pretty little journal to carry in my bag.<br />
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Funny, how in this case it turned out the answer to too much sticky stuff was adding more sticky stuff!<br />
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/cvkfPcnbiYoL8qQ-6fUyRNzsBL8-E5GIMXYKUrrsCaTB51hDtRUXG45eLbfU-bloyd*XPvr3*rSC8gvEARdAbRJVlYlfcPtm/washibook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="400" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/cvkfPcnbiYoL8qQ-6fUyRNzsBL8-E5GIMXYKUrrsCaTB51hDtRUXG45eLbfU-bloyd*XPvr3*rSC8gvEARdAbRJVlYlfcPtm/washibook.jpg?width=600" width="281" /></a></div>
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Hmmm..the only problem with this journal is that now I don't want to use it and mess it up hahaha.<br />
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Try this fix yourself on something -- cover a boo-boo or error with Washi tape!<br />
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Smiles and Purrs!<br />
Kitty!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Washi Tape is a decorative paper tape from Japan, popular with crafters, mixed media arts and scrapbookers and is available in numerous widths, colors and patterns. It can be found in arts and crafts stores and online sellers.</i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-1155748366564679922013-09-13T03:03:00.002-05:002013-09-17T08:38:17.372-05:00My Bluebird of Happiness Re-creationI love the concept of recycling items in artwork. I could act all hoity-toity and lecture folks on saving Mother Earth by keeping our excess waste out of landfills....and that IS a verygood thing. We all should all strive to keep our planet clean -- but to be honest, recycling, upcycling or whatever you the concept of call adding to your arts and crafts what others might discard is not just a good "green" practice, it can save money in the long run, expands crafting options and is often quite fun!<br />
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So let this be an introduction to my obsession with the idea. I've been known to work with various items like rusty bottle caps, plastic bottles, paper towel rolls and what are called "found objects" (read: other people's trash, waiting for transformation)<br />
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The idea for today's objet d'art came about while sitting at my dad's computer impatiently waiting while I downloaded and installed a new anti-virus program for him. And even though there was a ever so slight temptation to recycle his old, slow computer into a paperweight, it was the large container sitting to my left that caught my eye. The contents were mostly black and white with a few flecks of color and as I dipped my hands into it I became intrigued, ideas running through my head.... My dad chose that moment to re-appear to check installation progress and quizzically inquired why I was rummaging through the trash in his shredder bin. Art! Was my reply...there must be some way I can use this to make art. He shrugged at me skeptically. If only it had more color.....I asked him if he would shred some colored paper scraps for me if I brought them over and he agreed...but after a second he suggested we shred a couple of the cartons from Coke cans. The resulting addition would be red on one side and brown on the other. Perfect! I flattened the boxes and he shredded while I finished the computer tasks. Soon I was mixing the newly-shredded cardboard with the rest of the paper and I stuffing a few generous handfuls into a grocery bag as happy as I can be!<br />
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This is what I brought home:<br />
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I thought it looked pretty cool. And a bird's nest seemed to be just the thing to make from the shreds!<br />
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First, I tried to glue it all together with spray glue but all that taught me was spray-adhesive and plastic grocery bags don't play well together. (The plastic bag shrivels and shrinks...) After prying the shreds from the bag, I placed the sticky shreds in another bag and drizzled them liberally with plain white "school" glue. I then placed the bag o' gluey-shreds into a bowl and smashed another bowl of the same size over the top. I left it sit that way for two days. (Okay, okay, so I peeked after 1 day and it was still damp and sticky.)<br />
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When the glue was dry, I removed the bowls and then peeled off the plastic grocery bag. The result was very "nest-like" but not quite where I wanted it to be. Thankfully it was still pliable enough to mold with my hands and I formed it into a more pleasing shape. Then I attacked it with splotches of paint and dabbed it here and there with various glitters.<br />
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Until it looked this way:<br />
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Now all it needed was a bird! I kinda cheated by buying one of those little flocked birds from the craft store. But it didn't quite "work" with the glittery nest.<br />
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So I stripped it down to the plastic form, repainted and glittered it up pretty good....then added back the embellished tail feathers.<br />
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Purrty birdie. :)</div>
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I placed the "bluebird of happiness" into his nest and my shredder shreds were now transformed!</div>
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Not bad for digging in my parent's shredded junk mail! LOL <br />
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The nest is a good example of how looking at everything around you with a different or open-minded point of view can allow you to uncover some wonderful surprises!<br />
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Kitty! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3352838289423318001.post-50688583974317808332013-09-09T10:10:00.000-05:002013-09-17T08:40:20.744-05:00Did I mention cats?Just kidding. Of COURSE I mentioned cats. When you live in a two room apartment with three cats, it's hard not to think of them a lot of the time. And when I do, it's mostly a warm cuddly kinda feeling...like when I caught Alvy, the resident male, sleeping on the bed.<br />
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He does look adorable doesn't he? He is even prettier in person. Even though Alvy was once abandoned by his people, he's become a gorgeous, sleek and shiny pewter grey lover-boy who can turn on the charm by giving you a kiss! Alvy came into my life by way of my fiance Rob, who had adopted him from a cat rescue organization at what was a very low point in both their lives -- Rob often said that it was Alvy who had rescued him and not the other way around. I was very lucky to be able to bring him and his "sister" Annie back home to New Orleans to comfort me when Rob passed away. Together with my dearest Pandora, the "senior" kitty here, they're my fur-children and the light of my life.<br />
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I'll post pictures of the gals at some future point. It just seemed appropriate to introduce Alvy as my intro post...since it was he who woke me up at three am meowing his fool head off and scattering books from the bookshelves all over the living room! Why? Who knows...perhaps some random bug or imaginary foe?<b> Grrrrrr.....</b><br />
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<i>See sometimes, it's <b>not</b> a warm cuddly feeling I get from cats</i>....LOL but mostly, it is. ;)<br />
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And welcome to my new blog!<br />
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Kitty!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409565088696467157noreply@blogger.com0