#5 MoleyMoleyMoleyMoley, Yet ANOTHER Moleskine Exchange! (full)

[themuppet]

We're full!! Feel free to hang out and chatty-chat!

These Moleskine exchanges are all the rage this year. They're totally the new black. This will be an 10-player, open medium swap!

We will start with a Japanese Album Pocket Moleskine (http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Japanese-Album-Pocket/dp/8883701046/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246038170&sr=8-2), so get to orderin!! Hyah! Hyah!! *whipcrack* (If you're having trouble getting one, let me know, like if you have no credit card or something - I have a whole bunch of them and have paypal!!) These moleys unfold into one loooong page that will be completely filled on the front side with art by the end of the swap. Whee!

The first mail-out date is going to be September 15th, mailing to the first person on your individual travel plans. After that, each artist will have a month to complete 3 pages and then mail on to the next person! If you are having a hard time and need more time, please make sure you let us know! We don't want things to get TOO backlogged and have one person stuck with three moleys at a time, but sh!t happens, as they say! I'll change up the travel plans so that everyone gets to mail to Canada (Hi Mary!), except for Edensrainbow and Siren, who live together and are nearly the same person (hi girls!) I'll alternate them, but they'll always be together on the itinerary.

Each artist will choose their own theme, color scheme/do's and don't's, and special instructions for their own moleys. You can, of course, choose "no theme, go nuts" as your theme! Some special instructions in other swaps have been to put a photo and bio on the backside of your pages, to include a little bit of ephemera in the back pocket, to take a personalized gift OUT of the back pocket, etc. You are the boss of your own moley!

After you purchase your moleys, fill out and decorate the first non-accordian pages with your name, address, and travel plan (as soon as I figure it out), and decorate the cover if you so desire. Then, the first 3 pages are all yours! This is a good time to establish your theme and color scheme and give people a jumping-off point! There are some other moley exchanges in this forum if you'd like to see what other people have done, and there's a great group on Flickr, moly_x (http://www.flickr.com/groups/moly_x/pool/), with gobs and gobs of sticky eye candy! Yum!

Participants:
1. Rkolig - Things With Wings
2. Edensrainbow - Women (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=464552&postcount=80)
3. Siren "Sometime Around Midnight" (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=471386&postcount=160)
4. amyfaerie - Writing (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=474483&postcount=208)
5. nuttynanner - The Enchanted Garden of Oddities and Delights (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=476387&postcount=235)
6. corrie04 - Color Explosion
7. themuppet - Funky Fairy Tales (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=464474&postcount=69)
8. Loralou - Texture (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=464509&postcount=72)
9. JoyFlower - Hope (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=466644&postcount=131)
10. katilady - Death and Rebirth (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=464334&postcount=59)

TO SUM UP (because I'm babbly):
1. Buy a Japanese Accordian moleskine, choose a theme.
2. Decorate the first pages and include your travel plan, name, and address, decorate the cover if you wish.
3. Fill the first 3 pages of your own moley with your chosen theme.
4. Ship your moley to the first person on your travel plan on 09/15/09.
5. Wait eagerly for your first moley to appear in your mailbox!
6. Post pictures of your art as you complete it so we can all ooooh and aaaaaah!!

Random Regulations:
* Mailing must be done with either the priority flat rate envelope or small box with delivery confirmation for the US participants. International participants should use their equivalent! Please protect your moley with a bubble envelope/bubble wrap and plastic bag!
* PM your recipient before mailing to make sure they're ready to receive the moley and don't already have one. We need to try to keep one moley per person as much as possible!
* I will keep a master list of all participants' mailing addresses, email addresses, and other contact information throughout this whole thing, just in case!

THE TRAVEL PLAN:

Purple - working
Pink - traveling
Green - completed

1. Rkolig - amyfaerie - Loralou - Nuttynanner - Siren - Edensrainbow - katilady - Corrie04 - themuppet - joyflower
2. Edensrainbow - Siren - joyflower - Loralou - amyfaerie - rkolig - nuttynanner - katilady - Corrie04 - themuppet
3. Siren - Edensrainbow - rkolig - katilady - Corrie04 - joyflower - themuppet - loralou - amyfaerie - nuttynanner
4. amyfaerie - corrie04 - themuppet - joyflower - Loralou - nuttynanner - edensrainbow - siren - rkolig - katilady
5. themuppet - loralou - katilady - corrie04 - nuttynanner - amyfaerie - joyflower - rkolig - edensrainbow - siren
6. corrie04 - katilady - siren - edensrainbow - amyfaerie - joyflower - themuppet - rkolig - nuttynanner - loralou
7. nuttynanner - joyflower - edensrainbow - siren - katilady - corrie04 - amyfaerie - themuppet - loralou - rkolig
8. loralou - nuttynanner - amyfaerie - themuppet - rkolig - katilady - corrie04 - joyflower - siren - edensrainbow
9. joyflower - rkolig - nuttynanner - amyfaerie - themuppet - loralou - siren - edensrainbow - katilady - corrie04
10. katilady - themuppet - corrie04 - rkolig - edensrainbow - siren - loralou - nuttynanner - joyflower - amyfaerie

[rkolig]

Muppet, I forgot that I will be on holiday in October for 2 weeks. Will that be a problem?

[themuppet]

Naw! we'll work around it! :D

[JoyFlower]

Is that one open spot for ME?? That would make me so happy!!

[themuppet]

Ohhhh Pestooooooooo :cry: Loralou PM'd me about it, so she's got first dibs!

[JoyFlower]

Oh, foo! Another time. :)

[nanner]

MOLEskin, my first skin-of-the-mole. I feel so in-crowd.

Foo x 2, Pesto!

[amyfaerie]

so are we getting loralou or pesto, i wonder . . . tell us!

[JoyFlower]

methinks it is the lovely and fortunate loralou! Yay for her! Triple Foo for Pesto... I may have to start another one. :D

[corrie04]

Peeping in the door... *waving*

[Loralou]

Now I feel like a bitch!

[amyfaerie]

naw . . . i'm excited you're in, lou! and cheryl, if you don't start one, i will! we can all stand another! lol!

:) you'll have to tell me, lou . . . are you going with a barbra moley?

[katilady]

i wish i had been asked about this. :(

[JoyFlower]

Now I feel like a bitch!

Don't be silly! Just make sure ya post pics so I can drool over them. :D

LOL, can't y'all just alter your books to add 3.5 more pages?? :idea:

I'll catch another one - no worries!

[themuppet]

Don't feel like a bitch, Loralou!!! And yeah, are you doing Babs? Inquiring minds want to know!!

Kati XOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXXOXOXOXOXO Start another one! I'll overwhelm myself and join it! LOL

[themuppet]

We could always adopt a "more the merrier" attitude, do 3 pages apiece, and let both Kati and Pesto play.................... Hands?

[rkolig]

I'd be ok with that.

[EdensRainbow]

...what if Siren and I are the same person and we're just one, split personality artist?

ooh, I just got chills. :eek: Although, there does seem to be a lot of hair-that-isn't-mine in the bathroom, so maybe not. ;)

I am totally cool with squeezing more people in. Especially since the people rock. ;)

[JoyFlower]

Oh STOP it - your group is full! That's wonderful...now go fill those little books up!

[rkolig]

Seriously JoyFlower. I'd be cool with you guys joining. 3 pages each is less stressful anyway! LOL

[JoyFlower]

Aw...I love this group. :) Ms.Muppet DearPuppet...our moley fate is in your hands. :notworthy:

I really wasn't trying to cause trouble!

[themuppet]

I'm totally down with that!! Lemme harass Kati to join us, and I'll set it up!

[amyfaerie]

that's what i'm thinking, too! :) DO IT!

[corrie04]

Joyflower AND Kati???? There goes the neighborhood!!! *snicker*

3 pages sounds good to me, too!!! Yay for Kati and Joyflower!

[themuppet]

Alllll right I've adjusted the first post for 10 peeps, 3 pages and have added joyflower!

I like the idea of three pages, anyway. It's a nice magical number!

[themuppet]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand Kati has decided to play! Whee, we're full again!!

I think it'll be awesome having 10! whee! I use too many exclamation points!!!

[JoyFlower]

Woot! Thank you - you are all amazing and I am thrilled to be part of this crazy group! Yay! - Yep, the neighborhood's gone to hell in handbasket Corrie. :yes:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[katilady]

Joyflower AND Kati???? There goes the neighborhood!!! *snicker*

3 pages sounds good to me, too!!! Yay for Kati and Joyflower!

are ya running scared yet corrie? us west coast girls are carrrrrrrrrrrazy!

[rkolig]

Fun, fun, fun!!

So are we going to state our themes? Or imply them by our art in the first 3 pages?

[corrie04]

Woot! Thank you - you are all amazing and I am thrilled to be part of this crazy group! Yay! - Yep, the neighborhood's gone to hell in handbasket Corrie. :yes:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joyflower... you said "hell!"... *gasp*

[corrie04]

are ya running scared yet corrie? us west coast girls are carrrrrrrrrrrazy!

*L* Tell me about it!

__________________________________

I'm going to go ahead and throw my theme out there, otherwise I'll forget by the time I get a moley.

My theme will be... monochromatic mixed media (although handdrawn is okay, too). You get to pick the color.

[katilady]

state your theme AND imply it in the 1st 3 pages is my vote!

i have been thinking long and hard about a theme, i want to come up with the perfect one--something easy or fun to draw AND collage and something that totally intrigues me. tall order.

[themuppet]

Yes yes! State your theme, specify color scheme if you want to, give links and examples of stuff, go as detailed as you want!

[EdensRainbow]

Way to be a bridge, Kati! Bring the two ideas together so that we can all live in peace and harmony and fluffy bunnies!

Oh, theme. Right...er, ah....

[katilady]

Way to be a bridge, Kati! Bring the two ideas together so that we can all live in peace and harmony and fluffy bunnies!

Oh, theme. Right...er, ah....

i keep trying to 'you rock' you but it won't let me! :P

[EdensRainbow]

I guess you've been rockin' me too hard.....wait, that doesn't sound right...

[katilady]

rotflmao!

[corrie04]

LMAO... now that was funny

[Loralou]

LOL I wasn't going to have Babs as my theme but now you suggest it.....! I will have a think about it.
I was thinking of going with 'texture'

[katilady]

ooooh, texture!

[Siren]

Yay! Sorry I haven't been putting my two cents in--I spent my "weekend" visiting all my grandparents. Very fun, not so internet-y. Well, Grammie is--I showed her the site and everyone's work and she was very impressed (she teaches classes on making ATC dolls, altered books and other stamped/collaged/found object art).

Also--GLEE! I am soooo excited to get started on this project! Of course, I need to catch up with some other swaps and trades first, or I'll be in trouble! ;) Yay, yay, yay!

[katilady]

your grammie sounds neato burrito siren!

[Siren]

She is! :)

[nanner]

I miss my Gram...can we share yours, Siren? Pretty please?

This is the first circle jer...journal I've done (newbieness revealed, be very afraid.) Are we to have simpler themes? Or can we be more specific?

[themuppet]

Be as specific or simple as you want to be! It's completely up to you. I think anyone in this group can handle just about anything. ;)

[Siren]

You may absolutely share my Grammie! :) She's great; I'm trying to get her to join (it all starts with that insidious "Look at how pretty everyone's art is, and the site is so easy to use..." but she's super busy teaching her own classes so I have to work on her some more!

And it's my first journal swap too; I'm leaning toward picking a poem and letting everyone interpret it to their hearts' content! :)

[nanner]

Poem...GREAT idea, Siren. If you want some help getting OUR Grammie to join, let us know. We can be a persuasive people. :eek:

[katilady]

my grammie died shortly before i joined this site (actually, i discovered this site while in az for her funeral!), can i share your grammie too?

[themuppet]

Yeah, my last G-ma died in 1994. I'm sorely lacking in grandparents! I want to share too!

[Siren]

(Insert silly French accent here: )
But of course!

Not that I have any family that is French...well, I might now... ;)

[katilady]

yea, i think i have a little bit of french blood! i thnk my ancestors were french who moved to ireland--they said this about my family: 'the barretts are more irish than the irish'. i think it's cause we like to drink whiskey and fight.

[katilady]

so i have 2 themes i am tossing back and forth:
the middle east (think women in hijab's, henna, islamic temples, arabic writing, opium dens etc).
or
death and rebirth (think phoenix rising from the ashes, kali ma, snake shedding it's skin, vultures, the only constant is change etc).
what do people think of these? any preferences? nanner says she prefers death and rebirth, but i'd like to hear what everyone else thinks.

[themuppet]

I'm with nanner-bananner. It'd be easier for ME at any rate.. lol

[corrie04]

I like the death and rebirth one. I got some kick butt images to use for that.

[katilady]

thanks for your input. i'll prolly go that route. if i do i'll flesh it out a bit for ya'll :)

i am going to take this opportunity to brag on my mom and make fun of her at the same time. she drew this pic (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=86343) for nanner. she called me up and made me look at asking 'can you tell who it is?' she asked my dad and my brothers respite worker the same thing. she really thought people wouldn't be able to tell! lmao!

[corrie04]

I saw that Elvis pic in the gallery earlier today and left a comment on it. She did a FAB job!!!!

[themuppet]

Okay, in the moley swap at iATCs, we're filling out the below form (that I've ruthlessly swiped from Shel/Sal) to give good details and expectations of our themes. Kati brought up that it might be nice to fill this out here, and I totally agree!!

All participants need to fill out this form as completely as possible! The more info and samples, the better!

1. My theme is:
2. What I'm hoping for:
3. Key concepts:
4. Color scheme:
5. Websites / Samples:

[JoyFlower]

That's an excellent idea. I will do my research and post back soon.

[katilady]

ok, i'll be the first to post my theme:


1. My theme is: death and rebirth

2. What I'm hoping for: your artistic interpretation of this concept. i would like the pages to play off one another as much as possible.

3. Key concepts: the phoenix, a snake shedding it's skin, persephone, inanna/ishtar, jesus and his resurrection, butterfly, metamorphosis, change, composts, pomegranates, waxing and waning of the moon

4. Color scheme: i am going to leave this open. it can range anywhere from dark and gloomy (death) to bright and hopeful (rebirth).

5. Websites / Samples: http://www.radioliberty.com/Symbolsandtheirmeaning.html (look at butterfly and phoenix)
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_symbols_for_rebirth
http://www.dreamreplay.com/death_symbolism.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life-death-rebirth_deity
http://library.thinkquest.org/16665/symbols.htm
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/universal_symbolism/27731

[themuppet]

Awesome Kati! Whee! I'm excited to do yours!

[katilady]

thanks mupps! i have always loved this concept--so much so that i have a crappy phoenix tat. i was telling nan if i ever see you i am gonna get you to pretty-fy it!

[themuppet]

Yeah, once upon a time, I wanted to get my whole back done with a Phoenix. I've felt pretty phoenix-y about 13 times so far.. lol

And I'd be glad to! I'm currently painting you a rolo with tattoo ink. lol!!

[katilady]

awesome! i can't wait to see it!

[corrie04]

1. My theme is: Mixed media (or hand drawn) monochromatic - Open theme
2. What I'm hoping for: Monochromatic / One main color - with limited accents in black/white/or other complimentary color.
3. Key concepts: Seeing the beauty in all the tones and hues of one color family.
4. Color scheme: Pick your favorite color and go with it.
5. Websites / Samples: http://mixedmediamonday.wordpress.com/2008/07/14/monochromatic-sampler/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparkleface/3616157541/in/pool-monochromaticart
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparkleface/3306830176/in/pool-monochromaticart
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheekyurchin/3256024383/in/pool-monochromaticart
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83684754@N00/2794615306/in/pool-monochromaticart

[katilady]

ooooh, i love that theme corrie!

[themuppet]

Awesome theme, Corrie!! Lovely examples. I have visions of purpleosity dancing through my head!

[corrie04]

Thanks Kati and Sarah!!

[corrie04]

Oh, Sarah - Are you going to be posting everyone's themes, etc on the first thread? It would make it much easier to find.

[themuppet]

1. My theme is: Funky Fairy Tales

2. What I'm hoping for: Goofy, weird, and just downright bazaar variations on the typical fairy tale. You can take it anywhere from bright and silly to kind of creepy, though I have a goth fairy tale theme in another swap, so I'd prefer goofyness in this one. Feel free to throw tentacle arms and toasters in there too. ;)

3. Key concepts: Silly, funny, obnoxious Princesses, punk Queens, bright colors and just general goofiness. Have a good time with it!

4. Color scheme: Whatev', dig?

5. Websites / Samples: I don't really have any! HERE (http://myweb.dal.ca/barkerb/fairies/grimm/) is a list of electronic Grimm fairy tales.

[themuppet]

Yep! I'm actually about to do that riiiiight now!

[katilady]

oh i like that mupps.

hey. anne sexton did a series of poems based on grimms fairytales--can i use that for inspiration?

[Loralou]

1. My theme is: Texture
2. What I'm hoping for: Scrumptious drawings and collages that use elements with texture to them, add sand or use texture medium, or whatever! If you want to, you could paint an interesting object or scene involving texture rather than have actual texture. I don't mind if pages get a little thicker.
3. Key concepts: A sandy beach, or carved wood, or moss on a wall, I dunno, your imagination is probably better than mine. I don't want to be too specific so that you interpret it in your own way.
4. Color scheme: I love bright and vivid colours. When I look through the gallery, I am most drawn to cards of this type.
5. Websites / Samples:
http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:k3Dn8QK0GyJsFM:http://www.murallizt.com/show-image/479562/Alejandro-Martinez/Tape-Texture.jpg http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:JY5fMWJwal5zkM:http://fc04.deviantart.com/fs12/i/2006/284/8/c/Sponge_Texture_by_Art_Photo.jpg http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:dlHogyD_pDcbGM:http://images-1.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/946257-3-horizon-texture.jpg http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:FOjljbRzsPD05M:http://images-3.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/2665864-3-nature-layered-with-texture.jpg http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:X5KxTFQCR738YM:http://www.corel.com/img/content/community/tips/px/2007-10wow/2d%2520Daniel%2520texture%2520final.jpg http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:TOOLRY-s4lGrWM:http://images-2.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/2231502-2-origin.jpg http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:gUu0CJefNuGVPM:http://th08.deviantart.net/fs25/300W/i/2008/038/5/f/Texture___red_blue_coffee_by_dom90nic.jpg

[themuppet]

oh i like that mupps.

hey. anne sexton did a series of poems based on grimms fairytales--can i use that for inspiration?

Go for it!

Nice theme, Loralou!

[katilady]

now that is a them i can have fun with loralou! i can use all my goop on it, lol!

[Loralou]

Goop on!!!

[Siren]

I can't wait to get started! And--Jealous!--Laurie's over at the art desk working on her cover art and I have to go to stooopid work. :P Bah! And everyone's picking such interesting themes and I still haven't chosen my poem! Augh! Not that there's really a hurry quite yet...and I've vowed to finish a handful of cards that are due sooner rather than later before I start playing with my book but I want to anyway! Do I *have* to go to work? It's awfully lovely out; I'd rather stay home and make pretties, luncheon on the new patio set and drink mimosas. Mmm...

[themuppet]

I'll send you a doctor's note, Siren!!

Tell Laurie to get her butt on here and tell us what HER theme is!! ;)

[themuppet]

Dear Siren's Bosses:

Siren is suffering from an extreme case of donwannaworkitis, and she needs at least a week off (with full pay of course) for recovery.

Sincerely Yours,
Dr. Muppet

[katilady]

dude. mupps. i need a letter like that, pronto! i have to work 40 freaking hours next week (and the week after, and so on)!

siren can i move in with you and laurie? i want a luncheon on the the new patio set too! and you guys could give me drawing lessons!

[EdensRainbow]

Y'know what makes that even funnier? My mom is Amy's boss. So I'll pass the message along. ;)

Hokay, my theme: Women.
What I'm hoping for: is that you'll put art in my book...duh. Oh, wait, I get it. I'm leaving this open to wide interpretation. Any style or technique is fine. I prefer hand drawn/painted, but if you want to rock the mixed media, that's cool too. Serious or silly, meaningful or totally chaotic, it's up to you.
Key Concepts: could be fictional women (Elizabeth Bennet, Juliet, Deanna Troi), women of power (Xena, Buffy, Geena Davis), real women (you!), or mythical ladies (the gorgon, greek gooddesses, vampires, nymphs). I think it's a subject you should all be familiar with. ;)
Color Scheme: As long as the colors work well together, I'm not picky.
Samples: look in a mirror? I dunno, does anyone really need examples? I guess I could rassle something up...I'll be back to edit this when I find some example goodies.

[EdensRainbow]

Kati, of course you can move in with us!!! Although...you'd probably have to live on said patio...and leave all your things behind. But don't worry, it only rains, like, 350 days a year here. ;)

[themuppet]

*passes out notes* I have to work 40 hours every week.. .and I have three kids. I trump you! HA!

Awesome theme, Laurie!!

[katilady]

yea, i only have to cats. BUT my clients are usually addicted to meth and have a mental illness. what does that trump?

[EdensRainbow]

I once had a crack pipe break on me at work, does that count for anything?

And I thought I'd throw this out there. I was thinking of sticking an ATC of a cartoonified version of all out lovely participants in this swap in their respective books. If you'd like me to, I just need a photo either emailed to me or sent with the book. (except for the fabulous Kati, who I've already cartooned and can't wait to do again. :D)

[themuppet]

hrmmm... I dunno. We probably tie. Come here, let's snuggle.

[themuppet]

Oooo what a fabulous idea, Laurie!! I'll have to send you a picture later. I have to buy a new camera first!

[katilady]

mupps use the pic that you used for the caricature swap--totally cute. or the one of you rocking out, that'd make a great cartoon!

you be generous (and sweet) laurie!

[Siren]

I totally appreciate the note! ;) It's sure to do the trick!

(tehe...it would definitely make Laurie's mom laugh...)

[rkolig]

Dang, I'm flip-flopping on themes:

Things with Wings
Fantasy Fest
Water/water everywhere

Hmmmmmmm....................which one shall I chose?

[katilady]

things with wings is always fun!

[themuppet]

I like them all, Mary! No wonder you're flip-flopping. I like "Things with Wings", but I'd fill your pages full of toasters with bat wings.... ;)

[rkolig]

And that would be WAY cool!

[themuppet]

Awesome! I have a thing about inanimate objects with bat wings. Delicious!

[rkolig]

OK, lets go with Things with Wings.

[katilady]

yay!!!!

[JoyFlower]

OOOOOhhh....LOVE all the themes chosen...I promise to get mine figured out today...something FUN to think about while I'm at the stinkin' office. :laugh:

[nanner]

Fab themes, people. I will ruminate on my theme. The "borrowed" short-list is gonna be a huge help.

[themuppet]

Mailing update!

Miss Mary and I were discussing logistics of a 10-player moley swap, and I think we should go ahead and adopt the "better safe than sorry" approach with mailing. I'd like everyone (in the US at least!) to mail using the flat rate priority envelopes with delivery confirmation (it's 4.60 if you print your own postage online or around 5.70 if you do it at the PO). We're going to have a lot of journals floating around the world for the next year or so, and I'd want to eviscerate myself with a pasta server if a journal got lost!

A bubble envelope or bubble wrap wouldn't hurt either! I think my post lady has a wheat thresher and a hungry poodle on staff!

Comments/concerns/corndogs?

[JoyFlower]

Good plan/alleviates concerns/cornbread please, with butter and HONEY. MMMM...honey... :)

[themuppet]

Mmmmm!!! That sounds delicious. I might even be able to EAT that. *mental note: Make cornbread tomorrow and try to gum it into submission* ;)

Have I mentioned that I'm sick of soup? SICK. OF. SOUP.

[JoyFlower]

Awww...poor mupps. :( I hope your dental stuff is all done soon and you can heal up. (((mupps)))

[Siren]

I like the plan--no losing journals! And have you tried quiche? Nice and soft with the added bonus of not being soup (as much as I love soup, I can totally understand getting sick of it!). ;) Also, wonderfully simple. (I don't even use a crust--I just leave the mixture in my cast iron skillet for like...eight to twelve minutes on med-low heat on the burner then another three to five under the broiler and, voila! I'd have to check my recipe to be sure...)

[themuppet]

*snugs pesto*

Oh quiche! I didn't even think of that. I made pseudo-souffle roll the other night (fabulous stuff, a cheese souffle that's baked in a jelly roll pan and then wrapped around broccoli. AWEEEESOMEEEE!) and actually felt satisfied eating it, rather than "ugh more soup", and I love soup!

By the end of all of this, I'll be utterly sick of soup, ice cream, rice, and yogurt. Okay, maybe not the ice cream.

I think I could manage to mangle pie crust on the roof of my mouth, so I'll have to try doing a quiche. I've been trying to get creative with the evening meal and have made at least 5 different white-sauce-based things in the last week.. lol

So tomorrow it's cornbread and quiche!

[katilady]

can i come for dinner?

i make good soup! i'll make you some!

[katilady]

oh, and i dig no losing journals. that would suck donkey ass. :eek:

[themuppet]

Yes please! Come cook for me! I got all spoiled when my mom was here nursing me back to health and cooking takes up arting time and makes me grumpy! lol!

[goodmorningstarshine]

*sniffle*

[goodmorningstarshine]

*sniffle* *sniffle*

*snort*

*body contorting sob*

[themuppet]

*scared*

[katilady]

*hugs starshine*

ok! i heart cooking! i make a killer lebanese stew (all my dyke friends call it lesbian stew!). it's vegan but tastes sooooo good that you don't even realize there is no meat!

[goodmorningstarshine]

*sniffle*

You all...*sniffle* went to artfest...*sniffle*...and now you all...*sob* love each other...*snort sniffle sniffle* and make moleskins without me!!! *body contorting sob*

[themuppet]

*group hug for Star-girl*

Awesome. Come over. I'm hungry!

[themuppet]

(I didn't go to artfest... I got my gums split open, my jawbone shaved, and all of my teeth pulled.. while awake! So :P)

[goodmorningstarshine]

What's so great about moles anyway?

*sniffle*
*wipe nose on sleeve*

Moles are stupid. :cry:

[goodmorningstarshine]

(I didn't go to artfest... I got my gums split open, my jawbone shaved, and all of my teeth pulled.. while awake! So :P)

They already loved you.

[katilady]

i didn't go to artfest either! now i am gonna cry.

[themuppet]

I'm gonna start administering some smackdowns! GO TO YOUR ROOMS UNTIL YOU'RE READY TO STOP ACTING LIKE YOU'RE 3!

(ugh, can you tell the kids are on summer vacation? haha!)

[goodmorningstarshine]

They love you too. Obviously. I'm sure if you were gone moving into your new home for a week, someone would have saved you a super special moleskin spot! Or something!

*sniffle*

[goodmorningstarshine]

Fine. I love you too. Goodnight.

[themuppet]

I love youuuuuuuuuuu and you'll have a super special princessly gem-encrusted spot in the next one!

[goodmorningstarshine]

:P :P :P :P :P :P :P

[katilady]

oooooooh. gems. pretty.

[EdensRainbow]

....um, wow.

Anyway...I'm totally fine with extra postage assurancey type things. I would also be devastated if a journal was lost. Though I'm still trying to figure out how Mupp would eviscerate herself with a pasta server....yeah, nothing I come up with is all that pretty. ;)

I also wanted to ask about posting images of completed pages. Do we want to do the thing where we wait until the journal is at the next travel stop or just whenever we finish?

[Loralou]

I wonder what the equivalent of that is in the UK...I will investigate.

[goodmorningstarshine]

Sorry I was all childishy. All my best friends are in here and I felt left out and sad.

Would you all be more likely to forgive me if you knew I was always picked last for team sports in gym class?

[katilady]

i totally understand starshine! hugs!

[themuppet]

I'd like to post them when we finish cause my eyeballs are greedy for candy, but majority rules!

How would y'all like to see finished pages? Once the moley reaches its next destination, or as soon as you're done with them, even WIPs being allowable?

[katilady]

as soon as we're finished! cause i am like an excited puppy and need to hear praise right away. woof!

[EdensRainbow]

Oh, good. I hate waiting. :)

[JoyFlower]

Of course we want to see as soon as they are done, 'cause they're gonna be so wonderful!! :jiggy:

[JoyFlower]

1. My theme is:Hope...based on the tiny poem printed below.
2. What I'm hoping for: a panorama based on images from the poem...gravestones, crows, ravens, little singing birds, hearts, sunshine
3. Key concepts: Contrast between sorrow and joy (Joy Wins!)
4. Color scheme: bright happy colors

Here's the poem (Anon. writer):
There is no grave on earth's broad chart
But has some bird to cheer it;
So hope sings on in every heart,
Although we may not hear it;
And if today the heavy wing
Of sorrow is oppressing,
Perchance tomorrow's sun may bring
The weary heart a blessing.

I am taking the poem from a vintage book, and will be pasting it into the introductory pages I create.

[Loralou]

I like to post when I am still excited about them ie - 2 minutes after finishing them! lol

[themuppet]

LOL!!

Pesto, awesome theme, and I've added it to the first page!

I've also updated the first page with mailing rules/information, so please check it out!

[rkolig]

I'm good with posting pics right away. It always hurts to have to wait. I'm an impatient person. And yeah......praise is always soooooo nice to get.

[katilady]

yay pesto! and yay for posting pics!

[corrie04]

love the theme and the poem

[JoyFlower]

Thanks - I am so looking forward to these, both working in them and seeing all the delicious art this group creates!

[katilady]

my moley arrived today, woot! now to get to work on my pages!

[Loralou]

MIne arrive yesterday too! I am going to work on my cover after work this evening. Hope it is not too hot :( I can't cope in this heat.

[EdensRainbow]

And yeah......praise is always soooooo nice to get.

:notworthy:

[EdensRainbow]

I have finished my cover and I'm uber excited about it. The scan doesn't quite do it justice, but you'll all get a chance to see for yourselves. :)


http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3909/large/1_BookCover.jpg

[rkolig]

Oooooh! Loverly!

What all did you use? Did you gesso first?

[The Mad Catter]

awesome thread!

[JoyFlower]

That looks wonderful!

[katilady]

yea, how'd you do that? it sure is perty!

[EdensRainbow]

I started off with a gesso patch, then did line work with Sharpie and PITT artist pen. Once the line work was established, I created the color with Winsor & Newton ink and Acrylic inks. The mottled effect was achieved by wiping some of the ink away with terry cloth. After the color was applied, I went back over the line work to bring it to the top and finished the whole thing off with Sakura gold pen.

Which brings me to a request for my journal. I'd love it if everyone could put a brief (or detailed. whichever. ;)) description of the material and techniques on the back of their pages. I hate it when I find this really cool piece of art on the internet, and the artist doesn't even say what materials were used. So frustrating. Yay journals!

...wow, this post is way too serious. I needs me my coffee.

[katilady]

ahhh, cool! great idea about materials used on the back!

[JoyFlower]

Thanks for the info! I agree about adding a little info to the back regarding methods/materials, etc...that would be great...along with the who, where, when...

[nowzem]

Hey Guys... I have a question :D Would anyone either 1. know of, or 2. be interested in a NON japanese-style, non-folding moleskine book? AND! Why are all the dang single page journal swaps CHUNKY?!!!!!! I suck at chunky :D

[katilady]

you could host a chunk-less chunky swap!

[nowzem]

hehe, I'm SCARED! :D I COULD... hehehe, I feel empowered, LOL

[Siren]

Chunky has always struck me as such an unappealing word...who decided they wanted their art to be known as "chunky"? It reminds me of pet food... :P

[rkolig]

I suck at chunky too. I'm not sure what the appeal is, but hey....

One of the reasons for the Japanese style is the size and weight tho. The paper is good for drawing and gluing and everything and if you gesso it, you can paint too.

As far as non-Japanese style, I love their watercolour journals too. I want one REAL bad!!

But, that said, once you get your journal back you'll see why people love them. Having the art flow together like it does is just plain kewl!!

[nowzem]

ohh, I don't have anything AGAINST the japan-ey moley's :D I just have two of their plain journals... they are great for glueing and pen and ink... and they aren't hard bound--perfect for mailing.. :D and I'd have to order a japanese style one online... and don't see the appeal since like you said, I've never seen one :D BUT! I have a watercolor one==it's THE COOLEST THING EVER :D :D I will post some of the stuff I put in mine eventually.... :D

[themuppet]

That's a lot of :D for one post! XD

[nowzem]

I know--I'm a dork and I use them like periods :D:D:D:D hehehe

[EdensRainbow]

...it occurs to me I forgot to say thank you to all in my first post today.

Well, in my defense, I hadn't had coffee yet.

Thanks everyone! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

(...i wanna be cool too.)

[Siren]

I like how they all waggle their eyebrows in tandem...tehehe...

[themuppet]

Oh yeah, I forgot to say..

AWESOME freakin' cover, edens!!!

[Siren]

After much consideration, I have finally settled on my my theme! *Whew!*

1. My theme is: "Sometime Around Midnight" by The Airborne Toxic Event
2. What I'm hoping for: I'd love to see the scenes the lyrics, music or any combination thereof inspire in you; interpret away! I am especially taken with pages containing some element of narrative (not necessarily of the events of the song).
3. Key concepts: The intersection of love and loss, light and shadow; the ever-changing tides of human life...
4. Color scheme: Whatever suits your own vision of the piece!
5. Websites / Samples: Here's a youtube link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJi2z3tGKIg
and below are the lyrics. I will include them in the Moley as well as a copy of the song itself if you'd like to listen to it. I certainly do! Feel free to ask if you're looking for further information or clarification: I love talking about music! :cute:

"And it starts, sometime around midnight.
Or at least that’s when you lose yourself for a minute or two.
As you stand under the bar lights.
And the band plays some song about forgetting yourself for a while.
And the piano’s this melancholy soundtrack to her smile.
And that white dress she’s wearing...
you haven’t seen her for a while.

But you know that she’s watching.
She’s laughing, she’s turning, she’s holding her tonic like a cross.
The room’s suddenly spinning.
She walks up and asks how you are.
So you can smell her perfume.
You can see her lying naked in your arms.

And so there’s a change in your emotions.
And all these memories come rushing like feral waves to your mind.
Of the curl of your bodies,
like two perfect circles entwined.
And you feel hopeless and homeless
and lost in the haze of the wine.

Then she leaves, with someone you don’t know.
But she makes sure you saw her, she looks right at you and bolts.
As she walks out the door,
your blood boiling
your stomach in ropes.
Oh and when your friends say,
“What is it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Then you walk, under the streetlights.
And you’re too drunk to notice,
that everyone is staring at you.
You just don’t care what you look like,
the world is falling around you.

You just have to see her.
You know that she’ll break you in two."

[katilady]

oh that's gonna be fun siren. i am gonna have to listen to song like a bazillion time (i see the genius to your evil plan). neat-o!

[EdensRainbow]

I'm so excited about this theme. The Airborne Toxic Event is one of my most favorite musical groups ever. I love each and everyone of their songs, but this one is just so moving.

And I've had an epiphianical moment and know exactly what I'm gonna do. Mwa ha ha....

[katilady]

show off! :P

just kiddin'!

[EdensRainbow]

Hey! You should be grateful to share in my geniousnessosity...yeah.

[katilady]

lol laurie!

ii think i need to change my theme to make it cooler.:huh:

[EdensRainbow]

Your theme is totally rockin' Kati! Plus it leaves it wide open to interpretation, which means you get a lot of cool results from the variety of artists. And if you change your theme I'll have to throw out all the epiphianical ideas I've got for your book. :D

[rkolig]

Siren, my first response to that theme was "OMG, you're gonna make me do HOMEWORK?" But, it may be interesting (even for this old gal). I may even have fun with this idea.

Actually, the song reminds me a bit of Leonard Cohen's song "Closing Time" or it think its called that. But then again, maybe its a MIX of some of his songs that I'm thinking of.

[themuppet]

Awesome-Possum theme, Siren!

Mmmm Leonard Cohen!

[Siren]

Well, the song's only like five minutes long, so it shouldn't be too much homework! And since you can listen to a song while you, I dunno, draw or cook or clean or breathe or, you know, whatever, I figured it would be okay. ;)

And I love this song. *glomp!* So, yeah, there's that.

[EdensRainbow]

Is it time to trade books yet?!?!?!?! *hops around like a little kid*

Although...I haven't even started my three pages yet....erm. :unsure:

[katilady]

lol! i wanna start now too! i am still pondering ideas for my book. do i wanna draw? do i wanna collage? do i wanna make messy layers? all three? and i know my theme, but what will my concept be? hrm...

[EdensRainbow]

Y'know, I've never really been in to collage (mainly because I suck at it, unlike ms. fabulouso kati), but lately hand drawn collage pieces have really been rockin' my socks. I just love a hand drawn image over decorative paper. Who'd have thought?

[katilady]

awww, it's growing on ya!

ok, i am gonna say something that will make me sound like a real bitch:

most of the collage around here sucks. people slap shit together and think it's a piece of art. not everyone can do collage well, but because it is such an accessible art form everyone and their uncle think they can do it. it takes time and effort to think out composition, to layer, and to blend elements into a cohesive piece. i am not the best collager by far, but i have been practicing my ass off everyday for over a year and i think i am decent. if this offends you i am not gonna apologize cause i meant every word, but i really hope you don't take it personally.

that said i do think everyone can become a kick ass collager but you have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

if you want laurie i can throw some links out of fabulous collagers.

[corrie04]

Hey, Katie... Don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel! *L*

[themuppet]

That Kati... always beating around the bush... ;)

Edens, I've been messing about with hand-drawn collage lately too. I'm working on some skinny pages for the other site that are all sort of tattoo inspired separate pieces all glomped together into one cohesive mass. I'm diggin' it!

I will TRY to get the travel plans worked out tomorrow. I've tried twice already and it makes my brain hurt. Maybe I'll sic my husband on it, he's crazy enough to like the challenge.

[Siren]

I like the hand drawn collage elements too--Eric Carle, anyone?

[EdensRainbow]

Wow Kati, that's everything I've always felt but have been afraid to say. You're my hero!! :notworthy:

And I'd dig those links. I'd like to practice some collage, but I think studying some masters would behoove me first.

[corrie04]

Can someone show me an example of the hand-drawn collage?

[Siren]

Soo...I work in the kids department of a book store...Eric Carle (of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? etc...) hand paints various papers in different colors and designs and then uses them to mosaic and collage into his final images.

[The Mad Catter]

Eric Carle is awesome! been a fan for years! I too would love to see some links Katilady! I love collage yet it scares the bejesus out of me due to the fact that 'I would like to do it well'! Not look like I just slapped some goop on a page and said 'all done'! I soooo know what you mean... anywho...I'm here on this thread to lurk and learn...when I feel confident enough to try, I may throw something in the ring! Until then, I'm learning! Thanks for all the cool info everyone... :)

[katilady]

ok, some collage links for ya'll. i have stolen them from a thread on this same subject over at iatcs:

http://www.nicolenatri.com/gallery.html
http://www.katiedellkaufman.com/collages.htm
http://www.florinfirimita.com/
http://www.michelkeck.com/ART_PRINTS_of_Collage_Art_s/112.htm
http://www.michelkeck.com/Abstract_Contemporary_Art_Modern_Giclee_Print_p/060804giclee-40x40.htm
http://daedalusrose.com/
http://www.mbrouillette.com/recent.html
http://www.colagem.com/english/index_en.htm
http://www.michellecaplan.com/
http://gallery.passion4art.com/members/studiored/index.html
http://www.collageart.org/links/
http://www.mbrouillette.com/art/recent/pages/new_york_change.html
http://notpaper.net/
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=38394
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=109732
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5191396
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=62675
http://izabella.typepad.com/photos/izabellas_art/index.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dailypoetics/sets/72157594239675043/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anahata/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/triciamckellar/sets/72157602262533174/

so there you go, a crapload of above average collage artists. i know my earlier post came on strong but this is such a sore point for me. due to all the crap work out there a lot of folks won't trade for collage work, and really i can't blame them. but they assume that all collagers are the same, when we are not. they don't differentiate between the work that is thoughtful with the work that is less so, and that sucks for me.

[amyfaerie]

LOL. I ranted about this a bit at ArtForAll, because I feel the same way, Kati. I agree, it's hard to be a collage artist--I think about the song from "Hustle and Flow" and sing . . .

It's HARD out here for COLLAGE . . . TAPIN' and GLUIN' and MOD PODGE . . .

lol.

[katilady]

LOL. I ranted about this a bit at ArtForAll, because I feel the same way, Kati. I agree, it's hard to be a collage artist--I think about the song from "Hustle and Flow" and sing . . .

It's HARD out here for COLLAGE . . . TAPIN' and GLUIN' and MOD PODGE . . .

lol.

someone gets me!

[goodmorningstarshine]

I quit doing collage for a long time because I felt like one of those "just glue things down" people. I wasn't creating anything original. I keep buying collage books though, and the last couple of things I made aren't half bad. Not katilady or amyfaerie quality, though. :)

[corrie04]

Here's another great collage artist... Clare Murray Adams. She was my art professor at college. She's had her work exhibited in galleries nation-wide. I took a workshop from her in 2007, and that's when I got back into art, after being away from it for 10 years (since collage).

http://www.claremurrayadams.com/content/collages.php

[Loralou]

Kati, what you have just said is why I feel so disheartened by ATC's these days. I feel like I am inbetween a rock and a hard place. I am not good enough for a juried site, but if I stay here, I end up with cards I want to cry over. Even some of the hand drawn swaps I have been in lately made me cry.
I got asked to leave rep for cards in a swap that I hadn't left any for and refused. I thought they were crap.
I might leave ATC's altogether if I kind find a resolution I am happy with.
If I apply to the mixed media side of iATC's I won't be able to draw anything and that will make me sad too (plus won't prob get in anyway)
So here I am in a slump and disheartened and feeling sad.

[nowzem]

You know--I agree about there being soo many poopy-crap "collages" out there...some made by me, hehehe. But I disagree about anyone being able to become a good collage artist--you guys, Kati and Amy--you're just damn special :) Sometimes I see a barbie sticker with a star sequin...and I'm sad for you guys because it gives ya a bad rep :) hehehebut don't feel too bad--I often see handdrawn stuff that I wonder what they were thinking as well, and then I remember that I'm an iATC reject and feel ashamed.. so thats why this site is awesome because even sucky poopy crap artists like me can trade and feel like a good artist :D

[goodmorningstarshine]

You know Loralou, I was just thinking about the same thing this morning when I noticed how many of my afa friends are now on iatc. I was thinking, "I'm going to get on that site no matter what." I don't think nanner is on there yet, so I was planning on making her my iatc buddy, but maybe since you aren't there either I could make a little club.

It may take me ages, but I'm going to start making handdrawn and collaged cards one at a time. Then I'm going to discuss it with my friends and see if it's good enough for my portfolio until I have 20 good collages and 20 good handdrawn/painted atcs. The creme de la creme. I can produce cards that I think are of high enough quality, it just takes time. This may take me months, but I'm going to build a rocking portfolio.

What do you think? We could be like a little support group. :)




Kati, what you have just said is why I feel so disheartened by ATC's these days. I feel like I am inbetween a rock and a hard place. I am not good enough for a juried site, but if I stay here, I end up with cards I want to cry over. Even some of the hand drawn swaps I have been in lately made me cry.
I got asked to leave rep for cards in a swap that I hadn't left any for and refused. I thought they were crap.
I might leave ATC's altogether if I kind find a resolution I am happy with.
If I apply to the mixed media side of iATC's I won't be able to draw anything and that will make me sad too (plus won't prob get in anyway)
So here I am in a slump and disheartened and feeling sad.

[themuppet]

I'm on iATCs, but I trade FAR more over here than over there. I still feel pretty outclassed over there and get really really nervous sending in cards (I'm not saying this to get virtual pats on the butt - it's how I really feel), worrying that the people who receive them are going to be all "wtf is SHE doing at this site??!!" I still think some days that my acceptance there was a fluke. ;)

Don't leave nanner out in the "people who do damn good collage"... I have two of her perverted clowns and one of her comic book fairies sitting on the bookshelf in the artsyfartsy room as my current drool-worthy cards!

I'm dipping my chipped black-polished toes in the mixed media pool and utterly drowning (do they make water wings for this??)!

As in everything in the arty world, you have to have an eye for composition/color/etc. in order to be a successful _____ artist, whether the ____ is collage, watercolor, colored pencil, or peanut butter sculpting. I think a lot of the problem is that people turn to collage as an "easy" alternative not realizing that yes the same rules really do apply.

[katilady]

oh loralou, don't quit. i love your work! you can draw on iatc's but only 30% of any given piece.

starshine i think it's a great idea to have a little club--i'll def be a cheerleader!

i appreciate all the pats for my work, it makes me feel good. :)

mupps, your post totally rocks--the same rules DO apply and people just don't get that! it is so frustrating!

i know that it helps to have a good eye for design and color, but i also think practice makes perfect when it comes to art!

nanner def belongs in the kickass collager club. i have 2 pages of her art and i love everyone!

[goodmorningstarshine]

It would be cool to have you as a cheerleader, Kati! Like the overacheiver I am, I was thinking we could have a juried portfolio collage group and juried portfolio drawing group, and every week someone from the juried site could come and give us feedback...

[JoyFlower]

What is this talk of sadness and quitting?!! We will have NO QUITTING!! There is SO MUCH TALENT in this thread!

If you are discouraged, just don't do swaps for awhile. Work on new things like canvases, postcards, DOLLS!, dominoes, etc, and arrange private trades with other artists whose work you enjoy.

Big hugs to everyone - chins up!

[nowzem]

I love you guys! You're all wonderful artists with great hearts :)

[goodmorningstarshine]

Okay, I made them. Maybe we can work together, Loralou, like the buddy system in kindergarden. :)

Handdrawn/Painted (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?p=473373#post473373)
Collage (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10933)

[Loralou]

I'm up for that :) but I s till wouldn't be happy on iATC's as it would have to be either a mixed media piece or a hand drawn piece depending on which side you get approved for. I just do what I do and feel at that time.
I am moving on, I am doing moleskines!

[goodmorningstarshine]

Loralou, I am more ambitious for us. I think we need to be approved for both sides!

[Loralou]

Oh yeah! Bring it on lol

[EdensRainbow]

(I'm not saying this to get virtual pats on the butt - it's how I really feel)

*stops mid-swing*

oh...dang...

[katilady]

*stops mid-swing*

oh...dang...

do it! i dare you!

[themuppet]

*wiggles butt*

[Siren]

*sneaks in from the side while everyone is distracted by Edensrainbow*

--smack!--

[EdensRainbow]

*high five!*

[Siren]

Tag Team!

[themuppet]

Yowza!

[JoyFlower]

:laugh:

[Loralou]

I have absolutely no idea!

[katilady]

this is an ass slapping crew we got here, woot!

[amyfaerie]

MY THEME! FINALLY!

I think I would like "writing" to be my theme. So, think antique typewriters, fountain pens, inkwells, and pithy little quotes about writing. Especially about writing poetry.

DO USE:
* Images of vintage typewriters and typewriter ribbon tins. The Vintage Typewriter Shoppe (http://www.vintagetypewritershoppe.com/Vintage_Typewriters_1.html) has some great images.
* Quotes about writing, typewriters or poetry are great. Thinkexist.com (http://thinkexist.com/quotations/writing/) has some great ones.
* Type "vintage typewriters" into Google images or into eBay and look at the awesome stuff that comes up!


DON'T USE:
* Tinted photographs of victorian women or cherubic children or angels [think Tuscan Rose (http://www.tuscanrose.com)], so those are a NO GO.
* Scrapbooking embellishments or stickers.
* I don't care what colors are used . . . plain, unpainted or uncolored backgrounds, however, aren't going to make me happy.
* Actual quotes from poetry. I have my favorite writers of poetry, and they probably aren't yours. No offense, but the 'skine is to inspire my own writing.

[amyfaerie]

you're all having WAY too much fun! i'm missing it all!

[goodmorningstarshine]

I miss you Amy!!!

[katilady]

i miss amy too! come back!

[themuppet]

Well crap, there goes my idea of filling Amy's book with victorian cherubs. poopy!

(ha! I kid I kid, great theme!)

[themuppet]

Now we just need slacker nanner to come up with HER theme.... AHEM NANNER!

[nanner]

Aaaaaaah! Slacker reporting in...I resemble that!

I have my theme, now I just need a bit of time to find some internet links. I will get cracking on that and officially unslackify myself.

My theme is An Enchanted Garden of Oddities and Delights. Stay tuned for what-the-frick that means...

[katilady]

oh nanner! does this mean i get to use all my wacky pics?

[Loralou]

Sounds so intriguing!......

[rkolig]

Ditto to ALL that! I love iATCs and all, but I trade alot more here. I always worry about is my stuff up to snuff.


I'm on iATCs, but I trade FAR more over here than over there. I still feel pretty outclassed over there and get really really nervous sending in cards (I'm not saying this to get virtual pats on the butt - it's how I really feel), worrying that the people who receive them are going to be all "wtf is SHE doing at this site??!!" I still think some days that my acceptance there was a fluke. ;)

[themuppet]

Ha! I'm glad I'm not the only one, Mary!! :D

The first post is updated with travel information! I tried to make it as random as possible, but some things just ended up patterning (like I mail to Loralou a lot... amy mails to me a few times) and I got tired of screwing with it. Heh!

[goodmorningstarshine]

My theme is An Enchanted Garden of Oddities and Delights. Stay tuned for what-the-frick that means...

I know what it means. You're talking about people with 3 nipples, right?

[themuppet]

Enchanting and delightful!

[goodmorningstarshine]

Yep. It was basically a no brainer. :D

[katilady]

i am going to be a shameless self promoter by telling you all about my latest swap, outsider art (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10964)! join, it'll be grand!

[themuppet]

*fines kati a nickel for shameless self promotion*

[Siren]

I want a nickel. ;) I will be the "treasurer".

[themuppet]

Ha! Nominated and seconded!

Now. Who wants to be my secretary? :D

[EdensRainbow]

Ooh! I wanna be secretary. As long as I can wear a sexy little pinstripe, razor back suit and you be my naughty boss. ;)

[katilady]

i'll be the mail room clerk. this means i can wear my sweats to work and open all the packages. yippee, mine!

[themuppet]

laurie, can I circle your typos with a red sharpie and paddle you for leaving a worm in my desk?

Kati.. haha! "I don't understand why the post office keeps mangling the packages and delivering them empty. Weird!"

[katilady]

snicker. my secret is out.

i think laurie has a thing for flogging and paddling. she brought it up in the dark goddess swap too. that's ok, we like you bdsm types. btw, i have a heart paddle! it leaves heart shaped bruises, you can borrow it mupps!

[nanner]

[QUOTE=katilady;474963] i have a heart paddle! it leaves heart shaped bruises,QUOTE]

Do you really? WAIT...do I really want the answer to that...:unsure:?

Now before you begin a quest for tri-nipple art...The Garden is really a thing I gotta find some resources for. I have two things to scan for it...one is a Ryden image. :swoon:

[katilady]

yes, i really do. i got it at a fat girl clothing store of all places, lol.

i heart ryden. copying his work is a bitch though, i had to do it for a pat once.

[nanner]

Dude...are you already b-ing and moaning about my theme? :P

[katilady]

um, no silly. i am bitching and moaning about copying ryden. 2 dif things entirely. cause it sounds like i can make up my own oddities for your theme, i don't have to copy anyone! :P

[EdensRainbow]

i think laurie has a thing for flogging and paddling. she brought it up in the dark goddess swap too.

I just want to point out, for the record, that I was not the one to bring up paddling in either swap.

...I mean, not that I'm opposed to it...but, still, accuracy and all that. ;)

[nanner]

MY THEME! FINALLY (too)!

The Enchanted Garden of Oddities and Delights.

Okay, I gussied the name up from a 16th Century painting, and am adding a nanner-twist to the style. Open to interpretation, my take on The Garden involves a land overrun with worldy temptations, pleasures, and oddities. What I love about these images is the full-yet-strange clutter throughout the pieces. At first blush, there might not seem to be any sense about the art, but the closer you look...the more the unrelated seem to be related.

DO'S:
* Do "fill" the space.
* Cluttered as it may be, there is still an underlying fore-, mid- and background.
* Do let it be weird and wild. Tasteful nudity is A-OK in my book.
* Do use multimedia...collage, paint, ink...whatever you do/like best.

DON'TS:
* No cutesy
* No scrapbooking embellishments or stickers.
* Don't lose feeling in your hands fussing over details. You'll see from my starter pages, I'm more about the story the art tells than having you pour over intricate details.

Links:
--The original attention-grabber for me is The Garden of Earthly Delights, by Bosch (namely the center portion of the triptych)...found here (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/GardenED_edit1.jpg/619px-GardenED_edit1.jpg).
--Similar style, but with the stranger feel I'm looking for is Mark Ryden's The Magic Circus seen here (http://www.designcontest.net/forum/attachments/inspiring-designs/3343d1162066629-magic-circus-mark-ryden-untitled-1.jpg).
--This kind of oddity really winds my watch, found on markryden.com, his Balloon Boy. (http://www.markryden.com/images/painting/three/balloon/Balloon_Boy.jpg)

[themuppet]

AWESOME!

That theme made me cry a little. In a good way. Added to the first post!

[Siren]

Fun! And hard, but good-hard! Oh, I'm sooo excited!

[nanner]

Yeah, I know it's a more involved theme...gulp. Glad it isn't getting me kicked out of the moleyhole. Thanks, lovelies. :wubclub:

[themuppet]

Oh noooo it's awesome.

I'm going to make my first pages really busy probably, and anyone who wants to continue in the same vein can feel free!

[goodmorningstarshine]

Make sure you include at least one person with 3 nipples! ;)

[corrie04]

I could wear my "3 nipple bra" and pose for you. ... I have this bra that has all these little embroidered flowers on it and b/c the cups don't fit "just right"... it always looks like I have 3 nipples (on each side.)... Hate that bra.

[katilady]

too funny corrie!

[themuppet]

My ex-MIL had bras that gave her six boobs, all squished out all over the place! A six-nippled bra can't be as bad as that! :twitcy:

[nanner]

I could wear my "3 nipple bra" and pose for you. ... Hate that bra.

Now that would make for an original original photo!

I have a butter dish from Italy that is a tri-boob maiden. Unintentional, just painted with three circles across the middle. But as soon as someone brought it up, now it's all I see. :huh:

[themuppet]

Now I want to make you a three-boobed art doll. I'm making my dollies right now like a good little muppet. We've all been huffing sculpey fumes today!

[nanner]

Oh, yay...a family high for the love of Art Dolls! :err:

[themuppet]

Yes. We must all pay a price for art.

[katilady]

gertting high on sculpey isn't that high of a price to pay. especially for the little one. :D

[goodmorningstarshine]

The sculpey that really gets you high is sculpey that has pearl-ex powder rubbed on it. I thought I would pass out before I could get it out of the oven!

[EdensRainbow]

I miss all you lovely ladies. How's everyone doing? Anyone see Harry Potter? Anyone hate Harry Potter? What'd you have for dinner? :D