Inspiring color from the Masters

There are hundreds of color challenges online for those needing input on creating paper crafts. The color patterns can be generated anywhere, whether it's a room layout found in a home interior magazine or a paint sample at the home depot (which is what I use myself quite often; gotta love the freebie ideas!).

Using modern colors from designs of today is great, but there are other, older methods of getting color inspiration. Inspirations from the Masters: Matisse, Monet, DaVinci, Degas. You can find their work and more at the ARC site, (aka, the Art and Renewal Center).

A few of my personal favorites are Pierre-Auguste Cot and Lord Frederick Leighton. I think what draws me to them the most are the feminine images and damsels with their beaus.

Take a look a the site. There are so many beautiful images. Here's one of a lovely angel. What do you think about the colors of her wings? Blues, browns and yellows.

Here is an "Egyptian Beauty". What colors do you see here? Violet and cream for sure, but what of the red on the chair and blue in that arch? I would say Night of Navy for lack of a better name. An advantage of being a SU! demonstrator is I know the SU! color wheel and it's real easy to relate their colors to a color in art such as this.

That red is throwing me off. It's not a true red, more of a coral. One thing is for sure, I love, love, love the colors. I'm thinking this would make an excellent Winter card design. Hum, you may see a card or two up soon using this color theme.

The bottom line is, there are inspiring color themes everywhere. Pick up any book new or old and you're sure to find something.

Thanks for reading.

Melanie

July 4th Holiday Craft

Here's a little tutorial for creating some colorful red, white and blue paper baskets for your upcoming July 4th holiday! Personally I think they came out A-Dorable!!

This video was so much fun to make. The music has a lot to do with it. It reminds me of old movies where music quartets wore red and white striped jackets singing under a gazebo. Famlies sat on their blankets enjoying their picnic lunches while kids flew their kites. Yeah, those would be some nice summer memories.

Ever wonder how women got through the day in those ankle-length dresses and men in jackets when it was 100 degrees outside? I'm breathing heavy just thinking about it. Think I'll stick to watch'n the movies, LOL! I guess what parasols were for back then.

Enjoy!

Melanie

Sunday Bliss

It's a steeeeeeeamy Sunday morning here in Louisiana. Still, even with the humidity this high, it's beautiful outside. The key is to simply find a place that has A/C and STAY INSIDE.

Thought I'd share some images from a little cafe I visited in New Orleans a while go and had the most YUMMY breakfast ever. It's called "The Ruby Slipper". I can't remember where it is exactly (I think somewhere off Beinville??). No surprise it's difficult remembering for those familiar with New Orleans; more than half of the best eateries are tucked in small neighborhoods and off the major streets. Many refer to these little gems affectionately as "A hole in the wall".

Personally, I think this is what makes these eateries so special. They're usually privately owned and the owners cater to those who frequent there and more than likely (if you frequent enough) they remember you by name!

Here are a few images.

Here's a glimpse of the menu and my coffee. You're thinking "Why are you taking photos of a coffee cup and creamer?" Well, because of it's simplicity. Nothing fancy, just a big white creamer and cup (and I thought it looked great against the dark table). This image actually relaxes me. Amazing how a photo can do that huh? It is currently my screen saver on my computer.

Here's the sign of the cafe. Now, for all those 'artistically' gifted, what do you think of that egg on the slipper? I think it's BRILLIANT! This image will definitely gos into my inspiration folder. The starburst around the shoe also catches my eye. Kind of vintage looking, don't you think?

Look at this GLORIOUS building. The colors are wonderful, it really makes the building stand out on the block. What do you think of the shape? Love the entrance to the cafe from the corner (quite a few N.O. cafes do this).

You know, the one thing about eating somewhere with a blogger is having to put up with the picture taking, LOL! My aunt kept asking me "Why are you talking all those pictures?". Well, to share with everyone of course!

Here's the side of the cafe (if you're looking at the photo above, the "Breakfast/Lunch" is painted on the right side of the building).

This is kind of a close-up of the first photo (without the menu). I liked the way the shadow from the window cast down on the table.

Lastly, here is a quick peek inside. It's not the best but I didn't want to be so obvious; people don't take kindly to me snapping photos whilst they eat.

Again, look at the colors, everything so, vivid.

Well, I'm off to enjoy Father's Day with my family. I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday as well.

Melanie

Introducing: Tour de Freaks

It's the 20th of the month! You know what that means? It's time for the 1st ever "Tour de Freaks" blog hop! You're in for lots of great ideas for using rubber stamps!

If you're hopping along with us, make sure you visit the blog featured just before mine "Wickedly Wonderful Creations". The link at the bottom of my images will take you to the next blog; this will help guide you to every blog so you don't have to jump around and look for all of us.

We've been waiting for this for a long time, so let's get started!

First up is a fun magnet coaster using the "Pretty Amazing" stamp set and the retirning Urban Garden designer paper. Aren't the colors wonderful?!

Next up, we have a card using the "Illuminations" stamp set and the beautiful fine turquoise glitter!

The next card features the "Bella" stamp set. It's a huge flower, great for creating layered cards (3D style). The hummingbird is from the retiring "Pretty Amazing" stamp set and is lifted with a dimensional/popdot.

The vines are from the "Baroque Motifs" stamp set (but it's not retiring). The Baroque set is great for adding background details like this.

Here's a close-up of the crystal microbeads I added to the flower. Gives it a little extra sparkle.

Finally, we have a "Doodle This" card. Such fun and festive colors for Summer!

Next blog up is Patty Bennett. Patty has some FABULOUS ideas!!! Just hop on over by selecting the image below. Don't forget to mark your calendar for the NEXT hop, July 20th!


Thanks so much for stopping by! I had great time creating these cards for everyone!

Smitten by Digi stamps

I've been bitten by Digi stamps. I discovered Squigglefly a week ago and since then so many more have been pop'n up.

The latest find is The Digi Shack. The images are cute as a button, crisp lines and playful. Here's a sample of just a few images from their memorial day sale.




While doing a little online surfing, I came across the Card Patterns weekly sketch site. It's a great site for card layouts and a design team puts together card samples using each pattern for the week.

Here are a few more cute ideas using the Surfer girl (who I'm sure will soon be a part of my growing Digi stamp supply).




Then there's THIS created by "Redsmomma". SOOOO cute!!!



Yesterday The Digi Shack had a release party and gave away some new digi images and discount codes. The info was posted on the "The Card Universe" website. It's a great site for sharing ideas and learning. Look me up if you get the chance!

Don't forget, this Saturday is the Tour de Freaks Blog Hop. It starts at 10 am MNT. We're all very excited to share these ideas with everyone.

Now, it's time to finish up my swaps that MUST be mailed out today.

Have a great day everyone!

Father's Day paperbag tutorial

Here it is. Sorry for the delay. It took forever to edit. The kids are hounding me to get outside.

This should inspire you to go create one for yourself. It's quick and fun!

Have fun.

Melanie

Father's Day paperbag book

Here one of the five creations for the Tour de Freaks Blog Hop on the 20th of this month. However, being that the hop is the 20th and Father's day is the 21st, I thought it would be better to share this now for those who might be interesting in creating one for their Father/Dad. I'll make something different for da Hop!

Make sure you come back for the video tutorial tomorrow (by noon). It'll take some time to put together.

Lat-uh gat-uhs!

Mel

Squigglefly Digital Stamps

I came across the darndest website today. SQUIGGLEFLY. Never heard of it before but I was smitten as soon as I saw the adorable images. It's a digital image site, much like digital scrapbooking. Of course, a purchase was necessary to 'try it out'. Below is the first of many creations!

The card uses designer paper from SU!, a Bo Bunny flourish and the text "We're engaged" is from the "Together Forever" stamp set.

Dots around the pink cardstock were used with the Stampin' Write marker in pink. If you want to recreate this, STAZON is a must. The black comes out much richer than a regular dye pad.

Here's a close-up so you can see the glitter and velvet ribbon.

Tour de Freaks is coming up June 20th! I've been working on my samples. Here's a sneak peek.

I smell dinner, burning. Time to go!

Sneak Peeks are here

Only a few more weeks utnil the 2009 - 2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog is available. Until then, here are some sneak peeks that were promised in yesterdays post. Please note that ALL IMAGES here are copywrite of Stampin' Up! Enjoy!

First up, my FAVORITE sneak peek set: Razzle Dazzle. Don't you just LOVE that!





.....and a few samples using the big guy!

Animal Stories stamp set

Autumn Days stamp set




Circle Circus stamp set







.... a little taste of samples.

There you have it. What do you think? Which is YOUR favorite??

Decorative Pencil Box

Here's a little something I created as a challenge project for a friend. Think she'll like it? Of course, it works just as well as a paintbrush holder.





Come back tomorrow for sneak peeks in the new 2009-2010 SU! catalog.

2009-2010 SU! In Colors

Look at the vivid new Stampin' Up! In Colors for the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog. They're very RICH and very BRIGHT! By Friday I'll be able to see these pretties up close (as long as the mail is on time).

New catalogs will be available for the public July 1st. If you are interested in your very own copy, feel free to select the Buy Now tab below. Catalogs are $6 and sent on a first come first serve basis. All those who purchase the catalog BY JUNE 13TH receive a $5 savings on any of my online tutorials or upcoming workshops during July - August. $5 savings must be redeemed by August 30th.

Now for a little sneak peek of something I created for my friend Janet for a "Anything Goes Challenge". It's off to the post office to make sure it arrives by Friday.

Make sure you sign up to follow me on Twitter. I'll be using that to announce many of my upcoming video tutorials, workshops and events. Be the first to know!

More sneak peeks tomorrow. Until then, keep on craft'n!

Melanie