FrenchKissed

Meow? Non, c'est Miaou!

2012-02-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

Month of Daily Downloads No.2

Lili of Sunken Treasure Jewels loves cats! Today's free download is for you, Lili, and for all my new 12,000 customers out there....:)[inside joke, read yesterday's post] One of the sweet items Lili offers in her Etsy shop is customized pet brooches.

One look at this and your cat will be saying "Miaou." At least, that's what French cats say. Really. Next time you're in Paris, find a cat. Listen to it. If it says "Meow," it's a British cat that's swam the channel.....
Back to our pretty Persian in her blue ribbon collar ... I wanted to pass on this bit of trivia. My original postcard was mailed in 1907 from Marguerite Zimmer to Eugenie Jolie in Nancy, France. (A second cousin to Angelina?? Imagine going through life with "Pretty" as your last name?!)
I have a 'thing' about having some kind of a story with any item. Even if one doesn't know the whole story, a little is better than nothing. Sometimes all we have is a paragraph or a line or two, but it's part of the story, part of the history, part of what makes anything unique.
A few blog posts back I was ranting about Pinterest. I love it and hate it at the same time. Pinterest asks those who pin to credit the source. But often, it's not done.
I came across an antique photo of a woman in a crown and jewels that was posted with the comment "I wish I knew who this woman was. I would love to know more about her." Well, I recognized the image because I have a postcard of this same woman in a different pose and because the museum down the road and over the state line from me has a standing exhibit dedicated to her.

She is Queen Marie of Romania (October 29, 1875–July 18,1938). The specific portrait on Pinterest did indeed have a link back to Flickr where she was clearly labeled and idenitfied. Obviously, the commenter didn't want to know the woman's idenity bad enough to make a click ... and that's a sad commentary on our digital generation.
Because of the abuse of distributing items, photos, music, stories, etc. on the Internet, many countries are passing laws. Unfortunately, those laws may end up doing more harm than good.

Anyway... I have a personal favor to ask: if you pin a FrenchKissed item to Pinterest, please do so from one of my shops where the image has my watermark across it.

Now Nancy, collage artist extraordinaire and FrenchKissed blog reader, specifically asked me about posting one of my freebies on Flickr -- with no watermarks, just my copyright logo, and I gave her my blessing to do so. She also included enough beatitudes about my vintage scans to make me blush -- and links to both my shops:)

As the month goes on, I hope to share more with you about this whole copyright thing, linking back to sources, giving credit where credit is due, etc. Think of this as the FrenchKissed timeshare promo. Yes, you have to sit through a boring sales pitch and a bunch of other info that may not really interest you, but when it's over, you're gonna walk away with 29 digital scans to play and create art with -- all for free:)!
Speaking of free: fellow bloggers, please feel free to share this link or yesterday's post to let your readers know about this month of downloads!

It's Lovey Dovey Time!

2012-02-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

Month of Daily Downloads No.1

Mes amies, I hope it's not too anti-climatic if I start my February 'take over the world' campaign with a non-French card:) Connie, who was a FrenchKissed Artist in Residence last year, had put in a request for a Valentine-themed image and I thought Lovey Dovey here would be perfect!My original card was mailed in 1910 to Miss Ruth in Pitts, Pennsylvania, and is simply signed "To one I love." Now doesn't that just make you sigh:)Interestingly, this "English" postcard was printed in Germany.

Now, just to clarify about my world-conquering agenda.... I have not become possessed by a Napoleon complex, although I do tend to hold my broken arm somewhat like his iconic pose....No, I've just decided to dedicate this month to getting my FrenchKissed name 'out there.' I know it's possible because just this morning I got an order from Cape Town, South Africa, and yesterday a new customer from New Zealand. Last week, my second customer from Luxembourg! So that's a beginning. Now, I only need 997 more new customers this month...Yes, I did the math (have I mentioned that I hate math as much as I hate marketing?) Anyway, I came up with this idea...when I say I have a lot to give, I really do mean that. I can afford to be generous because I have so many antique postcards. I don't need to sell them all. I can give beaucoup away.

I only need you to buy one scan from me once a year.

See? That's not so bad, now is it? Not like I'm asking you to list me as one of your dependents come tax time. Nah, just ONE little $3.49 or $3.99 digital scan ONCE a year.

OH .... And I need 12,000 of you!:)

So how do I get 1,000 new customers a month? I'm not sure. Is that even possible? How about 500 customers who buy 2 scans a month? Since I hate marketing, I've got this wishful thinking that I can bribe you into doing it for me!:) Getting the word out, doing a little name dropping, you know. A tweet here, a link there, a mention on Facebook...

Penny, the very first FrenchKissed Artist in Residence last January, had several gorgeous collages she made with FrenchKissed scans published in the latest issue of Stampington! She listed FrenchKissed as her image source, but ... editors can and do make mistakes. Stampington credited the image source as Fresh Kissed! LOL! I chuckle just thinking about it. French kisses should indeed always be fresh:) One kiss per cheek. Fresh, not stale ... and yes, a little wet, a little slobbery. Come on, a little joi de vivre in those pecks!

Now buried way in my blog is a post linked to every Etsy and Zibbet listing that expounds on my terms of use and explains how to get free scans. One way is by doing exactly what Penny did: crediting FrenchKissed as the image source in a published article. That's worth 3 free scans:)Your choice, selected from either shop.

As I continue my month of free daily downloads, I hope you'll give some thought on how to help me with creative marketing to make FrenchKissed a household word.
Perhaps you'd like to host a challenge for me?
I no longer have Artists-in-Residence on my blog. Would you like to be a FrenchKissed Artist Abroad?:)!
In the meantime, if you have a blog, would you grab my button [see the HTML code in the box in the right hand column?] and link it on your blog? Any new customers that come to me via you -- you get a free scan!

OK, I've done enough henpecking for today. Lili, your special request will be posted tomorrow!

Goodness GRACIOUS!

2012-01-31T15:27:00.000-08:00

Mes amies, I gotta give a shout out to fellow Etsian Beth Clough, owner of The Gracious Home. She has transformed some of my bird images into coasters! Not just any kind of coasters, but ones made from tumbled marble. When I tumble, that's a bad thing:) When marble tumbles -- under Beth's artistic touch -- you get a set of coasters with character, quality, that 'aged to perfection' chippy shabby chic look [say that 6 times!]. If you're in the market for an impressive-but-won't-break-the-bank wedding gift or want something special for your own gracious home, visit Beth's shop and check out this beautiful foursome of feathered friends.

I'll see you tomorrow with a new freebie. Please start spreading the word about my February 'campaign.' Yes, of course, I have ulterior motives! You don't think I'm doing this just for my looks, do ya? (actually, i'm looking pretty darn hot right now --- my daughter worked my hair into a French braid to help me manage it better with my one-arm handicap:) Anyway, start thinking of yourselves as FrenchKissed ambassadors, if you will...Think Napoleon. Think conquering the world. Well, OK, maybe conquer is the wrong word:) But do please help me get the word out: a new free download every day in February AND the downloads will be accessible ALL month long!
A bientot!

Spring can't come too soon!

2012-01-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

ladies, taking note of everyone's requests which i solicited last friday, i looked through my stash for a bird riding a bicycle with a basket filled with hearts and roses, cycling through Paris with a little girl in tow wearing ice skates -- and lots of French script in the background. Guess what? I'm fresh out:)hehe
seriously, i've been planning something different for february

drum roll please.....

a free download EVERY day in february! so all your requests will be filled soon!

until then, here's the postcard that grabbed my heart today. no bird, but we got the eggs and nest. definitely spring! i LUV the wily look in the big girl's eyes. she's trying to look innocent, but you can sense a boisterous mischievous girl, barely able to supress a bad case of the giggles:)

here's a 'dreamy version....

and this one isn't quite sepia but it has a great vintage feel to it with its own kind of fantasy effect....
this postcard is one in a series featuring these cuties in different poses. my original set was mailed from march to may in 1904 to Leonie Lebeau in melun, a suburb of paris.

now, i'm sitting at the computer in my zebra fuzzy lounging pants (not to be confused with my zebra pajamas) wearing the blue-dotted hospital gown i received at the emergency room -- freshly laundered, of course. and i'm wearing it backwards, tied extra tight:) my arm sling is wrong side out. yes, i'm like a proud toddler: look! i dressed myself today! i had a rough nite and the hubby didn't dare wake me to get me ready for the day before he left for work. but he did cut up an apple for me and pour up my glasses of water and juice (we use a filtered pitcher system that requires two hands:) an awesome homemade winter soup in individual serving bowls waits for me in the fridge -- purple potatoes, purple kale, lima beans, parsnips and beets with mushrooms, carrots and leeks in a chicken broth, combined with roasted chicken bits and italian sausage. are you hungry yet?! AND the hubby left out half a homemade chocolate cake .... so you go make some pretty art with these pretties. i'm going to follow the queen's advice and practice the art of cake eating:)

any requests?

2012-01-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

a big MERCI BEAUCOUP for all the well wishes and sympathy! it was a week ago yesterday that i fell and broke my arm. i'm already off pain killers, going on 3 days now. and today i noticed i could brush my teeth and lean forward over the sink without totally drooling down my chest ... so progress is being made! i don't have to sleep sitting straight up either! but the simplist of tasks is a major feat. it takes the hubby more time to bag and tape my arm so i can shower than it actually takes me to shower....:) a bulky splint does not make for good ergonomics, so being at the computer exacerbates my neck pain ... and when i can't work on my postcards...eeerrgghhh!:) BUT the sun is out and we have clear skies. a perfect way to start the weekend even if the rain does come later as forecasted, it's beautiful now. i'm working hard to count my blessings and realize this is all just an inconvience. so i just wanted to drop by and wish you a happy weekend of art and rejuvenation, too! see you monday with a new freebie. any requests? any suggestions? script, pretty lady, birds, valentine or easter themed, paris scene??
i aim to please -- and it would really help my monday morning indecision:)

honoring january 19, 2012

2012-01-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

VIEW from Hood River Inn Best Western

Hood River, Oregon -- on the Columbia River

Photo by Ryan Huntington

here's my tale

it's a humerus one

haha

now that we got that out of the way

let the hen pecking continue

tuesday, jan 18, 2012.

no electricity at home

so we accepted an offer for a discounted king-size room

at the hood river inn best western

$39 and that includes breakfast!

i can't remember the last time i had a $39 hotel room

can you?

not in this century for sure

detour to the cebu lounge

for happy hour times 3

some fancy drink i don't recall

something with amaretta

loved the sugar rimmed glass

but my heart was set on more substantial things

tempura cod, cole slaw

broccolini with slivered almonds and spicy oil

nibbles of hubby's pasta and french onion soup

satiated

warm

i love electricity

wednesday, jan. 19

sitting at the window, in the hotel restaurant

staring at washington state

a breakfast to remember

excited chatter with the hubby

sharing yesterday's mail

french post cards to go with french toast

consulting google translate

verified at last -- a card mailed to a cat

mr. kitten would have loved the smoked apple sausage

next to my scrambled eggs

i savor more bird cards between bites

rumor has it that power is back on at the condo

can't wait to get home to work on my beauties ...

we spy a blue heron flying over the river

it lands on the island and becomes one with the gray rock

its cream yellow beak the only thing that gives it away

one more look at the panoramic view

and i walk away laughing

the hubby says he's going to get gas before taking me home

well then, i say, if we're going that far into town,

take me on to the library.

i've three books to return.

one is already overdue.

if i wait on good weather to come back later,

no telling how much my fees will be on all three

ah, penny wise and pound foolish.

that's what i'll be thinking before the day is over

i jump out of the car

navigate the mound of plowed up snow

and cram 3 books into the library slot

i dash back but the icy snow is more of a hurdle than i expect

my brain can't register what happened next.

head is eye-level with car wheel

i see fingers in the slushy ice

i wiggle them, but they won't obey any other commands

no pushing up

no nothing

brain says 'that's not our arm'

i start hollering hubby's name

hubby to the rescue

ER here we come

i'm living a scene from a movie

we're going to have to cut your clothes off

they say. is that all right?

i don't care, it's a $3 sweatshirt

my black turtleneck is next to go;

i don't care, another bargain purchase i can shed...

OK, we're going to cut your bra now--

WAIT!

it's my favorite bra. it's my most comfortable bra!

i manage to lean forward just enough so Nurse Karen can undo the hooks.

ladies, you understand, don't you?:)

the male nurse is working on my left arm.

an IV for morphine

he's kind, asking permission, explaining each move

"Now, while I've got you here, if you don't mind, I'll just go ahead and check your blood pressure again, if that's all right with you."

OK, i say, but no pap smear.

the last time i was given serious drugs

was about 24 years ago.

at that time i had my momma, Julia, to watch over me.

i have low blood pressure as it is and it was dropping ...

but Julia was keeping an eye on me

so i knew i was going to be OK.

i'm thinking the morphine is already kicking in now

because i'm wanting to cry, not from the pain in my arm

but because

I WANT MY MOMMY

i am perplexed at this innate need

harkening to infantile days

but comforted beyond measure

when the two X-ray technicians are introduced:

kathy and JULIA

the pain comes in waves.

i keep wanting to ask if it's a boy or a girl.

this much pain should produce something!

i forewarn Nurse Karen

(to be forewarned is to be fore-armed:)

now i know why god created the F word

the muscle spasms alternate with nausea

the morphine is making me sick to my stomach

there's yet another medicine for that

relief from the pain is slow in coming

but it comes

and all the while

between the tears and gritted teeth,

between grimaces and groans

i am overflowing with gratitude

how grateful i am

for such an otherwise healthy body

so thankful i didn't hit my head

so lucky my hubby was there

so beautiful of a morning

and i'm going to remember everything:

the french toast with the view, too

let's call her GIGI, oiu oiu?

2012-01-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED UPDATE:this download is no longer available for free but you can find it listed in my etsy and zibbet shops!i kept debating whether i should continue w/ the Easter theme or offer something valentine-y this week. finally decided neither one. something simply precious, simply beautiful for any day of the year. voila!

this is like my original, sorta. as you can see below, it has triangles of gitter on the toddler's veil.

i removed the publisher's mark,too. so itty bitty, too difficult to even make out.

but now i wanna call the little beauty GiGi:)here is a black and white version for you to download, too....

and this version combines some special effects with color...

and if you are wondering what happened to my shift key -- well, have i got a story to tell you:) only problem is -- being longwinded and henpecking with one left arm that's coping with a vertical mouse designed for a right-hander -- well, it kinda knocks the wind out of ya! so, lemme take some drugs and a little nap... and then i'll come back and try to give you the edited down version. a cross between reader's digest and haiku...TO BE CONTINUED...

Cold hands, Warm Heart!

2012-01-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

Mes amies, I got more snow than I bargained for! More snow than our power lines can handle! Our electricty has been off since we got back from our chiropractor's appointments yesterday evening. This a.m., in the dark, The Hubby stoked up the barbecue grill to try to make some coffee. It was warm. That's about all I can say:) We spent a couple of hours watching the sun rise and watching our birds. Right now there are a half dozen doves visiting, too.

When it became obvious that the power was not coming on as promised, we headed into The Hubby's workplace where he borrowed a generator. While in town, we made a run through McDonald's and headed to my nephew's. We ran into him (figuratively speaking) walking down a street and he was surely surprised to see us. All the more so when I held up the McDonald's sack:)

En route home we did something we've never done before. We picked up a hitchhiker. We initially passed him, holding up a sign that read "Mosier." That's our little spot in the woods. Population 420. The Hubby made a loop on the Interstate and backtracked to pick him up. Thirty two degrees outside and a foot of snow... we decided to put our programmed fear aside.
When he got in the car, the smell of alcohol was strong but he spoke clearly, friendly. In a matter of miles we got the Cliff Notes version of his story: a veteran with cancer,still goes to Portland once a month for treatments at the VA hospital. He had hitched into town to help a friend with a car repair. However, the car had no snow tires, so the friend wasn't in the position to reciprocate his kindness with a ride back home. When he had initially gotten out of the hospital, he was broke and had no where to go. A friend said, "I still got that shack up on the hill. Make yourself at home." And he told about the salvage sale of cast iron heaters and how his friend bought six of them for $6 each -- Six Bucks! And one of those bargain heaters keeps his "shack" perfect for hibernating on days like today with a couple of good pieces of ash. "And from the looks of a couple of oaks in my back yard, after all this snow, I'm going to have some more volunteer firewood," he said. He talked about helping out at the food bank. About helping out his kids "in today's economy." He talked about the 40 deer that like to graze in his yard. And again, he mentioned that today's weather was a time for hibernating. And by that time, we came to his place across from a rest stop, actually a few miles this side of Mosier, and off he went with his sack of groceries into the white yonder.

We came home to a sidewalk plowed free of snow all the way up to our door, courtesy of our neighbors. The Hubby looked at me. "Looks like I need to share an extension cord with them." And so the generator, obnxiously noisy as it is, is now credited with saving two families from Internet withdrawal. None too soon because I was starting to see white elephants....

So here I'm sitting at my computer wearing FIVE layers. IF I could type with my gloves on, I would:)The main reason I wanted to blog today is to make my own statement about SOPA. IF you look at the upper right hand corner of my blog, you'll see a STOP SOPA ribbon. If you've not heard of SOPA, please educate yourself about it and speak out against it. Here is a link where you can sign a petition: https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/
The way I understand it, SOPA is the government's way of trying to control the Internet against piratcy. I'm all for not stealing other people's work, movies, creations,etc. (Hence, I'm putting my copyright on images now:) But the government's hand in the matter will only make matters worse.Call me a conspiracy nut. Say I'm paranoid. But yesterday, look what I got in the mail:

Next year will mark 10 years that I have been buying, selling and collecting antique postcards. This is the first piece of mail I have ever had opened by "Homeland Security." My big bird was one of three postcards inside. He fittingly conveys my disdain with his "What's up with this" look! (I really wanna use another expletive but I said "hell" yesterday and I don't wanna push my luck:) See, I can censor myself. I don't need the government doing it for me. STAY out of my mail, Sam. And until you close Guatanamo, you're not MY uncle....
Anyway,the manager at the Best Western in Hood River, where The Kid works, has offered us a $39 Mosierite rate for a king bed. No river view. But there's heat! There's hot water! There's electricity! And Happy Hour's been extended till 7!So if you don't hear from me in the next couple of days, don't worry. I'm happy:)

Imaginary Friends and Friends with Imagination

2012-01-17T15:35:00.000-08:00

"My, but that's a large egg you've laid, Mrs. Rabbit," the fairy said.

Mrs. Rabbit wiggled her nose and crossed her ears.
"Yes, yes. It's that time of year again. The egg laying is a bit rough and something I prefer to leave to the chickens, but ... well, it's just once a year, and besides, I do love decorating the eggs. I'm thinking of painting some pink roses on this one. Don't you agree? Pink roses?"
"Oh, pink roses indeed! A perfectly natural choice," the fairy said and then instantly vanished in that annoying, mystical, woo-woo way of fairies.
"Humph," Mrs. Rabbit said, twitching her ears again. "I hate it when they do that without even a good-bye. I wanted to ask her opinion on what shade of pink. Pink, yes, but there are so many shades of pink ...."

Mes amies, my prose may fall short, but I do hope that this week's freebies transport you to that 'in-between' world, where art and magic dwell. The above version is closer to my original with a little added help from Jerry (aka Skeletal Mass on Flickr) with my favorite vintage overlay of his that I love to use. I love the shabbily chic look, aged and vintage as much as the next person. But I don't like dirty:) When a postcard has been hanging around for 106 years, it can indeed acquire a little grime. So a little extra layer of paint on the background and Jerry's overlay created the look I wanted. I hope you like it:) And below is the same image but tweaked with that dreamy effect I get from Pixlr.

You will notice that I have put my FrenchKissed copyright on each download. If you print this scan and cut that copyright line off, you're going straight to hell.
OK, OK, just joking:)
No, that little line of text isn't like those annoying tags hanging on pillows and mattresses that we spent decades in mortal fear of removing lest the FBI show up at our door....
There are several reasons I'm going back to adding my business name to the front of my scans. And to be honest, I don't want to delve into that right now and ruin my good mood!ha! But I will say that if you cut off the FrenchKissed name or paint over it, no problem. One reason I put it on the edge as inconspicuously as possible is so that it won't interfere with the image and your beautiful finished art project.
But if you cut off, remove, cover up my name AND resell this image as your own, I'm gonna be like the fly on the toilet lid: Pissed Off.
Enough of that for now.

We have had a cold, cloudy, gray and dark miserable winter and finally, finally we've got snow that's sticking to the ground. We are in a winter wonderland and I'm enjoying it. I walked to the post office earlier with huge flakes falling down in my face. A car drove by and snow slush sprayed out 6 feet. I was laughing and jumping out of the way as fast as I could. I succeeded -- almost:) My failure made me laugh even more.

I feel good, dammit! After all the ranting I've done of late, it feels good to feel good. There are many reasons I feel good right now, but again, I don't have time to go into that. Sometimes with menopause and getting older, you don't even bother to search for the "why" behind why you feel good. You just accept it and relish it and be grateful.
However, I'll say this: one reason I feel good is you:) Your comments, your caring, your commiserating -- your inspiration, too! There is a lot lacking in 'social media' but for some of us who live in isolated, out of the way places, who have small families, who live far way from friends made long ago in past lives that never merge on the same path anymore -- Well,for some us, if it weren't for our online friends, we'd be stuck with imaginary friends like Mrs. Rabbit and that annoying fairy who disappears without a word.....My online friends may be invisible. They may be virtual. But they're real. And so darn talented, to boot!

Unnerving in Many Ways!

2012-01-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

Mes amies, thanks so much for letting me vent yesterday. I do indeed now have a bona fide Pinterest account. La de da -- touch me! Among the first things I found was one of my digital scans, a postcard back with sweet French script, being resold by another person (as you can imagine, that got my morning off to a frenzied start:) and Lynne, I found your item! The cute, cute collage you made of the little girl carrying a huge framed picture of Paris was tagged simply as "adorne from flickr." Well, I re-pinned it on "my" board and credited you by name as the maker and FrenchKissed as the source of the image. Within minutes, someone else re-pinned it on their board....
According to Pinterest's terms of use, items are supposed to be credited and the original source sited or linked back to, but ..... I repeatedly found a photo that I know came from Eric of Paris Daily Photo (pink skeleton graffitti painted over street drainage bars) with nary a mention of Eric.
SO....in one sense, Pinterest is like a huge Etsy treasury including everything from vintage goods and travel photos to food recipes and do-it-yourself crafts. It's a zillion things at your finger tips and yes, it's pretty incredible. It's eye-popping eye candy.
However, we have an entire generation who has been raised online and they do not understand the importance of giving credit to sources. "On the web" is not giving credit where credit is due.
Once again I will be reassessing how I want to handle my digital images -- and that is part of the reason I've placed an ugly FrenchKissed copyright line on the couple above.
I can't really think well this a.m. because I have been up most of the night. It was one of those nights, starting at midnight, where one wakes up on the hour every hour like clockwork. By four o'clock, I gave up and got up. So although awake and body moving, going through the motions of being alive, there is a major part of me that is still asleep somewhere.....
My body is reeling from yesterday's overload. Most all day my chest and stomach were revved up in anxiety drive. I don't have full-fledge panic attacks; I just get stuck in a 'flight or fight' nervous system overload mode.
Construction still going on outside my windows. Constant noise. Erratic banging, hammering, sawing and the unintelligible drone of a radio station (or two). Finally, I let my landlord know the toll that more than 2 months of construction is taking on my nerves.
That was an interesting email exchange. Standing up for myself:)
In fact, I just realized what my experience is akin to: it's like living in a zoo and I'm the caged animal with people staring at me all day. By gollygeewilikers, if I wanna walk out of MY bathroom shower stark "nekkid" into MY bedroom, I feel I should be able to do that. But not when there are construction workers at the balcony, at the back door downstairs and at the front door and side windows, too.
Then, I kept watching the clock because The Hubby was going to come home early so we could get to the bank and take advantage of their free notary services. Sad to say, I am filing paperwork to request a court hearing to see if I can get my nephew hospitalized, to get him stablized on his medicine again. At the bank, the tension continued as the clerk questioned my signature. The issue isn't my maiden name, my former married last name or my current married name, but my first name. The bank account says "Patricia" but my signature on my passport says "Trishia."
"What name is on your birth certificate?" she asks. And I look at her and at The Hubby and I say "Lucia." Cause it is. That's my first first name and I have a middle name, too. Folks always bring up that you have to go to a judge and get your name "legally" changed. Well, when I told people my name was "Patricia" everyone kept calling me "Pat" -- and they didn't get the right to do that from any judge. So I figured if total strangers could shorten my name, I'd do it myself to a name I liked and that's how, when I was 13, I went from being "Patricia" to "Tricia" and spelled it with an "sh" instead of a "c." And it's been that way on marriage licenses, drivers licenses and passports, too. Isn't that legal enough? I'm thinking all this, biting my tongue, and The Hubby is starting to tap my knee because as he explained afterward, he feared I would say what I was thinking and he didn't want me rambling.
Rambling? I'm fuming! At my age, I figure I have earned a few rights. And I think the right to be called by a name of MY choosing ranks right up there with walking out of MY bathroom shower stark "nekkid" into MY bedroom...

But I digress....the other reason I was anxious is because I spent most of the day with that good looking man. I had anxiety about eliminating his wife -- I'm not in the habit of knocking off people, but she had to go. I was nervous about creating a "new" suit for him and about making up a collage sheet that would do justice to his fine looks. Just looking into his eyes was unnerving ... I teased The Hubby that I had spent the day with my new boyfriend. Since the man in the photo has been dead for likely close to a century, The Hubby didn't feel threatened in the least...Humph!
As I worked on the photo postcard of this nameless gentleman, examing him at 1200 dpi, not quite pixel by pixel but almost --- I looked at the delicate lines around his eyes, above his cheekbones and wondered if he smiled a lot. Did he laugh a lot? How old was he when this portrait was taken? Did he fight in World War I? Did he survive? Thinking of his mortality -- no wonder I was nervous... How did he get that scar in his right eyebrow? Does that curly mustache reflect a streak of vanity or simply a gentleman with refined style? Just how much can "looks" reveal about the personality?
One thing I'm sure of and another thing I'm maybe sure of.
No. 1: He's mine! Oh, I'll share him alright, but make no mistake about it, ladies. He's mine. I saw him first!
No. 2 is a bit iffy but ... I'm thinking he's my Paris postcard shop owner in my novel waiting to be born. What do you think? Does he resonate warm, bookish looks to you with those piercing brown eyes? Or do you think he's the neighborhood butcher, a local bartender or a lawyer perhaps?
What do you see? Look closely. You'll get nervous, too:)

WTF -- Lady in Waiting -- NOT!

2012-01-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

WTF?!
That's What the FrenchKissed, uh-huh, yeah:) Excuse me, but I gotta vent. I might regret it later but....
First email of the a.m., a reader says she posted something from my blog onto Pinterest.
OK. I know of Pinterest. I go to check it out.
Find out I have to be invited to join.
I ask to be invited.
I get my second email of the a.m.
"Hi! Thanks for joining the Pinterest waiting list. We'll be sure to send you an invite soon."
IS THIS FOR REAL?!
Am I to understand that there's now a new form of Social Media and it's Social Snobbery Media?
Aaagghhhh!!
OK, OK, I'm trying to calm down. I know there are lots of gimmicks in marketing: create a sense of shortage (ONLY ONE available), create a sense of urgency (OFFER ends in 2 nanoseconds).....
Have I mentioned lately that I hate HATE marketing? I subscribe to a marketing guru and I get an email from her almost every other day. I've just about quit reading beyond the subject headers. I don't care that she made a 6-figure income last year. It's spam. It's annoying. It's aggravating.
Me? If I didn't have my husband, I'd be out on the street testing whether paper or plastic bags keep the feet warmer. I don't care. I want to do business MY way. You understand, dont' you Frank?:)
But creating a sense of snobbery, of elitism, of invitation only??? I find it distasteful to the MAX.
I looked at Pinterest and found lots of things that interested me: the Swarsky (?) crystal stairs of the business on the Champs Elysee; the stiletto shoe with the Eiffel Tower heel).
I see the world as a place with TOO much, TOO much stuff, TOO much information. It's impossible for one human to try to filter through, so we're creating all these 'venues' to help us, to focus on what we like and are interested in. I get that part. I just don't get the "we've put you on our waiting list" approach.
Maybe I'll return to my email and find I've already been accepted. Maybe I'll calm down ....yet I can't help but wonder if first I must admit to a hazing?
Pinterest, you better hurry up -- else I'm gonna lose interest. No time to be a lady in waiting! I'm too old. Too cranky. Too impatient for a snobbery marketing gimmick!

Smitten by a Stranger ....

2012-01-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

Mes amies, a quick little note this a.m. Something I HAVE to share with you. I am Terrible, Terrible with a capital T, about reading other blogs. I have issues with being in a state of perpetual 'overwhelmness.' However, yesterday someone left a comment, someone who also has a family member with a mental illness and this someone just happens to live outside of Paris and offered her home to me as a place to 'hang out' if I needed some respite. Well, you know, you don't get offers like that every day! So I hopped over to her blog and was laughing my head off in mere moments of reading. SousLeCharme is new to the blog world. I can't tell you much about her except that I think her first name is Julia and she reflects on France from an English-speaking person's perspective and she has a wicked sense of humor. I hope you will go visit her and join in my clamoring for more posts! And I just learned something new: in French, sous le charme means "in love.":)

Little Heart for Rent

2012-01-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: This free download is no longer available here, but you can purchase it in my Etsy or Zibbet shop!

With Valentine's Day right around the proverbial corner, I thought you'd like this darling French postcard. Above is the original and below is a sepia version.

But my heart lies with this 'dreamy' version! The sign says, "Little heart for rent. Safe and discreet." Perhaps you'll want to cover over the 'safe and discreet' line and add "will accept payment in chocolate"!

The classic red, black and white color combination has always been one of my top favorites and I envision some red highlights with this beauty. Red ribbon, maybe a thin, thin red border line around her 'rent' sign? What are your ideas? Whatever you create, I hope you'll share! Either post your pretty project in the FrenchKissed Flickr album or email it to me and I'll be happy to share it here.

Now, Blogger seems to be running slower than molasses -- I type and the letters show up 30 seconds later??? Plus, I'm breaking in a new mouse, a vertical Evolent mouse designed to help us folks with wrist/arm issues. And I've also got a new keyboard with the numbers pad positioned on the left instead of the right. This design enables one's mouse to be closer to the keyboard instead of your arm jutting out at an angle. However, the keyboard keys are closer together, like on a laptop. So when Blogger does finally catch up with me and I can see what I'm typing, I notice that it tends to look like this: og upi lmpe ejsy zo ,'rsm ....

Throw in to all this mix the fact that my nephew who suffers from schizophrenia is having issues, well, you can imagine that my brain is a bit fried! His landlord was screaming at me on the phone on Saturday. That didn't get my weekend off to a pleasant start..... Then I call the mental health "professionals" first thing this morning and am told, I quote: "There's no law in this country against being crazy." Translation: you can't get help until a mentally ill person hurts himself or someone else. Can you hear me screaming:)

SO....I need some bigtime distraction....Perhaps a sale in my shops will do the trick! I did promise last week to post a special discount code on Facebook .... and the beauty of it is: you don't even really have to go to Facebook to get it. Just look over at the Facebook 'feed' in the right hand column....

I Saw the Light -- Lighthouse, that is!

2012-01-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

Can you tell that my mind is on summer and I'm longing for warm, sunshine days at the beach?! I love the script on this image and I love the design. But in my perfect world, I kept thinking that I would prefer something in the center instead of a lighthouse. Not sure what, but something... However, the more I ruminated on it, I concluded that what was "wrong" with the blue black color of the lighthouse. So, I played with a couple of sepia versions and liked them much better. However, when I went back and created a 'dreamy' version, I really liked the black lighthouse. As usual, before I knew it, I was swimming in an ocean of options:)
And the more I thought of summer, it dawned on me that this would make a perfect cover for a summer journal. So...back to the drawing board, or more literally, back to the back of another postcard, an advertisement from a library. I excerpted my favorite phrases and I figured you'd especially like labeling your journal as "the biggest success of the century"!:)

As I played with my lighthouse images, I realized that I've been in this business for so long, but I'm still not sure what YOU prefer: collage sheets with multiple items in a smaller size OR one copy of your favorite image in original antique postcard size? So.... I think I'm gonna put a little poll up on my blog. I haven't done that in quite awhile. I'll look forward to seeing your preferences tally up!

Also, a Merci Beaucoup to those who have "liked" and visited my Facebook page. I'm really liking it on the side of my blog. I think of it as a little conversation snippet for you. Little tidbits I wanna share.

And now, I have the most encouraging news for you to begin your fun weekend. I was in an email exchange with a French postcard seller who told me that she uses the money from her postcard sales toward nursing home costs for her 101-year-old mother! I said, "Please tell me that the secret to your mother's longevity is wine and chocolate." She replied, "You are surely right talking of chocolate and wine for my mother! Of course, she drank 2 glasses of wine every day!!!"
TWO glasses every day:) Happy weekend!

Wooden You Love to be in Paris?!

2012-01-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

Today I have to give a shoutout to Scott of The Porkchop Shop on Etsy. Scott is a master of the laser saw and creates the cutest wooden cutouts to use in art. I'm very honored that he used two of my digital scans in his Paris French wooden tiles set. Scott says that if you want to use any of his wood pieces for jewelery, he'll even do the hole drilling to loop your chain or ribbon through. Scott's Etsy banner describes his shop as "Trinkets and Art Parts for Post-Mushroom Cloud Living." If that line alone doesn't convince you what a character he is, take time to read his profile for some more laughs:)

I won't be so trite as to say he had me from "hello," but "Versailles" definitely demanded my attention:

"Imagine an artist blessed with a virtuosity rivaling the prissy court painters of Versailles. Imagine an artist rummaging through time discovering the lost thoughts of Lascaux cave painters..."

Steampunk gears, crowns, Alice in Wonderland cutouts, dolls, door knockers, butterflies, keys (the door kind and typewriter keys, too) vintage tickets -- even aviation instrument parts. You'll find all that and more at Scott's shop.

And now, I wanna give a shoutout to myself cause I actually accomplished one of my New Year goals -- already, for real! Yes, I created a Facebook page for FrenchKissed. I understand that some of you are averse to Facebook. I understand! Over the holidays, The Hubby and I watched "Social Network," the story about how Facebook was created. My chest had a knot of anxiety the whole time I was watching it. Something about watching Harvard students have sex in bathrooms, snort cocaine and be obsessed with status really disturbed me! I seriously considered deleting my personal page.
But as one friend told me, "We stay on Facebook so we can communicate with our kids." Pitiful, I know, but .. the truth.
And also, to be honest, I'm hoping that Facebook can give my business the exposure it needs, so that folks can find me!
I plan to use the Facebook site to post and share links to all sorts of things: French items in the news, Etsy treasuries -- just little quick tidbits and fun reads. So if you are on Facebook, please "Like" me and share my page with your friends!

2020 Vision for 2012

2012-01-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: This image is no longer available for download, but you can find it for sale in my Etsy and Zibbet shops!

Bonne annee! The first free download for 2012 is an Art Deco image I call "Gloria with Glasses." The name of the printing company that published this French postcard was Gloria, so I thought that was a fitting name for my little cutie.
Now while I'm wishing you a Happy New Year (Bonne Annee), you'll note that this card was sent with a Bonne Fete sticker added. Bonne Fete is when a person celebrates their "name day" -- based on the Catholic calender, the feast day of the saint they are named after. On the back of this card is a message "pour votre fete ... Viva la St. Louise." I was quite surprised to learn that St. Louise, who died March 15, 1660, was the co-founder with St. Vincent de Paul of the Daughters of Charity, dedicated to helping the poor!

Now, I will admit that I slept right through the new year. I didn't even have a glass of bubbly. I haven't stayed up for a midnight toast since 2000. But that doesn't mean that I'm not excited about what the future holds because I am.

In fact, just yesterday I discovered a "new" author who's been around a long time: William Gibson. His claim to fame is coining the word "cyberspace." I'm eager to check out some of his science fiction books from the library. A quote of his that touches me is “The future has already arrived. It's just not evenly distributed yet.”
As I read about the middle class growing in places like South Africa and China, I take heart in knowing that the distribution of life's necessities is improving. It is disturbing that the middle class in the US is shrinking and those in poverty and those just a couple of paychecks away from poverty are on the increase. But that subject is for another day:)

What has also given my heart hope is a video I saw online today: a breath-taking photo collage about a little boy named Cole who has spent his first year of life traveling AROUND THE WORLD!* As I watched this video, the thought that kept going through my mind was: we need a few million more like this little boy! In fact, we need an entire generation of youth who are raised to look at the world -- with or without glasses -- as it really is: one big ball of humanity.

All over the world we are feeling the heat from global warming. We are feeling the pinch from the global economy. Disney was right: it's a small world after all. It isn't just Republicans or Tories or Socialists who are affected. It's not just Americans or Japanese. It's the whole world!

Nothing like helping us to see the future better than looking back at the past. During the weekend I went to see "War Horse" and I can't rave about it enough. It is the story of a thoroughbred horse raised by an English boy, sold to the army as England enters World War I, then passed into the hands of a French farmer before being taken by the Germans to pull massive cannons. Gripping scenes that you won't forget and superb cinematography are combined with this "horse story" to get across Steven Spielberg's message that there is no glory in war, there is nothing to be proud about killing someone else and everyone pays a price -- because we are all in this together.

This globe is all we've got. We really need to have global vision if we're going to create a future worth being in.
*Click on this link for a world tour with Cole:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUD4qn0NFS4

French Script Delights

2011-12-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: These freebies are no longer available here but look for them in my Etsy and Zibbet shops!

Mes amies, here are two shabbily chic French script samples that I thought you would like. One is big, bold -- rather masculine, I would say. And the second one is quite demure and feminine. Ah... Paris.

Now, Blogger has changed their site and I'm none too happy about it. Have no idea why my downloads appear to be 'cut off.' But double click on each image and when it pops up in a new window, you'll see that it is all there. (Unlike some of us....:)I have been planning to start up a Facebook page once again and this prompts me toward that goal all the more.

Right now, I'm not up to wading through their changes, so I'm going to lay low till after the New Year.

For me, 2012 can't come soon enough. I am ready to say good-bye to this year. I have had a very stressful "holiday."

I spent Christmas eve cleaning part of my nephew's apartment. As regular readers know, my nephew has schizophrenia. The only thing worse than the disease is the American medical and legal system that family has to endure trying to get help.

For almost 3 hours, I was engaged in nonstop sweeping, vacuuming, bending over and picking up trash, dirty clothes, magazines and cigarette butts -- 6 mega-size black garbage bags -- and that was only the living room which doubles as his bedroom (and that didn't include cleaning out from under the bed), all the while trying to calm my nephew who didn't want me there and was pitifully stressed by my presence. Needless to say, his stress was stressing me. When I returned the next day to bring him Christmas dinner, he told me not to return for 2 days because his apartment was filled with smiling demons.

It is terrifying to put it mildy to look into someone eye's and not see the person you love and know.

And yet, when I talked to him on the phone today, he raved about how good the ham tasted and he sounded like his old self.

It is quite an emotional roller coaster for everyone involved...

As if all of this wasn't enough, my morning today started with a political email passed around among my family members which was all about Obama's evil Muslim religion and his cancellation of National Prayer Day.

Folks, my body is still reeling from reading it!

I haven't been so angry since I don't know when -- and I don't even plan to vote for Obama.

I am not "for" any political candidate, but I am FOR the truth. And when people opt to spread lies and hatred instead of taking 60 SECONDS to do a Google search and see multiple listings from multiple sources debunking the lies --- THAT really bothers me. When SANE people freely spread lies and hate with total disregard for what is TRUE, factual and accurate, that scares me as much as looking into the eyes of a schizophrenic talking about smiling demons.

So, yeah, I gotta lay low and engage in some escapism. Curl up with some of those Paris mystery books I've checked out from the library. I heard through the grapevine that my in-laws got me "Midnight in Paris" for a Christmas gift -- can't wait to receive it. By the next time you hear from me, I'll probably have watched it a half-dozen times:) So, excuse my 'bad' attitude and all those words above in all CAPS. I'll see you next year with a new attitude and dreams of Paris. Bonne Annee!

Soup's On!

2011-12-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

Several of you have asked me about my soup recipe. I'm not much of a cook -- been there, done that, you know -- since I was 11. But there are two things I like to make: this soup and cornbread salad.

Now, I'm posting the recipe from Clean Eating, but of course, how I actually make it is different:)

First of all, I don't use canned black-eyed peas. I cook up a couple cups of dried black-eyed peas. Simply my personal preference. Second, I don't use collards; I'm sure they would be great, but I prefer kale. I have read from different sources that kale is close to being the perfect food -- that's how rich in nutrition it is. Also, I do add meat to my soup. I sauteed some Italian sausage along with chopped up onion, celery and carrots.But you get the idea! Make it a time or two and then start playing with your own substitutions.As for the cornbread salad, I don't have a recipe for that. I make it so rarely (2-3 times a year) that I always have to "google" it and I never seem to use the same recipe twice. Cornbread salad makes me think of my momma. She "discovered" cornbread salad from I don't know where and though it sounds strange, it tastes great. It's kinda like cornbread dressing but instead of baking it, you just toss everything together as in a salad: crumbled up corn bread, sliced boiled eggs, celery, onion. I also add crumbled up bacon bits and sliced cherry tomatoes. Green bell pepper, too. Yeah, it starts to look like Christmas with the red and green. Sometimes I throw in some whole kernel corn. So make the soup and a pan of cornbread. Then a day or two later, use your leftover cornbread to make cornbread salad. That's what I'm gonna do. Happy eating!

Yes, I'm Jealous!

2011-12-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

Mes amies, today I just discovered The Guardian, a British newspaper that I love to read, has been offering free images to download to use as gift wrapping paper. Today's freebie caught my eye and I'm not too proud to admit that I'm jealous. Perhaps the designer, Tacita Dean, altered this image to give it such a humorous 'slant' -- I've certainly never seen a card like this. But as that famous British sleuth Monsieur Holmes would say, The game is afoot! And I'm off to hunt my own sled treasure:)But you can just click on this link and it will take you to their site to download a HUGE file ready to print and wrap!

Gift-bearer at the Window!

2011-12-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: These freebies are no longer available but check in my Zibbet and Etsy stores! I am immune to the frenzy of the holidays because ... I don't do 'em:) Yes, I'm a grinch. However, for anyone out there who is scrambling at the last minute, looking for just a little special something they can 'throw together,' I thought this French postcard would be perfect. Who can go wrong with birds? And this little bird is bearing a gift for the new year: a lucky clover.
The simplicity of this design lends itself to so much customization. You can paint, watercolor, bead, glitter and any other kinda frou-frou touch -- or not. I mean, really, just add a ribbon and it's a winner, don't you think?
My original unused card is, of course, the one with the French Happy New Year (Bonne Annee) greeting. But here's a blank version and one in sepia, too.
Now, I don't mean to rush off, but I know you're busy too, so I'm gonna be brief (and besides, Blogger is doing weird things!)
I spent the weekend in Paris (thanks to Claude Izner's mystery "Murder at the Eiffel Tower":) and I really wanna go back. But before I do my time-travel to 1890s Paris again, I'm going to get a pot of my favorite winter soup simmering on the stove: kale, italian sausage, black-eyed peas, onions, carrots, cabbage......

The Poodle Sisters

2011-12-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: The Poodle Sisters are no longer available as a free download, but look for them in my Zibbet or Etsy shop!
Mes amies, may I introduce the Poodle Sisters?!

I know, I know, my momma would send me to bed with no supper for being so tacky, but I poke fun at my "Poodle Sisters" with a great deal of affection. And trust me, the situation I'm in right now, I need a good sense of humor. My place is under construction!

I'm under attack from every angle: the upstairs bedroom, the front door downstairs and the entire living room area. I'm surrounded by clear plastic wall tarps. Knock on an exposed wood beam, if everything goes as planned, the construction workers will be out of here in 36 hours. In the meantime, there's much banging, sawing, drilling, hammering and pounding by about a half-dozen or so carpenters replacing the huge picture windows in the living room, rebuilding the upstairs deck, replacing the doors and such. My 'million dollar' view of the gorgeous Columbia River is now a sheet of huge plastic -- and I'm just so thankful the clear plastic lets in some light. I was having a Deluxe Bitch mood envisioning a dark brown tarp barrier with no light at all. I can't handle having no natural light!

Needless to say, with windows removed, jambs and door frames being rebuilt, the winter chill is coming through. [Why all this construction is taking place now is a long story that has to do with a lawsuit settlement, the condo builders and the condo owner...] I've given up heating the outdoors and moved a portable oil heater next to my desk. Yes, it's been an interesting morning....:)

I had several false starts but was determined to get my Poodle Sisters to you. See, here's the original postcard: The French script adds nothing; the drab, gray background does nothing. These girls decked in all their furry finery are just crying out for a new environment! And so I entrust them to your care with full confidence that you will create a dazzling winter wonderland worthy of fur-trimmed go-go boots:)
OH....my original postcard was mailed to Elisa in 1905 -- on May 22! And just FYI, the cutout was created from a 1200 dpi scan. After cutting around them, I enlarged them to get them back to standard postcard size, about 3.5 inches wide, and then saved them at 300 dpi. After the fact, I realize I probably should have dabbed some rosy glow to their cheeks -- but you don't mind too terribly if I let you do that, do you? The hammering and drilling are getting the best of me. I think I'm going to go hide under a goose-down comforter ....:)
PS My Buy 4 Scans/Get 2 Free offer is still going on .....Details on the home page of my Etsy and Zibbet shops.

Busy Little Bee

2011-12-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Busy little bee I've been. Uh-huh:)

Have a great weekend!

The Eyes Have It

2011-12-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: This beauty is no longer available as a free download, but look for her in my Etsy and Zibbit shops! I'm offering three different versions of this week's free download. The above image is closest to the original postcard. I took the dull gray, sorta black and white card and went for what I call a rick dark "walnut" color.
This sepia version below turns her into a redhead, which really makes me jealous. In my youth, when I lived under the Texas sun, my brown hair used to get sexy red highlights. Since I'm half Irish, I have always felt cheated out of not being born a redhead. Ah, c'est la vie ... And here's a version that's just a little dreamy ...I'm not familiar with the CL publisher's mark and my postcard back is totally blank. I always love some trivia to go with such a pretty face, but who can resist a good mystery! So it's up to you to fill in the blanks and create a story for her. Oh, those eyes! What story do you think lies behind those doe eyes?!

Last week I only showed up to post the weekly download. This week I'll be popping in again later. I've been really REALLy busy -- just visit my shops and you'll see what I mean. You might wanna take advantage of my special offer going on: buy 4 scans and get 2 of equal or lesser value for free:)

OH, and for those of you who really loved the ice skating image from last week, here are two more I have in my Zibbet shop: http://www.zibbet.com/FrenchKissed?c1=special-this-shop&search=ice+skating&username=FrenchKissed

Skating, train wrecks and sales!

2011-11-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: This freebie is no longer available for download, but I'll get it listed in my shops. Any time you see a scan on my blog that you can't find in my shop, lemme know and I'll get it listed ASAP:)
For someone who doesn't like winter, I seem to keep coming back to these wonderfully romantic images of playing in the snow and ice! The above download is a cropped closeup I took from a 1200 dpi scan of this postcard: An artist-signed postcard but unfortunately, I couldn't find anything about a G. Lorenzo on Google. The name sounds Italian and may be, but the postcard itself was printed in Vienna, Austria. My original card is unused, but dating it from others in the series, I'm guess-timating around 1909 or 1910. I was so taken by the one bit of bright red-orange in the image and I believe it has been painted on by hand. Why anyone would dab paint on an already full color print, I don't know. But I love the way the ice skater's red-orange bow resembles a heart. Maybe you'll want to match that shade of red-orange and add your own holiday greeting in the 'ice'? Indeed, it's not a typical "FrenchKissed" image but I love the tranquility of the scene. Hopefully, you do, too!

I was able to have some tranquility myself after the hectic and wee bit stressful cleaning and cooking holiday called Thanksgiving:) The Hubby took me into the Big City to see a movie that my inner child just couldn't wait to see: Hugo. If you have young children (10-ish or so?) or grandchildren, you won't want to miss the chance to go see Hugo with them. Hugo is a heartwarming story of an orphan boy who lives at the Montparnasse train station in Paris, circa 1925. While the Hugo character is fictional, his 'enemy' who becomes his savior is based on the life of Georges Melies, a pioneer in film-making heralded as the father of special effects. His 1902 film "Journey to the Moon" is famous for this iconic image:

I was disturbed to learn that Thomas Edison "acquired" a copy of one of Melies' films and had quite a successful showing of it here in the United States "however, Edison did not pay any revenues to Méliès." When I first learned that, I immediately went and turned off a light switch as my way of flipping off Edison. So tired of folks who don't know what it means to make an HONEST dollar....
While being thoroughly entertained and mesmerized by the scenery (views of the Eiffel Tower from Hugo's clock perch), you'll learn other interesting things, too, from watching Hugo. Director Martin Scorsese pays tribute to the famous train crash that happened at the Montparnasse station in 1895. I have seen postcards of this infamous accident. That's the only reason I knew it really happened and wasn't just a fictional scene in the movie. Wikipedia says, "Two of the 131 passengers sustained injuries, along with the fireman and two conductors. The only fatality was a woman on the street below who was killed by falling masonry."
The next time I get to Paris, I'll be walking around the Gare Montparnasse with a fresh perspective, giving wide berth on the sidewalks less any train coming flying through -- and looking for Hugo behind the clockworks ...

OH, Oh! In honor of Cyber Monday, I'm offering 2 freebies with the purchase of 4 scans. I designed a new banner to announce my sale. Click here and you'll go straight to my Zibbet shop. The sale offer is good on Etsy, too! This special is good through the end of the year. You can take advantage of the sale price ONCE a day. This special can't be combined with other discounts.

Reclusive reprieve

2011-11-25T15:24:00.000-08:00

Mes amies, I had written earlier in the week that today I would share a bit about a special gift shop in Southern France. Well...the more I've thought about it ... I've decided to procrastinate and I'll talk about it next week.
Thanksgiving Day for me was one of those scenarios that movies are made of: pregnant pauses, pumpkin pies with fist punches and even a wedding announcement from a relative ("10 a.m. tomorrow"). Yes, truth is stranger than fiction and I didn't make that up. When political subjects came up and I praised the occupiers ... Oh My....
So it is today that The Hubby and I are nesting in our home with no drama, some video reruns and a few computer games. I could write about the gift shop; it's not that I don't have the time. But ...
Today in America is Black Friday. For my international readers who are not familiar with the Black Friday "tradition," it is (was) the day after Thanksgiving when Americans get to stores at ungodly hours to stand in line to be the first in to get a 'bargain' price on TVs and other such material goods. I say "was" the day after Thanksgiving because many stores in this recession desperation actually started their sales at midnight on Thursday. In my opinion, Black Friday is the quintessential image of what's wrong with American consumerism. People have been killed and injured from trampling, stampeding and fighting to get into the stores.
Black Friday makes me as an entrepreneur feel ... dirty. It's symbolic of much that is wrong with America and so I just want to hibernate. After Thursday's walking on eggs around family -- I feel I owe it to myself to let my soul recuperate and revel in doing nothing. Nothing more strenuous than eating a second helping of the homemade mince meatless pie The Hubby made for me ....
SEE you Monday with a freebie refreshed from my reprieve, I promise!

Sorry, No Scratch and Sniff

2011-11-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

We all go through spells where we are enamored with something or really interested in a specific subject. But after awhile, we move on and find a new interest or a different hobby. I sometimes wonder if I will feel that way about postcards and then, along comes a kind of card that I've never seen before and I appreciate all the more why this turn of the century No. 1 hobby has held my attention for almost a decade and likely will for several more.
So I know you're busy prepping all the turkey fixings, but I just had to share this with you. I originally thought this was a hand-painted dinner napkin! But as you see here from the backside ....
it is a perfume sachet postcard from Manchester, England! There's still a bit of powder inside it! No, I didn't sniff it to see if there was still an aroma:) Just looking at the pretty pansies is quite enough for me.
But it does look like a painted dinner napkin, doesn't it?!

Have a happy Turkey Day! The hubby has a mince meat-less pie marinating for me -- chopped apples, golden raisins, dried cherries and all those wonderful spices I DO love to stick my nose in: cinnamon, cloves and fresh ground nutmeg. OH, and candied ginger, too. Family is coming and we'll do the pig-out tradition. I hope you have a good holiday, too. I'll drop back in Friday to tell you about a certain gift shop in France ....

Abby Road via the French Alps

2011-11-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: This freebie is no longer available for download, but you can buy it in my Zibbet or Etsy shop! Mes amies, this week's freebie is one of those images that I debate with myself back and forth. "You're crazy; no one else is gonna like this" to "This is SO cool (pun notwithstanding)! Definitely different."
I know one reason why I hang on to it and keep coming back to it is because it makes me think of the iconic photo on the Beatles' album of the 4 of them crossing Abby Road.
There's such a sense of grandeur and space in this photo. It is taken at Chamonix in southeastern France. Wikipedia says Chamonix 'shares' Mount Blanc in its backyard with Italy and it is the third most visited natural site in the world.
Here is a fun web cam site I found for Chamonix: http://www.chamonix.com/webcam,12,en.html
One look at the first image and you'll see that the region is still snowy and still big like it was in 1903 when this postcard was mailed to "Chere Angele."
Trying to translate the French was a frustrating experience. I get just enough to be thoroughly confused. If anyone would like to jump in with an interpretation, please do! From what I can deduce, Rosalie says that she really enjoyed reading with Angele. 'I want to believe that you breathe the powder and I breathe the roses, but ?? Rose without thorn consoles you, so with pleasure I tell you that we may soon see you and the ladies. A load (?) is a good thing."
Despite my confusion, at least we can rest assured that she's not writing about having La Grippe (flu/diarrhea) and the French script is a perfect touch to compliment our black and white scene -- right down to the funny-shaped ink blot!
I think a big red bow would trim this winter scene perfectly. If you hang it on your tree, please send me a snapshot!

FRENCHKISSED update: I know most folks don't come back to their comments left. But I must shout out a big Merci BEAUCOUP to Kominsa, for translation of the text!

"It gave me much pleasure to read you, I can believe that you are inhaling dust and I am inhaling roses but remember that there are no roses without thorns. Take comfort in telling yourself that we might have the pleasure to see each other soon and to you and the ladies a cartload of good things."

Now...what I'm wondering is, what dust? The French word for dust can also mean powder -- does this mean snow powder? The postcard was mailed in August, 1903, to Angele in Vienne-Isere in Southeast France. Today Vienne is about a 3-hour drive to Chamonix; I'm sure it took longer to get there in 1903. Was Angele visiting Chamonix and Rosalie sent her this card to greet her on her arrival back home? Or, was Rosalie talking about desert dust? From what I can piece together from web sites I visited, the region in the valley surrounding the alps can be very dry "classic Mediterranean hinterland, ... arid hills covered in scrub and coarse vegetation." Hmmm....I think I need to hop on a plane and check this out for myself:)
OH and one more PS -- so glad to hear you ladies are seeing the same potential in this image as I did!

Cross-continent Hybrid Art

2011-11-18T10:18:00.000-08:00

It's OK to be obsessive about something if you have talented friends in high places like I do! Kathy of Vintage Catnip graciously volunteered to 'free' my American peacock stuck in the Seattle cancellation mark -- the one I wrote about on Wednesday that I just HAD to put in my bird egg collage. After several hours of cleaning,cloning and working her Kathy magic, she sent me this: Remerciements, Kathy!
Then I went spastic and searched through my stash for a French white peacock postcard I remembered I had ... somewhere ... And then I let my obsession take over once again. I obsessed a lot about what kind, if any, French text, I wanted to add. There were several nominees but finally I settled on a menu. (Don't worry, no baked "paon" on the menu.) I added one postage stamp. My favorite overlay from Shadowhouse Creations. A little embossing. Tweak here. Alter that. And wow, before I knew it 8 hours had passed, my arm was killing me (why does having so much fun have to hurt?) and I had created a new breed of peacock that changes colors like a chameleon. And this time, I don't have to ask: Can they see the peacock? I know it's a peacock, but can they tell it's a peacock? At last count, I've got 9 varieties:) You can check 'em all out here: http://www.zibbet.com/FrenchKissed/artwork?artworkId=668670

Have a great weekend! Next week I'm gonna share a "new" kind of antique postcard I just discovered plus take you on a mini-virtual trip to southern France near the Pyrenees ....

Too much EGG-citement

2011-11-16T06:31:00.001-08:00

This story goes all over the place, from here to New Mexico to Seattle -- and France, of course! -- so buckle up and hang on!
First of all, I've had this antique encyclopedia page for some time. I loved the bird eggs BUT ... Who would have thought to include on the same page shark eggs (that corkscrew thingie) or cuttlefish eggs (No. 58 -- looks like blue berries!) I knew I was in for a challenge to eliminate all the non-bird eggs and accompanying text and then move that all up to square things off all the while keeping the background in tact. After much gnashing of teeth (I forwent the sackcloth and ashes) I managed to come up with this: At 8 inches square, it's not a standard size BUT ... it's got lots of potential, don't you think? That huge egg in the center is from a Greak Auk, or I should say "was." Everything one can say about the Great Auk must be said in the past tense because it became extinct in the 19th century. And that's all I'm gonna say about that because I've got other tangents to follow and I don't want you to be any more confused than you will be now that we're dashing down to New Mexico.
That's where Linda lives, aka Paper Seeker on Etsy. She asked me to create a banner for her. Linda and I met through the Pacific Postcard Club (no, New Mexico is not close to the Pacific ocean or the Pacific Northwest BUT who cares:) So it was really fun to meet her in person at a postcard show in Portland when she visited family and friends last month. We have so much in common -- it's crazy:) When she asked me to create a banner for her, I was very honored but even more nervous. However, I got into that artsy-fartsy mode, lost in the creative process, one "accident" lead to another and it all came together. I'm not gonna show you what I made for Linda. You just gotta go see for yourself because you're gonna wanna look through all her stuff. Postcards, cabinet cards and vintage snapshots galore. This one Linda calls "Designated Driver." Here's "Party Girl." Too cute or what?! And most all are in the $2-4 range. Maybe I shouldn't have told you that -- don't run there yet. I've got more egg-citement to tell you.
While looking for 'foreign' [English] postal cancellations to use in Linda's banner, I came across a real delight: a peacock! You know that feeling you get when an image just GRABS you and you gotta use it? Well, I had started a little gift tag, using mostly the blue eggs from the encyclopedia page. And I just knew I HAD to put that peacock in there somewhere. Then I got all wrapped up in various hues, playing with the color, adding an assortment of frames. Before I knew it, my eggs had multiplied to a baker's dozen and more! By this time, my egg-citement and heady rush from Linda's kudos had began to dissipate. I started second guessing myself and all sorts of negativity rushed in. Have you ever experienced this on a project?
The peacock comes part and parcel with a Seattle cancellation mark. Seattle? On a French collage?! Does the peacock even show up? Can someone really make it out or does it just look like an egg is missing in that spot? I know it's a peacock cause I put it there, but can you see it? I started to blog about my dilemma and ask for your input. Does art have to make sense? Can't it just be pretty? I started, I sputtered. Then I realized that a French postcard could indeed have a Seattle postmark, bien sur! French folks wrote to relatives and friends in the States or mailed postcards home while vacationing here. So, easy enough to connect the dots on that one even if it is a circuitous route. I will refrain from combining my peacock and Seattle cancellation with the Eiffel Tower. That might be stretchings things too much:) But in the meantime, I'm offering my egg gift tags as is, Seattle, peacock and all. I've put 4 tags on one digital 'sheet'. And if you buy the encyclopedia egg page, you can pick out one of the egg gift tags set for free! So, the next time you're out running errands, drop by to see Linda and then come by my place and pick up a dozen eggs:)

http://www.zibbet.com/FrenchKissed/artwork?artworkId=666803
http://www.zibbet.com/FrenchKissed/artwork?artworkId=666799

Were You Daddy's Girl?

2011-11-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: This digital download is no longer available but you can find it in my Zibbet and Etsy shop:) Yesterday I read an article about feminist Gloria Steinman. Can you tell from my collage that I was influenced by what I read:) I was drawn to this antique French postcard by its "strange" composition. Look closely and you'll see a woman's face peering through the window grill.
I call this image Daddy's Girl. I love the way the "papa" is holding her hand. When I first began 'playing' with my collage, I was going for the fond memories of being Daddy's Girl in a bubble gum, cotton candy world. However, the more I worked on it, I realized that those words didn't truly reflect what's seen in the photo. There's a seriousness there. The more I looked at the man's face, I felt he was more than a doting Daddy. He would want the best for his daughter and just knowing the obstacles she would face (not to mention wearing a corset!) would be enough to cause his ulcer to act up. Yeah, the more I worked on my collage, I realized that wasn't bubble gum or cotton candy pink -- it was Pepto-Bismal pink.

Thanks to the likes of women like Gloria Steinman, a girl's options in life today are not quite as Pepto-DISMAL. The United States still can't claim a woman president, but woman all over the world are forging a better lot in life with more and more rights. I LOVE those stories about artistic women in less industrialized countries who get a $400 loan, start a co-op and eventually are able to support themselves and their families by selling their crafted items worldwide! Hey, wait a minute -- I didn't get a loan, but that's kinda my story too. No wonder I love it!:)

So, OK, here's the ORIGINAL.
And here's the mandatory SEPIA version:
And in case this 100+ year-old photograph looks too "new" for you, here's the EXTRA AGED cheddar cheese version:
Now, I'm not giving you my original collage, but here's a PINK version that you can customize yourself! Don't you just love that pink and sepia mix?!

Bits and Birds

2011-11-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

Symphony No. 22

Mes amies, just a little note to let you know that I've been busy. Drop in my Etsy or Zibbet store to see all the new stuff I've added. You'll notice that many listings have "5 altered choices" to pick from! Check out this 'bonus' scan I'm including with a darling portrait of French kids: I finished my Birds for All Seasons this morning [been up since 4!] and now I'm off to run errands.

One last note: Any offers posted on past Friday tutorials are still valid! Have a great weekend:)

Problems SOLVED!

2011-11-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Gift

Mes amies, I have so much to tell you that it's a bit hard to know where to start. World problems solved -- shall I start there? Yes, I figured out the answer! It's so simple it's one of those things where one says, "Gosh, why didn't we think of this before?" The solution to our current worldwide "mess" is: replace politicians with artists! Greed, gone -- just like that.
From what I've seen on blogland, artists are by nature generous, sharing and compassionate. If artists were politicians, they would return to the system our "founding fathers" originally instituted: serve your country for a congressional term for a pittance of pay and then return home to your family and jobs. The founding fathers would roll over in their graves if they saw how politics has become a lucrative lifelong career for many lawyers. Artists wouldn't fall into this trap because they would indeed be too eager to get back home to their craft rooms and art studios!
Two superlative examples of how generous artists are: check out these giveaways celebrating blog anniversaries hosted by none other than last month's Artist-in-Residence, Marie of Lost Bird Studios and Lynn Stevens of Trash to Treasure Art.

Besides the perfume label pin cushion which you no doubt recognize as Marie's first tutorial for us, you've got to check out the other prize, a Mon Amie Gift Box created by Rhonda of A Little Bit French. I've already confessed to Rhonda that I've got such a bad case of Script Envy that I'm having seizures -- yes, complete with spittle drooling down my chin. Go sign up for Marie's giveaway and Rhonda's monthly drawing -- you'll be drooling too:)

Lynn is offering three prizes in her blog 'anniversaire' and this one is my fav.
Lynn describes her lovely creation as "a beautiful journal made with a rusted cover, vintage laces, a fabric transfer and other rusty bits and bobs." See? Politicians could learn a lot from artists like Lynn. Artists are adept at working with what's at hand, taking found objects and turning trash to treasure. Artists take pride in recycling and repurposing -- they don't throw money at problems and squander resources. They create with their hands, something tangible, something beautiful and useful.

Yes, we need artists to govern the world. Let's start with a fresh canvas ....:)

And now, I have to share with you some pics from my time at Occupy Mosier.
Occu-Pie Mosier style...

My hubby, being an electrician by trade, naturally got to helping set up the lights.

The main reason I love this pic, besides the huge Japanese lanterns, is because it's a small sampling of the age spread among those who are participating, from 15-year-olds to 50 and older.

This scene reminds me of President Roosevelt's historical fireside chats....

Many folks don't understand what Occupy Wallstreet and its counterparts are all about. Some of the accusations are that they don't have any goals, no leader and they don't know what they are doing. This is simply not true.

Here is a very well written editorial from the Guardian in Great Britain: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/06/knows-occupations-going-great-moving

I could say a lot more, but I'll save it for later:)

Get thee to those blog giveaways now!

Oh Deer Me!

2011-11-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

FRENCHKISSED update: These downloads are no longer available here but can be purchased in my Etsy and Zibbet shops. Freebies can be downloaded only during the original week they are listed.
You can't have mine that I made in Photoshop from 18 layers, including Philip Ed's film frame from Flickr. But ... here's the --
ORIGINAL Download

In French, cerf means deer or buck (not to be confused with serf, which is what middle class Americans are fast becoming:) In 1907, this postcard of a cerf was mailed to the chief administrator of a chalet in Voutenay. As you can see here, the sender signed off "Cerf Volant" which doesn't have anything to do with deer but means kite. The first part I can make out says, "I'll meet you ??? morning ????" So, perhaps the cerf on the front was a wee pun to remind his friend of their kite flying rendez-vous?I was inspired to share this deer postcard for this week's freebie because over the weekend I had a Kodak moment that I couldn't Kodak 'cause I was driving. The Hubby and I had gone into town to pick up his Jeep, newly fitted with snow studs. En route home, checking out the scenery that I never tire of, I looked up at the rocky hills and standing in a valley of the craggy timberline was a deer. No antlers like Rudolph here, but big ears. No details but a perfect stately silhouette -- him staring down at the traffic below, surveying his kindgom? I was so excited, pointing upward, waving my arm like a madman, hoping my husband would notice what I was trying to show him. Unfortunately, he didn't notice my antics nor the deer. But I saw it and it made my day. My weekend. Heck, it's still making my Monday! Such things in nature give me such joy and so I was inspired to create How to Shoot a Buck. Now, I understand that some folks hunt for venison and that's their meat for the winter. But I prefer my venison still on the hoof.

Of course, I couldn't give you just the original scan. I had to play a bit more. This is an 'effect' to make things look older, but the white smudges makes me think of snow -- so all the more appropriate.
"SNOW"
A SEPIA version is always a must!
And this one uses what I call the DIVINE effect. This image reminds me of the world of Harry Potter and the Patronus Charm.
Along with my deer siting, I had another 'awe' filled experience. I shared a potluck and sat around a campfire at Occupy Mosier! Yes, Mosier, which I occupy year round, is laying claim to being the smallest Occupy site in America. The population sign says 430, but it was that number when we moved here, so I know there are at least 432 of us here. I will share some pics later this week. For right now, check out this You Tube posting, taken from a Salem TV broadcast. The Occupy Mosier's unofficial motto is "everyone should get a slice of the occu-PIE." Oh, honey, Mosier's on the map!

Bank Transfer Day: Money Talks!

2011-11-04T06:03:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have followed my blog for a long time know that I help a bit with the care of my nephew, who suffers from schizophrenia. Recently, his landlord decided that electricity would no longer be included in the rent and each tenant in the huge Victorian house must get their own account set up with the electrical company. My sister-in-law mails a monthly check to her step-son, my nephew, and this month she sent a second check, made out to the electrical company, in a separate envelope with instructions to give the check to his caseworker.
Unbeknownst to myself and my sister-in-law, my nephew is spiraling into another psychotic episode. He took the electrical deposit check to Bank of America and they cashed it! A check for $125 made out to PUD, Pacific Utility Department, with a memo at the bottom that this was a deposit on a new account and Bank of America cashed it, giving $125 -- not to the payee -- but to a customer who they know is mentally ill! Now, my sister-in-law didn't earn her red hair for nothing. She can stand up quite well in a fight, but Bank of America won't budge. "We gave away your $125 to the wrong person but sorry. Mistake. These things happen."
Well, tomorrow is Bank Transfer Day and although I won't be transferring my nephew's account tomorrow, as soon as we get him through this psychotic tailspin, I will. It's going to be inconvenient, but I will. Will the loss of my nephew's $700 a month account affect Bank of America? No, of course not. But ... what if 10 more people withdrew their money and then 10 more and then 100 more....? And did you hear about the Catholic church in Southern California who withdrew their $3 million?!!
Yes, there is a movement underfoot for folks to transfer their money out of Big Banks into local credit unions. Local credit unions don't play the legal but immoral gambling games the Big Banks have been playing.
There is an expression that I was raised with, having lived 30 years in Texas. And the expression goes like this: Money talks and bullsh*t walks. Maybe this expression is common in your part of the world, too. Unfortunately, for most of us, our money doesn't talk much anymore. Due to a collusion between Big Banks, Wall Street and the Politicians in their Pockets, the world economy is being held up with bubble gum and bailout funds.
But if my 2 cents and your $1 and your neighbor's $1 is pooled together with other ordinary, average middle-class folks -- well, OUR money can talk. And it can send a message straight to the banks, a message that Congress won't send for obvious reasons, a message that says, "You won't gamble with my money. You won't loan me money and then gamble and bet against me that I'll default on it."

Banks have already started getting this message. Bank of America has already rescinded its plans for a $5 debit card fee thanks to the efforts of Bank Transfer Day. But, folks, let's keep talking LOUD. It used to be that one's vote had power. If you still believe that, I've got a waterfront condo for you in Arizona. No, today the only thing that has power is MONEY. Money is the medium in today's world. So let your money talk loud and clear. Close your account with Big Banks and transfer your money to a local credit union. Bank Transfer Day admonishes folks to close their accounts the same way it was opened: "Independently, with respect, without signage. Aggression and disruption don't serve this peaceful movement."

If I'm not mistaken, I don't have to go in person to Bank of America to close my nephew's account. I can do it all online through the Social Security Administration. Good thing. I'm not sure I could follow Bank Transfer Day's advice ....

SHARE YOUR BANK nightmare story OR rave about how happy you are with your local credit union in the comments section (or email me directly at frenchkissedpostcards (at) gmail.com) and I'll send you your choice of my Bank of the Heart (Banque du Coeur) scan for free:)

Ode to Fall

2011-11-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is something I've been wanting to put together for a long time. I realize the first official day of autumn was about 6 weeks ago, but here in my neck of the woods, the trees are just now getting to those golden yellows and deep maroons. So here is my ode to fall. My 'palette' is actually a vintage chip stand. You know, those display racks at the Mom and Pop store with little snack packs of Frito-Lay corn chips and potato chips? The little metal tabs move easily enough for positioning just so. And for every one postcard with a tab that you see here, there are 2-3 more tabs hiding in the back. I could continue the fall theme on the flip side or maybe get a head start on winter images? Not sure -- it might be too busy looking then. But imagine how many ATCs this would hold! The top could be gussied up with ribbon or lace with a color coordinated cloth backdrop. I figured I was doing good to get this much together:) I have another one that is a single bar of metal with tabs attached. It is shaped like a candy cane. Anyway, the next time you go to a flea market or antique shopping, keep your eye open for a chip rack. Think of it as healthy recycling!

The Cat's Meow

2011-11-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

Well, are you impressed? This is the precious piece of ephemera that I wanted to gloat about. And even though I call it The Cat's Meow, to be honest, I really wanna remove the felines! Notice the itty bitty lavender ribbon loop at the bottom? Perfect for hanging the delicate creation --- which would put the cat family hanging upside down. The satin piece with the lace ruffle looks like a sleeve to me, so I think that a hand is what needs to go there. I have a 'hand' cardboard form saved from the packaging of a pair of gloves. I think it might work perfectly.... But even as is, upside down and all, I'm so enjoying the beauty of the lace, the embroidered (?) flowers in the diamond pattern on the satin, and the touches of lavender ribbon. The overall concept is so simple. I hope you find it inspiring, too! And to think, it was sent through the mail more than a century ago.
Dear Suzanne, Come see me this afternoon and you can take some artichokes in your big basket. (As best as I can translate:)

Now, for further dazzlement, shock and awe, take a look at this: Dru of The Nest was inspired to do something with a ton of envelopes her sister-in-law gave her. Yes, under all that finery, vintage seam binding, lace and ribbon, there is an envelope! On her blog, Garden of Dreams, she explains how she crafted this gift pouch stuffed with Eiffel Tower tags. Of course, that is a FrenchKissed Eiffel Tower that graces the front of the pouch, so I'm plum pleased and then some. Merci beaucoup, Dru!

La Coiffure

2011-10-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

FrenchKissed update: This week's freebies are no longer available for download, but I'll get them listed in my Zibbet and Etsy shop!

FrenchKissed Download Original Version
Please excuse me if I ignore that today is Halloween:) As I have mentioned a couple of times in the past, I'm just not really into this holiday. So, instead of ghouls and ghosts, as this week's free download I'm offering a real beauty. I LOVE this woman's face. How someone can stare into a camera and have such a look of absolute poise, calm and serenity -- well, I'm envious to the core! This postcard is one in a series showing headdresses through the ages. This one is labeled Av J.C. and I'm assuming that means Before Christ. Is this head wrap Renaissance or Middle Ages? What do you think? To be honest, anything before yesterday gets blurred in my brain, so I often confuse those time periods. What I am certain of is the beauty and mystery this image evokes. A definite allure.

Now, my card was one of those where there is so much fiber content in the paper that it's speckled with little specks all over. I did a lot of blending, but you can still see a lot of speckiness [playing Shakespeare here and making up my own words]. To reduce some of that, I used my favorite shabby chic overlay by Jerry at Shadowhouse Creations and came up with this sepia version.
FrenchKissed SEPIA Version Download
Unfortunately, my antique French postcard is unused, so no 'extra' story background:( In the version below, I've played with some of my 'magic' tools to make her dreamier, softer, with an ethereal glow.
FrenchKissed "Dreamy" Version Download I hope playing and creating with this image transports you 'through the ages' and that you have lots of fun in your time travels!

I have many things I want to share with you this week. Come back tomorrow and let me gloat about the most incredible postcard that's truly the cat's meow.....

Let’s play with clay

2011-10-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

By MARIE SKROTZKI
from Lost Bird Studio
FrenchKissed Artist-in-Residence

Bonjour everyone!
Don’t you just love to play with clay? I hope you do as my last tutorial will be this lovely clay frame.

The beautiful image is the Prayer Star from FrenchKissed.*

What you will need:
Clay of your choice (I used Modelling Compound which quickly air dries.)
Metallic Rub-Ons
Acrylic Paint (Burnt Umber)
Rolling pin
Craft knife or blade for clay
Rubber stamps (Stamp used is "Hinged Shrine" from Stampers Anonymous* )

Roll out the clay and press your rubber stamp firmly into the clay to get a good impression.

Next, cut out your shape with the blade or craft knife.

While the clay dries, assemble your collage.

I used burnt amber acrylic paint and once dried, metallic rub-ons where used to give it a metal finish. You can’t really see it in the photo, but it does look like metal.

So, here is my final piece as Artist- in-Residence and I hope you had as much fun as I did. Thank you so very much. Have a wonderful weekend.

Marie

FrenchKissed blog exclusive: I've created 6 versions of the praying girl! On my shop listing, it says, "Buy two different versions of this scan and get ONE free scan...." But mention you read Marie's tutorial and when you buy 2 scans of the prayer girl, you'll get TWO free scans, $3.99 or under -- your choice from almost 800+ plus scans:)

*Hinged Shrine from Stampers Anonymous can be found on their site under STAMPS. On the left, scroll way down to the Main Catalog and click on Page 83.

Angels and Bad Hair Days

2011-10-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with this postcard? Look closely and you'll see that her right wing is wrong! It's backwards! Unless she plans to fly in reverse? What do you think? Am I crazy or does this angel have a bit of a handicap?
Well, I played god and gave her a new set of strong wings. But you know, it's not really the wings that make an angel. Yes, I've been thinking about this all day while playing around in Pixlr and working on my postcard. Sometimes you can simply look at a person's face and you know they are an angel. There's a radiance coming through. I bet you have friends like that. It was this woman's face that mesmerized me. A classic beauty, everything perfectly symmetrical -- coupled with that hair that is everything but! A bit of curl and wave, but mostly a whole lot of tussle, dare I say windblown from an exceptionally bad landing from those backward wings! Yes, every day must be a bad hair day for an angel. But ... she's so beautiful that her 'bad hair' looks lovely, too. Throw in a halo, some divine glow and she's good to go!

Here, she's so supernatural in white that she borders on the ghostly, don't you think?
And here, I went for the antique look of rich sepia.
This one I call "Morning Glory." I not only added sunrise in the background, but ... all those scratches I clone out -- well, I used a funky filter to put them back in, albeit artistic scratches. There is a difference, right:)
So, I'm not sure where I'm going with all this playing around, but I posted my angel in my stores today with a 2 for 1 offer. Buy two different versions of her and get one scan free. Your choice, angel or non-angel as long as it's $3.99 or under. The link above goes to Zibbet, where you'll have more angelic choices, but she's also available on Etsy here.

Today's blog is dedicated to Paula in Washington, one of those wingless angels.

One Toddler for FREE!

2011-10-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

FRENCHKISSED update: These freebies are no longer available, but I'll post them in my Etsy and Zibbet shops for sale!
I hope you're sitting down as you read this. I must confess that this week's freebie is not French.
The backside has the normal postcard design with multiple horizontal lines on the right to pen the name and address along with a vertical dividing line -- bearing the iconic name Kodak! -- to mark the blank writing space on the left. On the front, however, you see the sticker at the bottom? Streit Foto in Veszprém.

FrenchKissed ORIGINAL Download
In 12 tenths of a second, the Google gods informed me that "Veszprém is one of the oldest urban areas in Hungary..." So this little sweetie you see here is apparently a Hungarian toddler. But cuteness knows no boundaries and I had my mind on babies and innocence this morning, so this is the image that called to me, that silently cried out to be shared ... (At my age, crying babies get on my nerves, so I'm partial to those that cry silently:)

The left hand is a tad blurry. One can't truly expect a toddler to keep completely still! I love her pose and I can't help but think you will put something in both hands. The right one is perfect for gripping a balloon or a flower. My original card is creased and I cloned that out but I left the rest of signs of age, the border and such au natural. Besides, I figure you'll likely crop in like this anyway....
FrenchKissed CROPPED Download
Is that face not the most beautiful piece of perfection you've ever seen?!
Now, just this morning via a friend on Facebook, I learned about a photo editing program called Pixlr. Using Pixlr, I played around and came up with some different versions.
Voila, instant photo album/scrapbook look!
FrenchKissed Download with Pixlr Frame No. 1
FrenchKissed Download with Pixlr Frame No. 2
This is called the "peri" frame.
For illustration purposes to show you what fun effects you can do simply by clicking, I chose this "glitter" overlay. Like God touching Adam's hand, this toddler reaches out and touches the Universe....
FrenchKissed Download with Pixlr Glitter
This is called the "bleep" overlay and I couldn't resist it. It graphically illustrates that old saying, "One look at you and my heart skipped a beat."
FrenchKissed Download with Pixlr Bleep
Two things that truly impress me about Pixlr. It is FREE. I had a question about their terms of service. They are based in Sweden or Switzerland, some place like that. I emailed them and received a reply within 5 minutes!

In a world that is rocking, reeling and on the verge of collapse from corporation greed, to get something for FREE and to get it with unmatched customer service .... well, I'm speechless. And that's saying a lot!

I’m A Gypsy At Heart

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

By MARIE SKROTZKI
from Lost Bird Studio
FrenchKissed Artist-in-Residence

Hello everyone,
Did you know I’m a gypsy at heart ? Since I am traveling back and forth from Germany to the USA, I certainly feel like one.

So, for today's project I chose this beautiful FrenchKissed gypsy image and I will show you step by step on how to turn her into a framed beauty.

What you need: one of Trishia’s beautiful images, an antique cabinet frame, ephemera, lace, buttons, a rusted heart, a key and rubber stamps.

Looks good already,doesn’t it ?

I just used a script rubber stamp,some torn sheet music pieces and lace. Gel medium works well to adhere the lace.

One key and buttons were added and

a rusted heart finishes it up. From my point of view this would also be nice to use in an altered book as a tip-in page or for the cover.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and hope to see you again next Friday for my last tutorial.

Marie

FrenchKissed blog exclusive offer: Buy ANY Gypsy image from my Zibbet store and get ONE scan, $3.99 or under, for FREE:) When you put in your order, under message from buyer, mention that you saw this offer on my blog and list the title of your freebie.

V is for Victory!

2011-10-17T07:32:00.001-07:00

FRENCHKISSED update: These freebies are no longer available for download, but you can buy them in my Zibbet or Etsy shop!
FrenchKissed Download: Original 1905 Alphabet V postcard

In Postcard Land, there are scores of different alphabet series -- letters made with clowns, letters formed from cats, letters using photos of actresses (like my "K" fairy here). The famous German artist Catherine Klein designed an alphabet series featuring flowers. Certain letters are quite rare and hard to find. One could easily pay several hundred dollars for one postcard to complete the alphabet collection. This week's free download is what I call the "Tree Trunk" design and this is my favorite: the letter "V" with a nest of baby angels! I love the design, the French script, the red postage stamp and the bold, clear postal cancellation mark. It all comes together for a natural collage.
FrenchKissed COLORIZED download
The "problem" with a natural collage like this is that there isn't too much of "you" that you can add to the image. It's darn perfect as is, don't you think? But the "magic" of digital images is that you can still find lots of ways to play and indeed make a piece of art that reflects you. So ... while I like my lady in yellow, it's the baby angels in the bird nest that steal the scene. I thought you could have a bit more fun and creativity if you had a canvas that focused just on them!

FrenchKissed ALTERED Version Now, it is a Monday morning and my brain is still on weekend 'non' thinking mode. You'll likely come up with lots more ideas, but I keep envisioning a big bird overlay? Do you have a favorite Victory quote to add? What are your other favorite "V" words?

FrenchKissed ALTERED Version Black and White
I dedicate this V to the Occupy movement. Versions of Occupy Wall Street are happening all around the world. Last reports I read, there were 10,000 who showed up for a march in Spain. Things got Violent in Rome. I am hoping that We the People will be Victorious in this effort. I hope it's not all in Vain! Occupy Wall Street and its offshoots make me think of the French revolution. Putting aside the romanticized ideas we have of Marie Antoinette, the facts are that the 1 percent back then were living lavishly -- decadent squalor one could say -- while the average Parisian couldn't even buy a baguette!

I'd like to believe that we have evolved beyond the guillotine and the violence, but since the level of corruption has grown exponentially ... well ....

There is much more I'd like to say about the situation but as I mentioned, it's a Monday. So let's get some good Vibes flowing. Besides, if we want to be Victorious, we have to play. The brain often comes up with its best solutions for a problem when it's relaxed and playing.

French Dreams Soldered Charm

2011-10-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

By MARIE SKROTZI
from Lost Bird Studio
FrenchKissed Artist-in-Residence

Hello everyone,

Today I would like to create a soldered charm with you – so get out your soldering iron and let's have some fun.
For those of you who have never soldered before, I have added a video tutorial from Stampington Co. at the very end.

SUPPLY LIST:

Soldering iron
Memory glass 2X2 – two pieces (I utilized Memory Glass by Ranger)
Lead-free solder
Flux (I use soldering paste – same thing)
Copper foil tape
Brush
Bone folder
2 jump rings
Charm
Ribbon
Chain nose pliers
Wet sponge to keep your tip clean
Paper towel and Glass cleaner
Patina solution (Novacan black)

For today's project I have chosen the “English Beauty” image from FrenchKissed.

Please resize your image to fit behind the glass.

For the back of the pendant I used this beautiful postcard from FrenchKissed and just added a punched out fleur-de-lis.

Sandwich your collage between the glass, than cut out 4 strips of copper foil tape, which should be slightly longer than the glass, and start wrapping your pendant.

Now your pendant should look like this and you're almost ready to solder it - so plug in your soldering iron! Use the brush to spread the soldering paste or Flux on to your copper tape. (Don’t forget to have your jump rings ready.)

Be careful, the glass gets very hot – don’t touch it!

Here is the pendant all soldered, but I wanted a vintage look so I used a Patina solution to age it.

Just use a Q-tip to apply the patina solution.

Voila, here is your finished pendant.

It wasn’t that difficult, was it ?

If you need any further explanations, feel free to contact me.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and I hope you will join me next Friday again.

Marie

FrenchKissed Blog-exclusive Offer: Buy the English Beauty postcard OR the Tax Stamp Postcard Back digital scan and Get ONE scan, $3.99 or under, for FREE. When you put in your order, under 'message from buyer,' say you saw this offer on my blog and list the title of the freebie you'd like:)

Secrets No More

2011-10-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

I've been riding my bicycle up and down the condo complex, but between rides, I have been really busy! Remember last week, I shared my original Art Nouveau watercolor of the half-naked woman making a toast to La Vendange, the wine harvest? And I told you it was a bit of a secret. Well, the transaction is complete now and I can tell you about my 15 minutes of fame that I'm hoping doesn't end up on the cutting room floor.
Oui, oui, FrenchKissed is making its film debut! A half-dozen of my FrenchKissed scans, including the aforementioned titty-tart-toaster, are going to be used as posters in a film character's house/office.
Filming started at the end of September in Madrid, Spain. "The Wine of Summer" is what's called an "indie" film with a small budget of "just" $1 million dollars and change. One of the stars is a young man named Ethan Peck. I've never heard of him until now, but I know of his grandfather, Gregory! The one name I recognize in the cast is Marcia Gay Harden (First Wives Club, Space Cowboys). See the film's official web site here. My FrenchKissed 'babies' may end up so altered I don't recognize them. Maybe the scenes in the room will last a whopping 60 seconds. They may end up being stamps on envelopes. I dunno. I do know that I get excited as can be just thinking about my scans being a movie prop!
The above image was created using a film strip from Flickr's Philip Ed and a screen shot of The Wine of Summer's home page.

Next on the agenda, I've been working with a novelist who's writing a story set in the 1920s. She was seeking Art Deco images to use as book cover art and to go with the e-book version. So I've been immersed in the roaring '20s, going through my shoeboxes of stash. Out of 100 scans, the author has selected 7 to use -- and she found her heroine! Obviously, this has not been a money-making venture for me, but it's my way of supporting what I think could be a growing trend. Besides, I love Art Deco images. Before Avatar, there were other beautiful blue people:)
At the same time, I had a request for images to convey the idea of "Secret Garden." So I've been rummaging for architecture images .... And since I can never leave anything "as is," I had to try my hand at altering, at using different photo filters, at cutting out .... So needless to say, I have to give a shameless plug. If you haven't been to my shops lately, you oughta drop in.
I have more Art Deco images to work up, so gotta go. But first, a few more spins on my Fat Tire beer bike! (And yes, I got a helmet. Even a hard-headed person like myself needs a helmet. Besides, helmets provide the perfect excuse for bad hair days!)

Rolling Right Along

2011-10-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

FrenchKissed update: Free downloads are available only during the week they are listed. However, you can purchase the sepia version of the Victorian lady surrounded by French script here.

ORIGINAL Download Mes amies, I had a very exciting weekend. And this week's freebie(s)* is in honor of [drum roll, please] a cruiser bicycle I won in a raffle sponsored by my favorite pizza shop in Hood River, Andrew's Pizza.
http://youtu.be/e8NFXhhq71E
If you click on the You Tube link, you'll see me in all my hot-flash glory as I'm trying to get through the photo shoot ... And just for the record, my hair has not been dyed since 2004, so I don't know why the video makes my hair look like a bad dye job growing out. OK, vanity aside, let me start at the beginning ...
FrenchKissed Sepia Version Download
Close to my birthday around the end of August, The Hubby and I were enjoying our favorite Andrew's Combination pizza and sharing a Greek salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
A brief digression -- Andrew's Pizza is also home to Skylight Theater (up the ramp and to the back). Once in a bit of a panic that we were late for a movie, the ticket taker explained very matter-of-factly that the movies never start on time because, well, people are never on time and this is a small town and that's how they do things:) In front of the movie screen are several bean bag "love seats" -- and even an old couch, I think. I never sit that close, but prefer the regular movie seats that aren't so regular cause the back side has a table attached so you can eat pizza and drink beer while watching your movie!
I have this incredibly wonderful memory of watching Midnight in Paris drinking a glass of house wine and eating breadsticks. One full glass of wine and I'm pretty much looped. So you can imagine, between the wine and Midnight in Paris, I was drunk on all things French and in a special blissful place ...
FrenchKissed Download with ShadowHouse Overlay
So anyway, this time when we went in, we saw a display of an old fashioned "cruiser" bicycle that was up for raffle. The proceeds are for a very good cause, going to the Friends of the White Salmon River . I love the "old" bike styles because they have real size bicycle seats that fit real size butts. So I asked The Hubby if he would buy me a raffle ticket and he bought $10 worth! Fast forward to Friday evening -- my phone rang and I hear someone say, "Trishia, this is Chris and this is the call you've been waiting for." I don't know any "Chris" so I was thoroughly befuddled. When he said I won the bike, my befuddlement turned to screams and now Chris has hearing problems. When I finally got off the phone, The Hubby looked at me and said, "Do you realize you have been hopping around?" What can I say!? My inner 7-year-old is alive and well and Christmas morning has come early for me. Very early. I awoke at 3:30 Saturday morning:)

The bicycle for the raffle was donated by the New Belgium Brewing company. Yes, I am now a walking, uh, rolling advertisement for a beer company. The cruiser bike is their symbol/logo and they are famous for their Fat Tire ale. I have never drank a Fat Tire ale. I do know that there is a company called Fat Tire that runs bicycle tours in Paris, Brussels and several other European capitals. Don't know if they are related, but in my mind, it all connects. And I have great aspirations to use my new bike to get in shape for my Paris dream trip ....

Of course, I have to ask: Does this bicycle seat make my butt look big?
Later this afternoon, that basket will carry a package of antique French perfume labels to the post office ... [See Marie's darling tutorial posted Friday on how to make a pin cushion/sachet/pillow using one of my Paris perfume labels!]

With its custom paint job (you know how much I LUV red!) and the added basket, my bicycle has a retail value of about $1200. But the joy I experience in the ride is priceless.

Merci beaucoup to Chris and all the folks at Andrew's Pizza. Thanks also to the New Belgium Brewing Company. Now, excuse me please. I'm going to take my bike for a couple more spins here at the condo complex.

*This postcard was mailed from Paris in 1901 to: Mademoiselle Arnauld, Les Vergers, Artonne. Artonne is located in central France. Les Vergers means "The Orchards." A Google search turns up a site offering "organic cherry picking in Artonne." Artonne sounds like it would be a perfect sister city to Hood River with its valley of orchards!

Paris Lavender Pillow/Pincushion

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

By MARIE SKROTZKI
Lost Bird Studio
FrenchKissed October Artist–in-Residence

Hello everyone,

My name is Marie. I’m a mixed media artist and also the FrenchKissed Artist-in-Residence for October. My goal is to inspire you.

Today’s project is this Paris pillow/pincushion. I selected this lovely perfume label from FrenchKissed . It is so versatile and could also be used on a bag, bottle or gift box.
Now let's get started.

I decided to use T-Shirt Transfer Paper( for light fabrics) to transfer the label onto the fabric. It is easy and the results are very good.Just remember to print it as an mirror image.

Above is the label already transferred on to white fabric.If you use T-Shirt Transfer Paper for dark fabric you don’t need to flip the image and can iron it right onto your base fabric. I hope that makes sense. (I was out of that – sorry)

The base fabric(vintage linen)is 14 inch.X3,5 inch. Here is the label and trimmings all sewed on. Before you start closing the pillow up with your sewing machine, sew the buttons on first.

Remember to leave a big enough opening for the filling.

I used fiber fill and a bit of lavender. Can you smell it?

Voila! Here is your finished pillow.

Have fun with it and I will see you next Friday.

Marie

FrenchKissed Blog-exclusive offer: Buy original antique perfume labels from my Zibbet shop and get free scans ($3.99 or under)!
Spend $10 on perfume labels, get 2 free scans.

Spend $15, get 3 free scans.

Spend $25 or more on perfume labels and get 6 free scans!
When you put in your order, under message from buyer, list the titles/links to the free scans you'd like:)

Perfume labels can be found in my Zibbet shop in the ORIGINALS Paper Ephemera section, the last section on the list. IF you look for perfume labels using word search, you'll also get listings for digital scans of perfume labels. This offer is good for ORIGINAL perfume label purchases only. Merci beaucoup!

A Toast to our new Artist-in-Residence!

2011-10-06T12:49:00.001-07:00

Mes amies, I'm very excited to tell you that another month of creative craft tutorials are in the works for you! Starting tomorrow, Marie of Lost Bird Studio will visit every Friday as the October Artist-in-Residence to inspire and coach us along on a fun project.
Marie splits her time between New Hampshire in the US and Hessen, Germany. Wherever she is, she makes time for flea markets and crafting! For a sneak peak of the fun ahead, visit Marie's blog, Lost Bird Studio. You can see examples of Marie's art on Picture Trail, one album after the other -- you're gonna drool:)

As for me, you'll never guess what I've been up to this week. Things aren't finalized yet, so I can't divulge the details but it has to do with wine and Spain. You thought I was gonna say France, I know.
Well, the postcard above came from France alright. It is a watercolor designed by Monsieur Laurent, who sent it to his sister Valentine in June of 1902. It is available in my Etsy and Zibbet stores. It's truly an original, celebrating La Vendange -- the grape harvest. I'd say Monsieur Laurent was a fan of Alphonse Mucha, definitely imitating Mucha's art nouveau style. As I look at this image, the woman's flowing gown and her bared breast, I'm a bit jealous. Not that I wanna go around topless. But I wish I didn't have to wear so many layers. Today I dug out my long johns. No lingering Indian summer for us!

Three's not a Crowd!

2011-10-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Free downloads are available only during the week listed or until a new freebie has been posted. However, this scan is listed for sale here in my Zibbet shop and here in my Etsy store!

FrenchKissed Original Download
Fall is in the air in my neck of the woods. Yesterday I was tempted to turn on the heater! Fall is my favorite season. There's a crisp chill that gets you moving, makes you feel extra alive before going into winter's hibernation. I've chosen this trio of girls as this week's freebie as a tribute to fall, the perfect time to huddle with friends:)

As you know, I can't ever leave well enough alone. So I thought I'd offer three different versions of my trio. In this second one, there are overtones, just a hint of pink and violet. I think it gives the image a "rosier" feel.
FrenchKissed Rosey Version
My original postcard was mailed in 1903 -- sent Aug. 24 at the height of summer! One hundred and seven years later, my card was holding its age so well, I decided to give it a few wrinkles, a hint of the shabby chic, well worn, well loved look.
FrenchKissed Sepia Version with Shadowhouse Creations overlay
I like the art nouveau ribbon border at the bottom. There's a blank space for you to customize with your own saying, words of wisdom or favorite quote. And, if you've got a lot to say, you can go all the way up to just under the girls' waists without loosing anything relevant to the illustration.

So, think warm thoughts and have fun!

You Lookin' at Me?!

2011-10-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dean Creek Elk Preserve
Reedsport, Oregon
Mes amies, I'm running behind today because The Hubby and I had another wonderful road trip! Getting stressed out after having a mini-vacation seems rather counter-productive, so I'm gonna ask you to wait till tomorrow for this week's freebie. Until then, if you haven't already, help yourself to the freebie posted last Monday, Sept. 26. Merci beaucoup et a bientot!

An Obsession with Tins

2011-09-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

By HEATHER ROBINSON
Creative Solace
FrenchKissed Artist-in-Residence

I have a bit of a "thing" for containers of all sorts and particularly for tins. I've been known to buy something for the vessel it's in rather than the product itself. I use these containers to create assemblages. I find the layering of elements and images both fascinating and calming. Here's my method:

Scope out your tin or container. Believe me, once you get hooked, your cupboards will be filled with them. The one I chose has a window which I like very much. I often choose the container first then give myself some time to match it with an idea. In this case, the tin with the handle reminded me of the lunch boxes that we used to bring to school. This was a perfect fit with the French Kissed school- related images I wanted to use. Sand the tin (you don't need to do the inside of the front if you are going to keep it closed when it is finished). Wipe off the "dust" and coat with gesso. Allow to dry.

Choose colours of acrylic paint for both the outside of the tin and the inside. I like using Claudine Hellmuth's paint in particular as it has excellent coverage and a thick, buttery texture to it. I tend to favour a darker colour for the outside and a lighter for the inside but it is entirely up to you.

Now it's time to do a little gathering. Choose your focal image or images and gather related papers and embellishments. You won't use them all but you'll have lots of choices when you are creating. I find that hunting for these items while I'm creating is distracting.

Choose paper that will form your background inside the tin. In my case, it is a piece of scrapbook paper with a school theme. I used beeswax to build layers and add texture but you can use any technique that you wish. I then added the image of the school children and a quotation that I found.
I never want all of the background elements to be flat on the background so I add foam squares to the back. One set of squares for the first layer, two sets for the second and so on.

Embellish as you please. I used a key to highlight the word "school" and had the teacher holding a clock. I also added a little wooden window to bring to mind a one-room schoolhouse.

I like to have the background raised from the tin to give depth so I added foam tape to the back before I affixed it to the base.
I thought I needed a little something on the ground so I used my shredder to shred some vintage papers. These I glued to the bottom.
Once I was satisfied with the inside of the container, I closed it and began working on the outside. I found that the film on the "window" added a murky look that I didn't like so I removed it with an exacto knife. I then added the image of the little boy and additional embellishments. As a finishing touch, I outlined the tin and the window with gold ink just to make it pop.

FrenchKissed update: Mes amies, this is Heather's last tuturial for us. But you can still tap into her artistic genius on her blog, Creative Solace. Do please a leave a comment or two and let Heather know how much you've learned from her. I know I certainly have!

Remember: you can still take advantage of my blog-exclusive offer for DOUBLE SCANdalous Bribery (6 free scans, $3.99 or under, with a minimum $30 purchase in my Zibbet store only. Don't put the freebies in your shopping cart; just convo or email me a list of the titles).
OR, if you're inspired by Heather's School Days tin, visit my Zibbet shop, buy ANY scan with the word SCHOOL or STUDENT in the title, and get one of equal or lesser value for FREE:)

From Typewriters to Travel ...

2011-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Bate your breath no longer. I'm back with 'the rest of the story.':)
Seriously, I haven't forgotten you. I've even accomplished a few things in the last couple of days. Take a look-see!
I recently discovered that "my" typewriter girl postcard is one in a series. Now, I've got her pretty in pink in Pose No. 2. The third pose proved to be bit of a challenge.
Original FrenchKissed version And while everyone else may be thinking Halloween, I had my mind on Easter ... I have had the serendipitous honor of being in a bell tower in Brugges, Belgium, right when the bells were ringing. However, I didn't see any of them bearing wings. And the French Easter greeting on this card is so small, I had to really take issue with how this postcard was designed. So, I did my own thing. Now, you will be set to ring in the brand 'spankin' New Year when it comes...:) On Monday, I left you at the street fair in Prosser, Washington, but first, we gotta back up down the hill to Maryhill. This area would be Don Quiote's dream place. When I pass through here I always feel like a humble traveler passing through the land of giants. But on this trip, I had something else in mind. No, no, I'm not an orchestra conductor trying to get the wind instruments insync. And no alien pod invasions either. It's just me playing with a soap wand! When was the last time you blew some soap bubbles or made giant bubbles with a hand wand?! Trust me, you are not too old to do this:) It is just as fun whether you are two or 82.
After soap bubbles and stretching our legs, we journeyed off-the-beaten path to a spot on the map called Bickleton, population 90. Bickleton is surrounded by rolling hills of wheat fields. Did you know that one bushel of wheat makes about 60 loaves of bread? That's what I learned at Bickleton's museum. The real reason we stopped there was to see the carousel. Yes, in the middle of nowhere, this museum houses a 1905 Herschell-Spillman carousel,said to be one of only three of its type still in operation. However, you can only ride it once a year during the June Pioneer Picnic and Rodeo. The rest of the year, the carousel is dismanted and the ponies are displayed along the wall. Unfortunately, those pics are still with The Hubby's Android phone. But if you ever want to take a trip to the middle of nowhere, I highly recommend Bickleton and its impressive little museum.
Next stop was Grandview and Bill's Berry Farm corn maze! I have always wanted to walk a maze. And Bill added a cute game feature of collecting clues to figure out who kidnapped the farmer. Now, The Hubby is 6'3". So as you can see, this corn is amazingly tall (bad pun intended)! We were warned that it was "like a sauna" inside the maze. My stupidity, uh, I mean my enthusiasm was not dampened at all. I was grateful to get out of the sun, which at 4 p.m. in eastern Washington is like high noon. So, things started out cool, but ... the farther in to the maze we went, it did indeed get hot and sweaty and gritty and grimy. I took comfort in thinking some of my fat cells were shrinking in retreat. After all, there was over 4 miles of maze trails! Besides, I was determined to solve the mystery .... Penelope the Pig was innocent. It turned out the farmer had not been kidnapped after all. He had been cat-napped by Kristi the Barn Cat ....
Curiosity satisfied, sweat running down my face, I was ready to exit the sauna and headed straight to the apple orchard. I picked four golden delicious apples right from the tree. Cost:$1. Pleasure: Priceless! Getting food from the source instead of from a grocer's shelf -- there's no comparison. Best tasting, juiciest apple ever ... Back on the road, Prosser was about 30 minutes away. This area of the Yakima Valley is wine country. It's like a little trip to Italy. In fact, the first thing that greeted us after we crossed the bridge into Prosser and parked our car was this: After checking out the street art, we came back and treated ourselves to a delicious meal here, spaghetti with Italian sausage -- and a real splurge, we had a bottle of Chianti wine. Nothing says Italy to me like Chianti. And, we had half a bottle left over to bring home, to help further my daydreams ... I had to take this pic going down to the bathroom! Yellow ochre and burnt siennas -- so Italian! Those colors warm my heart almost as much as a glass of Chianti. It is often said that ignorance is bliss. This proved true in our situation. We weren't watching a clock. Didn't feel pressed for time. We were going to saunter to the "night glow" balloon event after we ate. Since we had never been to such an event, we assumed we had plenty of time. We stood on the street corner and debated whether to walk the 8-9 blocks or to get the car. The Hubby wanted to get his tri-pod, so we finally agreed, "Let's take the car." That's when we realized that traffic was rather thick and cars were parked alongside the streets for a long ways. We rounded one corner and I saw my first ever glimpse of hot air balloons. I started screaming. The Hubby is used to my inner 2-year-old reactions. He was concentrating on finding a place to park. Cars were lined up everywhere! He stopped to let some pedestrians cross when I saw backup lights come on in a parked minivan. Why anyone would be leaving just when the event was about to start, I can't explain. But we got their parking spot, which just happened to be directly across from the stadium. In minutes, the sun had gone down. The DJ was blasting music and the balloonists were 'flaming' to the beat. Bursts of flames lit up each balloon in waves, synchronized to the music. It was visually stunning, absolutely spectacular and all over in less than 20 minutes. If we had walked, we would have missed most of it. As it was, our timing was perfect. The evening unforgettable ...

Altered Time ... !

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

FrenchKissed update: Freebies are available only during the original week listed. Visit my blog every week to get a new freebie!

ORIGINAL French Happy New Year postcard scan download
I've got time on my mind today. I had a great time over the weekend and I'll be telling you more about it. But first, for this week's freebie, I wanted to share this French postcard that someone sent with Happy New wishes for 1913 to Mademoiselle Lagarde in the Dordogne region of France. The clock set at midnight does say "New Year" to me, but ... I just don't see this woman as a good stand-in for Father Time! She's way too young and too pretty. Now, something that really annoys me is when pictures are cropped too close. In this case, my OCD is set off by the lamp right at the edge. So, I went to great efforts to clone in more background and now my OCD is OK.
FrenchKissed Version Free Download
There's so much you could do to this scan. For New Year's, a bottle of champange needs to be added somewhere, but truth be told, I think this image really lends itself to a Halloween makeover. Instead of Father Time, I see Death walking the streets in search of a new victim! Our pretty, innocent looking lady needs to be wearing a skeleton mask:)
Never content to leave things alone, I did some of my own altering and here's what I came up with.
FrenchKissed Original Collage: Available HERE in my Zibbet store! You may recognize that Gothic vamp. She's another FrenchKissed image, a product of a time warp I created where 1920s meets Gothic.
Speaking of time, The Hubby and I hit the road again this past Saturday. A tank of gas is one of the cheapest adventures you can buy nowadays:) We crossed the river into Washington and headed for a little town called Prosser, which was hosting a hot air balloon festival. I've just added another "must do" to my Bucket List! I'll share more about that tomorrow, but to get you all 'artsy' inspired for the week, I wanted to show you some of the street art. Several blocks of downtown Prosser were cordonned off. Foot traffic only. Can you imagine asphalt as your canvas?! I believe it was a $5 donation to participate. A square piece of plywood was thrown down on the street and chalked around. That designated your 'canvas.' Kids and adults joined in. Professional artists got a larger piece of 'canvas.' Of course, I'm always happy to see a touch of something French .... like Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night, which he painted while living in Arles, France.
But this one with an Art Nouveau style was definitely my fav! The photo above has had the colors 'tweaked.' Here's an untouched pic. Still incredible, n'est-ce pas?! I'm sorry the artist hadn't signed her (his?) name yet ...
Esther's frog was another favorite.
And who can resist butterflies? OK, consider yourself officially inspired now. Go forth. Create art. And if you don't have a lot of time, do it in stages. Remember, in last Friday's tutorial, Heather Robinson, our Canadian Artist-in-Residence for this month, showed us how to create and get the canvas ready in do-able 30-minute increments. Wouldn't my fav piece of street art with the bees and fairy look great on canvas with the beeswax technique Heather showed the week before?!! So, before you leave today, check out Heather's tutorials in the archives and leave her a comment or two!

Art in Stages

2011-09-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

By HEATHER ROBINSON
Creative Solace
FrenchKissed Artist-in-Residence

OK, I'll admit it.....I get crabby when I can't squeeze art time into my day in some way. Do any of you share my pain? The solution for me has been art in stages. Often each stage only takes a half hour or less, so it is reasonable to accomplish in a jam-packed day. Let me demonstrate with the progression of a canvas.

First Stage: Prep the canvas. This involves sanding it, wiping it off, applying a layer of gesso and leaving it to dry.

Second Stage: Choose your paint. I usually have the focal image in mind when doing this. The little guy with the jar and little net reminds me of the summer days of childhood, warm, bright and full of potential. The yellow background was selected to evoke sun-drenched days, the green was the lushness of trees and grass mid-summer and the red to me was the excitement of discovery. Paint the background colour on the canvas and leave to dry.
Third Stage: Dig through your scrap paper boxes or drawers for papers that capture the mood that you wish to create and that coordinate with your background colour. Cut them into pieces of various sizes. Using gel medium, glue them to your canvas. Don't overthink this, just do it intuitively until you are satisfied with the look. Remember to also add a thin layer of gel medium on top of each piece as well. This will allow you to add additional layers of paint. Allow to dry.

Fourth Stage: I like to add a layer of light paint that has been watered down. It just calms the base colour and sinks the papers into the background. Allow to dry.

Fifth Stage: Add stamped script to the background using StazOn ink. As you can see, I've separated the rubber from the wooden mount. This allows me to get the best coverage. You don't want to fill the background with script. I usually ink the stamp only once then stamp it randomly.

Sixth Stage: Using a foam stamp, apply green paint and stamp randomly onto the background. Again, you only need to actually put paint on the stamp once or twice, not before every image. This way you'll get some darker and some lighter images. Allow to dry.

Seventh Stage: Using a stencil, in this case an alphabet stencil, and a stencil brush, stipple colour through the stencil holes onto the canvas randomly. Allow to dry.

Eighth Stage: I like to reapply another layer of watered down light paint at this stage. I don't want the letters and stamped images to be as prominent as they are. After this layer dries (you can help it along with your heat gun, just be sure to keep the gun moving so it doesn't burn), I used the top of a jar, applied some white paint to the rim (not all the way around) and stamped it onto the canvas. Allow to dry.

I also use sequin waste and a stipple brush with light coloured paint on it to add texture and to blend elements together. Allow to dry.

Ninth and final Stage (usually when I have a bit more time and am well rested): This is when you use your focal image and other elements to create your collage. Arrange and rearrange until you like the look, then apply images with gel medium. Don't forget to apply a layer on top of the images as well. Do a little shading and outlining with charcoal pencils and a blender. Add a border if you wish. You might want to dig out that lid and light paint again and stamp over the top of your images to sink them into the background. Embellish as you wish and voila! Your canvas is complete.

FrenchKissed note: With Heather's inspiration, you might want your own copy of the little boy in yellow. Buy him here in my Zibbet store for $3.49 and pick out another scan, of equal or lesser value, for FREE. Put the title of your freebie in a message with your order.
OR, if you'd like, I'm still offering my blog readers the DOUBLE SCANdalous Bribery Offer: 6 free scans, $3.99 or under, with a minimum $30 order. Again, this offer is good only in my Zibbet shop.

Special Request and GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-22T10:02:00.001-07:00

Mes amies, I've got a special request from Cynthia, the SEW wonderful FrenchKissed Artist-in-Residence for August! She's hosting a giveaway and she's asked me to spread the word.
The lucky winner will receive the cutie you see pictured about; she's an Original Cyn art piece on an 11 x 14 stretched canvas!
There are five easy ways to enter Cynthia's contest. I don't tweet, but I followed through on the other four ways and that gives me four entries. It's easy peasy. So you owe it to yourself to join in, too. For the details on how to enter, visit Cynthia's blog: http://originalcyndesign.blogspot.com/2011/09/giveaway-reminder-original-artwork.html

Bonne chance!

Art Nouveau Scene Around ...

2011-09-19T08:56:00.001-07:00

FrenchKissed update: This week's freebie is no longer available, but I'll be listing it for sale in my Zibbet shop! This week's free download is "purdy." I don't know what you'll make with it or how you'll use it, but I think you can't go wrong with this as your backdrop. I believe those are apple blossoms, which would make it spring time, but when I look at this scene, I think of fall! My postcard was mailed the winter of 1913, Jan. 2, sent by Germaine, wishing her brother and sister a happy and healthy new year. So, maybe that verifies that this image is timeless and you can use it any time of year!

IF you look closely, you'll see a woman with a baby sitting under the trees. Least, that's what I see:) Maybe you'll want to add your own lady ... or a bird! Yeah, a bird perched on those flowers might be just the thing! Whatever you create, it will be filled with a souvenir affectueux or fond memory.
I had a fond memory this morning traveling vicariously with Christine at Honoring Life Through Jewelry. As she wrote about the super friendliness of the Brits in London, kindly offering assistance at the slightest sign of looking lost, I instantly saw "my" businessman again.
My daughters and I were standing in a street, one of many in the maze of cobblestones called Venice. We were huddled around a map not knowing head from tails, north from south, trying to ascertain in which direction our hotel was. Passersby were doing just that at quite a clip, commuters a pied (on foot) in the Monday morning rush hour. Suddenly, a man in an ochre suit looking very Italian and very business like, stopped and asked in perfect English where we were trying to get to. He pointed and then immediately sprinted away. We stood there rather stupefied and in awe of the kindness of a stranger.

Last week I posted about the sense of urgency I had to get myself organized. Well, typical human, for a couple of days afterward, I accomplished absolutely nothing toward my goals. I was paralyzed with self-sabotage. Even now, I've not relabeled or categorized or numbered a single postcard. But, I'm getting 'moved in' to my old place! I've lived feeling so unsettled for so long. And as I posted recently, our move to St. Helens is not happening. So, I've been hellbent, a woman on a mission, for several days now.
The Hubby is a wonderful man, an absolute genius when it comes to cooking and messing up the kitchen, but he has no inkling about transforming a house into a home. When I met him more than 8 years ago, he had two pieces of art in his house: a Made in China wolf print and a Thomas Kincaide cottage knockoff oil painting.
To me, a house isn't home till the family photos and travel pictures are hung! And even though I've lived at our place on the Columbia River for over two years, I've hesitated to put nail holes in the walls. Rental deposits make me paranoid:) But paranoia met determination recently and a hammer pounded away at my neurosis. I've been hanging pictures, moving furniture and cleaning out drawers.
A "mailing station" is almost set up and my "art work station" is taking shape. A chaise lounge blocks the hallway in the kitchen. I'm trying to wish its way up the stairs -- oh, but that hallway is a labyrinth of boxes and designated piles, too. It looks like I'm welcoming fall with some serious spring cleaning.
First, the house.
Then, the postcards.
Next, Rome (or Paris or London or even Venice again. I'm not picky!)

Mes Amies, I'm extending Friday's DOUBLE SCANdalous offer good in my Zibbet store only: 6 free scans, $3.99 or under, with a minimum $30 order. Email or convo your "free" list to me. Don't put them in your shopping cart. This is a blog-exclusive offer:) Merci beaucoup!

Banish Store-Bought Card Guilt!

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

By HEATHER ROBINSON
FrenchKissed Artist-in-Residence
Creative Solace

OK, be honest, how many of you have ever made a handmade card for someone? Perhaps it was for their birthday or maybe you were ambitious and tackled Christmas cards for everyone on your list.
OK, now how many of you have then turned around and given a (gasp) store-purchased card to one of these same people and gotten "the look"?You know, the look that clearly demonstrates dismay at the fact that you, an artist, didn't use your talents to create a handmade card just for them. I've been there, my friends, and I have found a solution that will ease those feelings of guilt. I use store-purchased cards, but then add my own creative touches to them.
Before
After Of course, you can buy these cards or recycle ones that you've received. I don't know about you, but I always feel a deep pang of sorrow throwing out these beauties after enjoying them. I look for cards that are fairly plain but that have potential for the addition of images, background papers, embellishments, etc. Sometimes I work right on the front of the card and other times I cut up the card as I see fit.
Here are a couple of greeting cards that I've altered using those wonderful French Kissed images. Note that you can even cut up the message inside the card and reuse it in new and interesting ways. Challenge yourself -- it's fun and you'll find that those "looks" you get turn into squeals of delight. The one at the beginning of this post began its life as a sympathy card. Sorry, I forgot to scan it in its initial form. Yes, that's beeswax that you see on its surface!!
Before After

FrenchKissed update: No special blog-exclusive offer today, but a note to let you know that my SCANdalous Bribery offer just got DOUBLED!
6 FREE SCANS, $3.99 or under, with a minimum $30 order! That's twice as many scans as usual:)! Spend at least $30 and get up to $23.94 more (6 X $3.99) in free scans! Just convo or email me the titles/links to the 6 free scans you'd like when you place your order. This offer is good through Sunday night, 10 pm Pacific Time, Sept. 18. This offer is good at both my stores, but if you'll shop at my Zibbet store [click here], along with your 6 Free Scans, I'll show my appreciation with this sweet French Kiss:)

No Rush, but in About 40 Years or So ...

2011-09-15T07:40:00.001-07:00

Please don't think me morbid ... ... but I've found my epitaph.

"Il n'y a pas d'autres cartes postales dans la coin."
There aren't any more postcards in the area.

Yep, when that time comes, it'll be time to check out:)hehe

Come back tomorrow to see what new tutorial Heather has in store for us. And if you haven't checked out her beeswax post from last Friday, do yourself a favor and do so! You'll notice a special discount offer at the bottom of the post, too!

Holding Gold for a Little While

2011-09-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Last week or so I heard a hard thump at the living room window. I ran to the back door and there on the patio was this little golden bird. I learned afterwards from Denise at BirdnutsMixedMedia that it is called a Western Flycatcher.
Anyway, I saw it flopping on the patio and I just knew it was going to die right there in front of me. So, in an effort to comfort myself, I scooped it up and put it in my cupped hands. I was afraid that my touching it would cause it even more shock and trauma, but I couldn't stand idly by and do nothing. Besides, as I honestly admit, I was really looking to comfort myself, to not feel so totally helpless, but by offering it a final respite, a last caring touch before it took its last breath.
From my viewpoint, looking down, it was nothing but a golden fluff ball. All I could think of was, wow, gold is over $1300 an ounce and I've got a handful.
Well, The Hubby was a bit more practical. While I stared at the gold and cooed gently, he grabbed up a leftover Taco Bell box, covered it with a dishtowel, got a little plate of water and some dried bread crumbs. Very gingerly I put it in the box. I watched and waited. I went back inside the door, but kept returning to spy on it. Finally, I saw it move its head left and right. Thank gawd, it's neck isn't broken, I hollered to The Hubby. Little by little, it came out of its dazed, Excedrin headache state. It ignored the water and the bread crumbs, but it hopped atop the box ledge and surveyed the situation. The next thing I knew, in the blink of an eye, it flew off! That little Western Flycatcher doesn't know but it has become a symbol for me of golden flights of fancy, those dreams we have that we have to let go of. Sometimes we can't own a thing or experience it as fully as we'd like. We must be content with holding it temporarily and then letting go.
Tomorrow was supposed to be our official move-in date at the luxury bed and breakfast.
The bad news is: we aren't moving.
The good new is: we aren't moving.
After The Hubby and I originally met with the landlord way back in June, I returned in July to do a rundown of what furniture pieces we would like to keep and what things she would move into storage. Once again, I got to stand in that gorgeous dining room with the breathtaking chandelier, listen to the sound of the waterfall coming in through the kitchen's French doors, and look out over the patio from the sunroom, which was to be my office. If there is such a thing as chi, as 'good vibes,' that place has it.
And yet ... despite my enthusiasm, I couldn't get to packing. The boxes were stacking up, but there was nothing in them. I thought I was just procrastinating because I hate the process of physically moving. I'm 55 years old and I've moved almost 60 times in my life!
I've moved next door.
I've moved cross-country, cross the Continental Divide.
There was the 'mistake' move that lasted 48 hours (long story).
There was the luckiest move of my life, Friday, July 13, 1989, when happiness was Texas in my rear view mirror.
Fortunately, I was too young to remember several of our moves, but by the time I was 13, I had already racked up 31 moves! And my daddy was not even in the army. So, yeah, I have issues with moving.
But moving into the restored 1910 farmhouse that had been turned into a luxury bed and breakfast -- living there was going to be a dream come true.
So why couldn't I get, uh, moving?
Call it premonition or procrastination, but I'll cut to the chase: The whole reason behind The Move to begin with was for The Hubby to be closer to work in the Big City, where the company he works for is based. His hospital expansion job here had wrapped up after almost 4 years and the current 2-1/2 hour roundtrip gas-guzzling commute to the Big City was taking its toll. But there were off again/on again rumors that a BIG job with a BIG name was coming up in The Dalles, which is not close to the Big City at all. In fact, it is 10 miles east of us!
Since the end of July, we've been on one heck of a roller coaster. They got the job. No they didn't. Oh, wait, the decision hasn't been made. Still waiting to hear.
Amid all this chaos of not knowing, one thing was certain: IF they landed the big job, they wanted The Hubby to run it. OH, I would have given one of my kidneys for a crystal ball!
Finally, finally, Yessirree, they got the job. But it's only going to be for 3 months. But that's only for the first phase. IF things go well, that 3 months could turn into 3 years ...
You know what upset me most about this whole thing? The Hubby didn't want to tell me we shouldn't move. He wanted me to have my 'dream,' to get to live in my 'dream house.' He'd hole up in some cheap apartment during the week and come home on weekends, he said. Commuting 200+ miles during the winter? Through ice and rain? It's just for 3 months, he said. But what if it does turn into 3 years, I ask? Then, after a year in my 'dream' home, we could move back....again? And I know construction work. Three months can turn to 6 months overnight. Living apart, seeing each other on weekends? Wait a minute! This dream is turning into a nightmare!
And so it was that I made the decision and broke the news to our landlord. I explained our dilemma. I conceded the loss of the hundreds of dollars we had already paid in advance for the rent. I acknowledged our responsibility to the lease until she found new renters.
Her response was a letter from a lawyer.
Yep, some dreams, we just need to let 'em fly ...

Deer Brother of Mine

2011-09-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Look what showed up in my email box this morning! Connie, who was our Artist-in-Residence in June, also answered my silver deer challenge. Isn't this amazing?! Connie has layered the deer image with another FrenchKissed scan, Green Eyes. Connie wrote, "Nothing fancy, but I don't think it's too bad." Not too bad? I think its fantastic. It's the sort of image that makes you keep looking, draws you in as your mind tries to make sense of what appears to be illogical parts coming together seamlessly in complementary colors to create something beautiful! Do you think that's Mother Nature looking down on her winterscape or are we seeing a woman who's dreaming of a magical walk in the forest ... yearning for her own fairy tale? What do you see in this collage?
Now, I said yesterday that I was going to write about "The Move" and some marketing scheme I'm ruminating on, but ... I have been trying since last Thursday to connect with my Big Brother, my only sibling. He is a chef for an oil-rich family down south. I would call and he was on the phone with someone else. He called and I was walking into the eye doctor's office. After days of playing telephone tag, today the game finally ended. We got to have some heart-to-heart time. So my blog-writing time was spent yakking with Mikey and solving world problems. Thanks for understanding:)

Haunted Houses, Scary Thoughts

2011-09-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

FrenchKissed update: This week's freebies are no longer available. However, an altered version of the Haunted House with customizable space is available in my shops here on Zibbet and here on Etsy.
Original Download Mes amies, I'm starting my week uber excited and overwhelmed! Let's talk about the excitement first. See the postcard above? I'm not sure if it's a dollhouse or if it's an elaborate bird cage. I just knew when I first saw it that I immediately liked it. But as you can see, it has that silvering around it, a common effect on antique postcards -- a combination of photo chemicals, paper and age. As a dollhouse, I think the silvering is an annoyment that needs to be cut out. BUT .... as a haunted house, don't you think it's the perfect ghoulish effect?!
Altered Download I think the lace kinda takes away from the frightful look! But, you can easily cover that up, cut it away or even digitally clone it out.
Altered Download with Halloween Greeting What I think would be super fun is to cut the door and windows so they can flip open. Then you could add all sorts of ghosts, skeletons and witches in a background layer, hiding behind the flaps, peeking through or popping out! This scan has so many possibilities; I hope it gives you hours of frightful fun:)
Now, let's switch holidays and think ahead to Christmas. Last Thursday I posted a scan of deer in a silvery winter scene. I issued a challenge and Laurie of Kingdom Kards accepted. Look what she made! Isn't this gorgeous? She elevated the serenity of the scene to a spiritual level and I can't rave about it enough. LUV those sparkles and stars in the tree branches. And now we know what stopped the deer in their tracks ... These Christmas cards are now available in Laurie's Etsy shop here. You'll notice some other FrenchKissed images also altered, paired with encouraging words, ready to give, ready to hang ... . One of my favorites is the "We've Moved" notecard. Laurie took my envelope girl and altered her into this: She'll customize it with your name and address! Mailing these cuties will be the easiest part of your move:)

Speaking of moving .... I've got things to tell you about my upcoming move, but it will have to wait till tomorrow.

As I mentioned, I'm in a bit -- no, make that a grand sense of overwhelmness (is that a word?!) It is quite common for any business person to procrastinate doing tasks they don't like. This is all the more so for creative types. And often, I get behind on things that I like to do and want to do but I'm simply too slow, too disorganized, too distracted -- uh, how many more excuses can I come up with?:)
Emails! Answering emails, adding contacts to my master list, writing a newsletter, giving a shout out to great stores I've found, reading other blogs, marketing ideas ... on and on and on. This list has been growing and not getting any shorter for some time.
As if that's not enough, yesterday while driving down the road, I once again had a thought that truly haunts me: if something happened to me, what would happen to all my 'babies'?! It's not my own mortality that bothers me. But my treasure of antique postcards, all this art, all these unique images -- they've survived for over a century and ... if they finally suffered mortality, lost and forgotten, because of ME and my lack of being organized...
If I made my daughter swear to a death-bed promise to take care of my business and my 'babies,' once she delved into my computer and tried to start finding scans to fill orders, she'd cross the rivers of Hades and step over Satan himself to get to me, to demand what the Hell I was thinking?! How could anyone find anything to send to anyone? She would not appreciate what I call my "mnemonic challenge" or how I have tagged digital scans using the "first word that pops into my head" method.
The fact that neither Etsy nor Zibbet has a batch edit feature makes the task of labeling/numbering/identifying scans all the more daunting. But I've got to do it. I've got to discipline myself, I've got to force my brain cells to line up differently, grow new connective tendrils -- something, anything! And the older I've gotten the more I realize that truly it is in the wiring of one's brain -- this 'different' way of thinking. Call it sloppy, call it ADD, call it disorganized -- it's my brain. It's me. It's how I think. And I've got to change.
OMG! Yep, I'm overwhelmed:)
But, hey, I've told you. With you to help hold me accountable, maybe that's a beginning ...!

None of your Beeswax? Yes It is!

2011-09-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

BY HEATHER ROBINSON
FrenchKissed September Artist-in-Residence
Creative Solace

Ah, beeswax!
If you haven't tried working with it when creating backgrounds and collages, you might reconsider. It gives a warmth to your work, does a wonderful job of melding elements together and the bonus is that it smells divine in your art room/studio. I like to purchase my beeswax from local apiaries, not just one but several as the wax varies in colour from one to another. I often give them a call in the Spring and ask them to save me a block of it. Another option is to purchase wax pellets such as those sold by Ranger Melt Art. They are more expensive but easier to handle.

OK, let's set up our work area before we get to work creating.
I use a cutting board that is covered with a sheet of waxed paper. This ensures that my art table is protected and the wax paper protects the cutting board. Otherwise it gets drips of wax on it and become uneven. Plug in your melting pot or small crockpot and insert in it a piece of wax or a few wax pellets. Allow to melt.
Also plug in your iron or irons. I use a quilting and an encaustic iron (one for small surfaces and one for larger) but a craft iron works as well. Dig out some foam brushes to spread the melted wax. While everything is heating up, you can be thinking about your collage. I like to start by creating a background of layered papers. Very thin papers work best, such as tissue paper, handmade papers, Japanese papers, as well as vintage sheet music, ledger pages, etc.
I dig through my scrapbox to find a piece of scrapaper that I like and it forms the base of the background.
Tear the papers to layer on top rather than cutting them. They just blend better. Using a foam brush, cover the scrapbook paper with wax and use your craft/encaustic iron to smooth and remove excess. Arrange the thin papers and adhere them one by one using the beeswax until you are satisfied with the look.
At this point I like to add images from napkins. Remember to separate the top layer from the other two and to tear the images.
The other two napkin layers can also be separated from one another. I like to stamp on them using StazOn ink (it won't run when the wax is applied on top of it). Then I tear them to use in my backgrounds.
Smooth the wax with your iron and let it cool. It won't take very long!

Now that you've created your background, you can work on adding images and elements and building your collage. True beeswax collage means adhering everything with the wax. However, I generally glue everything down with crystal lacquer. I've had the unfortunate experience of sending something through the mail especially in the summer months only to have it arrive rearranged and stuck to the envelope. If you don't want your recipient to have to guess at your creative intentions, you, too, may want to use an adhesive.
When all of your images and elements are adhered and you are satisfied with the effect, once again use a foam brush to carefully cover the surface with wax and an iron to smooth and remove excess wax.
If you work carefully, you can add pressed flowers and leaves and embed them in the wax. I don't use adhesive when I do this but rather very gently add wax and touch the iron quickly to the surface. The heat has the potential to scorch the flowers and plants.

I wanted to capture the feeling of France in the two collages below. I have always loved seeing photographs of the fields of lavender so I used napkins that I happened to have in my supplies that featured sprigs and pots of lavender. I then built up the collages using FrenchKissed images, French postage stamps, perfume labels and papers that represent France to me.

FRENCHKISSED Blog-exclusive offer: Buy any scan with a BEE and get one free scan of your choice, $3.99 or under! When you put in your order, add the title/link to your freebie and mention that you're taking advantage of the "Beeswax" collage blog post offer:) Bird with bee in its mouth
Cherries with Bee
Little Girl with Big Bee
Kitten with Bee (1)
Kitten with Bee (2)
Angel with Bee
Ink-writing Bee
Wine-drinking Bees

If you don't think this offer is just the bee's knees, then be sure and check other Friday tutorials. You'll find a variety of 2 for 1 offers posted at the end!

Is This a Challenge?

2011-09-08T10:47:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure if this is similar to the challenges that others host or if this is just a call for guinea pigs. Whatever it is, here's the deal. I'm undecided about my deer postcard. Part of me says it's too bland. Not enough detail in the deers' faces. The other part of me says the 3-D embossing translates to flat paper pretty darn neato and this would make a charming holiday card. What do you think?
I'll send this scan free to the first FIVE people who want it IF you promise to send me a photo/scan of your finished creation by Monday:)
And then, I'll post your handiwork here!

Ups and Downs of a Holiday

2011-09-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

Finally, I get to tell you my story. You do realize that now there is no way the telling can live up to the hype!ha! But when it comes to talking about the Pacific Northwest, there is no such thing as hyperbole. I believe it ranks among the most beautiful area on this entire planet -- if you're a mountain lover. There are viewpoints in Hood River, Oregon, where you can tilt your head to the left and see Mount Hood rising gloriously just over 11,000 feet and then turn your head to the right and see Mount Adams across the state line in Washington, rising up just over 12,000 feet. (I cannot believe I don't have a pic of Mount Adams, but to be honest, they all kinda look alike: snow capped and BIG.) On our trip last Saturday afternoon, Mount Hood's view was obscured because there's a big fire 'in them thar hills' right now with lots of smoke, but Mount Adams was stunning as ever. At 60 mph on the freeway, however, we didn't stop for the photo op...
Once we were on the Washington side, we turned north toward Carson and just kept driving and driving and driving. If a sign, site or viewpoint beckoned us, we stopped. One of the first places we decided to get out and traipse around is called Muddy River. Since the water is crystal clear, I don't understand why it's named Muddy. Not only is the water crystal clear, it is glacier cold! I had complained that my feet were hot and The Hubby assured me a dip in the river would cool me off. Here you see him goofing off. You also see the large rocks scattered here and there? Well, one minute The Hubby was standing upright on one of those big rocks at the river's edge, not goofing off at all but talking right at me and the next minute he was flat on his back making dreadful noises.
It all happened so quickly. With a cumbersome camera wrapped around my neck, I couldn't react fast. OK, even without the camera, I couldn't move that fast, but I'm watching in sheer terror as his head is about to hit the water, not knowing if he's going to split his skull on a rock. To say my heart was in my throat would be an understatement.
And the sounds he was making! OMG, I just knew he had cracked his tail bone, broken his back, wretched his should blade trying to support himself with his arms flailing backwards .... Do you know how many tragic things you can imagine in a second?!
Well, in another second, I almost wanted to kill him because his first words were, "My phone, my phone!"

Yes, I was worried about life and limb. He was concerned his phone was getting wet in his pant's pocket. As fate would have it, he had left his phone in the car. He has one of those fancy, smancy phones, a Droid, that takes pictures, connects with the internet, serves as a GPS locator, makes videos and does most everything but the laundry. Here's me taking a photo of him using his Droid to video the skyride we took in Spokane during our anniversary weekend. I love his Droid because it nags him better than I do. If he has a chiropractor's appointment, the Droid will remind him the day before, that morning and then again an hour before!
Once he remembered he left his phone safely behind, he was much better aside from his backside being completely wet. He was soaked to his skin. The sheer frigidness of the water was the other reason behind the unintelligble noises he had been making.

Back in the car, he pulled out a green fleece blanket and spread it over his car seat. Without much ado, we were back on the road again and soon another site beckoned us to pull over for a closer look. The Hubby wasn't complaining at all, so I assumed the blanket was wicking out the moisture in his clothes and the 80-degree weather (that hot's for us) was keeping him warm. However, when we got out for yet another mountain view, this time of Mount St. Helens, the hot-headed lady who blew her top back in 1980, I noticed he was as wet as ever. It was then that I had a brilliant idea! I suggested he take off his shirt and let me hold it outside the window while we're winding our way through the forest. Unlike most of my ideas, The Hubby thought this one was so brilliant that he not only took off his shirt but his shorts, too! If you've ever seen a toddler so disdainly strip out of its clothes, then you know exactly what The Hubby looked like. I couldn't walk for bending over and laughing so hard. When I finally managed to get to car, he was already safely strapped in with his seat belt -- wearing nothing but his boxer shorts. "You know, you can't really tell these aren't a regular pair of shorts," he said. And in between convulsions of laughter, I concurred. After all, he had more material in those long-leg boxer shorts than most women have in a bikini.
So it was that we ventured forth through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest with my husband's khaki shorts blowing in the wind through the sun roof opening. I must say, driving around with your arms up in the air is a new experience for me. Driving around with a man wearing nothing but his underwear is, too. Fortunately, by the time we got to Iron Falls, the khaki shorts were dry, the underwer were merely "damp" and he mustered the nerve to put his cold, wet T-shirt back on. Getting to Iron Falls meant walking through more glacier water. My toes had brain freeze! But in the creek bed, I spied my 'souvenir.' Yes, this is my new pet rock and I put it in a wine glass filled with water. Its pattern and colorings are gorgeous.
We got in and out of Iron Falls without any mishaps. Back in the car, it was back to the task of drying The Hubby's shirt. The shirt fabric was much heavier than the khaki shorts and it wasn't catching the wind outside the sun roof. My arms were getting tired by this point, anyway, so I had my second brilliant idea of the day. I snaked my arm through the neck and one sleeve and hung it outside the car door window. I could rest my arm and do laundry simultaneously! By the time we spotted Mount Rainier (the biggie at over 14,000 feet), The Hubby was completely dressed again and for the most part, pretty dry. After driving through forests thick with huge pines, seeing snow-capped mountains and following a road parallel to a rushing river dotted with white caps (the Teiton River), it boggles my mind that in a few short miles we're in barren country where water has to be piped in to irrigate crops that thrive in the desert heat -- the Yakima Valley. We passed signs advertising peaches for 50 cents a pound! It was tempting but the day was turning to twilight and Olive Garden in downtown Yakima was calling us. The Hubby and I pigged out on pasta and enjoyed a glass of wine.
We were still almost 3 hours from home, so when we decided to stop at the casino in Toppenish, we figured it would be a quick $20 donation to the Native Americans, a small price to pay in recompense for all we white folks have stolen from them.

However ....
I was having too much fun watching my $10 build up to over $100 playing "Twice as Nice" and The Hubby was having fun getting into "Double Trouble," a silly game with squirrels. He cashed out at a little over $500. I followed him to some kind of "Mega" machine. When every square was lit up with the Mega block, he was making some of those same noises when he fell in the river -- and he was $800 richer. I insisted he cash out. He put in a fresh $20 and won another $600. By now, I realize that The Hubby is in a "King Midas" mode. I point to a "Playboy" machine. The woman's attire makes my hubby in his underwear look overdressed and I'm not a Playboy fan, but my little voice says, "This machine." He puts in a $20 and on his second spin, wins $100. We played a couple more games here and there. Went back to the row of Mega machines and The Hubby racks up another $120. We walked out of the casino about 2:30 Sunday morning, almost $2,000 richer. We got home at what time we would normally be waking up. We figure this will be a Labor Day weekend that we will remember for a long time...

Japanese Lamp Lights Our Way

2011-09-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

FRENCHKISSED update: These downloads are no longer available on my blog, but you can find them in my Zibbet and Etsy store! For this week's freebie, I have selected a German-printed postcard mailed in October, 1904, to Mademoiselle Juliette in Charleroi, Belgium, featuring a "Japanese" theme. The Victorians were quite enamored with all things from the Far East -- think kimonos, hand fans and transferware. The image really grabbed me because as a kid, my first travel destination obsession was Japan.

Original with glitter

I love the tranquility captured in this mother/daughter moment with the use of the 'cool' blue. However, for some reason, my brain also keeps seeing this as the perfect fall image which could easily take on a Halloween theme and it cries out for some orange. So, naturally, I had to play a bit.

Tranquil Blue

First of all, I removed the glitter. A common embellishment on antique postcards, but for this one, I just wasn't too impressed with the effect. I think the glitter dots might be the turn off; the sleeve and neckline outlines aren't so bad, but anyway ... I'll let you decide what you like.

Sepia Version

The sepia version is neutral enough that you can add your own color scheme, but as I mentioned, I wanted to see some warm fall shades,especially orange!

Halloween Costume Fun!

So, you've got some choices! Which one is your fav?

Mes amies, I spent more time 'playing' than I planned and I had an unexpected visit this morning, offering a hearing ear and hopefully some encouragement to a former co-worker. SO...I'm going to put my mountain tale on hold for one more day. As if that's not enough anticipation, I must tell you that Heather has already shown me Friday's tutorial. You're going to "bee" impressed:) Until then, be sure and check out her post last Friday on how to create a faux watercolor technique using food coloring!

Four Mountain Holiday

2011-09-05T10:59:00.001-07:00

Mes amies,today is a holiday in the United States. We are supposed to be celebrating the 'rights' of the average worker or laborer; hence, Labor Day. I don't have enough energy to convey my vitriol for the job, or I should say, no-job situation in America and the way government and corporations have colluded to destroy what's left of the middle-class after we've been robbed by the banks and Wall Street.
The reason I don't have enough energy is because The Hubby and I had a four-mountain holiday drive yesterday and didn't get back home till almost time to get up this morning -- about a quarter to five!
It's a long story and one that deserves to be told properly, but I'm too exhausted. I will tell you this: I laughed harder yesterday than I have in DECADES -- after almost having a heart attack. As you can see in the above picture of moi with the famous volcano, Mount St. Helens, I had laughed so hard, I didn't even have the energy to pull my fat cheeks up into a smile without some assistance.
But I will return tomorrow with this week's freebie and my tale of adventure. The Hubby thinks I am wrong and that no one else will see the humor in my story, but I say, a man in his underwear is automatically funny and when he's riding alongside you in a car going down a treacherous mountain road, it's even funnier ...

Faux Watercolour Technique!

2011-09-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

By HEATHER ROBINSON
Creative Solace
FrenchKissed September Artist-in-Residence
I have been excited about being the artist-in-resident at FrenchKissed for a few months now. Trishia's images are a delight to use and it has been great fun thinking up projects to share. This week I decided to begin with a technique for creating backgrounds for cards, assemblages, artist trading cards -- anything really!

OK, let's begin. You'll need to gather your supplies and let me warn you that it's a little messy! That's what makes it so enjoyable!! I actually worked outside. Gather a shallow dish with water, pieces of 90 lb. hot pressed watercolour paper, plastic wrap, food colouring, fine or coarse salt and gold or silver ink (optional). You'll want to cover your surface with something to protect it and you may want to wear gloves to protect your hands unless you like the multicoloured look!! Ensure that your watercolour pieces of paper can be dipped thoroughly through the water. Once dipped, allow the excess water to drip off and then lay the paper down on a protected surface. Drop food colouring on top of the paper, using as many colours as you wish. There's no need to cover all the white space at this point.
Cut off a piece of plastic wrap that is slightly larger than your paper. You will use the plastic wrap to gently spread the colour to get the coverage that you wish. At this point, you can sprinkle fine or coarse salt on top for a tie-dye look or swirl in a bit of silver or gold ink -- just a bit though. Finally, crinkle the plastic wrap on the top of the paper and leave to dry. Once dry, remove the wrap and....voila!....you have a gorgeous background. I've used the faux watercolour background in this assemblage featuring FrenchKissed's English Beauty in a Straw Hat. I love the dreamy quality it gives to the piece.

OK, it's your turn! Let me know if you try it -- or if you have questions.
Until next week....

FRENCHKISSED blog exclusive offer: Buy any HAT digital image and get a free scan of your choice, $3.99 or under! When you put in your order, list the title/link of your freebie and mention that you saw this offer on my blog.

Warning: Spoiler Alert!

2011-09-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

Anytime is Paris time, don't you agree, mon cherie?!
This beautiful "Je T'aime Paris in Pink" necklace is the handiwork of Lili of Sunken Treasure Jewels . But before you run off to her store, I have something I'd like to share with you, a little mystery that Lili had a hand in solving. I must warn you, however, that what I'm about to tell you may tarnish your rose-colored glasses. Yes, all those romantic images of the Victorian and Edwardian days that we love to cherish ... Well, there was another side to life back then ... You see, this postcard caught Lili's attention because it is in Hungarian and she just happens to have a friend whose father is a Hungarian survivor of the Holocaust. When she asked me if I would like it translated, I jumped at the chance. Well, we were both in for a bit of a shock. Our translator, Mr.Liener, tried to prepare us and kindly lead us to the stark reality. (I have posted Spoiler Alerts! for the faint of heart:)

"To understand, you have to realize that this letter was written in 1902 (January). The author of the letter was writing from Budapest. At that time, the mentality of people, the way they saw things and the way they expressed themselves was quite different. Also, as all languages change over time, this letter uses words and terms that are no longer current in the Hungarian language. Also, not every word is legible or understandable. Several people I know looked at it, to try to help, but there was not much progress in this regard.

Whatever little can be arrived at is that this letter was probably written by a relatively young woman, to either a friend or a relative, giving an account about everyday happenings, including the friend's or relative's situations, but covered nothing terribly serious or important.
For instance, (Spoiler Alert!) there are a few sentences about how a neighbor had a terrible infestation of rats and they kept looking for better "medicine" (poison) to get rid of them. It took a year before all the rats were killed.
Another sentence talks about how another friend was coming to visit and the author of the letter hoped this friend had some fresh gossip. (Spoiler Alert!) It appears that this friend was "crazy for men."
Another sentence discusses how fresh the new crops of dates were from Gyor (a small Hungarian town). It appears that the author had lots of time on her hands and this was at least one way she was fighting either boredom or loneliness."

When Lili passed this information on to me, she asked, "Well, Trishia, what do you think? Are you smiling?"
Yes, I was and I still am. For some folks the beauty of the image might be spoiled, but the way I see it, the script is still swirly, the heart is still red, the Queen is still a Queen.... and, well, I dunno, maybe I have a warped sense of humor, but rat-infestations and boy-crazy girls -- sounds like a newsy read to me:)
It verifies all the more that, truly, one never knows what you're going to find on the back of a postcard. Here is an example where the design is accompanied by lofty thoughts.
After quite some hair pulling and switching between Google and Babelfish translation serivces, here's what I came up with -- feel free to jump in and correct me:

Aristotle often said to his friends that science is to the soul what light is to the eye and if the roots are bitter, the fruits in recompense are very sweet. When asked of him what is it that vanishes the most, he replied, "It is the recognition." He said that there are three things young women needed to be strong: virtue, modesty and spirit.

You know why the sender wrote such heavy advice, don't you? Likely because Mademoiselle Couralet was boy-crazy!

Tomorrow will be the first tutorial for Heather Robinson, the September Artist-in-Residence. Heather hails from Ontario, Canada. She is a librarian and a mixed media artist and you're gonna love her! I blogged and posted pics of a precious beeswax 3-D collage she sent me back in June. You can see more of her artistic awesomeness on her blog, Creative Solace. Heather is beautiful; her blog is beautiful. And for the next 5 Fridays, she's gonna spoil us. OK, you've been alerted!

Birthday Dreams Can Come True

2011-08-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I shared with you a too-too cute paper bag book that Marj made for her granddaughter. Marj is my 'neighbor' across the state line in Idaho. Her birthday was earlier this month and her wedding anniversary was on my birthday earlier this week and my anniversary is the day before my birthday.
Despair not if you got confused on that. Here's what's clear. When it comes to creativity, Marj has it and lucky me, I was the recipient of a box of her talent!
Examining and cherishing every aspect of Marj's handiwork she gifted me, I kept thinking of the expression "God is in the details." The French toile and lace cone was filled with dreams designed just for me, as if Marj knew what I was wishing when I blew out my candles: postcards with mini-Eiffel Tower charms and a Paris map wrapped in black ribbon. The woman is reading a best-seller entitled "Trishia in Paris." Gotta say, "Oh la la" to that!
The detail in the fabric cone itself is incroyable: the rich braid trim, the lace and ribbon, the ivory buttons and two special charms: an Eiffel Tower pendant on one side and a silver heart bangle on the other. An extra piece of gathered lace to tuck in the front. Marj included a gift tag with yet another Eiffel Tower. Marj knows my philosophy: no such thing as too many Eiffel Towers:)
The birthday card made me laugh out loud! Marj and I share a love of doxies. "I know it's your birthday, but this just isn't my idea of dog paddling!!" Again, that attention to detail: fun buttons and ribbon woven through a strip of cardstock for a unique border.
So, now that I have you thoroughly drooling and completely jealous, I will pass on what Marj told me. She got the complete instructions for making the fabric cone in an easy to download PDF from fellow Etsian Nancy Maxwell James. Visit her at Sugarlumpstudios. Tell her the Birthday Girl says "Bonjour!"

Getting a HEAD start on Halloween

2011-08-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

FrenchKissed update: Free downloads are available only during the week listed. To buy a copy of this image, visit my Etsy or Zibbet store!
Mes amies, Today is my birthday! I received a couple of extra special gifts and I'll be sharing those with you later in the week. But first, let's talk about this week's freebies. I know many of you are already working on Halloween projects. There's no such thing as an antique French Halloween postcard. But I like taking a French image and giving it a Halloween twist. Below is the original postcard. It is one in a humorous series offering different 'cures' and this one is for toothaches.

Original But as you can see, with crocodile tears and elephant urine in the Witch Doctor's 'medicine' stash, this image really lends itself to some Trick or Treat fun.

Altered So I eliminated a few things to make it easier for you to customize this image yourself. And then I got to playing:)

Colored I'm beginning to really like 'painting' in Photoshop ... And I've added my favorite Shadowhouse Creation's golden aged overlay, too. By the way, I think that's a dinosaur tooth, don't you?!

Altered and Colored - Customize It! What will you put in her hand? A Jack o' Lantern? A frog? As you see at top, I customized mine with a skull. Nothing like working upclose and personal with a skeleton's skull to help one appreciate life and being another year older:)
Help yourself to whichever version(s) you like, but do please leave a comment or two, anywhere on my blog, to let me know you dropped in. You might want to backtrack and read Cynthia's awesome craft tutorials posted on Fridays. Her Marie Antoinette doll with the felted rosettes in her pink hair is darling! I know Cynthia would love to hear from you, too! OH...and you'll also find special two for one offers at the end of the tutorials.....!

PS Just had an idea -- think I'll try to remove the sword or change it to a wand. Then, the image would be really sweet for a tooth fairy card:)

Marvelous Marie: What a Doll!

2011-08-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

Hi again! Cynthia Anderson of Original Cyn Design here with another fun and special tutorial! A killer project that has worn me out!!! I hope you enjoy it, and to tell the truth, she's really not completely done. I plan on adding a few more doo-dads later on. Maybe you'll give me some suggestions!?
ALL RIGHT….MARIE ANTIONETTE…..YOU HEARD ME!
Here she is in all her glory. She was definitely-defiantly a TRENDSETTER.
Since I had never really FELTED before, I sat down and started with the infamous Marie Antoinette hair. I knew from the beginning that it should be tall and pink, with little bits of things interwoven inside it. I took a plain, bit of white, flat felt, twirled and wound pink roving around, and then felted this into the white piece with a 7-needle hand felter. I tried to make it in the shape of a tall Marie Antoinette wig. I personally found the felting quite easy and fun. I wrapped the roving into little rosettes, and felted them into the beehive as well as the area around her face.
Next, I made the face. I used the FrenchKissed Chiostri scan as a guide for her face while obviously adding much of my own voice to the mix. I traced over the main features of the girl with a dark black pen and then layed a piece of muslin overtop. I then traced those same features onto the muslin (lightly with a pencil), and painted it with acrylic paints and Inktense pencils.

I took the hair and face and made sure they would fit together well. I then decided on a background fabric for the piece. I cut bamboo batting and the fabric to about 10x20 inches. As Artist-in-Residence this month, Frenchkissed sent me a wonderful packet full of original vintage French postcards. To add flavor and interest to the piece, I copied the written sides of the postcards onto fabric paper,* ripped these into fragmented pieces and layed them here and there around the edges. At this point I took several fabrics and accessories and layed them out to see what things might work best together.

I sewed together the background fabric and batting, and then added the bits of fabric French postcards with a zig-zag stitch and complementary colors of thread. Next, I tacked down the face and hair by stitching around the face and through the hair. Ornaments were also added to the hair at this point. Finally, I took a yellow satin thread and free motion quilted the background.

Her dress fabric was selected, bunched a bit above the waist, sewed down, and a fun trim tacked overtop. Thin, metal letters were sewn to the bottom of her dress, spelling out "MARIE." Finally, she was in need of arms, so I took plain white muslin, backed by batting and felt, stamped the arms onto the fabric with Staz On ink and arm stamps that I already owned and sewed around the edges of the arms. I then cut them out and sewed them to the doll.

Finally, she was in need of arms. I took plain white muslin, backed by batting and felt, used an arms stamp with Staz On ink and then sewed around the edges of the arms. I cut them out and sewed them to the doll.
Well, that's it! I hope you enjoyed watching the process as much as I enjoyed making her. I will most likely add some more things to the piece before it is finally pronounced finished. Please drop on over to my blog and get tuned in on any Marie updates! If you like what you've seen here, please feel free to visit me at my blog, or have some fun in my ETSY store!!!
Cynthia E. Anderson
Original Cyn Design
http://originalcyndesign.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/originalcyn01

*FRENCHKISSED blog exclusive: Buy any Postcard Back scan and get one scan, $3.99 or under, for free:) When you put in your order, please mention you read about this offer on my blog.

Talking Postcards

2011-08-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

I don't play well with others.
Belonging to teams, clubs and organizations doesn't suit my emotional state of mind, which is usually "overwhelmed."
But in a moment of aspiring to be more 'normal,' I agreed to be a part of the Pacific Postcards Team. The name is a misnomer because we have members from all around the world, from Russia to Malaysia. One of the ways I'm supposed to contribute is by making a treasury. Yet even after 3+ years on Etsy, I had no clue as to how to even begin the process.
Then ... one particular treasury prompted me to find out how to make my own. Ironically, I can't find that initial treasury but I can tell you exactly what particular image in that particular treasury moved me to action.
I call her Mystery Lady. There is something, as the French would say, a certain "je ne sais quois" [I don't know] that draws me to this woman. Beyond the physical (her nose is shaped like mine!), there is much more that calls to me when I see this card. All the creamy white space that surrounds her, the blankness within the photo and without in the message space -- it seems to contain all her unspoken longing for what she was looking for, not what she might have been looking at.
When I saw her in the treasury, I kept coming back to her. I visited the owner's shop. I clicked back on the treasury. I went about my business and then came back yet again.
The card isn't even French! How could I justify buying it?
It is unused.
No name.
No story.
You can't see her eyes. The photo is scratched with lines running across it. It's a soft focus, not really sharp in details at all. And yet it is this very ambiguity that lets me slip so easily into the picture and I know her, I become her. Me, her, her longing for 'out there' -- we are one.
And so, I built a treasury around her, dabbling in truth disguised as fiction:

A camera. A suitcase. A whole of faith. She'd write the folks back home as soon as she arrived. She'd send them a postcard. In fact, she'd send them one every day: "Wish you were here!"

Out of fear of ruining my treasury (if I bought the card, would it leave a gaping hole in my line-up with my heroine gone?) I put off the inevitable a bit longer. When I contacted Linda, the card owner, to alert her to the treasury, I confessed my obsession and she said she had thought twice about selling such a 'magical' image. Now I knew Linda and I were speaking the same language. She understood and reserved the card for me.
Of course, once inside Linda's Paper Seeker shop, I couldn't buy just one card. But what are the odds of finding two that truly touched me? Well, I wouldn't say this guy spoke to me, but he sure knew how to wink and get my attention! Merci beaucoup, Linda, for your beautiful packaging! The library card, the silver envelope, the brown and white paper with the charming design -- that's all Linda's personal touch.
I added my typewriter thoughts in emulation of Den Finochiarri. You gotta check out his Etsy store! Thank you, Houdini, for introducing me to Den's "flash fiction."
In October, Linda is returning for a visit to her 'beloved Oregon.' (Again, we speak the same language.) She is planning to meet up with another Etsian and the three of us will converge at the Portland Postcard and Paper Show. Christine of The Daily Postcard doesn't know it yet, but I'm hoping she'll join us, so she and I can finally meet in person, too.
So, OK, I joined a team. I made a treasury. I've done some name dropping. I'm going to get out of the house and be socialable.
Hey, I even promise to play nicely.

Mes amies, Cynthia had some technical difficulties putting together her tuturial for today, not to mention that Hurricane Irene is headed for the East Coast, which is where Cynthia lives. SO...if things go as planned, she'll be able to post tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed!

G is for Gustave

2011-08-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

I feel about Eiffel Tower postcards the way Elizabeth Taylor felt about husbands: you can never have too many. So I have added yet another Eiffel Tower to my collection ... and I do believe it is the oldest one I've ever gotten my hands on: June, 1892. Quite on a lark, when I saw the artist's signature, G. Fraipont, I thought I'd do a Google search. I had never before heard of Monsieur Fraipont in the postcard world, so I didn't think I would come up with anything. Was I ever wrong! See that honeysuckle flower print that stands out among the railroad travel posters? It is for sale with another one of Fraipont's botanical prints for a mere $700.
After scrolling through many pages of photos and listings, I learned a wee bit about the artist. First off: G is for Gustave.
He had a son named George who also grew up to be an illustrator. Sadly, he died before his papa in 1912. Maybe he died fighting in World War I? From what I can dedeuce, their art is often mixed up. George is credited for a lot of his father's work, but Gustave's signature is quite distinctive.
The French Wikipedia site says that Gustave was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1849, but he became a French citizen after moving to Paris, where he died in 1923.
He is described as a painter, sculptor, illustrator and poster designer. They left out the fact that he was also a prolific author. Two books in particular are still being reprinted: "The Art Of Making And Using Sketches" and "The Art of Sketching."
I came across a Web site of a French woman named Sandy who lives in the south of France. She has been using Fraipont's books to teach herself how to draw. She describes him as a "brilliant illustrator."
One book I'd love to get my hands on that he wrote and illustrated in 1889 was called "Paris as the Crow Flies." Doesn't the very title get ideas and images churning in your head?
Fraipont also illustrated Robinson Crusoe. He even designed French money!
That fact that he designed at least one postcard seems to be overlooked.
And I've got it. This morning I was working up the card in Photoshop, removing the purple stains from the stamping that had bled through to the front. I was suddenly struck with humility at realizing the magnitude of what I was doing. Working alongside Monsieur Fraipont.
OK, I was just the cleaning lady, but wow, what a privilege! And you know what? After all those nice comments you all have been leaving, I needed to be humbled.
Fraipont's design was printed a little crooked. I cleaned up the border and cloned on some extra to even things out. When I got to the message space with the floral grid and "Tour Eiffel" in the center, I did a bit more house-cleaning, dirt smudges and such.
Then I paused, trying to put myself in Gustave's place way back there in the 1800s. Had time faded that part of the card over the years? Was the quality of the printing just not up to doing justice to that section of the card? How had Gustave originally designed it? What would Gustave do?
I grabbed the magnetic lasso tool to rope off the message section and, feeling Gustave looking over my shoulder, I ever so gingerly tweaked a bit of the contrast.

I'd like to think Gustave is smiling.