Super super cool.

Most people who know me even a little, know that I'm pretty quiet about my successes, with the exception of my son, who I have no shame in declaring as my most incredible success so far. :)

But I have to say, even this is too big for me to hold back on. The first OFFICIAL public announcement of my book by Deb, the Director of Craft Publications at Leisure Arts, the publisher of my book, Doodling for Papercrafters. She writes a pretty succinct and kind review on her blog (CLICK HERE).

It's real to me now. Someone said it out loud for the world to hear. I have a book and it's really coming out and people really can buy it. I'm not sure where, and not exactly sure when, but I promise to post as soon as possible.

Sometimes you just have to pat yourself on the back and give yourself a little credit for working your butt off. So, pat-pat-pat. That's it. Moving on.

:)

(And thanks to Debra, Christina, and Deb and the behind-the-scenes folks at Leisure Arts who have worked to get this book out. Thanks so much. Leisure Arts has been a joy to work with!)

Thinking of switching...

I've been thinking of switching blogs for some time now. Not sure why. Maybe it's my need for change... I don't like things stagnant for a long time. Even though I changed the design on here, I'm kind of liking my other version a little better... take a look and let me know what you think. http://maelynn.wordpress.com Should I stay here? or should I switch over?

Technique Challenge - May 20, 2007

I'm challenging myself to try new techniques or trying variations on old techniques or just using tried-and-true techniques that I just have never tried.

I'm getting ready to teach a class on creating dimension and depth on layouts. I was thinking through some of the techniques that create a wonderful, tactile sensation. One is stitching. I use my sewing machine occasionally to stitch on layouts but I really love the feel of embroidery and the thicker floss and string that can be used with hand-stitching. So that's the technique for this layout challenge.

I started with the supplies in photo 1. (Click images for larger photos.) Floss, needle, paper piercer, paper, paint, etc. You of course should use whatever you want that suits your style. Use waxy string or twine even if you'd like. I then used the paper piercer to add holes where I wanted to stitch. Around the photo I used a ruler to punch even holes along the outside of the brown mat (photo #2) but then eyeballed the inside holes. I didn't want it to be "perfect" though. If you want a less messy look than by all means, use the ruler and pencil to mark for all the holes before piercing.

Next, I use black floss to stitch. Don't worry what the back looks like. Mine was a mess. As long as the front looks good, that's all that matters.

I also handwrote in pencil, the title "Artwork" and then pierced holes about 1/3" apart directly on the pencil lines. I stitched those with the same floss.

After stitching, I covered the stitches on the back with tape to make sure they stayed in place and didn't snag on anything. What's really nice about this is how it feels. It feels soft and textured to the touch. Very cool.

The final layout is in photo #3.

Make sure to post if you decide to try this technique, too. I'd love to see what you come up with! :)

Sharing some fun... and scrappy challenge later!

I mentioned a few posts ago that I got my new Adobe applications. I blame them for my absence on my blog. I apologize! I'm addicted to Photoshop. I've always loved it. In art school, I would use it for silly things like superimposing my friend's head into the drivers side window of a Porsche or removing blemishes from photos. I've evolved a bit since then -- I think. :)

I'm going to share some of my creations. I've been frequenting the boards for photoshop aficionados and they offer up a great weekly challenge where they post a photo and you have to use it as inspiration for something, anything, using photoshop.

This week's photo from stock.xchange inspired me to add a little bit of alien/lizard-like look to my handsome son. He thinks it's cool. :) (Click on the images for larger versions.)

A little spooky but of course, I'd think he was beautiful no matter what.

I used a few layers, layer masks, warping, lots of opacity adjustments, airbrushing, and color adjustments to create this image.

Oh, and I have a scrappy challenge coming up later today!

Have a great weekend y'all!

NSD Challenge!

What a day it's been! Other than a soccer game this morning, a bday party this afternoon, it's NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY! Woohoo!

I'm finishing up a very VERY fun chat with the ladies over at Scrapbook Chalet. What a great group! To celebrate the day, I'm dedicating a scrappy challenge to my new friends at ScrapbookChalet.com. But anyone can take the challenge and participate! The more, the merrier I say.

All you have to do is post a comment to this thread with a link to your challenge layout and I'll have a random drawing to win a little prize pack!

So, here's the challenge.

Download this PDF, or JPG, or PNG. (It's all the same file, just in different formats in case you can't read PDF documents.)

Then, use one or all of the doodling techniques to create a new layout. No other rules! Oh, except, you MUST have fun doodling today. That's the only rule. :)

Take a look at this layout I did with ALL doodling. I used Sakura Pigma pens, colored pencils, Sakura Souffle pens, and chalks. (click image for larger version)

Have fun with the challenge! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

One hour!

At 3:00 Eastern, I'll be chatting away at Scrapbook Chalet! Hope to see you there. :)

Don'cha wish your girlfriend was a geek like me...

I apologize for the post title. I'm a little emotional right now. Some girls dream of owning Jimmy Choo shoes or a Marc Jacobs handbag. Some have hopes of a new car for Christmas or a kitchen remodel. Me? I was shaking when I got home today and saw that precious package at my door. It feels like it's been eternity since I placed that order.

I quickly, but carefully, opened the box. There it was. There was my new Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium software. Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Flash, Dreamweaver, and more. All in a tidy little box. I didn't know you could fit dreams in a little box like that.

Okay. I know. I'm being silly. But I really was shaking. :)

Please stop by!

This Saturday, May 5th - National Scrapbooking Day, I'll be a guest "chatter" at The Scrapbook Chalet. It begins at 3:00 EST. Don't forget to stop by. I'll be giving away a fun prize!

Also, I'm going to start my challenges here on my blog on Saturday, too. Hope to see you there!

Also, I hope Stacy Julian doesn't mind that I post this but check this image out closely! >>>>>>>>>
I didn't even know she was going to put it up there yet but I guess it's official and I can announce it, too!

I'll be teaching a doodling class on Big Picture Scrapbooking. No final date set yet but I'll update you here when I know. And thanks to my wonderful friend Sharon L. for alerting me to this on BPS. I had NO idea!

Have a great week peeps! :)