Willtype

I created this collage as an homage to my Dad.  He worked as a printer his whole life.  He was a professional linotype operator.  Here is a photo of a linotype:

This cumbersome and heavy machine was used to create iron slugs that were then packed into printing boxes, ultimately becoming something like a huge metal 'stamp' to print words and pictures.  The iron was melted in a pot which was part of the machine, so it was very hot.  My Dad knew how to take this entire machine apart and put it back together again!  It's hard to believe that before the age of the computer, this was the most modern and up-to-date way to print.  The keyboard, which can be seen hanging from the front of the machine, had a very non-traditional keyboard.  It was nothing at all like the qwerty keyboard that we use today.  The keys were laid out like this:

My Dad retired right around the time that computers were taking the place of linotype machines and other more manual methods of printing.  When he was in his late 70's, he purchased his first computer.  He had one big problem though - the keyboard!  Having used the linotype keyboard his entire working life, the computer forced him to use a keyboard that looked completely foreign to him.  Some people say that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but my Dad did not believe that.  He set a goal of learning to type with a qwerty keyboard, and mastering the computer.

When he got his first email account, his email name was "Willtype."  My Dad's name is William, but what he meant by that was, "I will type."  He did master the qwerty keyboard and spent many hours working with his computer until macular degeneration made it too difficult for him to see the screen.

For my collage,I used a photograph of a Woodstock typewriter that I own. I'm thankful that my Dad did not have to type on this machine!  My Mother learned to type on a typewriter like this; but I have been fortunate enough to have always had an electric typewriter - and now computer keyboard. 

I used a scrap piece of a printing plate to cut the rectangular embellishment on my card and then embossed it and used StaZon Saddle Brown ink on it.

Two Matroyshka Doll ATC Cards

For a trade.

What's inside the February matchbox

A piece of the strung sequins that I used to create the box.  Some Valentine brads.  A Swarovski crystal heart, some pink German Scrap, some 'jewels,' some pink bead, two lovely buttons, a pink silk flower and another of the lovely crepe paper flowers.  Also a pair of bubble earrings that I made using Swarovski crystals and Swarovski pearls.



Take a Word Challenge - Black Bird

The theme of this week's Take a Word Challenge is Black Bird.

The background of this card is a piece of printing plate.  I work at a graphic arts supplier that custom cuts printing plates for customers.  This card was cut from the scrap and then embossed.  The color is the natural color of the plate.

Matchbox Swap 2011

Here is my January matchbox for this brand-new Flickr swap.

First, I covered the matchbox with gold paper that I had found inside of an envelope that had contained a Christmas card.  Then I added Gold German scrap, and pink German Scrap.  Then the glamorous image and flowers.  The image was originally on the cover of sheet music.  Finally, I embellished the box with Delica beads and Austrian crystal. A brad acts as a drawer-pull.  Can't see what I get in return!

Mona Catsa

This month's challenge in the Monthly ATC group is to use the Mona Lisa as your inspiration.  I didn't have too far to look!  My cat, Fanny, has the most direct stare you can possibly imagine.  It's quite unnerving to wake up in the middle of the night to see her staring at you.  She's every bit as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa!



I wrinkled and glued tissue paper to the card, then painted it randomly with water colors.  I used a bit of gold German scrap as the trim.  The little heart is made by wetting tissue paper and stuffing it into a small mold.  I then unmolded it, let it dry thoroughly, and painted it with acrylic paint.  The webby-type scrap is something I received from a fellow trader.  I wish I knew where I could get more of this material!  It's wonderful!  If anyone out there knows where I might find some of this, I'd really appreciate your letting me know!

More Triptych Cards

Triptych Card

This card is for a trade at my Yahoo card group.

Dress Challenge - Dress for October

My Dress Challenge dress for October is all about autumn leaves.  The bodice is made from papyrus.  The leaves were inspired by this fantastic tutorial posted recently by Ink Stained Roni.  What a fabulous blog she has! 

I crumpled up brown paper and also white paper.  I then painted the paper with acrylic paint, and also used distress ink.  After the paint and ink dried, I spread Inksentials Glossy accents over the paper, sprinkled fine glitter over the paper, and then let it dry.  Then, I used a die cutter to cut the paper into the leaf shapes.  The waist embellishment is made from German scrap.

Two shabby chic cards for a swap

ATC Card for my friend

The card starts out with cardstock, to which I glued fabric.  Then I whip-stitched around the entire card.   Embellished, affixed the tie and - voila!

Dresses for a Swap

These cards were made for the Swap til you Drop challenge. Margaret, who is hosting the wonderful dress swap for 2010 (see side bar) is the guest designer. What a joy it is to create even more dresses!

The card for this creation was made using watercolor on bond paper.

This card features hand-sewn seed beads and a brayered paper card.

You can never have enough butterflies!  The lovely flower trim on this dress came from a wonderful artist in Holland.