Pretties

Occasionally I find myself "collecting" pretty pictures.  I am basically a visual person.  If I had to choose between chocolate and eye-candy . . . well, I think I'd be in trouble!!

So I'm always on the lookout for clipart and sources of free pictures.   Sometimes I use pictures in my artwork - and sometimes I just think about it!  Most often, though, I use pretty pictures as inspiration.

Like this bright tag, for instance.  Isn't that a pleasing pose?  I could use this as inspiration for a doll, posing her to cuddle her wrapper - or a pet or child, or any number of options. 

OR . . . I could just use the tag image.  Many crafters use images like this as a centerpiece for embroidery or crazy quilting.

 

 

 

The shape to the right can be used as a tag - or as the starting point for a paper doll.  That swirling pattern could be inspiration for embroidery - or even a quilting pattern.

OK, so where did I get these pretties?  These two are part of Lisa Vollrath's Holiday Giveaway from December.  Lisa very generously provided one piece of artwork/collage image each day as a countdown to Christmas.  These images are just a teaser to a vast amount of images, collage sets, image CDs, books, ephemera, and so on available from Ten Two Studios.  If you are a paper artist of any sort, there's sure to be something you need there!

Well, I'm not a major paper artist - fiber is more my thing.  But I do dabble occasionally and I love, love, love to look!  And the Ten Two site is worth looking at - and buying, too! 

And -- once again, Lisa is holding a Holiday Countdown.  To Valentine's day this time.  This was part of today's download . . . isn't she sweet?  All one needs to do to "purchase" these pre-Valentines images is to post about Lisa's giveaway on your blog.  Hey!  I just did that!!

(Alright, so there was an ulterior motive.  I think these are cute enough to warrant a blatant bit of advertising, though.  Right?)

The Winnah . . .

. . . and new World Champeeen!  Oh - wait!  Wrong contest!  Heh!

I asked Jake to help me pick the Giveaway winner.  He was happy to help - after I buried some treats in the basket, of course!  He's very good at finding treats!  Once the comments had been thoroughly mixed up, we picked one. 

Drumroll, please.  And the winner is . . .

Suze please e-mail me at dolls4liz (at) yahoo (dot) com and tell me which journal you would like.  I can send you some pictures and give dimensions, etc., so you can pick your absolute favorite.

Thank you all so much for your lovely comments, both for the giveaway and for the recent posts.  I wish I could send you all a special gift, but virtual hugs will have to do.  I hope you will keep reading and commenting.  I'll try to make it worth your while.

And now - we will return to regular programming.  Boy!  I sure admire those of you who have something to post every day.  That was hard work!  So I am going back to every 4 to 7 days - so I've got time to make stuff!!!!

I'll leave you with a little preview.  I cut fabric yesterday, so I hope to get at least some sewing done this week.

Celebrate!

Yipee!  Wahoo!  Yoweee!  Other words to that effect!

Today is the first anniversary of my blog.  This is also my 100th post!  Isn't this the most exciting thing that has ever happened?  Well, if it is - you need to get a life!  Sorry, but while this may be a big day for me - the rest of the world probably hasn't given it much thought.  One blog among millions.  BUT - I have readers!  More than two, in fact!  How cool is that?

So, we ought to pause - briefly - and reflect on what it means to have a blog that has survived a whole year.   One thing that it says is that I'm pretty stubborn!  I think I have things to say and pictures to share - and by golly, someone is going to see them!

But it says even more.  I have actually found enjoyment in showing  off my work and throwing some random words out into the world to see what happens.  It really is an adventure.  And guess what?  Somebody answers!!

Oh my!  People are coming to see what I've done - and coming back for more.  That feels very nice.  I am making virtual friends and expanding my creativity.  You, dear readers, have been most supportive and have helped me step into the unknown.  I try to return the favor by following up on comments - or visiting your blogs and commenting.  It doesn't always work out even (I personally think I am getting the better part of the deal!) but I plan to continue working on that. 

So here we are!   The day I've been looking forward to!  It's been quite a week - coming up with something to post about daily.  And reading all your wonderful comments!  A special thanks to Paula and Judy, who knew I could do it and egged me on!

This is the Last Chance to sign up for the giveaway!  Just for my wonderful readers.  I will close the polls - so to speak - this evening - and tomorrow I will draw the lucky winner.  Stay tuned to this channel!

Blogiversary Coming Soon

I've been thinking about this one-year on the blogging whirligig thing. It seems that it is customary to celebrate the milestone - and the most common way to celebrate is by having a Giveaway!

Well, I may resist being conventional and all that. But I kind of like the idea of a Giveaway. So, how about if I plan to give away some goodies on October 31?

Hmmm. What could I give away? There are a few ideas floating around. I have some Dotee dolls and I have some postcards. And I have a few journals that are actually presentable. Yeah, that sounds good.

So, here is the deal:

Leave a comment on this post between now and October 31. I will choose one randomly and announce the winner November 1st.

And the winner will get their choice of one of the journals I've made.

These are all journals - or notebooks, whatever - that I have made in the two classes taken from Sue Bleiweiss. I have found some styles more useful than others, but someone else may have a different idea and need a style that I haven't done much with. That is why I will let you choose. And just think! One day when I am rich and famous, you can say you have a Lizzie Original! (Er, that's a joke, people!)

Besides. I love comments. This is as good a way as any to beg people to leave me a comment, huh?

P.S. This is post number 94!

I Won!

Sue B hosted a give-away on her blog and I was one of four lucky - very lucky - winners. Just look at what I got in the mail today! The blue background is hand-dyed velvet - and this picture does not come close to the vibrant colors of the velvet and these laces. Wow!

I need to think of a really scrumptuous project to use these on. But first I have to just look at them and handle them! Oh my! Eye candy overload!!!

Thank you, Sue. Thank you, thank you, thank you!