How do I go about "getting quirky with it?"

[scarlettcharm]

I'm a TOTAL newbie...have been eyeing quirkism for months, but have been afraid to try it...can someone hold my hand and help my jump in? I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start! Advice? Should I try an ATC card first? I'm not even sure what other means of art there are...LOs? Cards? Ack, I'm so new I don't even know what to ask about! I really want to try this out, it looks, fun, satisfying, and therapeutic! YES, I'm uptight and neurotic! :D


***eta***

Frankly my dear... (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2132&cat=501&limit=recent)

My first attempt at an ATC.

[graybonnie]

Oh Rachel just jump right in. You are so correct that quirking is therapeutic. Have you looked at the MAD section? I bet you can find a prompt or idea there that will match up with one of your own interests. Or look through the gallery and try scraplifting someone who's style you like.

[nicole hinrichs]

I agree, just jump right in and dont worry about it being quirky or not, you have to like what you are making, my tip will be use many layers and the blending options for each layer is grrrrreeeeaaaaat, cant wait to see your art.
nicole hinrichs

[LindaGB]

I wonder about the same thing. Don't really dare to take the step into it - I hope I will soon. Inspiration was what made me come to this place, and I think that I just have to take a good look in the galleries before I start.

I think you quirking looks very nice.
Good luck on "getting quirky with it"

[webchyck]

Layers, brushes, textures, patterns, filters, stock and vintage photos, blending modes...OH MY! There's so much FUN to be had with our programs when we aren't trying to do anything more than PLAY! Look around the gallery for inspiration. Quirking is more than just wings and crowns. It's a way of making a little statement whether it's pretty and light or full of angst and sarcasm! You'll find your inner quirk--she's in there! We know...we've all been there before and some of us have been utterly surprised by what has come out!

[nicole hinrichs]

just jump in and fear not.

[Nevermore]

I was afraid, too. I was just terrified that I was not quirky. Apparently, I was self-deluded, but that is another post. I was afraid I would post and people would leave comments like "yawn", "beige", "flatline", "oh puh-leeeese" etcetera. Actually, I have gotten a couple of "oh puh-leeeeses" but that is another post, too.

Being anal and understanding your angst, here is that hand you asked for. There are currently two swaps going on that are structured, non-threatening, TINY and perfect to start dabbling with.

One is a fridge magnet. We have discovered it is easy to actually produce these as we have made it business card size and you can buy sheets of magnetised paper just about anywhere either 8.5 x 11 or pre-cut into business card size! The theme is word art (which means anything). So, something very very little with a flexible theme. The bonus is you will get to get your own wee collection of magnets sent to you, you will get to know a few quirks, and you will lose your quirking virginity (assuming you have it. I am not convinced that there are any quirk virgins left but I won't fight you on the issue). You can find out all about it here. http://www.digitalartquirks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=417

The second swap is a digital Rolodex swap. You will end up with everyone's Rolodex in digital format to do what you want with. This month it is Winter Whites. Because this is digital, people post as they go along so you can see some layouts already done (what can I say, some people are keeners). You can read all about this in various places but you might start here.http://www.digitalartquirks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=418

[webchyck]

Gosh, Kim, that was almost Donna Reed-esque in its hospitality! You're just the hostess with the mostest! But seriously, thanks for pointing our baby quirks in the right direction!

[Kazadoodle]

Gosh, Kim, that was almost Donna Reed-esque in its hospitality! You're just the hostess with the mostest! But seriously, thanks for pointing our baby quirks in the right direction!

Actually, with all the real life paper stuff she's buying, I was thinking Martha Stewart maybe - LOL

Just stirring Kim - I agree with Becky, thanks for showing the way.

[Diginellie]

Martha Stewart ROFL - Karin that was so good, I am sitting here laughing and trying verrry hard to imagine Kim in `Martha Stewart Mode'. Great advice though Kim. What works for me is to have no plan - just let it happen and silence your inner critic. Remember what it was like doing Art at Kindy. Of course for me that just seems like yesterday :)

[Nevermore]

If I am lying, I am flying but I remember very little about kindergarten that is for sure. I DO remember the teacher telling my mother I needed more work with scissors. So, my scissors stories are based on a life time struggle with the tool.

[webchyck]

Are you left-handed, Kim?

[SteinwaysMom]

I was afraid, too. I was just terrified that I was not quirky.

Yes, I distinctly recall Kim claiming that she was not quirky enough for DAQ (hahaha).

I think one danger is that people will feel that their is a certain Quirk 'look' that they are obligated to emulate (much like the 'Freestyle' trend that is so popular). For example, one can instantly achieve this look by putting pointy hats and wings on everything. This is really fun to do but don't feel that you HAVE to get your stuff to look a certain way.

In going for a 'look', one misses out on the spirit of Quirking or even Freestyling which is to follow your artistic instincts and feel free to experiment, not feeling obligating to produce something that fits any sort of 'mold'.

End of spiel.

---------
PS - I remember you posted an entry on my blog cause we both live in Central Ohio - I live in Reynoldsburg and know one other digiscrapper in the area and was wondering where you are located.

[Nevermore]

Are you left-handed, Kim?
I wish with all my heart that that was the reason for my distinct lack of dexterity with sharp pointy things but alas, it is not. The kicker is that I did decoupage for a while! But it is a different kind of cutting--very very miniscule and anal with the teeniest tiniest scissors. Almost surgery. Whereas cutting down a row of ATCs is infrastructure! Big! Massive! Actually, I don't think I did that badly on the last set. Still hit and miss with the corner punch, though and have not been able to figure out why it burps and gives me little raggedy chewed edges from time to time.

[webchyck]

Well, here's my solution ... Don't use the corner rounder! LOL! They don't have to have rounded corners. It's just a preference thing.

[Nevermore]

Well, here's my solution ... Don't use the corner rounder! LOL! They don't have to have rounded corners. It's just a preference thing.

You simply don't know the Raven. I am constitutionally incapable of admitting defeat over something like a corner punch. Brain surgery, maybe. Rocket science, for sure. But there is no way on this green earth that a corner punch is gonna get me! And if that means punching out the tip of my nose to spite my face, I have been known to do that a lot, lol!

[Diginellie]

Yes, I distinctly recall Kim claiming that she was not quirky enough for DAQ (hahaha).

I think one danger is that people will feel that their is a certain Quirk 'look' that they are obligated to emulate (much like the 'Freestyle' trend that is so popular). For example, one can instantly achieve this look by putting pointy hats and wings on everything. This is really fun to do but don't feel that you HAVE to get your stuff to look a certain way.

In going for a 'look', one misses out on the spirit of Quirking or even Freestyling which is to follow your artistic instincts and feel free to experiment, not feeling obligating to produce something that fits any sort of 'mold'.

End of spiel.

---------
PS - I remember you posted an entry on my blog cause we both live in Central Ohio - I live in Reynoldsburg and know one other digiscrapper in the area and was wondering where you are located.
I agree about the pointy hats and wings - they are in danger of becoming synonymous with quirking. I love them but I don't think I'll be buying any. It is important to be yourself

[Belles]

... everyone here at home seems to all the time so I'm used to it but anyway ...... I think I am to eclectic to be anything other than quirky. Have never really settled on any particular style but then others might see my work differently I guess.

I certainly collect enough junk as inspiration and have it laying all around the house to fit the quirky catagory LOL. Do dust bunnys count towards quirkiness I wonder?

I'm sure what ever you find to do will fit and just enjoy.

[SteinwaysMom]

You simply don't know the Raven. I am constitutionally incapable of admitting defeat over something like a corner punch.

The ole' corner punch has kicked my butt too. Sometimes it works and sometimes it creates this weird looking thing that totally makes me grit my teeth. That and when you try to cut w/that little exacto knife thingie and it makes a raggedy edge or slips and cuts into your project.

There is no UNDO feature in real life and corner punches are a sad reminder.:mad:

[kygirl]

Kim and Debra, I'm about to let you in on a little secret of paper scrapping. Go around the edges of your card with one of those little bitty ink pads and all those crimps and gouges are no longer flaws, they're character. Now go look at all the stuff by the real-life collage artists. They charge extra for character. :) (Sorry, Debra, I couldn't resist just one smile)

[Nevermore]

Being of British heritage, stiffening upper lip and sucking in gut and planning yet another trip to LSS to ask for "little bitty ink pad". I think the guy is going to start loathing me. We never talk the same language. No smiles or exclamation marks. Thank you Donna, for the tip. I read it too fast at first and thought you were going to advise sanding the rough bits down. Sanding, inking, makes no nevermind, it will all be the same to my poor benighted fingers.

[SteinwaysMom]

I bought this ink called 'Distress Ink' - it comes in different shades of sepia and is really good for the edge thing.

Thanks Donna, its just so hard to make this perfect little piece and see that stinking rough edge and know you CANT PRESS UNDELETE!!!!:mad: My inner control freak is not pleased at all when that happens.

[webchyck]

... Do dust bunnys count towards quirkiness I wonder?

Expecting a Digital+ ATC from you now with dust bunnies attached!

BTW, Digital+ is my new term for "hybrid" (I hate that word for use in ART) pieces. You create it digitally and then ADD some real life embellies and it's Digital+.

[webchyck]

All those participating in the November ATC Swap will notice my edges are inked with "Fluid Chalk"--love that stuff. Comes in little cat's eye boxes--so cute and easy to hold.

[Nevermore]

sticks out tongue while writing down "fluid chalk" labouriously on bottom of list of "things to be picked up". Gotta keep up with the Troxels.

[kygirl]

Fluid Chalk is what I use, too. Those little cat's eye sponges are just made for inking edges. I like the term digital+. Very clever, Becky.

[webchyck]

I love it when I laugh out loud and the peeps here IRL wonder what the heck I'm chortling over! Kim, you crack me up!

[Mish]

Martha Stewart? Can you imagine her trying to make something quirky? That would be a hoot!

Anyway, I digress. Just jump right in and the way I see it, the stranger, the better. If you show your work to a "normal" person and they say "Uh....yeah....wow....nice", then you know you've accomplished a quirky piece!

[webchyck]

Surely Martha had some jailhouse experiences that would now qualify her to do quirk!

[SteinwaysMom]

Martha Stewart? Can you imagine her trying to make something quirky? That would be a hoot!

Anyway, I digress. Just jump right in and the way I see it, the stranger, the better. If you show your work to a "normal" person and they say "Uh....yeah....wow....nice", then you know you've accomplished a quirky piece!

Martha's claim to quirk frame was being a jailbird. That would make an interesting piece!

My late aunt Ellie, the ultimate anti-quirk, was looking at this beautiful photo done by my cousin Kim - it was a lovely pattern made by the wind and sand. I'll never forget when Aunt Ellie squinted at it and exclaimed "Ehh, what is it?...looks like a Gila Monster or something'.

Has anyone used this distress ink? Is that chalk stuff better for edges? I never heard of the chalk stuff.

[SteinwaysMom]

Surely Martha had some jailhouse experiences that would now qualify her to do quirk!

Didn't someone do something like a "Charles Manson Potato Chip Bowl" here?

My mind is starting to think up some pretty strange projects.

Like now I'm imagining Ozzie Ozborne w/his own home dec show. For Halloween he's designing little bat heads that you can hang on your Christmas tree. He's wearing an apron w/chains sewn on it...

I'd better get back to reading my Bible....

[graybonnie]

Oh... Martha jailbird and Charlie Manson... LOL .... have a connection - quirky connect. I'm very sick.... Martha jail time was spent in West Virginia and Charlie hails from the WILD AND WONDERFUL mountain statel... and now I have this crazy imagine of the two running around together.

[kygirl]

Debra, I love the Distressed Inks and they'll work fine for the ATC's. If you start doing a lot of paper projects, the Fluid Chalk is great for inking the outsides of cards because it comes in this handy little sponge applicator that makes inking easier.

[webchyck]

I would not want to know what Charlie and Martha cook in the kitchen.

[SteinwaysMom]

I would not want to know what Charlie and Martha cook in the kitchen.

ROTFL hahah. "Helter Skelter Stew"...They would be a great talk show duo...better than Regis and Kathy Lee...