MAIL SWAP MARCH 2007: Stained Glass

[webchyck]

This month's theme comes to us from PamPie! She suggested Stained Glass and that really sounded like fun to me...like it might be a great way to use filters and lots of color. So, let's see what we can do with it, okay?

If you want to play this month, send me an email (webchyck@comcast.net)with the subject: MARCH SWAP. Please include your name, mailing address and email address (for you veterans, just reply to this thread saying you're participating...I have your info...unless it's changed). You have until midnight Eastern on March 7th to sign up. On the 8th everyone who has registered will receive a list of all the other artists with whom they will be trading. You will then have until March 31st to create, print, and mail your artist trading cards to the other participants. (Keep postal rates in mind before you sign up as you are responsible for mailing the cards yourself. If we have enough participants in a particular country, we can group them together, otherwise it will be an international endeavor.) Each swap group will have no more than 9 participants (including yourself), give or take 6 or so...we sort of adjust it every month! LOL! You may create one ATC based on the theme and replicate it for everyone or you may create nine unique ATCs to send out. You may also use any combination of paper and digital you like for this swap.

If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We do have a lot of information about Artist Trading Cards (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/forum/../articles/article_atc_becky_march2006.htm) in an an ARTicle in our Resource section that might answer any questions you have.

This theme should result in some very pretty cards! Can't wait to see 'em!

[PamPie]

I must say, what a clever idea for a theme :p
I think I better sign up!

[webchyck]

Oh, you think, Pam?! LOL!

[ruthpics]

Terrific theme...good one Pam! Sign me up!

[Marretje]

I must say, what a clever idea for a theme

:D Is it Pam? Sign me up too, I like the theme too, thanks Pam

[webchyck]

I've got you down, Ruth and Mar!

[Diginellie]

Ooh Yes please sign me up Becky - this one does sound challenging :)

[Nevermore]

If you think the Raven is hell on wheels with scissors you should see me grinding glass! I used to do stained glass a lot and have the obliterated fingerprints to prove it (I could always retire into a life of crime). It has to be easier digitally, no? I did stained glass a while ago digitally and was neither here nor there about it. Will give it another go! Please sign me up, too.

[webchyck]

Two more on the list! We've got 10 so far! And it's not even March yet!

[webchyck]

I just want to welcome anyone that has made their way here from the Studio Matters blog (http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/wordpress/?p=891). Thanks for your interest in our swap! We hope you'll see it's a fun and safe environment in which to play!

[DeniseD]

oooh cool, sign me up. :)

[kygirl]

I've resisted this challenge because I hate going to the post office (I know it's an awful excuse, but it's an honest one), but having just purchased Bernie Berlin's "Artist Trading Card Worskhop," I've got so many ideas for new ATCs that I have to play. So, please sign me up, and I'll do my best to get to the post office on time. :)

[PamPie]

I've resisted this challenge because I hate going to the post office (I know it's an awful excuse, but it's an honest one), but having just purchased Bernie Berlin's "Artist Trading Card Worskhop," I've got so many ideas for new ATCs that I have to play. So, please sign me up, and I'll do my best to get to the post office on time. :)
Yay Donna!
You can always order your stamps online from usps.com--they come to you! US postage is .39 cents (as you know!), airmail to Canada is .63 cents, and airmail everywhere else is .84 cents. Or, as I do, one regular 1st class stamp for domestic, 2 for Canada, and 3 on the Int'l. All without a postoffice! :p

[kygirl]

That's good info, Pam. Any idea why my post office charges 84 cents to Canada? I had to stand in line for 20 minutes for them to tell me that, too. :rolleyes: Oh, well, if I put three stamps on I'll be guaranteed that it gets there.

[akissling]

Maybe your postal service is like mine and charges for all of that walking they have to do!!!

[webchyck]

Was your envelope "puffy"--they have an excess puffiness surcharge now!.

[ScrapAlice]

Count me in, too. Stained glass is right up my alley, although I design it for fabric mostly. ;)

[Nevermore]

I just want to welcome anyone that has made their way here from the Studio Matters blog (http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/wordpress/?p=891). Thanks for your interest in our swap! We hope you'll see it's a fun and safe environment in which to play!
It's definitely fun but I won't endorse "safe". Scissors are not safe. The more I play with scissors the more I wonder why they are so neglected as a murder weapon of choice in the murder mysteries I read. The more I play with scissors the more I understand the saying "the death of a thousand cuts".

[Pixeldigger]

Sign me up.please, Becky

[happyrobyn]

OK ... here's the deal ... I KNOW that I am TWO months behind but I HAVE to be included. I have a plan! I swear! You see Ms. Hostess, you know that surgery is impending for my wee little one. And I will be in the waiting room for a good 3 hours during his surgery on Tuesday. So what can a person do to take her mind off of things and not worry ... QUIRK! That's right - a little quirk therapy as I let the doctors do what they need to do.

Now ... WTF to do with stained glass??? Did you say FILTERS?! Oh, that's right up my alley!

[mizamigo]

Please sign me up for the stained glass swap.

I'm going to have to do some research on this and see what I can come up with. (Yes, I know that glitter is NOT a part of stained glass, so don't worry about that.... but shiny metals, hummmmm....)

[happyrobyn]

If I send glass in the mail ... will it break? (something to ponder ... hmmmmmmm)

[Nevermore]

OK ... here's the deal ... I KNOW that I am TWO months behind but I HAVE to be included. I have a plan! I swear! You see Ms. Hostess, you know that surgery is impending for my wee little one. And I will be in the waiting room for a good 3 hours during his surgery on Tuesday. So what can a person do to take her mind off of things and not worry ... QUIRK! That's right - a little quirk therapy as I let the doctors do what they need to do.

Now ... WTF to do with stained glass??? Did you say FILTERS?! Oh, that's right up my alley!

That is how I got addicted to FreeCell. Playing in hospital waiting rooms. This was before I scrapped. My fingers are crossed for you, Robyn.

[happyrobyn]

Thanks Kim! I know you're pulling for him.

[graybonnie]

Can I play too?

I'm only a few days behind on the February swap. I can truthfully say that fronts and backs are now really to be printed. Not sure why this one became use a pain.

[webchyck]

I think I need a signed permission form from Mackenzie before I let you join us this month, Robyn! LOL!

[happyrobyn]

Send it. He'll sign it! He's better with my tablet than me!! LOL!

[digime]

What a great theme...sign me up!

[webchyck]

Okay, Robyn, you're in! And you, too, Kate! This is going to be a fun one...once I decide what to do!

[happyrobyn]

I already know what I'm doin! It's just a matter of doin it! LOL!

[webchyck]

So, tomorrow is the deadline to sign up for the March swap. I've got 17 so far: Janna, Carolyn, Alice, me, Pam, Kay, Ruth, Mar, Helen, Kim, Donna, Denise, Robyn, Kate, Victoria, Bonnie and Judith.

Am I missing anyone? Anyone else want to play?

[kygirl]

Yay! I was so excited about this topic that my cards are already designed and printed. Now all I have to do is put them together. I've even bought stamps (and you know how I feel about the post office) so I'll be ready to mail as soon as we get the addresses.

[PamPie]

Becky, do you think you'll do one big group again, or divide?
Donna--already finished and have stamps?! I'm impressed :cool:

[Cargo]

Hey Becky,
Really looks as if Spring has Sprung! Already 10 wow. Glad that I have 6 different designs already made up! Need to get started on a few more. Can't wait for the final list to arrive. Thanks for taking the time to organize this for all of us.
Love & Hugs
Carolyn

[webchyck]

Do you guys want a big group or two small ones? We've got 17 now.

[happyrobyn]

I like it BIG!!!!

[kygirl]

Bigger's better! :D

[ruthpics]

Big works for me! :)

[graybonnie]

Big :D please :D

[ScrapAlice]

I like big, too. My mailbox gets lonely otherwise.

[Marretje]

Love the big group too, than I got finally enough empty stampbooks for another swap. Thanks Becky for hosting again and all the work you do.

[Pixeldigger]

Big group! Big group PLEASE!

[mizamigo]

I'll go with the BIG crowd, too, please. This stained glass ATC is going to be fantastic so I want ALL of them.

[Marretje]

Little question for Robyn, Kate and Carolyn

I still don't know if you had received my Lovers ATC. Please let me know, otherwise I can send you another with this round.

Thanks

[webchyck]

I don't know if you're all greedy or generous from the response to wanting a big group! You either just love to share your art with everyone or you want everyone else's art, the more of it the better! I'll be sending out the list in a little while...gotta get the spammers taken care of and my Birthday Boy, Campbell, off to school!

[happyrobyn]

Little question for Robyn, Kate and Carolyn

I still don't know if you had received my Lovers ATC. Please let me know, otherwise I can send you another with this round.

Thanks
Did I receive it? Oh man ... did I ever!! It is truly one of the most gorgeous cards I have ever received! Love it so much Mar!!!

[Marretje]

Thanks Robyn.

However I think I never get my cards at first delivered in the USA, my stainted glass are on their way. I thought at least I can give it a try :p.

[mizamigo]

I don't know if you're all greedy or generous from the response to wanting a big group! You either just love to share your art with everyone or you want everyone else's art, the more of it the better! I'll be sending out the list in a little while...gotta get the spammers taken care of and my Birthday Boy, Campbell, off to school!

Becky,
How could you accuse us of being "greedy"??? We just appreciate the wonderful, talented artists in this community. Who wouldn't want a tiny (ATC size) piece of original art if they could get it for the price of a stamp and a reciprocated piece of art?

P.S. I hope Campbell had a great birthday.

[webchyck]

Oh Victoria! I don't think anyone is greedy! Appreciative, though, is a much better word! tee hee!

Campbell had a wonderful birthday. He is so sweet. Right before bedtime he thanked us for a wonderful birthday. His most favorite present has been a new game for the Wii...Wario Ware's Smooth Moves. I love the Wii as it gets kids up off their butts! LOL! He received cash and gift cards galore, so I'm guessing another game or two are in his future!

[webchyck]

I got my cards done today, and I'm so excited about them. I only made one design, and yet you will all be receiving a UNIQUE card. How is that possible, you ask? BLENDING MODES! Each card is so different and yet I only had to design one! I will share a little bit of what I did, hopefully without giving away the surprise of the card. I found an amazing stock photo of a clear leaded glass window and just painted my own colors on a separate layer using the lead design as my guide. Applying the blend modes to this layer had AMAZING results!!!!! So, they'll be winging their way around the world here in a couple of days. Be on the look out for brightly colored envelopes coming to a mailbox near you!

[Diginellie]

Well I have mailed all my ATC's today, sadly no special cards this time as time got the better of me :o - Becky like you I used Blending Modes but they are all the same - I never thought of varying them. Anyhow I used 2 photos of the stained glass in my front door panels, so you will all have a piece of my home in your homes :) I hope they all make it OK :cool: (the sunnies are on as it was 38C - over 100F here on the weekend and Monday, our hottest March day on record and too hot and humid to even think let alone create) LOL

[Pixeldigger]

Mar, I got your card - I do like the effect of the window and I think your art is lovely, I like the way that everyone has a different take on the same theme.

Things seem to be settling down a bit here, thank goodness, but the phone/computer lead has been mislaid, so I still can't get that photo I wanted for the stained glass ATC. I shall have to see if I can get another photo on my own camera, but it all depends on whether the subject has stayed put and whether I can persuade it to pose again.

[webchyck]

Helen, you can just have that heat...yuck-o! We've had some warm days here for this time of year...got in the 70s the other day. But still raining off and on, mostly low 60s. I should be spending more time outside, but I can't drag myself away from the computer!

[Marretje]

Thanks Judith, that is fast, I'm glad you liked it. I was very happy with the result but wanted to say nothing otherwise I had in my enthousiasm completly told how the card looked liked. I can't wait to see the others.

I think that everywhere in the world are crazy degrees, here in the Netherlands we have had the warmest January and February month ever (300 years) and now it's about 15c (don't know how much that is in fahrenheit). That is the normal temperature for the end of April. But I notice that everybody loves the sun and great weather, me too.

[kygirl]

Mar, the card is wonderful; it must have taken you forever to do all of these. I know what you mean about the crazy weather. We're in the 70s today, but have a chance of snow this weekend.

[Marretje]

Wow, Donna the card was very fast.

Bonnie today I've received your lovely little boy and beautiful Stained Glass ATC, thank you so much for the wonderful cards.

[Nevermore]

Wow, I got my Mar card! Loving it. Reminds me of the one and only piece I did on my summer vacation. Cannot believe the little wire frame! Won't give any more of it away! Mar, you outdid yourself!!!

[webchyck]

Finally went and got my mail...not only did I get a SECOND COPY OF DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING WHICH I HAVE NO USE FOR, I got three LOVELY ATCs! Two from Bonnie and a one from Mar! Thank you, girls! They are so awesome! Very clever treatment with the wire, Mar...surprised it made it through international postal services! LOL! (You know...might've looked like an explosive!)

[Pixeldigger]

Bonnie! I got your cards, they are wonderful.

I compromised with mine, using an alternative photo which doesn't work as well, but the dratted subject had disappeared when I took my camera out for another try. I used a photo I took yesterday morning instead. I posted the bunch of envelopes this morning, so look to your letter boxes, ladies.

[Marretje]

Mar...surprised it made it through international postal services! LOL! (You know...might've looked like an explosive!)

Sssstttt, State Secret, the wire is a new secret weapon, and guess what they are a lot faster than last round :D, and not stuck-up or destroyed in a postmachine.

Thanks for the compliment. Looking forward to yours Judy and of cause all the others too.

[kygirl]

Bonnie, I received your wonderful card. Thanks so much.

[PamPie]

Nice 'paint' job Becky! Got your card today---happy to have it to kick of my collection :)

[webchyck]

Glad mine have started arriving! I think they're cool! LOL!

[graybonnie]

Becky and Mar... ladies your cards are fabulous...Thanks so much!

[Marretje]

Becky your card is in, just beautiful. I'm very curious how the other cards will be if you made them all a little different. Wonderful job.

[ruthpics]

Mar, I love your card, it is wonderful! Thank you!

[Pixeldigger]

Becky - beautiful glass textures and colours, I like the pattern too - just lovely (my husband and niece think so too).

Helen, your card is subtly beautiful, I like the soft colours and the light shining through the glass.

[Marretje]

Judy your card arrived and is beautiful and so unique. I don't tell to much because it's really a suprise. I only have to figure out how it works.

Helen your wonderful card arrived safetly too in the Netherlands.

Thank you both for these little 'Masters in Pieces'.

[graybonnie]

Helen... your red beauties brighten my day!

[DeniseD]

Well I mailed mine today - Yeah - ahead of schedule.

A big thank you to: Bonnie, Helen, Becky & Mar. They are all lovely! :)

[Nevermore]

The neat thing about being sick for sooooooooo long is I totally ignored all mail. It got piled. Now, some of this was not such a good idea. Poor Max is getting suspended from school if we don't get his immunization records updated (Why wouldn't they give us notice? I asked Joe. And then found the THREE prior notices lower in the pile. Needless to say, that warranted a Joe eyebrow lift!) Some of it turned out to be super neat. Like having THREE March cards!

Becky, so elegant! Judith! Your film idea is super cool. Just don't make it into a challenge! My poor fridge is so magnet heavy it might topple. If I start plastering every window in the house the family might complain. As it stands, all important things like the family scheduler have been 86'd as it took up too much precious fridge gallery space! Bonnie, did you make the envelopes? The little bird one is going in the Album I have for these swaps, it is too sweet.

[kygirl]

I love going to the mailbox these days. Becky, what a pretty card (I wish I could have seen all the variations), and Judith, what a clever surprise. I've mailed all mine, so hopefully, they'll start showing up this week.

[happyrobyn]

That's right ... you will be receiving a happyrobyn ATC in the month it is supposed to arrive. Unbelievable!!!!!

Thank you to Becky, Helen, Bonnie and Mar for your super-awesome stained glass pieces that I have already received. It is so much fun looking at them all together in an album.

Mar - that metal is totally cool!!!

[webchyck]

I've received Judy's and Helen's! So pretty! I put my swan up on the sliding glass door, Judy! Very clever idea!

Hey Donna...I'll be posting a pic of all my variations once the swap is over! Wait 'til you see how different some of them were!

[webchyck]

Donna...I can't even begin to imagine how you did your card! That is gorgeous! Love your envie, too! Thanks!

[kygirl]

Thanks, Becky. I used clear embossing powder to coat the glass. I triied a number of techniques before I found one that worked. You should have seen the poor cards where I tried applying vellum over the art. Yukk!

[Diginellie]

Yay cards have started arriving in Australia. Mar yours was first and it is just stunning, now I know why everyone has been praising it. Becky and Bonnie's cards arrived yesterday - more beauty, and then today Judith's cards arrived from the U.K. The swan is gorgeous and I can't believe it is your own photo. And one for the window too!! I am feeling really spoiled. My album is starting to glow with colour, it is amazing how the stained glass effect works so well. Great idea Pam!!

[ruthpics]

Thank you Bonnie for your card...love it!

[happyrobyn]

THREE cards for me today! Thanks to:

Donna - what can I say ... the effect on the wing is too darn cool! I also love the quote.

Dee-Dee - That dragonfly is GORGEOUS! I love the different shades of purple.

Carolyn - The colors are simply beautiful. I really love how you did the background.

[PamPie]

Mar~what transparent material did you print yours on? It's really neat, and like everyone else, I like the added wire--thank you!

Helen~wonderful colors and a pretty card--I like the little red hummers ;) Thank you!

Kay~I see you've used your favorite color! I like your take on this--a piece of the inner you...nicely done...thank you!

Carolyn~a neat window scene! I like how you've done the black outlining...thank you!

Donna~a beautiful glossy/glassy wing! Heh heh--I like the 'lyrics' on the back of the card ;) Thank you!

My internationals were mailed this morning--domestics will go out before the end of the week!

[Marretje]

Donna, how did you do it? I love the wings, just gorgeous. Perhaps it was a lot of work but the result is amazing.

Pam I have a printer with the possibility to print on a lot of different material.

[Pixeldigger]

Wings - Wow! Is that diamond glaze you used, it is terrific!

[graybonnie]

Donna ~ the texture and gloss... I just can't stop looking at it...as always, you have created the prefect ATC.

Carolyn ~ spring has sprung... I get the feeling that if I could touch your stained glass it would have the weight and texture of an actual piece....blending is crazy good too

[Nevermore]

I can see some lifted eyebrows, nonetheless, I will tell you that I attended an embossing class last night. And the first thing I thought of was now I knew how I was going to do the backs of my cards. The front has been done for a couple of weeks. So now I just have to get the supplies. I am borrowing an embossing nib pen but I do want a verso stamp pad. I only did a piece of my card in the class. And had to stop because it was just too cool. The hostess told me I could fix up the blobby, mottled background. "Are you crazy?" I exclaimed, "this is perfect!" She told the other people "We just leave Kim alone. She has her own ideas." So everyone left with a primary coloured kid stamped card. I have a mottled black film background with a pale little stick girl trying to shine through. I just love it. As soon as I saw her emerge, I just stared at her in wonder. (The hostess thought I was upset, that is why she was trying to tell me how to fix it.)

So, I figured out how Donna did her card after I got home. I tell you, Donna, following in your footsteps is starting to be a well trodden path!

The other exercise was to triple emboss a little square and then stamp it so that the stamp is a bas relief in the thick embossing. Again, I did not finish the card it was supposed to go on. I just wanted the beautiful little square. I like my real life crops a lot. But I guess you can't take the quirk out of the woman no matter what the medium!

Next class will be painting on acrylic film (kinda like colouring Dover clip art from what I can see). I am going to take my ATC album to the crop. I have hesitated because they already think I am kinda not with the program. Lookit here, I'll tell them. There are women all over the world who would like a blobby black film stick girl!

[kygirl]

Kim, what a fun class. I've loved watching you evolve from "I can't cut a straight line" to crafty princess. :)

For those who wanted to know how I did the wings, I printed out the cards, filled in the wing with a clear embossing pen (basically a little magic marker filled with clear ink), dumped clear embossing powder on the wing, shook off the excess, and used an embossing dryer (a very hot, high speed dryer) to melt the powder. I used three coats to build up the shine.

It's a fun process. When the powder melts and becomes a glaze, it is so cool. You can use the same tools to make metallic borders or even to make jewelry.

[Marretje]

Denise you don't believe this! Did you send your mail by a rocketflight or something or is it the gorgeous dragonfly? But I received your wonderful card today, thank you, I love the warm purples.

Carolyn I also received your beautiful card. I love the butterflies and that some have the warm colors of the flowers, thank you too.

Thanks Donna for the explanation how to make the wings.

[happyrobyn]

I received a beautiful white swan today ... courtesy of Judy. And what a cool idea on the window cling! My kids are admiring it as I type. I just wish the sun was shining so I could see it in all its glory. It's rainy and gloomy right now.

[DeniseD]

I got some great cards this week!

Carolyn - I love the piece hanging in front of window, very 3dish. :)

Judy - thanks so much for the film, it looks great in our sunny window.

Donna - love the wing! I agree with Kim, following your lead.:)

[webchyck]

I am sitting on a stack of cards here...my goodness! Carolyn outdid herself, didn't she? How fun to receive all those treasures!

Denise, your card is absolutely beautiful! What a great design!

And Robyn, I love the quote on your card for March (not to mention your gorgeous cards for January and February that also arrived). I don't know if Robyn sent everyone the same "sorry" card I got, but that was hilarious, too!

[happyrobyn]

I don't know if Robyn sent everyone the same "sorry" card I got, but that was hilarious, too!
I really meant "sore-y" ... LOL! Yep - they all got 'em!

[graybonnie]

Feels like a birthday with Robyn's and Judith's mail.... ladies you out did yourselves. Thanks bunches!

[mizamigo]

Oh, I am so looking forward to getting my mail.

My dH decided that we needed to go on a cruise - he is the one who has to research everything and at the last minute he says we are going... what's a girl to do????

Anyway, we went on a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean... from Tampa, Fl to Nassau, Bahamas, San Juan, PR, St. Maartens/St. Matins, St. Thomas, BVI, Tortola, Key West, FL and back to Tampa, Fl. 12 days... did you miss me??? OK, I sure missed all of you!!! I was getting computer withdrawl. I created my stained glass pieces and they are waiting for me to do the final "editing" before I send them out to all of you.

And I have to say we just picked up a ton of mail so I haven't even gotten a chance to see what mail I have (dH says "You have a lot of mail here!" but, I am so looking forward to seeing the fabulous mail, and I am ready to send out my piece - abeit a little on the late side. I figure that I can get by with being late since it's not the END of March yet.

BTW, we had a fantastic cruise and I took loads and loads of photos. I also saw a lot of stuff that I would classify as "Quirky" and I love it all. Inspiring and refreshing.

So, it's good to be home and I mean DAQ is "Home". I missed you all and it's been fun reading the threads. (Kim, you are our standard bearer. I love your treatise about digi and "real" scrapping and all I can say is "Be true to yourself." )

So, in closing, ladies and gentlemen... your ATCs are going to be in the mail soon, so keep a look out and I can't wait to see what I get in my mail... off to open tons of stuff (hopefully it will be all good ATCs and NO bills.....)

[PamPie]

Denise--so charming--thank you :)

Judy--card and cling both!--I am now just waiting for a sunny day so I can enjoy your work in a new way--thank you :)

Robyn--such beauty in the card; such wisdom in the quote. Thank you :)

Victoria--a cruise! What a treat :) Welcome 'home'!

[ruthpics]

Thank you Becky! Lovely card with beautiful colours.

Thank you Judy! Love the swan and the widow cling on! Thank you!

Thank you Helen! Terrific image with the hummingbirds! Thank you!

Thank you Donna! Stunning card...love the wing with music and the aged look!

[Pixeldigger]

Denise, thanks for the cool dragonfly, it has been much admired.
Robyn - wow, what a super bundle. Now all I have to work out is the puzzle - I give up, what's the answer?

The white swan photo is lovely, but I originally had a beautiful black swan to use if I could only have got it into the computer! The black would have been much better on the film, but colouring it in digitally just didn't LOOK right. I wasn't getting the shading and light right - feel free to use your acetate pens on the film, ladies

[happyrobyn]

Robyn - wow, what a super bundle. Now all I have to work out is the puzzle - I give up, what's the answer?
Ah Judith ... you have already figured out the puzzle! I will email you your final instructions!

[Nevermore]

So here I am with the printer all fired up and spare cartridges just in case (it seems every time I do a set of ATCs I get a "running out of ink" warning). And I read this thread through from the beginning and know that there are 17 in the swap. So far, so good. But I don't have the freaking mailing list! So dear, overworked beleaguered Becky, please send it to me again. Sorry about that.

I did not get the embossing powder so will have to whip up some backs. I convinced my couch potato family to go out shopping yesterday but before we were even done in the first store I said I wanted to go home. They were so pouty, sullen and grumpy I couldn't stand it.

Haven't made it back out yet, won't get to it until midweek and I don't want to leave this until the last minute so embossing will have to wait until next month. Unless we aren't doing this anymore?;)

[Pixeldigger]

Wash your beak out, Raven! See you at next month's swap ...

Robyn *grin* I thought as much :D

[happyrobyn]

Robyn *grin* I thought as much :D
Judith - awaiting your final assingment and you can claim your ticket!

[kygirl]

Just got back from a little vacation to Chicago, and came home to a mailbox full of goodies.

Denise: The dragonfly is gorgeous. I love those soothing colors.

Carolyn: The stained glass is gorgeous, and I really like the way you mounted it on the card.

Helen: A true piece of art. The colors are stunning.

And, Robyn: I really hit the jackpot by playing this month. All three cards are wonderful, but this month's is extra special. I really love the quote.

Thanks to all of you. I don't know why I waited so long to join this swap. It's a blast.

[DeniseD]

Ok Robyn - you've got me stumped! Where's a dunce cap, lol.

Thanks for the Atcs & the Card cover was too funny!

[Nevermore]

I got the production assembly up and running this afternoon and the cards are assembled, sleeved, enveloped. Max helped make inserts. They are um, well, eh, "primitive" but we had a blast because we "cut" the mulberry paper with qtips and water. We are both novice stampers and I wish with all my heart you could have heard us exclaiming, commiserating and commenting on stamping. We have agreed we need more practice.

Now, if I just had the mailing list...

[happyrobyn]

Check your email Kim. I just forwarded it to you. I can't wait to see the card!!

[Nevermore]

Thanks Robyn, just in time to let me sneakily use the stamp machine at work...

[happyrobyn]

Thanks Robyn, just in time to let me sneakily use the stamp machine at work...
WTF are you doing at work??? Go HOME!!

[wmnwrtr]

The best thing about having a daughter who digi scraps (and lives in the same town!) is meeting, eating, and getting our ATCs ready to mail--in one envelope! LOL That's my PamPie.

[Nevermore]

WTF are you doing at work??? Go HOME!!

NO, no, I am at home--I mean I can take them into work and mail them early.

I finally gave my head a shake and made labels for all the addresses! What with Max doing the envelope stuffing and inserts and Avery doing the addressing I am practically a manufacturer.

Time out:

Donna: of course I received your wonderful card. I have embossing envy but worse, you used one of those little paper bag thingies that Pampie used once. I cannot find them anywhere. They are adorable!

Carolyn, I adore your "springing" butterfly on such a deep vibrant background. Mmm mmm good.

DeeDee, your card is so Tiffany! Classic, elegant and marvellous. You really got the look going on the blue glass. Wonderful.

[Nevermore]

WTF are you doing at work??? Go HOME!!

NO, no, I am at home--I mean I can take them into work and mail them early.

I finally gave my head a shake and made labels for all the addresses! What with Max doing the envelope stuffing and inserts and Avery doing the addressing I am practically a manufacturer.

Time out:

Donna: of course I received your wonderful card. I have embossing envy but worse, you used one of those little paper bag thingies that Pampie used once. I cannot find them anywhere. They are adorable!

Carolyn, I adore your "springing" butterfly on such a deep vibrant background. Mmm mmm good.

DeeDee, your card is so Tiffany! Classic, elegant and marvellous. You really got the look going on the blue glass. Wonderful.

[PamPie]

The best thing about having a daughter who digi scraps (and lives in the same town!) is meeting, eating, and getting our ATCs ready to mail--in one envelope!
We multi-tasked well, huh? Assembling, talking, eating yummy food at Rumbi Island Grill. We may need to try that again ;)

[Nevermore]

My goodness! I wouldn't let food anywhere NEAR my ATCs-- not until we do the Crumb Swap or the ink writing on rice grain swap or the collage with dried up cheerios swap. Max and I often find interesting ways dried up cheerios have embroidered our decor. Some might consider it dirt, others may chose to see it as unconscious installation art.

[Diginellie]

I received 2 gorgeous ATC's in the mail this morning. Donna what can say!! Stunning embossing, a beautiful quote and I see what Kim means about the little envelope, just perfect. And those rounded edges! I have looked at all the cards in my album now and I have to say the rounded edges really stand out and look the best - to my eye anyway. Kim, Mish and Rikki have all done these and now Donna. Anyway Denise I also recived your Dragonfly card. I love the border on this and the colours and the reverse is just as good. I also have to work on my `reverse' next month.

On Wednesday I will be giving a talk to our local Art Society on ATC's. They meet every Wednesday and organise talks and activities. I am quite excited about this. Only one of them has done any Digital Art but they are all long time artists, mainly hobbyists. I am going to take along a pack of playing cards for them to use as `supports' and they can then start altering these. I thought they could adhere paper to the fronts and backs and work from there. I have the idea of using `The Tarot' as a theme because it is very fantasy based and gives a lot of scope. I can take along a pack I have to show them what is possible with such a relatively small amount of real estate. Anyway all ideas gratefully received :)

[Nevermore]

Darn it! I just licked the darn envelopes and did not even think to round the corners! Now that I am so punch savvy (huge belt of laughter), it would not have been a problem.

How freakin' exciting is your news! Are you going to take any of our swap cards? I think this is just so darn cool! Wish you could come here and give a wee talk!

[PamPie]

How very exciting, Helen--I hope it goes well!

[digime]

That sounds like so much fun Helen! I'm sure they'll be as intrigued as we are with ATC's! They're small and quick to make, fun to trade...does it get any better than that? Let us know how it goes!

[Pixeldigger]

That sounds like fun, I am planning to go to a talk on ATCs next month at the hobby shop here, I will take along some of the swaps I have received and make everyone jealous.

[Nevermore]

Et tu, Judith! Wow. I am impressed.

[Pixeldigger]

Hey, I'm going to a talk, got going to DO a talk. Knowing me though, I'll do my fair share of talking!

[kygirl]

Helen and Judith, be sure to let us know how your sessions go. I would love to go a real-life swap.

Helen, thanks for your wonderful comments. I have absolutely no strength in my wrists, so to get the rounded corners, I have to lay the punch on the floor and step on it. I'm sure I look like a monkey, card in my left hand and right foot on the punch. After doing 17 cards, I had to take a nap. LOL

[Pixeldigger]

Donna, I feel for you. Just don't overbalance when you're standing on one foot, I would rather have square corners rather than have you hurt.

I had a good trip out in my buggy today, the sun is shining again and the ducks are being very territorial down by the canal.

[PamPie]

I have to lay the punch on the floor and step on it. I'm sure I look like a monkey, card in my left hand and right foot on the punch. After doing 17 cards, I had to take a nap. LOL
Now, that is a skill! (;)I'd like to watch Kim do that...)

[kygirl]

I got my envelope from Colorado today.

Kay, the queen of spades is just stunning. I love the colors.

And, Pam, weren't you generous. The stained glass flower is gorgeous, but the stained glass pun cracked me up. Too much fun.

Thanks, ladies.

[Nevermore]

Now, that is a skill! (;)I'd like to watch Kim do that...)
You silly girl, I don't have to do tricks to look like a monkey!

[ruthpics]

Robyn, what a bountiful envelop I received from you today. Four months worth in one! They are all wonderful. Thank you very much!

Denise, thank you for your beautiful dragonfly card!

[webchyck]

Now, everybody that has received Robyn's card, you must follow her directions and play along! I guarantee you it's worth it!

Hi Kay! Hi Pam! I got your cards today! Pam, you are too funny! You win the Pun of the Week Award! The flower is gorgeous and, Kay, as always, your card is elegantly quirky! Thanks so much!

[Nevermore]

I got the punning Pam and Kay! I got gorgeous swirls from Helen. I got strict orders from Max to tell everybody that this month "he loves them all". Me too!

[digime]

On Friday I received cards from Bonnie, Helen, Becky, Donna and Judith. What a bonanza! They're all so unique and creative...thank you so much!

With head hanging, I have to confess that mine are still sitting on my desk. I've been dragging around here trying to get motivated but it just got up and went. They're all ready to address and put into envelopes but somehow that seems like a monumental task. Maybe I should drink more coffee!

They'll be in the mail by Wednesday (and I'm from the government, I'm here to help you and other great lies)!

[Nevermore]

Don't know if you have tried this or not, Kate, but last night I finally loaded all the addresses into Word and just printed em on Avery labels. Chances are good I will do another swap (tee hee) and most of the time the players are the same (how cool) so it won't be much work going forward to add names to the labels.

I have to admit it was wonderful just to peel and stick. I do know what you mean. At the end of the night, after I stuffed the envelopes with the cards and inserts and typewritten note, I just didn't feel like handwriting out 16 addresses!

[mizamigo]

Well, I have to thank everyone for my fantabulous (my own word) stained glass masterpieces. We had tons of mail and the BEST ones were addressed to me!!!!

I've got my ATC ready and now I just have to put them in envelopes and mail them out, so I guess I'll be "last person mailing" this month.

[happyrobyn]

Maybe I should drink more coffee!
I usually reach for something a little stronger!! LOL!

[ScrapAlice]

Wow! Mailbox dry spell over! I got that bunch of cool cards from the Eflins (special thanks to Pam for the Vanguard card), the gorgeous stained glass from Mar, Becky, Judy (neat window cling, too!), and the backlog from Miss Robyn (along with mystery ticket).

I have the big confession that mine are not printed yet. Will you shoot me if I send the chunky pages and the ATCs at the same time? I'm working toward some cool things with the chunky pages, and hope maybe you all will like them too. FUN!

[Nevermore]

What a TEASE!

[Pixeldigger]

No, No, Kim, it wasn't a tease, it was a [click here] (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2811&cat=500&ppuser=239)

[graybonnie]

Alice, you can my mail chunky and ATC together.... no problem.....:)

[Pixeldigger]

Kay and Pam, i got your cards today, I like the alternative version of stained glass, I do like words

[digime]

I usually reach for something a little stronger!! LOL!


Robyn, good suggestion but I'm one of those useless drinkers that fall asleep after 2 drinks...great fun at a party!! LOL!

I did take Kim's suggestion though, and set up a mail list for labels. Now it won't seem like such a huge deal (after I've had my 2 drinks), to slap those babies on the envelopes! Thanks Kim, and yes, they will definately be in the mail today.

[happyrobyn]

The ultra-cool Eflin package arrived in my mailbox today, too. Very cool stuff! I especially love the play on words. All of the cards are gorgeous! Thank you so much!

[ScrapAlice]

Dee-Dee! Got your card, too, and the dragonfly is awesome! Thanks!

[Marretje]

I received also the wonderful Eflin Package, beautiful cards. They are good for my English, I love to play with words in Dutch and try it in English, so thanks.

Also a heavy package of Robyn, thank you too for all the wonderful cards of 1, 2 ..... times, lol. And you made your Altered-CD promise true, Promise to Write.

[digime]

and the fun just keeps on coming!

Today I received cards from Mar (I really love the way you connected the wire in the photograph with the wire around the card. I just love it when someone thinks outside the box and comes up with something so different!)

Denise (beautiful...I love dragonflies!),

Carolyn, (gorgeous butterfly..very jewel-like),

and the jackpot that everyone's been talking about from Robyn! (you'd be excused from anything with that wonderful card of apology!, and yes, the Feb. card with it's super cute punched corners is love-ly. We were on the same wavelength too, re: quotes for the stained glass card - beautiful colours!)

OK Robyn, I'm asking "what does this ticket admit me too?? Or what do I admit to with this ticket?"

Mar's card with the little wire holder gave me an idea...how about doing a November or December swap with some kind of hanger on the card? It could be an ATC Xmas tree decoration swap.

[ruthpics]

Carolyn, thank you for your beautiful card! Love the butterflies!

My cards finally made it to the post office today!

[graybonnie]

The Kay and Pam show arrived...yahoo... loved each and every one... Pam's quirky glass was my favorite.

[Nevermore]

I recently sent a package to the States and used a paper folder to enclose some of the material--you know, the heavy cardboard package that comes wrapped around inkjet paper to keep it in good order. So, I wasn't surprised to get a heavy cardboard inkjet package from Robyn. I was a little surprised that she went to the bother of shrinkwrapping it--and then I realised that the heavy cardboard inkjet paper was, in fact, a package of inkjet paper!
[Robyn, in The Purloined Letter, Edgar Allen Poe sets up a mystery of a hidden object that no one can find except the protaganist because it is hidden in plain view.]
Well, Joe looked up because I gave a wee scream. Darling Robyn sent me a package of canvas inkject paper!

I cannot locate this here except for an imported Legion brand that I bought in December (I did your Christmas ATCs on it) which is approximately $5.00 a sheet (it cost me about $100.00 for a package of 20). I told Joe that it would be months between canvas ATCs!

And now I have a whole package from Robyn.

Poor Joe, I was blethering on so...and see, I can get 12 to a sheet which is normally enough for a swap except lately we have been getting much larger groups so that would be two to a swap but still that would be 6 swaps... by the time I got to our "we used to have 6 to 9 but then we decided we liked getting all of them" part I could identify total eye glaze.

So he pretty much had tuned out by the time I got to the "but wait, she must have sent her cards" part.

I can tell you, I was pretty excited.

It is funny, really. I guess because I am older and can self indulge when I feel like it, Christmases and birthdays and the like are wonderful for the sentiment and the family but I hardly ever get a real thrill from my presents anymore. Most of the time, I have had to supply the list in the first place.

But my swaps! Oh my. I never know what is going to be in that envelope!

[Pixeldigger]

Canvas inkjet paper??? Oh my, I simply MUST get to a craft shop while I am in the States.

[happyrobyn]

OK Robyn, I'm asking "what does this ticket admit me too?? Or what do I admit to with this ticket?"
Kate - check your email! I have sent further instructions.

Kim - I'm so glad your package arrived safely. I knew you had been coveting that paper and I was at the store so I picked up a pack. For those of you not in the U.S. - perhaps you could find it on eBay (if they ship to where you are!). Here's (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270102754976&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:2) just one posting I found.

[happyrobyn]

Also a heavy package of Robyn, thank you too for all the wonderful cards of 1, 2 ..... times, lol. And you made your Altered-CD promise true, Promise to Write.
Thanks for reminding me of that Mar! It was fun to sit and hand-write a few things but I did notice that my handwriting has gotten very poor. It's like I have forgotten how to write now that I type so much.

[happyrobyn]

Robyn, in The Purloined Letter, Edgar Allen Poe sets up a mystery of a hidden object that no one can find except the protaganist because it is hidden in plain view.
Kim - thanks for the Literature lesson! LOL! But I just realized with this comment that you MAY have thought the prize of the enclosed Equivocation puzzle was the paper and that is not the case. You still need to figure out the puzzle!

[Marretje]

Oke, I'm mostly to shy to ask but Robyn i have the same question as Kate about the ticket "what does this ticket admit me too?? Or what do I admit to with this ticket?", besides that I love it to use it in a layout :D.

[happyrobyn]

Oke, I'm mostly to shy to ask but Robyn i have the same question as Kate about the ticket "what does this ticket admit me too?? Or what do I admit to with this ticket?", besides that I love it to use it in a layout :D.
LOL Mar! Check your email. Further instructions have been sent. ;)

[DeniseD]

Pam and Kay - thanks so much for your cards.

Kay - love how it hangs with the little charm.

Pam - they are both lovely, the glass is a fun play on words. :)

[ScrapAlice]

Did I somehow miss an email about the ticket, Robyn? I have noticed that a lot of emails coming to my yahoo account have been multiples of the same thing, and it could have gotten erased in my haste to delete a dozen of the same email from a Freecycle request. Would you please resend if you did already? Many thanks! I love a mystery!

[ScrapAlice]

Donna and Carolyn! Got your stained glass cards of Sprung Spring and Mountain sunrise...very very pretty. I must get some more pages for putting these cards in my album.

[graybonnie]

Okay Robin I give what does the ticket get you? :D

[ruthpics]

I received the Eflin envelope today! What treasures inside! Lovely cards! Thank you Kay and Pam!

[happyrobyn]

Did I somehow miss an email about the ticket, Robyn? I have noticed that a lot of emails coming to my yahoo account have been multiples of the same thing, and it could have gotten erased in my haste to delete a dozen of the same email from a Freecycle request. Would you please resend if you did already? Many thanks! I love a mystery!

Bonnie and Alice ... check your email for details. Thanks for ASKING!!! LOL!

[Nevermore]

I suspect that asking will generate a prompt for a photo...my mouth is zipped shut while my brain argues whether 1) I can fool ya by sending a photo of Eartha Kitt or 2) whether I should send just b/c the prize is so great.

[happyrobyn]

I suspect that asking will generate a prompt for a photo...my mouth is zipped shut while my brain argues whether 1) I can fool ya by sending a photo of Eartha Kitt or 2) whether I should send just b/c the prize is so great.
Although she is beautiful:

http://www.freewebs.com/glasgow-empire/eartha%20kitt%202.jpg

She is no Raven! So are you ASKING???!!!

[webchyck]

Eartha Kitt is definitely a Quirk...and you know, she wouldn't even have to get a new name!

[mizamigo]

2) whether I should send just b/c the prize is so great.

Believe me, Kim, you want the prize!

Thanks, Robyn. What fun!!!

[happyrobyn]

Got Ruth's card today. GORGEOUS!! Love the purple! Thank you so much.

[Marretje]

Got Ruth's and Kate's cards today. What a wonderful cards. I love indead the purple of Ruth card too and the little fairy flops of Kate. Thank you both for the wonderful cards.

[happyrobyn]

I got a simply stunning card today ... from Canada ... in an obnoxious pink envelope ...stained glass flower on the front ... butterfly wing on the back ... nice typed explanation of why front and back don't match ... cool stamped "enjoy" page inside ... NO NAME ... no return address!!! That's 10 points off, Missy! My guess is that this gorgeous piece of art is the handiwork of Ms. Gabriel but if not, please let me know so I can thank you properly. Thanks for the idea of looking at the front and back at the same time in the mirror. Too cool!

[mizamigo]

Well, Miss HappyRobyn, if you look real close on the bottom of the back you will see that there is a "nevermore" stamp on the card. Mine arrived today and I love it!

And on that note, I'm going to be sending my March and April ATCs out together (postal rates indeed!), and I will be thanking all of the March ATC creators soon.....

But in the meantime, thanks everyone, I love these ATCs.

[kygirl]

Kim, I received your card today. The lily is beautiful; I love the way you used the strokes for the stained glass effect.

[ruthpics]

I got a simply stunning card today ... from Canada ... in an obnoxious pink envelope ...stained glass flower on the front ... butterfly wing on the back ... nice typed explanation of why front and back don't match ... cool stamped "enjoy" page inside ... NO NAME ... no return address!!! That's 10 points off, Missy! My guess is that this gorgeous piece of art is the handiwork of Ms. Gabriel but if not, please let me know so I can thank you properly. Thanks for the idea of looking at the front and back at the same time in the mirror. Too cool!


I too struggled with who the card was from...but tucked in the bottom right corner on the back of the card - which could also be the front, (seeing as they don't match LOL) is a tiny little nevermore! It is indeed from Kim! Love the card Kim...front and back! I also really enjoyed the explanation! Thank you!

Thank you Kate! Love your flip flops! Very Clever!

[happyrobyn]

Well, Miss HappyRobyn, if you look real close on the bottom of the back you will see that there is a "nevermore" stamp on the card.
Oh thanks! I see it!!! Guess I better order my bifocals now! Ten points off for me for being a nimrod!! LOL!

[ScrapAlice]

Bifocals indeed! I have TRIfocals, and still had to get out my magnifier to read that teeny "nevermore" in the corner. LOL! This is why I work on everything at a very high magnification and lots of contrast!

[Nevermore]

that all my ATCs are arriving! Isn't Max's mulberry paper greeting card a hoot! Yes, the envelopes are rather obnoxious but they were cheap and so am I!

I guess I should be a little more confident and sign my name a bit bigger, eh? Sorry about that.

But seriously, would anyone else send such a strange strange greeting card? Who else could it be but Kim and Max? Who else would tell you to stand in front of a mirror so you could see the entire card at once? Mind you, the biblical verse might have thrown the lot of you off.

I got two cards today: funky flip flops (what a hoot! and Ruth's cool calm purple number). Slipped them into the album.

You know, I have a very cool tabbed album where I keep the swaps by month but I haven't done a darn thing to the tabs. I should get right on that!

[Pixeldigger]

Two cards in my postbox:

Kim, you quirk, you - a double-sided ATC is carrying paper economy a little too far, don't you think? Actually, I love it, but I know you would miss my teasing if I didn't call you on it.

Kate, that's funny. Oh, the number of times I have wished I could wear comfy shoes to a reception!

[DeniseD]

Got some great cards this weekend!

Ruth - love the colors and great brush work.

Kate - what a fun card - love it.

Kim - I was scratching my head too, glad someone pointed out the name.
Looking in the mirror is pretty cool - more interactive.

Thanks again ladies. :)

[Marretje]

that all my ATCs are arriving! Isn't Max's mulberry paper greeting card a hoot! Yes, the envelopes are rather obnoxious but they were cheap and so am I!

LOL, about these envelopes, I saw my mailman today, our mail is daily delivered at home so he ask me: "Oke, tell me where is your secret lover with all these mail. What are you doing with so much foreignmail?" So thanks Kim for your wonderful card, Love, love, love it and thanks Max for his beautiful mulberry paper greeting card, love the ribbons.

And ps, sometimes can cheap envelopes been very nice, I found a box recycled one, nothing wrong with them, just colorful.

[PamPie]

I have been to the mirror! Kim--lovely...

;)Aunt Frances would be pleased, Ruth--I know I am--so pretty...

[Pixeldigger]

Mar, recycled is good. I try to recycle as much as I can (except for my cards, those go in an album).

[Marretje]

Mar, recycled is good. I try to recycle as much as I can (except for my cards, those go in an album).

LOL, I did last month a ATC Swap with junk-mail and old cardbord of empty packages of rise or cornflackes or something like that. The only thing which you could buy and use was glue. Well the results where amazing. However I don't know how the junkmail is in other countries but Dutch junkmail can be beautiful, sometimes :rolleyes:.

[webchyck]

I received some lovely Stained Glass art in the mail today (well, it was really yesterday's mail, but I didn't want to go outside in the cold to get it!). Both pieces were from Canadian Quirks, Kate and Ruth, and I love them! Thanks for swapping! I love seeing all my cards in my new notebook style card sleeves!

[webchyck]

More Canadian Quirk Mail! Now I am considering the lily...the lily has nothing in common with my life...all I do is toil and spin! LOL! The butterfly wing is also gorgeous! I did not, however, run to the mirror! I was too enthralled by your sheer paper, stamped and embellished! So pretty!

[Diginellie]

Wow I have a had a veritable avalanche of ATC's this week!! First up a package from Denver, all so beautiful and Pam your glass is very clever. Then I received Roby's package yesterday. Robyn your card made me laugh, and then today from Canada Kate's gorgeous flip flops (we call them thongs in Australia and I think `thong' is something else in Canada ROFL). And also Ruth's very Arty take on glass. So now I have been busily arranging my cards in my album, I think I am becoming (have become) an ATC Tragic !!!

[Nevermore]

LOL, I did last month a ATC Swap with junk-mail and old cardbord of empty packages of rise or cornflackes or something like that. The only thing which you could buy and use was glue. Well the results where amazing. However I don't know how the junkmail is in other countries but Dutch junkmail can be beautiful, sometimes :rolleyes:.

You guys, this is an EXCITING idea: found ATCs ie. have to incorporate junk mail. I know we have topics to 2009 or something like that but please add this one to the bottom of the list. The possibilities are mind boggling.

[kygirl]

Ruth, I love your ATC, especially your use of that gorgeous shade of purple.

Mar, the idea of a junk ATC is an interesting one. It sounds right up my alley.

Becky, another idea for a swap (I guess this is for 2009) is "What's Black and White, and Red All Over?" I think this group could really get into the quirkiness of being limited to three colors.

[happyrobyn]

Becky, another idea for a swap (I guess this is for 2009) is "What's Black and White, and Red All Over?" I think this group could really get into the quirkiness of being limited to three colors.
OMG!!! It is so funny you mention this. I am smack dab in the middle of a kit and one of the names I am tossing around in my head is "Black and White and Red All Over."

[webchyck]

Well, you know, Robyn, we design our challenges just so we can increase the sales of your compatible kits! LOL!

[Marretje]

You guys, this is an EXCITING idea: found ATCs ie. have to incorporate junk mail. I know we have topics to 2009 or something like that but please add this one to the bottom of the list. The possibilities are mind boggling.

This started by recycled envelopes, LOL, guess who was talking about them. Well I don't suggest it for here, but serious, some of our junkmail is better than an expencive magazin. Lot of Italian ads with great blended photo's on heavy paper. Or African, Asian and Buddha stuff, last week a ads about Manhattan and the statue of liberty, I don't know who take these photo's in Black and White but with a little red, mmmmmm. To be honest I started collecting 'some' junkmail, never thought I ever would do that.

[kygirl]

Robyn, looks like the plan may have worked. You know where to send the cash. LOL

[happyrobyn]

Robyn, looks like the plan may have worked. You know where to send the cash. LOL
Yes ... I guess I missed the boat on the Chocolate ATC kit!! LOL!

[Nevermore]

The sad thing, really, for the addicted, is not only would I NOT care if this was a kit conspiracy, I would actually buy the darn thing! Gladly! I love Ms. England's kits. Gotta dash and grab my Caramilk. I gotta eat how many, 16? yeah 16 of them and I am a few behind. I know I added junk mail to the list of ideas but I also want to add Wine Gums because if I am going to eat for the swappers I would rather eat Wine Gums or Werthers than chocolate. I am actually SACRIFICING my snack for this ATC by having to ingest gobs of the stuff.

[happyrobyn]

Gotta dash and grab my Caramilk. I gotta eat how many, 16? yeah 16 of them and I am a few behind. I know I added junk mail to the list of ideas but I also want to add Wine Gums because if I am going to eat for the swappers I would rather eat Wine Gums or Werthers than chocolate. I am actually SACRIFICING my snack for this ATC by having to ingest gobs of the stuff.
So if this is the case, can I please add margaritas to the list of ATC themes?! LOL! By the 16th card, I may not be able to glue the backs on properly but I won't really care at that point!!

[Nevermore]

I am happy to note that there is something I can do better than Robyn! I can not glue the backs on properly without needing a single drink.

[Pixeldigger]

Hmmm, cranberry juice and vodka for me, please, with ice. Hey we should have a 'favourite drinks' ATC swap sometime.

[ruthpics]

Well, as long as we are drinking...pass me a Mike's Hard Lemonade!

[webchyck]

So, now we really are into 2008 with our themes! Don't think I won't use them either, you quirky girls...except, I have absolutely no idea what a wine gum is! Guess I'd better go google it! Although it would be easier if someone just quirkled it for me (as in, tell me what the heck it is!)

[ruthpics]

So, now we really are into 2008 with our themes! Don't think I won't use them either, you quirky girls...except, I have absolutely no idea what a wine gum is! Guess I'd better go google it! Although it would be easier if someone just quirkled it for me (as in, tell me what the heck it is!)

Wine Gums are a delicious chewy candy, unlike no other! The black one are my favourite...and you can never eat just one!

http://www.britsuperstore.com/acatalog/Maynards_Wine_Gums_Roll.jpg http://yummies.com/store/media/winegums.jpg

[webchyck]

Well, I can never eat just one of anything! Not sure I should add these to my diet!

[Nevermore]

I could not have expressed it better than Ruth. Sadly, they also come in bags so one need not just have a roll... a wine gum is to a ju jube like a .... a.... Niagara Falls is to the lawn sprinkler. On steroids. Uber.

[happyrobyn]

A wine gum is to a ju jube like a .... a.... Niagara Falls is to the lawn sprinkler. On steroids. Uber.
And now she goes and starts some slam poetry...

They're so much alike
Like a wine gum is to a ju jube
Like Niagra Falls is to a lawn sprinkler
Like Mother Teresa is to Britney Spears.
Not alike
Just ain't similar
It's criminal
Like murder and stealing a toothpick
Makes you sick
Like barfing is to baby spit-up
Just don't match
They ain't a good simile
Oh silly me!
Like Marilyn Manson is to The Partridge Family
Like Bill Gates and the poor man under the highway
That's my way of sayin'
It ain't the same.

[Nevermore]

This baby is spitting up laughing so hard she might start to barf... The last time there was slam poetry in here it was That's so Raven-- I think I must be your poetic Muse :p

You did a much better job than I could ever do expressing the chasm (a chasm like the ... Grand Canyon yeah, like the Grand Canyon is to a crack in the sidewalk) between the ju jube and the wine gum.

[happyrobyn]

I think you are ... my Raven Muse!

[Pixeldigger]

but babies smell so good
and baby spit-up stinks,
One is baby powder
The other, skunk, I think.
Wine gums are delicious,
jujubes you just chew
I know which one
We'd better send to you.

[happyrobyn]

Go Judith!!! That was awesome!!

[graybonnie]

Kate and Ruth... you have brighten up my crazy world. Thanks for the wonderful cards!

[graybonnie]

Denise and Pam... I owe you an apology :o Your envelops decided to run away and have an adventure. Thank goodness they didn't get far, just under the car seat with the bits of car fuzzys that tend to accumulate. Made the discovery to late for yesterday's mail but they will speeding on their way to you Monday morning.

[mizamigo]

YEAH!!! I just got back from the post office and wanted to let you all know that my March stained glass ATC is in the mail along with my April chocolate ATC... how's that for combining stuff????

Thank you all for the beautiful, wonderful, super spectacular stained glass works of art. I love each and every one of them.

[PamPie]

Snazzy pair of footwear, Kate! Fun, fun card -- thank you :)

[Diginellie]

I had to do some detective work yesterday when I received a card with a Canadian postmark and no other clues :confused: However after reading the quirkstructions and the quirksplanation I realised it could only be from one person. I raced for my magnifying glass (I am getting older) and yes it was from Kim. Thank you Kim, I love the wings and your little extras are appreciated :)

[PamPie]

Victoria--your beautiful butterfly has arrived--so lovely--thank you!

[PamPie]

Lovely dahlia, Bonnie, lovely card :) I'm thinking of using dahlias in my wedding...

[graybonnie]

There one of my favorite flowers and they seem to hold up well when cut.

[kygirl]

Victoria, the butterfly really is beautiful. Thanks.

[DeniseD]

Bonnie, thanks so much for the Dahlia card! They are my fav flower. :)

Victoria, your butterfly is vibrant & gorgeous. Thanks a bunch! :)

[webchyck]

Alice, I don't know how you created this, but I'm so impressed with your Love Banner! utterly delightful! Thanks so much!