greenpepperpressblog

Tag: cool stuff

the things we do….because of a crush

I’m not talking just about what a crush makes us do for ourselves….I’m talking about what someone else’s crush makes us do…..for them.

Like say for instance, I have a crush on caution tape. My kids, and my friends, know I like to collect tape. I have some great stories about tape – but one of the best ones was posted HERE, when my friend Penny had her son (who was visiting Greece), get me some foreign language tape…and then she made me a cool piece of art with it. She KNEW I would go wild…..because she KNOWS I have a crush on tape, and because IT’S FUN when you know that about someone, and can get them stuff that will make them swoon.

Above is my tape drawer, filled with some of my own finds, and some items that were gifted from friends. Below are some of recent related scores….Halloween tape, found at my grocery store. And how about those bandages???? H.C.I.T.?

And just today, I got to be a CRUSH-ENABLER. Our son Peter is a huge gamer, and has been waiting for Halo3 since we pre-ordered it months ago. It was released today! So I got to run over and have it for him when he got out of school. Nothing better than making someone happy with something you know they’ll love.

Crush-enabling for myself: Paul Potts. I wrote about him earlier this year but in case you forgot, he’s the gentleman who won Britain’s Got Talent. Because I watched this video clip nearly 100 times, and each time I got goosebumps, I had to have the album. (Bought it today!) Jolene remembered my post and reminded me to GET THE ALBUM. She knew I was crushing on Paul…..so her little note was such a sweet crush-enabler. Her thoughtfulness made my day – but she never would have been able to share that glee with me if I hadn’t made that post. It’s a good thing to share your crushes, big or little.

EDIT: I took out the embedded video of Paul Potts because it was screwing up viewing for some people. (Thanks for the heads up Lisa).

I could fill a month of blog posts if I shared everything that’s been shared with me as a result of admitting a crush. Like how about this from Judy, and this just in from Flo last week.

Last year, some friends and I prepared a gift for a crush of ours. It was a big hit because we know his crushes and knew he needed this, even if he didn’t know it yet. It even got mentioned by this person in a magazine as a favorite fan-gift. I’d like to be able to add to the collection of grave dirt we started. I already have one new thing to give him (dirt gathered by Maj in Denmark!)…..just need a few more. So, if you can help me out with this I will be forever grateful and will offer you something in trade.

I will post details about this request tomorrow (or later tonight). Yes, I admit I am crazy. But it’s a good crazy.

Know what your friends crushes are? Start making a list of things you can get them because CRUSH-ENABLING is just as much fun as crushing! Am I right???

September 25, 2007
Obsession Confession

Not a big admission because you probably already GOT that about me. I have been addicted to cool graphics and imagery for years. At one point, back in my 20’s, I thought about going back to school to get a degree in Graphic Design. And although my degree is in architecture, I have alot of self-imposed training in graphics. I’m self-taught in Photoshop – THAT is a serious addiction.

A year ago I wrote an article about Maximalism. I wasn’t even sure if that was the proper name for the graphic style I was discovering, but I had found a book by the same name and it seemed the right thing to call it. Here you can see how I began making journal pages from collected imagery in magazines, and then I began playing with layering images digitally. I’ve gotten much better since these were done because I stumbled upon making custom brushes. Hello? How come it took me so long to discover THAT? In my article I emphasized the words above. When you are attracted to something (for me it was magazine and tshirt graphics) you TRUST that is is something worth taking notice of, even if you don’t know where it will lead. Then you need to STUDY. Learn as much as you can about the thing. Next is to IMAGINE all the possible ways you can incorporate this thing into your art. How can you make it happen? What tools do you need? Lastly, you need to determine how to make it your own. PERSONALIZE your inspiration by processing through your own filters to make unique, individual, signature art.

My fascination with layered graphics has been evolving and growing for about two years. In addition to my observation of interesting text treatment in magazines, I found printed tshirts to be a fabulous resource of inspiration.

The more I studied this artform, the more I found…..books, websites, artists, who really got my attention. Here is one of the first guys that made me nearly faint…..

And of course, I’ve talked about this one before…..a household name by now. What? You don’t know him but you shop at Target? Pay more attention! Crossing fingers he’s the featured artist again this xmas.

I could spend an entire day putting together a post about tattoos. And about KatVonD. (She inks V.V.!) And about L.A. Ink. I have a CRUSH on that show! My most favorite thing is watching them sketch out their ideas. I especially love watching Corey draw free hand right onto the skin. Makes you want to draw, doesn’t it? I do make a practice of drawing alot, like a few times a week….but he makes me want to draw first thing every morning. But that’s not what I’m introducing as my next crush. It’s actually about tribal tattoo design. I love the stark, slick, linear and curving graphics of tribal ink. I’ve turned these photos into b&w so if you are not into this kind of thing it won’t gross you out too bad. I’m totally working tribal into my new line of rubber. Are you surprised? Not!

It was nearly 2 years ago that Graham got his first tat. It had the tribal flare. Really cool. NEVER did I think I would get a tattoo. Even after he got his it was not even on my radar. Then about a year ago I caved. This is on my lower back……the b&w graphic on the right, you silly, not the "You Rock". THAT was created on a website….a very cool little trick. Try it HERE. But back to my tat…I love it so much I may have a mini version done on my ankle. Who knew I’d be saying this!

EDIT: Forgot to include a Shout Out to Laura of MadScienceCreations on Etsy, where I got this cool ribbon because it’s TRIBAL! Don’t you need some? Go HERE.

So there you have it……a SMALL SAMPLING of visuals to express my CRUSH on graphics. The tip of the iceberg really. You get the idea. I wondered for a long time where all this interest would take me – beyond designing stamps. This week Susanna and I began a course in silk-screen printing. I am thrilled to learn we will be making our screens through a film and emulsion process – although cutting the stencils would have been fine with me. I can hardly stand how cool it will be to make my own graphic ts. Editing my ideas will be the only drag.

Have a crush to share? Of course you do! We are passionate people and have alot we crush on, and we use our blogs to share big and mini crushes everyday! Come over and share a few with the Street Team and see what else we are crushing on.

September 20, 2007
Obsession Confession

Not a big admission because you probably already GOT that about me. I have been addicted to cool graphics and imagery for years. At one point, back in my 20’s, I thought about going back to school to get a degree in Graphic Design. And although my degree is in architecture, I have alot of self-imposed training in graphics. I’m self-taught in Photoshop – THAT is a serious addiction.

A year ago I wrote an article about Maximalism. I wasn’t even sure if that was the proper name for the graphic style I was discovering, but I had found a book by the same name and it seemed the right thing to call it. Here you can see how I began making journal pages from collected imagery in magazines, and then I began playing with layering images digitally. I’ve gotten much better since these were done because I stumbled upon making custom brushes. Hello? How come it took me so long to discover THAT? In my article I emphasized the words above. When you are attracted to something (for me it was magazine and tshirt graphics) you TRUST that is is something worth taking notice of, even if you don’t know where it will lead. Then you need to STUDY. Learn as much as you can about the thing. Next is to IMAGINE all the possible ways you can incorporate this thing into your art. How can you make it happen? What tools do you need? Lastly, you need to determine how to make it your own. PERSONALIZE your inspiration by processing through your own filters to make unique, individual, signature art.

My fascination with layered graphics has been evolving and growing for about two years. In addition to my observation of interesting text treatment in magazines, I found printed tshirts to be a fabulous resource of inspiration.

The more I studied this artform, the more I found…..books, websites, artists, who really got my attention. Here is one of the first guys that made me nearly faint…..

And of course, I’ve talked about this one before…..a household name by now. What? You don’t know him but you shop at Target? Pay more attention! Crossing fingers he’s the featured artist again this xmas.

I could spend an entire day putting together a post about tattoos. And about KatVonD. (She inks V.V.!) And about L.A. Ink. I have a CRUSH on that show! My most favorite thing is watching them sketch out their ideas. I especially love watching Corey draw free hand right onto the skin. Makes you want to draw, doesn’t it? I do make a practice of drawing alot, like a few times a week….but he makes me want to draw first thing every morning. But that’s not what I’m introducing as my next crush. It’s actually about tribal tattoo design. I love the stark, slick, linear and curving graphics of tribal ink. I’ve turned these photos into b&w so if you are not into this kind of thing it won’t gross you out too bad. I’m totally working tribal into my new line of rubber. Are you surprised? Not!

It was nearly 2 years ago that Graham got his first tat. It had the tribal flare. Really cool. NEVER did I think I would get a tattoo. Even after he got his it was not even on my radar. Then about a year ago I caved. This is on my lower back……the b&w graphic on the right, you silly, not the "You Rock". THAT was created on a website….a very cool little trick. Try it HERE. But back to my tat…I love it so much I may have a mini version done on my ankle. Who knew I’d be saying this!

EDIT: Forgot to include a Shout Out to Laura of MadScienceCreations on Etsy, where I got this cool ribbon because it’s TRIBAL! Don’t you need some? Go HERE.

So there you have it……a SMALL SAMPLING of visuals to express my CRUSH on graphics. The tip of the iceberg really. You get the idea. I wondered for a long time where all this interest would take me – beyond designing stamps. This week Susanna and I began a course in silk-screen printing. I am thrilled to learn we will be making our screens through a film and emulsion process – although cutting the stencils would have been fine with me. I can hardly stand how cool it will be to make my own graphic ts. Editing my ideas will be the only drag.

Have a crush to share? Of course you do! We are passionate people and have alot we crush on, and we use our blogs to share big and mini crushes everyday! Come over and share a few with the Street Team and see what else we are crushing on.

September 20, 2007
Crushing….

Can’t see myself wearing this, but….

{silver and brass brooch sitting on a beaded coaster}

Sometimes you just accumulate things because they move you. You don’t know why you have to have it other than it makes you happy to look at it, right? This pin captures so much of what I love – the elements of design make me swoon. I pretend it’s the underside of a cathedral dome, looking down on me as I visit my favorite city. Why am I sharing this? Because I’m on a Crusade.

In the background, left, you can see part of St. Mark’s Basilica. Would love to arrive there by water.

One more view of architecture in Venice, and how about that chair?! Need one!

And you can’t talk about Gothic Architecture without mentioning the Palace of Westminster, more commonly called the Houses of Parliament. On the far left is Westminster Abbey, and the far right is the Clock Tower, usually called Big Ben (nicknamed for the bell within).

A stunning close-up, or two…..

In addition to architecture, I adore gothic-style fonts. Fonts, in general, are an infatuation we all share, don’t we? Here are a few of my faves, each style showcased as it’s font name.

And I’ve been crushing for a long time on Lucky Brand jewelry. Here’s another cool line, very gothy don’t you think? More found HERE.

And to finish, some stamps I’ve done for other lines. You’ve already seen my WayWard stamps. Did you spy some Gothic influence? You can be sure you’ll be seeing more of that in my new rubber. (Still toiling away on the designs. Can’t stop myself!)

Confessions of a Gothic Style Addict. A style is defined by much more than architecture and jewelry, but these are images I collect to enter in my journals or pin up on my bulletin boards because I like to surround myself with images that feed me.

I have lots of crushes, (yeah, I know you know that) and will share more soon. In the meantime, check out some of the ones posted by the players on our Street Team. And join us by sharing yours!

September 14, 2007
Crushing….

Can’t see myself wearing this, but….

{silver and brass brooch sitting on a beaded coaster}

Sometimes you just accumulate things because they move you. You don’t know why you have to have it other than it makes you happy to look at it, right? This pin captures so much of what I love – the elements of design make me swoon. I pretend it’s the underside of a cathedral dome, looking down on me as I visit my favorite city. Why am I sharing this? Because I’m on a Crusade.

In the background, left, you can see part of St. Mark’s Basilica. Would love to arrive there by water.

One more view of architecture in Venice, and how about that chair?! Need one!

And you can’t talk about Gothic Architecture without mentioning the Palace of Westminster, more commonly called the Houses of Parliament. On the far left is Westminster Abbey, and the far right is the Clock Tower, usually called Big Ben (nicknamed for the bell within).

A stunning close-up, or two…..

In addition to architecture, I adore gothic-style fonts. Fonts, in general, are an infatuation we all share, don’t we? Here are a few of my faves, each style showcased as it’s font name.

And I’ve been crushing for a long time on Lucky Brand jewelry. Here’s another cool line, very gothy don’t you think? More found HERE.

And to finish, some stamps I’ve done for other lines. You’ve already seen my WayWard stamps. Did you spy some Gothic influence? You can be sure you’ll be seeing more of that in my new rubber. (Still toiling away on the designs. Can’t stop myself!)

Confessions of a Gothic Style Addict. A style is defined by much more than architecture and jewelry, but these are images I collect to enter in my journals or pin up on my bulletin boards because I like to surround myself with images that feed me.

I have lots of crushes, (yeah, I know you know that) and will share more soon. In the meantime, check out some of the ones posted by the players on our Street Team. And join us by sharing yours!

September 14, 2007
Re-cap

First – Happy Birthday Peter! 17 years ago you made me and Dad parents. We have been so blessed. You are such a grown up dude, and such a terrific son. We love you!

Earlier this month Fallon turned 12! Twelve! She’ll go back to middle school next week feeling more confident and cooler than last year. She knows she rocks. A week ago made the annual visit to Marineland (in Canada) and saw Sam’s friends the Orcas. We were lucky to meet up with Sean and Mike who I’ve written about before. My copy of Chicken Soup hasn’t arrived yet – would have been fun to share it with them. Can’t believe summer is almost over. Where did the time go? Because we have 2 kids birthdays in August I also wonder how they got so old. Less than a week until we are back in school. Makes me so sad.

Wednesday we went to a rock festival. It was a hot day….but very cool too. As HIM and MCR fans we were loving the line-up. Great way to celebrate the end of summer as a family. It was THE BEST! Better than a Labor Day picnic…….especially when this happens………indulge me…….

…………..and when this happens this too……………

Luckily I had a gift ready. Because you never know what can happen…….

I had found this shirt last fall when we were getting things ready for their tour that got canceled. Got one for me, Graham, and Ville. It’s a Poe shirt…..and you know I love that Raven, with a Top Hat! Several people asked me if I made it….I wish! It’s by Affliction and was a must have as it incorporates so many of my favorite images like in the piece below from my stamp line. He really liked it. This day was a great consolation prize after having to miss their concert two weeks ago. I had presence of mind to talk like a normal person and ask and say a few things to each of them. I even asked for a real life look at some of tattoos. You’d be so proud of me…I really kept my cool.

Notice that tucked in his arm is my spray painted red wrapping paper and the cool printed plastic bags I showed you a while ago. (Oh, and he didn’t cut his hair again….it’s up there in that hat.)

And I reminded him I was on the Grave Dirt Crew – giving him a gift the last May that he even mentions in an interview! See HERE and HERE. Who knew…when I made the post below….that I’d be posting this today? Not me! H.C.I.T. ???? Squeeeeee!

EDIT: and if all that wasn’t enough excitement for the month, these dates just posted today. Tickets go on sale next week.

Remembering Diana today. Ten years. We were having Peter’s 7th birthday party when we got the call about her accident. Because I was born after Kennedy passed away THIS is our timeline question. "Where were you when you heard Diana died?" It was such a moving funeral service, we got up early and watched all day. Hearing the bells toll as the procession moved through quiet London streets…..haunting. Then Sir Elton…..whew. She was grace.

August 31, 2007
Re-cap

First – Happy Birthday Peter! 17 years ago you made me and Dad parents. We have been so blessed. You are such a grown up dude, and such a terrific son. We love you!

Earlier this month Fallon turned 12! Twelve! She’ll go back to middle school next week feeling more confident and cooler than last year. She knows she rocks. A week ago made the annual visit to Marineland (in Canada) and saw Sam’s friends the Orcas. We were lucky to meet up with Sean and Mike who I’ve written about before. My copy of Chicken Soup hasn’t arrived yet – would have been fun to share it with them. Can’t believe summer is almost over. Where did the time go? Because we have 2 kids birthdays in August I also wonder how they got so old. Less than a week until we are back in school. Makes me so sad.

Wednesday we went to a rock festival. It was a hot day….but very cool too. As HIM and MCR fans we were loving the line-up. Great way to celebrate the end of summer as a family. It was THE BEST! Better than a Labor Day picnic…….especially when this happens………indulge me…….

…………..and when this happens this too……………

Luckily I had a gift ready. Because you never know what can happen…….

I had found this shirt last fall when we were getting things ready for their tour that got canceled. Got one for me, Graham, and Ville. It’s a Poe shirt…..and you know I love that Raven, with a Top Hat! Several people asked me if I made it….I wish! It’s by Affliction and was a must have as it incorporates so many of my favorite images like in the piece below from my stamp line. He really liked it. This day was a great consolation prize after having to miss their concert two weeks ago. I had presence of mind to talk like a normal person and ask and say a few things to each of them. I even asked for a real life look at some of tattoos. You’d be so proud of me…I really kept my cool.

Notice that tucked in his arm is my spray painted red wrapping paper and the cool printed plastic bags I showed you a while ago. (Oh, and he didn’t cut his hair again….it’s up there in that hat.)

And I reminded him I was on the Grave Dirt Crew – giving him a gift the last May that he even mentions in an interview! See HERE and HERE. Who knew…when I made the post below….that I’d be posting this today? Not me! H.C.I.T. ???? Squeeeeee!

EDIT: and if all that wasn’t enough excitement for the month, these dates just posted today. Tickets go on sale next week.

Remembering Diana today. Ten years. We were having Peter’s 7th birthday party when we got the call about her accident. Because I was born after Kennedy passed away THIS is our timeline question. "Where were you when you heard Diana died?" It was such a moving funeral service, we got up early and watched all day. Hearing the bells toll as the procession moved through quiet London streets…..haunting. Then Sir Elton…..whew. She was grace.

August 31, 2007
how often do you……WINK?

Sure, a wink is a physical gesture of blinking one eye with a twinkle in the other and a sly smile that delivers a secret message. Maybe it says "I’m thinking if you in a special way", or "I knew you’d love that", or "I’m full of surprises", or "See, I’m paying attention, and I GET you". Sometimes it’s not even a facial expression, but an act that makes you realize someone is winking at you. Take for instance a few months ago when I told you about an article where my friend Jenny Doh, director of publishing at Stampington, was winking at me. You can read about that HERE.

The latest issue of Somerset Studio arrived and I got WINKED at again.

If you’ve seen Lynne’s book Beyond Paper Dolls then you’re familiar with this paper theater. Somerset presents additional views in my article in the Sept/Oct issue. It was fun to revisit this project and give it new words. It was so much fun to make and provided endless amusement as I conjured up all the set drop-ins. When I first sent it to Lynne I had enclosed in the prop drawer a figure of Edgar Allan Poe as well as a scaled down replica of a puppet I had created for Teesha’s Art and Life, depicting my favorite rock star Ville Valo. It was a way of sending a little WINK to Lynne. To my surprise and delight, Ville showed up on stage in the Somerset article. A total WINK from Jenny. Not many people will know who he is or why he’s there but WE know. Say it….H.C.I.T. There is a Valo/Poe connection which is another reason why I included him in the theater but I’ll spare you that story today. For more views of The Willow Playhouse presents The Raven, see HERE.

If you’ve been following my blog this is old news, but here are the pages I had done for Teesha over a year ago….and a photo of me with Ville when I gave him the puppet. Now you know who that dude is on stage in the article…and why it was a WINK from my editor and friend. And because I’m on a music crusade for the GPP Street Team I will share with you a HIM video where Ville is wearing the top hat.

Also in this issue is an Artist Portfolio on Julie Pearson. I was honored to be the one to introduce you to her as she is a very dear friend and incredible artist and mentor. It was difficult to edit myself and not sound like a total fangirl when I wrote the article. It’s only here that I can share with you HOW CRAZY I AM ABOUT THIS WOMAN. We are working together on a website for her and you will be the first to know when it’s ready. Pick up the issue to see her beautiful work.

Today, when I should have been packing, I escaped with Susanna to see Becoming Jane. DIVINE film. If you’re a Jane Austen fan DO NOT MISS IT!

Raise your hand if you want to see a spin-off that follows the life of Henry Austen. Susanna and I vote YES.

August 22, 2007
how often do you……WINK?

Sure, a wink is a physical gesture of blinking one eye with a twinkle in the other and a sly smile that delivers a secret message. Maybe it says "I’m thinking if you in a special way", or "I knew you’d love that", or "I’m full of surprises", or "See, I’m paying attention, and I GET you". Sometimes it’s not even a facial expression, but an act that makes you realize someone is winking at you. Take for instance a few months ago when I told you about an article where my friend Jenny Doh, director of publishing at Stampington, was winking at me. You can read about that HERE.

The latest issue of Somerset Studio arrived and I got WINKED at again.

If you’ve seen Lynne’s book Beyond Paper Dolls then you’re familiar with this paper theater. Somerset presents additional views in my article in the Sept/Oct issue. It was fun to revisit this project and give it new words. It was so much fun to make and provided endless amusement as I conjured up all the set drop-ins. When I first sent it to Lynne I had enclosed in the prop drawer a figure of Edgar Allan Poe as well as a scaled down replica of a puppet I had created for Teesha’s Art and Life, depicting my favorite rock star Ville Valo. It was a way of sending a little WINK to Lynne. To my surprise and delight, Ville showed up on stage in the Somerset article. A total WINK from Jenny. Not many people will know who he is or why he’s there but WE know. Say it….H.C.I.T. There is a Valo/Poe connection which is another reason why I included him in the theater but I’ll spare you that story today. For more views of The Willow Playhouse presents The Raven, see HERE.

If you’ve been following my blog this is old news, but here are the pages I had done for Teesha over a year ago….and a photo of me with Ville when I gave him the puppet. Now you know who that dude is on stage in the article…and why it was a WINK from my editor and friend. And because I’m on a music crusade for the GPP Street Team I will share with you a HIM video where Ville is wearing the top hat.

Also in this issue is an Artist Portfolio on Julie Pearson. I was honored to be the one to introduce you to her as she is a very dear friend and incredible artist and mentor. It was difficult to edit myself and not sound like a total fangirl when I wrote the article. It’s only here that I can share with you HOW CRAZY I AM ABOUT THIS WOMAN. We are working together on a website for her and you will be the first to know when it’s ready. Pick up the issue to see her beautiful work.

Today, when I should have been packing, I escaped with Susanna to see Becoming Jane. DIVINE film. If you’re a Jane Austen fan DO NOT MISS IT!

Raise your hand if you want to see a spin-off that follows the life of Henry Austen. Susanna and I vote YES.

August 22, 2007
chew on this

Thank you to all who sent their public and private thoughtful sympathies for my Aunt Kitty. A great lady who will be missed by many. I was grateful to be in Minnesota with my family. I really needed a little levity and found it at the airport, of all places! Saw this shirt and had to get it. I visited the manufacturer’s site to capture these graphics to show you more of their clever t’s. Hope they make you smile too. (grimminc.com)

Have you seen this new gum? The packaging rocks and the gum is good too! I was impressed that it was from Wrigley. Very hip. (It’s not even on their website yet but the tv ads are cool). I used to collect gum wrappers as a kid – even had a few prized foreign language ones. It’s cool when someone knows what you’re into and they bring you cool stuff for your collection. I had Juicy Fruit in Japanese. Say it…… (how cool is that?)

I just have to rant for a minute about gum wrappers. Where are they? Have you noticed that most gums that come in stick form no longer have a paper wrapper? It’s foil only. Now I can’t complain about the new FIVE gum I just showed you because those foils rock. But where’s the paper? How are you supposed to make gum wrapper bracelets? Honestly! And while I’m ranting about Juicy Fruit being wrapper-less did you know the gum is now YELLOW? Really, go check. What happened to that classic cement gray color? Forget the yellow. I remember visiting my grandfather and he had a candy closet that was always stocked with Juicy Fruit. The whole closet smelled like it. The scent reminds me of him. That’s the ONLY reason I continue to buy it.

We are heading up to Marineland this week. Whale tales to follow when we return. I always bum out when the summer winds down because I don’t want this time with our kids to end. Savoring the last of it….

August 20, 2007