Rozzie Land

Tweedle

The urge to craft has come back with a vengeance.  I am totally besotted with amigurumi right now and have been itching to create a design of my own. So here's my first one which was inspired by the birds from my blog banner.

Introducing my chubby little bird, Tweedle.

 

 

He was created in the traditional ami method of single crochets worked in rounds. His wings were a little more complicated, using half, single and double crochets. Mum helped me design them while she was here at Christmas.

Emily is asking for one in pink so I'm going to be make one for her room that is scented.

IF: climbing

Baby duck likes climbing on mummy to have a chat.

I'm starting to get the hang of cs4. One little nuisance (for me) is that the path's I create with the pen tool are more transparent than in cs2 so sometimes it's hard to see what I'm doing. But I'm getting used to it. I don't have a choice, haha! I don't have any other versions I can revert to on here (mac).

It looks like we are going to get a ton of snow here tonight! Possibly 6 inches by Wednesday. I'm excited. I haven't seen snow like that since I lived in DC several years ago. 

Friday Five

1. I have a new toy...

Meet my new Imac. It was time to get a new computer, one that would be mine and mine only and I decided to go with a mac. Mainly because I'm...curious. I love my pc but I want to be versed on both platforms. So here she is in the living area. I'm excited because I can sit with everyone now and no one has to stare at my back for long periods of time. That's a first! 

So far I am enjoying it very much. I have to say, though, I nearly fainted when I thought I couldn't "right click" anymore but fortunately the mouse can be set up to do that. PHEW! 

2. A major expense was having to buy Photoshop again. Oy vey! I got cs4 and I'm doing a warm up illustration to see how it goes. I have an assignment but may do it on the pc (it's familiar and still has cs2 on it) while I continue to learn this.

WIP:

It's different from cs2  but I'm not sure how much is cs4 or the mac. 

Right now, I feel like I'm really slow , hopefully that will change as I get used to the different mouse and options. 

3. Okay enough computer stuff...

I took myself to the movies today. My first day time movie since our move here. This is something I love to make time for now that all the kids are in school.

I saw this and loved it.

Revolutionary Road

4. I ordered this lovely amigurumi book from Japan because I heard that the diagrams are pretty easy to follow. um... they are? =o)  Sigh. Adorable  photos, though!

5. Is it just me or is it getting overwhelming with all the different ways of connecting with others? Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace. I can't keep up! I think this humble blog and direct emailing is my comfort level.

Have a great weekend all.

YOU HAVE TO READ THIS

You have to read this.

http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/000932.html
38 ways to be creative.
It is so inspiring.

Thanks to the Lilla Rogers blog for posting a link to it.

Friday Five

 

Before Christmas, Nikki kindly sent me this award . Thanks Nikki!  Along with it is a meme so I thought it would work well for "five things Friday".

I'm supposed to list 5 addictions. Just 5? That's a toughy.

1.  

Peppermint White Mocha, to be precise.

 

2.  

 

3.  

 

4.  
Watching movies at home and at the cinema.

 

5.  

Over the holiday, I discovered the world of AMIGURUMI which  roughly translated means "stitched toys". If you enjoy crocheting, this is such a fun past time. I am TOTALLY ADDICTED and can't help but want to start designing my own little creations.

 

 

Theme 2009 - Contentment

 

 

Last year my theme for 2008 was trust and I'm not sure how well I honored it. Often, I questioned myself and what was going on around me. The move, assignments (I stink, I'll never get another assignment- negative self talk) family issues, etc. You know, nothing earth shattering, just life.

Having said that, I am proud of myself  for finally pursuing digital illustration - something I've wanted to do for years. I know I'm on the right track simply because I'm feeling satisfied. I'm having fun. When you're where you are meant to be there is a peace about it. Do you know what I mean? Even if you're not exactly there yet but working towards it, you can feel it, can't you? And it feels good.

So that's what I want for this year. My 2009 theme is contentment (dictionary definition: satisfied, ease of mind). I want to do my best at staying in this feeling because it's truly wonderful. Stress is exhausting. I don't want assignments or lack of assignments to define my happiness as much as it has in the past, that's for sure. 

Goals? Just to keep creating, growing and exploring.

Here's to a 2009 full of wonderful possibilities for all of us!

A year in review

Hi all. Happy New Year!  I hope it brings you all of your hearts desires.

Another post to come on my hopes for 2009 but for now, here is a year in review via illustrations...

January
Educational poster - Denardo Designs

 

 

February
Published in Feb. issue of Highlights Magazine

 

Decide to finally take the plunge and learn Adobe Illustrator. First piece.

 

 

March
Last piece this year created traditionally.

 

 

April
Published in April issue of Highlights Magazine.

May
After much experimenting, I develop a digital style I can call my own.
Created with pen tool in photoshop after learning how to use it in Illustrator.

 

 

June
Postcard created for local scbwi get together.

 

July
More digi-felt experimentation.

 

August
First assignment created with my new style.
EEC International

 

September
Educational Poster - Denardo Designs.

  

October
Mock up covers for my first books that can be found on Amazon or in bookstores!
Pub date June O9.

 

November
First piece created after our move from Las Vegas to Scott AFB, IL.

December
Final assignment for 2008. From a "fold and go" book for, Elements Publishing.

 That was harder to compile than I thought!