Sabtu, 30 April 2011

This Week's Winner (CPS 215)

The winner of this week's prize sponsored by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps is...

30.Sue T


Please send your contact info using the link at the top of the page. Winners have one week to claim their prize.

READER IDEAS - Week of 5/1/2011

This week's prize is sponsored by Flower Soft. Be sure to check here on Wednesday to see what you could win along with ideas from our sponsor. Please post a direct link to the page featuring your CPS #216 inspired card below by Saturday May 7 at 8pm CST to be entered into this week's prize drawing.


2011 Kawasaki KFX450R USA Editions

2011 Kawasaki KFX450R USA Editions2011 Kawasaki KFX450R USA Editions Picture

Sharing agent DNA with the awful acclaimed KX™450F motocrosser, the KFX450R is attainable to race. Equipped with titanium valves to accumulate reciprocating weight low, the agent is adapted with a awful acknowledging 32-bit agenda ammunition bang (DFI®) arrangement that automatically compensates for temperature or altitude. DFI enhances the KFX450R’s adeptness to construe its four-stroke ability into outstanding thrust, with calmly attainable torque in the low- and medium-rpm ranges.

The fast and reliable KFX450R additionally includes a failing about-face accessory arrangement chip with its five-speed chiral transmission. The KFX450R’s about-face accessory allows riders to bound and calmly extricate themselves from aboriginal about-face chaos, aisle bottlenecks or any added on-track incident, application the accustomed about-face lever, additional a acceptable handlebar army lock-out lever.

Built to handle boxy aisle altitude and win races, the KFX450R’s failing all-aluminum anatomy has both absurd acerbity and cogent strength. The high-tech anatomy additionally provides a low centermost of force and accomplished cycle attrition for college bend speeds and race-level handling.

The advanced abeyance architecture utilizes continued lower A-arms army to a distinct box-section lower anatomy tube, commutual with dual-rate advanced springs for accomplished rough-terrain handling. In the rear, an adjustable shock with low- and accelerated compression and backlash damping adaptability is akin to a casting aluminum swingarm that offers the ideal antithesis of adaptability and rigidity. Regardless of clue surfaces or conditions, this race-oriented anatomy makes the KFX450R a almighty weapon.

The KFX450R is accessible to assignment on, so owners can absorb added time in the clay than in the garage. The two-piece advanced and rear “lapped” fenders accomplish it easier to adapt the admeasurement of the fenders or bound alter damaged sections. Even the headlight accumulation is bound advertisement for closed-course contest — this ATV looks aloof as advancing with or after headlights. These appearance leave little agnosticism that the KFX450R was advised to be on the clue and acceptable contest as bound as possible.

2011 Kawasaki KFX450R USA Editions Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x Stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Fuel System: 32-bit digital, with 42mm Keihin throttle body
Ignition: Digital AC-CDI
Starting System: Electric
Transmission: Five-speed with reverse
Final drive: Two-wheel drive, chain
Frame type: Aluminum double cradle, racing type
Front suspension / wheel travel: Dual A-arms, coil-over shocks / 8.5 in
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Swingarm with piggy-back reservoir shock, dual-rate spring / 10.0 in
Front Tire Size: AT21x7-10
Rear Tire Size: AT20x10-9
Front brakes: Dual 163mm discs with two-piston calipers
Rear Brakes: 200mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 71.1 in
Overall width: 46.1 in
Overall height: 41.9 in
Seat height: 30.9 in
Wheelbase: 49.4 in
Ground clearance: 4.3 in
Lighting: Dual removable 30w headlights / LED taillight / brake light
Curb weight: 392.5 lb
Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal
Footpegs: Sport-style serrated

Studio Saturday - Humblebeads

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.


We have three winners this week: moonlightfantaseas, rosebud101, For My Sweet Daughter!

Congratulations! You have won etched copper tags from Erin Prais-Hintz of Tesori Trovati!

Send Erin an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

Now let's head on over to the
Humblebeads Studio...

There are 34 days until the Bead & Button show.

My life is consumed with this countdown at the moment...

I'm working on new beads that will hopefully dazzle - like the headpins above.

Making piles and piles of things.  I press beads at night while we watch movies.  We've watched entire series over the last few weeks.  This is one of many trays.

Or like last night, I don't go to bed until 2am because inspiration struck at 11pm.

These are pendants with vintage images - I'm all over bicycles, umbrellas, beehives, birds, foxes, butterflies & nests.  They aren't quite done, I'm going to play around with some antique finishes and I think I'll try some in sepia tones as well.  I also have some sketches to do some tiny watercolors and use them for pendants too. 

Despite these little bits of squirrelling away, I'm far from being ready.   Preparing for Bead & Button is a Herculean task that must be mixed in with already packed days.  But no matter what, I will be ready by June 7th - car packed and heading up the road! 

So two questions - what type of vintage image would you like to see in a pendant and most importantly - will you be at Bead & Button this year? 

If so, mark booth #1212 as one to stop by and say hello to me!

This week's prize is a pair of my new headpins, leave a comment for a chance to win.

The Heads In Paris - Creepy or Cool?

 These are a few of the mannequin heads I photographed in Paris this month.  Look at those eyes.
 I can't decide.  Are they creepy?  Are they retro?  Would I want one staring at me?
They sure do wear polka dots beautifully!  What do you think?  Do they make you want to leave my blog post quickly?
 
 But before you go, here are my crafty blogger links!
About Family Crafts
Do you want to learn how to make mosaics? Sherri can help!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi's big Fairyopolis card making post is over on the Crafter's Companion site this week. 

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world
This week at Craftside we have a Royal wedding post by Natalie from the UK, a fun way to display your mixed-media inspiration elements, a shadow crazy quilt piecing technique and a fun bunny cake decorating idea. 

Crafty Princess Diaries
How the heck do you make holes so you can add some fashionable crochet trim? 

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Check out the Mother’s Day Parade of Crafts on The Artful Crafter. You’re sure to find something to make that will put a smile on mom’s face. Kid-friendly projects are indicated by our little Miss SmArty icon.  

Mixed Media Artist
Have you seen Lark Publications' beautiful new book, 500 Raku?  

Book Review: Knits That Fit from Potter Craft

Jumat, 29 April 2011

My Typewriter Salute

 Last week quite a few of us were sad to read that the last typewriter factory was shutting down.
 I have been taking lots of pictures of vintage typewriters.
 I love the older antiques and the retro 60's typewriters best.
  Pink Petticoat had some fabulous down loadable typewriters that are perfect for card makers.
I built my cards and used some new papers and embellishments that are in my studio right now.  The paper you see on these cards are from the new Crafter's Companion Fairyopolis Paper Pack.  The rhinestones are from a Bling Bling set by 3 Birds that we should be launching on The Shopping Channel soon.
The digital files I downloaded also came with these sentiments.  I mounted mine with a little bit of double-sided foam tape.
 You can make up your saying too.
 So here is my salute to the typewriter.  
You got me through high school and university.  Kids today have no idea how easy they have it.  No carbon paper.  No white out.
 I think I will still look for one of these antiques to have on display in my studio.

April Monthly Challenge Blog Tour

Welcome to the Art Bead Scene April Challenge Blog Tour!
Our challenge painting inspired so many wonderful responses! From the birds to leaves to anything oriental, this was a great way to incorporate a huge variety of art beads. Birds and nests and trees are such popular motifs it was not hard to find something that fit.

Since I am a knowledge junkie (research is fun! I should have been a librarian ;-), I thought I would share with you a five fun facts I learned about finches (courtesy of Birdhouses 101):

1.The finch lifespan ranges from four to seven years. It's maximum life expectancy is 20 years, but that is rarely reached.

2.It is one of the smallest birds on Earth and belongs to the largest bird family known as the passerine, commonly referred to as perching birds or songbirds.

3.Finches are small and quiet birds that do not need human interaction. They don’t mind having humans around when searching for food on the ground or bird feeders.

4.The house finch was only a western bird before 1940. Then they were illegally shipped to New York City for trade as caged birds. Some pet dealers, however, later released their birds which eventually thrived in Long Island. Since that time, the house finches spread to the eastern and Midwestern part of the U.S. Today, they are one of the most common garden birds.

5. House finches are non-migratory to partial migratory birds. They usually stay in or close to their breeding areas over winter. They may only wander off to other areas in search for their food.


Okay! Enough of my geekery...on with the Hop!

{Kristi Bowman makes some awesome bronzclay charms... just look at the detail on those leaves!}
Starting us off this month is a beautiful piece from Kristi Bowman of Dreamsome Designs. Her new line of metal clay pendants and charms are beautiful in their detail and patina. Here she made the bamboo leaves that complement the earthy tones of the Havana Beads glass leaf headpins. Read all about it here.

Cindy Dolezal used some beautiful fibers to mimic the leaves of the tree in the perfect shade of green. They complement the beautiful wood beads and the bamboo ceramic square pendant made by Cindy herself.

I really enjoyed reading the process behind the design from Bee Tree by m.e. Some designs just beg to be touched and worn, and m.e. did just that... she wear tested this beauty just to make sure. Check out her blog to read more.

Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads, chose to pull out the red in the Chinese letters of the painting using glass flowers that she created. The glass flowers are so lush and I imagine would make a delicate sound when worn! 

{Makin Art never ceases to amaze me. These are fabric leaves with real driftwood.}

Delving into the world of mixed media, and straying from her preferred seed beads, Mackin Art designed this awesome piece that really looks as if the branch was plucked right from that tree. Those leaves are just begging to be touched!
 
Welcome to the Blog Tour, Eleanor! This is a first entry for Eleanor, and I think that she outdid herself. When I first saw this I thought that it was grasses woven together. But it is silk! Read about her process here
 
Etching metal is such a great project to do and she drew her own bird image. This stunning cuff by StaciLouise blends so many textures together... metal, silk, leather. I bet this dresses up your jeans nice!

Lynne of Island Girl made everything in her necklace (except for one little bead). That dichroic focal bead is truly a work of art in itself!


{Miss Heather, the Peacock Fairy, was doubly inspired this month. This sweet little chicadee is from Sharon Palac of Bijou Jardin}
The lovely Miss Heather, a.k.a. the Peacock Fairy, is likely doing a little nesting of her own (her first child is due to make an appearance soon!), but in the midst of all that nesting, she found time to make not one, but two lovely little baubles, each one different totally different. I love this sweet little chickadee and the Chinese writing beads paired together. (And I am totally digging the photo styling on this one!)

Christine Damm, of Stories They Tell, never ceases to amaze me at the depth and nuances of her hand made polymer clay pendants. This month Christine pulled out all the stops for a multi-layered effect that is truly spectacular, and inspired by a movie called "The Curse of the Golden Flower" (that I am totally going to look for!).

Inspired by Chinese calligraphy and the royal dynasty, there is a lot going on in this design by Creaciones Inaru. I especially love the sketches that show the thought that went into this piece.

{Sally B Anderson created this earthy necklace with a pendant from Jeannie Dukic. Jeannie made this pendant as a giveaway inspired by this month's challenge painting. I don't think that Sally has a blog...yet!}

Grubbi from the UK made every single component in her bracelet. Check it out. And she just opened an Etsy shop to sell her components, resulting in her first sale this week! Congrats!

Beth and Evie are the talented duo behind EB Bead and Metalworks. I just love the way they work together as if they are finishing each other's creative thoughts. Their enameled metal pendant just about knocked me off my chair this week. Originally all I saw were the beautiful bamboo leaves in it... and then I noticed the camouflaged birds on the top. Brilliant!
 
Using an etched metal pendant with the perfect pair of birds, Miss Pamela of Klassy Jools designed a necklace with rustic elegance. You can't go wrong with pearls!

{I love that sweet little bird and those beautifully crafted leaves!}
Jackie Mello of Dose of Inspiration created these layered leaves from leaf shapes using mica powder for that extra flash. I love the sweet bird on the branch. Check out her process at her blog.
 
Pushing through her doubts, Miss Kate of Tropical Blonde created a great polymer clay focal using a mokame gane technique, but the best part is the hint of green wire peeking through! So glad you joined in! Read all about it here.
 
And finally, if you would care to see my challenge piece, I share a bit of my process in taking apart a treasure that didn't sell from my gallery exhibit last summer and using the perfect parts to enhance this new design, as well as a little tip I use on mixing metals. Hop on over to the Treasures Found blog to have a look.

Thanks for all the wonderful entries this month! Stay tuned for the May challenge painting to rev up your inspiration!

(If you find any links not working, please contact me enjoytheday@tesoritrovati.com. I tested them all late last night but somehow the gremlins in my computer were messing with me. My apologies!)
Erin Prais-Hintz writes about all things that inspire her at Treasures Found::Inspiration Is Everywhere. Her jewelry designs are one-of-a-kind made one-at-a-time. She collects quotes and dust and invites you to send her your favorite (quote - not dust!) to enjoytheday@tesoritrovati.com.

Kamis, 28 April 2011

Over and Out

Orbit


Four Score


Use Your Words
Sold. Thank you!


Retiring from my Etsy shop on 5/6/11. Free shipping on these 3 pieces.

Beautiful Nature Mobile Wallpapers

Mobile Wallpapers

Nature Mobile Wallpapers

Mobile Wallpapers

Beautiful Mobile Wallpapers

Mobile Wallpapers

Mobile Wallpapers

Mobile Wallpapers

Beautiful Mobile Wallpapers

Mobile Wallpapers

Trends from Etsy

Etsy is a great source to see what's on trend, they publish a monthly report.  Here is the May edition and some art beads that fit the themes. 

Hope: peace signs, cherry blossoms, Japan-inspired themes.

Geometric patterns: triangles & teardrops, chevrons, stripes.


Unique findings: artistic headpins & toggles.

Garden themes like gnomes, mushrooms, snails, flowers, bees and butterflies.

Put a bird on it: birds, feathers and eggs are as strong as ever.


Locked away: keys, keyholes & lockets.

Things to keep in mind for May - offer priority mail shipping for Mother's Day.

Graduation gifts are needed, create things that can be personalized with initials, school colors or the year. Owls are also fun for graduation as the go-to symbol for wisdom!

Wedding season is fast approaching - lots of opportunities there from Mother-of-the-Bride to the flower girl all need jewelry.  And brides are looking for unique thank you gifts for their wedding party.

I am at Crafter's Companion today!

I have my first blog post on the Crafter's Companion blog today!  Please visit!

CPS 215 part 3

Hello
Designer Laura Williams
Supplies:
stamps - The {Stamps} of Life
patterned paper - October Afternoon
cardstock - Discount Cardstock
ink, pearls - Close To My Heart



Outta This World
Designed by Lisa Silver

Supplies:
Stamps: Andy the Astronaut by Kraftin' Kimmie
Ink: Black Soot Distress ink by Ranger
Paper: Black by Bazzill Basics
Patterned Paper: Cogsmo by Cosmo Cricket
Other: circle and square punch by EK Success
Copic Markers: E00, E02, E40, E42, E44, N1, N5, 0, G21, G24, R24, R27, BG70, BG72

You are FabulousDesigned by : Kim Moreno

Cardstock: Core'dinations (Core Couture, Vintage, and Essentials)
Stamp: Kraftin' Kimmie
Ink: Storage unit Ink
Glitter: Tattered Angels
Ribbon: Offray
Rubon: Creative Cafe
Punch: EK Success
Embossing folder and Machine: Cuttlebug by Provocraft

'Mother' card
Designed by Rae Barthel

Supplies
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Patterned paper: Crate Paper
Clear stamp: Inkadinkadoo
Pigment ink: Tsukineko
Seam binding: Martha Stewart
Crochet trim: Making Memories
Flowers: Prima
Rhinestones: Hobby Lobby
Stick pin: Maya Road
Fiber: white cord
Circle punch: EK Success


This week's prize is sponsored by: Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps. Be sure to check here each Wednesday to see what you could win along with some great samples from our sponsor.
To enter this week's random drawing simply share your design with the CPS readers. Simply click on this week's sketch image in the side bar. This will take you directly to the post where you can add your link. Please use a direct link to your card so the readers can easily find it.

Rabu, 27 April 2011

2011 Norton Commando 961 Sport - Detail Specifications

2011 Norton Commando 961 Sport - Detail Specifications

2011 Norton Commando 961 Sport - Detail Specifications

Frame
- Frame: Steel tubular with integral oil tank
- Swing arm: Twin-sided steel construction
- Wheelbase: 1420mm (55.9 in)
- Rake: 24.5 degrees
- Trail: 99mm (3.9 in)
- Front suspension: 43mm Ohlins RWU - Adjustable preload, compression damping.
- Rear suspension: Ohlins reservoir-style twin shocks - Adjustable ride height, preload, compression
- Front wheel: 36 spoke 3.50 x 17” Chrome Rim
- Rear wheel: 40 spoke 5.0 x 17” Chrome Rim
- Front tyre: 120/70 x 17”
- Rear tyre: 180/55 x 17”
- Front wheel travel: 115mm (4.53 in)
- Rear wheel travel: 100mm (3.94 in)

Brakes & Hydraulics
- Front brakes: Full Brembo system, twin Brembo 320mm semi-floating hi
carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston “Gold Line” axial callipers
- Rear brakes: Full Brembo system, single Brembo 220mm disc, Brembo 2 piston “Gold Line” calliper
- Brembo “Gold Line” front brake master cylinder
- Brembo “Gold Line” hydraulic clutch master cylinder
- Brembo rear brake master cylinder
- Brembo hydraulic clutch actuation slave cylinder

Transmission
- Gear box: constant mesh 5 speed
- Final drive: 525 “O” ring chain
- Clutch: Wet multi-plate hydraulic lifter
- Electric start Power Assembly
- Engine type: New engine developed by Norton and F1 engine builders, MCT of Oxfordshire, England. Parallel twin with push-rod valve actuation, dry sump, 3 bearing crank and balancer shaft.
- Displacement: 961cc
- Cooling system: Air
- Valve actuation: Push rod, 2 valves per cylinder
- Bore x stroke: 88mm x 79mm
- Compression ratio: 10.1:1
- Power: 80PS @ 6500RPM
- Torque: 90Nm @ 5200RPM
- Ignition: Crank fired electronic
- Euro 3 compliant with electronic fuel injection and multiple 3 way catalytic converter

Electronics & Controls
- Charging system: 300 watt hi-output charging system
- Instrumentation: Norton electronic analogue speedo & tachometer

Miscellaneous
- Fuel tank capacity: 17 litres (4.5 US gallon)
- Dry weight: 188kg (414.5 lbs)
- Seat height: 813mm (32 in)
- Steering: Fully machined billet yokes, triple clamp lower yokes
- Handlebars: Tubular steel in chrome

Colour Options
- Black & Gold
- Red & Gold
- Yellow & Black
- Silver, Red & Black

Snow Globe Blues

I still can't get over this snow globe.
Thankfully I took a picture through the window.  This is one of my favorite stores in Paris.
I never know if they are open or closed on a Monday.  This year I found them closed so lesson learned.
The picture is quite pretty though!
I am heading into the garden today to visit my really big gnome.  Given the conditions in the garden this winter I bet he would have loved for me to keep him under glass.

Your Blog, Your Way




What makes a blog ‘successful’ and how is success even defined? Why do some blogs seem to get all the attention, visitors, and comments while others don’t? Should an artist’s blog be devoted to art, to personal issues, or perhaps a combination of both? Can a post have too many words or not enough pictures? How can I get a bigger audience and should I even care about that? Should I pay attention to the number of hits I get and all those other stats? Will my readers come back if I take a break or change the style of my art? Is anybody even reading what I write?

If you have a blog or have thought about starting one and have ever asked yourself questions like these, then 'Your Blog, Your Way' is for you. Join me here on Create Mixed Media for my first post in a series that explores what it is to be an art blogger today.

Fit to Print Review -- Jewelry Upcycled! by Sherri and Michelle Haab



I love books by Sherri Haab.  Not only are they sure to have innovative tutorials, but they're a treat for the eyes.  This book is no exception!

The book, "Jewelry Upcycled!", features techniques and tutorials for "reusing metal, plastic, glass, fiber, and found objects".   The tutorials are broken down into five "upcycling" sections:
  • Metal and Wire
  • Plastic
  • Glass and Ceramics
  • Fabric and Leather
  • Found Objects
There really is something for everybody in this book.  You'll learn how to rivet, use resin, felt old sweaters, solder with copper tape -- there really is a LOT between these pages.  

And if you think that using recyclable materials means the jewelry won't look like.. well, jewelry, take a look at Sherri's bubble wrap necklace:


Isn't that cool?  

The book is 144 pages and is put out by Potter Craft.  I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their jewelry-making horizons and go green!


Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site, Lori Anderson Designs, and wrote the blog An Artist's Year Off.    She is also the creator of the Bead Soup Blog Party. 

CPS 215 Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps

 Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps is this week's CPS sponsor.  This week Kraftin' Kimmie released new April stamps, including Fairies by Annie Rodrigue.  Be sure to visit the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps website, as well as their blog!  Kimmie is offering three stamps of the winner's choice to a lucky cardmaker this week! Be sure to link up your cards created with this week's sketch!

And now, enjoy some inspiration created by the Kraftin' Kimmie designers!





Big thanks to Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, for sponsoring the CPS blog!

To enter this week's random drawing simply share your design with the CPS readers. Simply click on this week's sketch image in the side bar. This will take you directly to the post where you can add your link. Please use a direct link to your card so the readers can easily find it.