I've been quiet ...

... because of work work work.  Seriously, why does work suck every minute out of my life?  And now, guess what?  I've come down with a cold and chest infection ... AGAIN :(  I'm such a sick pup.

Anyhoo I've been dragging my sorry ass into work so now, this bank holiday weekend, I've been relaxing (read SLEEPING) to try and get over it.

I made a 'digital kit' again today; it's not brilliant but it's usable (I'm really 'selling' it here aren't I?).  But you are free to use it for whatever you want ... as in FREE!

Download it from here

enjoy!

My first free digital collage kit :)

I've been writing letters again.  My spate of creating my own writing paper has encouraged me to start writing letters - and sending post-cards.  I signed up for Postcrossing and received my first post-card from Germany yesterday.  A lovely vintage style Peacock:

 

Advertising a store that the sender said is now defunct.

I also arrived home from a particularly shitty day at work last week to a surprise - someone had written to me from Flickr and wanted to swap mail art with me.  I promptly sent off a letter, a few sheets of my writing paper and this envelope to her:


I really enjoyed making the envelope but I think coupled with my writing paper it was a bit 'sensory overload'!  But I definitely think I might start making more envelopes and writing paper.  Perhaps even give-away some sets.

Click on image to read credits.

 Anyway - as always - let me know what you think?  Should I create my own writing paper and envelope sets?  Would someone like to try them out for me if I made a set of 3 sheets and envelopes?  I'll send it to you for free and you can let me know what needs changing or whether 'the girl done good' :)

If you want me to send you a set please email me at: fidgetrainbowtree@gmail.com

Finally - I've made a mini-digital collage kit that you can download for free from here. It's a set of postage marks, stamps and bits and bobs.  Usual TOU apply - enjoy.

Three Muses Challenge - Bathing Beauties

 

Bathing Beauty and seaside background: Rubyblossom on Flickr
Everything else from Tumble Fish Studio at Deviant Scrap

How nice was it to finally be able to sit down this evening and do some collages?  Since being back at work on Monday after the flu and Easter hols it's been craziness.  It always is this time of year if you teach Year 11s (or indeed post-16) as you're trying to get all their coursework in because the lazy little *&^£&^Q@ haven't bothered doing it all year.  I'm trying not to panic but I need it all in by next Friday and they're still not turning up to extra sessions.  Anyway - I won't whinge or moan - if I was honest it was the way I was at school.  I always have been a lastminute.com person.

Other than that I'm still not completely over my flu.  I have swollen glands in my neck and very full of cold.  It sucks.

Sorry I'm really moany at the moment so I'm going to shut up now.

Snail Mail

When I was younger I had MANY penpals - the highlight of the morning was the post arriving and letters, tapes and FBs (Friendship Books) dropping into view.

I don't get much time to write any more even though I am still very much in touch with 5 of my old penpals - I still count them amongst my best friends!  Recently I decided to start writing more letters and the search for decent writing paper ensued.  I'm a big fan of Tara Mcpherson and got this lovely set from the Flood Gallery in Greenwich :)  However, I needed more variety!  So I started designing my own.  I'm going to try and design a range with paper and envelopes later this week - so keep an eye open for the free download and let me know what you think!

Btw. I recommend for best printing using an inkjet - use 100gsm pure white paper.  The colours are a lot perkier!
Check the set page on Flickr to see the credits for the elements used.

End of March Freebie

So here's the freebie for this week - just for blog readers:

and another that's also on my Flickr account:

Enjoy using - but don't forget the terms of use!

Thursday Freebies

I have a ridiculous collection of ephemera - some of which is still hidden away in boxes from when I crumpled my life last year.  Slowly the bits and pieces are emerging. 

About 2 years ago I bought a job lot of ephemera when a local junk/ antique/ flea market was closing down.  The box contained many photos and memories from the same family and it's interesting to see the young boys grow up through the photographs.  Sad to as it seems that this box of memories was just left to a house clearance company.  Sometimes I'm not sure what to do with these photographs - afterall - these people are nothing to do with me.  But should I use the actual photographs in art?  Or just copies?  I've decided that copies (there are a few enlargements and copies) are ok to use in art.  I've still not decided what to do with the others - for now I'm going through them and copying them bit by bit.  Any Carte de Visites and backed photographs will be kept as is though.
Anyway - here's a random bunch of ephemera that I have for you to play with:

Wednesday's Give-Away

Good morning - it's silly ok (2.27am) and I'm awake.  Unfortunately the ethromycin that I'm on to get rid of this bronchitis is causing some nasty side-effects.  Ah well - gives me more chance to sort out some freebies for you guys.

WEDNESDAY GIVE AWAY