Friday, August 26, 2011

Paris ATC

Where oh where has the week gone?  I think maybe my cat stole it.  He's been jostling open the door to my craft room and stealing my ribbon that I have rolled onto vintage clothespins.  He comes downstairs and deposits them in my shoes, or next to my purse.  So, I think he may be stealing my days, too.... yep, that's my story. ;)

Sharing a little ATC I made for a swap I was just in, where the theme was travel.  Three of us chose Paris in some way!  For my version, I started out with a photocopy of a vintage Paris map.  The colors were a little bright, so I opened it in my photo editing program, reduced the vibrancy by about 60%, then tweaked the colors to be warmer than they appeared, and presto! - it had just the colors I wanted.  I did a little stamping on it, too, for a more layered effect.  Next up was the Eiffel Tower image, from I Brake For Stamps.  I first made a background using a variety of Glimmer Mists, then stamped the image in black.  I went back in and added some color with a small dose of Mustard Seed distress ink (that's one very vivid color.... a teensy itty bit goes a long way!)  Then I added color to the flowers using colored pencils, and traced over the word "Paris" with a white gel pen.  I added a stamped Paris cancellation mark and stamped French postage.  I love making ATCs, and this was a fun little project.

I hope everyone along the East Coast of the US stays safe this weekend!  I'm sure many of us will be without power as Hurricane Irene surges through.  Take care and take cover!  Hurricane force winds and torrential rains can affect areas farther inland than you might imagine.... Hurricane Fran was still a category 1 storm when it came through central North Carolina in 1996, and it caused severe damage and power outages that lasted several days (we had a giant oak tree on our house for weeks! and...were without power for 4 days, which was much shorter than some others in the surrounding area).  Just sayin'....  don't treat this thing too lightly.  Okay, end of lecture, LOL!

Have a happy weekend everyone! Hopefully I will still have power so that I can blurf and blog!

16 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Lovely ATC. Now I know who has been stealing the time - your cat!! Take care of yourself, keep safe! Valerie

Daniele said...

such a gorgeous atc, love the Paris theme
hugs

Anonymous said...

I love your Paris act! I love all the script and I especially like the way you did the lettering for the word Paris. Yes, stay safe my friend, hunker-down as they say. I live in Florida and I know all too well the damage a hurricane like Irene can do!

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Fabulous ATC, love the image and colours. Stay safe. Tracy x

Anonymous said...

Very pretty! Can't go wrong with Paris :)

2amscrapper said...

wonderful ATC! Be safe!

Suzanne C said...

Beautiful atc. Love the background colors and the layout!

Jacqueline said...

I heard about Hurricane Irene threatening the East Coast - at least you know and can take measures! Stay safe!
Beautiful ATC Jean in these vibrant colors that go so well with a Paris theme!

joy said...

I love Paris! Love your ATC too! Be safe and here's hoping the power stays on where you are!

Lynne Moncrieff said...

Jean,
I had to lol at the tale of your furry friend as I do wonder if it is all the excitement of seeing himself in print recently (Craft Stamper) that has quite gone to his head and made him giddy!!!
Stunning ATC. You do know my weakness for anything with a Parisian theme.
Wishes
Lynne

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful Paris ATC.. Those little pieces of Art are pretty fun to play with.

Maybe just Maybe my cat is also stealing my week. I am keeping my eye on her... Hee Hee..

Hugs, Linda

penny4thoughts said...

Terrific ATC, Jean - the colors are just perfect! Stay safe and hope you come through this storm better. We should get a lesser version in our neck of the woods tomorrow.

Colleen Dietrich said...

Jean, this is beautiful! I am always drawn to creations featuring the Eiffel Tower. I love your stamps over the image, too.

Hey, by the way, I saw your work in Stamper's Sampler recently and was doin' a Happy Dance for you! I think that's wonderful. Congratulations!

Michele said...

your ATC is perfect, full of rich color and imagery. i suggest a catcam to catch kitty in the act! be safe from the storms. xo

Lori said...

LOL about the cat! They are funny creatures, aren't they? Wonderful ATC, love the layers of dimension, and the colors!

Anneke said...

Wow, what a wonderful ATC! So nice with the map and stamp! Your cat story made me smile :)