Photo mat freebies

Eighty-five degrees here and going up but at least humidity is low. I so dread sticky summer weather. It makes me feel so weak and nauseated when I have to be out and about for any length of time. Paid a couple final bills for Dad today and made copies noting my brother's portion.

Something a little different today. I came across some old art deco era photos in dark blue photo mats. Love the crazy shapes so cropped out the photos and am giving you the mats. They should work nicely with our Deco Divas and Dandies.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a7c25yjnxkz97vj/ws_DecoDandies_7.zip?dl=0

Putting together some more male acessories, so check back.

Smoking man Deco Dandies freebie

Tuesday flew by. Had lunch with my friends from Sentara and we didn't leave restaurant until nearly 4:00 p.m.! Brief time at home, then on to pick up my Aunt and her boyfriend who wanted to go to Rt. 58 deli for hot pastrimi sandwiches. Made the mistake of asking for mine grilled and while delicious as always, that extra bit of grease from the butter grilled bread was kind of overwhelming. By the time we got home from dropping them back at their house around 10 (they love to sit and talk), I was exhausted and not feeling too well.

Here is freebie I should have posted yesterday:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/r3u77wfnksx5kro/ws_DecoDandies_6.zip?dl=0

Picked up my check for house settlement today. Did I tell you that Monday, after all the papers were signed and I was about to leave, my brother practically ran out to the car and asked if I'd gotten the tax check. At first I thought he was referring to the city real estate taxes but no, he wanted his half of the federeal income tax return. I explained (again) that the tax documents weren't sent in until almost last minute from lawyer's office and added that the refund wasn't very large anyway. He proceeded to pull out his phone and quote me the amount of the refund which is just a little over $1,000. "I consider that a big refund," he said. I told him when the check comes in I will send him his half. Then I asked about Mom's 50th anniversary ring which he was supposed to have brought back to me. He claims he had it appraised and the value was under $200 so he didn't sell it. I know better but when I told him what Dad paid for it, Thom said Dad got ripped off. Sure. Then he brought up the pearls again in a nasty tone saying he still wants to know what happened to those. I don't know what his problem(s) is but he definitely has some! When he calls me, which he will, to ask about that refund, I intend to let him know I'm holding it until all bills come in because while he says he will send me half on the bills, that will be like everything else he has said. Also waiting to get John's guns back and Mom's ring. And what about the money he told me (from Florida) he was going to bring me from what he and Roberta had made doing yard sales of Dad's stuff? He always has his hand out, always taking. Sadly, even if he had it all, he still wouldn't be happy.

Today I have some borders I'd made for Deco Divas and had forgotten about:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ep267b3dl1wqztr/ws_DecoDivas_18.zip?dl=0

For Monday freebie

Need to get an early start tomorrow so I can stop by bank and close out that joint account I had with brother. If he hasn't taken his name off when I withdraw the balance, I will give his Florida address so they can send him a notice. Then over to Suffolk to sign the closing papers and on to Virginia Beach to pick up check (if it is ready). Since the episode at Dad's house the other day only contact has been me calling to let Thom know about agent coming to pick up keys and distribution of sale payment. We suspect he will show up in Suffolk for meeting with trailer attached to his car and go on his way from there.

Anyway, I wanted to post a template for Monday's freebie:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bdcra6rb3q288pb/ws_DecoDivas_template_4.zip?dl=0
If possible, I may make another post tomorrow.

Didn't realize Monday never posted _ freebie

I had finished Monday's post late Sunday night and had it scheduled. Couldn't preview but thought it would post. Checked that afternoon and evening and couldn't get it to go. No time early Tuesday to check on it. Just finding out now that Monday and Tuesday didn't post and it's Wednesday already? Here is what should have posted on Monday:

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tcyatwfa133hgbr/ws_DecoDivas_temp_2.zip?dl=0
And first zip of Deco Dandies:

To misquote ZZ Top "Every girl's crazy 'bout a [well groomed] man."
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u7rhqycy59l5qu1/ws_Deco_dandies_1.zip?dl=0

On Tuesday another template:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qa47uj055v1vf2r/ws_DecoDivas_template_3.zip?dl=0

And today another Deco Dandies. A paper, frame, and a couple pieces of decor:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2wf1jm1ff7hxevl/ws_DecoDandies_2.zip?dl=0

Sorry about delayed posts.

Moving stuff & freebie

By the time this posts, we should be in the middle of moving my few things out of Dad's house. Still haven't heard from brother about when he is going to arrive and he hasn't told me what time closing is on 30th. I only know it will be at attorney's office because real estate agent told me. This coming week should allow me to put closure to all of Dad's affairs. Last medical bills were paid by insurance so will only have utilities to pay once house sold. And some calls to cancel services, of course. Holding one of the bank accounts open to pay final bills but otherwise dividing up remaining funds to pay brother off. Will be glad when all is settled.

Today's zip is more blues stuff with an antique car included.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/exmu8q944euprna/ws_DecoDivas_17.zip?dl=0

Friday-looks to be busy until evening

Tonight John will go to grand-daughter Inara's baseball game. She turned out to be a better ball player than her brother. So I'll be able to clean living room without him underfoot.
As for today's zip of Deco Divas, it wasn't planned with this in mind but other than the fussy frame, I think the papers and elements are suitable for guys. What I'm planning to do at this point is put together some zips of masculine elements we will call Deco Dandies. I think you have plenty of papers but you might see a few more that I feel are more masculine in tone, okay?

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/j4gk1i6umoqxzcj/ws_DecoDivas_16.zip?dl=0

Thursday's Deco Divas freebie

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Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/aghhwkfy301u29a/ws_DecoDivas_15.zip?dl=0

Wednesday - new diva in Deco Divas freebie

Had a man come out today about getting new gutters - the kind that are covered against leaves and other debris. My gestimate on cost was closer than hubby's. Didn't have to do deposit up front, will just pay after installation and inspection. And they will be able to do it on Monday! One more thing on our major to-do list.

Today you will meet the last of our divas, Paola, which is Italian for Paula. She's sleek and elegant. Looks ready to go out on the town, perhaps to the opera?

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vjtjg701j2d1ru1/ws_DecoDivas_14.zip?dl=0

Two episodes of Criminal Minds tonight for season finale. Isn't it awful how short TV seasons have become?

Tuesday _Deco Divas freebie

Today I slipped one of the masculine elements from previous kit into the Deco Divas zip. Also need to explain paper 25. You will find it presented 2 ways - first as a jpeg paper and 2nd as a psd file in case you want to be able to use the border as a frame. The rest of this week's zips are pretty well made up so don't know if I will repackage to add more masculine stuff or templates or just do those next week. Off to get busy here.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/oz8bxsmkmk8z0ut/ws_DecoDivas_13-1.zip?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dsiwh84kvnl0ueu/ws_DecoDivas_13_2.zip?dl=0
PSD file is alone in zip 13-2 and it is huge no matter what I do, so if you don't want it, the jpeg paper is in zip 1.

New week! More Deco Divas freebie

Still on meds but vertigo almost gone and boy am I grateful! Thank you all for kind thoughts and wishes. I always seem to come down with something at the worst times. But I won't whine about what I need to do.

Kristi, I would love to send you some of our recent weather to replace that snow. The last couple days we have had temperatures in upper 70s. Last night there was a storm warning with some nearby areas being warned of possible tornadoes. We had hurricane strength winds here and crazy rain that sounded like sleet. It was coming down so hard and from every direction, or so it seemed, that I felt like I was lying in a cardboard box instead of a house. Today it's in 60s and cloudy and still windy but the inside of my house feels like it is 80 degrees. My husband just baked some Italian meatballs and that heat just isn't dissipating.

While we are talking about Kristi (you woundered why your ears were burning, didn't you?), she made a comment to which I want to respond with an offer. She said she liked that some of the elements in Deco Divas could be used for masculine layouts. Which made me think of a collaborative kit I suggested when I sold at Digi Style Designs. It was around the time that the new (Leonardo DiCapro) version of The Great Gatsby was starting in theatres. I suggested we do a Gatsby Glamour build a kit. I created a bunch of stuff for my stores, Sher Scraps 4 CU and Wonderland Scraps. In doing so, I thought about the main characters and made minis of things that suggested their personalities. Which means I have some masculine elements. The color for the build-a-kit were these:

As you can see, there is a lot of similarity to our present palette. Now I'm not certain how much of Gatsby Glamour I still have on this computer but if you would like, I can try to find the masculine elements.

Meanwhile, today we have:

More red and black.
Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/byyd6qjhd5oniyg/ws_DecoDivas_12.zip?dl=0

Saturday freebie- red & black today

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a3y2dw8td2c3trg/ws_DecoDivas_11.zip?dl=0

Friday freebie

Feeling a little better so I'm going to try to get a few things done today while avoiding as much head turning and bending as possible. Today's zip contains a mix of elements and a couple more papers:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ucju0tv8gdyc9iw/ws_DecoDivas_10.zip?dl=0
Just realized that I must have accidentially moved an embroidered motif such that it only shws a tiny bit in the preview. Not going back and re-doing preview so you will just be surprised. The motif is authentic to the period.

Thursday freebie

Ha! I managed to get something together for today so that puts us back on schedule. A template:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e5e4q7yak6v3xky/ws_DecoDivas_template_1.zip?dl=0

It's Thursday & I'm a day behind. Freebie in post

Looks like it is just going to be 5 freebies this week instead of 6. Sorry but I'm taking Antivert every 12 hrs for the labrinthitis and doing lots of sleeping. Not seeing much improvement yet. Okay if I'm still and not moving head but that is limiting! Wihtout further complaint, here is what I was planning for Wednesday download. This zip introduces you to Natalia NZ's Pamela. She is the Poser tube that caught my eye and suggested this kit. Then when I went into the store to make the purchase, I found Natalia had 2 other Deco/Jazz Age ladies and I couldn't resist those either. You've already met Beata and will meet the third, Paola, next week. Today's zip includes a couple more papers, a border, frame and a couple elements.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kled34fxgr5fx4a/ws_DecoDivas_9.zip?dl=0

late on Tuesday freebie

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/62gw4l8dmxdt8ae/ws_DecoDivas_8.zip?dl=0

Disappearance & freebies

Sorry to have disappeared but flu left me with vertigo. Almost fell twice Monday just walking across room so spent most of day in bed flat on my back. Any movement and things started spinning and nausea accompanied it. Saw doctor yesterday afternoon. He says no infection visible in ears but flu triggered labrinthitis. I'm to take Antivert twice a day until vertigo stops. Meanwhile get tired easily and have to be careful moving about. Being still is about the best thing to do if I want to avoid falls and nausea that makes it difficult to keep meds and meals down. So far not seeing any improvement but I've only had two doses so far.

Here is freebie I should have posted on Monday:

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wy163zf9d9v6h3x/ws_DecoDivas_7.zip?dl=0

Should be able to finish packing up Tuesday freebie and get that posted later on. Right now it is time to lie down again.

Gloomy Saturday but I have a freebie

Overcast here with light rain on and off. Had trouble sleeping last night. I'm a restless sleeper and when I'd go to switch sides I had some dizziness. Beginning to wonder if this has been the flu or is a sinus/ear infection. Going to try to flush my sinuses with a solution an ENT gave me recipe for back when son was having lots of sinus infections. And try a little heat. If still lingering Monday will get in to see my doc.
Today's zip of Deco Divas is in blues and silver. One of the papers is based on a floral fabric from the period. I find many of the textiles made for clothing of that period to be garish with large abstract shapes and odd (to me) color combinations. Couldn't find the examples I wanted but this will give you an idea.

Lots of purples and oranges found. Now the feedsack fabrics of the period, which you often see in quilts are cute, I think.
To complete today's zip there is a ribbon and bow in grey/silver, a silver silhouette and a bead border.

Was thinking about what Kristi said about Downton Abbey, which I've only seen clips of. That series took you from Edwardian period up into 1920s or 1930s didn't it? The stills I've seen show lovely costumes. I'm going to have to find and rent the series because it all looks so beautiful and then there is Dame Maggie Smith whose performances are legend.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mh79mz4a33ri9sg/ws_DecoDivas_6.zip?dl=0

Feeling better Friday freebie

Finally feeling better. No swimming head so far today and no nausea, just fatigue. Have another zip of Deco Divas for you. Remember how I said there is some overlap in styles/time periods between Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts and Art Deco? Bear in mind that art history is not my specialty. It is more a matter of having a great interest and admiration for certain artistic styles and certain periods of history. To that end let me qualify a little of what I said earlier about the styles. Of the 3 mentioned, my favorite is Art Nouveau. I love those sensuous curving lines, all the flowers and maidens with long flowing hair. I do not, however, care for the bugs and amphibians often portrayed. Dragonflies and butterflies, yes. Beetles and salamanders etc, no. I also appreciate much of the Arts & Crafts movement. It was a response to Industrialization and paid homage to the hand crafted. Arts & Crafts cottages are adorable (to me), and while the furniture has simpler lines, I could be quite comfortable with it. Then there is William Morris, who figures largely in the Arts & Crafts movement. He designed in pretty much all areas: homes,wallpapers, fabrics and so on. His intricate fabrics and wallpapers are to my eye very Art Nouveau. Here for instance:

The fabric on the left is called The Strawberry Thief, on the right is a floral and the bottom one is called Forest Fabric.

Now below is an example of a Craftsman Bungalow (what I've been calling cottage). I've seen a number of these in my city, many in the Larchmont section and would love to go inside. At one time (many years ago) Sears sold plans and kits to build these bungalows. Notice the interior examples. Simple lines to the furniture and woodwork. Added to it are a William Morris wallpaper border and William Morris textile for drapes. Goes together well doesn't it?

Here's one I love:

Among the architects and other artists of this time was Charles Rennie Mackintosh from Glasgow, Scotland. He was influenced by the Art Nouveau, Scottish design, and the simplicity of Japanese design. The best example of his style with blended strong right angles with subtle curves and floral design is the MacIntosh rose. It's modern and sleek but not cold. (P.S. you will get this in a later zip)

Which brings us to why I started this discussion today. In today's zip you will find a frame in the MacIntosh rose style. Also two papers, a bow, a Deco era ring, and a decorative piece with flowers.

I appreciate the comments you have made that let me know I can feel free to "discuss" topics with you. Never know how someone will take it when you start a one-sided discussion; but because I don't know what your knowledge base is, when I talk about old stuff especially, I like to give a little background for those who may be unfamiliar with, for example, the term Art Deco.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4s13ylkaz76wio3/ws_DecoDivas_5.zip?dl=0

Thursday and freebie

Feeling a little better - at least I was until brother called to say the house contract I'd over-nighted to him hasn't arrived. Tracking shows it was delivered yesterday afternoon. Just lovely!

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/snylcpa51a2tk9a/ws_DecoDivas_4.zip?dl=0

Flu & freebie

Have had the flu all day. Even though I had today's zip ready, I couldn't get to the computer -just moving my head made me dizzy and nauseated. A little better now.

Today's preview shows the cluster I made with the character, Beata (whose name means blessed). In the zip I bought Beata has a box to sit on. Didn't suit me so I gave her a vanity and bench and added a Deco era perfume bottle and powder box to it. You will find all the separate pieces of the cluster included in my zip.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a46ucu6r65cvsyy/ws_DecoDivas_3.zip?dl=0