Acrylic Pour ATC Backgrounds in Violet

I've found a few spare moments for another Friday freebie ATC Background set.


This time, I'm offering my Backgrounds for you to build upon in the many varying hues and shades of that mysteriously moody color known as violet.

As already mentioned previously, this began with my second try at using the technique known as "Acrylic Pouring" or "Poured Acrylics." The "cells" that developed in this small pour are so very tiny that it is difficult to view them without a little help. So I took a few pictures and then played with those for a little bit using Photoshop. I had to zoom in an awful lot before the "cells" could be enjoyed.

This led to my musing as to how to play with those same photographs I had taken of this experiment using acrylic pouring. There have been other colors before, among them Aquatic and Fuchsia. These are fairly recent posts, so all you have to do is to scroll down just a little bit and you'll quickly see them in other posts. I've already offered a duo of envelopes with labels to match as well, which you will no doubt find on the way down as you scroll.

Happy weekend creativity!

PPSATC™Background Sixpack: 

Acrylic Pour "Varietous Violet"

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

only give, keep or trade any or all of the ATCs

given in my Set above, with or without altering.

You are not free to:

ever sell any of my designs

unless otherwise specified by me

in the Guidelines (like this one).

Thank you 

for helping me to

keep free things free!

No. 3 Swirly Kaleidoscope Button Alphabet

Time once more to use that 1 inch circular punch or cutter again as my series of Button Alphabets continues with this next Kaleidoscope design. 

I thought this newest design Set of my colorful alphabets would expand people's color choices a bit as the colors are a bit different.

Please respect my  copyrights and do follow the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of this post. Thank you.

This more vivid set I think could add some real zing to just about any project. This is my third version in the Kaleidoscope Button Alphabet Series. 

As long as the numbers hold steady or otherwise continue to build for my 1 inch Button Alphabets, I will continue to offer a new version now and then, possibly weekly -- that is, until I run out of ideas for them.  Lolz 

Please note that these are totally unique, and completely of my own creation. Fun though it may be, it still takes a while to develop such ideas until they become workable and usable. These literally have taken months of my spare time work. They'll have my copyright from this time forward.
Thank you for respecting my rights as the artist holding my own copyrights. I would hope that everybody does the same for all creative source material makers.

Happy Creativity!

PPS™One Inch Button Alphabet: 

Kaleidoscope No. 3
©RHMcGuinn

Download HERE

Display version
(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

Use my Kaleidoscope 1 Inch Button Alphabet

in artwork that may be either

given or traded (as in

for personal use only).

You are not free to:

ever sell anything made using

any of these letter button images

even if you alter them first.

(You may alter them otherwise, 
just not for sale, please.)

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

No. 2 Swirly Kaleidoscope Button Alphabet

Time once again to use that 1 inch circular punch or cutter again as my series of Button Alphabets continues with this new, swirly design. 

I thought this newest design Set of my colorful alphabets would expand people's color choices a bit as the colors do tend to blur and blend into one another in some pretty and choice-expanding ways.

Please respect my  copyrights and do follow the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of this post. Thank you.

This more vivid set I think could add some real zing to just about any project. There are more designs and color ways in the works. 

As long as the numbers hold steady or otherwise continue to build for my 1 inch Button Alphabets, I will continue to offer a new version now and then, possibly weekly -- that is, until I run out of ideas for them.  Lolz 

Please note that these are unique, and totally my own creation. Fun though it may be, it still takes a while to develop such ideas until they become workable and usable. These literally have taken months of my spare time work. They'll have my copyright from this time forward.
Thank you for respecting my rights as the artist holding my own copyrights. I would hope that everybody does the same for everyone creative.

Happy Creativity!

PPS™One Inch Button Alphabet: 

Kaleidoscope No. 2
©RHMcGuinn

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

Use my Kaleidoscope 1 Inch Button Alphabet

in artwork that may be either

given or traded (as in

for personal use only).

You are not free to:

ever sell anything made using

any of these letter button images

even if you alter them first.

(You may alter them otherwise, 
just not for sale, please.)

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

#ATCAD2017: ATC Background "Sixpack"

The post previous to this one, entitled, "Am I Blue?" has been redone in purple this time around.

June offers a whole new set of challenges this year for fans of Artist Trading Cards. Try making a new one every day! That is this year's challenge. While I most likely won't have enough time to follow through myself, I thought that I could at least offer a few ATC Backgrounds each week for the entire month of June. My entire current stock of ATC Backgrounds may be found by following this link HERE. 
Have fun building on those Backgrounds, all you ATCers out there!

Please respect my copyrights by following the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of nearly every post of this blog, including this one. Thank you.

There are at least 2 other color ways of this very same patterned set of abstract ATC Backgrounds still waiting for some finishing touches. Today is the day for Passionate Purple Patina! It has always been one of my most favorite colors.

I'd really like to see what some of my guests here at PPS have done using any of my ATC Backgrounds. I like to think of these sets as being blank canvases or as a beginning basis upon which to start adding anything and everything imaginable!

Happy #ATCAD2017!
:)

PPS™ATC Sixpack: Passionate Purple Patina

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

only give, keep or trade any or all of the ATCs

given in my Set above, with or without altering.

You are not free to:

ever sell any of my designs

unless otherwise specified by me

in the Guidelines (like this one).

Thank you 

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Here is Shoshi's photo on which 
this set's design got based:

Swirly Kaleidoscope Button Alphabet

Time to use that 1 inch circular punch or cutter again as my series of Button Alphabets continues with this new, swirly design. 

I thought this newest design would expand people's color choices a bit as the colors do tend to blur and blend into one another in some pretty and choice-expanding ways.

Please respect my  copyrights and do follow the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of this post. Thank you.

As long as the numbers hold steady or build for my 1 inch Button Alphabets, I will continue to offer a new version now and then. Please note that these are unique, totally my own creation. Fun though it may be, it still takes a while to develop ideas until they become workable or doable. These literally have taken months of spare time work. They'll have my copyright from this time forward.
Thank you for respecting my rights as the artist holding copyrights. I would hope that everybody does the same.

Happy Creativity!

PPS™One Inch Button Alphabet: 

Kaleidoscope No. 1

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

Use my Kaleidoscope 1 Inch Button Alphabet

in artwork that may be either

given or traded (as in

for personal use only).

You are not free to:

ever sell anything made using

any of these letter button images

even if you alter them first.

(You may alter them otherwise, 
just not for sale, please.)

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

"Abalone" Button Alphabet

The idea came to me that I was being too limited with the design choices for my Antique Button Alphabet Sets.

This led to some new ideas that will allow for more color choices when using some of the Alphabet Button Sets I'm soon to be offering here at PPS. All the lovely colors that flow into each other I thought would make it easier for my Book Arts guests (altered books, journaling, scrapping tags, etc etc etc) to use due to color variation in this set. 

Once again, 1 inch circular punches or cutters will be useful for cutting these buttons away from their page.

Please honor my copyrights by following the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of the post. Thank you.

This time, I went for what I call "vivid pastels," if that's not a contradiction in terms. The reason such a nickname for the colors in these buttons works is owing to their initial source: a lovely mottled, blurry paua shell. The paua is a member of the abalone family, the name for which is a Maori word. For more about this beautifully shelled endangered species, please visit the article HERE.

This set might be of use when making art for this (American) Mother's Day, and this year (2017) that is only 2 days away as of today. And aren't beautiful pauas worth rescuing for the delight of future generations? The nature-conscious people of New Zealand believe that they are, and I know I do too.

As per usual, I've included one full alphabet per downloadable page along with 10 digits, 1 ampersand and 1 exclamation mark.

Happy creativity!

PPS™ One Inch Antique Button Alphabet: Abalone

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

Use my Abalone Button Alphabet

in artwork that may be either

given or traded (as in

ATCs, etc.).

You are not free to:

ever sell anything made using

any of these letters

even if you alter them first.

(You may alter them otherwise, 
just not for sale, please)

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

#ATCAD2017 A Friday Freebie: New ATC Backgrounds

This set is a new color way of the previous one. 

I like how they both have turned out. This sort of thing is just plain fun. I'd like it even better if I could see some of the ATCs my guests are making using my free backgrounds. Please feel free to let me know if you'd care to show something here. I'll gladly give you credit for the work you've done.

Please respect all copyrights listed along with any digital brush credits. My red letter Guidelines are located at the foot of this post. Thank you.

The previous color way version of this set may be seen by following this link HERE.

So here's that ATC Freebie Set for Friday.
:)

Happy Creativity!

PPS™ATC Sixpack: Smudged and 

Splattered Brights No. 2

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

Digital Brush Credit:

www.obsidiandawn.com

All other design ©2017RHMcGuinn

You are free to:

make art using these ATC Backgrounds

that is to be either kept by you

or else given or traded.

ATCs are not meant to be sold, anyway, 

just treasured.

You are not free to:

ever sell any of these items

for any reason.

Thank you

for helping me to 

keep free things free!

As Promised: Shabby Chic Accessories

This project began with an antique tissue paper page that was loose within the covers of an antique book about butterflies.

It looked so forlorn at first, and yet somehow every wrinkle, crease and tear informed me that there was something I would be doing with them someday. 

Please acknowledge my copyrights by always crediting my work back to this blog, and please do follow the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of this post. This is a share-alike post of freebies that are not to be sold by anyone, even when altering has been done. Thank you. 

It has taken years for this journey from a book sale at a library till today. From 2004 till now, I've had many challenges to face as an artist, including learning enough Photoshop techniques in order to make it work well enough for me. The book itself resides on a shelf and is seldom opened due to its frailty, but I love knowing that it's still around. Somebody has to give tattered old books a loving new home, and I knew at the time that it was my turn to be the one.

The page view ratings for the original Stationary Set (found HERE) were a sign to me that the public might go for a few of the matching accessories I'd promised to make. The download offers a chance to create using both the pages I've already published here along with matching Labels and Photo Corners. All of this has taken time, so please respect my wishes as to copyrights. I'd appreciate it. Let's share and share alike, shall we?
:)

For a look at what the same Photo Corners in other colors look like when in use, you may visit an earlier post of mine HERE.

Happy Shabby Chic Creativity!

PPS™Shabby Chic Stationary Accessory Set

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

share, give or make art with

the items from this set.

You are not free to:

Ever sell anything from this et

even if you've altered it first.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Shabby Chic Stationary Paper

This set may be a little faded or wrinkled, but for anyone who enjoys antique pages, it might be fun to use for their handwritten correspondence.

This is just a suggestion for Mothers Day, but I think that it might make a fine birthday present for somebody who enjoys corresponding offline using the post or classic "snail mail." I began this process a while back - over 2 years ago, in fact. I wasn't impressed with my first results. You see, I tend to work more slowly nowadays than I used to do, and am also more choosy than before about what I am willing to publish here. I am still not as satisfied as I wanted to be, but I still enjoy how cute these pages look to me.

Please respect my copyrights and follow the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of this post. Thank you. All artists' rights do count, as do yours.

Notes are more fun if the paper is pretty, aren't they? This set of Pages began with an antique tissue paper page I'd found lying loose between the regular paper pages of an antique book about butterflies. I purchased my 1905 butterfly book years ago at a library book sale. 

That tissue page looked so charmingly crumpled and worn around the edges that I instantly fell in love with it! By using Photoshop processes, I slowly began to understand how to alter my scans of that tissue paper page so that it could be used by me in art for this blog.  This stationary or notepaper was the first thing that really made sense to me, although I have featured the crumpled bit of tissue here once before. (This was recent, during my ATC Background week that I featured earlier in April 2017.)

I'm offering all 3 colors in 2 styles: with lines and without. I'd like to encourage my visitors to customize whatever envelopes they might have around. The colors are soft and even old fashioned, but then so is the inspiration which got this whole project started. The shabby filigree pattern is one I've used previously in an older post which guests may find HERE. 

If this new set does well enough, I might be encouraged to make an accessory set for it of some kind. For more choices, I'd like to encourage guests to try looking through my Spring selections. My Spring Garden Collection is still growing. I've recently added a cheerful Rainy Day Set to it which you may find HERE.

It's possible to print your choices from home and then (of course) to make plenty of copies at your local Copy center. It might make a nice gift for someone who enjoys using something unusual for their correspondence. I could see a set of these pages bundled neatly with ribbons or lace, possibly in either a pretty basket or box. A unique little magnetic message board for an office might be customized using one of my designs. Moms might enjoy a handwritten letter using one of my pages as a part of their Mothers Day gift or card, too. 

Happy creative corresponding!

PPS™Shabby Chic Stationary Pages

All Six Displayed

Download Lilac HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

Download Dusty Rose HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

Download Faded Denim HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

Download Lilac with Lines HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

Download Dusty Rose with Lines HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

Download Faded Denim with Lines HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

Give or use or share these designs.

You are not free to

ever sell any of these designs for any reason

even if you've altered them first.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

[#ATCAD2017] Colorful Splattered ATC Backgrounds

Relaxing with Photoshop processes has led to this new set.

This has led me to conclude that the colorful possibilities are simply endless! This began with an image of an antique book cover. The stubbled surface offered me the chance to just relax and play now and then offline.

Please respect my copyrights by following the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of this post. Thank you.

The fun went from the textured surface of that old book's cover to color play in general using digital brushwork and altering techniques. The color, of course, had to change radically in order to make it interesting for me. After attempting seven different design choices, I've settled for this one, but it might all get changed again and offered a second way, especially if I find that enough people are enjoying this set.

These are Backgrounds, and as such aren't intended to be traded as is. I designed them to be re-designed and traded by you!
:)

For a look at the entire PPS™ATC Backgrounds collection, guests may follow the link HERE. For a few words on the history of Artist Trading Cards, you can follow the link to the Strathmore page HERE.

Happy Creative Trading!

PPS™ATC Sixpack: Smudged and Splattered Brights

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

Digital Brush Credit:

www.obsidiandawn.com

All other design ©2017RHMcGuinn

You are free to:

make art using these ATC Backgrounds

that is to be either kept by you

or else given or traded.

ATCs are not meant to be sold, anyway, 

just treasured.

You are not free to:

ever sell any of these items

for any reason.

Thank you

for helping me to 

keep free things free!

Spring ATC Freebies Week Continues

The more choices, the merrier!

At least, I see it that way this week. Very shortly, I'll be ready to offer some different styles of free ATC Backgrounds. Hopefully, there just might be something for everyone.

Please honor all copyrights here by following the red letter Guidelines offered at the foot of this post. Thank you.

Today's 2 posts continue with yesterday's theme, that of the colors of Spring. The set includes 6 different ways to use spring's Lilac tones for art fun. I do hope visitors will enjoy using this new set. For more ATC fun here at PPS, you may follow the link to my entire ATC Backgrounds collection HERE.

Happy Artist Trading Card Creativity!

PPS™ATC Backgrounds Set: Luscious Lilac

Download HERE

Display version
(lower quality than the download)

Digital Brush Credit:

(swirls flanking the download's title)

www.obsidiandawn.com

You are free to:

make art with, display and Trade

my Artist Trading Cards Backgrounds.

You are not free to:

ever sell them in any way,

even if you alter my design.

Please protect my copyrights.

Thank you

for helping me to 

keep free things free!

New Paper Doll Visiting Outfit 2 Ways

Do you recognize something about Victoria's new visiting dress? 

Victoria's cousin, Mercy has a maternity smock with the very same sleeves and neckline. Most young Victorian women and girls knew how to sew for their family members, as well as for their homes and for themselves. The two cousins are no different. 

Please follow the red letter Guidelines for both versions of this outfit at the foot of this post. Thank you.

Mercy had to adapt their shared pattern in order to make herself a smock with some pretty details. She paired it with a maternity skirt of a matching color way. You may see that outfit by following this link HERE. 

Victoria's version of the same dress is, of course, not for an expectant mother, but rather for herself. I'm offering this two ways, the first with a frilly short cape tucked under one arm, and the other without the little cape. I've added a purse for the very first time. Previously, she's carried a parasol or perhaps a gift or a Gladstone bag (a kind of large handbag made for traveling). Both outfit downloads include a hat for every hair color. 

Fairly soon, I hope to be able to offer a few items about Mercy and Tom's new baby, as well as some new adventures for Victoria and her family.

Happy Playtime Creativity!

PPSPlaytime™: Victoria's New Visiting Dress

(with wrap)

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

PPSPlaytime™: Victoria's New Visiting Dress No. 2

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

play with or share or trade the items 

offered in this post.

You are not free to:

ever sell either of them

in any form,

even if you alter them.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Tea and Company with Mercy

A new room + two new outfits and the latest news about Mercy!

Victoria's cousin Mercy and her husband, Tom, are staying for a few months with his family while their new home is being made ready for them. Their time with family has been very pleasant, although recently some family members have gone traveling for a while. To make up for the loss, Victoria has come to stay a while in the rambling old fashioned house near Grosvenor Square.

Please respect my copyrights by following the red letter Guidelines located at the foot of this post. Thank you so much.

Mercy's cousin and best friend, Victoria has been invited to stay for three weeks while Tom is away on business. Tom's parents, meanwhile, are at the country estate belonging to some friends. This means that our two young cousins may do whatever they like for three whole weeks.

What shall they do with their free time today? I am glad that you've asked. They are about to entertain a few guests for late afternoon tea! This will not be what the northern parts of Great Britain considered then to be "high tea," as that was more for artisan workers, and after a long day's work. However, this relatively casual gathering will offer something more wholesome than simply tea and sweets or digestive biscuits.

Both fashionable young ladies are wearing the very latest in tea gowns. A tea gown was a part of a fashion and health movement during Victorian times known as "the Rational Dress" movement. Women could relax in looser clothing (such as a tea gown) and with no corsets on for hours at a time, thus allowing their insides to be as healthy as possible.

For Victoria, this will be her very first fancy tea gown ever. You'll notice how parts of this gown's design and cut are a bit like that of her peignoir. The one main difference between the two styles maybe seen at the waistline, as well as in the length of the skirt at the back.

As you may have already noticed, Mercy's special gown accommodates two now. She and Tom are expecting their first child sometime before spring. She seems both comfortable and elegant in her new purple velvet gown trimmed with rich feathers (yes - feathers!). Her cousin is wearing a pretty blue gown patterned with flowers that is adorned with flounces and ruffles of lace. Both carry fans. This was a common fashion accessory in the wearing of formal but friendly tea attire. Mercy's is a hand painted one made with guards and sticks of mother of pearl.

Their guests are not likely to wear such loose clothing as tea gowns. After all, nobody would dare to travel or be out in public wearing such attire. The fashion was intended more for time spent among one's family and closer friends.

Mercy and Victoria have been busy laying the table. Soon, the pretty room full of antique furniture will shine with some of Tom's mother's china and silverware. Hot water for tea will be sent upstairs from the kitchen in the basement to the first floor (which was never the ground floor, but the one above it). From there, a maid will fetch it from a sort of a small elevator made especially for dishes and food that is called a "dumbwaiter." Next, she will deliver it to be poured.

The little party will start more as a light supper or late luncheon with soup, a salad, and some little finger sandwiches. This was not customary, but in informal settings, one could always choose one's menu to suit everybody's taste. The dessert part of the menu will offer the guests a number of delightful choices. -Not forgetting, of course, plenty of tea and good conversation.

Perhaps one day you, too, will give your own tea party for your closest friends or family. Tea time recipes for just such a repast may be found at a variety of sites online, among them this one HERE and also this one HERE.

Happy Teatime Creativity!

PPSPlaytime™: Teatime with Mercy

(in 4 sections, some assembly required)

Display 

Download UL HERE

Download UR HERE

Download LR HERE

Download LL HERE

PPSPlaytime™: Mercy's Velvet Tea Gown

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

PPSPlaytime™: Victoria's New Tea Gown

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

play with or give or to trade

the room and outfits

included in this post.

You are not free to:

ever sell any of these items

in any way

or for any reason.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Pretty Striped Paper Doll Visiting Dress

Mercy has a new dress!

And isn't it pretty? It had to be refitted by me from the original to this doll. I have also changed the coloration of it to reflect a different look, plus altered the parasol so that it can look white and fresh as a daisy instead of dull and grubby.

Please respect my copyrights on this altered paper doll outfit. They are listed below in the red letter Guidelines. Thank you!

©RHMcGuinn as are all of the rest of the Paper Dolls, outfits, rooms, Scenes and Accessories, including standards. Thanks for the courtesy.

Mercy, her young husband and Mercy's cousin, Victoria have been aboard a steamship which has brought them to another landing place. Can you guess where they might have gone since their exciting stay in Venice? I'll reveal the new stop on their tour very soon.
;)

Some tips on fitting Hat Tabs to their matching hats:
It is probably best to begin with the top edge first, with the gray colored Tab against the back of the actual hat that it's matching in both shape and size. Many times, I've included decorations near the tops of hats which make good starting points for this process.
I prefer to use a really good glue stick whenever working with such paper projects, such as Yuhu brand, although I do like to keep some 3M brand in my crafting supplies and this works just as well. Please wait for the glue to dry, even if it is from a glue stick. Once it isn't tacky enough to stick to either the paper doll's head or face, just try it on the doll and keep adding bits of glue until it won't slip and slide off. 
Lastly, trim away any excess that could spoil the looks of the doll. This I think works best as a final step and using small scissors - in my case, I'll often use manicure scissors with a sharp tip for such refined work.

Happy playtime creative fun!

PPSPlaytime™: Mercy's New Striped 

Visiting Dress

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

play with or give or trade

this paper doll outfit.

You are not free to:

ever sell it for any reason.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!

Victoria's New Butterfly Dress

A pretty new outfit for Victoria to wear while still on her European adventure!

This outfit has been a genuine challenge for me. It began as a charming French fashion plate, but had to be completely redone before it could even begin to fit the doll properly.

Please honor all copyrights and red letter Guidelines listed at this blog, including any at the foot of this post. Thank you.
©RHMcGuinn as are all of the rest of the Paper Dolls, outfits, rooms, Scenes and Accessories, including standards. Thanks for the courtesy.

It was the butterflies located on the sleeves that first gained my approval of this dress. The color seemed a little odd to me, and so that has had to be changed. A tan colored dress with a vivid, pretty magenta butterfly somehow did not look right to me. I prefer the soft celery green I've chosen. After all, it is still summertime. Victoria will have plenty of time in which to wear the browns of autumn later on in the year, won't she?

I found a charming embroidered pair of shoes for her to wear, one of which is peeping out from under the hem of her dress. This style laces up at the front, and so should serve her fairly well for walks in refined places such as museums and art galleries. The color has been changed to match the other magenta features to this outfit.

The sleeves and the upper front of the bodice I chose to make sheer for a lighter and cooler appeal. Summertime in Italy is generally very warm and sunny. She is using her parasol (hidden behind the skirt of her dress as she is walking) as a sort of a walking stick at the moment. She is prepared to, at a moment's notice, make use of the shade it can provide her with.

Happy Late Summer Playtime Creativity!

PPSPlaytime™: Victoria's Summer Butterfly Dress

Download HERE

Display version

(lower quality than the download)

You are free to:

either play with or give or trade

this Paper Doll outfit.

You are not free to:

ever sell it in any way, even if 

it is altered by you.

Thank you

for helping me to

keep free things free!