Modern Interior Design
Victorian Graphic - Ladies Hand with Red Rose
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Here's a classic Victorian image. This one shows a Ladies Hand holding a Red Rose! Lovely details on this one with her Lace Cuff and Fancy Jewelry.
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Vintage Clip Art - Ladies Fans
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Here are a couple of lovely Ladies Victorian Fans! These came out of an 1880's book, from a chapter on Etiquette. I think the one at the top is a really versatile image, as their is a space where you can write on it. It would make a nice place card perhaps, or maybe you could use it on an Invitation! These would also make great Photoshop Brushes!
Vintage Graphic - Musical Cats
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Well this is an amusing little card, don't you think?! You can never go wrong with Musical Cats, is what I always say! These 3 talented Kitties were used as an ad for Cast Iron Stoves. Cute!
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AAQR: Asphalt 6 HD ($0.99) racing
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| Image via Wikipedia |
Basically, you start with something simple, like a Mini Cooper JCW, and you can buy faster vehicles by winnings (about 40K to 60K per race if you win). There's of course, nitro. You pick up nitro on the course, or you can "drift" and that'll get you some nitro too.
Nitro is essential in winning any sort of race. You can also shove other cars into the wall, which will also get you some bonus $$$. If you manage to fill your nitro gauge, you can engage "adrenaline mode", where your car goes hyperfast, as well as be virtually invincible. (And yes, you CAN crash in this game). Asphalt series lets you use up to 3 charges of nitro at the same time (different flames out of the exhaust pipes, and increased speed). There's also specials about getting extra amount of air, extra money and so on.
Each race is considered "won" if you place in the top three, where you're awarded 3 stars for 1st, 2 stars for 2nd, and 1 star for 3rd. Each race also has two bonus objectives, such as knock-down 4 cars, drift 1000 meters, don't crash more than twice, and so on. Each objective is worth another star, for a maximum of 5 stars.
Race types are varied. There's regular race, knock down (crash as many other cars as possible, without being crashed yourself), elimination (don't be last!), drift competition, and so on.
Items are unlocked according to how many stars you got. Every 5 to 10 stars unlocks additional vehicles, "tuning kits" for increased performance, and so on.
The game's graphics is quite good, almost like playing one of the Need for Speed games. Handling is primitive, but that's expected on a phone. Getting the vehicle to drift is difficult though, at least in certain configs. And you need drifting in some corners to achieve optimum speed.
The most "annoying" part about the game is the ability to BUY the upgrades... If you want to buy stars to unlock better vehicles... you can. If you want to BUY ability to unlock upgrades, you can. But that means the game is no longer just 99 cents.
And that's slightly deceptive.
Still, the game's not bad, good for short excursions. For $1, it's a good deal.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/asphalt-6:-adrenaline-hd/com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA6HP
AAQR: Fox U-42 (free, paid) game
Fox U-42 is a u-boat sim where you need to kill merchant ships and escort ships in WW2 without getting killed. It's bird's-eye-view 2D where you give path to your sub and can choose to shoot, and change speed to high or low.
The initial level is easy enough, but dodging escorts can be a problem (trickier than you think). Try the free version and see how you like it first.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/fox-u-42-free/se.oixx.subfox
The initial level is easy enough, but dodging escorts can be a problem (trickier than you think). Try the free version and see how you like it first.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/fox-u-42-free/se.oixx.subfox
AAQR: All My Enemeis (game)
All My Enemies is a pretty plain top-down vertical "shooter" where you destroy enemies coming down toward you. Pretty boring if you ask me. It lets you control the game through both tilt and touch, but that's about it.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/all-my-enemies/drowning.zebra.allmyenemies
http://www.appbrain.com/app/all-my-enemies/drowning.zebra.allmyenemies
Vintage Clip Art - Antique China Plate - 4 Options
Click on Images to Enlarge
These pretty Antique China Plate Graphics came from an Old Wanamaker's Dept Store Catalog, that I picked up recently. Most likely they date to around 1880-1890. The original is the black and white, but I had fun making a few more colors for you to choose from! I think the black one would look really nice transferred onto Place Mats along with my Vintage
I Need A New Look
I've had this blog layout for a while now. I like it and it's served me well, but it's not really "me" enough. Also, I've got a different haircut and a full beard instead of the goatee now so my profile pic is well out of date.
I'm thinking about my options for a new look for 2012, specifically to help spruce things up around here for my launch. For the blog itself I still like the current text format and the semi-transparent background field, but that might have to change. Once I have a book cover settled, I'd like to try and use that as the background image for the blog, but in the meantime I have a few choices. I have a friend who has been doing some artwork for me based on my book. It's fantastic work I hope to share closer to the launch date. He's always been an incredible artist and this is some of his best work yet. I may be able to find one of those that would be suitable. Afternatively I could just look for some royalty-free photos of New York, to reflect my book's setting.
Regarding my profile picture, I think it's really time I got my author photo sorted out. I've been thinking a lot about this. Thankfully another friend of mine is a photographer and has agreed to do the shots for me. I have to admit to having no idea what would best suit me as an author photo so I may have to post several online and get some opinions.
Does anyone have any advice for how to decide on author photos or appropriate blog artwork?
I'm thinking about my options for a new look for 2012, specifically to help spruce things up around here for my launch. For the blog itself I still like the current text format and the semi-transparent background field, but that might have to change. Once I have a book cover settled, I'd like to try and use that as the background image for the blog, but in the meantime I have a few choices. I have a friend who has been doing some artwork for me based on my book. It's fantastic work I hope to share closer to the launch date. He's always been an incredible artist and this is some of his best work yet. I may be able to find one of those that would be suitable. Afternatively I could just look for some royalty-free photos of New York, to reflect my book's setting.
Regarding my profile picture, I think it's really time I got my author photo sorted out. I've been thinking a lot about this. Thankfully another friend of mine is a photographer and has agreed to do the shots for me. I have to admit to having no idea what would best suit me as an author photo so I may have to post several online and get some opinions.
Does anyone have any advice for how to decide on author photos or appropriate blog artwork?
Vintage Graphic - Ornate Rose Tag - Label
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This is a lovely little piece, that includes a big Pink Rose on an ornate French Frame! This would make a great Tag or Label.
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Antique Clip Art - Pretty White Sewing Machine
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This is a very pretty Antique Sewing Machine graphic from an old Wanamaker's Dept Store Catalog! There was no date on the catalog, but I'm guessing it dates around 1880 - 1890. Normally when you see these old Sewing Machines, they are black with gold on them. This one appears to have been light colored, maybe white or ivory. So lovely!
In other News:
Instant Art Printable - Map of Scotland
Click HERE for the Full Size Printable PDF
I had a few requests for a Map of Scotland to go with the England and Ireland Maps that I posted recently! This one is also circa 1880's.
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Vintage Clip Art - Old Florist Advertising Sign
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I have to say I think this one is pretty awesome!! This is from the 1870's Printer Sample book. This was used for a Florist originally. I think the Tussy Mussy shape is so fun and I love the gloved Victorian Hand holding it! I made a few options for you without the lettering, so that you can write whatever you like on it. I think it would be great for a
Own The Year
Happy new year, everyone. It's safe to say that I'm very, very glad to see the end of 2011. There were good things, absolutely, but it's hard to look back without remembering just how hard a year it was for my wife and I.
So instead of dwelling on that, I'm going to look forward. This is 2012. A new year with new opportunities and new challenges. My first novel is coming out later this year. That's huge, and not a little scary. Over two decades since I decided I wanted to be a writer, it's actually happening, and I couldn't be happier about that. I'm also planning to get the sequel ready and submitted to my publisher soon, ideally in time for the 2013 line-up. Once that's done I'll be starting work on the third book in the series. I'm a firm believer in getting books out there on the shelves, both physical and digital. I'd release a book every month if I could.
On the non-writing side, my wife and I are planning a trip back to New York some time this year. That city will always hold a special place in my heart and now that the hidden world of my series is really taking shape, I want to go to the places I've written about and see them with fresh eyes.
Last year we learned how much our friends love us and what they'll do to take care of us. So this year we're going to do so much more to enjoy being with them. Dinner parties, game nights, cinema trips, you name it, we're going to find ways to share more of our lives with our friends.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I intend to take this year and own it.
So instead of dwelling on that, I'm going to look forward. This is 2012. A new year with new opportunities and new challenges. My first novel is coming out later this year. That's huge, and not a little scary. Over two decades since I decided I wanted to be a writer, it's actually happening, and I couldn't be happier about that. I'm also planning to get the sequel ready and submitted to my publisher soon, ideally in time for the 2013 line-up. Once that's done I'll be starting work on the third book in the series. I'm a firm believer in getting books out there on the shelves, both physical and digital. I'd release a book every month if I could.
On the non-writing side, my wife and I are planning a trip back to New York some time this year. That city will always hold a special place in my heart and now that the hidden world of my series is really taking shape, I want to go to the places I've written about and see them with fresh eyes.
Last year we learned how much our friends love us and what they'll do to take care of us. So this year we're going to do so much more to enjoy being with them. Dinner parties, game nights, cinema trips, you name it, we're going to find ways to share more of our lives with our friends.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I intend to take this year and own it.
Instant Art Printable - Natural History - Birds in Nature
Click Here for the Full Size Printable PDF
This is another one from the 1882 Natural History book that I picked up a couple of months ago! This one shows 3 charming Birds along side some water, a little stream or creek perhaps. Such a sweet scene, I love the colors too! The is a High Resolution print that you can print out and frame for some Instant Art!
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AAQR: Dragon Fire (free / 2.99) puzzle
Dragon Fire is basically a puzzle where you need to route different "pulses" of fire to different receptors in the right sequence by moving the various "routers" along the way. This appears to have originated on the iPhone.
In play, it is similar to "traffic control" type games (not airport though). It could be interesting.
The demo has 6 levels, and the full game has 26 levels. Try the demo first.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/dragon-fire-demo/com.sgg.dfdemo
http://www.appbrain.com/app/dragon-fire/com.sgg.df
In play, it is similar to "traffic control" type games (not airport though). It could be interesting.
The demo has 6 levels, and the full game has 26 levels. Try the demo first.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/dragon-fire-demo/com.sgg.dfdemo
http://www.appbrain.com/app/dragon-fire/com.sgg.df
AAQR: Bird's the Word (game)
Bird's the Word is a word game where you are randomly given a bunch of letters in a grid and you need to use them to make words. Each level is passed if you score above a certain threshold, which means longer words and more words. As letters are removed after each word, it can get challenging for subsequent words!
If you got bored there are additional game modes.
Not bad if you like word games and needs some vocabulary challenges.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/birds-the-word/birdhd.sgn.com
If you got bored there are additional game modes.
Not bad if you like word games and needs some vocabulary challenges.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/birds-the-word/birdhd.sgn.com
AAQR: Beaver's Revenge (game)
Beaver's Revenge is a shameless ripoff of Angry Birds. You are a beaver throwing "fish" at lumberjacks who's out to cut down your forest.
Production value's not bad, but it's such a shameless clone it's... pathetic.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/beavers-revenge%E2%84%A2/com.TwistedGames.Beaverz
Production value's not bad, but it's such a shameless clone it's... pathetic.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/beavers-revenge%E2%84%A2/com.TwistedGames.Beaverz
AAQR: Aporkalypse: Pigs of Doom (game)
Aporkcalypse is basically a platform/puzzle game where you need to manuever the 4 pigs of aporkalypse, each with their special ability, to get through some certain levels and prevent the aporkcalypse, by sending both angels and demons back to where they belong... in heaven and in hell respectively!
Story's the usual some ultimate evil has disrupted the way it should be and you need to help the four pigs save the world. :) But obviously it's in a joking manner. Not bad... Try the free version first. Paid version removes the ads.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/aporkalypse-free/com.hg.aporkalypsefree FREE
http://www.appbrain.com/app/aporkalypse-pigs-of-doom/com.hg.aporkalypse $1.41
Story's the usual some ultimate evil has disrupted the way it should be and you need to help the four pigs save the world. :) But obviously it's in a joking manner. Not bad... Try the free version first. Paid version removes the ads.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/aporkalypse-free/com.hg.aporkalypsefree FREE
http://www.appbrain.com/app/aporkalypse-pigs-of-doom/com.hg.aporkalypse $1.41
Site Update: New Review Phone
I recently upgraded to a dual-core 4G LTE phone, so I'll be reviewing a few more of the games now that I'm more compatible!
Vintage Garden Clip Art - Glass Cloche with Pots
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This one comes from an 1870's Garden book. I have such a thing for Glass Cloches, they look great anywhere you put them! This one has 3 potted plants in and it, and there is a second makeshift one using a Wine Glass. What a great idea! I hope you can use these in your Garden themed projects!
In Other News: If you have time, make sure you pop over to One
Vintage Graphic - Pretty Feather with Spots
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Here we have another Victorian Scrap Feather image!! I just think these are so fun! This one has some speckled spots on one side and bright Orange on the other side. There is a smaller feather peeking out from behind it. Nice for your Collage or Card Making projects!
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Brag Monday
It's time for Brag Monday #117! Once again I'm bragging about two more projects from the last Brag Monday party.
This weeks DIY pick is: These truly lovely French Bottles from Carol at The Polka Dot Closet! Carol used several of the French Labels, to make these wonderful bottles. I love that she made them clear!! The full Tutorial can be found on her site.
This weeks Craft Pick is:
This weeks DIY pick is: These truly lovely French Bottles from Carol at The Polka Dot Closet! Carol used several of the French Labels, to make these wonderful bottles. I love that she made them clear!! The full Tutorial can be found on her site.
This weeks Craft Pick is:
Vintage Graphic - French Roses
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This is a very pretty French Advertising card for Chocolate! The card shows 2 beautiful Pink Roses. Lovely!
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Vintage New Year Clip Art - Lady with Champagne
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I've had this Vintage New Year card for awhile now, and thought it was so cute. However, I didn't realize until I scanned it today, that the wreath has Pig Heads on it! (I guess I thought they were large flowers). A little disturbing! Anyway... Happy 2012!! Wishing you all a joyful New Year!
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