By George, I think I've got it!

After much trial and error, I think I have finally found a way to share the videos I have been making so that all of the people who read my blog can see them! Unfortunately, I was not able to accomplish this for free. I ended up purchasing an upgraded version of the software I was using so I can now save video in a format that is compatible with YouTube.

What a learning curve this has been! I have learned far more than I ever thought I'd need to know about video file formats, bandwidth limitations, variations in browsers that limited viewing for some people, etc., etc., etc. I now have an account on YouTube and can embed the videos right here on my blog. I don't think the picture quality is as sharp as it was in the .swf videos, but you should be able to see what I am demonstrating. I will try to go back and redo the first four video topics in this new format, but that may take a few days (or more - I have lots of other projects in the works here!).

Here is the next video - "Welding in a Frame". Please let me know if there are any issues with watching this one (I sure hope there are none!). In the meanwhile, I will get back to setting up the online lesson site!



Thanks again for your patience and your feedback!

Using some "leftovers"

After a long and frustrating couple of days trying to solve the "technical difficulties" that some people have had in viewing my videos, I have come to the conclusion that I just can't make it work for everyone using the programs I am currently using. Many people are able to watch the videos but there are just too many variations in computer systems and I can't seem to get it to work for everyone. I am looking into upgrading my software and changing the file format. I am hoping to be able to do this without spending a lot of money - wish me luck!

In the meanwhile, I really needed to get to my crafting space and make something!!! I do enjoy working on the computer but when you get to technical overload it is time for some "hands-on" paper therapy!



Remember these extra frame strips that were left from the Graphically Speaking cards I made for the card swap? (here is a LINK to that post) I told you I would save them to use on a future project - so I used a few today.



The photo above is of the full sheet remainder after cutting four card toppers per 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock. I also saved these sheets - they could be used for a full page layout or cut into pieces for use on cards - today I cut up one of the sheets.



First, I cut a portion of the scalloped edge to fit two sides on an A2 (5.5 x 4.25 inch) card (the right and lower edges). Then, I added white dots at the point of each scallop with my Uniball Signo Broad UM-153 Gel Pen.



Next, I added two sections of the thin frame leftovers and also dotted these with my white pen. Black, red and white together always look "French" to me. I looked around to see what odds and ends of card stock or paper I had around. I found the perfect piece of black, white and glitter cardstock from a DCWV mat stack called "All Dressed Up."



Here is a closer view of the paper - the glitter centers to the flowers are already on the paper - no waiting for Stickles to dry on this card!

I will most likely add a small stamped or hand written greeting in the lower right corner using white ink. I haven't decided yet what I will use this card for so it will stay in my stash like this until I am ready to send it to someone.

It is fun to see what you can make with all of the bits of paper that could have ended up in the trash!

A quick note - about the videos...

I have had a few notes from people who tried to view the videos I have been posting and have run into problems when they try to view them. The videos were all shared the using the same method but now the site is acting differently and they are not playing automatically for some people.

I spent a lot of time trying to solve this problem and I think I have found a way to share the videos directly in my blog - without going to the 4shared site at all. I am doing my best to find a way to share these freely - but if I may have to change the system if I need to pay for hosting.

I have changed the link for the most recent video (#4) and will change the rest as soon as I hear from blog readers whether this method is working for them! I hope it works out as I am a bit overloaded with technology and want to get back to creating!

Please leave a comment on this post if at all possible so I will know that this is working - I have tested from the Mac and PC here at home but need to hear from others with different systems to be sure that I have this figured out! Thank you.

In order for the video to play, you still need to have a browser plugin version of the Macromedia Flash Player, which is free and available online.

Monday, 2:00 p.m. - Edited to add - the alternate method was working for many but not all people, however, in a very short amount of time the bandwidth limits were exceeded.  I have changed the link back to the 4shared site.  I am sorry if your computer system is not allowing you to view the videos and I will try to find another way to share these little videos but I need to spend some time creating and getting the online classes set up so I can't spend any more time on this now.

Working out this solution for the video sharing consumed most of my free time today, so I don't have any projects ready to post for you tonight.

Thanks to all who did some research on the vintage cards I posted a few days ago - there is a wide range of dates offered but most seem to place them in the late 1950s or early 1960s. I have seen a few ebay postings and the descriptions of similar cards claim dates from the 40s to the 60s - it is a bit hard to tell but I do think the illustrations are charming.

I think that some of you are great bargain hunters and "up" on rummage sale pricing, as I had several people guess 25 cents which is the actual price I paid - a great find and a great bargain!

I will be doing some fun projects with these cards in the near future - lots of ideas are bubbling to the surface!

(The hyacinth in the photo is from our garden. The photo is not turned sideways - the flower was so heavy that it was bent over and almost touching the mulch. I do love that shade of blue!)

A Lovely Day for a Concert

Yesterday we drove to New Jersey so we could see our son's college Chorale and Orchestra Concert which took place this afternoon. The weather had been quite rainy, but it turned into a lovely day for a concert. We got there late yesterday afternoon and went to dinner at a restaurant where every dish contains garlic. Remarkably, we didn't have a "certain air" about us after the meal (it was delicious) and we should be well protected from random vampires for a while!



This little garden was created next to our son's building by a few friends - it looks so inviting and unexpected on a college campus.



My favorite thing about it was the helpful garden gnome! I think I may turn this little fellow into a "digital sticker" for some future projects.



The day was very sunny and the season is definitely further along in New Jersey than in Massachusetts. This older house is actually the Admissions building and is directly across from the Arts Center with the Concert Hall.



An "action shot" from the concert. The music was beautiful and we really enjoyed the afternoon.



Here are the proud parents and son outside after the concert. Doesn't he look great in his tux!

We originally planned to stay through to Sunday, but with final papers due and exams starting next week, our son really needed to get his work done, so we decided to return home and have a bit more weekend time to do things around the house! It was a whirlwind trip - about 36 hours - but we are so glad we were able to attend the concert and have a quick visit.



We came home to find a large box waiting for us - it turned out to be this lovely gift basket full of treats from Louisiana that was sent by our recent house guests who visited for the Boston Marathon. We were too tired to undo it all tonight, but I am sure we will be enjoying some pralines tomorrow!

Happy National Scrapbook Day - now that I am home I will get back to posting projects again. Thanks to all who took guesses about when the cards from yesterday's post were made. I appreciate the research some of you did. I'll follow up on that post tomorrow when I have a chance to look through all the responses.

Just a note about the new teaching blog - I know a lot of you have been patiently waiting for me to get this off the ground. As I mentioned a few days ago, JenC (jensbrainthings) will be joining me in this venture and we are very close to scheduling our first online classes - we are just working out the final kinks in the logistics. Watch our blogs for updates - it is so exciting to finally be able to provide what has been requested so many times!

A Great Find!

I am back in New Jersey - we drove down today so we could be here for our son's Chorale and Orchestra Concert at his college tomorrow afternoon - two more weeks and he will be finished his sophomore year! I will be home again by Sunday and will catch up with emails and comments then but today I just wanted to share a great find from the rummage sale at a local church.

I love all sorts of vintage items and (of course) I have a weakness for paper products. I found this great box of cards with lots of interesting designs. On the end of the box it says "Deluxe Famous Everyday Assortment 21 Smart French Folders" and it has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. On the back of each card is printed "A Sunshine Card," a series of numbers and "Made in USA." Remarkably, even though the box is a bit banged up, there are twenty one cards and envelopes still in the box!



The birthday card at the top of this group matches the design on the box.



Some have very "cute" illustrations.



Most of the cards have some glitter incorporated in the design.



The dishes on the left card and the trees on the right card are very sparkly!



Here are a few wedding cards and a cute baby card (with six babies!).



The last card on the right is a "manly" card in a box of pretty girly cards....



Here is a closer view of the top of the box.

So, I have two questions for you - I know the answer for one, but the other will take some research and I may not find the exact answer.

1. When were these cards made?
2. What did I pay for them?