Snowman Card, and answers to some questions...

Here's another card I made using the snowman image in Winter Schminter. We lost power one night last week at about 1:30am. I wasn't tired, so I decided to stamp! Not wanting to trust a lit candle in my stamp room, I made this card with a small battery operated headlamp strapped to my desk lamp. Worked like a charm!

I used Perfect Medium and Perfect Pearls to add the shimmery streaks to the edges of the card. The white on the snowman was done by painting with white craft ink using a water brush. Since the image is stamped on a natural cardstock, painting with the white craft ink was just enough white to give him color. Or lack of color. You know what I mean.... *grin*

FYI on some Typepad Troubles:
Normally when I get questions in comments I respond directly to the person who left the comment using the notification email that Typepad sends when the comment is left. However, for about 4 or 5 days now, Typepad notification emails haven't been working, which makes it difficult to respond to people leaving questions! So, here's my attempt at getting back to you with answers to your questions!

From the Heart and Home card:
Chris asked about Matte Accents. Matte Accents is a product made by Ranger. It is similar to Glossy Accents, Crackle Accents, or other clear gel mediums like Diamond Glaze or Crystal Effects, but dries with a matte finish - not glossy. It's great as an adhesive for larger items on collages, like buttons. It also worked perfectly for holding the large chunky glass glitter in place!

Michelle asked about Diamond Dust Glitter, which I used on the chipboard heart. Diamond Dust Glitter, unlike regular glitter, is finely ground glass. It's not super easy to find, but I do see that there are several listings on eBay currently. It's commonly used in the faux-floral industry. It's not for children, however. Since it is made of finely ground glass, it's dangerous for their wee little fingers. Use with care.

From the Chicken Pox card:
Robyn asked about egg production and consumption here on the farm. Robyn asked "Once all your chicks are old enough, how many eggs do you estimate they will produce daily? How do you ~use~ all of the eggs ~ share, sell , eat loads of scrambled eggs?"

Most chickens in "prime" laying condition will lay one egg every 26-36 hours. But there are a lot of things that can effect that as well. Like their breed, weather, food & water intake (quality and amount), health, and light. We have the following hens: 8 guinea; 10 Cuckoo Marans; 4 Welsummer; 5 Cochin; 6 Polish; 3 Frizzle; 4 Silkie; 2 Buff Orpington Bantam; 4 Turken; and a handful of mixed breeds. If they all lay 1 egg every day, that would be about 50 eggs per day. But, with the variables we won't get nearly that many. My guess is about 2 dozen per day. I sell the eggs, cook with the eggs, and sometimes if we just get too many in the fridge, fix them for the critters.

From the Simple Reindeer Card:
Mary Lou told a story of her father in upstate NY "boarding" a pet chicken who lives in an apartment in Brooklyn, NY. (Read her full comment on this page.) After her bath, I hope she settled into her new temporary digs nicely! Thanks for the giggles!

Gabi asked about photos of the eggs, or wanted to know if there were any chickens sitting on the eggs. Nope, no "broody" hens right now, and once they're all healed up from the POX, I'll be collecting their eggs for consumption and/or sale. For now, they're just being used for decoy. I've got an egg in each nest box! I'll get some photos when I have a few more to show off! They're so nice and pretty in their fresh nest box of wood chips!

I think that covers it! If I missed anything, let me know! *grin*

Comments

[Maria]

i love the shimmer!!!!

[Michelle]

I love your snowman! and that shimmery paint is fabulous!!

[Cindy H.]

Your snowman is just so cute and I cant believe you colored him with a headlamp - wow, fantastic job!! I love that shimmer! Im definitely going to have to try that:) TFS

[Chris Hauck]

Anna, I love this snowman card. I can just imagine you on the other side of this window looking out at the cute snowman. Well thats what it reminds me of anyway...a frosty window.
Oh by the way, thanks for answering my question about Matte Accents. My only other question was about what you used on that same card underneath the heart. The paper you used looks identical to leather, and maybe it is but that was my other question. Or maybe you used some more of the Perfect Pearls and Perfect Mediums to give it that look?! HMMMMM, interesting!
Chris

[Cindy Lawrence]

So adorable, Anna! Love the Perfect Pearl shimmer on the cardstock...gorgeous!

[diane mcvey]

Now thats dedication...stamping with the power out!!! I really like the card, too...as always! I can hardly keep up with your postings...you are a BUSY lady!!! :D

[Kathleen]

cute, shimmery card.
I asked a question about the kitten names. I have been looking for an upadte on their antics as well.

[Cynde]

I love reading your blog. I too lived like you do now. I had chickens, Turkeys, a cute lamb, ducks and horses. Now I have 3 dogs and an outdoor cat. Oh and 2 African Grey Parrots! But its not the same as a small family farm. I miss it... So I live thru your describing the hens, the first laying, and it reminds me of brushing off the saw dust and putting the warm fresh eggs in my basket, always marveling at the beauty of them and how clean they really are. (If you have clean boxes that is) and just wanted to say Thanks for not only the great cards and art you create, but for the lovely blog you keep and how it really does nurture my soul.

[Mary Lou]

Glad you enjoyed a story. I love to offer the opportunity for a good laugh. Take care.
-ML

[Curt O'Brien]

This snowman is adorable. Love the shimmery streaks along the edges. Gives it a frozen feel. Wonderful card. Best, Curt

[Curt OBrien]

This snowman is adorable. Love the shimmery streaks along the edges. Gives it a frozen feel. Wonderful card. Best, Curt

[Troy Louise]

Love your snowman, cant wait to get him this week. Hope all is going well w/your chickens you too!

Hugs to all.

[Shannan Teubner]

When you said headlamp strapped to your... I soooooooooo thought you were going to say HEAD. Thats serious stamping! LOL

[Gabriela]

Oh I adore this card! Can you hear it speaking to me? Its begging you to mail it to me! Thank you for responding to our questions. Im sorry Typepad isnt cooperating, but glad for your resourcefulness to just post the answers. Good thinking! Thanks for the tip on the Perfect Medium and Perfect Pearls. I wasnt familiar with it but just love its look. Thanks again!