If I were part crow, something else might make sense - and that's the fact that I LOVE to listen to stories of MURDER while I'm crafting.
It's true. I told you about my murderous podcasts in my last blog post, but I had one Audible book left on my phone I hadn't listened to and I'm listening to it now while I make projects like today's.
It's called A Killer Among Us, and it's a true story of a woman who was killed by a paid hitman, and the ensuing investigation and trials. It's really gripping. And as a bonus - it's narrated by one of my favorite narrators - Kevin Pierce. He has read several books I've loved - If I Can't Have You, Salt of the Earth.
Listening to true crime/mysteries gives me the patience to work on my projects until they are where I want them, instead of giving up - because I'm rewarded with a great story for sticking it out. That's my theory, anyway. So now you know when you see my bright, happy and quirky cards, that there are many murderers and victims in their wake! :)
I started this card when I started the book, because I had just created my Eastern Beauty Design Guide Online class. This is my newest online class, and it's a little different from my other classes. Instead of three finished cards, you will get TEN design combinations of the stamps in this beautiful bundle. There's an endless number of combinations of the images in this stamp set, so I came up with ten that are really fun for the class - one of them would make a PERFECT snowflake for a holiday card. I think you'll really enjoy it. And since for the first time I can remember - CUSTOMERS can pre-order this bundle before you see it in the catalog - remember - you always get the related online class for free when you order the bundle from me. There are two bundles available from now until May 31 - and after that you will not be able to get these awesome discounted bundles. Both of them include freebies as well. So you can either purchase the stand-alone class here or purchase the bundles here and I'll email you the class. Use host code VAMPC4TR on your order for a chance to win a stamp set from the new catalog.
So after I created and uploaded the class, I just played. I took the sort of floral image from the set and stamped it in second generation ink onto watercolor paper, and watercolored it. Then I overstamped the same image, lining it up on my MISTI so it was perfectly offset, in second generation ink, and watercolored that.
If you want to play with this - take a look at your watercolors and note whether they are transparent or opaque. If they are opaque - use those for the bottom layer and choose a transparent for the top. Or use two transparent colors - either way is beautiful.
I dried them with a heat gun and added the gorgeous gold stickers from the bundle to the centers. I wasn't sure I was going to like the way they looked, but I stuck it out to hear more of my book and I ended up loving them. I think only one person was murdered during this card.
Those shiny gold stickers are amazing - I love them. Perfect graphic contrast to that softer watercolor.
Here's a photo of everything that comes in the premiere bundle - it's a doozy!
So now I need you to do me a favor, because I have a VERY exciting giveaway.
I am giving away to one lucky reader - a seat in the new Online Card Classes course - Sparkle and Shine! HOW COOL IS THAT??
You guys know my opinion of these classes - they are absolutely the best. Great teachers, an incredible amount of content, and the best price. You will not be disappointed, especially if you have that crow gene that I clearly have - because this one is about all things shiny. :) I may or may not know what some of the classes cover, and I may or may not love them all. But I can neither confirm nor deny the veracity of that statement.
So what do you have to do to win this awesome class?
You have to leave me a comment with your favorite podcast or audiobook - non-fiction or true crime preferred - but I'll take all suggestions! I can never get enough!
I will announce my winner on Sunday - so that you can hop right into class on Monday! So let's hear about your books!
Loveyameanitbesparklybye.
I'm not an audio book listener. But in Mexico they have a radio series called "Porfirio Cadena." My grandma, my mom and I would listen to it every Saturday. It's about a guy who's forced to become a criminal (for a good cause). It's the "original" Breaking Bad ;)
ReplyDeleteLydia, I too LOVE murder mysteries and am an Audible addict! Murder mysteries are about all I listen to with an occasional auto biography thrown in. I got this book years ago on Audible and have listened to it multiple times. Its Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen. Another of my top three is Envy by Sandra Brown. It's awesome as well. Also love On The Treet Where You Live by Mary Higgins Clark.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/The-Bone-Garden-Audiobook/B002V0KF20/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1494007148&sr=1-1
http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Envy-Audiobook/B002V9Z0VC/ref=a_search_c4_1_3_srTtl?qid=1494007274&sr=1-3
http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/On-The-Street-Where-You-Live-Audiobook/B002V1LA3C/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1494007333&sr=1-1
I love mysteries too but have to have a book to hold on to! I do listen to Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's podcasts.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I prefer reading rather than listening to books. One of my favourite authors, Kathy Reichs, has several of her books on Audible; a good one is Speaking in Bones http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Speaking-in-Bones-Audiobook/B010PFQZDA I really like Kathy Reichs' novels, as they're drawn from her real life experience as a Forensic Anthropologist (yes, she is the basis of the 'Bones' tv series) :) I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy your cards, Lydia!
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia,
ReplyDeleteThe audio book I'm in the middle of reading/hearing is Bill O'Reilly's Old School. It's not exactly on the crime theme, but parts of it are hilarious!
I'm so glad your book helped you be patient while you finished your card, because the result is gorgeous in every way!
I also love audio books especially while driving long distances-recently while driving from San Francisco to Minneapolis, I listened to Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres. I'm going to give them a listen while working-might help me be more productive.
ReplyDeleteI think I've given you this suggestion before, so I kinda feel like I'm cheating. But I love Online Card Classes! So anything by Bill Bryson - A walk in the Woods is quite interesting and entertaining in particular.
ReplyDeleteMy fav podcast is AVL food fans- it is geocentric to Asheville, and it's a way to enjoy food with out the calories! I do enjoy your videos! thanks
ReplyDeleteSorry not into audio books, bi-lateral hearing loss, but I love your videos :)
ReplyDeleteLately, I am into so Suzy podcast. I love all her topics and she introduced me to many other crafting companies that I have never heard of.
ReplyDeleteThe layered watercolor flowers are stunning, what a fabulous effect! I started the Outlander series about 7 or 8 years ago by Diana Gabaldon. It has a bit of everything suspense, historical references, romance. The books are very long which would equal a LOT of crafty time. The TV series is very well done too, at least the episodes I have seen. I also enjoy the Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell, the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton and the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich (really funny). I also enjoyed a book about the Green River Killer, I think it was by Ann Rule.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried audiobooks, but maybe I should give it a go.
ReplyDeleteI did take several OCC classes, though, and I would love to win a free spot in this new class.
Thanks for the chance.
I am a big fan of crafting and listening to audio books. My favorite podcast is the West Wing Weekly. Not quite the murder you are looking for but great insight to a terrific television series. Thanks for the chance to win. Just keep smiling.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I love the second generation stamping and watercoloring of this stamp set. And, I love your murder-listening pastime for crafting... I have to try it! This author, David Grann, was interviewed on public radio and this little known FBI case is now on my must read list, "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI."
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, I love the Audible channel from Amazon Prime - I have a long drive home every day so listen to books rather than give in to road rage. When I'm stuck in a gawker slow down, I now think 'oh good, I can hear more of my book' rather than wanting to ram something! But I can't do murder mysteries anymore - they've started giving me nightmares. I'm not sure if it's age or an overactive imagination, but I just can't do it anymore. So right now, I'm listening to Pride and Prejudice (again!), one of my favorite books since I was 9 years old. That's about as far from a murder mystery as you can get....
ReplyDeleteThe book that I am reading now is called A Gentleman In Moscow and it does come in the audio version which I will probably buy for my husband for his birthday next week. What a good book ! Thanks to you I do follow Jennifer McGuire now - but I don't know anything about the classes. Would love to win - sparkly things are BRILLIANT ! Jeanne V
ReplyDeleteI used to listen to audio books before I had my daughter who is now 13 lol now I am lucky to craft hehe. But I love the Mrs Polifax series and the Cat Who series.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that you can design and listen to a book at the same time. I can't do that - I listen to books when doing tasks that don't require my attention (like driving LOL!). I haven't listened to many murder mysteries but my favorite audio book of all time was Shonda Rymes memoir The Year of Yes. Currently listening to Leah Rimini's memoir Troublemaker - about her experience with Scientology - it is alternatingly hysterical and mind blowing. She's an Italian American New Yorker - as am I - so that could be one of the reasons I am enjoying it so much. She's a member of my tribe ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with this stamp. Looking at this suite is confusing-so many parts! I think the sparkle classes sound great and I would love to win it. I'm afraid that I don't listen to audio books so I don't have any recommendations. I listen to music when I stamp.
ReplyDeleteI can't recommend any books, but I can't get enough of Forensic Files on ID channel, it's 202 on Dish. I love everything sparkly too. My husband jokes, all he would have to go is give me a box of colored rocks to sort and I'd be happy. It's true!
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, I love crime fiction! Love the investigation process. I'm in the process of writing a book about a crime that involves dimension and time travel in which a beloved uncle is murdered. Just as he is murdered he is transported back to his old home where he lived with his wife. A wild investigation ensues. So, even though I haven't listened to non-fiction crime books via audio books, I am inspired to try it while crafting, as I always grow tired of what ever music I'm listening to. Thanks for the idea! Loved your sign off: "Loveyameanitbesparklybye" Hilarious!
ReplyDeleteBooks Hillbilly Elegy, 3 Year Swim Club (it does get a little slow at times but I am originally from Hawaii and this is the Hawaii equivalent of Boys in the Boat
ReplyDeletePodcasts-Undisclosed, Criminal, Embedded, In the Dark, just started listening to Katie Couric not crime but good interviews.
I have taken a few of the Online Card Classes and have really enjoyed them. Thank you!
Lydia: You always inspire me. I'm meh about the Eastern Beauty suite but you've made me think again and I'm intrigued by your TEN ways to use it! You might just win me over! My favorite podcast is "Crime Writers On." It's a panel of 4 true crime authors who started talking about Serial season 1 but now they talk about/review all kinds of true crime podcasts. I've listened to a bunch of great true crime podcasts based on their recommendations. "S-Town" is one they recommended and I know you'll love that one--a lot! Two of the pod casters also host "These Are Their Stories" about various episodes of "Law & Order." And bonus--they're hilarious!!!
ReplyDeleteWriting again to thank you for the book referrals. I've not done audio books as I think I'm too ADD for them (Ice cream? Yes, I think I'll have some right now--oh, wait a minute, I'm writing a comment that I should finish.). I think one of the books you referred to is an Ann Rule book; love her writing! What is it about murder stories that intrigues us? That we are blessed not to be in those situations? I don't know; they are literary crack to me. Anyway, I like what you did with the stamp set--it never would have occurred to me to try that, and I appreciate being nudged off dead center.
ReplyDeleteI love audiobooks too! Some of my favorite ones are anything by Stephen King. The series by Christopher Paolini is the best! My favorite podcast of all is Radiolab. It blows me away every time!
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to audiobooks but I love to read and have a book with me always. I am a fan of Tess Gerritsen who writes the Rizzoli and Isles series, James Patterson, John Kellerman, Dean Koontz, although sparingly, because he is a little on the dark side. I also enjoy, oddly enough, with the above books.,the Amish stories by Beverly Lewis, and have recently read two Tes Dekker books called A Blessed Child and A Man Called Blessed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win the class, I do love sparkly things. Just love your cards today. Will be ordering this bundle before the end of the month.
Love the beautiful card!! I am a fan of cozy mysteries. One series you may like is from Joanna Campbell Slan, the Kiki Lowenstein books. Kiki owns a scrapbook store! I especially enjoy it because it's set in St Louis where I'm from. I also enjoy the Hannah Swenson books by Joanne Fluke. The cookie recipes included sound amazing! The women's murder club by James Patterson is also very good. Dan Brown will keep you on the edge of your seat!! I love listening to books. I am so much more productive.
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to much, but did enjoy the Harry Potter series. Was happy I listened to them instead of reading like I usually do.
ReplyDeleteHi! Ok, this is not non-fiction or true crime, but i love these books and i think you might also. I get books on my phone from audible. I use them to relax and fall asleep to. (a sleep expert recommended them to me and its amazing how well they work. He said to try to fall asleep with a tv on has too much light that bounces around the room and is distracting) anyway, they are by rosamund pilcher (she is from scotland and I love the way she describes people and other things around her. one is called coming home and the other is called winter soltice. she also wrote the shell seekers, which is also really good. Lynn redgrave narrates them. I hope you like them, lol, you can blame me if you don't. hugs, treen
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy audiobooks on long car rides. Our favorites so far are books by Dan Brown, Tom Clancy, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. Always like to hear from another audiobook afficienado!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite podcast is "What Should I Read Next" by Anne Bogel, aka Modern Mrs Darcy. Her website is awesome and she has people on the podcast and they talk books. She's a big audiobooks fan too. If you go to her blog, ModernMrsDarcy.com, you can search for posts on audiobooks. On the podcast, she asks her guests 3 books they love, 1 book they hate, and what they're reading lately, and then she recommends 3 books. I've listened to EVERY SINGLE EPISODE of her podcast! I also enjoy the Sorta Awesome podcast, about all things awesome. :-)
ReplyDeleteSusan, aka Soozie4Him on SCS
moot96 AT aol DOT com (I don't use the gmail address)
I also craft and sew while listening to books on CD. Recently I listened to "Ruler of the Night" by David Morrell. The main characters are Thomas De Quincy (Confessions of an Opium Eater) and his daughter. I really enjoy period piece mysteries. This on take place in the Victorian Era. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThese On-line classes are the best. I don't listen to podcasts, but I love listening to audiobooks in the car. If you like mystery & intrigue, give David Baldacci a try. He writes fiction, but the plot is very complex.
ReplyDeleteI'm never without a book of some kind and I also listen when I'm futzing about crafting. I also use the time to catch up on YT videos or TV shows. I listen to more fiction, but did enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at Scientology by Leah Remini. The name of it is Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology. What an eye opener--to the point of being frightening. A bonus was that she read it herself. I'm finishing up the 7th and final book of The Clifton Chronicles series and it's been a superb epic romp through several generations of an English family that includes twists and turns all over the place. I love true crime, mysteries & suspense and plan to check out some of your recommendations and those of others in the comments. Let's hear it for books! The card is beautiful, BTW. I've seen the set being hyped all over the place, but your technique is a new one and has to be one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI too love to listen to audio books while i stamp, do dishes, mop the floor, in the car ....you get the idea! I also like murder/mystery books. Not a favorite author or series. I'm easy to please!
ReplyDeletemy all time favorite audio/book is Pride and Prejudice. I have read it so many times that it is not a problem when I space out while listening, which often happens while I'm crafting ("where is my glitter?"..."what color should I choose?"...sequins or no sequins?")
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, it's me again. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure we are all dying to know who won the free seat now that the OCC class is in full swing. Thanks!
I'm a reader and an SU!D. I've never thought to combine the two. I'll give it a try! I guess if we didn't see our name, then didn't win? I am confused?
ReplyDelete