Valentines Box - day 306-307

playing around with some box templates and designs. I have a couple of boxes with egg shapes for my dragon eggs, and decided a heart one might be good.
I will need to take a photo of a made up box, but this has a closure at the top that resembles hearts too, or a flower...  depends on perspective reallly!!
It is a small box, just right for some small heart candies, or a new piece of jewellery?!

But for now, this is a free download. Print on card (A4) and cut on heavy lines. Fold on light lines and glue tabs at side. Tuck in bottom, then fold top together to close.
Click on picture for downloadable version

Monster/alien paper doll - day 299

Busy time getting lost in Manga studio. Not sure where this idea came from, just popped in my head wanting escape!
This cute little alien has clothes still in the design process and should work like a normal paper doll.
Am in love with how cute she turned out. Originally was trying for a boy, but she pointed out to me she is in fact a girl, so pretty dresses and crowns are the order.

Book covers - Day 295-297

I had a request for new school book covers, and then went design crazy. I ended up with a number of ideas.
Using the great new digital art skills I'm learning, I have managed to put my designs together.
Now people ordering new covers have a wider choice.

Rangitoto Island - Day 276

A more cutesy simplified picture. But I'm getting the hang of layers.

For this one I had to import an actual photo of Rangitoto Island into Manga studio and use the layer tool to copy it since it has a specific shape. I like this tracing ability, has given me a few more ideas I might try later! Also a great tool to use for tricky shapes like NZ map.
Also used extra layers and masking for this piece so I didn't have the black outlines. And made good use of the light brush and blending tools for the shading.

NZ Design - Day 267-268

I am experimenting with the masking tool in Manga. 
This allows each section to be decorated and played with, without risking overlap and ruining another section. Basically, it means you can't colour over the line!! 

Another tool I am enjoying is the symmetry rulers. The 12 point symmetry ruler is just fun!! Reminds me of the spyrograph fun from the early days. Even the teens have had a bit of fun with this. Looks really good with a mix of colours.

NEW JOB - Day 261

JUMP FOR JOY!!



Just found out! I am now a Technology facilitator at a local Intermediate. I like how the word they used was 'facilitator' not teacher, it sounds better somehow. This is a big shift from normal primary teaching. This job entails working with and guiding the students to create their own designs/projects across the key technologies. So hard technology (woodwork), soft technology (eg sewing) and bio tech (eg food production). Lots of creativity in an "organized chaos" environment!! Perfect!!

So a celebration picture today!

Kiwi Traveller - day 260

 Still playing around with my digital art.
This is a little kiwi traveller who is holding an nz home sweet home sign.
Maybe a bit over the top? But he's kinda cute.

I'm now thinking about seeing if my printer can do fabric. I know it has to be pigment ink, but not sure if mine is. Guess I should just just hunt instead of talking to myself (which is what it kinda feels like writing this blog at times!)
Still using my manga studio and learning more and more, but feeling sad as this version a demo, so will soon need to relearn it all on gimp (or sell some things around the house and buy the full version!!)

Tiger sentinal - Day 250

This is part of days 248-249. I am still trying to get the feel of the wind and sky and haven't quite got it right. So I decided to try something new and have added a tiger.
Why a tiger? This is where a blurb about the significance and symbolism of the tiger on guard next to the girl in strong wind represents the  underlying message of protection, power and energy.........
but in reality, I just thought "oh, tiger, I like tigers".
Though on reflectional, this seems like they are Sentinals of some sort.