05 January, 2014

Crazy Crafters January Blog Hop


Hello everyone!  Welcome to the Crazy Crafters January Blog Hop.  If you've just come from Angela Lorenz' Blog Angs Crafty Cards then you're on the right track!  If you've just joined us and would like to follow the blog hop in order, scroll down for the full line up!

I'm once again very pleased to take part in the monthly Blog Hop brought to you by the Crazy Crafters Stampin' Up! team.

This month is going to be a little different due to the fact that I haven't made a card at all.  I have a guest blogger this month - the very talented Andrew Trofimov (affectionately known as Hubz).  He's quite artistic in his own right but his subject matter is almost always geeky, sci fi, comic or anime in nature and today's card is no exception.

I've been meaning to have him post some of his creations from time to time but having been discharged from hospital a few days ago due to a bout of cellulitis, I wasn't up to the challenge especially as I found the black and white only theme quite difficult.  I may make up the card I had in mind in the coming days (or weeks!) depending on how I'm feeling.

So now onto Andrew's entry which requires a little background info.  Andrew is a fan of Japanese anime especially anything directed by Hayao Miyazaki and today's card is inspired by My Neighbor Totoro.

His first thought was a housewarming type card featuring the ススワタリ or  Susuwatari which are little dust bunny type creatures inhabiting empty houses.
 


Ain't they just the cutest little things?  Totoro is the big bunny-like creature.

After my having spent four days in hospital, Andrew thought a welcome home card could also work with the same creatures...plus they're black...and therefore fit the theme. Bonus!




The new Undefined Stamp Carving Set aroused Andrew's interest and he's one of the fortunate people who can draw (unlike myself which is why I stamp).

Due to their rather simplistic design, and the fact they they are always depicted in very large numbers, Andrew felt a Susuwatari stamp would be indispensable to every stamper's arsenal. (Natch.)

He omitted the pupils on the stamp (or should I say stampsS since he made four different susuwstaris) so they can be added in with a pen later and by doing this, their expressions can be changed just like real Susuwatari...I mean...like the ones in the film.  We all know there aren't REALLY Susuwatari hiding in dusty crevices, right?  RIGHT??? Moving right along. ahem.

Acorns are also relevant to the story.  Totoro carries a sack of them and the Gently Falling stamp set was perfect in both style and size.



Andrew used some older, retired DSP and some non SU alphabet stickers as well as hand sketched Totoro on the card.  All the other materials used are listed below.

Like last month, there will be a giveaway.  The items up for grabs are the same as last month as there were no eligible entries.  


All you have to do is sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter HERE.  Like last time, entries are only open to AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS and come back on 10th Jan to see if you've won.  Any questions, please email me at pinkcraftymama@gmail.com

Now that's about it from Team Trofimov.  Hopefully I'll be back on deck soon but my arthritis meds are getting a bit of an overhaul further complicated by the cellulitis so not feeling like myself of late.

Now your next stop is Kate Benade at Stamping With Kate


Here is the full Blog line up:
Michelle Mills at Hello Day Cards 
Kylie Bertucci at Crafty Kylie 
Sue Wdowik at Nigh Nigh Birdie 
Carolina Evans at Studio Evans 
Tamie Holt at Tamie Luvs Craft2 
Sarah Rae Oakes at Stampin' Up with Sarah 
Teena Maher at Stamping with Teena 
Angela Lorenz at Ang's Crafty Cards
Alex Trofimov at Pink Crafty Mama  <-----------You are Here!!!
Kate Benade at Stamping with Kate
 
Supplies used to make this card:

8 comments:

  1. I will have to try the Undefined...Love it Alex

    ReplyDelete
  2. your Hubz is very talented love his effort and how lovely of him to make you a welcome home card naww!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow Alex your hubby has done a marvelous job. I am very very impressed. Wish my hubby could do that but I would just end up with drawings of machine parts lol.

    ReplyDelete
  4. A really entertaining blog post Alex - great work to the Hubz too!

    ReplyDelete
  5. that is so gorgeous! Yes definately, guest appearances more often! I love your work too tho hun xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well done to your hubby for filling in for you. His little critters are cute. Hope you are soon well again.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  7. A huge thank you to Andrew for being the guest crafter and allowing the gorgeous Alex to participate in this blog Hop. I love your card design, it is original and makes me smile every time I look at it. Pls visit again as I would love to see more of Totoro.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's a terrific Undefined stamp - love how you can draw the eyes in to give different expressions. Love the card.

    ReplyDelete