Beauty of India DUE Nov 1, 2007

[Merricat]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x167/RetroDeer/a00031.jpg

This swap was inspired by one Eraserqueen hosted awhile back. There are so many beautiful things about India - pick your favorites and create away!

No. of Cards : 3-6 for 3-6
You'll get back the same number you send in.

No limit on sign-ups
Sign-up Date:: October 15th
Cards due by:: November 1st

US Participants : Please include a SASE.
International Participants: I'll pay postage, but please send a SAE or label.

*Please send your cards in some form of individual protection (sleeves, etc.).
*Please include your username on the back (real name not necessary)

I'll PM everyone with my address as you sign-up. If I've forgotten anything - please feel free to PM me! :)

1. Merricat
2. Eraserqueen
3. Livia
4. Ninnerfish
5. Potbelly Arts
6. Klawzie
7. PrincessGene
9. Abi
10. Artyiagirl
11. Amerasu
12. TheeCoyote
13. WhiteMoth
14. Gallery318

[EraserQueen]

I think all of you hate me and are sealing my doom by thinking up cool swaps for me to join....

Oh Kristi: If you want..go set up a photobucket account...they offer hot-linking, and you can put the image at the top of your post :D I always did that before :)

[Merricat]

Ah! Thanks! I've spent 5 minutes trying to figure it out! :P

Is the date far enough away for you? :):)

[Merricat]

What the fidge am I doing wrong with my pic? LOL!

[livia]

ok, ok, uncle, I have tooo join this one too.

[Merricat]

Yeah Livia!!

[livia]

Well - I have to ask Kama Sutra drawings? I know they are hot art but some of those pictures make me laugh. I guess all that curry makes you dream of crazy stuff.

[Merricat]

LOL! I know! I once found a book on asian erotic drawings from the 1800's in the art section, and they were a little bizarre...just some ...well ...unusual things...:err:

[Ninnerfish]

People must have been more flexible back then. Er... I mean... sign me up too!

[livia]

I think I found the same sort of book, some of those pictures were even older !!! I think it is pretty funny to see antique "porn". I guess that is where the saying "Come up and see my etchings" came from.

[Merricat]

I remember one of a lady peeing into a tiny teacup........um.....oookkay! Must've been the same book! LOL!

Awesome Ninnerfish! Welcome aboard!

[potbellyarts]

Personally, I'd prefer NOT to get a card with a lady peeing into a tiny teacup. That's a little -- niche -- for my art collecting tastes. However, hot Kama Sutra art? Okay by me. Please sign me up; this looks awesome and very inspiring. I'm planning to go nutso with the gold accents.

[Klawzie]

Oh dear. LOL. Yes, I'm signed up, please! :D (And my debt gets deeper and deeper...)

[Merricat]

Weee! Thanks guys!!

[potbellyarts]

No, darlin' Merricat. I requested NO WEE, please. 172

[princessgene]

Looks like an interesting swap. Sign me up!

[mrs_weyremaster]

Can i play please?
Suzi :D

[Merricat]

PrincessGene and Mrs.Weyremaster welcome aboard! :)

Potbelly - I nearly spit out my Coke! LOL!! Oh I wish the gallery was working over at OS and I could post a pic of Manuz's platypus - did you ever see that one?!

[abi]

What the heck, count me in...

[Merricat]

Heehee! You know you can't resist - thanks for joining Abi! :)

[potbellyarts]

Potbelly - I nearly spit out my Coke! LOL!! Oh I wish the gallery was working over at OS and I could post a pic of Manuz's platypus - did you ever see that one?!

Did not see that one, probably because I've only been doing this since about March. But now you've stoked my curiosity. What's up with Manuz's platypus?

[EraserQueen]

LOL..YOU GUYS!! HAHA :biglaugh: Sure...I worked at a library..it takes a great deal to shock me ;)

Kristi...the code you want to copy is the one on the bottom, underneath your pic... the IMG code :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SongBird/lakshimi.jpg

[EraserQueen]

And since I'm in a show off mood:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SongBird/rama1.jpg

Actually I just really LOVE this theme! :D My mom lived in India, and one of my friends is from Bombay :D

Plus, this picture of Krishna, was my FIRST EVER commission! :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SongBird/krishna-1.jpg

[livia]

Annie those cards are AWESOME. I love the theme but I am terrible with figure drawing. Maybe lots of gold paint and you will not notice my poor attempts.

OOOO snake charmer maybe ???

[Merricat]

Thanks Annie!!!! You were my inspiration for this swap!

And see what kind of things we get into when you're not looking! LOL!

[Merricat]

PB - Let's just say the only thing missing was the teacup....I'll have to find it once the gallery is back up! LOL!

[Merricat]

Woo-Hoo! Fixed it, that was the ticket Annie, thanks!

[Klawzie]

The reference cards from you both are amazing and fun. :3 Can't wait to play with them and see the cards everyone else is inspired to do!!

[artyiagirl]

Merricat - great idea! You know that I can't resist your swaps! Plus, I just spent a whole day wandering around the Milwaukee Art Museum. I've got some ideas for this swap - thanks to their permanent collection.

[Merricat]

Great Artyiagirl! You've got me inspired to go to our local musuem - I haven't gone in ages!

[EraserQueen]

I am so excited about this swap! I dug out some old copies of mehendi patterns my friend gave me that I want to incorporate into the borders :D

I think I might do some cards of dancers..

What are others going to do??

Animals?

Objects?

The food??

Architecture??

*dances around like an Indian loon*

[livia]

I love the paisley patterns in Indian fabric. I have to incorporate that in some how, maybe as back ground.

[Klawzie]

I'll probably end up doing gods and goddesses. I can't pass up the costuming factor. :D

[Merricat]

I was thinking of doing more women or animals (decorated elephants, I'm in love with those!).

[Amerasu]

ok, I'm in :)

[Merricat]

Awesome! How did I miss your post?! *eek*

[livia]

My cards are on the way, I posted pictures in the gallery.

[Merricat]

I saw them and they are soooo beautiful!

[Merricat]

Oooooh pretty! Livia I received your fabulous cards! And thanks for the extra AND the great goodies!

[TheeCoyote]

Can I join this swap?

I love the theme.
November one gives plenty of work time.
I, coincidentally, have already started one--just because.

[Merricat]

Oh yeah!! I'm so glad you joined Coyote! I missed you and adore your art!

[TheeCoyote]

Thank you!
I feel so validated and encouraged.

This will go on my calendar right now.

I started an India/Hindu art card last week. (because I love the stuff) I've had to have my 13 year old son model for me. Try to guess how well he likes that.

[princessgene]

Merricat please pm me your address. I plan to finish up cards in your swap here and on the OS and send on Tuesday (since post office is closed on Monday.)

[Merricat]

Sure thing! :)

[TheeCoyote]

No updates or posts in 17 days.
So, I will.

Working, working, art in progress.

Did a lot of my image research on flickr--there are mulitudes of fabulous images there. I found a wonderful photographer who has given me permission to use one of his images for this--I always ask first. If anyone is in need (or desire) of inspiration do an India search on flickr. Portraits, landscape, architecture!

[Merricat]

I never thought of Flickr! I just had someone from over at the OS request a similar Indian lady card so I desperately need some more references! I had planned on doing some elephants which would be easy to reference, but I'm off to hunt some ladies!

[Merricat]

Oh Britany! OMG! How could I forget that I had gotten your cards! They were wonderful!!!

[abi]

Merricat I have found earthtrek and stock.xchange (www.sxc.hu) helpful. Stock.xchange is royalty free and free to use, asd they have great photos.

[Merricat]

Abi THANK you! In 2 seconds I found more photos than a few days on Google!

[Klawzie]

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/

And here, also. :3

[abi]

earthtrek, trekearth whatever. I meant what klawzie said :spinny:

[Klawzie]

haha - I didn't even recognize them as the same website when you mentioned them. XD;;;;

[Merricat]

LOL! They're all awesome guys! Thanks! I was able to knock out all my cards in one afternoon with all the pics! :)

[WhiteMoth]

I finally figured out what to paint for this swap.
So....I'm ready to join.
Please sign me up
:)

[Merricat]

Certainly! I'm so excited you joined! :)

[WhiteMoth]

:D
Thanks for the warm welcome

I am going to upload the first card into my gallery now

[Klawzie]

I've finished my cards! Three are for the swap and the fourth is for our lovely hostess! (Your choice! :D )

Shiva as Nataraja:
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=1889

Saraswati and her swan:
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=1982

And two from an Indian fairy tale, "How the Raja's Son Won the Princess Labam"
- http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=1992
- http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=1993

I'm going to send these when I send the "Night of the Living ATC" cards, if that's all right? :D

[Merricat]

Oh Klawzie they're great!!!!! Hee-Hee and I've already picked out the one I want! :) It's perfectly fine to send them together! :) Thanks for letting me know!

[abi]

Oh Klawzie these are amazing! I am sooo in love with your Shiva card! Great Job!!! The tigers are beutiful as well!

[Klawzie]

Hee - thank you. :D I'm pleased they are generally well-received. XD

[artyiagirl]

Klawzie - those are all really fantastic - great colors and I love the princess as a lamp - lovely details!

[TheeCoyote]

They are all wonderful cards. I hope I get one.
My favorite is Saraswati and the swan.
This is a really great theme, isn't it?

[Merricat]

I have to give kudos to EQ, she had one over at the OS and it's been in the back of my mind the whole time - the cards I've seen so far are AMAZING you guys!!!

Psst - Artyiagirl - I LOVE your new avatar - you are a DOLL!!!

[potbellyarts]

Okay, I powered through all three of my cards tonight, and had the BEST time. I'm totally tired and must go to bed (it's 2:30!) but I really like these and hope you guys do, too. What a supremely fun, inspiring swap. Can't wait to see the returns.

723

[artyiagirl]

PB - those cards are beyond gorgeous. OMG - I.m in awe at how you captured the sheerness in the middle drawing. Drool . . . I can't wait to have a honest to god Potbellyarts card in my collection (wink, wink, nudge, nudge Merricat ;))

And, in response to :


Psst - Artyiagirl - I LOVE your new avatar - you are a DOLL!!!

Thanks :embarrassed: I've always been shy about using my photo - but in seeing everyone in the Real Life thread, I thought it was time to stop hiding behind my moo card avatar. Plus, my partner took that photo of me on saturday at a coffee shop and I just thought it was one of the best pictures of me ever. She always takes gorgeous pictures of me that capture the me I don't see in the mirror - something about being captured through a filter of love!

[Merricat]

Oh Shel those are great! And extra kudos for doing them in the wee hours of the morning! :P

Artyiagirl that is SO sweet! I'm the opposite with my hubby,...he's just flat-out lousy with a camera, he'll go to take a picture and I'll still be talking and he just starts snapping pictures. I have to tell him "Stop!" and let me at least smile....and he keeps snapping while I'm telling him to stop! Then when he takes it of me smiling I find out he's cut half my head off.....:P

Tell her I'm SO jealous that you have someone to take awesome pictures of you! She needs to teach my hubby some lessons! LOL!!

[potbellyarts]

Kristi, my cards are on the way as of today.

[princessgene]

Wow PB! Those cards are impressive! I want one!

Here are my cards for the swap. They will be going postal tomorrow.

[Merricat]

Joy those are great!!! And thanks for the extra - this has to be my favorite swap theme of all time - the cards are all so gorgeous!!!

Klawzie I received yours! They're wonderful! The Indian princesses were saved from the zombies at the last moment! LOL!! And thanks for the extra! :)

[gallery318]

I have two India cards finished, and I just know that I can get another one together by the deadline. Is today the last day to sign up? I'd love to participate if possible.

Thanks!

[Merricat]

Oh certainly Kathleen! I had seen your cards in the gallery and hoped you'd sign up! !:) Welcome aboard!

Shel I received your wonderful cards!!! SO much detail in person!!

[gallery318]

Okay, I'm ready to mail. I just finished my last India card. :) Please let me know where to send them. Thanks!

[Merricat]

Great! I PM'd ya!

[Merricat]

Gallery318 I received your wonderful cards today!!! Thank you so much for the extra! :)

[Amerasu]

I am almost done! I will have them out to you next week, before the 25th. Then they should reach you in time.

[Merricat]

Awesome Sal! Can't wait to see them! :)

[abi]

2 done tonight, hopefully finish up tomorrow :spinny:

[Merricat]

Yeah! Princessgene and Whitemoth I received both your wonderful cards today! Thank you both for the extras! :)

[abi]

Oh so here they are! They will be going postal Monday, yay!

The cow is "Thirsty"
The pomegranite is "Be Fruitful and Multiply"
The girl is "Let Your Hair Down"

[Merricat]

Oh Abi those are so interesting and wonderful! :)

[Amerasu]

Yay, I finished! I'm sending these to you in the morning. What a fun swap! I think I may want to collect more cards with an Indian theme.

[Merricat]

Ooh! Those are beautiful! Great job - can't wait to see them in person! :)

[Klawzie]

Those are gorgeous. :3 I'd have commented on them in the gallery, but I don't see them. X3

[princessgene]

Ooooh beautiful! I love your cards Amerasu!

[Merricat]

Woodle-Hoodle! The deadline's getting close! :)

Abi I received your wonderful card today!! :)

[abi]

yay!!! thanks for letting me know :)

[EraserQueen]

I'm getting ready to mail mine out! :D

[Merricat]

Awesome Annie! :):)

[Ninnerfish]

Mine are going in the mail as soon as I get them scanned/ take a shower/ eat.

[Merricat]

Fantastic! Can't wait to see them!

[abi]

OMG I am so in love with Ninnerfish's Elephant Ride (in the gallery) and am excited to see the rest!

[Merricat]

Ninnerfish and Amerasu I received your wonderful cards today!!

Just 2 more that are on their way and then I'll get these swapped out!! These are the best cards I've ever received!

[EraserQueen]

I hope mine get there soon!

[Merricat]

No problemo! :) I'm sure they'll be here any day! :)

[Ninnerfish]

I am so excited to get the returns from this swap!

[Merricat]

I am so excited to get the returns from this swap!

They're all so goooooorgeous!!!

[Merricat]

EQ I got yours today! They're wonderful!

Just one more set to go guys!

[EraserQueen]

Thank God!!!!! :D Can't wait to see returns!

[TheeCoyote]

I'm sorry guys, I'm holding everybody up. I am hoping Merri gets them tomorrow--I sent them express.

The file is too big to upload to the thread and I am not in the mood to tweak it right now. So, I offer a link to my flickr gallery if you are interested.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/coyotl/1878758488/

All the description and details are already there too.

[Klawzie]

I'm sure no one minds waiting for such excellent returns. :)

[artyiagirl]

Oh TheeCoyote, all three are gorgeous and - I'm just in love with your Kali & Shiva card.

Clears throat and shuffles feet --- ah, Madam Hostess :embarrassed:--- I know that it would be quite rude to be so upfront -- but, um, did you know that I collect Kali-Ma art - my entire back is even inked with her . . . looks sheepish

[TheeCoyote]

Thanks guys.

From what I have seen thus far, ALL the returns will be superior.
I started doing a little wishing myself, but then the images kept rolling in and I found that I was wishing for all of them--and that can't happen. I anticipate no disappointments.

I don't know if it is the theme or a serendipitous alignment of factors, but this swap is producing some of the best ATC art I've seen.
I'm noticing the same trend in other (still active) swaps.

Arty, you have Kali on your back? I want pictures!
I had the sweetest water monitor named Kali. Alas, we lost her two springs ago and I miss her still.

[EraserQueen]

Arty: I wanna see picture too!!!!

[artyiagirl]

Ok Ladies,
Here's a full back shot of my tattoo as well as a detail of her face & sickle. It's still a work in progress and I am hopeful to complete her someday. I have @ 20 or 25 hours of work in her. However, the design and work was all done by my ex (who is a tattoo artist). We're still friends, but my ex's new amour doesn't like us to talk to one another, so it will have to be a future endeavor. I kinda like that she will be done in stages.

Anyway - Kali came into my life when I needed to believe in the power & beauty of the creation/destruction cycle. I now carry her with me always as a reminder and also as a protector of sorts.

[TheeCoyote]

Ooh, she's lovely!
I so want a tattoo--still trying to settle on that forever design.
I like tribal style, bold black, red, white.
I am a large canvas.

Heck, I didn't put any blood dripping from the arm stumps. Next time.

[potbellyarts]

I have a tattoo, myself. It was a brave undertaking since most people think of me as a Donna Reed inspired soccer mom. We should start a tattoo show off thread!

And as for the art this swap is producing... you're right, Coyote. It just promises to be spectacular. Your cards are wonderful!

[EraserQueen]

Arty: WOW That is stunning and look like it took forever! (And was painful eek!) Thanks for sharing, it looks SO COOL :jiggy:

[EraserQueen]

Shel: Now we have to see YOUR tattoo LOL

[Merricat]

Look what happens when I'm away for jury duty! LOL!

Theecoyote those are certainly worth waiting for! They're great!

Artyiagirl - *things can be arranged* ;) Especially since you shared your body art with us!!

I've had someone here design a back tattoo for me (of an Ouroboros), but I'm soooo embarrassed because I have YET to send her goody package from me!!! She's going to kill me!

[artyiagirl]

I have to work early shift tomorrow - so I'm off to bed. However, I think we should definitely start a tattoos we have and tattoos we want and tattoos that should never be, but we secretly want them . . . and soo on thread.

Just so we don't have to hijack your swap thread -- Merricat! :)

[Merricat]

Okay,....*big deep breath*....how am I ever going to be able to part with these?

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x167/RetroDeer/aggie000114.jpghttp://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x167/RetroDeer/aggie00032.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x167/RetroDeer/aggie00051.jpghttp://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x167/RetroDeer/aggie00041.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x167/RetroDeer/aggie00027.jpghttp://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x167/RetroDeer/aggie000116.jpg

[potbellyarts]

Wowza! Truly, those are some wonderful, wonderful cards. I can't wait to see my returns! Thanks so much for hosting such an awesome swap. Beautiful!

[Klawzie]

I don't know how I'd part with any of those either! LOL. I don't know how it would be possible for someone to come out of this swap even remotely disappointed. :3 There are too many "favorite card ever!!!"s in there. XD

Giddy with anticipation of returns! \o/

[Judithian]

Wow - I wish each swap would upload all the images together. It really shows off everything. You all did such a wonderful job!

[gallery318]

A beautiful lot of creativity. I can't wait to see the envie arrive! How exciting!

[Merricat]

Yay!!!! TheeCoyote your cards are "technically" here although they're in my husband's car at work! LOL! He ran to the post office to pick them up and called me to tell me they were in his hand! Woo-Hoo! I'm going to scan them along with the rest of mine tomorrow and then get them out to you all on Saturday at the latest!

I'm going to be SO sad to see all these gorgeous beauties go...but I know you all will be SO happy when they arrive! I truly don't see how anyone could be disappointed with a great group of cards like these!

[Merricat]

Okay everyone! I mailed a small handful yesterday and have all the rest ready to go out tomorrow! This was, by far, the best swap I have ever hosted and/or participated in!!

I have updated the pics above to include my final two and TheeCoyote's, so now you can see them all together! :)

[EraserQueen]

WOW Those are ALL Amazing! Does anyone object to my using their India Art cards for a gallery feature in the upcoming Webzine?? I think you would just need to sign a release form allowing us to publish them (like Somerset studio has..)

[TheeCoyote]

Merri, I want to thank you for hosting and for picking such an inspiring theme. And I especially want to express my appreciation that you took the time and effort to post the whole lot for all of us to see. What a marvelous array!

EQ, point me to the release form and I will give my permission.

[EraserQueen]

I think Sal it adding our logo to the top, and then I will post it here! Thanks :D

[Ninnerfish]

I got my returns today!! (Boy, that was really fast!) I got an EQ, a klawzie, and a PB! They're all stunning! Thanks, Merricat, for hosting such a wonderful swap! I'm really exclamation point happy today!

[Merricat]

Yay! The cards are all on their way home! I completely and utterly forgot that yesterday was a postal holiday *bummer*. But those cards that weren't mailed on Saturday all went out today!

Ninner I'm SO glad you got them and like your returns! :) Thanks for letting us know! (haha! I'm ALWAYS exclamation point happy - have no idea why!!!)

[gallery318]

I was delighted to receive my India trades in the mail yesterday. They are all beautiful, and I am honored to add them to my collection. I personally want to thank Eraser Queen, Princessgene, and Abi for sharing their awesome creativity with me! :wub:

[Klawzie]

My returns came today! :D

I have White Moth's peachy henna design, Amerasu's "Lord Shiva", and EraserQueen's lovely dancer! :D

Thank you to everyone that participated and Merricat for hosting! :D

[Amerasu]

Mine arrived today too! Thanks for the beauties from Artyiagirl, Livia and Ninnerfish. Your cards are fantastic and this has started a new collection for me :)

Thanks Merricat!

[potbellyarts]

Got mine yesterday and sent PM's in thanks but want to also post publicly how THRILLED I am with my cards from Merricat, Amerasu, and Ninnerfish. Lucky me!

Huge thanks to Kristi for an awesome, inspiring, gorgeous swap!

[TheeCoyote]

OMG! Oh....My....god!

I got my cards today.
They look so nice on screen--but, they can not be adequately appreciated until you have them in your hands and see them with your naked eyes. Beautiful, incredible, amazing, prime, outstanding.

I can't just stick them with the average stuff. They are going to need their own storage thingy.

All I can say is Wow!
I would like to acknowledge artyIAgirl, EQ, and Klawzie. These are extraordinarily fine.
And special appreciation to Merri--who ended up selecting for me Klawzie's, "Saraswati and the Swan", which I expressed a desire for early on in the swap. Thank you for hosting.

[Merricat]

Oh I'm so glad everyone is getting theirs and loving them!:) TheeCoyote I know what you mean about not wanting to put them with the regular cards - they need a binder all their own.

And yep, I tried to make note of those cards people expressed interest in, I'm afraid I might've missed some, but I really tried to pick something special for everyone!

[EraserQueen]

Mine Came!!! Thank you Gallery318, Whitemoth, Princessgene, TheeCoyote, Artyiagirl and Klawzie!!! I love them all :)

[abi]

Mine came!!!! Thank you so much Merricat for hosting such a fun swap!!! Also thanks to the great cards from livia (elephant parade), gallery 318 (India #3), Amerasu (Market Stall - yay text)!!! Thanks again!

[princessgene]

Received my cards on Saturday! Awesome cards! Thanks to Merricat for hosting and Artyiagirl, Coyote, and EraserQueen.

[TheeCoyote]

Merri, how did you upload that humongous image of all the cards?
I have to reduce any image files before I can upload them as attachments to threads because they are all too big.

[Merricat]

It looks a little deceiving, that's actually 6 different pics, but when I uploaded them 1 after another they all bumped right up to each other. (I scanned 7-9 at a time). I uploaded mine to photobucket and linked them from there. :)

[TheeCoyote]

OK. I can link from my flickr then if I want to do this in future.
Thanks for letting me know.

[artyiagirl]

Big thanks for a wonderful swap and beautiful returns from everyone. I was honored to have rec'd:
Lakshmi Goddess from PrincessGene - Gorgeous goddess for my collection
Henna Flirt from Potbelly Arts - Swoon
Kali & Shiva from Thee Coyote - Dramatic Kali for my collection.
Indian Woman 3 from Merricat - Great color palette and interesting background technique
Henna-Style design from Whitemoth - Love the lines & rhythm
Be Fruitful and Multiply from Abi - it's amazing to see the texture and detail of your work in person - lovely!

Amazing work from everyone. Thank you so much