I have been a away for a few days so I had to be a bit quicker than I would have liked on this card for Heidi. I hope all of our cards bring some sunshine and smiles.
Fran has given us a great story about Mardi Gras in the Big Easy. Thankfully Fran sent me a message explaining the "Big Easy". We have the Big Banana here in Australia (very self explanitory) but I could not for the life of me think what a Big Easy would be.
Sydney is famous for our annual Mardi Gras, with lots of colourful floats. The participants are generally men who wear drop-dead gorgeous frocks and basically make Lady Gaga look normal. I was starting to worry about this weeks challenge.
I learn so much being a Teapotter. I had to google many things this week. I have learnt that Crawfish are what we call crayfish, Gumbo is something you eat (I was sure it was something you put on your feet). A beignet is made by deep frying choux pastry. In my internet search I came across a recipe for Crawfish Beignets!!! Catfish were on the challenge list, wow they have a face that only a mother could love!!
After all my research I decided to do a float for the Mardi Gras parade. I don't know what this little creature is, I'm guessing a mouse, but I have been so wrong about many things today. I have coloured him in the New Orleans mardi gras colours of purple, green and gold (symolising Justice, Faith and Power).
I added feathers to this center fold card to give it some festive cheer. In real life the colours are rich and vibrant and shimmery. I mainly used Zig Wink of Stella brushes - they don't photograph well at all.
There was only a small mishap making this. I glued little googly eyes on with dimensional magic. It all squished out the sides and made the little fella look like he was crying - not to mention his nose. So I removed the little eyes and replaced them with large googly eyes, and added some glitter to his nose.
Thank you for looking and have a great week everyone.
Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2013 GMT Views: 1518
Favorited:5
Registered: October 3, 2009 Location: In a state of grace Posts: 10850
Tue, Nov 05, 2013 @ 8:20 PM
Susie I love to read your posts. I mean, your cards are spectacular and creative and I wish that I were half as talented as you...but your self-deprecating descriptions of what mishap occurred are hilarious! A crying mouse indeed! I laughed out loud (at 11 PM no less) at the thought of his little tears. Sorry... There are parades for about 10 days before Ash Wednesday in New Orleans, with plenty of floats. Your card truly captures the essence of Mardi-Gras. I love all of your borders and trim, but especially those fabulous feathers. You are a Teapotter's Teapotter my friend. So glad that we can give you American cultural immersion via our crazy parties...Hugz.
------------------------------ MarieMy time is not mine to have, but mine to share
Registered: October 21, 2010 Location: in the okanagan in b.c. canada Posts: 13012
Tue, Nov 05, 2013 @ 8:26 PM
NOw I have learned from you as well. I never know about some of the foods but also didnt know the special colors and what they meant..very neat. such a little festive guy here all ready for the big parade...so cute with them big googly eyes...that and all the fun layers and colors...super cool....He should lead us all in the parade. TFS, and for your fun story....:0)...HUGS
------------------------------ We as people are raindrops of colorful ink , falling down Crisp and Clear, each a different shade more vibrant then the last, but once we realize at the bottom of an endless abyss we all fall into the same inkpot forming one color, only then can we come together as one My son.
Registered: December 4, 2009 Location: Southern Utah's Dixie Posts: 20558
Tue, Nov 05, 2013 @ 9:01 PM
Good thing there's no beads on this cute little mouse! Susie, this little Mardi Gras float is the Cat's Meow (that's a bar in the Big easy)! This looks as if it's ready to roll out onto the streets and have a ball! Fun, fun, fun!
Registered: March 7, 2009 Location: Where the corn is knee high by the 4th of July Posts: 17498
Tue, Nov 05, 2013 @ 9:39 PM
OMGosh Susie, this card is tooooo cute! LOVE the "float" and it totally screams "Mardi Gras" with the colors, patterns, trim, and feathers! You are so creative and I love your stories, as does everybody. I'm sure Heidi will smile BIG when she sees this card!
Registered: March 15, 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 11018
Tue, Nov 05, 2013 @ 9:58 PM
Fabulous Mardi Gras float Susie!!! I can't even imagine all the studying I would have to do if it were reversed and all the challenges were Australian! But do it week after week and your creations are always such a treat!!! Your float is awesome, and I especially LOVE the feathers and pompoms! Your mouse is adorable and your coloring is spot on! His eyes look perfect (after your corrective eye surgery! lol) LOVE all the fabulous die cuts too!!! Everything looks fantastic! Your heart is so big, it really shows in all your efforts!!! Love it all!!!
Registered: February 28, 2010 Location: Eastern Ohio Posts: 6259
Wed, Nov 06, 2013 @ 8:22 AM
Love your story, yes we do learn a lot when we have to google info about it but the problem is----LOL---remembering all of it as there is so much to be learned---like going back to school again. Love your card as smiled the minute I saw it. The feathers just add to a really great card as love your images, the colors used, the float--well, all of it. If this was a qickie card and came out so great would love to see how your quickie---quickie card turns out. Again--super card Susie!!!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 131740
Wed, Nov 06, 2013 @ 12:13 PM
Susie, what a fabulous float you created. I find it hard to believe you strayed away from your stair-step formula. but equally I find it hard to believe you created this in a hurry; as always there are so many fun details. I think the big eyes look great even if they weren't Plan A. The feathers and trim are so much fun, too.
I also really enjoyed your write-up! Big Easy was new to me, but I'm well up enough on ethnic cuisine that just about everything else made sense . Gumbo, you can take it or leave it in my book, but beignets I love!
Oh what an adorable Mummer! This card is perfect, he's leading us down Bourbon Street, I like the wrought iron across the top of the card. Cute & colorful!
------------------------------ Fran aka the Fairydogmother
Registered: March 31, 2008 Location: Eastlake, OH Posts: 22598
Wed, Nov 06, 2013 @ 4:23 PM
Oh my gosh you did it again! Another amazing card and love the little critter you chose! I rolled at the crying mouse too and the gumbo for the feet! Thanks again for another wonderful post!
Registered: July 11, 2009 Location: eastern Ohio Posts: 2411
Wed, Nov 06, 2013 @ 4:43 PM
This lil mouse in a mardi gras float is just tooo cute.. Great card...! (see all this isn't just fun..we are still learning new things as well about the world!)
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Favorites Team Notifier Splitcoast Challenge Hostess
Registered: October 26, 2009 Location: Oakhurst, near Yosemite Nat'l Park. Posts: 46799
Wed, Nov 06, 2013 @ 9:47 PM
It is so cute as it always is!! your thought put into this card is amazing (especially considering how FAR you are away from Louisiana!!!) Wonderful card Susie!!
------------------------------ Blessings, Robin Encourage one anotherMy Blog-InkMagination , QFTD201,Dirty Dozen Alumni.Impression Obsession DT, DRS DT.Formerly HC DT, ODBD DT.