When I was first introduced to
ICAD by Lauren over at
...all the GOOD blog names were taken... (btw, isn't that name a scream?) I must admit, I didn't really get it at first. But, when she posted her
second post about it, (those words in her first paragraph hit me in the face and made me pay closer attention) I pondered it a bit. And the more I pondered, the more I realized what a totally completely awesome idea it was. But, before I talk about what a wonderful concept it is I should probably tell you
what it is.
ICAD is the brainchild of Tammy at
Daisy Yellow. And the idea behind ICAD, which stands for index-card-a-day, (that's probably making it make more sense right there), is basically a two-step process. Now pay attention, I don't what to have to repeat myself.
Step # 1 - Use a 3" X 5" index card.
Step# 2 - Put something artsy on it.
Thems the rules right there (at least how I'm interpreting them). If you would like to read ICAD's FAQ you can click
here. Of course there's some other stuff that goes along with it like 10
optional prompts a week and places to link up your ICADs that makes it all more interesting and fun.
Now, there's one huge reason (with a bunch of sub-reasons within that reason) why I think this is such a great train to climb aboard. (Well, reasons other than the fact that I get to wear overalls, a conductor's hat and use a whistle.) First, making art on an index card is very freeing.
Like really, really freeing. (So freeing it got its own paragraph.)
Sub-Reason # 1 - Index cards all small. You can make index card art fast. (At least that's what I'm finding.) And, if you make something and you hate it, it's oh so easy to rip it up and move on because, chances are, you didn't spend a lot of time or materials it so you don't feel at all obligated to try and save it if it's doomed. You just pick up another index card ('cause I got a 300 stack of them for under 5 bucks) and move on.
Sub-Reason # 2 - I can make art for me guilt-free. Let me explain that a bit. When I create something, sure the
process is for me, but the end result is not. It's always something to give away, so that is always taken into consideration when I making the project and I make sure I'm creating it
for that person rather than myself. But who am I going to give an index card to? Also, it's not like I'm going to make it conform to any challenges or dt obligations either.
Sub-Reason # 3 - The index cards can be a canvas for all the wacky that goes on inside my head. 'Cause sometimes it deserves to get out to. That said, I'm wondering if maybe some of these will be too "ME" for y'all to handle, especially for those poor souls that see me on occasion irl. (I guess I'll find that out if people start screaming and running the other way.)
Okay, I could go on with more reasons as to why it's a fabulous idea but I'm sure you get the picture. Plus, I'm getting bored with my blathering so I can only image what you're feeling by now. So, shutting up and showing you my first index cards.
Bah, bah bah....(Sorry, I felt my premiere cards needed to be trumpeted in.)
Prompt: Dictionary
Prompt: Fish
Prompt: Chaos
Prompt: B & W
Prompt: The Colours of Winter
Prompt: Map
And there you have it, my first 6 ICADs. I have made more but I figured this post was picture (and b'jeebers - word) heavy enough so I'll save them for another time. (Plus my number # 7 card has disappeared. I've been numbering them and I'm not too sure if my numbering is wrong or one card snuck off. Oh the intrigue!)
So, definitely think about joining in. I'm positive you won't regret it.
