"Comics and bars" - that's what it was known as in our house. On a Sunday evening, once school bags were packed, shoes polished, and kit sorted for the next day, my brothers and I would settle down round the fire as Dad brought us that week's edition of the comic or magazine we'd each chosen as a regular order, along with a chocoate bar. There'd be the rustling of pages, the scrunching of wrappers and - mostly - silence for an hour ...
I realised later, of course, that it was a resourceful way for my parents to ensure some peace and quiet for themselves, but we loved it. At some point, we'd all swap. My brothers weren't so keen on Bunty or Judy, but the Dandy or the Beano was always good for some rumbustious entertainment ...
I've always loved the look of those comics; and what fun to experiment with making a page with one's own photos! A caption across the top of the frame, some sound and visual effects, the mottled and dotted effect of the background, plus some photos of Himself ...
... hello HalfTone App! Sixty-nine pence well spent. "If I'm going to star in a scrapbook comic", said Himself, peering over my shoulder, "I think I'm going to want some rhyming couplets too". I duly obliged. So for those of you who remember the opening sequence to this story, here is the sequel ...
And it printed out beautifully too. Now, cardmaking does not come easy to me, but I'm seeing possibilities!
And thank-you so much to all of you who popped in for a cup of tea last week, and to Abi for the inspiration; it was just lovely to see you! And it was especially nice that so many of you shared what you might want to talk about too - it really felt as if we were having a conversation :).
Up here, the glorious weather for a day or two has broken, but I am singing in the driving rain - for this weekend will be sparkling with the sunshine of time with our dearest daughter. There'll be photos! Looking forward to seeing you soon ...
I think this app is such fun, but I wouldn't have thought to use it on a card ... Thank you for the idea
Posted by: Sandra | Thursday, 09 May 2013 at 07:50 PM
I am continually astonished by the apps that get thought up! I really like how the finished page looks, super cool!
Posted by: Ruth | Thursday, 09 May 2013 at 08:02 PM
Looks like fun! But "to be continued..."? That's just mean!
Posted by: Cheri | Thursday, 09 May 2013 at 08:33 PM
sheer brilliance alexa! the boys have told me of this app...or something similar. I will have to try it out. My three love comics x
Posted by: Louise | Thursday, 09 May 2013 at 08:45 PM
So, so, SO clever! I love the comic strip you made, and I continue to be impressed by your tech-savvy ways. ;o)
Posted by: Deb @ PaperTurtle | Thursday, 09 May 2013 at 09:43 PM
You never fail to come up with an extraordinary and clever idea, Alex! Love the comic look and the app looks brilliant. I love playing around with effects, you did a great job and can't wait for the next part.
Posted by: sandie | Thursday, 09 May 2013 at 10:30 PM
You are amazing, I loved Bunty & Judy and haven't thought about them in years, Have a wonderful time with your daughter. X
Posted by: Miriam | Thursday, 09 May 2013 at 10:39 PM
Absolutely hilarious ... and you are keeping us hanging Alexa!
Posted by: Amy | Friday, 10 May 2013 at 02:35 AM
Wow such a unique layout, I've not seen anyone else use a comic strip for inspiration before and it is such a brilliant idea, which in your hands, is perfectly executed. I think our comic day was Thursday, we had heaps of them. I never threw them away, I would read & reread them. Babysitters also came with armfuls of them too. Pxx
Posted by: Paul B | Friday, 10 May 2013 at 08:00 AM
Ohhh a cliff hanger about the home beer! Sorry to hear your Dad's not been well, hope he is feeling better now.
I have a friend who uses a comic making programme on her Mac to do scrapbook pages (and cards and wrapping paper) for her grandchildren about their adventures. I think I'll send her a link to this post. How fun :)
Posted by: Missus Wookie | Friday, 10 May 2013 at 08:41 AM
I love this app. I did some family cards with it a while back - and you are so right. It's a match made in heaven!
The comic strip is just wonderful..looking forward to what comes next
Posted by: Sian | Friday, 10 May 2013 at 12:55 PM
Another clever project! That's an app I don't know and I agree it would make a great card.
Posted by: Karen | Friday, 10 May 2013 at 05:54 PM
Very good, I have that app and my kids love their comics :) I must dust it off for a project life entry. Enjoy your weekend!
I am still savouring your cup of tea post.
Posted by: Jen Hart | Saturday, 11 May 2013 at 07:09 AM
Just love what you've done here,Alexa.....I'm a great lover of comic strips.....and I do hope the verdict will be satisfactory!!
Posted by: Jacky S | Saturday, 11 May 2013 at 10:53 AM
I remember getting comic books as a kid, too. I favored Archie. Not sure if you had that there. Later on, I loved Mad Magazine.
Rinda
Posted by: rinda | Sunday, 12 May 2013 at 02:27 AM
Brilliant - just wonderful! Hope it was tasty too!
Posted by: Jemma @ Just-Jimjams | Sunday, 12 May 2013 at 05:04 PM
Super fun. I think I need this app too. :)
Posted by: Yvonne Yam | Tuesday, 14 May 2013 at 01:09 AM
This is brilliant! Can't wait to see if the beer was any good!
Posted by: Becky | Tuesday, 14 May 2013 at 06:58 PM
Brilliant - love it!
Posted by: Michele | Wednesday, 15 May 2013 at 11:38 AM
I've bookmarked this post! Looks like lots of fun. I'm just waiting for my entry into the world of iPhone courtesy of my husband's hand-me-down work phone!! Two months to go!
Posted by: esther_a | Sunday, 19 May 2013 at 12:11 PM
What a cliff hanger!!! I want to read the next episode too! :) Very fun Alexa! And I think you should make a page about the childhood tradition you opened with, it's a great story too!
Posted by: Nathalie | Sunday, 19 May 2013 at 04:05 PM
What fun! This would be great for a man card.
Posted by: Lorraine | Wednesday, 22 May 2013 at 08:08 PM