Last year we had a Community art thread where a number of us posted a graphic for others to use as they wished on their cards; unrestricted rights.  It was fun.  A good number of cards were made using the images, and many were sold.
 
It is a fun way to try some new things using art that you didn't create yourself.  I tend to donate an old  interesting photo, but you can donate backgrounds, borders, frames, or image objects like a butterfly you drew, painted, or photographed.  
 
The easiest way to post your donation is to upload it as a jpeg to http://tinypic.com .  It will generate a link for you to cut/paste into this thread.  The limit there is 1600x1600.  Use a 300dpi resolution for your donation please.
 
RULES:
1. You have to donate an unlimited rights graphic to this thread in order to use the ones posted here.
2. Use each donated graphic no more than once;  so my donated photo, for instance, you should only use once, (one card PID).
3. Mention in the Note to Reviewer that part of the card image was from the Community Art Thread 2011 on the GCU forum, where permission was explicitly given by posting. Please mention the person that donated it and the date it was donated.
4. When the card is approved, post a link back in this thread so we can see what you did with the graphic.
 
Here is my donation.  Lots of possibilities with the toilet paper banner thing that my mom made.  I deleted her "Birthday Boy" lettering so it can be used generically for us here:  
http://i51.tinypic.com/rvwnf5.png
 
On mine, use your graphics program to select the solid background color (tan) then delete it, or crop the photo as desired.
 
Have fun!
 
TOM

Oh, and by the way,adorable baby picture!

That is HILARIOUS!!!

I uploaded this to the link at tinypic, hope I copied the proper code, if it shows up here, everyone is welcome to use this panda watercolor of mine with some photo shop enhancement.  
 
http://tinypic.com/r/2zyg3nm/7

Myrna ... edit (modify) that post and just use the http:// link part from tiny.com, not the IMG.  Try that.

LOL ... I perhaps would have been smarter to donate a nice picture of an old building or something.  Oh well ... all in good fun.

Put glasses on that baby and it looks amazingly like one of our fellow GCU alumni!  LOL
Tom will do anything to get his masculine physique up on the web even if it means being draped in TP!
You messed up though - that's not the right date on the photo - should be '65 huh?

Love what you did with the Bromeliad picture.  Unfortunately that hits too close to home!  
The first caption I thought of was "For some reason, these two ladies never get asked who their hairdresser is!"

That's cute too Randall.

Myrna,
 
Here's what I did with your Panda. Nothing creative, just some birthday humor. Actually had to resize it for GCU, it was too small and had to make it three times larger to be approved.  I put it in my Private Gallery so you can lhave a look.   It would make a perfect Christmas card though.  Looks like one of those Christmas hanging decorations for the tree.  Christmas globe???  My mind is going too!  lol
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/community/viewdetails.asp?pid=770416&aid =140313&ref=cb_card_title

Quote from Tom_133317 on Feb 10^th, 2011, 12:24pm:

 
Woops!  Thanks for reminding me.  Not sure if this will work, but here goes;
 
I:\Ramona 2010-09-15\IMG_9102-2.JPG
 
Nope - guess I'd better try again- will upload to a hosting site and resubmit.
Well here's another till I figure this out.
It's hosted at the Best Nature Photos on facebook.  If you guys haven't checked that out, we'd love to have more company at the page there.  
 
 http://www.facebook.com/BestNaturePhotos#!/photo.php?fbid=1393912706908&set= o.169406929768364  
 
Actually, you may have to resize this to be accepted at GCU.  I just tried to submit the photo that I copied from facebook and it's not large enough.  If you open it in your editor and do some manipulation or add text, it'll probably work.
 
Here's the first one I tried to upload and you're all welcome to play with iit if you like.
 
http://www.facebook.com/BestNaturePhotos#!/photo.php?fbid=1404405249215&set= o.169406929768364
 

This is an image based on a photo I took a couple of years ago on a visit to my home town.   This old building once housed the drug store and malt shop that was the teen hangout in the 1940's.  The backgound is white and can be removed easily with an image software.
 
http://i54.tinypic.com/30at1cg.jpg[/IMG]

OMG! Too funny Tom! Great job.  

Quote from Myrna_134142 on Feb 10^th, 2011, 1:46pm:

 
"Snowglobe" that's good, not what I was thinking though, what do you call those glass ball decorations you hang on the tree, Christmas balls is all i can think of???  
So you think the birthday panda's OK for a real card?  It's an adorable piece and I'd be honored to have it in my store, with your credits in the artist section and on the artwork of course.   Thank you!
 If you ever need a poem or reflective thought for any of your work.  Let me know. I'd be happy to work with you!  If it comes to humor you want, I think Tom is the guy for that.  He's our regular comic writer here!  lol

Yes, Randall, please put the card in your shop!
 
I think the word you are looking for instead of snowglobe was "Christmas Ornament"

Delores, Love that ole storefront and Tom, really nice job incorporating a theme and keeping to the nostalgia!  Delores, you said it was drawn from a photo?  Care to elaborate on how you turned it inot the art it is now?

Tom,  
Heres what I did with your image.  By the way, a wonderful image and so metaphoric.  I could think of a hundred directions to go with it.  But for time and keeping it simple, which simple is usually the best recipe in a good card, decided to go with an "Encouragement" theme.  This card was created partially in my photo editor and finished at GCU placing it in the Private Gallery until you all have had a chance to view it.  
 
Here's the link;  http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/community/viewdetails.asp?pid=770903&aid =140313&ref=cb_card_title
 
Hope you like it!

here is mine... the category is off but it is in my private gallery so you can see it so it really isn't an issue.
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/community/viewdetails.asp?pid=771010&aid =132110&ref=cb_card_title

Randall, the old photo was processed through a Photoshop plugin called Topaz Simplify.

Peggy, that was a challenge!
 
It gave me the chance to make an old frame and to add my own tag "Comical Caption Studios" to it.  I have been dying to do this for a long while.
 
I then scanned an old vintage studio photo of a baby and "inserted" the dog's head.  I also had to recolor him/her  which was not easy!
 
Anyhow, took 2 hours but I now have another rediculous card, and my first for the Dog Birthday category.  Watch the orders flood in now.  
 
Anyhow ... thanks!  
 

 
INSIDE
======
Remember, you have to
clean up after us
when we get old.
 
Happy Birthday!
 
 
Now go play ...
 

I could not resist a quick rendition of Peggy's Doberman, he got to me!
 
It's in for review but I put a second one in my private gallery until then so I could show it here.
 
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/shopping/zoom.asp?pid=771136&w=1&ref =cb_large_view
 
Pamela

Awww...Thanks Peggy  
Like I said, he/she just 'spoke' to me I will let you know when it goes live and thanks for the opportunity.
 
As far as the © symbol. I can only suggest checking what shows in the box on your Back of card credits editor page (manage store page > Images and cards>Back of card credits editor>credits preview box. Mine shows as the copyright symbol in there....no code just © Pamela Jorgensen. If it looks good in there perhaps it's a job for admin.  
 
I hope to give some of the other 'pics' a go to, it's fun to see how diverse the use of these cards can be, one image, many uses. We are a creative bunch
Pamela
 
If it's helpful to anyone since I learnt this on the forum, I know on a Mac just hit 'Option + letter 'G' for the © symbol.
 

Peggy,
I just added that to the end of my post above as you were posting. I only know the Mac way don't know if Windows works that way.
Pamela
 
I just googled and found this  
 
Create the circled C copyright symbols © using Option-G on the Mac. Under Windows, create circled C copyright symbols © using ALT 0169.
 
If that helps.

ok, the alt thingie worked.
 
Sorry Tom for hijacking your thread.  I'm returning it to you now  

thank you, Delores, I love that one, too!!  

LOL - the Dobie Does St Pat's Day!  Love this one too!  Let me know when it's "live" ... same offer applies!

Okay, here is my donation to the pot.  I always got a kick out this photo, with names like Morris and Ebenezer, but never had the chance to do anything with it...so go for it everyone!  Any creations you make you are free to make money on!
 
http://i52.tinypic.com/2hxybz6.jpg

Hi Denise,
 
The idea is to FIRST make an art contribution, then create actual cards from the contributions made by others.
 
I've created one actual card from each contribution thus far, and at the same time on some I posted a 500p-wide version of the image here mainly to show "instant" feedback and to help interest build in this idea.
 
Others created a private card (waiving review) and posted that link, which is fine.  I'm sure they've also created and submitted a public card.  
 
Nice job on my ocean man contribution, btw.  As a Dad of a wonderful daughter, I appreciate all cards that give us some credit for even existing.  
 
===================
Here's my morning madness using Doreen's recent donation. Thanks!
 

 

Love it Tom!  Good luck on the sales!
 
Thanks Peggy...we've all done such fun designs with that silly Doberman!
 
I'll pass on some 'widget' knowledge...
 
Using a different email, join GCU and create that widget using the Member's Corner.  In case you don't know, if you change a widget here at GCU, it changes them every where you have them.  So I have 2 one for my store and one as a Member that I use to promote other artists.
 
Also, I'm sure if you asked GCU they would let all of us use some unique keyword, such as 2011ARTDOG so that you can pull only those cards up.  If you don't do something like that, you won't  be able to get what you are after.
 
Great idea Tom and so much fun!

Did this totally backwards...Sorry Tom
 
Here's my contribution......  
 
http://i52.tinypic.com/ngygzs.jpg
 Pamela

Delores....Great card that we all can relate to!
 
Tanya...Love the St Patty's day, good thought it's coming soon!  and it took me a while to notice the background was made up of green beers lined up  Love it!...and thanks for the compliment
 
Doreen,    to be appreciated by 'boomers' everywhere
 
Tom....I do hope you enjoy a warm climate  
 
Can't wait to see what folks come up with for the cat, which was at a gas station in Virginia on a very hot August day last year. I did not get too close, he was very relaxed..... yet had an unsettling demeanor
 
Pamela
 

That's really neat Doreen. Very rustic.

My try:
 

 
 

Pamela, Love this image!  It's so cat like.  "What?  Work?  Why ruin such a perfect sun chair?"  
 
Wher'd you find this beautiful tractor?  Looks like a 30's or 40's Massey Ferguson.  Just kidding, I love tractors but don't know one from another, except maybe for a Deere, can't miss the green and yellow!  Actually think this one now that I look at it again, is a Catt-a-nappellar!
 
Oh and Doreen - Love what you did with it!  I so want that program!  And Tom, you must have a cat or have had them.  Great humor again!  
 
Those Dobie cards were awesome guys!  Wish i hadn't been working the last 48 hours and had gotten in on that.
 
Tom, I guess we can submit more than one image for all of us to play with?

I love the variety - seeing how each person's mind works - so cool!

Hi everyone
 
Just popping in to see if anyone could make that 'friendly' kitty into something....and I see you did!
 
Doreen, I love your take on it The style you applied reminds me of a retro agricultural billboard or advertisement that you might find in a rural farming community. The retro look works with the retirement theme I could see it striking a chord with folks.
 
and Tom, you are the master of family album photograph presentation and what your mind comes up with never ceases to amaze you had me smiling much with this one  
 
Randall thanks for the compliment on the photo, he definitely has that don't even think about moving me look! I believe you are right in the Catt-a-nappellar brand  
 
It really is fun to see the different styles and approaches each of us use, no cookie cutter cards here!
Pamela

Quote from Randall_140313 on Feb 13^th, 2011, 9:24am:

 
Hi Randall....no pressure I see!
 
Just a note not all of us are Facebook folks and I for one cannot access your image
 
Any chance you could use another way like Tinypic?
 
Pamela

Hi Randall
I used the Direct Link for Layouts that seemed to work.
Pamela
 
 
Another note. You have to 'preview' your post before the links will show live and you can test them, they do not show live in the edit box. If that has any bearing.

That works Randall!
 
It needs a cat and a tractor don't you think?
 
I'll hopefully play later or tomorrow.
Pamela

Delores...that's WONDERFUL!!  I LOVE IT!!  Great additions and impressive use of filters and textures!!
 
 

 
Well, I deleted the first version of Toms baby pic, and here is my new version.  I think it is cute, but I am not sure if it is good enough to try to sell.  I welcome input.
 
Dedicated to Tom the party animal, hahahah

Tom asked, "Randall ... do you happen have a higher resolution version available, like 2x?"  Sent you a message to your message box Tom, but in case you missed it and for the rest of us...
I went in and saw where I can change my downloading preferences and upped the resolution to the Maximum that you can short of signing up for the "Pro" account then downloaded this image to Photobucket again.  This should make for a suitable image to work with and upload to GCU.  Sorry guys, I didn't notice that before.
 
http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc479/rtstonephoto/_MG_9086-3.jpg
 
Tom, love what you have going there and hope you can finish it with this better, higher res image.  Can't wait to see the finished product!
 
Delores,  Love the chickens and that satelite dish, that's priceless.  I'd of put an axe stuck in that stump there in front of the porch, but then we wouldn't of had any chickens would we?  LOL  Don't know how much time you have in that, but here's a better copy of my image if you want to improve the image quality for GCU.
 
 

Hows this?
 
http://i56.tinypic.com/2l9h36a.jpg

CUTE Myrna!

Myrna, Love it!  That's great, you'd better have that one up for St. Patty's!
 
Tom, Excellent!  You don't know how close to truth that sign is.  My trade is roofing and the biggest shortfall I have is exactly that.  Should be my business name!  However, I'm working on that..., starting tomorrow!  LOL
 
P.S. - You know if you put that up at the store, You'd have at least one customer - one of my friends or someone that knows, would buy that for me!  lol

Trish - another cute use of the Dobie!!

That was a great photo Peggy!  I couldn't get rid of the window glare on the little rascals face, but don't think it will be too noticeable with this card.  I've got raccoons on my patio and in the yard, but it's always at night and I can't grab the camera fast enough.  Good Job!
 
Heres my creation; http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/community/viewdetails.asp?pid=773528&aid =140313&ref=cb_card_title
 
Hope you like it!
 
I posted this card to my facebook page and put a link to your store as well as mine with it mentioning your specialty with the canine kind.  Hopefully some of my facebook friends will stop in and browse one or both of our stores.  They're a dog loving lot so there's a good chance you'll get some visits.

Thank you Peggy, I ust changed that in artist notes.  Yeah, guess we are neighbors - almost.  I shop Costco there in Santee and stop in to Jimmy's restaurant once a week or two depending if I'm working somewhere that I come across the 52.  Once they finish that, won't have much of a reason to stop in Santee except maybe for shopping at Costco.  I live out close to Alpine on Dunbar Lane.  They call it El Cajon, but we all know it better as Flinn Springs area.  Great knowing I have another GCU artist near me.  We should do coffee sometime and talk photography.  
Take care and thanks again for the use of that photo.  Gives me some ideas to for trying to capture images of some of the wildlife around me.

Oh, you boys are awesome!!
 
Randall, great job!  Love your layout and concept!  Very well done!
 
Tom...TOO CUTE!  What a great idea!

Very funny, Tom!  You did a great job, but how did you get the jelly beans in there?  LOL

Yea!  
 
Peggy! the card I made from your contribution just got approved. Card #771134
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Happy+Birthday+Doberman+humor-greeting+card -771134?pid=771134&aid=135500&ref=cb_card_title
Pamela

Mine was also approved today:  772165
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Funny+Happy+Birthday+with+Doberman+Dog-gree ting+card-772165?pid=772165&gcu=43045123714
 
What fun

My rendition of the Dobie was approved today.  
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Funny+Sky+Hi+Doberman+Dog-greeting+card-781 621?pid=781621&aid=136241&ref=cb_card_title
 
I'm a little slow.  

All the best with some commission sales on those cards Peggy   and thanks for adding my 'Dobie' attempt in there
 
I have to say I dam not a dog person at all, but I very much enjoyed your blog. Your love for dogs shows not only in your writing but in the way you capture the personality in the, dare I say 'pooches'  
 
Pamela

Just discovered this fun!
Here is my donation! have fun,
Sandy
http://i54.tinypic.com/111o7qd.jpg

Quote from Sandy_132125 on Jun 16^th, 2011, 4:23am:

 
Hi Sandy,
 
As soon as I looked at this photo of yours I was inspired with a silly idea - so here it is  
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/shopping/zoom.asp?pid=829254&w=1&ref =details_large_view
 
I put it in private gallery until I heard from you as to whether it's okay to sell.  I first did some photoshop magic to remove the fence wire, the telephone pole shadow and corrected balance.  Then I painted it with watercolor brushes in Photoshop.  Liked what I saw, to I added another cow and the sold sign...before I knew...I liked it  

It is a great renditon!
Hi Sandy,
 
As soon as I looked at this photo of yours I was inspired with a silly idea - so here it is  
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/shopping/zoom.asp?pid=829254&w=1&ref =details_large_view
 
I put it in private gallery until I heard from you as to whether it's okay to sell.  I first did some photoshop magic to remove the fence wire, the telephone pole shadow and corrected balance.  Then I painted it with watercolor brushes in Photoshop.  Liked what I saw, to I added another cow and the sold sign...before I knew...I liked it  
[/quote]

Quote from Randall_140313 on Jun 16^th, 2011, 7:54pm:

 
Oh, no Randall, are you catching my disease?  Doreen did the funny rendition, she is so creative!  I'm afraid I made a boo boo in trying to comment on her artwork- but being mental is highly under rated!  I love the line from Designing Women where Julia says "In the south, people don't ask if you have crazy people in your family, they just ask which side they're on!"  
 
But I'm from Iowa, the corn state.  
 

Thank you , Doreen, Your card is a real complement and made me smile!!

Quote from Sandy_132125 on Jun 17^th, 2011, 7:24am:

 
Thank you Sandy and I'm glad it did your photo justice
 
Thanks Trish!  You and Randall should be a comedy team  

Sandy, here is my 'take' on your picture.  Hope you like it.  
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/shopping/zoom.asp?pid=829592&w=1&ref =details_large_view
 
Trish with Bow N Ranch
 
 
Peggy, your doberman inspired me also...here is my rendition
 
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/shopping/viewdetails.asp?pid=829501&& ;aid=132125&ref=cb_card_title
Let me know what you think
Happy Friday!
Sandy [/quote]

I dooo I love it Trish )