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Tip Top Dorms
I was playing a little tonight and I sent a teen to college, and realised she deserved a fresh dorm. So, I built one just for her, and while I was at it, thought it would be nice to share it. It's build on a 2X2 lot, and is quite compact. Yet, it holds rooms for 8 students, which is nice for those popularity sims in search of new friends. It will come out on June 8th ;)
I could WEEP!
I know, I KNOW!!! I go on all the time about PC woes, but this is THE woe of woes...I bought a new PC in the end. Bye-bye flunked motherboard, bye-bye everything, in fact. New uber-rig ordered and installed...
And just THREE DAYS LATER, it is clinically dead. Oh yes, very dead. It won't even reach that happy POST state of beeps and meaningless BIOS scribblings.
That is woeful enough, but the REAL woe is that this is likely MY fault! WHY can't I just (for once) leave the cover ON and stop tinkering with innards? But it's like this compulsion thing. I just have to poke around, move things - for aesthetic reasons, naturally. I just hope I haven't aesthetically sparked the motherboard chipset this time and that this is simply due to a graphics card failing to sit properly, or a wobbly RAM stick! But I have been told to leave it alone now. Someone who actually knows what they are doing will be performing emergency surgery tomorrow - no doubt at some horrendous cost-per-hour...
Meantime, I'm wailing via my partner's PC. This PC is working because I have not yet tinkered with it. Funny therefore how this one is STILL working four years after it was bought, whereas I am now on my fourth (and final?) PC...
Little Venice - a new series :-)
Starts Sunday 10th June! A new series - an upmarket neighbourhood with canals, houseboats and Italianate villas - based on an exclusive area of London known as Little Venice.Here's the blurb for the first lot and a couple of pics. More to follow soon! :)
Live on the boat or in the house; there's room for a large families here. Garden at rear with pool and jacuzzi. Boat is furnished; house is unfurnished. *Maxis Content Only*
Old poll results, new poll, new set coming
The poll "What do you like to download" had 83 participants, which is way cool! The results indicated that people prefer to download either individual items or item sets. Those that download like that voted for furniture first, hair a close second. For room sets, living rooms were the most popular. Since I completely forgot to put CLOTHES down as an option, I am going to just pretend that I already knew they would blow away anything else as everyone downloads clothes.The new poll concerns how do you find your downloads? Do you know what you want and just go find it? Do you have favorite CC makers that you go check for new stuff? Do you check out the front page first to see what is spotlighted? I know when I was on the front page, my minisite views went way up, so some people do use that as a first or second stop for looking for their custom content. Since much of the front page space alloted to nonFA artists seem to be used primarily as advertising for the new people TSR is recruiting I am wondering just how much an impact the front page has on people's downloading or CC browsing habits.
The new set is almost done. I have one, maybe two more pieces left to do. This set is going to be vastly different from the last two rooms I did (not that the kitchen and the bedroom weren't pretty different from each other). This time I am doing a dining room and it was done primarily as a request. I don't do requests often, but I was looking to do something in this particular style anyway, and someone came to me with the idea of recreating part of her childhood home which was done in this style. And since I have never attempted a diningroom before, it seemed like a good thing to try. It is the first time I have added slots to an object, so again, this set has taught me much just like the last two have done. Look for it this weekend, I hope.
Out of Town
Today my daughters and I will go on a trip to the sea shore for three weeks. I am really looking forward to the time, hopefully I will get the chance to rest and relax. The only drawback is that I will have to survive the three weeks without a computer, which means that I will not be able to log onto TSR or create any sims stuff either.See you in three weeks, Imme
If it's not one thing, it's another
I'm sure that if you come to my site very often, you've probably noticed that I've been slowly uploading the Aaron Collection. I'm sorry it's taken me so long, but real life keeps getting in the way. Two weeks ago was our annual family camping trip (that lasted nearly an entire week), so I've been trying to get things in order after coming home from that.Right now, I'm also having some hard drive issues. My E drive (where all my Sims stuff is stored) decided that it wanted to have some major errors the night before we left, and I wasn't able to fully explore what was lost after Windows fixed all the errors. When I got home and was able to get on the computer again, I discovered that I lost that drive's entire Program Files folder, the Drivers and Installs folder, and at least one folder in my Meshing folder. That folder was the Anna collection. I had only finished about three meshes in that set, but I'm not looking forward to trying to do them again. I often have a tendency to just forget about it whenever I lose something like that.
So, I can't really say what's coming next. I've been doing a bit of work on a bathroom, but I don't know how soon it's going to come together. I'll probably try to get another bedroom or two (or three) from the last poll put together before I'm able to complete that.
My main project right now is to transfer all my files from both drives to two new drives and reinstall Windows on one of them. I'm not sure how long that's gonna take, but I won't be focusing hardcore on anything until after that's complete. (Anyone know how to save your favorites from Firefox?)
One more thing before I hit submit ... Thank you to everyone that signs my guestbook or leaves a comment (either here or on an object). I don't generally take the time to reply to them, but I really do appreciate them. They always make me smile. :)
June 10th, OUAT Nursery Collection Part II
The Once Upon A Time Nursery Collection--Part II is scheduled for release on June 10th. The set features shades of pink and lavender--a soothing and calm nursery setting for babies and little girls. Part II is a set recolor of the OUAT nursery meshes.
I have also created a few extras for the OUAT nursery collections. The extras include a bookcase, writing desk and chair, a toy chest, and a few other surprises. I hope to release the extras later in the month of June. Please visit my forum to view screen shots of the upcoming nursery extras and to view additional pictures of the Victorian Garden/Patio set. Cashcraft�s Victorian Tea Room Preview of the Victorian Garden/Patio set
new house
I've taken a little break from TC, and was puttering around in my sim neighborhood and decided to make a new house. It came out better than I expected. What do you think?My own minisite !
Yeah!!! At last I have my own minisite,I've been waiting so long I still can't believe it's finally come true.I'm so excited I don't think I can write much more.Just now,I want to go and set the site up and see what to add etc but I'll be back soon.Elaine
WooHoo! - New Computer Up & Running
Took nearly a week but my new computer is now loaded, and wonderful. I've just finished transferring all the main settings and folders, and it seems a blast!!
Sorry to have been out of TSR for nearly a week, but I can start offering stuff again and talking!!! Yay. :)
About time, I say!
Finally! After months of watching my number of downloads increase, I can afford this minisite! Thank you to everyone who has gotten any of my items... I feel flattered to see my creations getting downloaded at all, lol. :) Well now what will I do with myself??....Tutorial to be Published!
My 3rd tutorial - and my first in the Back to Basics series, is to be pulished tomorrow! (6th June) It deals with How to make your own Wallpapers - but using a clone of a Maxis wall so that the skirtings and cornicing and dado rails are already in place - one less thing to worry about for the true novice to easily be able to make their own walls - There will be a second part to this which will deal with making wallpapers from scratch and showing how to make patterns look "unstretched" when placed in the game.I hope to start work on the 2nd tutorial in the=is series within the next few days...
Groovy Stuff Set and More
I finally finished the Groovy Stuff Set, and it is to be published this Thursday, the 7th! Now that that set is completed, what next? Well, I already have three more sets lined up, and in progress. These next three sets are:1. Roof Set 2 (near ready to submit)
2. Dishwasher Set 2 (work in progress)
3. Trashcompactor Set 2 (work in progress)
I do have many other sets planned, but these will be the next three, and in this order!
So... I can't wait until you all can begin downloading the Groovy Stuff Set! I think it turned out great, and I hope you all enjoy it!
That's it for now!
Happy simming!
~simmyfan2852~
When I said I'd "got the thing"...
On 8th May, Boring-Blog-Entry-Number-3787 I was crowing about how I could do anything! ANYTHING! Well, I could cure blue screen crashes anyway by ripping out a hard disk drive that was reporting as failing...WRONG!
The blue screen crashes restarted with a vengeance, and increased in intensity, with reports of another two hard drives failing, my DVD burner not working and the floppy drive (yes, I really do use this relic) failing too. Apparently not the hard disk then. Glad I didn't throw it out, which is hardly surprising given I can still have last week's take-away box not thrown out too......
A dying disk controller, ergo a motherboard replacement (or, in my non-technically-adept case, a new PC). And so here it is, without Sims installed or anything yet. But it DOES have the keyboard plugged in, which means I can still bore you to tears. Now, isn't that simply WONDERFUL?!
The art of over-promising!
It's an art. My speciality: over-promise, then under-deliver; the antithesis of expensive advice given by business experts to wannabe consultants everywhere. "Promise it tomorrow but deliver it today to delight your customers and keep them coming back!" So, I expect I've caused the reverse effect of 'customer delight' by promising today, and delivering, well, some time within the next decade or so.... Just one over-promised and not-yet-delivered creation: gothic windows set...
mini site.
I just turned this thing into a mini site today. Hopefully I'll make it look pretty soon. Until then, thanks for all the positive feedback and be sure to bookmark me as an artist.Big update of clothes and items coming soon!
RXG
Groovy Stuff Set Preview
Today, I have a preview of most of the meshes for the Groovy Stuff Set. I still have two more meshes to make, as well as two floors and two walls, but I will have it finished early this week! Now, the preview:
A couple of other notes about this set: it will require University-the sofa is a Maxis Match Sofa to the University chair, and it borrows the textures from the chair.
That's it for now!
Happy simming!
~simmyfan2852~
Sintesi Modular Living Room
I liked so much the Sintesi Bedroom (hope that it was not just me) that I decided to make a matching living room. It's "modular", in the sense that the different pieces can be combined together to make the perfect room for every need. The set includes: - 2 bookcases (left and right corner) with decorative photos and vases on the 5th shelf, while the 2nd shelf has a working slot for decorative objects. - a shelf, 2-tiles wide, with spotlights. - a wallunit, 2-tiles wide, with decorative vases on it. - 2 wallunits, left and right corner, with an usable shelf and decorative objects on the upper shelf. - a 2-tiles coffe table. - 2 corner coffee table, with a glass shelf and an added usable lower shelf (only for small objects). - a ceiling lamp, matching the floor and table lamps of the Sintesi bedroom. - a decorative knick-knack.
While I finish and test it, I'm submitting another recolour of the Sintesi Bedroom, which will come handy for the living room too.
I hope you like it.
Crossroads
Okay. So many walls, so few floors. So, I thought I'd throw in a Linoleum. Introducing... Crossroads in Aqua Blue:
and Crossroads in Pale Sun:
Have an AMAZING day!
Marbles Walls and Floors Set
Dear Downloaders,I re-submitted Marbles walls and floors set again, and it'll be published on 26th of June 2007. Hope you'll like it. While for Happy Kids set, i still don't know when i'm going to re-submit it again, and i'm not sure of resubmitting it at all ! ! !
Enjoy!
Upcoming Creations
I realize that some of you are probably tired of my walls (and maybe the colors too), but for some reason I'm addicted to them.But for those who just can't seem to grasp the Studio K addiction, and for those who have: I will be uploading...
More of the same.
Plus, more linoleum in my signature colors.
Plus, more exteriors in my signature exterior colors.
Plus, interior wood walls and floors, which will include 36 new signature colors (for wood only, of course).
I'm letting you all know that I will be around for quite some time, as I have at least 96 more sets waiting to be uploaded.
So, hang in there, I'm sure there will be something that everyone will love.
Random Acts of Skinning...Yet Again
This week I am working on a variety of skins that really don't go into a particular theme. At this point I have an outfit from Rampage.com, a Nautica brand swimsuit, a couple of doll fashions, and an outfit worn by actress Rene Zellweger. Previews will be posted as I complete things.
Big Project Status: 50% done
My Big Project is half finished. In theory.I've finally completed all the 3D modeling, which is theoretically half of the effort needed to make a new sims object. However, experience tells me that I'm closer to 20-30% finished, because texture-mapping and in-game testing can be a brutally long tedious processes.
I also have a fickle mind that is telling me to add more pieces. Which, would probably be suicide but, that's my brain for you.
I'm still not at the point where I want to reveal what the big project is (sorry!), but I can assure you that it IS amazing. I can give you a *small* hint: A set I have blogged about previously has been..."absorbed" into the big project.
Anywho, because this thing is taking me forever, I am going to start work on a different project. Definitely something small that I can release in a few weeks while I'm still trying to tackle the Big Project.
I have a couple of ideas for this small project, but as with any of my simmy creations, there is research to do.
Until I thoroughly research both of my ideas, I can't tell which one I pick.
Off to Google I go!
Back to Basics
Recently I had a PM from a guy called Tomas, asking me for a bit of help as he was new to Sims2... and it made me realise that althought we have some of the best ever tutorials (mine included of course!! lol) that there was a bit of a shortage of Basic how to's and so, I have started on a series called "Back to Basics"The first tutorial focuses on one way of making basic walls for the game. by cloning a maxis wall that has skirtings and such already in place and changing the design... really basic stuff, but its the stuff that all of the budding creators need.
I will probably move onto a more advanced version of walls - making them froms cratch and ensuring that the design doesnt look stretched. possiby move onto things like Floors, maybe recolouring a Tshirt, garden designing, maybe even tips onlot building... i dont know i have a few ideas whizzing around my head - so if anyone has any really Basic tutorials they would like to see, then PM me..
I have just released a set of Damask walls, they will be published tomorrow, and hopefully my first tutorial will be out soon!
First Poll !
I finally got around to working out what questions I wanted to ask in a poll, and also managed to get it to work first time - if you don't count the time I looked and tried it out a few weeks ago! Please feel free to add any other preferences in a comment here or a PM - I always seem to fail at leaving a comment in a blog!In the works...
What is lurking in my folders waiting to be finished off, uploaded?2 more sets of Simaddict's Ruffled Blinds. I saw the other day that the whole of her Sun Room set that this comes from is free at the moment.
2 Texture Challenge rooms, a TC42 living room and a TC43 conservatory. A little more work on them before I'll be perfectly happy with them, but then they'll be ready.
I also have a collection of Atomic/Space Kids furniture in TC42 wood texture that I intend to upload soon. The Maxis textures make these items virtually unusable, andnow I have done one texture, want to do some more as the meshes are actually very attractive.
Windkeeper also has an 'Atomic Plus' set that has a similar desk with usable left side and bookcases.
Groovy Stuff Set
I have begun work on my Groovy Stuff Set (aka my Groovy Stuff Mini Pack Set). I have finished the hardest object- the fence. I think it turned out really well! However, that is the only object that I have done, and I am going to wait to create the preview until I have a few objects completed.Also, I have submitted the Long Dress Set.
That's it for now!
Happy simming!
~simmyfan2852~
Squared
I got this design from one of my husband's shirts. Squared in Clay:
and Squared in Orchid:
Have an AMAZING day!
Seakelp
Of course it's not real seakelp. Just a structured, colorful imitation of it. Seakelp in Lavender:
and Seakelp in Papaya:
Have an AMAZING day!
The Darkness
And I dont mean the band...although they are pretty great, too. What I am referring to is the dark skintones that seem to get left on the wayside when it comes to finding suitable makeup. I dont know about most of you, but when I try to find some lipstick or eyeshadow for one of my lovely dark Sims, It takes me ages to find something that doesnt look fluorescent on their skin. At the nudging of the adorable Dark Delight, I decided to try and remedy this little problem. I am about to release part 1 of three sets of makeup especially for Dark skinned ladies. Part 1 has blush, eyeshadow and lipstick with a more natural appearance, with a few bonus colors of lipsticks in some rich hues, part 2 will have dramatic, jewel toned eyeshadow and glossy lips along with a small set of my own "dark" eyes meant to look more at home when paired with Dark skin. ( the eye white is less bright so it doesnt seem like its glowing ) And part three will be more lips and eyeshadow, this time in some feminine shades. I hope you will all add these to your collection and give your dark skinned Sims some special attention. Here is a preview of some of those makeup items from set 1 and 2....
The eyeshadow and blush are from set 1, and the eyes and lips are from set 2. I hope you will all find them as useful as I already have. Thanks again, Dark Delight!
Ritzy
Even if your Sims haven't much money, they can afford at least one wall of this and look like they are living the high life. Ritzy in Dark Sand:
and Ritzy in Soft Wedgewood:
Have an AMAZING day!
Working on various things
Well, I removed all my downloads, some 35,000 of them and started again because I just could never find what I wanted to use.Having started creating things with just Maxis objects so that everyone can download them, I discovered that I was getting really picky about the custom content I wanted in my own game.
Now, I've got around 18,000 items and that suits me, including a lot of historical things that I use in a special neighbourhood that I've built which I'm trying to do a Legacy Prosper Over Time type challenge in.
As for the rest, I'm working on some dingy themed lots for my historical hood which will probably fit quite nicely into the Haunted Hollow theme so they'll be uploaded for there.
I'm also working on a couple of Build A Lot challenges from that forum and I'm off playing Lord of the Rings Online when I'm not Simming, so life is pretty busy at the moment.
An Exciting Day......
I finally hit one million downloads AND won 1st place in the SA monthly contest! What could be better? Thanks to all of you who have downloaded my creations and recognized my work!Futonesque Fantasy Completer Set by MsBarrows :)
Recommended download:Futonesque Fantasy Completer Set by MsBarrows
With my permission, MsBarrows made versions of my "Maxis-Matching Futonesque Loveseat & Chair" that pull the Maxis-object textures and recolours. I wasn't able to fully understand the method to do this, I count it an especial favour that she did this, and I am deeply flattered she thought this set so good that she did this work. I am truly grateful for her work and help in explaining this mind-numbing mystery to me in a simple language I could understand.I want to stress, my object meshes may be used to whatever end any creator wishes. The meaning of "community" is simple and needs no especial articulation. We, all of us, learn from one another with the single goal of making this game a better thing than EA gave it to us. We each of us follow different paths and have different beliefs on what is the best way to do anything; it matters not to me if you use my meshes to trivial or majestic ends, but I would think it nicer if you did the latter rather than the former.
So my hat is off to MsBarrows for being one of the best citizens in this community I have so far met.
Visit MsBarrow's Mini-Site
Grrrr - But Better
Well, I visited Pimp My Sims again and now the Modern Kitchen is back on the page. Which means I changed the files I changed for no reason in particular other than to have a bit extra to do. I'm very, very glad I was too busy to change them all. For the time being, I'm going to just leave them like they are. But eventually I'll change them back since Solander's meshes here are not free and they are on Pimp My Sims (not really understanding that one). But just wanted to let you know in case you were thinking of a new kitchen!There is a bit of a buffer in the new submission page, so my next set doesn't come out until Saturday. I know I've spoiled you all releasing something every day, but maybe some will get a chance to catch their breath.
Fun rooms and rugs and maybe even a few walls to come, so stay tuned!
White Cube Pics
I didn't get chance to upload these before the set was released... here's a few details of the furnished (home business version) of the White Cube set.Btw, White Cube is a famous art gallery in London... so the name seemed very appropriate!
Details of the interior living space:
And the ground floor art gallery:
It's a 2x3 lot. And the split levels are fun - give it a go!
Lol, enough urging, I'm off to bed.
Bye for now :)
Tiger
Upcoming Change...
With the new submission system, I will no longer be using the prefix sf- before the name of my files. Instead, I will use the first letter of each word in the set name, plus "S" as the prefix. For example, in my upcoming Roof Set 2, the file prefix will be RS2_. If the set is the University Set 2, it will be US2. The Cape Cod Office/Entrance will be the last set that uses the prefix sf-. This is just a heads up for all of you that like to organize your downloads folder.That's it for now!
Happy simming!
~simmyfan2852~
PS: Tomorrow, the Cape Cod Bathroom will be published, and today I have just finished submitting the Cape Cod Office/Entrance Set. Thatis the last set in the series and I will then work on the Long Dress set!
Free Sets in June
From June 6th - July 4th these sets are available for free:
SO_Collection_202
Get it here
SO_Collection_155
Get it here
SO_TeenCollection_015
Get it here
Limited Time Offer
For a limited time only, we’re giving away a free 
