Sharon H. Bell's House of Vice and Virtue

Just click the new banner...

2011-02-07T08:48:00.001-08:00

...to get to the new blog!

Last Post Here!

2010-03-23T08:31:00.001-07:00

So, I'm "un-marrying" my last name and returning to my maiden name (which is Dorsey). Lot's of switcheroo-ing. I know you probably think it's a dumb name, but all of my new Etsy stuff and blog stuff will have this name: yaysockpuppet. I think it's a pretty cute name, and there's a small story behind it (which will be part of my first post on the new blog). Which brings me to the new blog. For the short term, you can still type in sharonhbell.com and it will go to the new blog, but when my domain name is up for its next payment, you'll just have to remember yaysockpuppet.blogspot.com.

BIG ASS SALE!!! So I really would like to NOT have to re-list EVERYTHING to my new Etsy store (yaysockpuppet.etsy.com) SOOOOO until Sunday I am offering 20% off of anything in the sharonhbell.etsy.com store. You will have to Etsy convo me if you're interested in an item, and I'll subtract the amount and relist it for you. OR just order it, and I can refund the percent off (and shipping for the locals) amount to your Paypal account.

Thanks, peeps!

No More Chatter

2010-03-11T15:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, the rumors are true. Yes, we are still friends. Yes, I want you to keep eating Rad Dog (baby daddy needs to support my kids).

No, I don't want to talk about it, but YES, you can buy me a drink or come over with a bottle of wine.

And yes, I plan to hire a pool boy.

As soon as I get the pool...

Go-Go, Alissa!!!

2010-03-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Here's the front and back of the little show card for my friend Alissa's (and a guy called Morris Jackson's) hugeass show at Lindsay Gallery. This is bigeffingdeal, and you should definitely plan to attend the reception as it will completely blow your mind!

What else is new? Well, I just added a link in the "friends" section in the sidebar over there for my friend (and co-worker), Stacie Sells. You should totally check out her videos. She can out avant garde the best of 'em!

What else... Hmmm... Here's a picture of my table with stuff that I'm making...

...my baby qees for Rivet, and a few other toys just for the heck of it, and a finger puppet just for the heck of it. Unfortunately the "just for the heck of it" stuff rarely gets finished. Booooo! Hey, Dilda's in the background! Hi, Dilda!!! She's now joined by the Fruit of the Doom guy. OH YEAH!!! That's what I wanted to say... I have a bunch of new (old) stuff in my store left over from other shows. Maybe it's time to invest in a new piece of art???

So here's the thing...

2010-02-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

...for the Touchy Feely show in case you can't make it. But I know you want to throw shit at it, so just GET THERE!

Something coming up...

My friend Stephanie is putting together a puppet show at Wholly Craft in September with me and the amazing Paul May and Kelson Barber. There will be PERFORMANCES!!! I hope to have my dummy finished by then. Oh, I need to order EYES!!! I kind of want to hand-sculpt the eyes, but I'm sort of leaning toward wanting them to be super-realistic meaning GLASS.

Also coming up...

The awesome Toy2R exhibit at Rivet which I will bug you about soon...

Oh, yeah! For those who didn't get to read it, HERE's the link to the Columbus Alive article. They didn't include my hard to see little hair clip by Sweet Stella in the outfit list, but I assure you... She's awesome! Thanks a ton Brittany and Jodi!!!

Also, go to my friend Alissa's opening at the Lindsay Gallery Friday, March the 12th at 6PM or DIE!!!

OMG!!! ALICE IN WONDERLAND!!!!!!
My brain is going to explode.

Touchy Feely Opening Reception on Saturday the 27th!

2010-02-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

So this one sneaked right up on me!

Just when you think you're sort of approaching beginning to get caught up, BAM! You get the e-mail telling you that a piece you've only thought about in the shower is due on Sunday.

I laugh at you deadline! Not only have I an amazing selection of pre-sculpted face pieces ready to paint and stain, but I've already sewn and dyed the hair and cut all the fabric which is currently being dyed as well.

Basically, deadline... You can suck it!

Here's the particulars... Two days only! Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th. But you want to probably just go to the reception because they'll have food and stuff. That's on Saturday night from 6PM-10PM.

More about the show HERE!

An Outline of F.Y.I.'s

2010-01-31T11:55:00.001-08:00

I. Stuff This III Stuff Still Available!
A. 40 Pieces still for sale! Go HERE to see the awesomeness!
B. Many pieces are discounted from their original show price (including mine)!

II. Haiku show will be installed on Tuesday (my birthday)!
A. Come eat at Haiku in February, and see some creepy little drawings on their wall.
B. All items available for purchase (hint...).

III. Check out this birthday duo from Alissa!
A. The baby has a wind-up in the back that makes the head slowly spin around. Oh, I can't wait to get to work with this baby! I think everything I make in 2010 will be just for ME, lol! The amazing ring (which is a LOCKET!) is from Alissa too.
B. Alissa is awesome and knows me so well!

IV. I'm gonna be writing for the Ohio branch of a national mom's blog (click the purple little box to go there).
A. I'm so excited to get started. Back in the day I used to looooooove writing about "the shit" of parenting.
B. I think my first post will be about my biggest phobia in the universe, lice.

V. Also this week!
A. My little thing in the "What are you wearing?" column in the Columbus Alive comes out this Thursday (I think).
B. I will link the article and all the makers of the wearables later this week.

Happy early birthday to me...

2010-01-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

Oh, geez! So Alissa, Amandda, and I went to Flower Child after a couple of art openings, and I found this!!! It was only 12 bucks! I need to fix his mouth, get rid of that ridiculous outfit, and paint him. And name him Ambrose. I have always wanted a dummy. Always. Always.

Ambrose sings for the goth band Roses and Razorblades. He sometimes dresses in drag and goes by the name Ambrosia.

Oh, I can't wait!

Thank you VectorJungle.com!

2010-01-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

Do you guys know about this site? Sooo cool! ANYwho, I used the circus tent and did my own thing with it to make a new blog header. You like?

You guys rule!!!

2010-01-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

So I was super floored to find out that I made a list today. I didn't even know there was a poll! Anyway, if you put my name in there, then big, enormous thanks. I am completely speechless. And I know you're supposed to say, "...and of course there's so many others who should have been there as well", but it's the mothereffing truth. There are so many amazing artists in this town. It's pretty much like shooting fish in a barrel.

I'd like to thank the academy, my amazing friends and family (and my friends who are like my family), and my husband's amazing wieners. Without you, none of this would be possible.

The Finished Doll

2010-01-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

O.k., so here's how she turned out (complete with a can of PBR!). I know I should wait until the show opens before posting a pic, but I just can't wait. Plus it's a big-ass show with tons more to see. Will you go? You should!

I can't wait for all my other projects to be FINISHED! I have more dolls waiting to come out. Next up is a clown! Then I need to re-do this blog a bit.

Grrr... So much not-fun shit to do! I just want to crochet dolls, drink beer, and eat Rad Dog! Speaking of which, soon I'll be in the adorable Brittany Kress's "What are you wearing?" column in Columbus Alive sporting my new Rad Dog! shirt from Skreened. I'll let you know when that comes out. I'm hoping it will be funny since I really don't take fashion all that seriously (Wasn't that your major in college, Sharon? Shut up.). Thanks to AmyD for the hookup!

O.k.... Off to do more not-fun shit...

Mini Meat

2010-01-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

So I'm in the middle of making a "self portrait" doll for a show coming up. I'm sort of obsessing with this. I don't think it will turn out like what I have in my head, but it will have to do. What I really want to do is take my effigy out on the town and take pictures of her doing "bad girl things" then make stories and post them on Flickr then get famous, relatively speaking. I still don't have a good name for the doll. If you think of one, leave it in the comments for consideration. I like "Dilda" since she kind of looks like a big, pink... well, YOU know.

After I'm finished with these shows (listed on the left over there), I will begin to stock my store with dolls and toys, then make a new logo and everything (buh-bye Blog Life fists!). This is my 2010 goal, to just make things I like. Shows are nice, but it's hard to not have that "what will people want to buy" thing jumping up and down in the gross part of my brain. I want to avoid giving in to the gross part of my brain this year. And drink less. And exercise more. And start a band.

Mid-Life Crisis Sale!!!

2009-12-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

Everything art-wise I have left in my house is now in the Etsy store for 75 bucks. It must leave here, or my mom gets a bunch of creepy-ass shit for Christmas (just kidding mom, I got you a purse). I want to start fresh in 2010. After the Haiku show is over, I think I would like to make toys and stuff. I just love height, width, AAAAND depth. And Apoxie Sculpt. I don't care if no one buys them, I just want to make them. And I want a clone.

Before I die...

2009-12-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

...I have to go HERE.

Thanks for the tip, Jenny! I can't believe I'm just now finding out about this. Now I must figure out that "making a disposable income" thing and that "when would we even have time for a vacation?" thing...

Stuff This!

2009-12-04T05:07:00.001-08:00

It is time, my friends, for the 3rd annual Stuff This! show at Rivet! Please come to the opening reception this Saturday from 7-10 to see lots of soft creations and enjoy some yummy snacks and beverages. All of the people in the show created one larger thing and a smaller, ornament-type thing. Here's my things...

And HERE's a link to Rivet's preview page so's you can see everyone else's things. I'm especially fond of my BFF's dolly and bunny (by Tragic Stitches).

Please come!!!

Boxes

2009-12-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

Just sent my piece for the Matchbox show at Twilight yesterday. It turned out like this...

Just turned in my piece for the Thumb Box show at OAL today. It turned out like this...

I'm hoping to post pics of my plush animals tomorrow after the Rivet preview is posted. I have been busy. I'd like to have margaritas with you on Thursday.

Geez Louise!

2009-11-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

Oh, man, I'm getting old. All I did was work. It's just printing t-shirts. And I'm weary. And ache-y.

I really wanted to get some plush-making in tonight, but it will be a Netflix + tall boy kind of evening. We are so running out of streaming movies that I can watch with the kids. Any ideas? I thought about starting the Lost series because everyone practically poops themselves over that show. On Sunday I will be making my second attempt at a plush creature for Rivet. So far it's plush = 1, Sharon = 0. I'm hoping I have some divine intervention. And enough extra fabric.

Wieners... Tawd is taking his restauranting experience one day at a time. Some days he's discouraged, some days he's optimistic. I wish I was magical. It is seriously some of the best food I've ever eaten. I'm hoping everyone else catches on.

Art... I am at a place where I just wish I was better. Or different. Or "more". My stuff has been boring me. I like making toys though. I want to do that after all these shows are finished.

Studio slash bedroom... This place if effing scary. Here, I'll take a picture...

Everyone is in here all the time. And it's standing room only. And there's no clear horizontal surface. And the dog is in here FARTING 24/7!

O.k., enough ranting. Movie. Then I need to finish my Terry Pratchett book. I love you guys.

"Press"-ing Matters

2009-10-29T06:08:00.000-07:00

Are you going to Por Vida? Yes? Good answer!!!
Here's some credentials...
A blurb in Juxtapoz on-line. Nice!
A feature in Columbus Alive (with a small bit with yours truly). Sweet!

I'm so super stoked for this event! Magic will happen...

Days of Swine and Roses

2009-10-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

O.k., you really just need to pick a week that you don't have much going on then just go have an infected cough on you with your mouth open. This whole thing's seriously a little like 28 Days Later or maybe I am Legend. With less zombies.

Day five. Still feel shitty, but less shitty than yesterday.

But I really want to go to my friend's birthday party. I just finished making this for her...

Get it? It's a Munny dressed up like a bunny.

I'll bug you more about it throughout the week, but PLEASE go to Por Vida! I will be celebrating my release from the plague-hold with much gusto!!! Come celebrate with me!!!

All this flu got me thinking of making some plague doctor masks... MAN, I love that image.

October 16th - 18th Etsy Dark Team Weakend Deals!

2009-10-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend (16th-18th October), Etsy’s Dark Side Street Team is participating in Etsy’s Halloween Weekend Deals, and offering fantastic discounts off everything in store- up to 25% off!!
To take advantage of these great deals, browse the shops linked below for details of the discounts available in each participating store, then use the discount code “WEEKEND DEALS” in the message to seller box during checkout. Further information is available in each store. Welcome to Etys’s Dark Side, and happy shopping!

♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦

Morphologica	SWStitchery	CustomZombie

NewAgeDolls	Creeplings	AgonysDecay

SyntheticSeduction	Room3Designs	Somnambulant

MrsEvils	PunkRawk	MonstrousIndustry

SharonHBell	BellaLili	WingsOfSin

GoodMourningGlory	BratBoutique	LaughingVixenLounge

GypsyEye		VoodooRabbit

My Date With AFI

2009-10-05T07:50:00.001-07:00

Simply magical. O.k., honestly it was a little awkward. What do you say to the objects of your fandom in five minutes in a tiny, cramped room? Yeah...

But we delivered our Pattycake offering (thank you, Pattycake!!! You RULE!!!), and they were grateful (sorry for the crappy pic of Nora handing Jade the package, my camera doesn't really do flash). We offered to treat them for lunch at the stand today too, but they will be on their way to Cincinnati. But they said that they totally knew about Rad Dog, so I was pretty stoked. Such nice boys.

The girls had a blast, and couldn't believe they actually got to meet the band. This was Nora's first Newport show, and she was pretty mesmerized the whole time. The people standing around us couldn't believe she knew most of the songs.

All-in-all, a pretty priceless evening, and I have Michelle, my boss, to thank for being the 10th caller. I owe you!

October 2nd-4th Etsy Dark Team Weekend Deals!

2009-09-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! This coming weekend (2nd-4th October), Etsy’s Dark Side Street Team is participating in Etsy’s Halloween Weekend Deals, and offering fantastic discounts off everything in store- up to 25% off!!
To take advantage of these great deals, browse the shops linked below for details of the discounts available in each participating store, then use the discount code “WEEKEND DEALS” in the message to seller box during checkout. Further information is available in each store. Welcome to Etys’s Dark Side, and happy shopping!

♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦

Morphologica	SWStitchery	CustomZombie

NewAgeDolls	Creeplings	AgonysDecay

SyntheticSeductions	Room3Designs	Somnambulant

MrsEvils	Pun kRawk	MonstrousIndustry

SharonHBell	IllustratedInk	WingsOfSin

GoodMourningGlory	BratBoutique	LaughingVixenLounge

	GypsyEye

Vent Haven, please let me post pics...

2009-09-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

I just went to the most amazing place on earth today. It pretty much ruled everything ever. It's called Vent Haven Museum, and it's the world's only museum dedicated to the art of ventriloquism. Over 500 dummies! It was like heaven. With dummies. I took some great pictures, but I need to ask permission to post them (they've had some not-so-nice people post write-ups before, and now they just want to make sure folks use the images for good instead of evil). So, what do ya say, Vent Haven? Please let me post 'em. I am now your biggest fan!!!

Shazzzam!

2009-09-28T05:01:00.001-07:00

I've only been in a small smattering of Etsy Treasuries, but this one has to be my all-time favorite! ALL DOLLLLLLLLLLLLZ! Have I mentioned that I like dolls? No? I like dolls.

Heading out to the ventriloquism museum today with Scott and Laura. I am sooooo excited. I hope to have plenty of amazing pics for you soon!

More Cool-Ass Show Fliers

2009-09-22T18:37:00.001-07:00

Two shows coming up, and MAN the show fliers RULE! Kat Moya made the top one, and Coreroc put together the ones below (you click on 'em to blow them up real big).
I'm super stoked to see what everyone comes up with.
Annnnnd, now I really need to get busy...

Making Time My Bitch

2009-09-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to do a whole lot of things in a very limited amount of time. I think I have it sort of under control. But now my husband is opening a new restaurant, and they need to be ready by the end of the month, so BAM, it just got super tense up in here. I'm trying to stay out of his cloud of crazy. At least he's got a new Rad Dog partner, and Abby is taking over the web-related stuff (thank GOD!). And I got to taste test the new kielbasa corn dog today. Daaaaaaaang! It'll all work out.

So, at the last minute I entered OAL's 100 Leagues Under the C, and I got in. This is what I entered (it's called "You Broke My Heart in 100 Minutes"). I'm on a drawing kick, so if you don't like it, then you can... well, you know. Anywho, HERE's a link to the info. The opening reception is Thursday. Are you going?

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

2009-09-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

"I really wish I could take a bath."
"Then take a bath."
"The bathtub is too dirty."
"It's not that dirty, besides the scum that's on the tub is obviously not coming off since it's still there after being showered upon. You would have to have skin made of scouring pad for it to come off on you."
"...Gross."
"Well, then why don't you scrub the tub first?"
"I don't really want to take a bath that bad."
"...Sigh"

MORE not doing work...

2009-09-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you are up to your eyeballs in deadlines? BLOG! Maybe that's how you roll too? I believe it's called "avoidance".
ANYwho...
Holy CRAP, have you seen THESE yet???
You HAVE to get one! I've got one, and they are even better in person. I don't think I can actually use it though because I don't like the idea of it sacrificing itself for my cleanliness. I will stick to grenades for my hygienic purposes. For the full menu of Stinky Bombs click HERE. Megan RULES!!!

We just got back from camping at my friend Julie's farm festival. I saw so many people I haven't seen in a long time. That's always bitter sweet. There's just not enough time to fully re-connect with so many people in such a short time. I wish I had more time. I love them all.

Speaking of old friends, there was an article in The Other Paper that sort of threw me for a loop. You grow up and move on and file the unpleasant things away, but sometimes bits and pieces creep back out and say hi. Among the dark haziness of that period there were some sweet memories and some people who are remembered with fondness. Thank God.

Opening, Opening, and then an Opening

2009-08-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Holy shit, it's a busy time for the art-making. O.k., here's three art things that you should try to go to. One is far away, so you're excused, but man there's some wicked-ass talented people involved in this exhibit, so honestly, if you're even close to Mt. Vernon, then you should really try to stop in. Let's start with that one then. It's a Cowtown Lowbrow Collective show called "Reset". The theme is the Recession (do I capitalize that?) combined with video games. I know. I was like whaaaaa? But I figured something out that sort of works. Here's the piece that I made (Get it? It's Princess Peach and Betty Boop. Yeah, I know Betty's not really video game, but that girl knows hardship!).

I haven't seen anyone else's yet, but man, I'll bet they're cool. The show's at Root Art Center (it looks like the website hasn't been updated for a while, but I promise we'll be in there) and runs from September 4th through the 25th with an opening reception Friday, September 4th from 6-9.

Next show is this one. Mom's and their kids. OMG, how cute will this be? I'll answer that for you. Very. Very cute. The details for the opening are on the flyer. HERE'S a link to Wild Goose Creative's site so if you can't make it to the opening, you can see when they are open.

And also for September, CAW (Creative Arts of Women) is taking over Lindsay Gallery for the first half of September. The opening reception for that will be during Gallery Hop next Saturday. Twenty-five (or maybe more) women will have works on display. And there will be WINE!!!

O.k., that's it for now. Must go spray some shit.

Bunch o' Stupids

2009-08-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Talk about bad karma...
This website is totally mean and hate-filled, and I pray that these people receive their comeuppance. And that it involves snakes and/or cockroaches.

This featured sculpture was painstakingly created by Etsy's Dark Side Street Team member, ArtAkimbo. His stuff RULES! For it to be seen on that website is just plain WRONG!
Poop on you, stupid website...

Diggity Dang!

2009-08-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Things just got busier. And then they got even busier. And then I got double contract work. And then the top of my head popped off and my brain fell out and I died.
Amen.
But seriously. I have to laugh. It's more like a maniacal cackle of sorts, but it's laughter just the same. And wouldn't it be great if I actually sold stuff?
O.k., this is quickly turning into a rant, and I think you were hoping for something funny.
Have you guys ever seen THIS? Holy crap, I could watch that effing video all damn day!!! As soon as all of our current pocket pets die (they go rather quickly here, unfortunately), I AM GETTING MY OWN GUINEA PIG! That's right. I'll tell the kids it's theirs, but I'll know who it really belongs to. They can name it whatever they want, but I'll have my own name for it. OMG! It is impossible to be sad around a guinea pig. Just look at this...

I KNOW!!!

OHHHHHH, here's one wearing a hat!

It just makes tears come out!!!

I want to have this sandwich's baby...

2009-08-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

So I've been eating one of these two sandwiches EVERY DAY, and I can't seem to stop myself. I get the shakes if I miss. Sandwich #1: Bagel, Tofutti cream cheese, mustard, "bacon" bits, avacado. Sandwich #2: Toast, Nayonaise, "bacon" bits, tomato, avacado. O.k., so I'm not stupid. It's all about the "bacon". I can eat a whole thing of that shit! You should totally try it. I won't even tell if you use real bacon. Actually I might stare at you and drool.

O.k., so like my neighborhood has people who pick up trash, and I try to join them each week. I really kind of like it, and almost every week I find AWESOME stuff (don't ask how many super gross things I've found though, RETCH!). Look what I found today! It's a Strawberry Shortcake Flavor Swirl doll and little Custard. I will paint them so that they can feel resurrected. SCORE!

Here's Pecha'n at Kucha...

2009-08-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

O.k., enough with the witty titles, Sharon!

So, tomorrow I will speak for twenty seconds about twenty slides in front of twenty people (or maybe more). I am in denial that this is really happening, so I am not nervous yet. Plus I will have had roughly a dozen beers by the time I go on. Plus Jennie is going on first. Plus I designed a new shirt to wear for the event that is pretty much like a power suit. Here it is...

More info about Pecha Kucha 10 HERE.

And that's not all! If you respond NOW, you can also win an ART EXHIBIT! THIS one to be exact. Same night, same location, so you'd be a douche to not do both. Don't even THINK of coming without a food product or cash donation to Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

Holy SHIT, and I'm not even finished. You're totally going to Art Al Fresco too on Saturday, right? Well, be sure to stop by Rivet. They'll be having live art pretty much all day. I'll be there from 3-6 doing something art-y that will blow your mind, so bring a helmet. No it won't blow your mind, but still... THEN, you will have to head on down to Brickel street at 6 to drink with me at OAL's Arty Party. This will be an awesome thing. I think if you drink there, it's actually supporting OAL. That's what I'm all about. You want to help a non-profit, right? What's wrong with you?

I want this...

2009-08-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

Click here for more pictures. If one hundred people gave me a dollar, then I could buy her and I'd name her a mash-up of all your names.

Gobs of Crap

2009-07-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

I just put a batch of stuff in the store. I hardly ever do that, but I've been drawing little pictures lately in an attempt to keep my sanity. Man, I really have no idea how to get them to look on-line like they do in real life. But you can get an idea anyway. There's four new ones so far.
Did you hear A.F.I. is coming to the Newport? And there's TWO DAYS of advance ticket sales before they sell them to the general public (me). My chances might be slim (there's only 8 shows booked so far for their whole U.S. tour), but I am obsessed with getting tickets. Last time I was able to get tickets after the show sold out, so I'm hopeful.
And you don't care.
I just realized my slide show is due tomorrow. DOH! And of course my kids NEEEEEEED to get on the computer.
O.k., what I'm actually going to do is watch a Netflix movie, and put it off until tomorrow morning.
Did you know I miss you?

Come visit me at Rivet today!

2009-07-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

So Laura and Scott are at the San Diego Comic-Con (and I hate them just a little bit, jk), so I will be aiding you with your toy addiction today (and Sunday!). If you haven't seen this month's exhibit yet, what the heck are you waiting for!!!

Laura, if you're reading this, don't forget you owe me a lock of Neil Gaiman's hair.

The Resurrection of a Forgotten Child

2009-07-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hey, if you want, you can come see me give a little presentation for Pecha Kucha next month (the date's over on the left there). I'll be talking about the process of taking a discarded toy and making it into something useful. Resurrecting it.
The process of creating something meaningful from something forgotten is pretty heavy stuff for me usually... but I'm hoping to make the presentation funny. So I don't look like a freak and all.

Sooooooo CUTE!

2009-07-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

My friend Erina of Tragic Stitches just sent me a pic of a new doll she made. OMG!!! It's so cute I just had to post a picture. You can see Delora and her friends on her Etsy site HERE.

"No Small Miracle"

2009-07-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the piece for the Biggie Smalls show on Saturday. It's an incense holder!!! If you care to have the piece explained, just ask me on Saturday.
See you there!

Thank You, Mary Martineau!

2009-07-01T07:53:00.001-07:00

Here's the bulk of what I received in a divine gift channeled through the human, Mary Martineau.
A few have already spoken to me. The others are waiting to get to know me a little better.
I am resurrecting one of these guys to create an incense holder. The piece will be on display at the Biggie Smalls show next Saturday. Please come, it should be fun! And it should smell nice.

Oops...

2009-06-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell you about the picture...
Anonymous got the first part right. Staples. As in, I'm sitting here and there's a stapler. I wonder what it would be like to punch a bunch of staples in the wall and window sill? The second part. An Exacto knife. As in, OH SHIT! I can't just leave a bunch of staples in the wall and window sill because they'll know for sure it was me, so I'll just use this Exacto knife to pry them out and hope that they'll blame it on the dog.
So there's that...

More updates later.

But first a contest for a million dollars...

2009-06-09T05:45:00.000-07:00

So much going on, but first I will award one million dollars to the person who can guess WHAT caused the holes and scratches in the wall. The person who can guess WHO caused the holes and scratches will be awarded nothing because that is not much of a contest.

Results will be posted later today or early tomorrow...

Disclaimer: No I really don't have one million dollars to award, but I am that confident that you will not be able to guess. If you DO figure it out, I will for sure think of something in which to award you! Keep in mind that there is more than one tool of destruction involved.

My Sister Rules! Subtitle: The Coolest Thing I Ever Got For Free!

2009-05-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

My sister's family is in the process of renovating an old farm house that belonged to her husband's Aunt Jack. Aunt Jack left behind a great many things. A. Great. Many. Things.
My sister contacted me after uncovering treasures in the attic, and told me that she had a "surprise" for me. ANYTHING from an old farm house attic sounded like something that I would INDEED be interested in, but I had NOOOOOOO inkling of the gloriousness of the treasure that awaited...

Unfortunately, the linen and wool bodies were so moldy and disintegrating that they couldn't be saved. Some of the limbs were pretty eaten up as well. The heads though, OH, THE HEADS!!! I will be working at preserving what's left of them for display purposes.
Thank you, Aunt Jack. I will take good care of them.

Buh-reether!

2009-05-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

It's weird. I feel like I've had a pretty easy going schedule for over a week. Like I'm not too stressed. I've even watched movies. I KNOW, what's that, right?! I have a few projects to finish, but I know they'll get completed before the next round of projects. I can't even put a finger on why I don't feel all freaky. It's nice though.

I took Nora to the casting pond to fish today. I took stuff to draw (an aside: I had the "MAKE ART NOT WAR" t-shirt on, and I looked tres cliche.). O.k, so I tried to draw, but there was so much nature going on! Geese, ducks, ducklings, and an effing blue heron. And it was fishing, and it was the raddest!!! So I at least drew a picture of the heron. Man, I LOVE seeing nature that you don't see all the time!!! It's like Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom!

Thing I Love/Thing I Like

2009-05-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

OMG!!! I am in diet soda HEAVEN!
So I've been drinking diet soda pretty much since it was invented, and I know it's bad for me, blahblahblah, but I just really hate regular soda, and I like to save my carbs for other beverages and all.
BUT WAIT!!!
Now God has blessed the world with ZEVIA!!! It totally RULES! Like it has stevia in it, but it DOESN'T SUCK!!! It's different, sure, but I will gladly suffer the change to have people stop bitching at me for drinking aspartame. We just ordered a case. I think Tawd will have it on the stand as well.

On to the "like". We just got a cat. His name is King. He was a stray. Do you know it costs less to adopt a cat from the shelter than to medically attend to a stray? He was the one Nora had to have though, and he is pretty cute, for a cat. I tolerate pets because my family loves them, but sometimes it's a little like living with fuzzy toddlers. Nora got help from our local cat lady, Berdawn, who not only happily drove Nora back and forth from the vet, but actually insisted on donating money to help get him fixed. She will be receiving a mojito basket for her "over-the-top" kindness. King thought Berdawn could really use a mojito.

WTF???: Home Edition

2009-05-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

I can't even walk into the room that we call "The Craft Room". It's a hazard on many levels. Trying to find anything has become a sort of challenge. Not that things don't have a "proper place", it's just that most of the proper places are all pulled out of their cabinets with other things piled on top of them.
Between my contract work, Agora, Etsy, and Abby's pinata for her Spanish class, the pic above is the waste product from the bowels of the Craft God.
But, look how cute Abby's pinata turned out (a lime-green Snorlax)...

Today, my goal is to vacuum the house, have a beer, and then to clear a path to my next project. Wish me luck!

Man, what a week!

2009-05-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

So I've been preparing for Agora in between the jobs/family/otherstuff all week, and I feel as if there hasn't been an idle minute to spare. But finally, it's here, and I'm just about finished with the prep. For those who were interested, the PBR piece will be on display. Here's a finished pic.

Another pretty cool thing...
Read Tigertree's blog to find out about this rad shoe company called TOMS and the cool project I'm honored to be a part of going on during Agora on Saturday.
See you this weekend!

Get ready for one of the most awesome things in Columbus!

2009-05-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

And you thought I was going to say Agora. No, this post is about ANOTHER awesome thing, and I want to give you lots of time to prepare because you're totally coming with me this year! Go HERE for my post about last year's Zombie Walk.

The following article was written by Alexandra Kelley (re-posted with permission)

On June 6 nearly 300 zombies will stagger through the Short North in the third annual Zombie Walk Columbus. Founded by Columbus resident Kurt Chaney, the walk aims to raise half a ton of nonperishable food items for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

Alex: Why did you create Zombie Walk Columbus?

Kurt: In early 2007 I discovered zombiewalk.com, which helps people organize and spread the word about these types of events. I worked for a local haunted house and was a huge fan of horror themes but had never heard of a zombie walk. I did some research and learned that many zombie walks benefit various charities. We didn’t have such an event in Columbus and I wanted to give it a try.

Alex: What makes the Columbus zombie walk unique from all other zombie walks?

Kurt: We’re truly a sight to behold. Members of S.T.A.R.S. Columbus (inspired by the Resident Evil video game) end our zombie threat by “shooting” us down and containing the infection, so to speak. They come out dressed in black carrying their replica weapons and end our shenanigans when we return to Goodale Park. To innocent bystanders it looks like the undead are made dead. As far as I know, we’re the only zombie walk that ends in this kind of showdown.

Alex: What’s the biggest misconception about zombie walks?

Kurt: That you have to pre-register, sign up, or somehow join our group before the walk. No one has to jump through any hoops. If you show up at the park on June 6 at five o’clock in some form of zombie attire, you’re in the walk. It’s that simple.

Alex: What tips do you have for first time zombie walkers?

Kurt: Theatrical blood will, I repeat, WILL stain your clothes.

Alex: What do you hope to see out of future Columbus zombie walks?

Kurt: I’d like to have more local organizations promote themselves at our event — in zombie form, of course.

Alex: What are your thoughts on Michael Jackson’s Thriller video?

Kurt: I love it! One of my most vivid childhood memories is watching Thriller from underneath the loosely woven safety of an afghan blanket and hearing my mom say “It’s only makeup, honey.” As jaded as I am when it comes to scary movies, that one still gives me the creeps.

The walk will begin and end in Goodale Park. Zombies and non-zombies are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items at the park’s southeast entrance on June 6. Visit www.myspace.com/zombiewalkcolumbus for more information.

Alexandra Kelley does freelance writing, marketing, and public relations and can be reached at alexandra477.com.

PBR Parking Lot Party Pics

2009-05-05T09:27:00.001-07:00

This event kicked so much ass! Beautiful day, tons of people, loads of PBR. Kind of like a little bit of heaven. Below are some pics of the day (taken by PBR king, Bobby Miller). The first is me scrambling to finish (which I didn't because I'm so slow!). The next is Dan's finished piece which is AWESOME! The last is just evidence of how much the event ruled!
For anyone who cares, I will have the finished piece on display for Agora on May 16th in Studio 103. Come see me!

Sir Swine E. Coughsalot

2009-05-01T10:29:00.001-07:00

Come visit him and others at Tigertree Saturday during Gallery Hop!

SATURDAY!!!

2009-04-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

OMG! There is so much going on this weekend! First of all, please make plans to stop by the PBR parking lot party. Sweet bands, FREE food & FREE PBR t-shirts, art stuffs, and $2 beers (sales of which go to benefit Ohio Art League!). I'll be painting from 4-6PM with the amazing Dan Gerdeman!

I'll also be part of this timely exhibit at Tigertree! Come see some art on surgical masks, and let something kind of goofy permeate through all of the fear!

What else is going on? TONS! At gallery hop this weekend Laura Alexander and Brian Reaume have joined forces to create collaborative pieces which will be on display at Kick Start. Amandda Tirey will have Luscious Liquidscapes at Ohio Art League and Stephanie Rond will have Knuckles at What the Rock?! After I stop by those exhibits, I plan to end up at Rivet for an exhibit I'm super stoked about, It's What's Inside the Counts by Andrew Bell! He'll be at Rivet in person!
Hope to see you Saturday!

Red velvet lines the black box...

2009-04-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Alissa is like one of the most innovative people I know. And a genius. She can make anything out of anything with her eyes closed.
A while back she started selling scarves bedecked with tombstone rubbings. I almost peed. Then I bought one. Mine is from the grave of two child sisters, Sally and Sarah.
Alissa just put a new batch of scarves up on her Creatrix Jane Etsy site. Click the picture of each scarf to go it's respective Etsy listing.

Happy 50th Birthday!!!

2009-04-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

I Am the Champion of the World, and Some Other Stuff Too

2009-04-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

So, I know you guys were wanting to know what I won, right? Well, first of all, we picked Handmade Horrors' shop for our winnins. I looooooved the other shops too, but my daughters are all ABOUT Handmade Horrors' "youthful goth" wearables. We literally squealed when we saw what we were bestowed. We usually share jewelry, but I'm hiding the cowgirl pin. MINE!

ALSO, AgonysDecay (the contest organizer) sent along a batch of her promotional soaps for me to pass out, and BOY do they smell good. For the first dozen Agora 6 go-ers who stop by Studio 103, you will receive an amazing little skull soap (you have to promise me you'll visit her Etsy shop though)!

Other news...
Do you like PBR? Then you should come out to the PBRart Parking Lot Party on Saturday, May 2nd (from 4-8). I'll be doing some sort of art project (I'm hoping they'll let me make a doll out of cans!). I don't know what time I'll be doing it yet, but I'll post more info when I get more info. The amazing Dan Gerdeman will be there too! I don't know who else yet. I'm hoping for some free samples!

Gotta go for now... Teary-eyed, emo-child is needing some hugging.

In these dark economic times...

2009-04-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

...it's up to us all to stimulate this struggling economy.

O.k., that's just ridiculous.

BUT it IS a nice segue into my announcement of new items in the shop! Here's one of 'em...

There's some other stuff too, including actual drawings (not prints) for 18 bucks. For real.

Grave Digging for Fun and Profit!

2009-04-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

I know I always mention Etsy's Dark Side Street Team, but I do adore these people. They let me join even though my store's... well, I'm not really sure WHAT it is.
ANYway, so I log into the forum to see what's new, and I see that there's a CONTEST! And all of a sudden, the frenzy takes over... I could WIN! It's a game that requires no INTELLECTUAL SKILLS! I control my DESTINY! The game required you to sort through the stores of 25 members. Here's the list of stores:
www.agonysdecay.etsy.com, www.natashablue.etsy.com, www.pzcreations22.etsy.com, www.rusticgoth.etsy.com, www.bellalili.etsy.com, www.swstitchery.etsy.com, www.hexotica.etsy.com, www.beatblack.etsy.com, www.illustratedink.etsy.com, www.thetinytradgedies.etsy.com, www.handmadehorrors.etsy.com, www.gypsyeye.etsy.com, www.somnambulant.etsy.com, www.sacredoak.etsy.com, www.stemofthorns.etsy.com, www.dbvictoria.etsy.com, www.gothcupcake.etsy.com, www.abyssalgems.etsy.com, www.enlyl.etsy.com, www.porkchopshow.etsy.com, www.rockerbyebaby.etsy.com, www.cutiedynamite.etsy.com, www.grimvisions.etsy.com, www.sistersofthemoon.etsy.com, www.beanbun.etsy.com.
Then you had to click on each item in each of the stores to find the image above hidden in their listing . Sounds easy right? It's just clicking. Well, some of these prolific persons have well over 100 items in their stores. And OH YES! After over 45 minutes of clicking the small voice in my head was saying, "Sharon, you don't HAVE to finish this contest, you don't HAVE to win, ...uh, you really need to go pick up your husband." And just as I was indeed about to give up, I spotted it! I almost peed! I'd invested so much time and mousework that a well deserved maniacal laughter issued forth!
Sigh... I'm a winner... AND I got to see tons of amazing stuff!
Now I get to pick one of these amazing shops from which to receive a mystery prize:
www.katzklawz.etsy.com, www.handmadehorrors.etsy.com, www.natashablue.etsy.com, www.littlesalem.etsy.com, www.kaleidoskopicromance.etsy.com, www.gypsyeye.etsy.com, www.bellalili.etsy.com.
I KNOW! That's a task far more difficult than actually finding the image! So I'm leaving that one up to my daughters.
HUUUUUUGE thanks goes out to AgonysDecay for putting this contest together. I can't even imagine the time that went into planning it. Please check out her store. Her stuff rules, and she has SCENTED BRAIN SOAPS!
Oh, geez, it's almost midnight, and I have a crazy day tomorrow. Good night!

"Sorry They're So Shitty" Pics of the Show

2009-03-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

I have no photography skills, so I'll just preface it all with that info. But here's a coupla photos from Saturday...

Here's one of Alissa, her hubby Eric, and Michael Bush (check out his show at Kick Start which opens this Saturday during gallery hop!).

This is Daniel, my boss at SKREENED, and Amy and baby Alex. They are like my family who are not related.

And then Nora ran off with the camera and came back with these (which are better than my photos)...

Nora with her BFF Gillian.

And another one of Gillian...

And of course a pic of Daniel, her favorite Columbus artist (and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the magic tricks and the promise of field trips).

Quickie Sneak Peak

2009-03-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

Hey, did you know there's this one show on Saturday night @ Chop Chop called Local Strays? I feel like I might have mentioned that before maybe...

Detail shot of "The Large Woman"

Mmmm... Brains!

2009-03-19T11:28:00.001-07:00

Two people I know (one who I know in RL [real life] and one who I know in CL [cyber life] from the amazing Dark Side Street Team) have awesome new living dead shirts for sale in their SKREENED.com stores. Ahhh, zombies... They always make me think of spring.
ANYway, here's Paul's...

And here's MrsEvils'...

The Odd Booty

2009-03-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

So, you know how we used to screen print baby clothes? Well, SOMEone decided that he'd rather sell veggie wieners, so now we have a heap of equipment in the basement and a bunch of odd sizes left of some of the Dirty Booty designs. Will we make more? Not in the near future, but eventually maybe. ANYwho, all DB shirts are marked down from their original prices and are in my store. We just sold one to a nice lady in the UK!

And here's another annoying reminder (in case you don't feel like scrolling down to the VERY NEXT post.

FEATURED DARKLING! Since we're on the subject of pirate-y things, check out THIS brooch/pendant from LushPUNK. She makes SUPER-CUTE jewelry and she's from Australia. Crikey!

Save this date, because I really want you to come...

2009-03-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

All the info is on the cards. I'm pretty stoked about the show. Honestly, I'm just stoked about being a part of this group. It's a pretty big honor.
Anyway, everyone's supposed to come up with at least one piece that's a tribute to Columbus. I originally thought it would be fun to do a short series about the ghosts that haunt the Thurber House. After doing some research, I found out that these spirits are attributed to the victims of the burning of the Central Ohio Lunatic Asylum in 1868 (the Thurber House is built on the ground that the asylum once occupied). One particular article that I read really struck me. It was sooooo politically incorrect, it was almost comical. It was pretty "us/them", highlighting all the crazy goings on that night by all the crazy people. Another article spoke more about the victims, six who died of smoke inhalation at the scene and another who died at the hospital, all women. So I'm hoping to complete at least 4-5 pieces for this show based on the burning of the asylum. One will be a doll version of a person who was referred to in the first article as "the large woman". That should be pretty fun. I guess I need to get busy!
While we're on the subject of asylums...ETSY DARK SIDE MEMBER HIGHLIGHT!!!
You have to see this girl's work! Her shop is RusticGoth.etsy.com. Check out this ACEO that she painted called, "Inside my Asylum".

El Greengo

2009-02-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

I just made this little guy for my daughter's friend (and future husband?) Leaf. I think I'm caught up now on crocheted birthday presents, so soon I'll have some new mug monsters (they keep your coffee hot while you take your morning poo!) in the shop. They look a little like El Greengo (or maybe un hermano of El Greengo), but they go over your mug!
Since I'm on the subject of little guys, it's time for an Etsy's Dark Side featured member of the post, and this time it's SOCK HORROR (her Etsy store is HERE)! She's super famous and amaaaaaaazing! See for yourself!!!

What To Do With a Dead Baby (Doll)

2009-02-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hear ye, hear ye one and all,
I wish to relieve you of your doll.
Marker covered, hair roughly shorn,
I wish to make them be reborn.
Any kind or condition will do,
Even those which are covered in goo!

So all that to say, do you have a pile of dolls that you don't know what to do with? You're not even sure that the charities will take them? Please give them to me! I will pay you 2 bucks per doll, even if they're gross!

ALSO...
Are you an art student who wants someone kind of weird to look at your artwork and give you tips and pointers and assignments? Are you willing to exchange subjective knowledge for an hour of work each week "disassembling" and primer-ing dolls (I'll make you lunch too!)? Boy, I could use some help!

AND ONE LAST THING...
HERE'S a link to a little blurb about the I heART show last weekend. It was soooo fun!

OH AND THIS TOO...
Save this date: March 28th. Why? Because you're going to go to Chop Chop to see a group show! More info to come...

Another Quickie

2009-02-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

#1. It's my birthday. I am old. On the outside.
#2. It looks like I will have one piece for the I heART show on Feb 14th as long as I can finish it by then.
#3. The cows will be having another group show at Chop Chop late March. Details to come.
#4. I'll have another print available before V-Day (the one in the pic). I hope to have them available in the Etsy shop by the end of the week. I'll be posting to the mailing list in the next week or so with a contest for a free one. Stay tuned for that.
#5. I'm gonna start featuring a fellow Etsy Dark Side Street Team member with each post. You should really check these guys out! So many cool and creepy treasures! My first feature has to by my friend Erina from Tragic Stitches. Pictured here are some cute Gothic Bunny Plush. She's amazing!

Squishy!

2009-01-21T05:21:00.000-08:00

I've actually had some time to crochet. I loooooove to crochet. It quiets the voices in my head for a bit. "No it doesn't!" "Shut UP!"
ANYway, here's a few little guys for your oogling pleasure!!! You can click on their portraits on the right for a full description.

Help Wanted: A Young Priest and an Old Priest

2009-01-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

So who does one call to lift hexes these days? It was so easy back in the day when you just went down to the barber for a good head drilling or a bleeding.
Yes, I am that friend of yours that all the "crazy shit" happens too. Today I had to go take care the "outstanding warrant for my arrest" due to a traffic ticket payment that never made it to the feds. Really??? Of all of the outgoing mail we generate, the ONE piece that makes the difference between jail + an extra 100 bucks (roughly) DIDN'T MAKE IT TO IT'S DESTINATION??? And that's just the most recent example.
So anyway, back to the help wanted ad... I can pay in plush creatures or vegetarian hot dogs, or perhaps a real dog, if you prefer. All terms negotiable.

The Dark Side, Mwahh Ha Haaaa!!!

2009-01-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

This year I plan to work on my Etsy shop a bit more. I've got a bunch of items on my "to do" list, and I'm pretty stoked (some brand new plush by next week!). My friend Erina told me about this super-cool bunch of dark inspired crafters/artists who sell on Etsy and about a group they have to support one another, and I was like, "No WAY!" So I immediately joined, and in their awesome niceness, they featured one of my card packs on their Myspace page AND included my doll on the home page. How cool is that? Oh, AND they have items in their team shop on Etsy that the sales of which will go to support Bat World Sanctuary, a non-profit which treats and rehabilitates injured or sick bats. You can actually go on Bat World's site to "adopt" one! I KNOW, my head's going to pop off!

Ohhh Emmm Geee!!!

2009-01-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

So I got to work today (Saturday is AmyD day) and I saw this cape. Isn't this the CUTEST???!!! That AmyD, she kicks fabric's ass!

A Doll's Day Out

2009-01-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

Abby got her sprite for Christmas and helped instigate a doll meet-up at North Market on Sunday. Here's some pics.

These little ones are soooooo cute!
Crescendo with some new friends.
The two big dolls and some of the little guys
belong to my friend, Erina, of Tragic Stitches.

Some of the gang.

This is Crescendo, Abby's doll.

ebay

2009-01-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

I just made my first ever ebay listing. It kind of sucks a little after reading back over it. Have you guys ever sold anything on ebay? I feel a little out of my element. I also couldn't figure out how to do a "buy it now" deal. Oh, well. it's all an experiment, I suppose.

The Resolution Post

2008-12-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

Daaaaang. So it's been a while, right? I don't think the problem is that I'm too busy. I sincerely think you can do as much stuff as you want/need with adequate time management skills. That being said...
#1 Seriously consider the importance of time management.
My goal is to spend as much time this year at the studio or at least somewhere making art. The more time I spend "making" the saner I feel. Which leads to...
#2 Make WAY more things.
Not only do I enjoy it, but dawg, we need the funds, and I can't think of a better way to earn some dough. Soooo on to...
#3 Find more outlets to sell some work.
I've been fortunate to meet some amaaaaaaazing folks this past year who have convinced me that normal people actually like dark themed art. Who knew? Some of them even have disposable income. I know, CRAZY!
Here's some more...
#4 Stop getting sick.
Unfortunately, I'm sick yet again. My diet has consided of mainly "Christmas" for the past few weeks though, so perhaps...
#4 Eat better so I stay healthier.
...makes more sense. I can already predict failure here.
And finally...
#5 Trust that everything will work out somehow.
I think we should teach a course in "creative economics" or maybe "what all can you make with a bag of potatoes?". But seriously, even though we do this urban thing pretty well, it can be scary, and sometimes I forget that we've always had enough to eat and a place to sleep, and because of that I'm adding one more...
#6 Reflect often on how blessed we are.
Word.

Happy New Year!!!

Children of the Black Flag

2008-12-14T10:52:00.001-08:00

Whew! Still trying to recover from C-Note + nasty cold...
Last night was super fun. People said such nice things... it makes me verklempt. So much awesome stuff in one place. My head almost popped off.

At C-Note I had a tiny "soft opening" of a new little project called "Children of the Black Flag". I've been toying with the idea of creating a series of affordable, repainted dolls around the back story of them all squatting in an abandoned warehouse and being heavily involved in their local DIY scene. Here's what Wikipedia says about the symbol of the black flag...

"The black flag represents the absence of a flag, and thus stands in opposition to the very notion of nation-states and hierarchical institutions. In that light, the flag can be seen as a rejection of the concept of representation, or the idea that any person or institution can adequately represent a group of individuals. Modern anarchism has a shared ancestry with - among other ideologies such as liberalism - socialism, a movement strongly associated with the red flag. As anarchism became more and more distinct from socialism in the 1880s, it adopted the black flag in an attempt to differentiate itself."

So far I've made two dolls in this series. One turned out pretty cool I guess, and the other one turned out too cute-sy (she looks nothing like a squatter). I'm going to make some adjustments to her and try again.

For some reason, I'm obsessed with dolls at the moment. I think it's a weird kind of birthing experience. At some point during the process, I feel like the baby actually comes "alive". Not like Chucky, but sort of like it finds an identity. I guess that sounds weird...

I'll also be making some more complex dolls this year. I'm debating whether the Haiku show should be paintings or dolls. Probably dolls, or a weird hybrid of doll/painting.

Anyway, here's a few pics of the first two COBF'ers. I like to think the blue boy (who was the first one made) is the main "point-person" of the gang, hence the superhero cape with the logo.

Sorry I rambled on so long. Did you read this whole thing? Wow, I owe you a cookie!

New Holiday Cards!

2008-12-01T11:24:00.001-08:00

Now available in the store. Sorry about the shitty picture, I'll be fixing that soon.

Off to work!!!

Oops!

2008-11-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

Just found out the deadline for drop-off for the member show at Roy is Wednesday. Seventy-two hour epoxy clearcoat + super cold studio = one less piece for THAT. But one more piece for THIS!!!

Sneak Peek!

2008-11-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

Alissa met me at the studio today to photograph my doll for Stuff This! Alissa's AWESOME!!! Here's a tiny detail shot.

To see the whole thing PLEEEEEEEEEASE stop by the opening this Saturday @ Rivet (and if you're hungry, Rad Dog! will be out front!). And when you're finished there, you can swing by Roy to see another new piece! I had Mr. Brouillette show me how to do that resin-y thing to it (even though resin coated paintings are soooo "yesterday"). But I HAD to make sure nothing else fell out the guy's head (the guy in the painting's head, not Adam's). You'll just have to see it to understand what I mean.

So much going on for this round of gallery hop. Stop by What the Rock?! to see Amy Neiwirth's (a.k.a. Sweet Stella) trunk show. She makes super-cute jewelry. And along with Roy G Biv, The Ohio Art League will also be hosting a large member's show. Tons to see at those two places! And if you're at Haiku in December, Adam (see link above) will be having his work on display to entertain you while you dine. I'm sure there's tons more to do/see on Saturday... OH YEAH!!! From 8 until 5 North Market will be having their Craft Extravaganza. My BFF Laura Garcia, among many others will have awesome stuff available for your local gift purchasing needs.
I think that's it for now...
I'll be posting a list e-mail soon with a contest to win a pack of holiday cards. Stay tuned...

Show Flier!

2008-11-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

Just a small update...

2008-11-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

Sheesh!
The lake of negativity. Do you ever feel like you can't quite make it to the shore?
ANYwho...
I had the most amazing time with friends at Tiny Canary this weekend. I think I would be a big puddle of ooze if I did not have such wonderful people surrounding me. The weekend was dealt a horrifying blow however by the heartless cop who gave me a $140 speeding ticket (I was going 38 miles/hr. on Neil Ave. following traffic going the exact same speed). I hope that I soured his day slightly by hysterically yelling, "You're HURTING my family!", and "YOU! ARE! EVIL!". Okay, I'm not so proud of that, but I just thought he should know.
Stuff...
I'm going to be a part of the Stuff This! show at Rivet this coming month/gallery hop. I swear. I know I'm not on the website for the show yet, but I'm no crasher. You should come though. There's some superamazing people involved. Tawd will be out front with his wieners too!
I also put a shirt design up on skreened.com. It's on the side bar. Rad Dog! shirts are available too. It's super easy to make a "store". You should totally do it.
And I know the election is behind us, but man! I had such a hard time with post-election dialogue. I think I found something that mostly sums up how I feel. Read it if you want, but I don't think I'm ready for any more talkings for now.

dey think my cheeks iz fat, but i iz jus hidin sum foodz fer later

2008-11-10T17:49:00.001-08:00

The Best Book I Ever Bought!

2008-11-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I originally was planning on getting it for my niece for Christmas, but due to the sections on DIY "adult items", I think I'll be keeping this one for myself. I've actually been wanting this book for a while. It's from Microcosm Press. They had a little event at Wholly Craft a while back, and Olivia has loads of stuff still at the store.
Seriously, get this book!!!

Fun Times!

2008-11-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

OMG! Por Vida was a blast! I managed to stay relatively sober and coherent the whole night! I think it was because my dad was there... his spirit anyway. Definitely a magical evening! HERE's a pic of me and Tawd taken by Shutter Think. Notice that I'm wearing my Infant Mortality scarf crafted by Creatrix Jane. Is that not the coolest accessory in the world???

Making art is like giving birth...

2008-10-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

WOW! Just got home from seeing THIS film. Boy, I wish my kids could have seen this. They know that I try not to be selfish by taking time to make things (I hope), but it'd be good if they saw how that passion plays out in other mom's lives as well. I hope everyone gets an opportunity to see it somehow. It was awesome!
Speaking of art... Hey, here's a sneak peek at my Por Vida piece that I turned in today. I'll post the rest of her after Saturday!

New!

2008-10-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just put new cards and prints in the store. They look like this...

Whatcha Doing this Friday?

2008-10-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Hey, if you can, why don't you come out to this fun party!? The Wild Goose Creative peeps are amazing! Definitely an organization worth supporting! Tawd will be there with his wieners as well as Pattycake, Jeni's Ice Cream and COLUMBUS BREWING COMPANY! I think I might have artwork up as well, but it will all be previously viewed pieces as I've had no time for new stuff. BUT I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO SEE THE POR VIDA SCULPTURE I'M WORKING ON!!! It's kinda big-ish. At least for me.
See you there!

Oh, HELL Yeah!

2008-10-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

THIS is going to be soooooooooo fun! Get your babysitters squared away NOW!!!

List Contest!

2008-10-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hey, maybe you're someone who reads this blog every so often. Maybe you even could give two shakes about art and where it might be hanging from time to time. Well did you know there's a mailing list for updates and shows that you should go to (usually it's not just me, and there's a couple of doozies coming up!). Go join the mailing list (see sidebar to the right)! Then you'll be spammed with awesome information that sometimes has cute links and sometimes has CONTESTS! Like the one coming up with the next list e-mail...
If it's not working for some reason (it happens a lot, actually), just send me your e-mail address, and I'll add you.

JOBS!!!!!!!!

2008-09-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all of the responses for jobs! I will be working two days a week for this awesomeness and two days a week for this awesomeness. Couldn't ask for better bosses!!! Starting in October I'll also be shacking up with my BFF Melissa @ Junctionview. I'm hoping to be there at least three days a week if only for a few hours (which at that rate would be WAY more time than I spend making stuff currently). We'll see how this all goes. Come see me this Saturday @ AmyD's for the debut of Saturday hours. I'll also be working for Rain Brothers on Saturday too!

Empower'd

2008-09-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

So, we just got our electric back tonight. I think I wasted most of my Amish lifestyle doing stupid things like sitting down at the computer and forgetting that it was not on and feeling guilty that I wasn't getting more things done. I really wish I could have just said, EFF IT!, I'm sleeping and reading books till this all works itself out.
Soooooo much coming up, but I'll get to that all later. For now, here's my lame picture of my Via Colori piece. The event was very fun, except for the hurricane. For more pics of the event, go to Light River Photograpy's awesome Via Colori album.

A Contest and an Announcement

2008-09-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

SWF seeking part-time job. Enjoys evenings and weekends, 3 days/week. Is open to (almost)any type of job. Call me for fun times.

But seriously, if you can help me find a part-time job, I will award you with an Unlucky Lucky in colors of your choosing. Forwarding Craig's List job listings does not count. I need people's names to talk to and a "good word" thrown in. HELLLLLLLP MEEEEE!!!

And if things weren't going spankinly enough, I write to you on this awesomely RAINY day to remind you about Via Colori tomorrow and Sunday @ Goodale Park. I'll be there drawing (with the hand I spilled boiling water on this morning) and Tawd will be there with his wieners.

I better go now.

Jobbbbbbbbb!!!!!!!!!

Quote of the Day

2008-09-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

"If I was evil, I'd want to become invincible. Then I'd take over the world's water supply and replace it with fluff"
Nora, age 9

OMFG!

2008-09-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

So what's the weirdest thing you've ever found whilst trash picking? A vintage Fisher Price Happy Apple? Maybe an IKEA chair that goes with your living room decor? How 'bout A SHITLOAD OF COW BONES??? The discovery of such a find raises so many questions. Questions that I'm not sure if I wish to hear the answers to... BUT, since you never know when you'll need a shitload of cow bones, they're now in my back yard. You never know.

Por Vida!

2008-08-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

I saw this event go up on the calendar the night I was at Junctionview for the CowBrow show. I saw it and I thought, "Of all of the shows I have every longed to be a part of, this is among the top of the list." After some serious Jedi Mind Trick, I got an invite, and now I'm super stoked and VERYEXTREMELY thankful. I'll do several "in process" posts of the piece for this show too since a couple of people have asked about the whole sculpture-y thang. But for now, mark your calendars!!!

Another Restaurant Name

2008-08-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

So Tawd was telling me this morning about some girls he heard about in San Fran who started a vegan bicycle hot dog cart which they named Sausage Party. I laughed until I almost peed. Then I thought, I'd LOVE to find a way to incorporate the word party in our some-day-restaurant name. Then Tawd said "Mouth Party". OMG!!! I want our restaurant to be called MOUTH PARTY!!!!!

Kids Know Stuff!

2008-08-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Our friend Abby made this awesome webblog thing where kids get to review products and other things. It's flippin' sweet! I just now found out about it. The reviews will totally make you laugh as well as inform you about "stuff"!

Art Al Fresco

2008-08-17T06:42:00.001-07:00

So on my way home from Craftin' Outlaws (so much cool stuff there!), I rode up High Street to see what all was going on with public art day. I was blown away! How freaking cool was that???!!! Did you go? If not, you missed an amaaazing event! Above, Daniel Elson (who my younger daughter will be collaborating with soon on another project!) works on a portion of his sculpture that went in front of Bodega. I WISH I had a real picture of the final product! You seriously would have had your mind blown!!! But if you see me, ask to see it on my camera phone. The other pic is a knitted wrapped tree by SSK (Super Secret Knitters). This was a group project that included one of my BFF's Alissa and Wholly Craft's, Olivera. But it's a secret, so don't tell anyone I outed them. SUPERFANTASTIC!!!

Masks!

2008-08-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Melissa, Alissa, and I gave masks to be auctioned to an organization called ArtSafe. This is what mine looked like. I wish you could see theirs too because they ROCKKKKKKK!!! Hopefully they'll post theirs on their blogs (see Alissa S. and Melissa A. in the side bar). For more info about the event, click on the ArtSafe link above!

Rad Dog! @ Pattycake Tomorrow!!!

2008-08-08T13:34:00.001-07:00

Man!!! I think this whole thing is really going to work after all. Tawd's had a really great week. I'm pretty stoked. We really want to have a vegetarian greasy spoon some day, and I feel like this is all a part of the MASTA PLAN! We've always said that we want the some-day-restaurant to be called "Good Grease", but today, I was thinking about the movie Bachelor Party and the idea "A Footlong, and Then Some" came to mind. It was quickly shot down. My dream is to have a restaurant in a fabulous location that we could live above. That would be AMAAAAAAZING.
Anyway, tomorrow @ Pattycake for lunch. It was super fun last time, and I think we have a system down now to get the line going a little quicker.
I'm also ordering a hot dog costume! It won't be here for a while though, but I'm pretty excited!

Savin' Up For a Gloomy Day...

2008-08-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Just finished this! It's a bank! It's a birthday present for a beautiful girl who has everything. I didn't think she had one of these though...

2008-07-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a little pic from the CowTipping show (Notice Coreroc's brand new tank top. This is called his "dress-up" tank). It was pretty fun. I didn't think I'd be that nervous, but as soon as a lot of people showed up, I was a basket case, vomiting an endless supply of total BABBLE. Why can't I just SHUUUUUT UPPPPP??? To one very nice man who I had just met, I pointed out all of the flaws in my artwork. Smooooooth! I'm now pretty certain that for every point of elevation of my pulse I lose about 10 I.Q. points.

My friend Julie came this weekend. I luuuurrrv her. And I got to see Amy and her baby too, that was very cool.

ANYway...Here's what's next (I'm soooo excited!). Some friends and I are going to make masks together to donate to Artsafe's silent auction (and get free passes to a swanky event!). Ya wanna join us for mask making frivolity??? It will be FUN!!!

Finished!

2008-07-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

It didn't turn out how I wanted it (and don't click the picture or you'll see a crappy photo even bigger), but here's my mini Munny all finished for the CowTipping show on Saturday. Some day I'd like to experience not rushing to finish things. Hopefully after this show, I'll have a nice, quiet chunk of time to just enjoy the process again. That should be nice. Let's have lunch!!!

CowTipping @ Junctionview on Saturday!!!

2008-07-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

For more info, go to www.myspace.com/cowbrowcolumbus.