about those pictures

So, I know I said I would post up all of the goodies after Christmas...but after Christmas brought me to the ER with abdominal pains...they removed my galbladder because of 2 galstones, then the next day they decided that I also had appendicitis, sooo they took that out yesterday. I'm still at the hospital awaiting my walking papers, which will hopefully be today- but I don't have access to the photos at the moment, so bear with me while I get my stuff together and actually have a pain free minute to upload some images.

Thanks! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Caterpillar

Kind of small, sorry for that. I guess I will have to get this done in Photoshop or Sketchbook pro so you can see it clearer.

Anyway. I was thinking of things to draw today ("my list" was MIA), and I began rummaging around deviantart.com and found a picture that someone drew of their interpretation of Alice from Alice in Wonderland (of course it was a goth girl looking like she was about to jump out of a window...). That made me remember the first time I ever saw Alice in Wonderland- the Disney version. I was probably 3 or 4 and I remember being upset with the Walrus and the Carpenter...but I also remember the very first time I saw the cranky ol' caterpillar breathing his cloud of "Whoooo are Youuuu", and thinking it was the most beautiful character that I had ever seen. Keep in mind, I was 3 or 4, so all of the drug references and the fact that he was smoking meant nothing to me.
Of course I grew up and I'm not a huge fan of smoking, and I really like to exclude cigarettes and "tobacco" from my drawings, but you can't have the caterpillar without his hookah. I just like to think that he was bringing on death, thinking that was the way to turn into a butterfly....or how to get out of wonderland.
Anyway. I'm glad I finally had something to show you that's not a present for someone!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Pirate

PICTURES!!!! And not just one. After you read this one, stay tuned for the follow up. It's been a sketchy couple of days here in crazyland.

I actually decided to draw this pirate after reading Sarah's blog yesterday. She's one of the girls I used to work with at DNA Productions. She's extremely talented, and every time she posts something new on her blog it makes me want to draw something. I absolutely love her style and wish I could be 1/2 as creative as she is. I love all of her drawings!

Anyway, the pirate came about because of her post, but it's been on my list* of things to draw for awhile now.

(*My list= random words of objects, things, places that I want to draw...so in my free time I select something from this list to bring to life in a drawing...it's a little weird, but it keeps me from starring out the window for long periods of time wondering what to do with my sketchbook.)

Hopefully I'll be able to bring this into Photoshop or Sketchbook Pro and put some color in it. Who knows maybe I'll get this one, the next one and all of the others I've been meaning to work on ready in time for the Spring Fling in March, and I'll have prints available! That would kind of be awesome, huh?

I wish I could post some pics!!!!

Craptastic! I want to post pictures of everything I have been working on...to give the readers some eye candy for a few seconds while they read a blog post...but dang it! Pretty much all of the gifts I'm giving this year for Christmas are hand made, and I don't know who all reads this that would see it before Christmas, thus ruining the surprises! GAH!
Plus I've been a little slow with drawing orders (I've had one this holiday season)...so there really aren't any drawings to post (well except for that one...)
But I can give hints...some people are getting coasters; some people are getting knitted ornaments; some are getting knitted Amigurumi (not those pictured specifically); some are getting Kanzashi; some...well...those will just have to wait and see.
I've been pretty good about taking pictures of everything, hopefully I'll remember to upload it all after 12/25.
Anyway...sorry for another BORING post without pictures...I promise that trend will stop soon. If I don't post anything before next week: I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!

18 with 10 years of experience

28 years ago today, and artist was born.
Today that artist is doing nothing artsy at all :P I know I haven't posted any drawings of anything in awhile, which I appologize for. I'll get back to it soon. There was the whole broken thumb thing, the whole sicker than I don't know what thing, then Thanksgiving, and now the birthday...in a few more weeks it'll be Christmas.
I have been knitting up a storm lately. I'm working on some Christmas presents so I can't say much right at the moment (one of the people happens to read this blog and I don't want to spill the beans.) As soon as Christmas is over and presents have been delivered I promise this blog will be swamped with so many pictures you'll probably get bored from looking at them.
Right now I'm stuffing myself silly with the fruit from an edible arrangement Gonzo got for me. Hopefully I'll either knit on something later this afternoon, draw something, read, or start writing on a short story I started yesterday...we'll see.
Pancakes tonight for dinner! Ah yes, the 28 year old would like strawberry pancakes to celebrate another year please!

December 2nd

It snowed this morning...in North Texas. It's only the 2nd of December. In the last 8 years that I have lived here, it has not snowed this early in the month of December.
And I have to say...I'm totally excited that I got to see big fluffy white snow flakes (which is completely out of the norm for me- I thought I had my fill of snow, being from WI and all).

It's a good day to stay home and draw. But alas, I live in the real world, where they make you work on days like this. I didn't bring anything with me to draw :(

Maybe tomorrow then, or the next day (as it's supposed to be more of the same the rest of the week- weather wise.)

....

...I'm still excited about the Funky Finds Spring Fling- but what is it with Mondays???!!!

My "day" job is exhausting today- and quite frankly people need to tone it down with the yelling. I mean seriously. I know it's the time of year when people fall off their rocker with anger and hatred while telling everyone what a great time of year it is, but can you save some of the yelling for your family members the next time you see them? And how do people get to the age of 30 and not grasp the concept of being put on hold? Just because you don't want to hear a repeated message more than twice doesn't mean you can hit "0" and then proceed to scream at me. I just want to scream back "Get a clue genious!" Actually I'd like to throw in a whole slew of curse words, but I'm calming down a bit now. If it's not the phone yellers is the co-worker yellers who treat me like I'm 5. I would just like to say- yes I know what my job is- I do what I'm told, if you have a problem with that, perhaps you should find the person who told me to do whatever it is that has upset you and go yell at them. I'm done.

Someone hand me a giant sum of money, because I want to disappear for a very long period of time and just draw- away from...everyone for a bit. Lord knows I could use some awesome "away" time to get more drawings ready for the Funky Finds Spring Fling in March. Anyone decide that they'd like to visit my booth yet?

Funky Finds 2010

http://funkyfinds.us/springfling/2010/

Exciting news!!!!! In March 2010 I will be attending (as a vendor) the Funky Finds Spring Fling in Ft. Worth, TX!!!!
You can follow the link above for more information about the event...and you can definitely keep tabs on any updates here on the blog, because I'm sure I'll be talking about it.
This will be my first ever event. I will be sharing a booth with my friend Tania and her wonderful business The Curious Cake Shoppe. So please stop by and see her wonderful daiper cakes and baby accessories while you are there!
I haven't 100% committed to what all I'm going to be selling yet. But I do know that I'll have some original drawings available, as well as prints of some of the more recent drawings I have done.
So mark your calendars! Saturday March 13, 2010!!!

"Rhonda and Kason"

I did draw today! I must be feeling slightly better then, huh?

This is Rhonda and her new son Kason. I got to see them in person when I went to WI in October. Rhonda has/had no idea I was drawing this for her. I've drawn countless other portraits for her of her with her first born, Natalie. Of her husband Jon with Natalie, and several of Natalie and one of Natalie and her other son Gavin.
I saw this photo on her facebook page and had to draw it. It's such a sweet picture.
I just posted it to my fan page on facebook and tagged her and Jon in it, so it should only be a day or so before I hear back as to whether or not she likes it. Hopefully she does.

This actually isn't the only picture I drew today, but I can't reveal the other one until after Christmas...so you'll just have to wait. :) Happy Pre-Friday!

where's the drawings?

I know, I said I would post drawings this week...the thumb is better (although it looks crooked). Gonzo came down with H1N1 last Thursday night and on Friday I was feeling none-to-well. I don't have H1N1, I have some rediculous virus that's been going around the DFW area alot lately. Sore throat, running/stuffy nose, cough, headache, body aches...just some not fun stuff. So I've been dealing with that the last few days and haven't had my head in the game to do any drawings. Sorry!!!

But I did download a cool app for my ipod called "Brushes" so I can do a little finger doodeling while I'm at work, or in bed or whatever. Whenever I figure out how to export it to photoshop I'll post some of them (I've done one...really bad one so far).

Anyway. That's all for now. Maybe I'll feel better this weekend and can get out at least one drawing, huh? Cool.

I have had comments!!!! AHHHHH!!!!

This morning while checking my email I noticed for the 5th time this week (it's only Wednesday) that I've had an email notification telling me that someone posted a comment on this blog. Unfortunately they haven't been the kind of comments I want to see- spam. Or advertisments. That crap drives me insane.

But while searching thru my blog posts I noticed that I have had comments in the past on several of my posts that are from people I don't know, and it's not spam!!! How exciting! (truly that is exciting for me, I thought only friends and family read this thing- it's awesome to know that other people have written to me about something I posted) I would like to say that for the longest time I wasn't receiving notifications when people would comment, so after I would post a new blog I would never go back and look to see if people were commenting or not...then I fixed that and started receiving notifications...

So for everyone who has posted something and I never replied or said anything back or even commented on it- I'm so so sorry!!!! I appreciate you all taking the time to read the mindless drivel that I type on here. Although according to Lali when she commented on August 6th, 2008, she said "You write very well." which made me smile. Thank you!!!! And I'm so sorry for the late reply!
knitnthings actually replied to several of my posts on knitting and I feel like a complete moron for never checking those comments because I really thought no one cared about my knitting. On October 27, 2008 you replied to a post about the ugliest sock and told me not to be so hard on it. You were absolutely right. After I finished the second one they became one of my favorite pair of socks to wear...I still wear them to this day! Thanks for the vote of confidence in my knitting. Also you posted about giving the mittens that I was trying to give away at one point a good home. If I can remember which pair of mittens those were (I'm sure that I still have them in a ziplock baggie somewhere)- you are more than welcome to them. Leave me another comment if you still want them- I'll figure out where they are and we'll work things out on how to get them to you.
Also Beste wrote several times(no link to a website), one of which I saw, the other one hidden away in November 26, 2008 I did not see until this morning. You asked what medium I would be using on the Octopus sculpture I was going to do...HA! Yes. The Octopus sculpture that I never got around to making. Epic fail! But thanks for reminding me!!! Perhaps that will be on the list of things to get to in 2010. But to answer your question- I'll be using (probably), Sculpey clay- probably a neutral color (or the kind that comes in the green box), and after I'm done baking it, I'll paint it with acrylics. We'll see. I'm actually going to be knitting an octopus sometime soon (it'll get done before the clay one will)
If anyone else posted comments that I didn't reply to here (other than Titan, Taniamc, or Bryan, or my parents), please let me know and I'll answer your questions or reply to your awesome words that you left in a comment somewhere on this blog (Titan, Taniamc, Bryan and my parents- you all are welcome to post comments too, I'll reply to everyone I promise!)...unless of course you're one of the jerks that keep spamming my comments, or leaving crap about ulcers and nothing to do with this blog. For those of you that do that, well in my humble opinion- you all can just drop off the face of the earth for all I'm concerned (at least drop out of the internet- you don't have anything of interest to say here).
I promise to check my comments more! I'm so sorry!!! But thank you everyone who is looking and reading and commenting (even the ones reading and not commenting, I appreciate that you stop by!)

P.S. The thumb is better (still bruised), so I'll be getting some stuff up here asap!

The hazards of moving a freezer

Dear people who are expecting drawings or knitted goods,

How have you been?

On Saturday I was helping Gonzo move a freezer into the house, and in the 10 short feet it took to unload it from the vehicle and attempt to get it in the house, I managed to smash my right hand into the corner of the door, thus shoving the freezer into the other side of my hand...right at the thumb.
In case you weren't aware- my right hand is my drawing hand...and without a thumb it's very difficult to knit.
My thumb is bruised, but I can move it slightly- not enough to hold a pencil though. I'm pretty sure it's not broken. But who knows what I really did. It hurts today.
While I have been unable to get your drawing done, I am now saddened to say that it may be awhile before you get a drawing, or a pair of knitted mittens, as the thumb hurts.
I will update you the minute the bruising has gone and the pain subsides. Hopefully by the end of the week.
Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,
the thumb cripple

ah November....

...as most November's go, you will probably start seeing a lot less posting from me, as I won't be able to show you very much of what I'm working on...being that it's all probably gifts and what nots, that can't be seen until they are opened- and I usually tend to forget to post pictures after a month of waiting- so the likelyhood that you'll see anything on here that I actually worked on for the holiday season is slim to none- but I'll work on that...make a list of stuff to post after December 25th.
Then it'll be like Christmas on the blog! Well for me it won't be, but for my loyal readers (all 2 of you- well one if you count my followers- I know there's more silently hiding, it's cool) it will be. :)
I am working on stuff, don't you worry. Between drawings that have been requested and other crafty things I'm working on to give to family and friends for Christmas I'll be busy.

Oh yeah, the November 1st deadline for requesting drawings has passed!!! OH NO!!!! Don't worry, if you requested something by that deadline- have no fears- it will totally be done and shipped by 12/24/09. If you didn't get your request in by the deadline, feel free to send me an email: ASBTSF@gmail.com and we can discuss how you can still go about obtaining a drawing by 12/24/09...just don't wait until 12/24 or 12/23 or even any day after 12/01 for that matter. (If you are requesting a drawing that has nothing to do with Christmas or a winter holiday- please disregard and send in your requests like normal.

That's all for now :)

Baby Dear

I meant to post this on Friday night...and then on Saturday...and even on Sunday- but it was a very lazy weekend and I did not get onto a computer at all after 5pm on Friday.

Here's the baby dear I drew last Friday while at work.

Not much to say about it. I like the way dear look, and how graceful they can be- but having grown up in Wisconsin, I also know the horrible side of these suicidal creatures and their clumseyness around traffic. I wish they would be born with a gene in them to recognize a motorized vehicle as dangerous and to run away from it, instead of into it or in it's path.

Anyway, I completed this drawing using HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils. Total drawing time was around 3 hours.

2 Seconds later

"Close up Zebra"

Both this and the last post were drawn from photographs taken by my friend Tania, who just so happens to be an amazing photographer. She also is an amazing Diaper Cake maker.

I'll be drawing some more animals from her awesome photographs later today.

B, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils used in this drawing.

Hopefully I'll have some more overly hilarious animal drawings to show you later today or tomorrow.

Thanks for looking! Have a great weekend, and try not to scare too many children- I know it's tempting.

"Have a Nut"

The title of this piece is purely for my dad to laugh.

I started it and finished it yesterday. I have a weird thing about squirrels. Although, drawing this one didn't entertain me nearly as much as I thought it would. But he does still make me laugh.

HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils were used.

I think I'll do a gallery sometime in the distant future...and have on display animals and vehicles...because lord knows I've drawn plenty...

wait for the next post...it'll be here in like 2 seconds.

Pistons & Paint- Red Rod

I actually don't remember what year of Pistons and Paint this picture was taken at (Denton Texas). It was either 2008 or 2007. I honestly don't remember. But it was started and completed yesterday!
It was done with Hb, H, 2B, 4B, and a little 6B.
I know the wheels don't look round at the bottoms, but it was sitting on grass, so I tried to draw some of that in (although you really can't see it in this image...)
I've got a bunch of animal pictures raring to be drawn today.
I might have some people pictures to draw soon as well...some being requests (possibly- fingers crossed) and some being vacation pictures.
Plus there's hundreds of pictures that Gonzo took at the most recent "Them: The invasion" car show in Deep Ellum. Once I figure out which ones to draw, I'll start on those as well.
Anyway. Happy Halloween :P

I'm back!

It's true, I'm back. I didn't do any drawing or knitting while on my trip. Shocker. I brought a backpack full of stuff to do, and didn't touch it. But I am drawing today, so hopefully by tomorrow I'll have a little something to show you.

Where did I go on vacation you ask? (because that's where I was- "vacation"- I don't know if I said that in any other posts or not) Wisconsin. Land of milk and cheese and the happiest cows on the planet- California can suck it- WI will always hold that title. (I'm a little competitive on that front since I'm from the great cheese state).
It was a wonderful visit. Catching up with old friends, old family friends that I haven't seen in years, and just getting to relax and remember what it's like to have no traffic to worry about. I spent some time on the family pig farm playing "queen of the pigs" and petting them all on the snout (you can't get the H1N1 flu from pigs- so everyone just calm down). I got to hang out with my brother and his girlfriend (who wants some Bella Mittens), and seeing some really great friends that I've known forever. I did miss seeing snow though. Apparently it had snowed in some parts of WI the week before we got there, and then it started snowing at my friend Heather's place about 2 hours after we left. But she sent pictures :)
Some of the old family friends I got to see and visit with, and some of my friends I haven't seen in years and haven't kept in touch with, all asked if I still draw. They also asked if I had anything showing in any galleries and I actually felt kind of ashamed that I don't. That's a dream of mine- to have either a.) my own gallery or b.) my own art work hanging in an art gallery.
Wisconsin was good times. I miss it dearly. I'm putting it back on my list of places I want to move to. I've got some really great friends there that I need to see more than once a year.

Drawings to show you tomorrow. It's good to be back on the blog :)

Knitted mittens

Haven't been drawing a whole heck of a lot lately. After the catastrophe that was a black car with red touches that was supposed to be drawn in color (and turned out horribly horribly wrong), I haven't drawn anything since.

But I have been logging onto Craftster.org for some much needed creativity time. And I stumbled upon this awesome post. Which in turn made me run over to THIS website to get the pattern. Because we all know what a nut I am for Twilight. (Although I'm not one of those crazy people who have already bought tickets for opening weekend of New Moon...Not crazy really- just obsessed people who love the books.) The picture up there is how my version turned out. I used Red Hart yarn, because I had a stash of it in my yarn box (aka a 3 drawer contraption sitting in my closet so Gonzo doesn't notice how much yarn I actually have- that's not including the garbage bag full of yarn that's hiding at my parents house). I actually hate this yarn, it's not soft, but it'll keep me warm. I had to knit these up quick because Gonzo and I are heading up north soon and it's already snowing up there. Gah! Snow. Blah!

Anywho. If you are a fan on Facebook, I know I posted something a few months ago about having prints ready in September (man am I late on that deadline or what?), I finally got all of my supplies in for making prints- so as soon as they are ready (maybe by December), I'll post them here and on my website (and I'll update it on the fan page). Everything was on backorder that I needed to make them, so yeah. That's my excuse...and the mittens. :)

This is probably my last post for a week or so, so everyone have a great weekend, a great week and do something creative, will ya?

Work is slow

So I made a snail...

I knitted it, without a pattern. I was on craftster yesterday and saw someone's avitar had a knitted or crocheted snail and thought it was cute. So I just said "what the heck, let's bust out the DPN's and make it!" Fairly easy. Only took about 5 hours.

If anyone is interested, I'll see about making a tutorial.

have a great weekend everyone!

Another day, another color pencil drawing

Yes, I'm still itching...this time it's my forehead. (Thank you Prismacolor colored pencils)

I'm not posting a picture of it (the drawing). It's bad. It looks bad. It's a black car, with some spots that are red. Not only that, but the photo I was provided with is so dark that I had to take it into Photoshop and lighten it just to be able to see any sort of detail. I'm telling you, that didn't really help the case. it's a black car. Maybe I'm just unable to draw a black car? It's so dark. It just looks like a flat image that a second grader colored. Seriously. I would hate to have to tell this person that I can't draw their car, but I really don't think I can in color. (This is the third attempt at me trying to draw it) In fact, I don't think it would look any better drawn in pencil. The photo just isn't a good photo to use, maybe. The background is dark, there's not enough light illuminating the details, so everything just looks...flat.
I don't want to give up on it, but I seriously hate what I just drew. It looks bad! I'll post something when I have something decent to show you.

Back to scratching (it's spread to my palm now)

GMC in color

I did the black and white counterpart to this in August (I think it was the last post for that month).
I don't know how I feel about it. Gonzo seemed to like it, but I'm still undecided. Gonzo actually took the original photograph at the "Them" car show in 2008. He recently met the guy the truck belongs to, who happened to see the black and white drawing and asked him to ask me if I would do it in color for him.
I have issues with color portraits. I'm not the greatest painter on the planet, so I don't do "portraits" using Acrylic, or Oils, or Tempra or any other kinds of paints. I opt for what's familiar to me- which is a pencil. Colored pencils are very much like regular pencils...but there are a few differences for me:
1. They bring out the grain in the paper more so than regular pencils- which I'm not a fan of- some people are- Thank goodness for you all. I just don't seem to be happy with anything I've done in color (unless it was on that awesome brown paper from last year- that I drew the sign, tractor, and farm scene on for my dad...that actually looked kind of cool.)
2. I'm slightly allergic to colored pencils. Within minutes of opening the box my throat starts to itch. If I don't touch them, that's as far as it goes. But the minute I pick up a colored pencil I start to itch, arms, legs, face, neck. I've even broken out into hives before, from using them. I don't know why, or what it is about them that makes me itch, but yeah...it happens.
3. I tried to do a portrait for someone in 2004, it was a color portrait, using colored pencils. They were not happy with the colors that I used- saying that the skin tones didn't match, the clothing color didn't match, etc, etc. I then asked her to go thru my colored pencils and find the correct matching color to use, and I would start over. She couldn't find any, and told me that I should look into making my own colored pencils if I was going to attempt to draw colored portraits. Crayola and Prismacolor I am not. But thanks for trying lady.
So I do the best I can, with what I have.

I've been asked several times in the last few years if I do color portraits...or I've just flat out been told that they are requesting a colored portrait, without even checking to see if I can do that. Just because one artist draws well in black and white, doesn't mean they can do the same thing in color. Nor will the finished product look like what you have pictured in your head.
I'm still weighing the options of doing color portraits. They are time consuming, and a literal pain for me (allergies to the art medium isn't a good thing). Also, what do I charge people for color drawings? (that's a rhetorical question) Then there are days (especially this year), when I just think of deleting this blog, deleting the website, and not offering to do portraits of any kind, and just quietly and secretly complete drawings here and there for myself and no one else. But that won't happen, at least not today. I like drawing. I like how color looks. I like the looks on people faces, or the emails I get when someone receives a drawing that I've done. That makes me happy.

Anyway, I'm rambling...and it's Friday. I've got things to do (art wise), so I'll leave you with this, about the picture above.
I had fun drawing it, itching all the while. It was challenging, and I managed to complete it in about 3 hours...which makes me think I may be getting a little better with the colors (it usually takes me days to complete a color drawing). I'll keep practicing, and when I can afford it, I might try some other colored pencils to see if the itching stops.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hello October!

Yeah, October is here!

First thing's first here. You have exactly 1 month to request drawings for the 2009 holiday season (that is, if you are giving presents this year). "How's that?" you ask? Well, Christmas/the holiday season, is usually my busy time, what with all the drawings and what-not. What normally takes me a few hours to complete, will probably take days (not because I get lazy, but because of the demand)- in order for me to be able to get everything completed and shipped out by December 24th, they will need to be requested by November 1st. So, if you are thinking of getting that hard-to-shop-for relative/friend/co-worker/pet/etc., a drawing from a photograph this holiday season- the last day to request one will be on November 1st. Of course, if you aren't buying a Christmas/holiday present, but a birthday/anniversary present- then please, by all means ignore that deadline. If someone's birthday happens to fall on...oh I don't know...December 4th, and you want to have a drawing done for them, please allow the normal 2 weeks when requesting. I'll make sure to work you in.

next thing- I'll probably re-read this tomorrow and not understand anything. They are doing construction in my place of business a few feet away from my desk...so everything is loud, and the hammering...makes it hard to concentrate.

Also, because I'm awesome and just told you, that you have a month to request drawings, I'm also fair warning you that for a week in about 16 days, I will be slightly out of pocket. I will have limited access to email (ASBTSF@gmail.com in case you want to order something)- so if you don't get a response from me for a few days, please do not get discouraged- I will email you at the soonest possible moment I can.

I promise pictures of works in progress will be coming soon. I've got a few drawings in the works.

It's not a scarf...

You read that right. This isn't a scarf. It's actually the very last piece of knitted goodness for the sweater I've been working on for the last 3 weeks. It's one of the sleeves.

So far (I still have to seam the thing), I have worked on this for 34 hours and 26 minutes (minus a few hours on several days that I forgot to hit "clock in" on my clock in app. on my iPod).

Whew! I will say that it did go by quickly, thanks in large part to the lull in actual work at my job. Now they can feel free to give me any projects they need to...because actual work would be slightly awesome.

Anyway. I don't actually know how to seam a sweater together. Whenever I have made animals (which was once), I just used regular thread to sew it together. I have no idea if that is right. If there are any knitters out there, who have several sweaters under their belts (not literally), then please feel free to leave me a comment, because I'm clueless here.

I did join Knittingdaily.com and they sent a tutorial the other day that had a seam done using a crochet hook. But the directions only showed how to do the stitch on one side of knitted goodness, not connecting two sides together, so I'm kind of lost.

Tomorrow, I'm going to draw again. It's the GMC truck that I already drew earlier this month, but the owner saw the picture and he wants it in color. I keep telling people "I don't draw in color", but they just don't listen. So we'll see how it turns out. Maybe I'll bypass the white paper this time and draw it on brown paper, color drawings always look so much better on that.

I leave you with one last look at the last sleeve of the sweater (the front, back, and other sleeve are in a giant ziplock baggie at home- waiting for their new sleeve-friend)

Blue Scarf

please tell me your impressed with my awesome blurred photo taking capabilities!!! (sorry)

Anyway, this was me 1/2 way done with blocking the blue enterlac scarf (I probably totally spelled that wrong, but I have no reference right now) on Saturday.

There are no other photos of the scarf. Why you ask? Well it's a funny story. This was actually my first "real" time to "block" anything that I have knitted (unless you count me screwing around with the steamer when I first got it- and blocking swatches- which I don't count). See, this scarf, when I knitted it was all sorts of warm and cozy and soft and you just wanted an entire blanket just like it (well I did anyway). I thought that if I blocked it, some of the rows where I was stressed out at work and knitting, would gently relax and look like the rest of it. When I was done blocking...well let's just say that it's overly scratchy and not comfortable to look at. It actually reminds me of furniture really rich people buy just to say that they have it in their living room- but no one in their right mind would sit on it because they would need to go to the chiropractor immediately. But yeah. Blue scarf, sucks really bad right now. I've wadded it into a ball and it's sitting on my couch- I'm hoping upon hope that as long as it's not flat, in any capacity, that it will go back to its awesome softness pre-blocking stage :)

Did I die?

No, I assure you, I haven't died. I'm in the middle of knitting a sweater, so that's what I've been working on- ALL week. I just now got the back finished, and began to knit the front. I should have that done by this weekend and I'll be able to start the sleeves.
But anyway. On a drawing note. I've been getting inspired lately to do more creativeness. I really would like to, one day, work in a creative environment- with other creative people and do artsy-fartsy things that make me happy. Yeah. I totally want to do that for a living :) Who wouldn't? But that means I have to start doing more creative things- like "fictional art"- as I like to call it (stuff from my brain, as opposed to things from photos).
Anyway, my friend Maynor keeps sending me awesome links to get me and her other creative friends inspired and hopefully create something amazing. So yeah. That being said, this sweater is eating into my time of drawing and being creative- but I swore to myself I would finish this and not just "set it aside" (because we all know what happens when I set something aside...it'll be 2 years from now when I find it and go "hum, maybe I should finish this"). It was Tuesday when I got the email, and I desperately want to open Photoshop and make something pretty (stupid sweater...) (actually it's a really pretty sweater, so far, even if I do say so myself...it's the "first real" sweater I've knitted...so I am excited about that)
Anyway. Long, none picture post to tell you nothing...absolutely nothing- other than to give you an excuse for why I haven't posted sooner.
This weekend is crafting crazy weekend at my house. The boyfriend is taking a class in metal fabrication, so I get the place to myself...time to block that rediculously long scarf and take pictures :) So yes, next week...pictures :) Until then, have a great weekend (I know it's Thursday)

"White Deer"

I started and completed this beast yesterday. It's actually a white deer, which...drawing it on white paper, perhaps I could have tackled it differently...like- maybe just make the background all black, and then a few shadows here and there...but that's not how I roll.
I actually kind of half-assed this one. I was in the "Oh man! It's almost Friday and I haven't drawn anything this week!" state of mind, and decided to just go for it. So while I'm not 100% satisfied with it, I do like the smug look on his face, as well as the placement of the watermark- since his head is held high- like he's proud of "A Shade Better Than Stick Figures"...
Anyway, I'm in a goofy mood today, and don't really want to be at work, but would probably goof off if I was at home, and just watch hours of LA Ink on the DVR, instead of draw or knit or anything that I actually do during the day.
So yeah. Onward with this day!
Have a great weekend everyone!

Melanie's Kids

These kids belong to a co-worker of mine. I started and completed this drawing last Friday. I used HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils. Guess what size it is... :P

I spent this weekend spraying a fixative on all of the drawings that I have completed and haven't put up for sale yet. HA! What an intoxicating time that was. So I guess now, the only thing stopping me from putting them up for sale is...proper finishing touches...like mattes. And bags. And...prints...hum. Sounds like I have a plan for this week, huh?

Anyway. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

"Them- the invasion of an Orange truck"

I also need to make note that the photo that I drew this from was taken from the 2008 "Them- the Invasion" car show in Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX. This truck was at the 2009 show, and there are more pictures of it that I may choose to draw from at a later date.

I completed this earlier this week (Wednesday I think- seriously, can't remember exactly- my brain is going). I used HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils. It is an 8 1/2" x 11" on printer paper. (Perhaps I should just start not listing what size it is, unless it's anything other than an 8 1/2" x 11"...seriously, I feel like I'm just wasting typing space by saying it repeatedly.)

I like drawing older vehicles as opposed to the newer style cars. Newer cars just don't look right drawn out on paper. But if I have requests for them (which I do at the moment), I'll happily draw them, and just pretend that they are a 50's era car.

I just completed another drawing today, of a co-workers kids. I'll have to scan it and post it sometime this weekend, if time permits.
Hope everyone had a great short week (if you had Monday off, if not- then I hope it at least felt short).
Have a great weekend!

"I Taste Good"

...so says the deer that's licking himself. And be fair warned all you vegans, hippies, and PETA supporters- I don't care if the title is offensive. Venison is delicious. Go blog about the offensiveness in your own space- don't comment here- as it will be deleted.

Now on to the details. I actually finished this guy last Friday I believe it was. Another photograph my friend Tania was so talented to take, and then so nice to let me draw! (Thanks Tania! You're awesome!) Although, having drawn this, I'm beginning to wonder if she is obsessed with animals who have their tongues hanging out...it's fine by me, gives me moments of hysterical laughter while drawing...so I'm good.

I think (if memory serves me correct)- I completed this using HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils. I know it's 8 1/2" x 11" white printer paper. Sad that I can't remember a week ago, huh?

I'm workin' here!

Seriously need to update this thing.
I'll have some pictures to you, hopefully by tomorrow. Because I have been busy!
I've done 2 drawings that need to be posted. 2 more on the way. I completed my crazy scarf, but I still need to block it and take pictures. I also knitted a capelet (I think that's how you spell it) It's like a shrug, only not...or a mini short-sleeved sweater, that really only keeps your shoulders warm...yeah, you'll have to see it to understand...also why I need to take pictures and update.
I've also completed 3 ornaments- hand-made, knitted ornaments. They are going to my lucky friends and family this christmas, along with the knitted poo. So if you're reading this and your a friend or family- You know what you're getting!!! :P
I promise- a "real" update will be on it's way soon!

Zebra

I'm alternating between the pictures my friend Tania is letting me draw from her wonderful wild-life-drive-thru experience at Fossil Ridge, and the pictures Gonzo took at last years "THEM" car show. Yesterday I chose the Zebra- because it's wicked cool looking.

I have started 2 more animal drawings and 1 car drawing, but haven't gotten the motivation yet today to finish any of them. Maybe by this afternoon I'll get to work on them.

Anyway. The Zebra was done using H, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils- it's 8 1/2" x 11". If you would like any other details, shoot me an email: ASBTSF@gmail.com

Thanks for looking!

2 for 1- what a way to send out August!

I drew 2 pictures today! Holy crap!!!

This here is "GMC". My boyfriend Gonzo took some pictures at a car show last year- the two portraits here are from his photo stash. "Them" car show in Deep Ellum (Dallas, TX). It's almost time for that car show again this year...maybe I'll see some more vehicles to draw (you know, to add to the 80- scratch that- 78 drawings I have left to draw). I used HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils on this one.

And the other one here is "Custom Rod".

I used B, 2B, 4b, and 6B pencils.

Both are 8 1/2" x 11", both were completed today :) 2 in a day, to round out August with 5 drawings. I can totally live with that.

And there goes August

I can't believe it's the last day of August already! I just checked my handy dandy moleskin weekly calendar where I write comments on the last week of the month- regarding how many drawings I completed...3. That's how many I completed this month. I'm at a loss for words. That is all my fault actually. With the knitting fever that I've some how caught from someone, and the reading books (what adult reads books? Psht!)...I've gone from doing 6 drawings a month to 3. Oh well. That's in the past. Seeing as it's the last day of August (and I knew this day was coming), this weekend I went thru all of the pictures that I've ear-marked over the last few years as "something to draw later"- and piled them together. Trust me, I won't get thru all 80 of them in September, but hopefully I'll knock out a good chunk.

BUT I'm totally ok with putting them on the back burner again if people would like some drawings done of their own. :) (here comes the shameless plug). The holiday season is coming. People do like art as gifts. Especially drawings of loved ones, cherished pets, a favorite car or plane or boat or house. Heck, even drawings of favorite relatives are a hit. You know the website, but here it is again: www.ashadebetterthanstickfigures.com and if you already know the drill, but were just waiting around until you found the perfect picture and you've found it- you can email me: ASBTSF@gmail.com to get your order in today. If none of that works for you- I'll leave you with this gem: Handmade gifts speak from your heart, about how thoughtful you are that you went to so much trouble to have a favorite photo turned into a one of a kind hand drawn portrait. You'll be the hit of the holiday season!!!

A salesman I am not. But I know some people do like drawings as gifts. I said it...now I can go about my day. Drawing. Like I should be.

You guys are great, hope you have a great last day of August.

That "Quiet" kid again

This is the same kid from the previous post. Apparently I shouldn't have said anything about him being quiet...but the times that I've seen him he was quiet and didn't want to talk. The only time I saw him cry (and that was loud) was right after he took a spill. I stand by my original statement. :)

Anyway, I just wanted to get this post in before I call it a night (I'm sleepy). This drawing was completed using HB, B, 2B, 4B and 6B pencils on white ink jet printer paper (8 1/2" x 11")

Good night everybody! (Yeah for Pre-Fridays!!!)

"Nathan"

It's Friday! And I've got a drawing completed!

I finished it yesterday. I actually know this kid. He's quiet, but hilarious. He makes some of the best faces- very serious faces that make him look like a grown adult. It makes me giggle.

Anyway. It's an 8 1/2" x 11" on white printer paper. I used HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils. While I think overall the drawing looks good...my favorite part is the soccer ball.

Ah well. Hopefully this will be a craft-filled weekend for myself. I've got some more knitted poo to finish up- and some other goodies to fill Christmas stockings with.

Hope everyone had a great week and hopefully you'll all have a great weekend.

Take care!

draw something and be set free!

My oh my, how I love to draw oddities. A giraffe sticking his tongue out...does it get any odder?

Thank you Tania for sending me this awesome picture to draw. She heard I didn't have anything to draw and decided to help me out by sending the greatest photo ever taken on a drive-thru Texas safari. Holy crap! Thank you Tania! You rock!

I found that while I was drawing this, I was the most calm and collected that I've been in the last few weeks. I was so happy and content drawing this guy. It was awesome. I really need to get back to drawing at least 2 pictures a week, whether I'm getting paid for them or not- it's good for my soul.

More pictures to come as they are completed!

Thanks for looking!

Sewing project #1 completed

So I know I mentioned it in some post...that I was sewing this pattern my mom accidentally created.

There's my version...sadly wrinkled, and un-even (it's my first sewing project, did I mention that?). I'm an impatient sewer- although with that said- there's only 2 spots in this entire thing that were machine sewn...and those are on the back side. All of the stuff you see here was hand sewn.

I actually completed this last month, but hadn't posted it yet...and well, I've been slacking in the photos department, so I thought I'd post it. I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

I did just complete a realistic drawing of a giraffe sticking his tongue out, so I can't wait to post that. I'm pretty sure I'll be making prints of it to sell at a later date. Once I scan it, I'll post it up.

Oh also,

That's what I finished on the Friday that I posted about the scarf and needing to figure out how to proceed. I'm actually way farther along with it than that now, but...well...I don't want to unfold it to take pictures right now. When I do feel like it, I'll post up some pics.

Happy there's some pictures now?

Another Friday update...Sans pictures

I know. Blogs are boring without photos. Sorry.
I just wanted to let you know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth with my creativity.
The beginning of the week I spent knitting the scarf that I mentioned in the previous post (read: the last post that contained anything longer than a sentence...)- I'm still working on it, but drawing something hit me mid-week so I've put it aside.
As for drawing. My friend Tania was kind enough to email me a hilarious giraffe picture from a wild excursion she took not too long ago- so I will be drawing that soon. My brother's girlfriend requested some interesting drawings to be done- as soon as I get some photo reference I will begin those. I've started, also, designing her next tattoo- one design down (in black and white) and a few to go (I'm also going to turn one of the designs into a watercolor...ooohhhh ahhhh). And while we're on the tattoo subject- I'm also working on yet another tattoo design for myself. No I didn't get the last idea tattooed yet...but someday. I don't know if I'm ready for committing myself to the back piece yet. The new idea has to do with my mom's parents...it's a surprise, so I can't reveal further details.
Anyway. Hopefully I can get something artistic done this weekend and I'll have pictures to post on Monday...or Tuesday...maybe on Wednesday? We'll see.

Also, DON'T FORGET!!! CHRISTMAS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!! START GETTING YOUR REQUESTS FOR DRAWINGS IN! DEADLINE FOR GETTING A DRAWING DONE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS IS NOVEMBER 1ST!!!! (I'm sorry, was I yelling?)

I WANT TO DRAW!!!!

announcement over :)

Friday

I have no pictures. And I'm full of epic fail this week. No drawings, no finished knitted items. Oh no. Because I decided that I would start this. Crazy aunt purl posted it and showed off her gorgeous scarf...I however am not having so much luck.
I've ripped it apart 6 times now. I'm just now starting over AGAIN. I found this really nifty tutorial on how to do a smaller version. But alas, I'm apparently suffering some sort of mental problem- because I CAN'T GET IT TO WORK!!!
But, I'm not giving up. Hopefully by Monday I will have at least 2 tiers of this scarf finished and figured out. If I can get those 2 tiers figured out, then the rest of the scarf will be cake.

Also, I will be drawing again starting next week. I've got a few projects on the back burner that I need to start simmering...so yeah...drawings, next week :)

Have a great weekend!!!

Update: I just finished tier 2 of the stupid Entrelac Scarf. It looks dandy. It's not even Saturday yet and I've already exceeded my expectation.
Oh, if you're wondering why I'm a fool and couldn't make it work the other 6 times...I have reading problems, and I kept reading over steps, or skipping ahead...sad I know. But I've made the first 2 tiers work and now it's time for a break :)

What I've been up to

That's what I've been up to.

One piece of knitted poop (not finished) and one piece of knitted poop still on the DPNs (although it's actually finished, I just wasn't awake enough to take a picture of it this morning)

Also, you may remember that I started a project sometime last year involving a bunch of squares that I said I would eventually turn into a blanket. Yeah well...there's some more colorful squares to add to the lot.

And, while I desperately want to draw...and I will...the knitting bug has bitten and I realize that it's only about 5 months until the magic month of gift giving. So I must start with the handmade goods to distribute as gifts. Knitted goods and poop will be handed out...as well as a new thing I'm going to give a go to...Decoupage (did I spell that right?) We'll see how it goes and I'll let you know. Hopefully I can have some pretty pendants/keyrings/none-crap to give to some lucky recipients :)

Hope everyone had a great July (can't believe it's over)- stay cool everyone!

slacking

Well that's not entirely true. I've been working in Sketchbook Pro (sorry, it doesn't hold my interest for more than 2 hours at a time- so it's hard for me to complete something in a timely manner). I've also been sewing (I haven't taken a picture of what I completed yet). And most recently I drug out the knitting again. You know, because it's hot outside- therefore I must knit. o_O

I'm actually starting to work on Christmas presents for everyone in the family already. Lots of goodies. And some knitted poop. Yes you read that correctly. Everyone in my family and all of my friends will be getting at least 1 piece of knitted poop this year. It's not because I hate them, or because I'm trying to tell them something- OH NO. It's because I love them and their crazy senses of humor...therefore, knitted poop. Plus it makes me laugh a lot. :)

have a great weekend everyone!!!

For The Birds #3

"For The Birds #3" was finished a few hours ago...only taking up 4 hours out of my day :) It was a great 4 hours!

I will say this- I can't wait to be able to afford my own studio space, and have the time and free will to be able to work on drawings 24/7. Or anytime I want. Right now, is good- but I either draw at work, or become overwhelmed with TV and other "bad" things when at home. The first leading me to feel guilty for drawing- even though I only draw when all other work is done, and the second leads me to dwell on why I can't clean my tiny living room or there's something really not that interesting but mind numbing on the tv so I watch that, instead of focusing on drawing. Enough of that ramble...One day I will have my own studio...mark my words!

But yes, it's my favorite size drawing 8 1/2" x 11", on white printer paper (I just love how smooth it is, no tooth to the paper leaves clean lines- I like it!). I kept it in the "B" family this time, only using 2B, 4B, and a little 6B for the dark areas.

Anyway, I'm out of options to draw things on my own right now. I started to draw these cute cats, and decided I was going to try smudging again (I hate smudging)- so I've pretty much put that piece to the side- as close to the trash as possible. Maybe next weekend, when I go to a car show, I'll get some good pictures to draw from. OR maybe, some people will be nice enough to send some requests in for me to draw from :)

I do have 2 drawings for Sketchbook Pro use...one of them is about 1/2 way complete, and one of them is just sketched on a sticky note- yet to be smoothed out in SKP. I'll show you those when I have them completed. I'm still a newb when it comes to that program, so I'm really shy showing off what I do in it. I feel like I have a lot to learn and none of my stuff looks that good. Oh well.

For The Birds 2

I think I'll skip the sterile way I've been posting these and just cut right to the chase.

I managed to crank this drawing out in 2 hours yesterday afternoon. It's an 8 1/2" x 11" drawing on white printer paper. I only used 3 pencils- HB, 2B, and 4B.

This one is part of a series of "bird" drawings. I have one more to do in the series, so hopefully I'll be able to post that soon. Once all 3 are done, I'll probably try to sell them on my website as a group, or if people are interested I'll make prints and sell them individually. We'll see. I haven't decided just yet.

yikes!

It's almost 1/2 way thru July already and I haven't posted anything. Sorry for the delay- some things have come up and I haven't drawn anything since my flag post. I have several waiting in the wings to be touched, and they might get started today- I'll have to keep you posted.

Sorry for neglecting the blog.

America

Title: "America"
Date Began: June 2009
Date Completed: June 25, 2009
Media: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B pencil on White printer paper
Size: 8 1/2" x 11"
Description: I found a very interesting photograph of the American Flag taken up close. Most people who know me, know that I have a thing for drawing folds in fabric, so of course I wanted to draw this one. Just in time for the 4th of July too!
I'll actually be putting the original up for sale soon, and may offer prints as well if people are interested.

Natalie and Gavin

Title: Natalie and Gavin
Date Began: June 2009
Date Completed: June 2009
Media: H, HB, 2B, 4B pencil on white printer paper
Size: 8 1/2" x 11"
Description: A really cute picture my friend Rhonda took of her two adorable kids in a park. I've drawn Natalie several other times in the past, but this is a first of Gavin.

Drawings are coming

Sorry for the lack in posting. I was away in the pacific northwest visiting friends last week, so I neglected to post anything, even though I finished a drawing right before I left, and I finished another one a few days ago. I'll post them, I promise (I forgot my laptop at home- otherwise this post would have pictures).
One of the drawings is posted on my Facebook Fan page- so if you're on Facebook, you should look me up- A Shade Better Than Stick Figures TM and become a fan!

And while I have nothing else to talk about, I'll just make mention: Since July starts next week- start thinking about Christmas!!! (no I'm not high) Seriously, getting Christmas presents taken care of early is a stress reliever- so if you are thinking of having a drawing done for someone this holiday season, start considering it now. To make requests contact me at: ASBTSF@gmail.com. If you would like to see the ordering policy or pricing, please feel free to visit my website.

Happy Friday!

"For The Birds"

Title: For The Birds

Date Began: 6/5/09

Date Completed: 6/8/09

Media: B, 2B, 4B, 6B on white inkjet printer paper

Size: 8 1/2" x 11"

Description: I felt like drawing a bird. Actually this is number one in a series of 3. My mom had some old pictures that she took at a zoo in Wisconsin, and they looked really cool, so I'm taking a stab at drawing them.

I might be posting the original for sale soon. But I want to make sure I can make some decent prints from it as well.

Frog Boy...part 2

I think I've decided to go back and re-work Frog Boy. Something about it is bugging me. Purhaps it's the colors, they are so similar it's hard to see what's really going on in the picture. All of the mud everywhere makes it look like the boy and the frog are together. Also, Gonzo pointed out, that the thumb doesn't look like a thumb, but like I haven't finished the picture...So back to the drawing board...as they say.

Hope everyone has a great Friday and enjoys National Donut day!!! (Even though I'm on a diet, I still enjoyed one!)

Frog Boy

Title: "Frog Boy"
Date Began: 06/03/09
Date Completed: 06/04/09
Media: Sketchbook Pro
Size:...?
Description: I had an idea for a little boy holding his prize frog...or just a really dirty frog. The more I drew the dirtier it got. And the more annoyed the frog got. His sister will be getting hold of the frog momentarily and clean him up- just wait...by Monday I should have something to show you.

"Ryne and Amber"

Title: Ryne and Amber (no that's not me)

Date Began: 05/31/09

Date Completed: 06/03/09

Media: HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B pencils on white inkjet printer paper

Size: 8.5" x 11"

Description: A repeat customer! (I love those!) She asked me to draw this picture of her brother and his fiance for a wedding present (hopefully I'm not spoiling anything by posting it).

If you've been to the website lately, you'll notice that it's not updated...I know. Give me a little bit. I'm going to be doing some re-vamping to it over the next few days and should have it updated soon.

As for the other projects I'm working on...the birds and the cats will be showing up soon, as well as 2 or 3 sketchbook pro pics- we'll have to see how soon that gets done.

"Getaway"

Title: "Getaway"
Date Began: 05/26/09
Date Completed: 05/30/09
Media: 4H, 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B pencil on 11" x 14" sketchbook paper
Size: 11" x 14" paper
Description: Only the second house drawing that has been requested. It was a challenge, but I really enjoyed drawing this one. Considering I love paying attention to the small details, houses should be my favorite to draw...
Still awaiting to find out if this has been approved, or if anything needs to be fixed. But considering I had to take this to Kinko's to get scanned (I need to invest in a large flat bed scanner of my own), this will be how it looks on the website.

Fridays...I love them

I have quite a few requests that I'm working on at the moment. I spent 6 hours yesterday drawing a porch for a house drawing. I've also got a couple to work on, a couple of kids, and some birds and cats...not to mention I really really want to start working on stuff that's holiday specific so I can make prints and have those available to purchase on my website or over on etsy.com. I'm hoping to have all of the time in the world to work on my drawings this weekend, however I have to make a trip over to the Coppell Farmer's Market tomorrow morning to help support my friend Tania whose selling diaper cakes there. (Curious Cake Shoppe...you know you want one.)
Anyway. Fridays are good. I think I like them more now because it's the only day of the week I'm allowed to wear jeans at work. I used to work a job where jeans was everyday- so now it makes me apreciate that one day of the week so much more.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Peyton

Title: "Peyton"

Date Began: 05/18/09

Date Completed: 05/22/09

Media: HB, B, 2B, and 4B pencils on white inkjet printer paper.

Size: 8 1/2" x 11"

Description: A woman who works at the High School I went to contacted me about having a drawing done of her nephew. This is the end result. It went a little bit quicker than I thought, although the hat decided to be slightly difficult...it was a really good time for me.

I was just contacted late last night about having another drawing done- again, someone who works at the high school I went to. So excited!

Thanks Mr. D for passing along my info! Hopefully it will prove to be a busy summer!

It's a Monday

Holy crafting craziness batman! I went to the Spring Bash by Dallas Etsy on Saturday and now the creative juices are flowing so fast that I can't sit still. Nor do I want to be here at my 8-5 job right now because I'd rather be home knitting, or drawing, or sewing (yes you saw that right! Mom- I might need your spare sewing machine!)

Anyway- After the sad sad dragon from last week I started a new sketchbook pro drawing of some pigs. We'll see how it turns out. But right now, I'm in the "draw" drawing mood, meaning pencil and some good old white paper! I was just about to get started drawing some birds when I got a request in early this morning!!! Yeah babies!!! So anyway, I'll post that later when it's been approved (and actually completed, since I'm totally jumping the gun here).

Seriously, those folks over at etsy.com are brilliant! I loved the show and wish I was a gazillionaire so I could have bought everything from every booth. I snagged up enough business cards that hopefully I'll be able to buy from them this holiday season for all of my friends and family. I did buy a neclace from the folks at www.pulpreality.etsy.com it's a super cute pinup girl that says "Farm Girl" and has a tractor charm. LOVE IT!

Anyway, once I start crafting up ANYTHING, I'll post it here. And trust me, the minute I get my own etsy page you all will be the first ones to know.

happy crafting!!!

Sketchbook Pro Dragon...sad sad attempt

Such a sad attempt. It looked great when it was just an outline...I don't like it. But I've been working on it for a few days here and there for the last three weeks, and have just grown tired of it. I just want to be done with it already, so I decided to say "I'm done!"...Anyway.

I was going to add a little village and people running from the fires, but the closer I got to doing all of that, the more I was like "um...no". So it didn't get done. And as I was working on the dragon, I began to realize that the color scheme I picked resembled one of my favorite childhood movies "Pete's Dragon"...and that just won't do.

Just know that this dragon is sad. No, he really is. He's bored and lonely, so he's just shooting fire where ever his heart desires. It's a sad life- that of a dragon. But they are lovely creatures, even if they only live in imaginations...

Friday Update for the first week of May

I'm all sorts of Epic Failing over here in the drawing department. I'm half asleep today, but really want to continue working on one piece that I started at the beginning of the week in Sketchbook Pro...but, like I said, I'm half asleep- and that usually leads to creative-no-nos. So I may wait until I can wake up just a bit more (long night last night, birthday parties with dancing dragons and way too much food-I think I just got my idea for my next drawing).

Anyway. I haven't put pencil to paper this week, other than to write myself a sticky note that reads "Be more creative"...

I really have to plan out my business a little better. I so often forget that drawings make good Mother's Day gifts, until someone asks me about them...the week before mother's day. I wish I would have thought about it sooner and made a GIANT bulletin on my website or something.

Do drawings make good Father's Day gifts??? I just don't know. But if you want a drawing for Father's Day (for that special dad in your life)- send me an email ASBTSF@gmail.com so I can get started. (I would love to draw something for you special moms too- but I'm affraid with 2 days before that event, they won't get done...if you need a late Mother's Day present and think a drawing would be awesome- send me an email ASBTSF@gmail.com). LOL. It's pimp my business day. Why not? I was peer pressured into making a fan page for A Shade Better Than Stick Figures TM on Facebook yesterday...Oye! So if you're on facebook, you should totally look up "A Shade Better Than Stick Figures TM" and become a fan! Totally.

Did I mention I'm still half asleep?

Have a great Mother's day to all of you Mother's/Grandmother's/Great Grandmothers and soon to be mother's!

Curious Cake Shoppe anyone???

Do you have a pregnant friend? Co-worker? Spouse? Baby Shower for a stranger that you have to go to? Or just in general like giving presents to people who might be or are pregnant?

Then you will love www.curiouscakeshoppe.com !!

A very dear friend of mine has taken it upon herself to create her very own Diaper Cake "Bakery" online! She's very talented (as the images on her site will show you). Each of her diaper cakes are made with love! Seriously, I'm considering getting pregnant just so someone will give me a diaper cake (ok, I'm totally kidding...that would be like buying a VW Routon because of all of the room it has for kids...not happening). But yeah, I'm totally planning on snagging some of these (or creating my own with the owner) for a few friends that I know who are expecting. She's been making these for awhile, and I'm so glad that she now has her website!!!! Please- stop buy her site , if for no other reason than to just look. I promise you, you'll fall in love and want to give her hand made gifts to everyone you know (make sure to check out the "Bakery Bites" section for some really cute stuff that isn't all necessarily for babies!!!)!

*image owned by TaniaMC owner of The Curious Cake Shoppe

I've seen these cakes in real life, and they are just as stunning as they are in the pictures.

Anyway- Go to her site...right now!!!! www.curiouscakeshoppe.com

GO NOW! What are you waiting for???

Last day of April

Seeing as how it's April 30th, and I've only supplied you with 2 drawings this month, I felt the need to get on here and explain myself and promise you more in May.

#1. I didn't have any requests besides the house drawing in April, so I didn't have to produce drawings like I have in the past.
#2. I did abandon a drawing of a baby- but it wasn't a requested drawing, nor did the intended receipient know anything about it. She's a friend, and I will draw something for her in the future.
#3. I've been going thru a creative "meaning of life" mind set this month. Everything I start to draw I question. I begin wondering why I'm even drawing anymore, as it seems that anyone who wanted a drawing has already requested one. Or why I draw cars or houses or landscapes when I really enjoy drawing people and animals. This month I have managed to answer those questions- and you'll be happy to know that I'm blaming the lack of requests on the economy, and the reason I draw 'anything' is because I can...simple- I'm not going to over think it.
#4. I have an idea for something new I want to try in the coming months- so bare with me while I try to make it work (that may mean a week or two where I don't post anything, but that doesn't mean I won't have some stuff to show you after the absense.
#5. In May, I plan on doing more drawings, as well as what was mentioned in #4. I'm also getting bit by the knitting bug again (see, warmer weather is approaching, and the knitting side of me takes over)...so if you don't see drawing posts, I'm sure you'll see some knitting posts. Hello, Christmas is right around the corner- have to get started on those presents now!

Anyway, I'm not sure why I made a list with numbers, but whatever. It's the last day of April, and I feel really bad for not posting more art work. This was just a really weird month, full of lots of boredom and free time- however I feel exhausted. I'll push thru it all in May and have some stuff to show you.

Sorry for slacking off.

E.N.'s House

Title: E.N.'s house

Date Began: 04/10/09

Date Completed: 04/27/09

Media: H, 4H, 2H, 2B, B, 2B pencils on white paper

Size: 8 1/2" x 11"

Description: A co-worker of mine decided I needed a challenge, so he showed me a picture of the house he grew up in and asked me to draw it for him. Houses are difficult to draw- I can tell you that now. He claims that it looks exactly like his house- which I'm happy about. This was the first house I've ever drawn. It took me several tries, several curse words, and lots of practice with my eraser to complete this. I know I said in an earlier post, that I didn't want to draw houses again. I re-tract that. I don't want to make houses my focus, or number one thing that I draw. But I would love to draw a house some other time. I think with all of the trial and error I did with this one, I can say- I figured out how to do it a little easier next time.

And because this is only the 2nd drawing I completed in the month of April- I can officially say that I guess April was my vacation month. Hopefully in May I'll have some more goodies to draw and display for your viewing pleasure.

I'm back!

I'm back from one of the most rockin' vacations I've had in a long time! However I have no way to share any pictures with you, as I forgot my camera and cord for my camera at home. Epic Fail!

Anyway. I don't have any art to show you...well I do, but it's all in my sketchbook, or on my camera, or I haven't scanned it yet. I haven't finished the house I mentioned before. It's all sorts of technical, and involves a ruler and getting things "exact" and well...difficult. I don't like drawing houses. But I will finish this one soon...and when I do...you'll get to see the finished product.

While on vacation, Gonzo and I attended Lonestar Roundup in Austin Texas. Holy crap, do I love that city! I love the culture, and attitude down there. I love the art and the crazyness. The people are friendly and great (minus the drunk guy throwing punches at the air). And even the traffic is tolerable because of all of the scenery. Hill country, it's the best!
But back to Lonestar Roundup. Creativity was flowing while we were there. I got to be all dolled up like a pin-up girl, wearing the curls in my hair and sporting some fake eyelashes. With all of the other creative people there it just set my mind a-buzz. I've got so many ideas going thru my head I'll probably never get to them all, but I did take my sketchbook and sketched out a few things to work on at a later date. Even threw down a few tattoo designs (no worries mom, none for me).
It's really a drag to be back from vacation, and back to the normal daily routine...but then again, I'm so much closer to my art supplies I can start getting to work on some greatness.

Update of nothingness

I don't have anything to update, really. I'm working on a drawing of a house- which I haven't done any buildings before, so it's proving to be really tricky. I'm also working on a sketchbook pro drawing as a joke for a friend, but I'm not really putting a whole lot of effort into it, because I'm sure the moment he sees it he'll throw it away, or delete it or destroy it somehow.

The art business has been slow lately...so I'm taking it all in, and perhaps starting something a little different with my creative side.

Oh yeah- I'm out for a 4 day weekend starting on Friday, so don't expect any more updates this week.

But I'm updating today because I haven't updated in a week. There you go- I'm slacking off, that's my update :)