What I've been up to in that elusive free time

So, while I haven't had an enormous amount of free time, the weekends do present themselves with enough for some knitting.

A blog that I follow around here: Rebecca Danger- led me to find some of the cutest patterns in her Etsy store. I've had these for way too long now, to not have casted on sooner. But I'm glad I got around to making them.

The first one I made was the orange and yellow striped creature on the right and her baby the yellow creature in the center. Daphne and Delilah. This one pattern alone was what caused me to search Rebecca Danger's Etsy page for the other patterns.

I of course made both of them wrong- because I didn't use the super easy, but at the time-not-known-to-me magic loop method. So I used DPN's instead...I sucked at the top closure. But at least they look related.

Daphne has a pocket that Delilah fits into, and it's oh so cute.

It took me about 2 weeks to get them both completed- but that's with minimal time to work on them both. I won't be using the DPN's for any other monsters, because the ladder effect was rediculous, and I thought I had moved past creating ladders with the DPN's (if you have no idea what any of that meant, I'm sorry...it's knitting. I'm a little crazy about my knitting)

Sammie The Sock Monster was of course the next choice to make. I have a friend who really likes socks, and as soon as I saw this pattern I had to make it for her. I'm thinking of making another pair of socks for Sammie, just because I don't like the roll at the top of the socks. I learned a new cast-on method and decided that they must be re-done. I learned and used the super easy-as-pie magic loop method of knitting, and was sad when the patterned called for DPNs for the arms and legs...magic loop is so much better!

That's all I've been working on (well minus a tattoo design). No it's not drawings, but I hope to get back to that soon. So I can have something festive to show you. Hope this tides you over until that time comes. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Red Weenie Dogs for the Win!!!

Does this dog look like it's having fun, or what? It's all smiles! Although after having just stepped outside for a few minutes I realize this look could also be because of the heat. And it would be water splashing around it instead of grass blades. Does someone have a portable air conditioner that I can hang around my neck?

Anyway, I'm not sure what this dog's name is, I snagged it from Proxy's owner's facebook page. I don't think it's her dog, but one of her family members, maybe?

I like this dog because it's a red dapple weenie-dog. I used to have a short haired version of a dog like this- and it made me smile to see such a happy weenie dog sprawled out in the grass...mine was a bit too fiesty to ever enjoy the grass...although she might have enjoyed barking at anything and everything- I sure didn't, but she might have.

Ok, enough of the walk thru memory lane. I hope Shell is ok that I drew another picture from her cute supply of dog pics. I couldn't help myself- I may need a 12 step program to prevent the further drawings of people pictures without permission (hey, at least I personally know these people that I'm drawing their pictures for...I'm not stealing copyrighted images.)

This one is on 8.5" x 11" printer paper- as you can kind of see, it's askew/off center, I liked the placement of the dog in the original photo, so I kept it with the drawing. I used HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils. I started this a few weeks ago when I had 10 seconds to spare at work...I finished it this morning while I had a pretty decent chunk of time to myself.

More drawings to come? We shall see...

Pelicans

I finally caught a break and had a few minutes at work yesterday to complete this drawing for one of my co-workers. She has a thing for Pelicans and really wanted a drawing of them.
With the recent BP oil spill in the Gulf, I found it very fitting, sort of like a tribute to the Pelicans, since all I have been seeing on the news lately are oil covered birds. Makes me want to grab a big box full of bottles of Dawn hand soap and make a trip south to help out.

This is on 8.5" x 11" printer paper, using 4B, 2B, B, and HB pencils. I've been "working" on this for the last 3 weeks, but total time only took about 3 hours to complete.

Hopefully I'll have some more time today to work on a tattoo design I've been working on for over a month. It's really hard to only have a few hours after work to be creative, I'm really glad I got some free time during work hours yesterday.

update of nothingness

Seriously, I'm still busy at work...so yeah. No drawings to show. When I do have free time, I'm working on a tattoo design for someone...and I'm knitting. Who wants to see knitting when it's 90 degrees outside? (I keep it cool at home so knitting feels right) I won't be displaying the tattoo design, so you won't even get to see what I've been working on.
But some day. There will be drawings again. I hope.

Happy Friday!

Hey, remember when I used to draw and post pictures? Yeah, those were good times! Apparently I have work I have to do at work now...How dare they actually give me something to do that will take up a full 8 hours!!! Shocking! :P
So as of now, nothing to show- nothing for awhile guys, sorry. If I get un-exhausted after work, I will make sure to work on something and then update the blog...but as of right now, I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, I'm swamped with work. But I'll make time if someone needs a drawing- just let me know ASBTSF@gmail.com
Just took 10 minutes out of my work day to let you know that...I'll pay for that tomorrow. :)

"Proxy"

The owner of this dog does not realize I drew her dog...so I hope she's cool with me having done so.
This too was another dog drawing I had been working on for the Paw Paw's Pooch Pow Wow last weekend that I was rained out of.

The basics: 8.5" x 11" on printer paper (hey, the stuff is cheaper than art paper and smooth...I like it)...6B, 4B, 2B, B, HB pencils were used.

Normally I don't do the shading in the background...but I'm totally going to let you in on a little secret...I screwed this drawing up and there was no way to hide my mistake without shading (drawing too dark leads to none-erasable marks). In the original photo (which of course I don't have) there is a book shelf behind the weenie dogs head (I love weenie dogs!)...but I was working from a printed picture as I snagged the image from facebook (I know the owner of the photo, it's not like I'm doing harm here...it's just for my drawing fix). Well, the image printed a little dark and I thought that Proxy's ear (that's the dog's name) was up a little more than it really was...by the time I realized it was a bookcase, I had already shaded way too darkly for it to be completely erased, and I was so far into the drawing that I really didn't want to have to start over...so I improvised. Hope it looks ok. Hope Shell likes it (I may or may not be drawing another picture of Proxy or another picture of a long haired red weenie dog looking really cute in some grass...I'm just saying.)

Anyway, I think that wraps up my over do update here on the blog...now if only I could get over to the website and update that too...hum...
***update***: the website has been updated!!! And also, the owner of Proxy, Shell, loves the drawing! Hehehe!!!! It's a great Friday! Bring on the weekend!

"Mosley"

One of my most favorite dogs on the planet! MOSLEY!!!

I don't know how, or why, but this dog is photogenically blessed. Any time I see pictures of this dog he looks happy, excited, and posed for the perfect picture. He's even greater in real life. Like a big muppet. His sister dog, Lola would agree- she thinks he's a big chew toy (drawings of Lola have not been created just yet, but there are a few in the works).

Mosley's awesome, I don't know what else to say...8.5" x 11" on printer paper, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B and 6B pencils were used.

This dog cracks me up...more drawings to follow...

"Abigail- Diva" and "Beau Bradley 2"

More goodness for the folks over at FunkyFinds.com

Jessica had a really cute picture of Abby on her Facebook page that I couldn't help drawing.
I was actually going to use this drawing and all of the ones that I post after this today, for the show last weekend, that I got rained out of. I didn't even want to risk setting up due to the fact that all of my drawings are on paper- even though they are protected with clear bags, I didn't want to take a chance of any water damaging any of them...call me over protective.

This one will be shipped out this weekend, along with the next drawing:




Beau Bradley take 2! The show last weekend was at Paw Paw's Dog House in Arlington Texas. I'm really sorry that we didn't even get to set up there, maybe next year (if this is a yearly thing), I'll be able to set up. I love dogs.

About this Beau Bradley drawing- how can you resist a cute lab relaxing? I couldn't, so I had to draw him.

Both drawings were completed on 8.5" x 11" printer paper using H, HB, 2B, 4B and 6B pencils.

More drawings to come!

"Glaser Girls"

My roommate Greg gave me a picture of his nieces to draw. His nieces are adorable!
This is them. (No I don't have the photo to compare the drawing to...I'm sort of failing at remembering to post the original photo, huh?)

Anyway, it's an 8.5"x 11" on white printer paper (isn't it always? Well not if I get my butt in gear and finish my latest creation- not from a photograph)

I used all of the pencils that I own for this one, 4H, 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B. I had a lot of fun drawing this one, and Greg said his family loved it. Woo Hoo!

More posts to follow...it's blog catch up day!

(P.S. those are not all of the pencils that I own, but they are the ones I carry with me all the time)

DFW Craft Shows

Hey kids,
my friend Tania over at the DFW Craft Shows blog is launching new sponsorship on the blog as well as a give away!
Feel free to click on the links above to read all about it, as well as to find out how you can enter to win the give away. It's a free custom drawing from your photograph from yours truly :) So if you have always wanted a hand drawn portrait but never got around to contacting me, nows your chance to win a FREE drawing.
So go ahead, go now to the DFW Craft Shows Blog and find out all about the goodness that's going on and how you can go about winning the give away...GO! NOW!!!

Paw Paw's Pooch Pow Wow

I've been drawing, just not posting them. I'm getting ready for this weekends art festival and dog adoption that A Shade Better Than Stick Figures will be setting up at on both Saturday April 17th and Sunday April 18th (weather permitting).

It's a doggie friendly event being held at Paw Paw's Dog House in Arlington Texas. There will be a bouncy house, a 50s themed costume contest (for the dogs! How cute is that?!), and over 30 independant vendors. Click here for more information on this weekends event at the Dog House. Click here for more information on Paw Paw's Dog House and what they are all about.

I've been drawing lots of dog pictures over the last few weeks, and have several more to go. I really do enjoy drawing animals...fur is so much fun to draw. Plus the dogs I'm drawing have such sweet faces. I'll be unveiling the new drawings this weekend at the show (not for sale, they are for people), and then updating the blog next week with the drawings. If you are interested in obtaining a one of a kind hand drawn portrait of your pet, please don't hesitate to contact me: ASBTSF@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about A Shade Better Than Stick Figures, please visit the website. (It hasn't been updated in awhile...so please be patient while I find the time to do that)

Above I mentioned "weather permitting"...that's because I looked today and the weather says thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday. I'm not excited about that. I do have a canopy to cover the booth, but am a little concerned with Texas "thunderstorms" because the wind likes to pick up...I may have to cover stuff if it starts blowing too hard, or raining too hard for that matter.

Hope to see all of you out there!

I WON I WON I WON!!!!!!

I never win anything! (ok, that may not be the truth, but it's few and far between when I win anything)

My friend Tania created this awesome website for craft shows- so all the crafting community in the DFW area can know when an application is due, or when a show is, or if a deadline has passed. It's very awesome that she did this. And as luck would have it...I WON! (seriously this was luck, because she used a program to pick the winner). Anyway you can read more details on the win here.

If you are a crafter or artist and want to spread the word maybe you should chat with Ms. Tania over at The Curious Cake Shoppe/DFW craft Shows. She's got some opportunities to spread the word about your craft/art(like with ad space) and a little birdie told me that if you donate some items to the drawings that she holds on DFW Craft Shows, she'll feature your company/work when she announces the winner of your item(s)...so hey- exposure! She featured us when I won, and The Curious Cake Shoppe because that's where the prize was from...so it's a win win, even if you don't donate, you should follow and participate!!!! FREE STUFF TO WIN!!!

How can this day get any better?!?!

FunkyFindsFeature!!!

Guess whose featured on the FunkyFinds.com blog today?

http://funkyfinds.blogspot.com/2010/04/shade-better-than-stick-figures.html

A Shade Better Than Stick Figures! Woo Hoo!!!!

Thanks FunkyFinds!!!!

"Sedona"

A cute little girl that belongs to one of my friends from High school. I saw it on her facebook page and couldn't resist drawing her.

It's the usual 8.5" x 11" paper with HB, B, 2B, 4B and 6B pencils.
The hat was a little difficult and definitely doesn't match the photo all that well, but it's close. I hope the little girl's mom likes the drawing.

Don't forget to check out the last post about the fan page contest on facebook!

Contest on the fan page!!!

No this isn't an April Fool's day joke. It just so happens to be the day that A Shade Better Than Stick Figures TM got 100 fans on facebook!!!
In honor of our first 100 fans (and still counting), we are going to be doing a contest on the fan page starting tomorrow and running thru the weekend. Details will be announced tomorrow morning on the fan page.
So if you aren't already a fan on facebook and you like contests, you can click on this link, or you can click on the handy facebook icon on the right side of the screen. Really it's not a contest, more of a give-away...but like I said, details will be on the fan page- so go quick! Become a fan before midnight on Sunday!!!

"Beau Bradley"

I'm on a dog drawing kick at the moment.

This here is Beau Bradley- doesn't he look like the most comfortable dog in the world? Makes you want to be a dog, doesn't it?

This was done on 8.5" x 11" paper, using 4B, 6B, B, and HB pencils.

Hopefully (if work will allow), I'll have a few more dog drawings to share this week (although if today was any indication as to how the rest of the week will go, I won't have any time)

I know I said I would post original photos with the drawings, but I just didn't have time to get it all together today (like I said...work was busy).
Hope Jessica and Joe like the drawing...as it's for them (much like the last one, Abigail Raine)

The blog looks great, huh?

Anyone notice anything different about the blog? hum? Only that it looks fantastic, right?
Yeah, that's because Joe from Funkyfinds.com was kind enough to help a girl out and fix my blog! He's awesome, and very quick! It's painless, I promise.
So if you are needing a blog rescue, you should really contact him. Click here for a price list and details for his services.
I'm over the moon with how my blog looks! Thanks Joe!!! You're the best! (He even blogged about my last drawing!)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

About the Open Air Market tomorrow

Due to unforeseen circumstances A Shade Better Than Stick Figures will be unable to set up at the Open Air Market in Grapevine TX at Cannon Elementary tomorrow. I'm sorry to all who planned on attending, hoping to see us. I encourage all of you to go and support the wonderful local craft and art community- I'm hoping to make an appearance at some point tomorrow to at least do a little shopping and to stop by and say hi to my pals Tania and Richard at The Curious Cake Shoppe. I hope that you all have fun on Saturday.
Stay tuned for more information on A Shade Better Than Stick Figures next show which will be April 17th and 18th. Details coming soon.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Surprise drawing

This is a surprise drawing for the awesome Jessica of FunkyFinds.com

I had so much fun at that show, and being that it was my first- how that day went determined whether I would ever do another show again...You know what? I'm doing more. (One tomorrow for instance...Cannon Elementary 9am-3pm in Grapevine TX)

Thank you Jessica for making my first experience in the craft show circuit amazing!

1st Annual Cannon Elementary Open-Air Market This Saturday!!!

Sorry for the late notice, but I really hope everyone can make it out- this weekend is supposed to be nice...

This Saturday A Shade Better Than Stick Figures, and our friends at The Curious Cake Shoppe will be setting up shops at the 1st Annual Open-Air market at Cannon Elementary:
1300 W. College
Grapevine, TX 76051

Lots of crafts and art will be found. Children's Clothing to hand made jewelry; home decor to fresh made grain foods; art work to diaper cakes (hehehe, see how I snuck that in there)...you'll have a lot for the eye to see. We are really looking forward to it, and hope to see you out there. Feel free to stop by and say hello! We'd love to say hi back!
The event will be open from 9am-3pm- ample time to check us out.

Stay tuned for more info on even more events that we will be at this year!