For Starters

This is going to be a multi-part blog. I'm going to start with the stuff I did last week in a couple of posts.
This is from a photo that David took in 2009 at the Texas Thaw at the drag strip in Denton Texas.
It was freezing that day, so I'm glad this years was a lot warmer.
Anyway, this is an 8.5" x 11" on white inkjet printer paper.
I used HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B to complete this drawing.
It's been a little while since I did a car, so it was a little hard to get back into the swing of things, but I think overall it turned out pretty good.
What do you think?

Funky finds spring fling!!!!

Don't forget tomorrow (Saturday the 13th) is the Funky Finds Spring Fling in Ft. Worth Texas!!!!

That's right, my first arts and crafts show- I have plenty of prints and a ton of original art work for sale...I also have plenty of business cards if you aren't ready to buy what I have on hand but might consider having me do a drawing for you at a later date. Also I have buttons for people who stop by my booth and say that you saw my blog :)

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



I hope to see you all out there! Don't be shy, come say hi! I'm next to The Curious Cake Shoppe- we'll be in the almost dead center of the building...and Gonzo will be helping me, so you can meet him as well.

Woo Hoo!!!! (Ok, time for bed now)

Is it Saturday yet?

There's less than a week to go...3.5 days left exactly before the Funky Finds Spring Fling, and while I feel like I have almost everything ready to go, I know I am totally going to forget something on the morning of the show...and this event is not close to my house. It's like 30 miles or more away. gonzo may make fun of me for making check lists, but let me tell you- I don't want to forget anything for this show!
Anyway. I'm reporting in today to let you know that I have new stuff to share with everyone, but I'm holding off until after Saturday and after the maddness.
Did you know this weekend is that whole "spring ahead" with the clocks thing? Seriously? I think I might cry. I heard it on the news this morning in my pre-corn flakes and banana's groggy mind- phase and thought I mis-understood them, but then they carried on a 10 minute discussion of not changing the clocks this time and that they would be fired because they would then be late to work- after the weatherman said they would be an hour early if they didn't partake in the changing of the clocks...I was not amused. So I'll be super tired come Monday...but I will have new stuff to share. Promise.
So please, if you are in Ft. Worth this Saturday between 9am and 3pm, you should really come and hang out at my booth...or one of the other 120 vendors that will be there (but seriously stop on by and let me know that you've heard of A Shade Better Than Stick Figures- I might give you a free button (I only have 35 of them though, so you know...show up early?)). It's at the Will Rogers Center in Ft. Worth...in the poultry barn- if that makes sense...here's the link again: http://funkyfinds.us/springfling/2010/ Are you ready for it to be Saturday yet? (a collective yes was just heard because everyone is sick of the promoting already...I promise- you may hear this one more time on Thursday afternoon or Friday and then just a recap of how it went...then no more, ok? ok.)

March is coming in like a lion!

Does that saying even hold up in the state of Texas? I know it did in Wisconsin, but whatever. I'm really getting tired of this weather not being able to make up it's mind. This weekend was in the 60s here and today it's in the 40s and raining...so sick of this- my sinuses will thank you weather when you make up your mind (just please don't make up your mind to be 110 degrees with 100% humidity...that's all I ask).

I do want to apologize for the lack of blogging, or showing pictures recently. I don't know if I have any readers out there like me, who tend to wonder what could have possibly happened to the author of the blog when there hasn't been a post in over a week...or a month...or over the last few months. There's some blogs that I read that I personally know the author and know that they are usually busy- or just don't care to update every day or what not...and then there's other authors who I don't know personally who religiously updated daily and then dropped off the blogging-universe for a month and that makes me wonder what happened to them- if they are ok, or if they are ever coming back to type something again. My imagination is a little crazy sometimes.

Anyway. I haven't dropped off the blogging-universe. I've been getting everything together for the Funky Finds Spring Fling which is less than 2 weeks away. I have to be honest. I will be very thankful when this event is over. It's been way more involved than I think it should have been for getting ready for it. I hope that it goes well, and that I at least meet some cool people...maybe sell a drawing or two.
To destress from all the crazy, I've been knitting an afghan. I'm about 1/2 way done with the thing and can't wait for it to be completely done. All of my other knitting projects and drawing projects have taken a back seat to the afghan. When it's done I'll post pictures...but hopefully I'll get some drawings done before then so you can have something pretty or interesting to look at instead of words to read :)

**Update**- I spoke with Gonzo last night and he has never heard of the phrase "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" or vice versa...apparently that's a Wisconsin thing. Sometimes I really miss that state.

300th post- and a baby drawing to boot!

300 posts! Wow! I can't believe I have that many...crazy.

I don't have a whole lot to comment on this drawing...like, I have no idea whose kid this is, or how the person who gave me the photo is related to the baby...or how old the baby is...or any of the usual information people usually give me.
A co-worker of mine, asked how much I charge and before I even spit the reply out he handed me a picture of this adorably cute baby with mass amount of wrinkles and a cute old man face. Totally adorable. And a super fast draw, it only took a total of about 2.5 hours to complete.
I gave the drawing to my co-worker this morning and he didn't even look at it- just ran it to his truck and came back in to work- so I have NO IDEA if he even likes it or approves of it. Sometimes that's frustrating. I just want people to be happy with their drawings- that takes just a few small seconds of looking at the drawing and getting a first impression of it...if your first impression is you like it- then awesome! If your first impression is something is wrong- then there probably is something wrong...so let me know, so I can make it better.

Ah well, 300th post and it just so happens that I had a hand drawn portrait for ye fine folks. (yes I said "ye")
Thanks to everyone who has been reading the blog. Your peepers are much appreciated!!! Now go tell some more people to stop on by and read it :)

Pirate in color

Since the last post was such a hit (sarcasm), I thought I would post this bad boy.

He's finally in color. I'm not sure how I feel about him. Extremely glad that he's somewhat completed. Still thinking of ways to tweek the image though.

I lost track of how long I had been working on him as I stopped and did other things because I was getting frustrated.

Seriously though. This time someone please leave a comment as to whether or not you like him or don't like him or have suggestions as to something I could change or a different color to use or something. I feel like the last one just sank in the water (no pun intended)- and I really wanted some feed back as all of this color stuff could end up as prints and I don't want to waste the money making them if no one likes it.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks!

Head Above Water

So this is what I've been working on today. Caused by the inspiration from yesterday. It looked way cooler as just a pencil sketch, but without any shadows it was hard to tell what was going on.

For those of you who still can't see it- it's a girl in the water...you can only see the top of her head and her hair. I know, it's a little difficult to see.

Let me know what you think, as I would like some constructive criticism to improve on my work in Photoshop.

I think I went a little overboard with the highlighted dots, they looked really cool on her face and hair, so I started adding them to the water and I think...well...I just over-did-it.

Again, any criticisms would be awesome.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

inspiration

Lately I have been doing everything I can to not do what I should be doing...awesome, huh? Yeah, well I just got an awesome visual slap across the face to wake myself up.
I've been painting the Pirate- although not at all this week. Why? I don't know...bored maybe? I'm just not feeling it. So instead of starting on a completely different drawing to paint (in Photoshop mind you, I have no patience for drying of paints...actually I do, I just don't have the space to do it in right now-so I make excuses)- I pick up a book; I knit (you know, on an afghan that isn't even 1/2 way done right now); I surf new apps for my iPhone; I play solitare...watch tv...work out...space out. WHY can't I just get motivated?!?
...I received an email from Kidrobot today and clicked on one of the images, just for fun (and to put off doing anything artistic...)- I hadn't ordered anything from them in a long time...but I wanted to see what I was missing out on. I surfed their site for a few minutes and found the new Sam Flores vinyl...which was obviously sold out because of it's awesomeness. So in the wake of being devistated that I missed out on yet another beautiful piece by him I google searched his name and found this: http://www.upperplayground.com/blog/sam_flores his blog.
Thus the visual slap in the face.
Awesome.
I want to paint like he does.
I want ideas that would be as awesome as his.
So what next? Well, the sketchbook is in my hand (the computer is at home, so that'll have to wait)...but art it is.
Thanks Sam Flores for the inspirational slap in the face, I needed that.

so what's new?

So, it's almost been a week since the caterpillar in color post and I thought I would let you all know that I am now coloring the Pirate that I did the outline of back in December (the same day as the original caterpillar drawing) in Photoshop for your viewing pleasure. I'm kind of having fun and getting the hang of painting in photoshop (finally), so I'll probably start doing more of those this year (since I haven't really drawing any realistic drawings lately).
I started one on Monday- I drew the outline for it and scanned it in. I'm waiting to be done with the Pirate before I start on it, as I'm really looking forward to doing the other one and if I stear away from the pirate now, it'll never get done.
Good times people...good times!

Happy Wednesday!

Caterpillar in Technicolor! Ooooh Aaaahhh...

WARNING: Don't smoke...it's bad for you, causes cancer, and makes your lungs feel bad...not to mention you stink...so...just don't smoke.

Oh yes, I finished it. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I've been working on this for 17+ hours this week just to finish up. I'm still not 100% satisfied with it, but hey, at least I don't hate it.

But I can't stress enough- don't smoke ok? Just because I drew him smoking doesn't mean it's cool...I mean look at him. All bloated and one eyed and one arm is pretty much rendered useless- just barely holding onto one of the hookah pipe pieces...I mean it's nuts. I even heard that shortly after the completion of this the caterpillar actually died from inhaling...true story. So don't smoke. (Did I mention that smoking makes you stink? If not I really mean to make that a solid point)

Alright. There he is...and a little birdie told me he might actually be up for print sales come March...keep checking the blog, the website, and you'll have to come see him in person at the Funky Finds Spring Fling in March...

the lost photos

If you could see what I'm holding in my hand at this very moment you would know what the scarf looks like...but alas, I'm slightly not with it and took a picture of the scarf, with my phone, and put it in my knitbuddy app...I thought it was on my camera roll, but it's not...so I have no picture of the scarf to show you.

It's 2 shades of grey. I casted on 40 sts...then I knit every row. With the dark color I knited 30 rows, then switched to the lighter grey for 26 rows, then back to the dark grey for 30, etc. etc.

But I did manage to take a picture of the mittens with my phone and email it to myself since my phone doesn't like me to update blogger...

I knitted them a size Large in Mens. The pattern I found online, but it was from like 1950 something and photocopied and uploaded...and it was for using 2 needles instead of knitting in the round (I hate making mittens that have a seam)- so I worked from the 1950s pattern, but changed it up to fit my needs. If anyone is interested in that pattern (knitting in the round- mens large mittens) shoot me an email: ASBTSF@gmail.com, or leave a comment and I'll be happy to post the pattern for all to see.

I actually think I'm going to use this pattern to make mittens from now on...even for women with large hands, these were roomy mittens and super warm (wool...mmm...warmth). I know it looks like there is a giant ladder in the right mitten, but I assure you, it's just folded (it was in my backpack all day)...there is a ladder in the left one, and I think there was a very small one in the right one (palm side-not pictured)...I get so excited knitting with double pointed needles that I forget to check the tension when switching to the next needle...it's cool, they weren't that horrible, and the person they were for loved them.

Today I'm actually giving my hands a rest (and the knitting needles), so I've been working on coloring in my caterpillar in photoshop (which technically is only giving my left hand a rest).

On a side note, I really love wacom tablets (which I use for Photoshop and Sketchbook pro goodness), but a few weeks ago (pre surgery) I went to a camera store that was giving a demonstration on the Wacom Cintiq...I fell in love, and now it's really hard to want to draw with my wacom...when with the Cintiq you can draw directly on the screen, you can even tilt the screen, and rotate it, or set it in your lap like a sketchbook and just DRAW...OMG I'm in love with the Cintiq...maybe I'll win the lottery soon and buy myself one. I just couldn't get over how awesome it was...and it wasn't even so much the screen as it was the pressure sensitive pen. You control how dark your strokes are, it was amazing. I could see actually drawing a portrait in photoshop with that, instead of on paper- that's how amazing this thing was. Ah...man. One day I'll have one.

End of rant. Hope everyone who has today off is enjoying it; and those of us who have to work, I hope we are getting lots accomplished...

CHRISTMAS UPDATES WITH PICTURES!!!!

I'm so excited that heading is all in Caps! HAHAHAHA! ok, sorry.
So first off, let me just say that I completely dropped the ball and forgot to take pictures of these really cool little knitted ornaments that I made from patterns. They were cute and quick to knit up, but it was so tiny that I only made 7 total to give out, because my hands would hurt too much after knitting them to make any more.

I know I have posted pictures of some of this stuff prior to now, but wanted to share them again because I'm so excited!!! (not really, I'm putting off working on a scarf that I'm pretty sure is causing me arthritis in my hands right now)

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My brother's girlfriend, Blair, wanted me to make her a pair of "Bella" mittens after she saw mine in October (mine are pictured to the left)...I made her's in black, and once again forgot to take pictures...but they look an awful lot like these.

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I'm fairly sure that I've posted this picture before, but I could be wrong...this was while I was in the middle of making knitted poop for all of my relatives...It ended up I only made 4...2 went to my parents and the other two went to Gonzo's sister and brother-in-law. I really wish I would have taken pictures of these because I wrapped them in toilet paper and sealed them with smiling poop stickers that I got from Zazzle.com...they were hilarious.

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My awesome friend Tania, received this little guy. The Loch Ness Monster, because when I saw the pattern in a book I immediately thought of her (I don't know why exactly)- but she loved it, so that was a win. He was so easy to knit up that I'm thinking of making a second one for a different friend that would equally appreciate it.
Although my fingers would appreciate it if I never attempted it again (blisters from tight knitting!)

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And now everyone can tilt their heads to the left (hehehe, sorry). I made bottle cap coasters for a bunch of people (some people still don't know they are receiving one yet)...my birthday present from a few people was a vase full of bottle caps- so I decided to give back. They were not all that easy to make, so I'm not sure that this will be a long lasting craft that I stick with (past the use of the bottle caps I currently have).


At the time of making these I was using a center punch (which killed my hand to use), wire, needle nosed pliers and foam to put on the bottom of the caps so they don't scratch anyones coffee tables. Cheap to make, but rough on the hands. I now have a Dremel tool, so it should be much easier. ____________________________________________________

Do not adjust your screens, this is extremely blurry, so let me describe it for you, huh?

I kept seeing these bottlecap magnets at craft shows, and found a "tutorial" online (I use the word tutorial loosely- it basically told what kind of glue to use and that was about it). I found the never-been-used bottle caps on Amazon.com then I cut up an old 2000 map/atlas with different places that I thought people would like (this one says "Austin" it's for Gonzo); and I used those 1/2 glass marbles that you find in the floral section of hobby stores- the clear ones that some people put in the bottom of vases- it give it this cool magnified look. And round magnets that are rated "6" in strength (they are STRONG!)

Some people received places on maps, other's received things pertaining to their personal businesses...other's just received used bottle caps with a magnet glued to the back...you know, whatever.
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And lastly. I still haven't met up with my friend to give her the present yet, but I figure she doesn't check out my blog too often so I'll post it anyway (if you read this May, you are spoiling your surprise)
I learned how to make Kanzashi flowers.
Last spring we had gone to a Dallas Etsy show and there was a girl selling Kanzashi flowers for your hair- I had never seen them before. May stopped and almost bought one but opted to buy something else at another booth and we never went back. I was dumb enough to not grab a business card- and then when I went to look up "folder fabric flowers" on Etsy I was bombarded with search results....all of them beautiful, but also extremely expensive...I was never able to find that particular person who was selling them at the show- so I opted to figure out how to make them myself. They were tricky and these are the only ones that I have done so far. Those aren't even finished in this picture. The dark blue and pink ones are finished now, complete with hair clips...but yeah.

I think I learned my lesson for next Christmas- attempting to make presents for everyone is a full time job- and I just don't have the time. I like making things for people all year long, not having to tell people "sorry I'm making something for Christmas I can't work on that right now" when it's July. So next year...probably not so much hand made stuff. Sorry!

"Cory and Eden"

Finally!!!

Here is the drawing that I did for Holly's husband for Christmas. She let me know that he loved it and it is hanging in their house.

It's 8 1/2" x 11"; white paper; 2B, HB, and 4B pencils were used.

That was the only drawing I did for Christmas last year- so there isn't much else to post, except some other crafty things...I'll be taking pictures of them and posting them in the coming days. (I have to figure out how to do that from my phone...updates will happen more often that way).

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

recovering

Hi kids! (and I mean that in an affectionate friendly way, not in a demeaning way) I'm back at work, which means my recovery from crazy freak show surgeries is on the way to being complete. However I'm on "no heavy lifting" restrictions, which means I can't haul my laptop to work and upload anything cool right now.
"But why won't you upload when you get home from work and can leave a laptop on the couch next to you and not lift it at all?" you ask?
well, because I'm pretty tired when I get home from work. I can manage a shower, and turning the tv on, and after that I'm pretty useless. Actually tonight after work I have to make a yarn store run and possibly pop in to any grocery store near by to pick up some V8 Splash Berry Blend. My friend Tania dropped it off to me while I was in the hospital and I tried it and fell in love with it. I was terrified that it was going to have a carrot/tomatoe-y taste to it like V8 anything else does (it's been a few years since I've tried V8, I'm not a fan of drinking my veggies)- and the Berry Blend tastes all fruit to me. It was delicious...I'm hoarding the last cup full right now, until I get another bottle of the stuff, then I'll probably down the hoarded cup and get another one right away!
Anyway. So yeah. I'm actually not sure when I'll post again. I promised someone emergency mittens (because it's supposed to be 13 degrees in North Texas on Saturday at some time), and a scarf...so I have to get on that asap...then I'll post.
I forgot to take pictures of most of the presents I gave away at Christmas time...so I'll just have to describe them for you at a later date...and then there's some that I did take pictures of, but I haven't seen everyone to give them their gifts yet so I can't post them yet...ahhh...am I making any sense?
Geez, surgery...I'm glad that's done.

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 :)