Challenge 19" Paper Cutter

My long awaited paper cutter is here! I was super lucky to find this baby on Ebay for a great price. I had to arrange to have it freighted from NJ to CA, but it turns out, it really was not as expensive as I had anticipated. My first preference for a paper cutter was a Challenge 26", but those guillotines are huge and my garage is begging for some free space. The 19" are hard to find because most people have space for this size cutter in their homes. The buyer included a steel stand with my cutter. I just need some big muscles to lift my cutter onto the stand from the palette. The condition is pretty good, signs of rust, blade is sharp. I may need to put this one down for a paint job!

Pugsley Sweater

It has taken a while to finish this project.. I kept putting it off to print.  I used Violet and Almond LionBrand Cotton Ease yarn. I had to make up the pattern as I could not find one for the style I was looking for: boat neck striped sweater. I love the victorian gothic look in the Addams Family( Pugsley's striped shirt) as well as American Mcgee's "Alice", sadistic video game. I am anticipating Disney's Alice in Wonderland, directed by the Master of Goth, Tim Burton. A Series of Unfortunate Events the movie is a great gothic visual delight to watch, especially the end motion graphic credits.

New Hair Cut

My partner in crime just got her hair cut today. She didn't like going there, but it was time. Look what they did to her hair... She looks like a cheerleader! Goooooo Bear!

Oopsies!

I have a few test prints that, when looked a certain way, can be artful. Sometimes colors from previous print jobs work well with others that I have printed. It can spark some creativity when looking at things in a different perspective.

Update: Just finished up some holiday gift tags. Waiting one some dies made for my holiday cards. I am also a little P.O.'d that the antique corner rounder I was winning on ebay literally got taken from my fingers at the very LAST second! I was hoping to get that corner rounding machine in time to post my holiday gift tags on etsy. boo hoo.

Gothic Lust

A few of my friends are celebrating big birthdays this year. I decided to give them handmade gifts- personalized stationery, each with colors and the look that best fit their personas. Fingers crossed they don't read my post before I give it to them! If you are interested in giving someone a personalized, unique gift, check out my shop!

Vintage Gothic and Lust

Blossom

I know a few people having babies this year. I did a Baby suite called "Blossom", consisting of a custom baby shower invite, announcement, and thank you notes. All can be custom ordered with coordinating colors!  I like this suite because it's simple and "suite"!

Here's a boy version

Washington State

Just came back from a trip to Seattle, Wa. Fresh air, REI flagship store, subarus, and rain! The rain part really was not that horrible. It made everything clean and new. I'd say Washington is a great place for peace and quiet. Good for that creative inspiration . Never made it to Forks, Wa, home of the Twilight Saga. I was disappointed. So close yet so far away. There are about 460 Starbucks Coffee stores in the state of Washington alone. (I prefer the Yerba Matte Tea from Tullys, sorry Starbucks, you gotta have the Yerba!) Here are some pics from my trip. Fresh seafood, produce and northwestern animals! That wolverine doesn't look so vicious!

El Monstro

I have known Ruben a.k.a. El Monstro for over 5 years. We've worked together, sat across from each other and even shared HUGE work loads together. A very inspiring illustrator and designer, Ruben's artwork is very custom, bright in color and created with precision. ( I have seen first hand how Ruben illustrates and designs- VERY precise) He has even made Licensed products seem very customized! These are a few of my favorite pieces from his site!

 *photo credit: El Monstro 

Custom Me

For a LONG time I could not decide on a "look" for myself as an artist. This year I have created Blushing Pearl and have been in the process of designing a cohesive look. I printed these business cards and personal stationery to show my etsy fans that I can also create THEIR look as well. I already have plans to update my look, again! *sigh

Niark Color Wheel

I came across this artist while browsing through Twitter. Niark, a french graphic designer and illustrator from Paris, France. His pieces are intense and very detailed, using bright colors and abstract shapes. Color combos sparked inspiration for my future website look.

*photo credit: webdesignerdepot