Allison's Custom Painting

I wanted to share the large illustration that I finished for a client, Allison, before leaving for Mexico. It's a custom piece that had a place of honor in her Day of the Dead ofrenda, devoted to her sister. Her sister is the winged figure floating above the family. The family features Allison, her husband, their cat and Great Dane. It took about 17 hours to complete and lots of love!



Check out this dress!! I went a little crazy on the embellishments....



Her sister emerging from a rose...



Their kitty, Ahab!

Happy "Dia de los Muertos"!

Hello, friends! Today is Day of the Dead, a special day to remember our loved ones that are no longer with us. It's not intended to be a sad day though, but a festive day, a celebration in their memory. Ironically enough, I have been selected to show for Jury Duty at the Courthouse today. Not how I wanted to spend this special day....*sigh*.

I hope everyone had a fun Halloween! My boyfriend, Dave, and I had a great day, running around as a Luchador (Mexican wrestler) and La Catrina (a popular Day of the Dead lady figure). Dave had it easy, he merely had to throw on a mask and tux. I spent a couple hours with extremely frustrating face makeup...I have a new found respect for makeup artists! Our bathroom looked like a paintball fight had occurred. It was worth it though, Catrina was a wicked fun costume!

Later that evening, we stayed in and passed out 8 bags of candy to about 200+ kiddos. We carved a pumpkin, watched "Night of the Living Dead", and had Chinese food delivered. A perfect day!

Alternative Christmas...

I love the Holidays, all the way from Halloween through New Year's Eve. It's my favorite time of the year! I don't even mind the Christmas commercials, and Christmas tunes in every store you walk into. I also love Holiday decorations and gift wrap, even the cheesy kind! Sigh...there's just no hope for me.
That said though, I do also like alternative options for the holiday season. Obviously, I don't find sugar skulls creepy-I find the vibrant colors fun and festive. So, if you're like me, you may enjoy my newly created gift tags. I think they would be great for jazzing up gifts or even hanging on the Christmas tree! A traditionalist may not appreciate their charm next to the jolly santas and reindeer, but hey, to each their own! ;) You can find them flying about in my Etsy shop!

Mexico!

Hola friends! I have returned from my vacation on the sandy shore of Puerto Vallarta! It rained a couple days, but it was mostly beautiful there. Also, who cares about rain, when you can spend the day shopping in the amazing art markets? I brought home some papier mache dolls, that they only offer around the time of Dia de los Muertos. One is a lovely girl, named Rosaura (it's painted right on her body)-isn't that a cool name? She features hand painted flowers and glitter, and even little earrings. The other doll I purchased is a tiny green devil! He has horns, a tail, and a flowery body with wings. I couldn't resist his clawed toes, lol!


I visited a great gallery too, owned by a charming Canadian man. He gave my Mom and I a detailed history of Mexican folk art. I was in heaven! I purchased a hand carved, sacred heart that is covered in milagros (religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes and as votive offerings).


My last piece to show is a wood leopard or cheetah (not sure, he's kind of a combo). I can't believe someone carved this out of a single piece of wood. The painted detail is really stunning on him.


My family and I visited a candy shop, where I snapped some pics of candy altars for Dia de los Muertos. Ooohhh, sparkly!


Here's an interesting mix of old and new Mexico, a tattoo shop by a church!


I really enjoyed having some down time on the beach, just lazing about, eating, and reading. I drank enough Mexican Coke to last me awhile. :) The trips to the markets and walking through the streets were really inspiring. It's always refreshing to immerse yourself in other cultures and their art. November is going to be a big month, preparing for a 3 week long art bazaar and getting more in my Etsy shop for the Holiday season (although I know many people are already well into their Christmas shopping-not procrastinators like me). I hope the fresh inspiration fuels my new pieces!

Angelito Candlesticks

Here's my last eBay piece that will be arriving before "Day of the Dead" (Nov.2nd). I'm leaving for Mexico in less than a week-so excited!
I think these little guys would be really cool with burning candles, flanking an altar or fireplace mantle. This listing is only a 5 day, check it out here!

Hooray, October Jewelry Giveaway!

Well, I've been threatening to have my next giveaway for awhile, and it's finally here! ;)

This giveaway is for some of my new jewelry featuring my original art, and there will be 2 winners! The first item is a "Zombie Girl" necklace, on gunmetal chain with black, glass beads. Just in time for Halloween! The second item is a "Sugar Skull Gypsy" ring, the base is silver plated and adjustable. Just in time for Day of the Dead! I would really love some feedback in designing new jewelry, and would love your opinion. So, to enter, please answer the following 3 questions:

1.What length necklace do you prefer to wear? CHOKER (close to the neck), MID-CHEST (but above cleavage), or LONG (hanging anywhere from cleavage down to mid-torso).

2.Do you prefer a CHUNKY style necklace (bigger chain links and beads) or DELICATE (thin chain and smaller beads)?

3.What image are you more likely to wear? DAY OF THE DEAD (sugar skulls and such), TRADITIONAL TATTOO (swallows, peacocks, mermaids, gypsies), or ZOMBIE FUN (an example is the necklace in this giveaway).

If you follow my blog OR start following my blog, you'll be entered twice. If you Tweet about this giveaway, Facebook it, or blog about it-you'll be entered an additional time for each link. The winners will be chosen at random from a magical hat. ;) This giveaway will end on Friday, October 16th. Please leave a way for me to contact you, in case you are one of the winners! This giveaway is open to my International friends, too. Thank you in advance for entering and for your feedback!

What Tha?

So awhile ago, I had a giveaway to help name our new kitten. She's gotten bigger, and look at what she's up to now!