"Mexican Paper Cut" or "Papel Picado" Sugar Skulls

Over 2 years ago, I went through a creative burst where I couldn't stop painting wood skull wall hangings. I had so much fun creating the characters in my head, and my sweet husband was constantly cutting these shapes in our garage for me. Like most of my projects though, I moved on to a new inspiration. Hmmm, maybe like a child with a new toy? I played with them, then cast them aside and found a new interest (I'm constantly doing this with my art projects). The other day, I discovered a stack of blank skull pieces, and I was hit with new inspiration! 

These guys were inspired by Mexican paper cuts (known as Papel Picado in Spanish). I absolutely adore the paper banners and designs from 
Mexico, and I decided to incorporate them into my wall hangings. It was fun to get back to painting these! They are newly listed in my Etsy shop here.

Here are some lovely images of traditional Mexican paper cuts:

                                                          Photo by Claire Montgomerie @ Monty       

                                                                       Paper cut photos courtesy of Peacay

Nocturnal Tattoo Series

I just completed a mini series of nocturnal creatures, and I'm pretty happy with them! They were inspired by requests I received for a wolf and bat created in my style. The wolf request was nearly 2 years ago, yep, it takes me awhile to get to these things! Yeesh. The bat request was just a couple months ago, that's an improvement in my delivery speed! Needless to say, I finally was able to complete a few inspired pieces from my "future creations" list:

BAT

WOLF

OWL  

Did I leave out any nocturnal creature you'd like to see? I had someone suggest a possum, those are cute in a "rodents of unusual size" kind of way...not sure I can envision how that would be illustrated though. Also had a dragon suggested, but perhaps will save that for a fantasy series. Day of the Dead dragon, unicorn, and Pegasus anyone? ;)

"Amor Eterno" Valentine Giveaway!! - CLOSED

Yaaayyyy, giveaway time! Up for grabs is my newest 8" x 10" print, "Amor Eterno":




How to enter:

Please leave a comment on this post stating who your valentine will be this year, or whom you'd like your dream valentine to be! Mine will be my sweetie, Dave (although, my new puppy, Edward, may replace him this year, lol!). :) Also, if you do any or all of the things listed below, you'll gain additional entries (Those that already follow the sites below will be entered for each, but please still comment on this post that you do):

*Start following my blog for one entry.
*Become a fan of Illustrated Ink on Facebook for one entry (I'm also having a separate giveaway on Facebook for a print!)
*If you Tweet about this giveaway or blog about it-you'll be entered an additional time for each link (please limit these to 4 links).

The winner will be chosen at random from a magical hat. ;) This giveaway will end on Friday, February 3rd. Please leave a way for me to contact you, in case you are the winner! This giveaway is open to my International friends, too. Thank you in advance for entering!

Wedding Cake Topper

I was asked to paint a "Day of the Dead" cake topper for the sweetest couple, and they shared these pics with me. The cake looks awesome, right? That design is over the top, and it looks so tasty!

New Pretties...

My long time friend, Laurie, is coming for a visit tomorrow! In preparation for her visit, knowing I won't be able to paint for a few days, I've been trying to get some new pieces in my Etsy shop. I'm torn between taking time off and having fun with her, and the fact that I have so many new ideas that I want to create! I'm a bit of a workaholic when it comes to Illustrated Ink, so it's probably best that I'm forced to take a breather. :) Here are my newest pieces:


Vintage "Day of the Dead" Cake Topper


"Sugar Skull Gypsy" Wood Cut-Out

I also may be having the return of my jewelry, but this time featuring glass pendants with sterling silver bails. A little more delicate than my previous pieces, and good quality for an affordable price. It's under consideration, and I will keep you posted!

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!

Making of a Sugar Skull Mask

I purchased my papier mache skull from the Halloween section at my local Michael's craft store.
I started making my mask by painting the base with a coat of acrylic black paint. You can choose any color of the rainbow, get creative!



Next, I started on the detail with a pretty lavender-I love the way this particular color looks on black. Decorate around the eye sockets, and you can paint the forehead with pretty flowers, birds, or whatever you choose!



I added some white to make it pop! Don't forget to add the teeth!



Lastly, I added elastic cord, threaded with a needle to allow it to be worn as a mask. You can also use ribbon, punctured and tied through the sides of the mask.



Finished! Hmmm, the mask is pretty-but I look scary! Yikes!

New Pieces!

I've been holed up in my studio for the last few days creating some new pieces for my booth on S.Congress. These are just some select pieces, I've created more. :)

First, my homage to the the cupcake, complete with wings and sprinkles. This is "Cupcake Consuela", she has sparkly sockets and cherries on her cheeks.



Next, this is a cool vintage, ceramic cherub that I gave a new life to. He's holding a small pot which could be used for a candle or flowers.



Last, but not least...a sugar skull cross. This one was inspired by my love for skeleton keys! He's holding a skeleton key in his teeth, and below him is a flaming sacred heart with a lock.




If you dig these, come see me on SOCO this weekend, the 9th and 10th. If you don't live in Austin, but are interested in one of these, contact me for more pics and info, I'm always happy to ship.:) Back to work I go!

"Mano de Maria" (Hand of Mary)

I've just listed this ceramic, ring holder on eBay! I really like the contrast between the beauty of the rose in the palm, and the skeletal death on the back of the hand. I think this piece would be wicked fun for a jewelry merchant to display their wares-something unique! I'm offering free shipping and bidding starts at only $9.99!
It's stunning in person, you won't be disappointed. ;-)