"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

Black May Giveaway! CLOSED

Well, May is not really black, it's lush and green with Spring. However, this little beauty I'm giving away is painted black, and I thought it seemed a fitting title. ;) Allow me to present, "Gothic Graciela"...





This sugar skull has been completely hand cut from wood and hand painted. She's my original, hand crafted design from start to finish. She's completely blinged out with crystal embellishments and a small cross. She meaures 7" tall x 5" wide x .75" thick. Her sides and back are painted black. She has a sawtooth hanger for easy placement, and is signed on the back by the artist (me). She's protected with sealant for gloss and a lasting vibrancy (although, she's designed for indoor use only). Do you have a special spot for her, she is looking for a new home!

It's simple to enter! Leave a comment on this post stating if you do any or all of the things listed below (Those that already follow my blog or Facebook page will be entered for each, but please still comment on this post):

*Start following my blog for one entry.
*Become a fan on Facebook (badge on left side of my blog) for one entry.
*Sign up for my new Newsletter (upper right corner of my blog) for one entry.
*If you Tweet about this giveaway, Facebook it, or blog about it-you'll be entered an additional time for each link.

The winner will be chosen at random from a magical hat. ;) This giveaway will end on Monday, May 17th. 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!

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!