La Sirena

My newest print for sale in my Etsy store! I was inspired by the Mexican loteria card, "La Sirena". Of course, I gave her the "Dia de los Muertos" makeover! Click here to buy!

New Goodies!

I've been loving the new toys I got for Christmas and my birthday, I was spoiled! I received an AMAZING new printer, that makes vibrant, crisp prints of my artwork-so now I'm able to offer quality prints of my work! I also received a little gadget that allows me to make laminated magnets and stickers of my images-very fun! I have a wicked "Dia de los Muertos" magnet set in my Etsy store. One of my favorite new items!



I've also started offering postcards of my original paintings in my Etsy store. I'm very pleased with how they turned out, I think they'll definitely add some flavor to the mail! I just added a roller derby girl set, but the "Wicked Beauties" set offers the biggest variety.



Lastly, aside from creating my new goodies, I've started a commissioned painting for a fellow Austinite, Amanda. I'm very excited about this piece, it's going to be full of color, calaveras, animals, flowers, and amor! I will post the completed piece.;-)

I've had my hands full with new projects, so I won't be listing again on eBay for awhile. I hope to do more local shows this year. I've been contacted by a few eBayers, and I appreciate the love.:-) Please look for new stuff from me in my Etsy store, and feel free to contact me (through my website, eBay, or Etsy) with any requests. Back to work...well, it's really more like play! ;-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm looking forward to 2009, as I think it will be a good year for Illustrated Ink. I have many new ideas that I can't wait to get started on! I always love the feeling of a fresh start that a new year brings. I hope to do more festivals this year and I'm going to put more time and love into my Etsy store. Here's to a rockin' 2009!!

Time for a change...

*Sigh* I think my love affair with plaster is cooling off. When I first started casting pieces in late Spring, it was all so new and exciting! Now, it seems that the market has become so saturated, even I'm getting weary from seeing all the plaster "Dia de los Muertos" pieces. I will still be making my skull candle holders, because I love giving them each their own personality. I will also add an occasional, different plaster piece here and there. Just a little less than before, because I'm feeling a desire to return to my original love...WOOD! Yes, functional wood pieces and paintings. So, to begin my transition to my new, but old passion, I've created a bread box (in "Dia de los Muertos" theme, of course!). It's on eBay at the moment, and I've been busy creating both wood and plaster pieces this week. I'm off to get back to it....

Springtime in November!

This week, I was inspired to create pieces that are reminiscent of Spring. This is my first flower pot, it's made of clay and is painted with vibrantly colored skulls.



I also created a skull candle holder that features honey bees and wildflowers.



Both pieces are listed on eBay, a little something to remind you of Springtime during the coming Winter chill!

Senorita Muerte

I saved a "Southern Belle" from her kitschy fate and gave her a new life as "Senorita Muerte". I'm very pleased with her transformation, and I just listed her on eBay this evening. I think she'd make a beautiful altar piece. I almost kept her for myself. ;-)

Before:



After:

Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead is quickly approaching (Nov. 2nd), and I've been quite busy creating custom sugar skulls and various decorative pieces. I'm hoping to create an altar in memory of my Grandfather this year. To create your own traditional altar, you'll need: a photo of your departed loved one, a food offering (their favorite food perhaps), candles, marigold flowers, and a sugar skull (often these skulls will feature the loved ones name). However, your altar is personal, and you can have whatever you'd like. It's about your memories and what brings you closest to your loved one. I've added a link to a video that shows some very large altars, and explains the meaning behind "Dia de los Muertos":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIriLTyoaC0