"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

Gypsy Moon

My newest Hex sign! (click here to see my earlier post on the history of Hex signs)


This one features a traditional tattoo gypsy, surrounded by the cycles of the moon. I like her deep colors, and she has a mysterious feel to her. A little witchy meets Halloween meets fortune teller! ;) She measures 12" in diameter, and will be available at the Pecan St. Festival in Austin.