Whew! What?

Where on earth does time go? Why is the sky blue?

December is almost through, and I'm ashamed to say the blog has been a bit neglected! My previous post was accurate: December ended up being a runaway train, composed of gift-making, endless parties and some big life changes as well. Everything for the better! While excited, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly overwhelmed and extremely exhausted. But, given that the holidays are finally past us, I can now share a a few of the things that have been keeping me busy. They'll be up shortly, probably after the new year.

A short list of some of my favorite things in the world right now:

-The veggie supreme burrito at El Zarape
-Winter coats
-CiTR's Nardwuar radio show
-Thee lovely raccoon hat
-Staring at my feet
-Herman Dune:




In unrelated news, I was forced to buy my cat a $30 litter box today. I say forced because there are not a whole lot of options available in the way of poop boxes if you have any design aesthetic. Anyway, it's made of stainless steel. I think he'll enjoy it. Probably not as much as this drawing I did of him enjoying it though:



That's all for now. See ya real soon!

Editing.

Hi!

I've been meaning to mention that the website is still a work in progress, so some things aren't there just yet. Also, the e-mail address attached to the site isn't working just yet...I'll be sure to post when it is.

I've a few things to modify around here as well.

All of this will hopefully take place shortly when I am back at my home base.

So this post isn't just a vague public to-do list, please enjoy various ornaments I made last year. It's about that time again...







Yes.

Geeking out/Nerding it up.

Hello.

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope it was swell! I spent a good deal of it sleeping next to a roaring fireplace with Pearl, the family Labrador. Not a bad way to spend a holiday.

Work continues as usual, in spite of demanding schedules and exhausted hands. Last Thursday/Friday, I spent a little time whipping up something special in between cleaning and stepping out for drinks:



This was a gift for the super-talented Jon Knox: http://jonknoxstudio.com/

I remember that the first time I saw Jon's work, what stood out to me the most was his completely hands-on approach. He was making toys, all on his own, and they were incredible. I was immediately a fan. When I found out Jon was going to be attending Designer Con, I jumped at the chance to meet, and make something for him. I don't normally make art for other artists (unless I know them), but the idea excited me so much, I had to do it. I love Jon's characters quite a bit.



Getting photos of this piece was difficult. The lighting wasn't the best, but it happens.

Over the course of doing these pieces, I feel like I've learned something or tried something different each time. This was the first time I'd incorporated stitching into the piece as more than just a way of holding the piece together. I also sewed a little more detail into the hair than I usually would. I liked the results.



Meeting Jon and handing this to him was kind of wonderful. I might have been geeking out, just a tiny bit. I am right now. It's always nice to meet the people you admire, especially when they are super neat.

In general, the con was great fun. It was just the right size to spend time meeting creators and really looking around. I especially enjoyed Bwana Spoons' Star Wars figure paintings. Nerd candy. Here's a few photos:









I was also impressed by the diversity of vendors...lots of talented guys and gals showing off what they do best, whether it was crafts or brands. I will be there again next year, no doubt.

So bear with me as the day roll on...eventually I'll be updating this with silly comics and goodies on a daily basis. December is always a crazy month, and it looks like it might end up being a bit busier than I anticipated. But I'm rather excited about what's coming soon. I will keep you updated!

Paper Cuts + Small Gift

Hi der.

Lots has been happening. It's hard to keep up, but I will try.

About a week ago, I did an artist signing for my company in celebration of a store opening. It was a wonderful experience to meet the people who see my art every day, and of course, their pets. I can't resist the affections of a dog, which is a good thing. I was smothered in kisses, paws and flawed attempts at snagging my food. Can't blame a pup for trying.

You can't do a signing without prints, so it was decided early on that we would create unique pieces for the event. I love working with paper, so I took the signing as an opportunity to do so. What follows is the result:



"Pug a Tree." We went with a nature theme for the prints, since the new store location is home to several impressive trees. My pug-love is no secret. The pieces were a challenge to photograph and scan, but I think these came out ok. Here's a close-up in the frame:



Here's the cat piece, "Paws to Enjoy". The cat is based on real-life feline superstar, Fancy Pants. Yes, that's his real name. He's a cherished source of humor for his owners and friends. Object may be less dignified than shown:



And the close up:



And here are the prints, which are 5 x 7:



The original artwork was raffled off in gift baskets, which also included beautiful knit scarves and pet toys. In addition, I offered some original, small watercolor pieces from old print ads for sale. We raised over $50 from the baskets and original works, all of which will go to the Sam Simon Foundation. That was the icing on the cake to a great day.

There are still prints available for anyone interested. Just ask nicely.

On another note, I had the immense fortune of attending the "Small Gift" show with my dear friend Jon this past week. The show was in celebration of Sanrio's 50th anniversary. It was more fun than I could have possibly imagined, and I would be lying if I didn't say I was promptly reduced to a squealing little girl the moment I stepped in the door. I wasn't the only one. There was a corporate event of some kind going on that evening, and my squealing was joined by that of several excited business men and woman. Hello Kitty has powers.

Here's a few shots from the show:

Balloons!



Buffmonster installation:



Inside the pop-up shop:



There was a big carnival section with games, mini golf, etc. Here's Jon playing the dough toss. He won a pretty awesome deck of cards:



The golf course:



My favorite Scott C. piece:



Giant characters!



The show is only up for a few more days. If you are in town I highly suggest you go see it. It's loads of fun!

Back to work!

Further evidence of the Booma uprising.

Another round of bots went into the mail today...can't resist sharing their adventures.


Literary connoisseur:



Mighty snail rider:



Reflections from a puppy cup:



I like you best of all:



Best wishes to Jeremy and friends for an awesome show! Thanks for letting me be a part of it!

Boomabots 2: Electric Boogaloo

Hi there.

It's the first official post of the new blog. The last post? We'll get to that shortly. Anyhow, welcome. This is the place I intend to show off works-in-progress, gifts, and other bits that may not make it to my website. Also, a place to chronicle adventures and all the good things that come with them.

So...about that last post. That little fellow, and his 10+ brothers/sisters have been my labor of love for the past few weeks. They are a collab between myself and the mighty Jeremy Johnson, who's illustrations can be found at http://toomasooba.com/ "Boomabot," as he is called, is the mascot for Toomasooba, and quite a cutie. Jeremy's great design and my sewing skills have allowed us to bring the little fellows to life. I couldn't be happier with the results.



Each Boomabot is completely hand-sewn, and unique in color. They each have a pinback so they can travel easily. So far, they have all found homes, but new Boomas are showing up every day, in peculiar places.



If you live in Louisiana, you may be able to find one at Jeremy's upcoming 4after5 show. The details are here: http://www.4after5.com/

If you are located in another state, stay tuned.

Having shared the Boomabots with you, I'll take my leave of this blog for the time being. But I will be back shortly, with other bits and pieces to share.

Booma Booma Booma!

This is Boomabot. He wants to be your friend.