The Meaning of Christmas - part 2

Well, I did it, I sent out my last "gift" and I thought it might be harder to do but it was not. If I did not get to you it is not because I do not care. SO in parting of this little experiment I would like to wish that you all find what you truly need way deep down inside and that it makes you happy :)

To read part one please go here:


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Getting Ready For The Golden Globes

A little more than a month away and I will be heading out to Los Angeles for the Golden Globes. The past few weeks have been very busy with putting together my submissions for the gift bags. I decided to go handmade for this event and made glass pendants featuring my work.

I had to make 100 of them which really meant 150 because I allowed for error since this is the first time I am making them. There were a few duds that have been tossed aside and only the good ones remain to be given. It was quite a learning process.

To present them I have small Kraft and Chocolate boxes in which I attached (alright hand-cut and glued) each label then closed with some raffia ribbon. Inside I included a necklace tucked in a small paper bag so it doesn't rattle around, my business card, a sample of my work and a coupon for OnceUponAPuzzle.com where I illustrate puzzles.

Two days after I get back from The Golden Globes I head out to Utah for the Sundance Film Festival and I am really looking forward to that. My only regret is that I won't be able to see any of the films while I am there but I will be sure to take note of them. The place it is being held at is absolutely stunning and I wonder if there is a broom closet I could stay in for I would happily do just that to wake up to the view the hotel looks over because it is simply stunning.

For Sundance I have chosen bottle cap pendants, or maybe I might do a mix for both events, I have not decided yet. The bottle caps will go on ribbon necklaces as opposed to the ball chain ones. I like the glass pendants better only because they are a little bit more low key and that is just my personal taste, The bottle caps are a bit more funky. Sundance sort of snuck up unexpectedly and had I had more time I would have made something completely different. I am saving that idea for the MTV Movie Awards, Emmy's or AMAs, as there are a few more events coming later in the year and I will be better prepared for it.

I am not sure who will show for either Sundance or the Golden Globes though I have heard some rumors. I have two people in mind I would love to meet, chances are slim but I know I will have a great time at both events. I will be sure to post photos as soon as I have them.



Poinsettia And Holly Christmas Stocking Kit

I received my samples today of my Poinsettia And Holly Christmas Stocking Kit and they look wonderful! I think I am getting the hang of designing for fabric and it is a lot of fun.

The Poinsettia And Holly Christmas Stocking Kit is available for purchase in one yard (two stockings)

or on a fat quarter (one stocking).

Fat quarters are on sale until December 3rd for half price and come up automatically when added to your Spoonflower cart


Also newly available is Silly Little Birds

Happy sewing!


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The Real Meaning Of The Holiday Season

I have been thinking a lot about something I would like to do for the holidays to make them a bit more bearable for me. Over the years I have become, I guess the best word for now would be jaded. My friends know how much I hate this time of year and sometimes it becomes a joke, or they roll their eyes and chalk it off to me being me but in reality it is a very painful time of year, a time when I miss the people that have gone from my life or the people I am no longer able to be around.

While a big part of the reason is the above it is not the only reason, for you see I also have a part time job in retail and I see the ugly underbelly of it all. (This is where the grouchy, jaded part comes in.)

I see stores opening on holidays to get more money out of shoppers and they take no consideration for their employees and families, most of who have no choice but to go to work. I see the pushing and shoving. I see people struggle to buy things out of their means for gifts because it was what was asked for and I see people asking for things that have heavy price tags. There are those that take no thought into what they are giving and just grab what is at hand and those that put so much thought in it only to have the gift returned to the store because the recipient didn't like it.

When the holiday is over it gets no better, I hear people complain they did not get what they wanted or mock gifts they were given. I hear them complain about a cost of a gift they were given and how they spent x amount of dollars on them. It saddens me to no end and I have been trying to think of a way, for myself, to try to put some meaning into something I hate so much.

This is what I have decided to do (and you can certainly make your own rules as to how you pick people if you decide to play along) First take the first two people on your facebook account that pop up in your friends list on the side. Think long and hard of something to give that person and send that gift in words in an email or write it on a piece of paper to hand to that friend. Do it everyday until Christmas, or if you are so inclined until New Year's Eve.

Now here is the catch:

1. You can not make it public it is a private thing shared in an email/paper between you and the person.

2. You have to pick the first two people that pop up in your friends list and if they were chosen already you must go to the next one in line.

3. and finally the most important rule, the gift can not cost money, none, ziltch, zippo. It can not be a tangible thing. This means you can not gift someone a luxury yacht, a giant diamond ring or a wardrobe full of clothes. I want you to think very hard about that person and what they truly need in their life.

To make it easier you may link to this post or copy and paste it into the email. Explain why you are playing along or not it is up to you. Maybe, just maybe it will make you feel better too.

-and if you are wondering what I want for Christmas, well I am asking for nothing for what I want can't be bought or given, it is something that I need to find

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Doctor Mew?

ok, so this time I am going to show you something I fell upon that I find so very clever. I am a Doctor Who fan as anyone that knows me knows and, well I kind of like cats (yes an understatement) so I think this is the most perfect poster on Zazzle and I just had to order it. You can tell which Doctor is which and the artist did a wonderful job.

New Doctor Mew Poster by jennyparksillus

If I were a guy I would have gotten the tie too :)


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Black Friday Deals Leaked at Zazzle!

Black Friday Deals Leaked at Zazzle!

Take a look at this preview of the Blitzen Deals that Zazzle will be running on Black Friday! The deals change every two hours and from 8 PM to Midnight, they will be repeating the two most popular deals of the day, so be on the lookout for what they are!

Friday, November 26, 2010 (PST)

12:01 AM      50% Off All Mugs
 2:01 AM       $10 Off All Custom Binders
 4:01 AM       75% Off Harry Potter T-Shirts
 6:01 AM       70% Off Holiday Cards and Invites
 8:01 AM       50% Off Christmas Ornaments
10:01 AM      $20 Off iPhone & iPad Cases
12:01 PM      75% Off Business Cards
 2:01 PM       65% Off All Posters
 4:01 PM       $8.80 Off $0.44 Postage Sheets
 6:01 PM       50% Off All T-Shirts
 8:01 PM       Friday's Favorite Deal Repeat
10:01 PM      Friday's Favorite Deal Repeat

If you are looking for coordinating business supplies don't forget to go to Pen And Ink

Love Paris? Visit J'adore Paris

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Popular Christmas and Holiday Stamps

Christmas Holly Postage Stamp

The above by far has been my most popular postage stamp in my stores. There are a ton of great designs out there and this one is still going strong for the second year in a row. I want to thank all of you for that, it is quite an honor.

Zazzle is once again offering some coupons that are a pretty sweet deal. I am afraid it is not on postage but it is on cards that match the postage AND a free shipping coupon too! Cards will be 40% off for the rest of the day but the free shipping coupon is good until the end of December.

Use Code ALLFFHSDEALS for 40% off the cards and FREESHIPFORU to receive free shipping on orders over $50. All of the details are at the end of this post

Greenman Holly Postage Stamp	Holiday Door Postage Stamp	Poinsettia and Holly Postage Stamp
Snowman and Kitty Postage Stamp	The Sleigh Ride Postage Stamp	First Snowflake Christmas Postage Stamp
Santa's Belly Postage Stamp	Polar Bears Christmas Postage	Merry Christmas From The Cat Bah Humbug Postage



* 40% of the greeting card and 20% of the bag, mug, bumper sticker, poster/print, ornament, apparel, business card, button and invitation net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying greeting cards, bags, mugs, bumper stickers, posters/prints, ornaments, apparels, business cards, buttons and /or invitations are purchased and the coupon code ALLFFHSDEALS is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid from November 19, 2010 at 4:01pm ET through November 21, 2010 at 11:59pm ET. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. This offer does not apply to custom frames or screen printed apparel. This offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

* To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased with a net sale price equal to or greater than 50.00 dollars. The coupon code FREESHIPFORU must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. The free shipping offer is for economy (or standard if economy is not available) shipping to U.S. addresses only. Offer does not apply to shoes. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. Offer is valid from October 16, 2010 through Decemeber 31, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. Your order must be placed during that time to qualify for this special offer. This promotional offer may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or discount offers. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

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Poinsettia and Holly Christmas Stocking Kit



Poinsettia and Holly Christmas Stocking Kit



It is that time of year when everyone busies themselves with crafts for the holidays cutting, sewing, gluing and don't for get the glitter. Recently Spoonflower had a contest and here is my entry. It is made to go on a full yard of fabric so there was enough room to make two stockings. One large and the other a bit smaller. There will also be one that is available on a fat quarter of material. Once the colors have been approved I can release it to be sold on Spoonflower and it shouldn't take too long. If you do happen to order one of these for yourself please send along a photo of the finished project. I would love to see it and of course share it!

If you really like my kit won't you please stop by and give it a vote?

Christmas Stocking Contest 

All you have to do when you get to Spoonflower is find my design and click it to turn it green, then go to the last page and save your vote! No registration is needed and you can vote as many times as you like until the end of the contest. Thanks again and Happy Crafting!


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Poinsettia and Holly Cards

Funny how things happen really...

I was wandering around Spoonflower and had come upon a weekly contest that they hold. The contest (that is ready for voting any day now) is that of "Design a Christmas Stocking" one one yard of fabric. Sounded like fun so I thought I would give it a go.

I wasn't really sure what to do, at first I thought a faux quilt with some Christmas-y type colors might be nice but when I began it just wasn't going right. I started going about it all wrong and put down the mouse and picked up a pencil.

I have found that when I do not know what I want to draw or paint I begin to just draw giant loose circles. Now normally I would not do this on a really nice 24"x36" 100% cotton paper but I had a good feeling about it. Goodness knows I have been staring at that particular piece of paper for days, it has not told me what to do with it until the circles began. Out of the circles came a poinsettia. Keeping in mind this was for a Christmas stocking I imagined the flower sitting in the heel and although I am aware that holly does not grow on vines I took some artistic license to fill the rest of the space with my interpretation of them.

This is not the normal size I usually paint but today the paper finally spoke and I am quite happy with it. I plan on entering it into the Spoonflower contest and I will post it here when the voting begins but in the meantime I have put this design up on Zazzle. So thanks Spoonflower for the inspiration, it was kind of nice designing again.

OH! Don't forget to use this coupon if you are ordering from me:
FREESHIPFORU (for free shipping over $50)

Poinsettia and Holly 1.5" Photo Binder

Poinsettia and Holly Wish Me A Merry Christmas Button

Poinsettia and Holly Mug .

Mushrooms Recipe Letterhead - TBA

Well it has been a while since I have been in my Zazzle stores because of my computer. I do a little bit here and there and I am happy to say I was welcomed back with a TBA!

A few weeks ago we had quite a bit of rain. Outside my office window was a gigantic mushroom growing in the grass. It wasn't anything special, just a giant blob of white fungus but it inspired me and I began to doodle mushrooms. It so happened that instead of tossing the doodles aside I transfered them into Illustrator and colored them with pretty colors. The final result is what you see above.

It is taking some time to complete the full range of products but they will be done I promise.

Mushrooms 1" Binder

Mushrooms Tie

Mushroom Bag

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Pink Poodles On Parade

Pink Poodles On Parade

Pink Poodles On Parade fabric swatches

I was recently contacted by someone that had interest in my Pink Poodles On Parade design. She explained that she collects poodle fabric and would like to make a dress out of this design for her granddaughter.

I immediately sent away for a swatch on Spoonflower - in order to sell fabric on Spoonflower it must be approved by ordering a swatch. The reason for this is because printing on fabric is a whole different world away from printing on paper. You must learn about gamut colors and how they print (red not being an easy color to reproduce BTW)

Today I got those swatches and I could not be happier with them. If you happen to like poodles or pink they are now available to purchase in my Spoonflower store along with two matching fabrics, one of polka dots and one of stripes. There are a couple of other designs as well. If there is something on my main site or in any of my Zazzle stores that you would like to made into a fabric for purchase feel free to send me an email and I will see what I can do for you.

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4 Hour Zazzle Sale

For Four Hours Get 50% OFF Of All Hoodies
Save over $17 From Noon to 4pm!

 

It's a little colder out now, so why not warm up with a custom one-of-a-kind hoodie. Get your hoodies early because these 50% savings will not last long! If you start shopping now, you'll have plenty of time to find the perfect hoodie for you and anyone else! Order sweatshirts in every color, send one to a friend, and save another for the holidays. Starting under $20, half-off hoodies are one of the best gifts that you'll find, so buy yours now!

If you don't have time to shop (or you missed the 4 hour sale altogether), don't worry! Hoodies are 20% off for the rest of the weekend, so don't forget to order soon!

and don't forget you can change any of my T-shirt designs to a hoodie by using the customize button on the product page although the code works on T-shirts and Baby Tees too.

Use code: HOODIES4SALE

* 50% of the Hoodies net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying Hoodies are purchased and the coupon code HOODIES4SALE is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid from November 05, 2010 12:01pm ET through November 05, 2010 4:00pm ET. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.



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Tomorrow Is The Big Day

Tomorrow is it, the day we have been striving for so many weeks now. Once Upon A Puzzle is going live and you can finally see all the wonderful things we have been creating, with many more waiting down the line

I have been working with a paintbrush in one hand and the keyboard in another while Beth diligently writes stories and ties up all the loose ends. Sunny, pictured above, is our muse and as you can see she is all ready for Talk Like A Pirate day where we will have a special promotion for that weekend of Sept 18th-19th.

There are pirate stories, fairytales, a trip to the zoo and more adventures for your child to go on. Take your child's name, friends and favorite things and add them to our stories and artwork for an unique, fun gift. We will have puzzles, notecards, stationery and stickers to name just a few.

So hop on over for our grand opening, follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to be the first to learn about all the new exciting things we have waiting in the wings (Oh and coupons too).

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Getting Ready For...

Alright, I know, January is a way off but it will be here before you know it. I have begun to work on the gifts I am giving at the Golden Globes and the Oscars. This time I am stepping things up a bit and really putting thought into it. Ok so my computer has become a glorified Kindle that can only do simple basic things and answer email. I have had to find other creative outlets to occupy my time. The bad thing is that I have a ton of Halloween designs waiting to be put up on Zazzle.

Back to the awards shows...

I have been making some wonderful little pendants and necklaces that feature my artwork. Some of them will be little glass tiles, some on bottle caps and still others on mini dog tags (the dog tags to come later) I have also decided to sell them on Etsy for all of you to own too so stay tuned in to my Etsy shop. I will be taking photos of everything in the next two weeks and hope to have a friend post them for me very soon. In the meantime here is a little sneak peek:

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Oh Well...An Update

Next weekend was to be the Emmy event I was participating in, then further down the line the AMAs. Unfortunately due to a contract dispute (which has just been settled) I will not be participating in either of them.

I do however have some events coming up in January and I am very excited about them. The first is to be the Golden Globes.

I ordered the supplies for the gift bags to one of the shows this afternoon. I have been sick the past three days and I slept off all of Sunday. I just can't bear to watch tv so I pulled up the computer to the couch and I surfed under the comfort of a soft blankie with a box of tissues and miscellaneous cats by my side. I ordered enough supplies to offer extra to anyone wanting to buy them. What is it you ask? Well can't tell that either in case it is a complete disaster and they do not come out right.  It is something new I am trying with my artwork, it is not a new technique by any means, just something new for me.

Some of you may be wondering when the next issue of Indie Arts And Illustration is coming out. Well Dorothy planned for it to hit the virtual stands in September but it may be delayed a bit. My 10 year old Dell XPS, the one I love so dearly is starting to show it's age and can not keep up anymore. It might be a while before I get a new one of have this one upgraded if that is possible. Since I am the one that does her layouts it is my fault the issue is backlogged. We do have a great lineup for the next issue, I can promise you that.

I think that will be it for now, whatever bug I have is really draining me and my whole body aches. It is time for some more rest.

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NEW Flat Rate

WONDERFUL NEWS!!!

Today I got an email directly from Zazzle  telling me that there will now be a flat rate on shipping on all paper  products! How great is that especially with the holidays coming up!

[Seller Announcement] - New Flat Rate Shipping

Dear Zazzler,

After a thorough analysis of the recent change to flat rate shipping on invitations, we've decided to extend flat rate shipping to all paper products. This means that all cards, postcards, business cards, photocards, envelopes, stationery, letterhead, and flyers will also ship standard for $7.95 or less, no matter what.

We also wanted to inform you that for screen printing, we’ve eliminated up-charges for different colored t-shirts and reduced the charges applied for additional ink colors. As a result, customers will enjoy lower prices on their screen printing orders.

We’d like to assure you that both of these changes will be beneficial for Sellers and Customers alike, so please be sure to promote and take advantage of these new adjustments.

Sincerely,
– The Zazzle Team
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Since Nothing Is Doing On My End

Well, I guess it was inevitable, my computer is finally showing it's nearly 10 year age. I really can't complain as it has served me well.

My poor computer's graphic card seems to be going and it is having trouble keeping up with just about everything. So until I am able to save for a new Dell XPS things will be a bit slow.

In the meantime I want to show off a friend of mine and her wonderful ETSY shop - Tiger Head Designs. Artist Lora Shelley has some really great pieces included in there

There is a definite sweetness to Lora's work when she depicts animals and her color palette lends itself to an old fashioned charm. I am reminded of a children's book illustrated a time long ago.

My favorite pieces, although it is hard to pick are Tiger Grrrr, Singing Fox and Kitty Finger Puppet 

Tiger Grrr:

This charming piece drew my eye immediately which is odd because pink does not normally do that. I think perhaps it was the overall painting and the little story I had made up in my mind when I saw it. The tiger sort of gave me a chuckle.

Singing Fox:

I am instantly reminded of something that happened just a few weeks before. I was driving home from my sister's house and I saw a fox jumping gleefully amok in a field full of sheep. He had no interest in the sheep but was bounding through, perhaps chasing bugs until he disappeared into the woods.

Kitty Finger Puppet:

Well this just made me laugh because this is often the last thing I see before getting pounced by one of my kittens, paws stretched out doing one of those wrestling ring dives from the headboard of my bed.

There is so much more to gaze upon including some ceramic hand-painted pendants (one of which I am a proud owner of) so go and take a look at all the wonderful treasures that you are sure to find in Lora's shop. You might become a fan too.

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My Day (and Night) At The Playboy Mansion

Well they are finally here, photos of my trip to California to represent our little group of artists. First off I can not believe I was offered this opportunity but so glad it came my way. It was a difficult thing to do but also a ton of fun and I met so many nice people along the way.

That day started out in a panic for it was 45 minutes before I was to leave for the mansion and I still did not have two of our boxes. Thankfully the post office spared me a severe panic attack and produced them just in the nick of time. I ended up getting the worst taxi driver for my very short ride over to the mansion (my trip was THREE times the amount it was to drive back to my hotel room, hmmm caught on to that fast and didn't tip him.) He assumed I wanted a tour of the stars homes and to see where Michael Jackson lived, sorry dude, so not interested.

I got there around 4pm and things were starting to get set up and two very nice security guards helped me with the boxes, perhaps because I was looking so lost, confused and I might add pathetic. While they were doing me the favor along came this comically grumpy man yelling and screaming toward (not exactly at) me about who I was, why there was a taxi in the driveway (which I am guessing by the amount of people that ran toward it was not a good thing) and none of the information I was telling him meant anything to him. I really could not help but laugh at him because though I knew he was serious there was this "I give up with all these people, grumble, grumble, grumble" quality to him. Off he went flailing his arms muttering away. (he later came up to me and appologized and we had a very pleasant conversation. I was just glad he relaxed though I certainly could understand why he would be so uptight)

I spent a while fixing up our table and getting to know some of the other vendors and the photographer, oh and the handful of peacocks that roam the grounds. ah and I almost forgot, a woman wearing nothing but blue paint, eyelashes and heels. Thankfully she was sitting down by the pool and not standing. It would be a bit difficult talking to someone with their breasts at eye level, well that is unless you were attracted to breasts I suppose. It was hot and I was stuck in a cocktail dress and heels, or as I liken them to tiny little torture chambers, especially since I was standing on uneven flagstone all night. Right in front of me though was the famous grotto (alright, I admit, I didn't know that until I was there and someone told me that was what it was)

I did not have to wait that long before the guests arrived and I was very excited to see that Apolo Ohno was on the list. I was one that was glued to the tv watching him skate in awe. Just because he was on the list did not mean he would be there but I was hoping he would show.

All of the celebrities walked into our area, only certain ones were allowed in and proceeded to visit each table. I was introduced, shook hands, got a hug or a kiss on the hand or cheek and told them a little about our group. I got to chat with a few of the athletes and celebrities on a more personal level too. For the most part everyone of them was kind to me and seemed interested in our art.

One celebrity that stood out the most to me was Quinton Aaron. I can not say enough kind words about this man. He definitely won the sweetest, most polite celeb of the night award.

Another very pleasant man that I met was Jamal Sharif Anderson. He was kind enough to pose with two of our artist's works. He also happened to be from New Jersey, not too far from where I live. Those two celebs were not the only ones I enjoyed meeting. There was Craig Robinson, Christopher Owens, Hill Harper, Nicholas Gonzales, Nick Barnett, Ryan Mathews, Roger Cross, Russell Westbrook, Takeo Spikes, Willie Gault and quite a few others but as soon as I saw the light blue shirt from across the pool I was a bit gushy and in shear awe. It took forever him to get around to where I was at and then finally...

 

I held my painting back just so he would hold it and he did so making silly tiger faces as the camera snapped his photo. I thank him for being a good sport, he made my night.

Apolo was not the only Olympian to show. I got to meet Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso too (both of whom are super sweet and by the way Julia is also a painter) They were all a real treat to meet and talk with.

The night came to an end just a bit after 2 am. I was tired as it was 5am from my side of the states and my feet hurt all the way up to my knees. I did however get to spend a little time in the party tent and had a bird's eye view the whole time during the meet and greet.

across the grotto into the party
the grotto with the mansion in the back

the mansion and party tent

 

 

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Sew Buttons On Ice Cream

Sew Buttons On Ice Cream Birthday Invitation

It is time for ICE CREAM!

I once knew someone that would use the phrase "Sew Buttons On Ice Cream" quite often. I was thinking about him the other day and, well this illustration came out.

I know I have been a little bit absent as of late but many things are happening around here, most of them beyond my wildest dreams.

I think perhaps I have mentioned somewhere before that I have been working as a puzzle illustrator and I love my job there. We are getting very close to launching the web page, perhaps it will make it by September. Once Upon A Puzzle is a unique adventure that is quite unlike anything else out there. I can't wait until we get online and you can see all of the neat stuff developing behind the scenes.

In other news (and very BIG news) I will also be taking a trip across country to Beverley Hills and the Playboy Mansion, yup, I typed that right, Playboy and before you get any ideas it has nothing to do with the magazine, trust me I wouldn't sell a one if I were in it. What I will be doing there is representing a handful of artists at the ESPY Awards Gift lounge. It is the first time out for me and I do not know what to expect. I am a bit nervous and a little overwhelmed. (I said yes to doing this and then thought, "What the hell did I just do?") You know, that is ok thiough, it is an opportunity that may never come about again so why not grab a hold and go with it. Thankfully my very good friend's husband lets her out of the attic every once in a while to be my travel buddy (really all I had to say was one word...Disneyland)

So this design will be my last at least for the next two weeks or until things settle down. Wish me luck, I might need it!

Sew Buttons On Ice Cream Shirt

Sew Buttons On Ice Cream Letterhead

Sew Buttons On Ice Cream Bag

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MTV Movie Awards

They are finally here! The photos from MTV's Movie Awards have been posted! well some of them anyway

Ronnie Magro and Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola from MTV's Jersey Shore

If you would like to see the set-up and get a link to view all the pictures hop on over to my website and take a peek.

Next up the ESPY Awards in a couple of weeks!

From Here On Out

I have moved the story of my little charges over to a new blog so the people who follow me for my art can continue to do so and yet if they are interested they can follow the story elsewhere

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And Sometimes It Is A Pile Of Poop...

I know that there are a few people that have been following my kitten story and ask about them from time to time. I do not have good news for you today. It seems as if all the kittens have the FELV virus and this afternoon I had to put Cassandra to sleep (thank you Julia for being there with her when I could not) Two of the other kittens are not doing well and the third is not as healthy as he should be. I was told to expect the worst and I have though I am armed with and arsenal of Pedialyte, vitamins, pumpkin, a sock full of rice and a host of other things that could help. I won't give up as long as they do not (or are suffering)

I have great friends in Sara Inc and without them I don't know what I would do. I owe you all big time and I have ideas on how to pay it forward but in the meantime if anyone would like to make a donation (or even better adopt) then visit their site and open your home to what will become a part of the family

It is funny how something that has come into your life for such a minute amount of time can make such and emotional impact on you but these little guys did. I know I did all I could, I know that it would have been worse if they were out on the streets but I do feel helpless and sad because they are so little and young. It isn't easy but I would have done it again if I had to.

I am not sure who in the cosmic universe thought it was a good idea to give a clinically depressed animal lover a litter of sick kittens but when I meet the one responsible I am going to hurt him/her badly.

Goodbye little Cassy

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Sometimes Things Are Not So Rosy

Yesterday mom cat was dropped off to be spayed, tested, and ear tagged in the event that she could not be tamed (we are still working on that part) I returned later that day to pick her up and found that she is FELV positive and I am heartbroken. I also understand that there is a good chance some of her kittens may have it too and that I should prepare myself. What I did not prepare myself for is the quickness of loosing one of them. It happened this morning at 2 am, one of the little ones died in my arms, he was so little and so young.

I have had many, many pets and the loss of any of them does not get easier, this one is certainly no different. There are things that go through your head when something sudden like this happens, the "what if I only" are there, even if it is an irrational thought, but as a dear friend reminded me, at least he died in my arms and was very loved instead of being outside all alone. I just wish I could have done more, so goodbye little guy, you were here only a short time but you were such a pleasure to have around.

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Great Memorial Day Sale At Zazzle!

50% off posters
40% off business cards
30% off aprons
20% off stamps

Visit Pen And Ink for more great business cards, and postage

Just use code MEMORIALSALE when checking out

* 50% of the poster net sale price, 40% of the business card net sale price, 30% of the apron net sale price, and 20% of the stamps net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying products are purchased and the coupon code MEMORIALSALE is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). For Zazzle Custom Stamps, the net sale price is the difference between the price of the Zazzle Custom Stamps (excluding shipping and taxes) and the face value of the postage. Offer is valid from May 27, 2010 through May 31, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Read All About It

It is finally here! I am being featured in a magazine along with 11 other very talented artists and I am so excited.

Read about Diane Duda, Gina Minichino, Laurie Hardin, Lisa Marie Robinson, Liz Hall, Lora Shelley, Mariana Musa, Melissa Hamilton, Rebecca Bowker Czosnek, Tricia-rennea Wilson, Zoya Geacintov and myself.

The magazine has lots of beautiful pictures created by the artists themselves and a light, candid interview with each of us. The magazine is available in the USA, UK and Canada so far though they will be opening it up to more countries soon.

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Kitten Cuteness For Charity

Kitten Cuteness Card

As any of you that follow this blog know I have found a litter of kittens in the window well of my basement. Since these little guys and their mom need to be checked and spayed and neutered I figured they can at least help me pay for it.

Yesterday I took the little ones outside to expend all of the energy kittens seem to have a boatload of. I happily grabbed my camera of course and caught some very cute poses, not hard to do when your subjects are as darling as mine. Thus "Kitten Cuteness" was born and all the proceeds from the sale of these items will go to defer vet costs.

I have a few bits of cuteness up currently and will be adding more as my models do their thing. Stay tuned for more kitty antics as the days go by, I am sure they will provide me with plenty of material and keep your fingers crossed that mom can calm down enough to be placed in a loving home.

Feel free to spread the word, refer my products or if you are able maybe purchase a few items. I will gladly take any help I can get.

Kitten Cuteness Mousepad

Kitten Cuteness Bag

Kitten Cuteness Magnet

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Everywhere, Cats

Floral Calico Kitty Rescue Bumper Sticker

Now, I can't imagine why I have cats on my mind, well maybe I could and I guess these floral calico cats came out of my recent backyard find.

I have found that I am quite fluent in Cat but my Kitten is not so good. One quizzical tilt of the head of any of my cats and I know immediately what they need, they have me trained well. Kittens are not so easy. They mew and cry all of the time and sometimes I think it is just because -with no reason behind it.

I love these little guys, the entertainment is endless and yesterday after a little play session some of them were so tired they started to fall asleep standing up. Their little eyes would droop and over they went into a deep little kitten sleep. I am glad they are here, they make me feel needed which is something I do not often feel anymore and I am enjoying the time I have with them.

If you purchase any of the Floral Calico Kitty line (or anything in any of my stores for that matter) it will help me to make sure these little guys get the care that is needed. Vet bills are costly and there are five kittens and a mom, all of which deserve a better life than that of the street reproducing.

Floral Calico Kitty Blue Bag

Floral Calico Kitty Orange Mousepad

Floral Calico Kitty Pink Sticker

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