bags on sale at kidrobot

Kidrobot is having a TOTALLY BODACIOUS SALE right now, with apparel up to 75% off and bags 50% off! I love Frank Kozik's Labbits, and this bag is freaking awesome. If I was still in school I would definitely consider dropping some dolares to snag this item.

This would be another perfect item of the Dunny-loving traveler. Personally, I find their prices a bit over the top, but right now would be a perfect time to grab the can't-live-without items while they are A) on sale, and B) available! Kidrobot is notorious for selling out of hot items, so we'll see how these turn out.

NICO

Say hello to Nico, the prettiest and most wonderful cat in the universe.

most excellent

As seen at the "Drive Thru" at Vo's Cafe.

art room!

Here's a totally crappy picture of our totally awesome room! Before this weekend, this was just a heap of clothes and things strewn everywhere. With the addition of the work table and sewing machine, it motivated us to transform it into our den of creativity! Now we actually have some visual stimulation on the walls, to be joined by more additions I'm sure eventually. Anyway, the room isn't the important part. It's what is coming OUT of the room that makes a difference! Stay tuned....

Superpoop

Seriously? Superpoop? I Can Has Cheezburger gets me into enough trouble at work, with me trying to stifle my laughs at my incredibly obvious behavior that no, in fact I am NOT working! This webcomic is another branch from the duo bringing you Married to the Sea, which is equally hilarious. You might ask why I chose to speak of Superpoop then, if they are so comparable. The answer is simple: the tiebreaker was the use of the word "poop".

Do yourself a favor, and get your daily laugh intake.

new room!

This weekend Ashton and I really cleaned up our spare bedroom and started the art factory building process. We got lighting, tables, sewing machine, and all supplies organized as best we could without any shelves (yet). It looks so awesome and I can't wait to get home and finish my Christmas cards! (aka holiday cards because 1) I'm PC, and 2) by the time people get them it will be New Years). Anyway, when I get home today it's picpicpicture time and I'll be here to brag about our awesome new addition to the homefront!

the snail returns!

My friend came back to the office! Hello snail friend!

my brain just exploded

YES they are in fact DIY MUNNY SPEAKERS!!!!!!!!! Via Instructables, this would basically rule my life in terms of being cute AND functional. This is absolutely a project that I want to undertake at some point. Now that I have my giant work table, I'll probably move my laptop into the craft room and hook up some jamz with these bad boys. I would definitely be the coolest kid on the block.

I stumbled across this typography website yesterday, and there's nothing that I can even really write about it. It just speaks for itself. Any description I could possibly come up with would be significantly less interesting than just going to the site and peeking around. The real kicker is the About iLT section and reading the John D Boardley's description of himself and why he enjoys type.

"...like many men, I sometimes look at girls’ bottoms, I probably spend more time looking at type."

I wouldn't bother looking if you aren't a "type-head" though. Fonts are either incredibly interesting or wildly boring, depending on the person. I myself find them fascinating. Obviously I'd recommend the movie Helvetica to anyone in the free world who has an interest in type design and hasn't already seen it. I was wayyy behind on seeing it.

Be sure to check out John's other blog juststuffifind.com. The Pixel Dog post is particularly amusing.

sewing!

I've never sewed. I got shown how to use a sewing machine probably once when I was 8 years old. You might say mine was not a "crafty" family. Regardless, over the past few months I've taken an especial interest in all things craft, and have racked my brain for ways to infuse my ideas about 2D work into 3D. I feel like it's more immediately satisfying to finish a piece and have a tangible object instead of an object simply for art's sake. This is in no way a jab at painting or printmaking or any other flat work, but it's simply another path in the road of creativity, one that I have previously not explored. As of yesterday, this puppy is now mine:



A 1958 Singer sewing machine in perfect condition. The one pictured is a pretty exact replica of the one I got on Craigslist, except mine comes mounted on a table, which looks pretty classy. It's in great condition for being so old, and I got all the original manuals and equipment as well. I'm excited to start playing with it, and hopefully make an apron for our ever-exciting cooking adventures. Yay crafts!

RISD works

My sister emailed this to me, and I fell in love instantly. Seriously, tell me this isn't the freaking cutest thing ever. A totally whimsical touch that is sure to brighten even the gloomiest of mornings.

It's even better because it's part of RISD Works, the Rhode Island School of Design store created and run by RISD faculty and alumni. A great opportunity to get really cute stuff for good prices, and a guarantee that this isn't mass produced garbage. This is straight from the minds of innovators dedicated to passing along creativity and inspiration to continuous generations. "Calf & Half" is the brainchild of Liz Goulet Dubois, who declared that "toys are her true medium", which makes her a woman after my own heart. I'll sign off using RISD's tagline, "It's udderly irresistible!"

today in 12 days 12 deals

Kidrobot's 12 Days 12 Deals has taken off with a bang, with a nicely rounded out variety of things available at discounted prices. Today however, is a Mother Lode. The Tattoo Bear Dunny by Knucklebear, sizing in at a whopping 20 inches, normally retailed at $300, is available for $50 off, and with only 400 in existence I have no doubt this will sell out.





The pearlescent purple would add a splash of awesome to any room that would be fortunate enough to be dominated by this Dunny. I implore the readers out there (all 3 of you) to not let this opportunity slip through your fingers.

labbit 2

WOW. that's all I have to say.

Loungefly and Vintage Religion

I've been introduced to Loungefly via Vintage Religion, a small independent store in North Park with a variety of religious goods and related items. Loungefly's Dia de los Muertos shirts, rockabilly-esque purses, and kitschy items are freakin' adorable. I love this bag (which for some reason is not listed on their website):


These accessories are pretty bangin' as well:



Nicely priced, about $60 for the large weekender purse and around $24 for the designer shirts. Not any more than you'd pay at Urban Outfitters for the seemingly "one of a kind" t-shirts that actually are mass produced by the thousands. Either way, they've got great stuff for all religions at Vintage Religion, and you should check out the Loungefly site as well for their sale items and wider selection.

hiroshige

AWESOME! I FINALLY have a few buckaroos to buy random things that I don't know I can't live without until I see them. Today we had a great day with our 2 visiting friends from Richmond, and the first thing we did was hit up a nearby bookstore whose name escapes me for the moment. I think it's 5th Street Books, considering it's on 5th street. Anyway, I snagged this gem and I couldn't be happier. I love Japanese prints more than anything. Except sushi. And Dunnys. Which brings me to my next point...

This baby was welcomed into my life as well today. I have had good luck with getting other mystery Dunnys, but this Huck Gee Dunny is now sitting comfortably in the front of my Dunny shelf. Also, I was able to snap up this Series 5 Dunny by Aya Kakeda as well:

After that it was just a blur of burritos and cat figurines in Chinese stores. All in all, a good day. This is a bit of a scattered short post, but I'm a little distracted with half listening to everyone in the room and also I'm pretty tired. I will re-iterate my excitement levels at a later time, for I feel this does not do justice to my true emotions.

thanks sarah beth!

I'd seen these before, how could I possibly not blog about them?? Beer is awesome, art is awesome, and mustaches are awesome. This is a totally perfect gift for an enthusiast of any of the mentioned 3. Bread and Badger by Amanda Siska is a way cute independent store with etched glass goods. Take a peek at a few of her other glasses:




It's so inspiring to see young artists making great things simply for the love of creation. There is a lot of negativity in the world and to see small pockets of whimsy is so refreshing. She has a great kitschy gallery seen here, with a wide variety of well-priced items that would be perfect gifts for really anyone. You can also see where she'll be and where she sells on her Where section, which is convenient.

One last thing- the model in this picture looks strikingly similar to Jess from Philadelphia, now in Long Beach.

Please confirm/deny.

12 days 12 deals day 1!

Kidrobot is having an AWESOME promotion going on: 12 DAYS 12 DEALS!!! Everyday from now until December 21, they will unveil a new special offered for one day only. Today's deal is a TOTALLY RIGHTEOUS 8" DUNNY by NIGHTMARE IN JEREMYVILLE for 20% off! Normally already a steal at $50, this irresistible creature can be yours for the amazing price of only $40. How can you resist a face like this?

n

This special comes with a carrot accessory and a 14" x 17" poster. So if anyone is wondering what to get me for being such an awesome human being, feel free! Although if I'm this excited about Day 1... imagine what glorious treats are in store for the next 11 days!!!! I can't wait!

the one that i hope won't get away

Please. Someone. Anyone. Pretty pretty please with sugar on top.

the one that got away

Woe is me. I got the Kidrobot email a few weeks ago announcing the new 8" Dunny by Ron English for Art Basel Miami, and I tried to ignore it since temptation, my weakness for Dunnys, and my current financial shit situation all merged to create The Perfect Storm. Of course this "freakishly rare" and awesome new addition to the Dunny family sold out in like 2 seconds. I am left sad and empty on the inside.

I can already tell that all of my spending money in the near future is going to go towards saving for my sleeve, buying beer to take the edge off a long day at work, and blowing it on toys. Great role model I am.

SD Punks for Presents

Punks for Presents is a great Richmond based organization that is creepin' into San Diego via my very own cupcake Ashton! It's basically the newbie of the San Diego scene, and here's the site to check for updates. The Tower Bar in City Heights is the first participant, and mas events and flyers coming soon, so collect your pop tabs and stay tuned!

Holiday Hit List

Today was the 2nd annual Holiday Hit List in Point Loma by the North Park Craft Mafia.
To anyone unfamiliar with the Craft Mafia mentality, get with it. The North Park chapter seems to really have their stuff together. The first and only other Craft Mafia that I've been exposed to was the Seven Cities Craft Mafia in Hampton Roads, VA (which I now believe is simply 7 Cities Crafters). They seem to be really involved in the community as well, but it seems like every week I see some sort of event that's either hosted by or helped organize by the NPCM out here. Today was a HUGE event with over 65 vendors from all over, with TONS of REALLY well-priced handmade goods of all kind, plus raffles and demonstrations. If you were unlucky enough to miss it, check out their CafePress store here and the Myspace page as well. Some of the vendors that really caught my eye were Planet Tokki(I LOVED her poo ornaments and Mr. Tofu stuffed creatures!), Made with Luv (a founding member of NPCM), Little Grey Cat Designs (LOVED her choices of knitted scarves and fingerless gloves), Velvet Klaw (another founding NPCM member and another bunny enthusiast), and In-Vita (great paper goods, great holiday cards). There were plenty more that hooked me, but a few stood out for a mention. Keep up the great work Crafters! I hope to see you for many more Christmases to come.

Robert Walz

As some of you know, I used to work at Quirk Gallery in Richmond, VA for about a year and a half starting as an intern and working up to an associate. Their niche is art jewelry, the major show being the annual Sparkle Plenty show every November/December. Anyway, before I left a year ago, they had started the Shop Show, focusing on flat works from mostly local and young up-and-coming artists.

(image taken from lorenholyoke.com)
The Shop Shows always caught my eye more than a lot of the crafty things that were in the main gallery, the difference being that the main exhibitions were chosen by Kathy (the Gallery Director) and the Shop Shows were chosen by Katie & Diana, the shop director and manager duo. Diana has a great eye for hip stuff, and has snagged some awesome shows.
Even though the Quirk site is down right now for maintenance, the Quirk Myspace page informed me that their current Shop Show is Robert Walz, a Richmond artist working with color.

(image taken from robertwalz.com)
I really miss being in this type of creative atmosphere, and being exposed to great art from all areas and levels of experience. I didn't have to even try to find out about new things or cool sites, they were just thrust on me every day. A lot of the business end of things were mildly lame, but I think I would appreciate it more now that I actually depend on a job for money (unlike the school years where I was only too happy to work for free!).
Anyway, the point is that I like what I see so far from this Robert Walz character. His site says it will be up Spring 2008, so hopefully that means by Spring 2009? If you are in the Richmond area, I'd recommend hitting up First Friday, which is today now that I think about it. It's the last First Friday with Sparkle Plenty 4 up, and since the Shop Show rotates monthly it's the last chance to see Robert Walz. So stop by and say hi to the ladies at Quirk for me. I miss 'em.

snail

I found this little guy outside my office today and decided we would be friends.

yay yay yay it's a giveaway!

WOO! SewMamaSew is sponsoring the Give-Away Day, where blogs sign up to give away a handmade good or object and mail it out within a week.

Purpose? Fun!

Everybody, including myself, likes winning things. I think I'm a little late to participate, but I'll do my part by spreading my enthusiasm and encourage people to sign up. Hey, you might win something! So check out the site, go to the blogs, get a chance to win some neat-o stuff, and maybe get introduced to something new and interesting.

Balboa Park Family Festival

A week or so ago, I volunteered at the Balboa Park Family Festival on behalf of the San Diego Museum of Art. Apparently they have a Family Festival every 4 months, and the theme corresponds with the current exhibition, which in this case happened to be the Kimono as Art: The Landscapes of Itchiku Kubota exhibition.

First of all, let me just say this exhibition was absolutely unbelievable. Beyond my already obsessive love for all things Japanese, and all things artsy, the sheer time that must have been spent by Itchiku Kubota to become a complete master of this trade is unfathomable. The Museum did a fantastic job of installing the kimono in an arc, which facilitated the viewer's eye around the collection from his 4 Seasons series. He actually died before he could complete his masterpiece, so now his sons have taken over the museum in his name and have vowed to complete it. The San Diego museum has on display the Autumn and Winter kimono, which numbers about 30 or so. I wish I had been able to take pictures of the collection, but if you haven't already clicked on the exhibition link, do so now. It's absolutely worth it.

My volunteering time was first assigned to the ink painting tent, where we passed out rice paper and demonstrated the Japanese style of ink painting and washing. Unfortunately, this totally cushy, easy, fun, sitting-down-in-the-shade job was replaced with helping James (last name ?) put together the giant paper kimono that was to be "unveiled" at the end of the festival. Basically people would paint their ink paintings at the tent, and then bring them over to us so we could attach them onto a giant paper kimono as an assemblage. It was hit or miss with the wind, but we actually had a great time despite major difficulties dealing with the paper tearing and a pretty hot sun beating down on us.

In the end, it looked something like this:


Okay, those are kind of terrible depictions of the final product. At the beginning, it really was a large paper kimono with sort of wing attachments flowing from the bottom. Since this made it pretty unstable and vulnerable to the wind, we had to add those at the very end. Regardless, we got so many ink paintings that it ended up being difficult to attach them all on the kimono, but we managed.

In the end, it was a pretty awesome day. There were Japanese drum dancers, kimono ceremony, origami folding, ink painting, and even a puppet show! Basically my ideal day. Plus I got to make a few friends and hang out with kids teaching them how to be crafty. Awesome stuff.