So inspired by a Michael DeMeng Project

The current issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors has a Michael DeMeng instructional project for creating Day of The Dead Skeletal assemblage.

Seeing this was the most inspired I have felt in months!!! I knew when I saw it, that I would do it! That felt like I struck gold because I have been in a dry spell.
Luckily, I had been collecting "DeMeng like" materials since the Spring. I have all the materials to start a BIG ole honkin DeMeng styled project but kept chickening out b/c I knew it would take me time to do it justice. But seeing this one in CPS, I knew it was perfect for my current focusing ability.

I started it today and finished in approx 4 hours. I did not rush it, it just came together like it was meant to be. I love it! The only thing I did differently besides the finishing accessories is that I used 2 different skeletal heads to donate the sexes even more and found it added some extra interest.

When I purchased the Bride and Groom from AC Moore last week, I saw they were $8 a piece and refused! But I did find more ethnic bride and grooms in their clearance section for only $2 each. Luckily, I had every other material needed so it was easy to start. I used a wooden box lid for the background so that I would have that extra detail of the inset for the vintage text.

I really dremeled the edges of the wood with various bits to take away the strong sharp lines of the wood.
I went with the text "The Familiar" because it rang true with my intent for the subjects. I think of my Michael and I and how we just know each other so well after 19 years...we are The Familiar.

My 1st Magazine feature!

this is my best Halloween pose ;)

I am soo pleased to announce that I will have a SIX page feature in the upcoming Fall issue of Studios! Studio's magazine is an extension of Cloth, Paper, Scissors and will feature my Halloween Studio. My studio is part work space and part Halloween Gallery. I worked with a wonderful photographer named Andrew Wilkinson, owner of WilkinsonMedia.net.

He was wonderful and guided me through the entire process. He was even excited to shoot my studio space and liked looking at all of my collected works and especially my cabinet of curiosities. We actually live in the same town and have since attended some of the same art shows. He was kind enough to drop off a goodie bag filled with doll parts for me to alter! Amazing how things work, you just never know who you will meet and if you will make a new friend. The entire experience has been magical and I am grateful for these Happy Days!

I really adore the fact that my favorite artists that I have collected Halloween pieces from will be seen in print in my article!! I hope it brings them some extra exposure and maybe even sales! How cool would that be?!

page 102 -A Visual Treat! Yeah, I made it to the Table of Contents too! ;)

Studios by Cloth, Paper, Scissors can be purchased at many Barnes & Noble, Joann's, Michaels, Hobby Lobby and AC Moore's. They tend to sell out quickly so you may find ordering easier.

You can pre-order the issue now by clicking here!

Halloween & Inspiration abound at a Tattoo Convention?

So Mr. Mikey and I (at my prodding) headed over to the 2010 Tattoo Convention in Phila this past weekend.

I personally have a love hate relationship with tattoos. I have many from my young adult life of lessons learned (many of which I now dislike). I very much enjoy tattooing as an art form and even apprenticed right out of High School but alas my attention span was not up to the amount of work it takes to be a worthy tattooist.

This was our 3rd Tattoo Convention (last one was a decade ago or longer) and my how things have changed. Halloween art is everywhere! Original and print art for sale as home decor is everywhere! It was a true feast for the artful eyes.

I had to buy this print..it is beyond awesome and the fact that it is done by a women tattooist makes it even sweeter!

another piece by the same artist, Lara
soo moody, haunting and beautiful in an odd manner.
LOVE IT!

The diversity of creativity astounds me continuously and it is for this reason I adore tattooing. Such a personal expression (when not a drunk frat boy and getting a Tasmanian Devil) of someones inner thoughts, fears, dreams and really soul. The need to have a one of a kind piece of art permanently inked on your body is really understandable is it not? We all collect things we must have, things we covet and adore. Beloved trinkets we feel the need to keep close to us. Are tattoos really any different? Such a very personal art form, tattooing is and I can see I am even more understanding to why beautiful young women "sleeve" themselves with ink. So my point..? I say congrats on your courage of diverse creativity and may you enjoy it with no regrets forever more.

Such wonderful examples of intriguing art for inspiration!

~Think out of the box and challenge your thoughts~

Tattoo Conventions offer dozens of affordable booklets of art (line drawings, flash, originals, etc) which make for great inspirational reference!

Mixed Media
what do you like about it, what don't you like. Don't just dismiss it b/c you wouldn't necessarily buy it...look at it, discover it and see if anything surprises you?




Artful business banners that are just so expressive!













Finally, I leave you with the jewelry genius of Francene of MARTHA ROTTEN!
I was lucky enough to meet her at last years National Halloween Convention and am delighted to report she is returning to the 2010 NHC in a few weeks!!

MarthaRotten.com
All her pieces are non tarnishing or turning..they are solid polished pewter!




Baby Head Bracelets!




I got this one!!!







Baby head Belt buckles, yes!
~Molded from Vintage Doll heads~




Molded from real crows feet, chicken bones and various bonery!




Let your Halloween Party guests see your attention to every spooky detail with these wicked salt and pepper shakers!

My sweet jetsetting escapades !

Hey gang! Wow...3+ weeks since I planted some deets on this bad boy..EEP! Well here is the quickie version of my escapades!

I flew to North Carolina and spent a dreamy week with Miss Brandi (She's Off her Rocker) and family. We had a fantastic time of it. Seriously, Miss Brandi made me laugh until I hurt. I didn't know it until recently that I have been in serious need of good 'ole gut busting laughter. Brandi is so much fun and has such a carefree fun nature to her. It is pure joy just being in the same room as Brandi. Her sister Dusti (makes HOT jewelry) is the same way. Both are true blue with a beautiful moral compass for everything around them. They are WAY fun and creative and find value in all styles of art-Love that! Two, well rounded beautiful souls that I am lucky to count among my friends and I know it! Cannot wait to see them again ;)

My recent travels have afforded me this joy and I feel rejuvenated in so many ways. I actually felt SOLID joy. Now, I know that sounds sad and all but truth is for a long time it has been difficult for me to have that actual feeling of true joy. The type that encompasses your entire mind and body. You know it when it comes and it is nothing short of beautiful.

Missing that feeling, I have chalked up to the aging process combined with a busy schedule and the stupid *%&*#%@! health issues of the last few years (FU-Home Depot..thanks for the 10 foot steel pole to the head which doctors believe is the reason the Fibromyalgia came on (head injury)..the gift that keeps on giving). So, a big thank you to the Harlan sisters for bringing a big smile that is still stuck on my face ;)

Do to the short flight to NC of only 1.5 hours and usually pretty darn cheap, Miss Brandi and I will jetsetting back and forth a lot more often to work together!

Now, while there we visiting Robert Brawley aka Halloween Fanatic! Mr. Brawley is a kick azz collector who recently went back to his own artistic roots and is creating some fun holiday pieces of his own! Mr Fanatic opened his home to us and showed us his wonderful collection of original holiday collectibles. We had a ball with Robert and family and are smitten with him. He is a true delight and I hope to see him again in the future!

I was so rejuvenated when I came home that I actually tore the azz out of my studio space and cleaned and organized it! I am so happy, I made the time to do it. Perfect time for Spring cleaning and enjoying our home. Please take the 2 min. tour of my studio and see some of my sweet & spooky collected pieces from many artists' you will recognize.

Jetsetting Continues South!

By this time tomorrow (in theory-barring yet a 3rd blizzard) I shall be in Charlotte, North Carolina staying with Miss Brandi McKenna of She's of her Rocker!! Look there she is in her Halloween finery !

Brandi and I met last year in person when she drove all the way from NC to Phila for The National Halloween Convention to help with the SpookyTimeJingles booth! Which btw..I am the NHC's- Halloween Art Director this year! Yippee Skippee! What an honor! Extra work but still pleased to be asked.

~Ok..back to Brandi~

She brought some of these wicked large azz moons-they were a BIG hit!

How flippin awesome is she? She and her hubster Jim were there to see just how fantastic the con was and how STJ rawked it! So, she is thee perfect chick-a-dee to help me plan for this years upcoming show in which we will have FOUR booths (instead of one). HELP me! Lord hear my prayer!

Now..this once again requires me to fly with my menagerie of calming BullChit- (xanax, slipper socks, eye mask, ipod, vitamin water & Luna Bars) but this trip is only 2 hours - easy breezy right? Well yeah kinda? With the EXCEPTION it is on a "puddle jumper" plane...hear my deep sigh?!


Puddle Jumpers are the ones that hold 40 passengers or less (Tight Quarters), yes it is a jet and it is Continental...BUT Continental (as most all airlines do for small jets) contract out their "smaller" flights to private companies and Continental (again as other airlines) who practice this have NO liability should something go sideways! Yep..ZERO!

But what could go sideways...? Certainly not the plane-that would be crazy!

Ok, So I pinky swear this is my last rant about my "flight issues"

My Ever so slight ;) flight phobia aside I am UBER jazzed to get down to some nitty gritty Halloween art and spend time with Miss Brandi and her family. Brandi is one of those true blue people you meet in life and thank your lucky stars for your good fortune. Seriously, it amazes me that I have made such good friends through the wonders of the internet + art= genuine friendships.

I will be leaving some Facebook updates along the way for those that seem to enjoy my Jetsetting escapades and random pictures & posts. If we are not yet friends, just ask ;)

In Flight Music Choice:
This flights relaxing new album of choice will between the new Corinne Bailey Rae "The Sea"
or Sade's first album in a decade "Soldier of Love". No Nickelback, 3 Doors Down or Seether for me in flight or I will be rockin out in my seat and singing..lmao...not pretty, not at 'tall ;) !

Last trip's relaxing music was John Mayer's new album "Battle Studies" (awesome btw) but with his recent crude & stupid azz Twitter remarks (DUMB AZZ) I cannot bring myself to listen to him again yet (why do I care?). But I do have to wonder why men can be so stone azz stupid when it comes to women?


Well, Ok that about does it for this ramble... Thank you for joining me and for giving a damn about my jetsetter blatherings and other lil ditties~

Tickle Me Smitten

Look at these darkly wondrous lil goodies that totally tickled my Fatuitous fanny this week! Feels SOOo good to find things that make me smile, laugh and pine away for one!!

~Exquisite Corpse Doll~

Look at the cover of the newest ADQ- Art Doll Quarterly, February 2010. I am so kRaZy over this cover doll.


This doll was designed by two different artists' each making a different component in separate work spaces! They had general guidelines set before they started but how amazing is this doll that they constructed. I AM SUCH A SMITTEN, KITTEN~ ( besides the fact that my dear friend Marie Patterson (Studio) has her doll pictured 4x inside! Go Marie (hope she autographs it for me;)!!

Ok, Next on my Tickled Smitten list is: Tim Burton's Tragic Toys for Girls & Boys Series.. Sweetly Spook-a-licious!

I just collected my first set from my free ebay bucks certificate and they arrived today!!! Miss Janell turned me onto these sweet & spooky lil characters with lil sourly sweet stories in the book, written by Tim Burton. I will leave you to learn more about the sweet & silly characters but the one in the middle is "Stain Boy"- What's not to love I ask!??

~I excitedly look forward to adding the rest of the crew over time~


Filmmaker Tim Burton is known for his unique ability to mix intelligent wit with highly original visual intrigue.
In this wonderful little volume, Burton gives birth to a cast of gruesomely sympathetic children--misunderstood outcasts who struggle to find love and belonging in their cruel, cruel worlds, where destruction and misery lurk in every corner....Burton's lovingly lurid illustrations convey both the sweetness and tragedy of his macabre, partly human creations.

My final Tickled Smitten is this darkely divinely designed Kookshi doll original made by Janell Berryman.
While visiting Janell in Oregon, I snapped this up and snuck it in my suitcase. Yep, I STOLE it. I knew if I told her I wanted to buy it she would just give it to me (she is too nice to me, I tell you). So, I stole it and just paypal'd her the money. he he he~

Now, go google-a-away my sweet and spooky friends and gets yours!

Dirty Spelunking with a Prozac Smoothie please

Do you have any interest in Spelunking? Well perhaps you could send a well equipped team to help me explore and analyze this downy right sorry azz situation I have gotten myself in.

I realize spelunking is considered an Extreme Sport but I assure you there will be many death defying maneuvers required to remedy this situation. Send Help STAT with a Prozac smoothie chaser please.

p.s. My Oregonian travel goodies will post this week for those who give a crap..lol-hugs! ;)

forged friendships & ass bombs

Wow, my head is spinning right now! I am packing up to head for the Pacific Northwest!! OMG is this a dream come true or what, right? I am an excitedly nervous nelly (soo much to do)!


I am off to spend a week with Janell Berryman on the Oregon coast in 2 days!!! I am excited to finally throw a big hug around her. It has been a number of years since we forged a friendship, all due to the wonders of Etsy. We have spent lots of time emailing and chatting on the phone but due to distance (me NJ) and obligations this is the first time we will actually meet in person.

How bazaar/crazy/somewhat outlandish is it that we are all part of this artful online community and that so many of us genuinely care bunches for each other yet have never met in person? It truly astounds me that someone I count as my dearest friend in the world is someone I have never laid eyes on in real time.

Oh, and guess who we get to "lunch" with on Thursday? Giggle, Giggle....Joy & Glee... Jo & Dylan of Cart Before the Horse! OMG... squeel!

Now, I am not particularly pleased about the long flights involved nor the fact that people have been shoving explosive materials up their keester.
Nor the fact that both of my nearby airports have had substantial security issues very recently. But a quick visit to my doc the other day secured me a script for xanax. She gave me enough for all four flights and I plan on partaking in the marvels of pharmaceuticals so that if someone does decide to bring down the plane I won't give a rats ass.



Most of my concern is with my Fibromyalgia issues. Fm is a crap shoot. You just do not know when the pain will hit and how strong. I am only approx. 6 months into my diagnosis and I still have not learned exactly how to manage this strange affliction.
So, I basically carry a diaper bag worth of chit with me to insure my comfort.
My flight plan strategy/must haves:
Earplugs or Earbuds/ipod
my perfect lil pillow tucked under head (I always rock a window seat or I refuse to fly ;)
eye mask on (that's right..I am one of those peeps..I want to forget where I am)
a lil travel blankie that I bring
2 bottles of water
My favorite health bars/snacks
Gum
lip balm
Meds/Aspirin
Shoes come off & Fuzzy Slipper Socks go on


I basically go into hibernation. It is near impossible for someone like me to sit still that long without doing some sort of task. With no internet based resources or cell phone use I am like a dope sick junkie in the throws of withdrawls. And being that I cannot use these usual tools to distract me from the fact that I am in a tin can with wings 30k up in the air and that at that altitude I will almost certainly have FM muscle pains I must do the next best thing....SLEEP!



Now, I do bring my sketchbook, a book & game/movie on ipod in case my hibernation strategy goes south but by in large I try and sleep my way through the whole event. That is why I try like hell to get flights with no layovers. Seriously, can we REALLY put men on the moon and we cannot get ONE FRIGGIN non stop flight to Eugene, Oregon airport?

I digress...

I will settle for NOT having this guy as my seat mate....

The point is it is ALL worth it to meet the sweet J.B. in person and to get to work & play with her is something I will soon be able to scratch off of my "if dreams come true" wish list!

BTW..did I mention....



Yeah J!!!