Wednesday, March 31, 2010

A-Kon Art Submissions

So just what have I been up to with these illustrations? I'll show you ;)

A-Kon is an anime convention held every year in Dallas. It's really geeky, but I've gone a couple times with friends (who are geekier than I :P), and it's pretty fun. Every year they also hold a t-shirt design contest. I've meant to enter for a couple years now, but tend to put it off and/or forget about it until it's too late. This year I vowed I would enter! So I did ;)

Though I've done a lot of work in both hand-drawing and computer illustration (and enjoy doing both separately), I'm still pretty new to converting hand drawings to digital. Annnd I kind of ran out of time, so I mainly played with live tracing options in Illustrator, rather than completely retracing them.

I had a lot of fun drawing the girl. This one is the third iteration of the drawing. Of course, the penguins were really my favorite part! Aren't they cute?! [And do you see the little comic book reference? :D] I scanned the drawing into Photoshop, traced it in Illustrator, and then colored it back in Photoshop. I need some more practice, but I think it's alright for my first real try at digital coloring.

The second drawing was a fast one. I actually just thought of it yesterday, made a full-sized sketch this afternoon, and just changed it into a digital drawing :-) I had to do a little fancy selection work in Photoshop before I could trace it in Illustrator. I went ahead and did the text in Illustrator, since I was already there. I'm pretty happy with it :D Alex says it's his favorite drawing of mine yet!

*whew* Sorry if that's lon-winded, but I thought someone may want a bit of detail on how I made them. Happy last day of March!! Sleep well ;D

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Etsy Finds: Woodlands

I love the mysteries of the forest...thoughts of quiet wonders, hidden creatures, and fairytales. Here are a few of my recent finds:

A tiny woodland terrarium necklace by Woodland Belle:

Woodland feathers earrings by Tangleweeds:

A woodland creatures journal by artwithhallie:

A pair of woodland squirrels by Sleepy King:

An adorable forest creature hat by mosey:

And a fox girl print by trafalgarssquare:

Doesn't it make you want to go find a hidden hollow in which to create?

Monday, March 29, 2010

Spring Shopping

For my birthday, my mother-in-law took me shopping. (Have I mentioned how awesome it is to get along with one's in-laws?!) It was a lot of fun! I'm really not a big shopper (partly because I'm so frugal no doubt), so it was exciting to actually get some clothes for spring! This is really the first year I've felt very 'fashionable' at all, and I'm trying to completely embrace it - in my own way, of course.

First up, shoes. I needed some more casual flats (I can't wear open-toed shoes to work) that would look good with skirts or shorts. I was looking for black, but I found these:
They are Simple Shoes - super comfy, totally cute, and eco-friendly! Made from recycled and organic materials. The shoe glue is water instead of petroleum based. Even the box is made from recycled paper. (Can you tell I'm enthralled?)

Next up, spring basics and Banana Republic:

Timeless tanks in a couple of colors, and a gorgeous spring scarf (actually in yellow).

And finally a couple outfits to go from New York & Company:
 A dress that actually makes me look skinny. I never thought I'd see the day. AMAZING. And this romper I mainly tried on as a joke, but mom-in-law saw and said, "We're getting that one." Haha - it actually looks pretty good! Especially paired with my new yellow scarf ;)

It must have been frustrating to take me shopping when I was younger. I wouldn't wear anything too girly, too low-cut (meaning below the collarbone :P), anything that even looked like it might be uncomfortable...my poor mother. Now I'm much more open to new styles, and trying things that I would never have thought would look good. I'm learning! Half the things I got Saturday are items I tried on a whim, never guessing they'd actually work!

My challenge: Next time you go shopping, try on at least 3 things you'd never have dared to before. Let me know how it works out!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

You Amaze Me: Farmers Markets

I am lucky to live in a city rich with local markets, to be able to see the bright colors and friendly faces of people able to sell their hand-picked produce and handmade goods locally. It's hard to beat fresh, locally grown, organic produce. Maybe it's impossible. I just feel better knowing that my food isn't laced with chemicals; that it hasn't been trucked across country; that it is fresh from the ground. Of course, sometimes we just can't afford it and that's okay too. But I love wandering through a farmers market, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents. So today, farmers markets, you amaze me.

Plus, isn't fresh produce just pretty? ;-) Have a happy Sunday!
(images from weheartit)

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Birds of a Feather

In case you hadn't heard, 8 girls from around the world (yes, that includes me :P) have started a blog together! It's called Birds of a Feather (I thought it was fitting). Every day a new post is made, ranging from recipes to fashion to eco-friendly DIYs. I'll be posting every Saturday on  COLOR! Yay! I did my first post - Yellow Says Springtime - today :D It's a bit of color inspiration followed by a quick wardrobe tip. Hope you like it!
You may also notice the new banner in the side bar ^_^ You can go to the new blog and add one to yours if you want ;) I'm hoping to make one for my own blog soon! Maybe some of us can do a banner swap?

Well, I'm off to help a friend on her first fabric shopping experience and then I'm going for a little birthday shopping trip with my mom-in-law. And hopefully tonight I'll get to see a friend :D Busy day! Have a happy Saturday! :-)

Friday, March 26, 2010

Beautiful Bloggers

 Thank you again to Katie and Ails for the "Beautiful Blogger" award!!


 I am happy to award this to the following beautiful bloggers!
Leigh-Ann at Freckled Nest
Kimberly at Like Lucy
Chelsea at Tea Talk
Christene at MinkMak Makings
Emily from Divine Chaos

For the "Beautiful Blogger" award you need to:
- Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.
- Copy the award and paste it to your blog.
- Tell us seven interesting facts about yourself.
- Pass this award on to 15 fantastic bloggers you have discovered.
- Contact your nominations and let them know they've won.

Hmm...7 Interesting Facts...

1. I love chocolate milk. Ever since I discovered Silk's Chocolate Soy Milk (I know buy the light kind), I've limited myself to one glass a day. Well, I try.
 2. I hate yard work. For as much as I love nature, I can't stand pulling weeds. I'm a little nervous about our science topic this month - plants - because we'll be planting in the school garden.
 3. One of my favorite pastimes is playing board games. It's one of the few things I'm really self-confident in!
 4. I want a pet tiger, but only if it couldn't survive on its own in the wild.
 5. I smell my food before I eat it. I never realized until a friend in high school pointed it out. I try not to do it (or do so discretely) in public!
6. I love combining geekiness with craftiness.
7. I'm really excited about my upcoming trip (probably August) to Portland & Seattle with Melissa!!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Thursday Threads #5

Today's Thursday Threads post is about GLASSES.
Yes, glasses are in. [...right?]
When I was 6 years old, I nearly convinced my eye doctor to prescribe me glasses because I wanted them so much. In the end, it's probably better I don't have glasses - they'd be lost, scratched, crushed, etc. But seeing all the awesome frames out there now...I have to say I want them again!
 (Boys in glasses are sexy, don't you think?)
I love colored frames...Wouldn't I look cute in these purple ones?
Ah, glasses....I love you.

PS: Last week's Thursday Threads post weirdly didn't get posted last week. See it here :)
PPS: I really want these Nerdy Heart Glasses by Steppie!
(all images except the last from weheartit)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Market Signs

First of all, I'd like to thank both Katie and Ails for the "Beautiful Blogger" award. It really means so much to me!! I'll be working on sending out my awards soon :D

For some reason I absolutely love the signs I made for the market (now for the next market :P). Here are a few for your enjoyment!


I think part of it was that I made them mainly for my own enjoyment :) That really helps when creating, don't you think? I've been drawing a LOT lately. I absolutely love it. I uploaded a lot of pics to my Flickr, if you'd like to see :) [The new ACEOs aren't in the shop yet, but I can list them if you'd like one!] I'm also working on a submission to a t-shirt design contest. It's totally geeky, but I'm having fun with it. Maybe I'll let you see when I'm done ;)

Here's hoping for a great Tuesday! Lots of love!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Etsy Spring Update

Check out my shop here!
(Right now it's in rainbow order hehe ^_^)



And! All knit accessories (scarves and cowls) are 25% OFF!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

You Amaze Me: Banksy

In case you haven't seen his work, Banksy is a not-quite-anonymous British graffiti artist. His works are usually social, ethical, or political commentary. My brother gave us his book for Christmas, renewing my interest. Not only is his art thought-provoking, but it is truly beautiful as well. He does a great job of locating his work in interesting places, connecting his theme to its surroundings. He also beautifully incorporates color into mostly black and white pieces.You can see much of his work on his website (where I found the following), or just do a google image search.

As a knitter, I couldn't pass this one up:

To be honest, I'm a rule follower. I'm not one for law breaking, because I think laws are there for a reason. However, I can appreciate non-violent crime if it's thoughtful :) So today, Banksy, you amaze me.