Friday, December 31, 2010

2011 Resolutions


2011 Calendar, 5x7, Only 2 Left in Stock, SALE by This Year's Girl


Here we go again...another year, another set of resolutions.

1) Lose moar weight, obviously! Actually, I'm not as concerned about weight so much as dropping dress sizes. Gonna try to get down to a size 6US (from a size 8).

2) I've surpassed my 150 sales this year (woohoo!), so lets go for 300 more next year.

3) Partake in at least one craft show. I've always been too scared to run my own craft show booth due to paranoid thoughts of futching everything up or not being totally prepared. Thankfully, there are a few small, local ones that'll give me the opportunity to wet my feet.

4) Take Marduk out for more walks and teach him a few more tricks.

5) Finish interior re-painting. I still have to do the living room, the hallway, two of the bedrooms as well as finish stenciling the third. Definitely have my work cut out for me.

6) Finish up the art studio.

7) If my budget allows, install new hardwood flooring in family room. 'Cuz seriously, this manky carpet must be older than me!

8) If my budget allows for this also, get the hallway bathroom renovated. Going for a partial gutting, no relocating of plumbing, and some of the work will be done by yours truly.

9) I WILL start RCIA, consarnit!

10) Get back to making more kanzashi and kimono-related stuff. Yeah, it's been a while, sorry. My work in said area is probably forgotten by everyone by this point. :|

BONUS: To try not to let pessimism get the best of me!

So what are your resolutions for 2011?

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Penguin, yo

It felt like forever, but I finally got off my fat butt and made a version of my beer penguin design that's suitable for dark t-shirts. I'll be burning this onto screen by tomorrow at the earliest. Sorry about the image quality in the mock-up version, I'll try to re-post it when I'm not feeling so tired.

Also, my Black Friday weekend/Cyber Monday sale is still going on, so act now...you won't be seeing this kind of deal again for an entire year! Night, y'all.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale!

Hey hey, hope that all who celebrate Thanksgiving had a wonderful time. I had a small get-together with a few friends, we cooked and we nommed. Had roast leg of lamb, mashed potatoes with gravy, buttered rolls, baked butternut squash and had low-fat carrot cake. Yup, I'll definitely be struggling into my jeans this season. -_-;;;

Before I go into another food coma, I just wanna post my epic Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale.

Take 25% off your entire order during this weekend! Simply enter coupon code HOLIDAY2010 at checkout. Sorry, sale does not apply to custom orders or previous orders.

My Kanzashi Shop
Yay For Fidget Art!
My Photography Shop


Also, new t-shirt dresses! And now's the perfect time to snatch these up. ;)

Japanese Pine Tree T-Shirt Dress Sizes S M L XL
Japanese Pine Tree T-Shirt Dress - Sizes S/M/L/XL

Coffee Owl Crewneck T-Shirt Dress - Sizes S M L
Coffee Owl Crewneck T-Shirt Dress - Sizes S/M/L

Oiran Crewneck T-Shirt Dress - Sizes S M L XL
Oiran Crewneck T-Shirt Dress - Sizes S/M/L/XL

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Giveaway Contest Winner


Sorry for the slight delay, everyone. I'm currently swamped with tons of work for the holiday season, plus I'll be preparing for my first upcoming trunk show.

I used a random number generator from Random.org, and here is ze winner (click the image to view larger version):

Congrats, Alex of Spoonful of Sugar Free, you've won a shiny new YFFA! scarf! I'll be contacting you for your mailing address shortly.

Many thanks to all who have participated in this giveaway, I greatly appreciate it. I will definitely be hosting more nifty giveaways in the future, so stay tuned!

Best wishes,

Marissa <3

Friday, November 5, 2010

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

I think it's about time for a giveaway...CONTEST CLOSED!



So I'm giving away a heather gray American Apparel scarf with my ginkgo leaf design (retail value $20)! It's screen printed on one end with forest green eco-friendly ink.

Deadline is November 15th 2010 @11PM Eastern Standard. The winner will be selected via random number generator.

You have three chances to enter. Simply follow the instructions below:

**********

1) Become a fan of Yay For Fidget Art! on Facebook. If you're already a fan, lemme know!

2) Suggest my Facebook page to five of your FB friends (click "Suggest to friends" link under the fan page profile pic).

3) Follow me on Twitter! Or, if you're already following me, lemme know.

4) In the comment field below (where you cast your three entries), tell me what item(s) you like most from Yay For Fidget Art! Also, please be sure to leave your email address so I can be able to contact you if you've won.

5) Spread the word - Tweet, blog or post a link on your FB page about this giveaway! :D

Monday, October 25, 2010

Piney Pine!

New tee design (mock-up)! I've been working and re-working this sumi-e-inspired one around for a while, and I finally conquered it earlier today. Thoughts? I'm also still kicking a few other designs around, but those may take a little while longer. Alright, I'm off to bed now. G'night, everyone!

(I'll try to find the link where you can download the t-shirt mock-up templates.)

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A bit of horror is always good for the soul.

And there couldn't be a better time than October to feature these great indie horror flicks. Even if you're not a believer of the paranormal, you can't deny that these videos are mildly entertaining, at the very least. :)


"Ten Steps" - A similar incident actually happened to a good friend of mine. Scroll down if interested, but it does contain stuff that will spoil the ending if you haven't seen this video yet.


"Upstairs"

Bloody Mary Part 1 of 2 - It's been up for a while, but it's still one of my faves (sorry, embedding's been disabled)

Bloody Mary Part 2 of 2 (sorry, embedding's been disabled for this as well)

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In reference to the "Ten Steps" film posted above, a close friend of mine (I'll call him "C") had a rather interesting paranormal incident not too different from said film. He lives in an old apartment building in St. Louis, Missouri. This apartment building has quite a bit of history, but due to the way management runs things, it hasn't been updated in some time...so it has "character."

Anyway, said building was prone to semi-frequent power outages, and one night when the power went out, C decided to step out for a bit until it came back on. To get down to ground level, he had to walk down a couple flights of stairs that consist of approximately twenty-five steps. Everything was pitch black, but he's lived at his apartment long enough to know his way around.

C heads down the stairs, and instead of expecting ground level after the twenty-fifth step, he found himself walking further down more steps. He was baffled and creeped out as all bejesus, yet felt compelled to continue onward. He claimed that he must have counted about 400 steps and felt like he was walking for ages before he reached an actual bottom. And at that very moment, the power came back on. He looked around to find that everything around him was back to normal, with the staircase at its normal twenty-five steps. He had no clue what just happened and cannot find any logical reasoning to it. He made it clear that he wasn't inebriated in any sort of way at the time. I knew well enough that he doesn't lie about things like this, but I'll just leave that to the reader's judgement. Still entertaining, at the very least. :P

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Featured!

I'm very happy to announce that I was recently featured in two fantastic blogs! Michelle of Michabella Creations was kind enough to feature all three of my Etsy shops on Handmade in PA. Also, my Dublin Street print got a spot in Steve Raley of Photogrunt's "Urban" edition along with a collection of other great photos from amazing photographers. Thanks, Michelle and Steve!




Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Etsy Holiday Bootcamp

To learn more about it, you can read the article here:

I, Marissa Rojas, pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

PLEASE READ!

(From the Handmade in PA blog. Please pass this info on!)

Call for Artists – October 9 craft show fundraiser (Lancaster)


(Please click the above link for the original post and for a copy of the application)

My friend, Heather Gallagher, works with this awesome little dude’s mother (Monica) and she wanted to do what she could to help raise money for his medical expenses.

Photo Courtesy of PhotOle Photography

Monica was given an awesome opportunity from Clipper Magazine Stadium: they are giving her the Ballpark for a fundraiser the entire day on October 9, 2010!!

We are incorporating an Art & Craft show into the festivities of the day. There will be news coverage and we expect a fantastic turnout!

Art & Craft Show Info

  • Saturday – October 9, 2010
  • 8am-2pm
  • Clipper Magazine Stadium
  • Lancaster, PA

Doors open to public at 8 am, park opens to vendors at 6 am. Spaces must be set-up and ready to sell by 8 am. Show will conclude at 2 pm. There will be other events going on throughout the day/evening, so you may remain set-up later if you wish.

Our goal is to get 100 arts & crafts vendors. Vendors are juried, meaning that we will want to see a sample photo of the items you will be selling to be sure we offer a variety of quality items.

We will be set-up on the ball field and spaces will be $50 for a 10×10 space. If you are a smaller vendor and would like to share a space with another vendor, we can certainly accommodate that.

We ask for an item to be donated for a raffle. If you would like to donate a portion of your sales from the day to the Antonio Forte Transplant Fund Trust, it would be greatly appreciated, but not required. You can contact Heather at mhlgall@yahoo.com for a vendor application and event sheet.

If you are unable to set up for the event we would be happy to include one of your donated items in a raffle. Contact Heather if you are interested in donating an item to raffle.

We need volunteers to help run the event:

  • Registration Coaches to sign people in
  • Runners- to help direct people to their spaces
  • Relievers- will be assigned to a group of stands. They will watch & if a vendor needs to use the restroom or take a bread to eat the Relievers will man the stand for a short time.
  • People to man the raffle table.

Please pass this onto your friends - the more vendors/Volunteers we have at the event the more help we can offer this family! If you have any questions, please contact Heather Gallagher at mhlgall@yahoo.com.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Friday, September 10, 2010

New Print!

Mad Professor 8x10 Illustration Print
"Mad Professor" 8x10" Illustration Print

(click image to head over to the listing!)

My friend, Lynn wanted me to draw him done up like a mad scientist/professor, and I felt that it would make a very fitting piece for YFFA!. I've spent the past couple of months kicking around the concept, wanting to incorporate a hint of steampunk and pulp comic art with my own style. Multiple versions were done of Lynn in mad scientist attire in various poses, none of them really turned out how I wanted. I did, however manage to work out one half-done version that I later scrapped. After that, I figured it was about time to take a short break from the concept.

About a couple weeks later, I decided to resume work on the Mad Professor piece. reviewing the number of sketches I've done. I guess taking a break did the trick, since I saw potential in one of said sketches and made some improvements, which set me back right on the creative track. After inking and some coloring with Prismacolor markers, the Mad Professor was finally scanned and cleaned up in Photoshop. More coloring was done (digitally, this time), which left me with the background. A lot of the colors I picked didn't compliment the subject well at first...it was rather awkward, really. Had to tinker around with the picture a bit more until I found that desaturating the colors some on said subject really did the trick. Lynn was uber ecstatic about the final results, so I guess that makes me one satisfied Pokey Pie.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Bira-Bira tutorial

Pictured above: Pair of bira-bira kanzashi with custom obijime

A fellow Etsian recently convo'd me inquiring about where to acquire bira-bira - metal flutters that sometimes accompany the main part of certain types of kanzashi (e.g.: tsunami kanzashi). They're attached via small rings, causing the metal strips to brush against each another, creating a pleasant "tinkling" noise as one moves.

Anywho, I've made note that I've almost always made my own bira-bira. And so, said Etsian's inquiry inspired me to post a quick tutorial.

You will need:

-Aluminum sheeting. Must be somewhat flexible, preferably of .032 thickness. You can find these sheets available in 6x12" at most hardware stores and some art supply stores (can be found in drafting supplies or metal crafts dept.) [Link]
-Floral wire (preferably silver, 18 gauge)
-4mm jump rings
-Wire jig [Link]
-A pair of tin snips [Link]
-Needle-nose pliers
-1/16" hole puncher [Link]
-Metal file
-A pair of work gloves
-Work goggles
-Ruler with both inches and centimeter marks (preferably one with a rubber/cork underlining to prevent slippage)
-Ball point pen
-Optional: Small t-square

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-With the ruler and ball point pen, mark down sections measuring 1.5" long by 0.5cm wide each. You can use an optional t-square for easier perpendicular lines.
-Wearing gloves and goggles, carefully use the tin snips to cut down the lines. It's easier to cut through the entire width of the metal sheeting into smaller sections before cutting lengthwise. As you cut out each piece, the metal will curl some, but don't worry! You can straighten them out later.

-Using the 1/16" hole puncher, pierce a single hole at one end of the flutter piece, as shown below, and repeat with the other pieces. Just to forewarn you, it can be a bit of a pain to remove the bira-bira piece from said hole puncher. Just gently try to wiggle the end with the needle-nose pliers.-You will now have a pile of bent bira-bira pieces. for this part, you can simply take the same needle-nose pliers and clamp the flutters until they're straight. If you wish to make them perfectly flat, you can gently hammer them on a flat, hard surface.

-Now onto the wire, in which your bira-bira will hang from. Take the wire jig, and the amount of pegs for however many loops you want (odd numbers are recommended). Insert pegs adjacent to one another diagonally across the jig pad.

-Taking a single 18ga floral wire, start with one end and bend using pliers about a couple inches in. Follow the illustrated diagram below, making a tight curve inward to form one corner of the "triangular" shape. With the corner placed at the first peg, wrap the wire around the first peg, while keeping the wire pinned flat against the pegboard. Guide the wire over to the second peg and wrap it, repeating with the other pegs. Be sure that the odd loop is aligned at center point. To note, the loops will surely look better than my crappy illustration. :P
-After wrapping the wire, gently shift the loops off the pegs. Clamp any open gaps shut with the pliers and shape the wire to reflect the other half. Twist both ends together to secure.

-Acquire the appropriate amount of flutters and 4mm jump rings (which can be found at any craft/jewelry supply store). Using needle-nose pliers once more, gently twist both ends slightly open. Slide one end through the bira-bira hole, then through one of the wire loops before clamping the jump ring shut. Be sure not to squeeze the pliers too tightly, which can flatten the jump ring. Repeat with the others.

-Bind with whatever tsunami kanzashi you're making and voila!

Of course, one can always expand on their creativity and incorporate bira-bira into other crafts. You can also use different colored metals and even experiment with different materials. Now go, create!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Game day

So yup, it's Penn State's first home game. :) So here are some wonderful items made by crafty Etsians to match the occasion!

Penn State Hand Painted Wine Glass
Penn State Hand Painted Wine Glass by Jan Jackson

Penn State blocks collar bandana for pets SIZE MEDIUM
Penn State blocks collar bandana for pets SIZE MEDIUM Love a Paw

 Penn State University Nittany Lions Reversible Coffee Cozy Sleeve
PSU Nittany Lions Reversible Coffee Cozy Sleeve by Lydibug Designs

 argyle armwarmers made from PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS fleece
Penn State Argyle Fleece Armwarmers by Bombshell Sports

 NCAA PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS inspired keepsake w/no bow garter WEDDING GARTERS
Penn State Wedding Garter by Garter Gallery

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

What not to say...

Mistake illustration styrofoam cup
"Mistake" by boyobsolete

...while selling at a craft fair. Handmade in PA has a great article with tips on how not to futch up while workin' your booth. I should also add that swearing is not the wisest thing to do in front of your customers...unless they're bikers or something. :P


Sunday, August 8, 2010

Friday, August 6, 2010

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Monday, July 26, 2010

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Canvas prints!

A few friends of mine suggested that I turn my "Oiran" illustration into canvas prints. And so I did. :)

Oiran 18x24 Canvas Wrap Print
"Oiran" 18x24" Canvas Wrap Print

 I'll Have a Pint 12x16 Canvas Wrap Print
"I'll Have a Pint" 12x16" Canvas Wrap Print


I didn't have much of a selection of acrylic paints, so I took what I had and simply mixed up a couple batches of the desired shades, hence the slight variations in color. Both turned out rather nicely, and would go great with a fair variety of interior decor styles. Also, notice that Seamus McChirpin is now available in wrapped canvas form as well. Hopefully this shall be a regular thing. I gladly welcome custom orders.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Monday, July 19, 2010

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Friday, July 16, 2010

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Summer Slump

Impending - 8x8 Metallic Fine Art Photo by bomobob

It's the height of summer - the time when everybody's out vacationing and generally spending more time outdoors. And when many of you aren't parking your butts in front of your monitors, that equals slow sales for online businesses. Craft/art shows are out of the question for now since I lack experience in selling at such, as well as being unable to afford the set-up costs. So what to do during a slow period?

-For myself, I've been screen printing, illustrating and kanzashi-ing until my limbs wither and fall off.
-I've been attempting to stock back up on supplies so I won't be left short-handed when the fall rush happens.
-I also need to get started on Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas-themed items.
-Catching up on my house projects (painting, organizing and unpacking) is definitely a must.

I've also recently took advantage of the slow period to give my dog, Marduk a bath - wasn't so successful with that one...He was rather displeased.

So what do you typically do during the summer slump?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Halo-Halo Recipe

Pronounced "Hah-lo hah-lo," this is a favorite traditional dessert among Filipinos and is definitely a childhood favorite of mine! Great for the summer, this treat primarily consists of shaved ice, condensed or evaporated milk, sweet corn and an assortment of fruits. It may seem like an odd combination of ingredients for some, but it doesn't hurt to try! :)

EDIT: *Stares at the picture* ...Dammit, now I want some halo-halo! Must acquire ingredients and an ice shaver...

This recipe serves 3-4 people.


Ingredients:

-2 cups of shaved ice
-2 cups of eight condensed or evaporated milk
-2 ripe mangos
-1 c. ripe jackfruit
-1/2 c. sweet corn
-1 c. young shredded or diced coconut
-1 c. cooked ube (purple yam paste)
-1/2 c. boiled red mung beans or kidney beans (I tend to use kidney beans)

Optional ingredients: Garbanzos, plantains, sago/tapioca pearls, sugar palm, gelatin, or ice cream

Instructions:

-Dice fruit into 1/2" cubes, toss seeds.
-In four (preferably pre-chilled) glasses, add sweet corn and diced coconut (as well as any desired optional ingredients)
-Add shaved ice and pour in the milk
-Top with diced mangos, jackfruit, beans and ube (add a scoop of ice cream on top, if desired)
-Enjoy with friends/family or wolf it all down yourself! :P

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Halayang Ube recipe:

-1 ube yam root
-1 14 oz. can of evaporated milk
-2 12 oz. cans of condensed milk
-2 tbsp. butter or margerine
-Optional: 1 tsp vanilla

-Boil unreeled yam in pot of water until soft. Drain and let cool.
-Peel skin off yam and in a mixing bowl, mash it until it reaches the consistency of mashed potatoes.
-In a large wok, met butter and add condensed milk and optional vanilla on medium heat and stir.
-Adjust stove to low heat, add the mashed yam and mix well. Mix occasionally for about 30 minutes until it reaches a sticky consistency.
-Add the evaporated milk and continue to mix for another 15 minutes.
-Set aside to cool, and refrigerate before serving.

-You can add a sprinkling of sugar if desired, but I personally serve it the way it is. :)

(Photo by bingbing)

Contempo Weddings Feature

Staci Egan of Contempo Weddings and Contempo Jewelry Designs was kind enough to feature some of my kanzashi hair accessories on her lovely blog. :) She also features some great wedding gift ideas and accessories from other talented sellers. Check 'em out!