New Items!

I have a few new items listed, plus I'm happy to announce that I've re-opened my photography shop again. I've realized that I've been doing everything wrong with the titles, descriptions, etc. that my shop barely showed up in Google's search results, which explains my poor sales. So with much tweaking with the SEO, here's hoping things turn around for the better.

I've also been working on more new photography pieces, which will be added to the shop eventually. At some point in the future, I would love to expand on new lines of merchandise, such as canvas prints, iPad cases/clutches, and even home decor items. But, I gotta take baby steps first to avoid being overwhelmed.

"Storm Clouds in San Diego" 8x12" print

Beer Penguin Tri-Blend Unisex T-Shirt, in coffee brown

Lieutenant Green Ginkgo Leaf Summer T-Shirt

Read More

Eargasm

Since yesterday, I've been listening to Active Child's hauntingly beautiful song Hanging On. I recall hearing this a while ago, but completely forgot about it until I recently listened to Ellie Goulding's cover. I am in love with both versions. Or maybe I'm just trying to detox from having to listen to migraine-inducing garbage on the radio like Rihanna, Pink, One Direction...the parade of shit goes on.

Read More

New year, new resolutions

I apologize for not posting this until now, I meant to have this ready at the beginning of this month. Much of my schedule has been packed with filling in holiday orders, my part-time job on the side, and general holiday festivities. And the latest Dragonborn DLC. That took up much of my free time as well. How has your Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice been?

I won't lie. Much of 2012 consisted of much drama and stress that has left me feeling emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. However, I view life's curveballs as an opportunity to build character and become a stronger individual, so misfortune can bite my cute, well-toned ass. I'm plenty thankful for friends who have stuck by me through thick and thin, as well as new friends that I've made along the way...People who are fellow recovering "sponges" and "doormats." We get each other.

Moving along, I've met most of my goals for 2012, and I'm certainly not beating myself up over crossing off every single one from the list. Shit happens, ya gotta get over it and move on.

1. Fitness: Become ripped like Jillian Michael. Although I'm now about a size 4US, I still think I'm a bit "skinny-fat" when I look at myself nekkid in the mirror. I can see some muscle definition in my legs, butt, and arms, but I definitely need more work done to get rid of the remaining jiggliness in my midsection. Currently doing a mix of beginner/intermediate/advanced moves of Level 2 of Yoga Meltdown, and will eventually do the advanced moves of both levels in a row to get the most out of this dvd. Upon completion of that, I'll try out either her Ripped in 30 or No More Trouble Zones next. And perhaps I should also plunk down some extra monies for a pair of those Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, but well see.

2. Do an overhaul on my art style. Over the previous year, I've been stewing over my illustrations and have come to realization that I'm not satisfied with how they turn out. I feel that I'm getting a tad rusty in my technique, which partly explains the lack of new work as of late. Haven't had much time to curl up with my sketchbook and draw. I think now is a good time as any to experiment with new styles and see which one will "click" with my audience.

3. Sew moar cute outfits for meself! Since I started my part-time office job a few months ago, I've been having trouble finding cute and unique business casual attire that were reasonably priced. Luckily, I have a large collection of patterns I've amassed over the years that have remained in style (and those that weren't only required some minor alterations), as well as acquired several new patterns from Jo-Anns. So far, I've sewn five dresses, two skirts and a tunic, most of which were made from my existing fabric stash. Huzzah for couture clothing on a shoestring budget!

4. Install cherry hardwood flooring in one of the spare bedrooms. SO freaking glad that Lumber Liquidators just recently opened a new location in my area. I can just pick up the flooring in person and not have to pay high shipping costs.

5. Stain concrete floor in art studio.

6. Enjoy life more. Take my first vacation in years.

7. Find happiness...This will require some soul-searching.

That's pretty much it. Again, I'm making promises not to beat myself up over not achieving everything on the list. I'll just have to try harder next year. As for you guys: What are your New Year's resolutions?

Read More

I've been featured!

Just got a lovely convo today from Katrina and Inguna of Moods & Appetites, notifying that they featured my black Japanese pine t-shirt in their latest blog entry, along with a collection of gorgeous Asian-themed artwork (left side, near the bottom of the image).  Thanks, guys! ^_____^

Read More

New sketch

A not-so-very-detailed drawing of Major Motoko Kusanagi from the anime GITS: SAC. Taken with my phone's shoddy camera.

Read More

Random Sketches

As I've mentioned in my previous post that one of my goals for 2013 is to draw more. So here are a couple of quick sketches I did shortly before I left the office for the week:

A pissy-looking Teldryn Sero from the latest Skyrim DLC, Dragonborn...Just imagine that somebody dyed his mohawk rainbow/added hair extensions in his sleep.

Ellie Goulding? Dunno, just wanted an excuse to draw someone with 80s new wave-inspired hair.

Read More

Preeeeettyyyy...

*_*

Picture taken from Steampunk Cruise's FB page. Their first annual cruise will be held on March 16-23 2013. Head over there and like 'em, mebbe book some tickets if you're planning a vacation next year.

Read More

2012 holiday shipping dates and other important stuff

It's that time of year when everything picks up and gets uber hectic. For those shopping handmade during the holidays, I've posted mailing deadlines for Christmas delivery from the USPS website:

Domestic Mail
First Class Mail–Dec. 20th
Priority Mail–Dec. 21st
Express Mail*–Dec. 22nd
Parcel Post–Dec. 14th
Destination Network Distribution Center (DNDC) Drop Ship–Dec. 19th
Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Drop Ship–Dec. 21st
* Some Express Mail destinations may have extended service commitments.

International Mail
First Class Mail:
-Africa, Central/South America–Dec. 3rd
-Asia/Pac. Rim, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Middle East–Dec. 10th

Priority Mail:
-Africa, Central/South America–Dec. 3rd <--- 1st="1st" as="as" class="class" don="don" it="it" know="know" p="p" s="s" same="same" t="t" the="the" why="why">-Asia/Pac. Rim, Australia/New Zealand, Mexico–Dec. 10th
-Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East–Dec. 13th

Express Mail:
-Africa, Central/South America–Dec. 11th
-Asia/Pac. Rim, Australia/New Zealand, Caribbean, Mexico, Mexico, Europe, Middle East–Dec. 15th
-Canada–Dec. 17th

Global Express Guaranteed*:
-Asia/Pac. Rim, Australia/New Zealand–Dec. 18th
-Africa, Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Middle East–Dec. 19th
-Canada, Mexico–Dec. 20th
* GXG® Notes:

1. Cutoff date does not take into account time needed for customs clearance.
2. Should allocate extra transit day(s) for delivery outside major cities.
3. Last date to ship to Afghanistan is December 18. Last date to ship to Iraq is December 17. GXG does not deliver to APO and FPO addresses.

----------------------------------------

CUSTOM T-SHIRT ORDERS:
Due to the fact that the American Apparel factory is located on the opposite end of the country and that shipped blanks can take a while for arrival, I'm advising all of my lovely customers to place their custom t-shirt orders in advance if you wish to have them arrive in time for Christmas. Below are the deadlines for getting your orders in:

United States–Dec. 7th
Africa, Central/South America– Nov. 23rd
Asia/Pac. Rim, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Middle East–Nov. 27th

This is for orders that are being shipped First Class only! Expedited orders will incur extra shipping charges for the buyer.

Please understand that I cannot give a 100% guarantee for Christmas delivery due to potential delays from bad weather, possible defects in merchandise, and/or human error. Many thanks for your patience!

----------------------------------------

Running short on time? I can ship directly to the gift recipient AND I also offer gift wrapping and handwritten note services at no extra charge! Simply mention that the order is a gift in "Note to Seller" box and enter said recipient's name/address in the shipping address fields. You can also request the free gift wrapping/handwritten note in said "Note to Seller," and indicate what you'd like written in note. Copy of invoice will NOT be included in package, of course.

Read More

New Print!

"A Very Corgman Christmas" 8x10" Illustration Print

Bob Corgman the Welsh Corgi is back, and he's brought his family! It's that time of year when the Corgman family is decked out in kitschy, holiday-themed sweaters for their annual Christmas family portrait. Afterwards, Bob will shudder off the tackiness via sipping on a large glass of vanilla brandy and smoking his favorite pipe. All while listening to some good ol' Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters on the radio.

Also, Junior is NOT amused.

This is a limited edition print available only during November and December. After that, it'll be gone 'til next holiday season, so snap it up while it lasts! I also have a 5x7" version available.

(The oval shaping on the print itself isn't actually cut off on the top and left - it's just some weird cropping on the listing pic).

Also, until November 22nd, take 10% off your entire order by using coupon code EARLYSHOPPER.

Read More

Tasty Chili

Whipped up some homemade chili last night, along with some corbread:

I also had some shredded cheddar sprinkled on top of my serving of chili. Totally good eatin', especially for cold weather. You can check out the recipe for the cornbread here.

Read More