Friday, February 28, 2014

It's Friday! WOOOOO!

Every Friday, I rejoice at the week's end by singing "It's Friday, Friday!" from that stupid Rebecca Black song.  What's it called?  Friday.  duh

Partyin', partyin' yeah!

I'm singing a song that 15 year girls enjoy.  But I'm also quoting Will McAvoy from HBO's The Newsroom.  Which of these you intend to judge me more severely is entirely up to you.

We had some lovely weather here in the northeast this past week.  Last weekend it was nearly 60°F, and even though I really enjoyed it, I secretly hoped for more cold weather and snow.  When I got into my car this morning, it was 5°F.  I'll be eating last weekend's words and then some later on this weekend as we bunker down for yet another snowstorm.  No, who am I kidding?  I heart this kind of weather.  Fingers crossed, I'm hoping for another snow day Monday.  I can get some awesome painting time in, and the thought of sitting around in PJs painting and drinking tea really excites me. 

Since we last spoke, I've made a few purchases and created an uber-awesome piece.  Let's start with the purchases.  There were several awesome recent drops, and I consider myself super lucky to be the proud owner of the following items:

Penelope McStompsalot




Kidrobot and Huck Gee have really outdone themselves.  It's an 8" Dunny acting as a mech for the 3" Dunny!  Not only is this a chick, but she's super bad-ass!  All of this is very cool, but my make or break was definitely the hinge opening.  Amazeballs AND awesomesauce.

There's only one place I know of that still has these beauties in stock.  And you, fair readers, are privileged enough to gain this power knowledge URL: http://www.screamingskygallery.com/ Last I checked, they had TWO in stock.  

Pocket Rose Vampire
Translucent Green Glitter

Aside from SDCC releases, I've never been privy to an actual Super7 RV release.  Creator Joshua Herbolsheimer is a super-talented dude, and I really enjoy his totes adorbs art.  Believe it or not, once I called the Super7 Store in the good ole San Fran inquiring about a toy that may or may not be in their inventory, and he answered the phone.  We chatted for about 10 minutes until at the very end of the conversation I thanked him for his help and asked his name.  He said "Josh," very matter-of-factly, and after a brief pause, I asked "the RV creator?" and he laughed and said yes. 

Lol, I'm not a silly fangirl, but when I find out I'm talking to the creator of a really popular designer toy, I'm going to say "I painted a few, and it was a lot of fun.  Thanks for making such a great platform."

And then he said thanks and we ended the call.  All of that aside, I took total advantage of this sale (they're $25 instead of their normal $35!) and can't wait to show you what I create! 

Speaking of create, here it is!  My new art for the week!.  It's still not 100% complete, but I'm really happy with it.

 
Lol it's a Mint Chocolate Chip Foster!  Also a Super 7 product, I've been wanting to paint one of these since I first discovered Super7.  Similar to that of the Rose Vampire, they had a Foster release a little while back.  I scooped several up with the intention of customizing at least one.  Before even sitting down with my brush in my hand, I knew he would be mint chocolate chip.  Every time I look at him, I crave ice cream sandwiches.  I guess that means I did a good enough job ^.^

What's next on the queue?  A customized Death Serpent, and some chibi Godzilla toys.  There will definitely be smaller projects in between.  Taking on this Death Serpent will not be an easy or quick task.  Imma have to construct a project schedule diagram n'shit.


  
Lastly, my Pups have arrived safely back from SubUrban Vinyl and are available in my store right now!  They're on sale!  20% off! 



So, yeah.  That's really all, kiddies. I hope everyone has a good weekend.  If you're in the northeast, prepare for another storm!  Maybe that'll get you doing something you've been meaning to complete for months/years/centuries.

Until then, be good, eat your veggies, and take a moment to just take a breath today.  You work hard and should occasionally stop to look around before 10 years has passed in the blink of an eye. 

I'll be right back.

kthxbai ^.^

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Inconceivable!

There's a perfectly logical reason for this preemptive Thursday blog update: I'm at work, and our network has been kaput since 9AM this morning.  Four hours later, we're all still waiting for the IT guys to solve The Mystery of the Broken Network, but at least we have internet!

We had another snowstorm this weekend that started out as snow, changed over to rain, and then changed over back again to snow after the sun set.  Aside from a few errands on Saturday and Monday, I hardly left the house.  It was glorious!  There was plenty of food in the house, some type of benign but pleasant background noise (movies, TV, music, etc.), and a laundry list of toys I've been meaning to paint!  All that plus comfy lazy clothing equals Paintapalooza 2014!

I'm nearly done with Darth Vader and Jack Skellington, but don't have pictures.  It's actually a blessing in disguise because until I reach the tail end, everything looks kind of crappy.

Monday was a holiday, so I spent a good portion of the day working on Misfortune Cat!  After hemming and hawing about the color scheme, I decided to do a bronze patina style.  I've been working on my weathering techniques as well as dirty metallics, and I'm very pleased with the way this piece has turned out!

If you are interested in purchasing it, you can find it in my store!

Here's a secret: When I posted this to Instagram, there were a few comments that said thing like "wonderful patina!!! <3".  That's when I learned what a patina is.  Thank you, Google.  Thought you might get a kick out of that.  I did, but only after I got over the embarrassment of not knowing what a patina was. ^.^


I have other updates, but alas there are no pictures.  Hopefully you aren't too disappointed.  Because I care about your well-being!  If you're disappointed, I am too. 

Right, then.  Looks like our network has finally come back up, and I can get to the work I've been trying to do all day but couldn't.

Ok, nerds.  Time for me to meet up with my good friend SAP.  For those of you who don't know anything about SAP, consider yourself lucky.  For those of you who have had the privilege of using SAP and need to do so on a daily basis, here are some funnies that we nerds can appreciate.


ONE DOES NOT, SIMPLY USE SAP 
 




Hahaha, oh you finicky ERP software, you!  

Ok, ok back to work.

kthxbai!


Friday, February 14, 2014

Inclement Weather?

I'll play along and agree with everyone when they express their dislike of wintery weather.

Anyone: "Can you believe it's supposed to snow AGAIN?"
Me: "Oh yeah, that sucks so bad" (facetious eye roll)

But the reality is that I love snow.  My commute is minimal, and when the plow traps me in my parking spot, I just have to gun my all-wheel-drive vehicle until I'm free.  This past week, we've had three or four bouts of snow, and it has interfered with my day job in wonderful ways.  In turn, it has given me several opportunities to ponder-about and create art stuff.

Earlier last week, I managed to grab a Baby Greasebat Dunny.  That is exciting on more than one level, and I can't wait to bring a brush to it.  As soon as it arrives in the mail, I'll start painting.  I hope it's soon!

Stock Photo
During one particularly bad snowstorm, I spent the majority of my day working on this dude.  A purchase from Rotten Daughter, it recently arrived in the mail, and I was really itching to paint it.  To be honest, I hadn't primed this by the time the snowstorm hit, and ended up doing so in my bathroom because I was impatient.

Before


Almost-After (not quite done, but mostly so)!  A weathered but still mostly happy robot! 
Not a commission or for a show -- just felt like painting it

Something I've noticed about painting:  I'm less inclined to burn myself out when I incorporate things I'm genuinely excited to paint into my repertoire.  Commissions and shows are wonderful, don't get me wrong, but there are times I see something and I feel a spark of inspiration and excitement when I think about painting it.  This robot dude was one of those sparks, and I'm so glad I bought him.  Thanks, Rotten Daughter, for having faith in me and giving me the privilege of being the first person to customize your robots!  :)

Well, that's really all I have for an update.  I hope you fellow northeastern hemisphere dwellers aren't hating the snow too much.  OMG that sucks so much...all of that snow... *wink* 

RE Snow Haters: Think of it scientifically, though.  You can't go anywhere because it's freakin' snowing like whoa, so you stay home and get things off of you To Do list because you're bored and have nothing better to do.  This makes you feel accomplished and productive, so each time you're cooped up at home and bored, the residual association will give you the habitual promise of efficiency.

Cough, cough, cough.  *hoarse & breathy*  Science and big words makes me hurt all over.

This weekend I have to resolve to finish working on the Jack Skellington and Darth Vader commission pieces.  Then I'm doing a piece or two of Super7 awesomeness.  I'm putting it in writing that I will be finishing pieces this weekend because I'm hoping it will actually force me to do it in its entirety.

Ok, nerds.  It has been swell indeed.  I hope you all had a wonderful week and are ready to have an epic weekend!  Epic may be a bit strong.  How about ... rejuvenating?  Or just plain old awesome.  Whatever.  I, myself, plan to paint with the Olympics on in the background, play some cards, and nap as often as I can.  Stay warm and hydrated and always remember to clean off the snow from the top of your car.  If cops see it fly off when you're driving, they'll pull you over.

Miss you MORE!

kthxbai

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Happy New Year!

Long story short, my company played a game of musical chairs, and I have a different job.  How does that affect you?  Well, it means that I'm working with a completely new group of people in a new building.  I'm trying to keep my nose clean, so I've been crappy about updating my blog.

Without sounding too uptight, unless I schedule "blogtime", it won't get done.

I can make that a New Year's resolution.  What other resolutions have I  made?  That's a bit personal.  Ok, you've twisted my arm.  I resolved to use less profanity.  I resolved to lose the weight I put on due to work stress in 2013.  And now I resolve to update my blog regularly -- mostly because I despise taking so much time to apologize for not updating my blog!

Let us make an actual resolution, and not a "I, like, want to, like, update my blog more often, right?" approach.  I will not not allow my laziness to perpetuate to the point where it regularly interferes with my professional and recreational duties.

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Gawd, that was a bunch of obligatory blah blah blah.  On to the fun stuff already!

Last week, a coworker of mine who I hadn't seen since 2013 wished me a Happy New Year.  I almost punched him in the teeth, but it was mostly because of the distance that had come between us since I moved to a different department.  But the lesson to take away from this is that you should not wish someone a Happy New Year after January 9th.  Unless it's the Chinese New Year.

Wait.  Did he wish me a happy Chinese new year?  Now I'm confused and feel slightly guilty for getting so angry.  Pause.  I'll have to research that and get back to you.  Happy New Year, by the way.

January was wonderful, thanks.  Aside from the work stuff (that you shouldn't care about), I obtained San Diego Comic Con and C2D2 professional badges!  Even though I make this a one sentence statement and seemingly just toss it out nonchalantly, I'm super excited to have had my professional applications approved and the idea of possibly attending SDCC this year.  Blazon Brikhaus and I also worked together nicely to produce some freakin' delightful art.  Her sculpting and my painting beget five unique Snowgirls!  You can find them in my store, or you can just admire this picture and continue reading. 


We've caught up to February!  Hooray!  Those of you who are following me on Instagram or have read the custom toy blogs within the past few days have already seen my submission for SubUrban Vinyl’s upcoming Valentine’s Day art show: “Heart Strings: Art to make hearts all a flutter or help mend the broken ones”.  Introducing Sweetheart Pups!  Resembling the well-known conversation heart-shaped candy, give YOUR sweetheart something sweet without fear of cavities or calories!  Select from four uniquely lovable pastel-colored pups printed with messages such as “Puppy Love”, “Love You”, “Be Mine”, and “Call Me”.



These adorable pups will be available for purchase at the opening reception this Saturday, February 8th from 6PM-9PM, and also at SubUrban Vinyl’s online store!  Be sure to sign up for the mailing list to receive the show preview!

Lastly, I'm working on two super awesome commission pieces: Jack Skellington and Darth Vader. 


Sculpting by the amazing Nick Jodice!  Jack is the only one worth showing since he's an actual WIP; Darth is fully sculpted, but is just black right now.  Yes, Darth and I are on a first name basis.  No, I didn't just make a race joke.  Well, I did just now...but that wasn't it before. 

So, that's really it.  Job change, painting, looooving the perpetual snowstorms, and being my normal sassy self.  Did you miss me?  If you did, I find that kind of weird but flattering. ^.^  But, alas.  It is time to say bye bye.  So soon?  Sadly, yes.  Don't wander too far away because I promise to return soon, nerds.   

Stay nerdy and warm...and always remember to disassemble (if possible) and wash your pieces with soap and water before priming/painting.  It removes any residont (a play on the word residue) left by your hands or factory manufacturing stuffs or chemicals and whatnot.  Bad stuff that will make your paint bead or uneven or not stick.  The washing will take it off.  But be sure to dry thoroughly because the little beads of water have the potential to foul up your art more than most residonts!

kthxbai :P