Went to
SOWA Market today with my fabulous artist artists
Gina Perry and
Vita Mechachonis. I've been to SOWA so many times yet I have actually NEVER visited EVERY part of the market in one day (Open Art Market, Antique Market, Farmers' Market and Food Trucks@SOWA). Well today I (
WE!) finally did. I'll sprinkle posts about three of them, over my next few blog posts. (No Farmer's Market pics happened, sorry!) First up is the Antique Market. :D
Door knobs. I've lived in old houses for most of my life, and vintage door knobs have just creeped into the big pile of disorganized inspirations in my brain. Not unlike this big pile of disorganized door knobs.
Ah I love old novelty travel souvenir postcards! Cute packages of 'em.
Always love these old printed frosted glass drinking glasses. How neat are these with the line art, lettering and map art. (Bonus anchors, and these are right on trend!)
Hello, creepy bartender man!
Mannequin figure with lots of costume jewelry. Love the look!
OH GLOBES! How I love globes. Globes globes globes. Wish there were more. (But then, I probably should be glad there wasn't!)
Pile of random stuff... Except for the metal bunny-rabbit-and-chick egg. That is NOT random at all.
Old glass bottles!
Do you find clowns creepy? I do sometimes, and sometimes I don't. But I am fascinated by the whole clown-phobia thing. Which makes them all the more curious of a subject.
I am kookoo for vintage postcards. I used to collect them, not officially. I just sort of acquired a lot of them over time. Since I have never repurposed them, and I'm now really into not acquiring stuff that doesn't scream at me loudly, I was easily able to resist these... Until I dug into the stack.
...and then they just got a little harder to resist. (I still resisted though. For today.)
Today I am skipping PART TWO of this series until later in the week and instead I'm bringing you Part Three today. Today's video features the set of
Winter Whimsy Drink Blots coasters I did with
Studio M/
Magnet Works! Take a peek. I share a couple of ideas for ways to use them, too. (They're the coolest and they are more than just coasters!)
Come back tomorrow for another cool Christmas treat!!
Last week I did something reeeaaally reckless. I pulled out the
Witches' Wardrobe 1,0000 piece puzzle that I did for
Andrews & Blaine for
Barnes & Noble. I put the box on my dining room table, and dumped out the contents. In doing so, I declared war. I had never done the puzzle before, and I've had it for over a year. I've thought about doing it, several times.
But...
The puzzle lives in a glass-doored cabinet in the living room. I see it every day. Just by virtue of it being in my field of vision, I think it was actually raising my blood pressure.
So... We'd been having staring contests over the past few weeks. It had to stop. Finally, I decided to do it. Suck it up. Face the challenge. It was time.
The honest truth is, it's almost never a "good time" to start a puzzle around here, because I am usually pretty busy. But the larger, bigger reason for this, is because I am simply not a "casual" puzzle person. This is a naked truth I only just confirmed this about myself by doing this puzzle.
In the past, I chalked up my puzzling compulsiveness and conviction with reasonable excuses, such as "I did the art for the puzzle, of course I am going to be a little obsessive about it" or "Who wouldn't get obsessive when putting together a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that's this detailed?" (Both convincing arguments). Of course there's also my general, um, 'aggressive enthusiasm' for some things, of which puzzles would understandably be included. And then, there is also the "puzzle-obsessed brain" that I think everyone must experience when they are knee-deep in the jungle of a big puzzle. Right? (...right? )
But I can't just leave it on the table and co-exist with it... do a few pieces here, a few pieces there. I now know this to be true. If I break out a puzzle, it's "Game On". It's basically "
The Old Man and The Sea" redux— with me, dining room table and puzzle, instead of old man, his gear, and the fish.
During the time I am in the puzzle haze, I sacrifice, I make the time where possible in my everyday life, to just complete the thing as swiftly as possible. Without losing sleep or missing meals. It's like being completely consumed by a novel you cannot put down. I have to finish it just so I can "get my life back". Okay, I am not a generally uptight individual! But puzzles... they kinda turn me into
Tracy Flick. Watershed moment.
So, last week, I was sucked into the vortex yet again. And yes it was torture.. But yes, I admit that I loved it! (Plus, I could actually feel parts of my brain doing squats and lunges. I kid you not.)
And yes, it was fun...
But after my puzzle session on day one (of five total), my earlier "Yay! This is fun!" had melted into a "Hmphh... this one is a bit.. um... tougher than I thought..." which by (past my) bed-time had morphed into "Hmmmm... THAT'S ALL I got done in ONE night??"
By day two, I was REALLY ready to slay this dragon. And I still was running off first-blush-puzzle-endorphins. I was also under the false delusion that I could finish and still have the rest of the day to catch up on my errands. (Pfft. Yeah, right.) I worked diligently and I saw progress, but it wasn't so visible to others yet. (I didn't quite feel the sting yet, but I was getting whupped.)
By day three, I was practically salivating to finish (when I wasn't stretching the kinks out of my neck and back, or circling the table mumbling to myself). I was also starting to really question what on earth was possessing me to so fervently, diligently work on this puzzle to completion. WHERE was the drive coming from to finish this ridiculously tough and altogether unnecessary task? It was like I was being faced with this stranger in my own brain... So, by this time, I was past the point of no return. I mean, I was having philosophical puzzle conversations with myself, like
"WHY am I doing this, again?
But WHY can't I finish this NOW?
WHY is this puzzle so HARD?
And WHY do I HAVE to FINISH it?!?!"
All the while my brain multi-tasking this whiny conversation with myself with my darting eyeballs searching, searching the puzzle junkyard for a tiny bit of red on a mold-green piece, for a little toe of pink boot, surrounded by grey... Put that one in the pile that makes up the closet door... Oh, wait, there's a separate pile for the closet handle, and one for the front door, and one for the bottom frame... Oh wait the designs are different on each side of the closet... and the four tiny skull's eyeballs all go in different directions... Aaaargh!! Sound like fun? (Oh, quick, before I lose it-- grab the piece with the rat tail's end!)
Day four... Day four, day four... It was a haze. Finish or Bust. Every part of the puzzle I attacked and conquered like tiny villages within this puzzle town. I couldn't get myself to focus on anything else until this puzzle was finally put to bed. But soon, I was putting myself to bed... with a still-unfinished puzzle on the table.
Day Five!! The Day I Would Finish The Puzzle! Why do people think the edges are the easiest to put together?? They're NOT. I saved them for last and believe me this was not a case of "saving the best for last". Come to think of it, virtually no part of this puzzle was "easy". It's all just varying degrees of "hard". (It WAS FUN!!! But, no bones about it (...well, yes, bones about it.. But, no bones about it), this sucker was HARRRD!!!)
I found myself questioning my own puzzle abilities with this one. It was so tricky (read: cruel) in parts. Time and again, I thought "Gee, am I rusty?? Or do I just stink at this??" The art is so deceiving. It looks so carefree, silly and whimsical. And it is... But, let me tell you this... it bites!! Hard!!
When I finally finished it, I was euphoric, overjoyed!! (Aaaahhh!! Sigh..) I also took stock of the fact that I once again had climbed my own personal version of Mount Everest and I could be really proud of my accomplishment. On a more general but no less personal note, I also once again experienced the really unique, unusual, authentic mental challenge that only a crazy-insane puzzle can deliver!!
Oh, and I also needed a long nap. (My brain did a LOT of squats and lunges.)
So now, I am already itching (just a tiny, tiny bit) to start
my latest. But, at this point I'm pretty sure it's just leftover endorphins... Give me six months, and maybe I'll be ready for another puzzle. :)
They did me so proud in all pf the packaging, including a bio card with each pass case....
...AND, Check out the exclamation point!
I am an exclamation-point over-user, so I'm a little extra-thrilled with my exclamation point! :D
These hang-tags are to die for! (And the back of each doggie pass has my copyright and name on it, too. Pretty cool!)
So proud of these adorable little pass cases... and of my partnership with Bestever Japan.
Can't wait to share what is next!
You can get your very own pass case from my collection with Bestever
here.
Hugs!!
What do you do when you have yet to complete your jigsaw puzzle, but you find yourself in a pickle, temporarily needing the space of your dining room table? You don't want to undo all of your hard puzzle work, so storing the partially-finished puzzle becomes a necessity. But where, and how? With limited space, it's time to get creative.
First, place your puzzle on a sturdy base. Here are some ideas:
•
Puzzle mats (you can buy 12x12 sized pieces at any super store)
•
Foam core (20" x 30" single pieces available at Staples and other office and craft stores)
• A large, low-walled box (such as the type that cases of soda can be purchased in)
Something to cover and protect your puzzle is necessary, so it does not get damaged or grimy. Any of the above can also be placed over your puzzle to protect it. As long as your puzzle is resting in a space safe from activity or potential harm, you could instead use a large piece of heavy paper or kraft paper weighted on the edges, a folded sheet or towel, or a section of an old yoga mat large enough to cover the puzzle.
Places to temporarily store your puzzleSome flat, larger spaces that might not get a lot of play are a great potential puzzle-layover places:
• On top of the fridge
• On a top shelf in the pantry, kitchen or storage room. Since the puzzle itself is light in weight, it will be safe on a high shelf, provided the air up there does not knock it around.
• In a flat file. Flat files can be found at
Ikea or architectural and
art supply shops. These days, you can probably find some at craft shops as well! And don't forget to try
craigslist.
• Under a couch or bed
Congratulations! You finished your puzzle! Now it's time to put your puzzle away for next time.• Here is a short
ehow article on ideas for ideas for safe long-term puzzle storage. There are some good tips here, just make sure to skim over the sponsored links.
• Here's a short, tip-laden article on
Helium.comFor more cool options for storage and transporting, check out:•
Portapuzzle•the
Puzzle StoreEnjoy your puzzles!
Looking for my puzzles? You can buy them here:
Witches' Wardrobe puzzle
Community Bridge puzzle
Jive Cats puzzle
Hey there! I'm still tired from
Ballet Week! All those pirouettes made me a little dizzy, I'll be honest... But, I am having
so much fun sharing stuff with you, who am I to take a break
now? I'm on a roll...
New Puzzle!!
New Puzzle!!
Do you like puzzles? I do!My new puzzle
Witches' Wardrobe is now readily available from the fabulous
Barnes & Noble. Just had to let you know! I'll be sharing tidbits about the making of this puzzle throughout this week, so come on back for a little peek into my process...
That is, if you dare...mua ha ha...
This weekend, I will be spending ample time with my four-year-old ballerina friend Solveig. I want to have plenty of fun creative things for us to do together, so I made this coloring book for her.
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| inside front page (color print) and first coloring page |
I used a ballet theme for most of the inside coloring pages. Since the recipient takes ballet classes, I am pretty sure we will be "on the same page" with the theme!
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| another coloring page |
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| Something personaized is always extra-special |
Everyone likes to "see their name in lights", so to speak! I included the recipient's name in some of the printed pages. It is a small detail and I know she will be delighted!
For a few of the pieces of art on the coloring pages, I tried different colored outlines instead of brown, just to punch things up a bit... and what young lady doesn't love pink and purple?
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| Back cover |
I covered the front and back covers, both inside and outside, with art prints I already had lying around. I picked out a few that I thought were just rig
I opened a
Society 6 store a couple of weeks ago. I love the concept of
Society 6 and the product offerings are nice. I like that they offer a few thoughtful products and don't try to be all things to all people. And, from all I've read, the quality is excellent. So I took the plunge. I did also want to try the product, and I also happened to be in need of a
new iphone case...
So let's play a game... Can you SPOT the Jive Cats iphone case?
This case is the Cat's Meow! I love it!!
I also put the Jive Cats on my lock screen and wallpaper!
Now, I have a real Jive Cats "optical illusion" iphone. :D
If you'd like a screen for your iphone too, simply leave a comment on this post and I'll be happy to make one, free for all and easy to download . :D
One teeny tiny little detail I left out of my
inability to sew story is my relationship with
the scissor at large. I have always had troubles with scissors, ever since I could hold a pair. I cannot cut a straight line to save my life. This has always been an impediment. I am the epitome of scissor-challenged.
Here's my theoretical breakdown as to why:
25%: left-handedness
20%: small, crab-like hands with big knuckles
30%: complete inability to cut a straight line
25%: irrational, paralyzing fear SO... I received some of my fabric from
Northcott. The fabric arrived in large, one-piece swaths. I needed to break them down into single yards in order to send the fabric off to people who have the magical talents to transform them into
stuff. (From now on, I will refer to these people as
genius sewing fairies.) I dreaded this task. All week, every night, I wondered how on earth I was going to section it out without butchering it beyond recognition. I had no idea how my poor fabric would fare under
Kathy Scissorhands.
Today, it was time to face the scissors. I broke out my scissors. |
chorus meow meo
The original sketch for the puzzle was about 10" x 8" while the final puzzle art is x 27" x 20.5". The original sketch takes time, because you are working out the entire art scene and composition from scratch. The final art takes time, because 1- it is so large. 2- there are SO many more details to be added at 3x the size of the original art. 3- it's a full color, finished illustration, while the original is a pencil sketch. So basically, what I'm saying is, no matter how you slice it, it takes time! :D
Jogger detail- pencil 
Jogger detail- ink (Rapidograph) 
Jogger detail- ink (computer) 
Jogger detail- final art
Boating detail- pencil Boating detail- ink (Rapidograph / traditional)
Boating detail- ink (computer)
Boating detail- final art
In 2010, I joined The Sketchbook Project 2011. From the themes that were available, I chose "Raining Cats and Dogs". How lucky I was to find a theme so perfect for me. The Town Tails "Community Bridge" puzzle art actually began as a pencil drawing in my Sketchbook Project sketchbook. Then, it turned into a Rapidograph ink pen drawing....And, ultimately, it found new life as a gigantic, 20 x 27, 1000 piece puzzle. (What a dream come true!) Here are some process images of the creation of the art.
Free Samples detail- pencil (traditional) Free Samples detail- ink (traditional) Free Samples detail-ink (computer) Free Samples detail- final One place I have always wanted to see my art used is in big, busy puzzles. To be actually now DOING big busy puzzles for people who embrace googley-eye syndrome from studying teeny-tiny details is truly serendipitous! Lemonade Stand detail- pencil (traditional) Lemonade Stand detail- ink (traditional)
© Kathy Weller wellerwishes.comI've been sharing my art licensing story with you, in fits and starts, for quite awhile now. Staying positive and 'on the bright-side' does come natural to me... But, I'm not going to give you 'all rose and no thorns'. Painting half a picture of my journey for you just isn't how I roll. Art licensing is an exciting business, but, I will be honest, it's no barrel of cupcakes with monkeys and pugs on top. Nor did I think it would be. I studied the industry for too long and too hard before actually jumping into the waters myself to not have a full understanding of this going in.
The art licensing biz can be very... well, dramatic. My experiences this year has been riddled with highs and lows. I expected this. I knew what I was getting into. But, there some things you just can't really prepare yourself for. It's the difference between book-smarts and street-smarts. Reading the story and living it are two completely different things. So, when things happened—or didn't, in some cases—I didn't have a road map. I just had to keep my head on, refocus myself and revise my plan a little. Just keep on plowing through. Keep working, keep submitting, keep trying. No quitting allowed.
The other day, I was talking to a friend about it, and I compared the emotional toll to the ups and downs of buying a first home. "Congratulations! You're a Homeowner! Oh, wait! Sorry! You're NOT a Homeowner!" Maybe it's a Short Sale... Maybe with a moody, indecisive owner... Just for good measure, let's throw in a difficult house inspection: New roof.. Water damage. Get the picture?
Though the year has been dramatic, I can't see the shadows without also seeing the light. And believe me, there is light. When I actually really step back, and take a good, hard look at things, there has been plenty of light! All of my focused creative energy and hard work has produced a LOT of very solid, focused creative work. In fact, I dare say I've had one of my most prolific years on record, if not THE most prolific year I can even remember. Yes, I'm not exaggerating. That is something to celebrate!
I also discovered that I am a GOOD WRITER. For reals! I found "my voice" in writing copy for greeting cards. The illustration part of the card equation was never an issue, of course. But writing the copy? Scary! In truth, it took me years to work up to it. It was an experiment in many things, mostly in my own self-confidence. Turns out I was ready to let the card writer come out to play, and stay. It is a truly amazing to have discovered (or admitted... or maybe just fully embraced?) this other passion of mine. This year, I even had interest in my card line from a great company. This time, that deal did not happen. But this was a bump in the road. I could'nt let myself get too discouraged. I know my work is good, and I know the work will find the life it deserves. And, I have a LOT more cards in me. So there are lots of possibilities. It is my job to turn those possibilities into probabilities.
Another great positive that happened this year is that I started to cultivate relationships with people in the industry. Really nice, really honest, reall
I've mainly been posting essays and resource information of late, but not much in the way of artwork. Why? Because I've been hard at work on my art licensing portfolio. Unfortunately this is the type of work that I can't show-and-tell at this point. It's been a big undertaking. It's exciting to see my ideas come to fruition in the form of my portfolio. It's a thrill to be finding "my voice" in this arena, as well. But it's a bummer to not be able to share it with all of you! But, with some hope, hard work and good luck, I will make some deals this year. Then, I'll be able to share some wonderful news, as well as some of the art!
Over the past few years I've been studying art licensing quite a bit and with the help of some great people I've acquired the tools to seek out (or seek in, rather) what I could bring to this industry that is unique and unlike anything else that I see out there. As I've been working on my collections, I am seeing my own specific "art licensing style" emerging organically, and it is very exciting. I like what I see, and it's a great feeling to see my work in this light and getting ready for "prime-time".
I've been so entrenched in this work and I can't help but think of how crazy an artist must be while getting ready for a show such as Surtex. The amount of work that I've been putting into just ONE collection alone is astonishing. Central images, patterns, frames, borders and icons... and some of my collections only have some of the above! Anyway, to see my ideas come to life this way is awesome, and I know will be substantially MORE gratifying down the road. So I just wanted to say a BIG CHEERS to all of the artists I know who do this work and bring joy to so many through their art on product. I will be joining you soon and I am SO looking forward to it!
To learn more about this project, please visit the tap project website.
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1 Comments on Town Tails Puzzle Process... part one, last added: 2/27/2012
holy flip! They are so cute :)
Oh thanks so much Megan!! :D They have that awesome plastic smell too that I remember from childhood! Hee hee! It's very special actually!! Happy in many ways!! :D
These are so cute! Congratulations on your new collection.