Portrait of Me by Lemanntim

For some reason I love to collect portraits of myself drawn by different artists.  I've been amassing them over the past 10 years.  The other day, I discovered the amazing art of Lemanntim on deviantART.  She had posted the cutest illustration for a children's book and I started watching/following her gallery.  She had the most awesome portraits as well.  I noticed that she was currently taking commissions.  I had to have her draw a picture for my collection.  Here is the fantastic result.

It puts me in mind of the children's books my babysitter used to read me and my sister when we were little.  Most of those books were from the 60's and 70's because they belonged to her children.  I love Lemanntim's unique style of coloring.  I do believe that this is my favorite portrait in my collection thus far.  

More ATC's

Here are some more ATC's I made with images from Pixabay.

Pixabay ATC Fun and a Ransom Note

I've been hella bored this weekend.  This is nothing new.  I stay bored.  During the quarantine, I've been having a problem staying creative.  Before COVID-19, creativity seemed to flow effortlessly.  Now I have to force myself to make anything.  Yesterday, I decided I'd settle down in my chair in my literal cave (my workspace is recessed underneath a loft bed) and create some mixed media ATC's (artist trading cards).  I've known about Pixabay for some time now, but I've never really utilized it.  For those of you who don't know what Pixabay is, its a site with over a million free to use, copyleft photos, illustrations, vector graphics, film footage, and music.  In addition to using some photos, vector graphics, and illustrations from Pixabay, I used some hand painted papers I purchased from my friend Stephanie's Etsy shop, Paper Cut Lane.  Stephanie is my favorite mixed media artist ever!  So when she opened up her Etsy shop recently, I was thrilled that I could buy her handmade supplies to use in my own mixed media pieces.  Here are some of the ATC's I made yesterday.

I also made a ransom note handmade postcard yesterday for an upcoming swap on swap-bot.  I wanted to add a sinister message, but not something too creepy.  Here's what I came up with.  

I don't read magazines, so I purchased a digital file of these cut out letters from LaSoffittaDiSte on Etsy. Much easier than combing through magazines and finding the letters myself.  

I've already been searching Pixabay this morning, looking for more interesting images so I can make more ATC's.  Unfortunately I'm running out of ink already just two weeks after installing new color cartridges.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to invest in a color laser printer soon.  Do any of you have any recommendations for a relatively inexpensive ($400 or less) color laser printer with a scanner?  Or can you recommend a good brand?  Any suggestions would help me out a great deal.  

Witcher Plushie

I finally got my ass in gear and finished the Geralt de Rivia plushie in a bathtub.  This is for a swap on swap-bot.  The pattern I bought for this plush proved to be too difficult for me to understand with regard to the body.  I ended up keeping the head from that pattern and used a body pattern that I was more comfortable with.  I had to redo my tub because the new body was significantly larger than the one I'd previously planned on.  No, those aren't rocks in the Witcher's tub.  They're supposed to be bubbles, but I guess they are a little big.  He looks really sad about bathing doesn't he?  

Joe Exotic, Rascal, and a Bunny

Lately I have found little motivation to do anything creative (except for my Teesha Moore inspired creations).  I was unable to sleep last night and I was soooooo bored!  Finally about 5AM I decided I would pixelate the Tiger King, Joe Exotic.  If you haven't seen "Tiger King" on Netflix, you are definitely missing out.  It's a trainwreck mixed with a car crash, and a raging dumpster fire.  I highly recommend it.  I used a base by Cosmindart to make my pixel icon.  Here is the enlarged version of my icon (actual size is 50x50 pixels).

Isn't he adorbs?  So kawaii!

My raccoon buddy, Rascal, has been coming out in the daylight hours.  Due to this new behavior and his limited fear of me, I researched raccoon rabies and he seemed to have symptoms.  Then I found out that once a raccoon contracts the virus, they only live up to three days.  Rascal has been friendly with me for months now.  I've determined that Rascal is just friendly and weird.  He is starting to get a little too close to me, but as of right now, he follows my verbal commands to stay back.  He does back away if I make any sudden movements, so he's not completely comfortable with me.  This is Rascal getting a little too close.

Finally, I made an ATCoin patch, or a merit badge as I like to call them, for a swap on swap-bot.  It was a spring themed swap.  I always think of bunnies when I think of spring.  I absolutely hate finishing the edges of these patches!  I think it turned out pretty cute. 

That's all for now.  Stay safe, y'all!

Teesha Moore Inspired Patch Pillow

Since I already made two bags, I felt it was time to create something else out of my collection of Teesha Moore inspired patches.  While I was on Pinterest the other day, I saw a TM inspired patch pillow, so that's what I made.  Here is the front and back of my pillow. 

Making anything out of these patches requires sewing through numerous layers of fabric.  I found that pulling the needle through with a pair of pliers makes things 1000x easier.  However, I still have a blister on my thumb from all the sewing.  

I Finished Another Teesha Moore Inspired Bag

I started on another Teesha Moore inspired bag last night and finished it tonight.  I didn't put the binding around this one, so it has a scrappier look.  The pictures really don't do it justice.

Next, I may make a journal cover instead simply because I own way too many bags.  Do you have any ideas of what I could make with my Teesha Moore inspired patches?  

My First Teesha Moore Inspired Bag

In the past I've participated in many Teesha Moore inspired patch swaps on swap-bot.  I've never counted how many patches I've received and I can't begin to guess.  I have them in a large tote bag being put to no use whatsoever.  My BFF, Naomi, has made me 2 bags and 2 journal covers from some of my favorites.  A couple of years ago, I got up the courage to try and make my own bag.  The patches didn't all line up and I got discouraged, so I put it away and it was forgotten.  I found it the other day and had an idea that if I could add a border to each panel then that would even out the unevenness.  I chose one of my favorite faux bois fabrics and essentially made the panel of patches into one large patch.  The entire bag is hand sewn.  The handle is made from fabric scraps twisted into rope that I divided up into 3 parts and braided.  I received the fabric rope in a swap years ago and didn't have use for it until now. Here is the finished product.

My First Adoptables

Adoptables are characters that an artist designs and sells or auctions off.  The person who buys them then has the rights to that character.  I just happened to see a couple of really cute adoptables in my deviantWATCH feed and I had to have them.  Both have tails that reminded me of an opossum (my favorite animal).  Adopt-Mii is the artist who designed both characters.  They are super cute and I can't wait to draw them in my own style.  I may even make them into plushies eventually.

I think the first one is my favorite.  I've named the second one "Penny Possum," but I haven't named the first one yet.  What would you name her?  I think she's a mouse.  

Pixel Therapy

Starting this afternoon and into the evening, things were rough for me.  At times I was depressed and at times I was numb.  I had 2 or 3 good days prior to today and I thought the worst was over.  I guess I started worrying once I heard that things were going to get worse and we were going to have a "Pearl Harbor/911" moment with regard to the pandemic.  I had to keep my mind off of the madness, but I didn't feel like crafting or doing traditional drawings.  I have the program, PikoPixel, on my computer so I thought I'd play around with it.  I browsed the free icon bases on deviantART and found several that I liked.  Here are 3 of my favorite icons that I made today.  They are all in my likeness since I love doing self portraits.  It's not due to vanity by any means.  I just think I make a good character.  =P

The base for this first one was created by ChibiPancake on deviantART.  Keep in mind that I'm a total novice at this and I'm still learning.  Shading is not one of my strong suits.  

The next base is by Sody-Pop on dA.  I had to make at least one COVID-19 related pixel.

Finally, I made a whole body pixel icon with a base by fuwaffy on dA.  

I made 3 other pixel icons, but these are my favorites.  Making these icons really lifted my spirits.  I feel so much better than I did earlier.  I did make one from scratch today: a bottle of hand sanitizer.

If you'd like to see more of my art, you can see it on my deviantART page.  

Magpie Journal Cover

I just joined a magpie journal swap on swap-bot.  I ended up using the altered journal that I put in my shop.  While I was working on my journal, I leaned over it to pick something up and accidentally bent the front cover.  I decided I'd make a felt cover to hide the damage. 

I used some donut printed felt that I got a long time ago from Hobby Lobby.  I cut out a name label from stiff, brown felt and embroidered the word, "magpie," on it.  I think it looks much better.    

I Got New Rubber Stamps!

Depression has been plentiful and anxiety high at my house over the past few days.  The threat of COVID-19 is all consuming and I find less and less joy.  A little bit of joy came in the mail today from Hong Kong after a nearly month long wait.  Little rubber stamps I ordered from efplanner on Etsy!  I ordered a custom stamp of my kawaii maxi pad and a few others.

This is a picture of them in a journal I'm currently working on.  They were really inexpensive and are really high quality.  The wait was just a little long due to COVID-19, but it was well worth it.  I worked with the seller to set up the proof for the custom stamp and she was really nice and helpful.  I highly recommend this shop.  

I've been having a hard time concentrating on craft projects.  I believe it's situational depression due to the current state of our world.  I did find it helpful to copy down uplifting quotes in the journal I'm working on in rainbow colors.  I'm hoping my mood will improve each day.  I'm trying to have a positive outlook and lots of hope.  Please stay healthy and safe out there.  

Princess Tina and the Rascal

My Princess Tina embroidery is done and ready to go in the mail tomorrow.

She looks a little wonky and reminds me of her mother, but still pretty good I think.

It's been raining all evening and I didn't expect to be visited by the Rascal this evening, but I was graced by it's presence.

Rascal is one of maybe two of our resident raccoons.  Rascal may actually be two raccoons that look very similar, but I'm not entirely sure yet.  I think I saw two raccoons going in opposite directions one night, but if it is two raccoons, they look almost identical.  Rascal waits for me to feed it cat food at least once a night.  Usually two or three times.  There's also Contessa the Confused Opossum who comes out in the daytime.  She's pretty awesome, too.  She also likes cat food.  In case you didn't know, opossums are my favorite animals.  Cats are a close second.  

I apologize for Rascal's pitiful Glamour Shot.  I still have an iPhone 6S Plus.  Phones are just so damn expensive.

Bummer!

I was so proud of the journal I made, and now I'm going to whine.  I got rated for it today and my partner didn't seem as thrilled.  I only got a 5 rating.  I didn't get a heart.  It's such a disappointment.  I spent a lot of time and put a lot of thought and love into my creation.  I guess all that matters is that I love what I made.  Sorry for being "Wendy Whiner."  I digress now.  I just had to let that out somewhere.  

I Don't Want to Embroider Today

However, that looks like what I'm going to have to do.  I decided to make an opossum embroidery piece for a stuffed bubble mailer swap, to top it off. 

I also tweaked the Princess Tina embroidery pattern.  I removed the bangs and I think it looks so much better now.

She looks a bit like Linda now though.  I won't be adding the braids on the buns either.  Princess Leia's buns weren't braided.  

I'm just not in the mood to embroider.  The two pieces are pretty small, like 6 inches max, but I'm just not motivated.  

deviantART - 1, kiddo - 0

In case you didn't notice, I finally got a response from dA and I updated my original post here.  Since then, I have not heard back from anyone at dA.  The fat shaming thread is still going strong.  The disturbing thing is that no one is standing up against the OP (original poster).  I haven't posted in the thread because I know anything that I say will just be mocked.  Then I will get mad and go off on a swearing spree.  I tend to have a short fuse when it comes to trolls and ignorant people.  So I am admitting defeat.  I hate doing so, but at this point I think I've done all that one person can do.  I'm just disgusted that in this day and age certain groups of people are still being attacked because they are different.  I'm also disgusted that people who are charged with protecting these groups do nothing to ensure that they are treated fairly.  I feel that since dA runs the site, they should make sure that all their patrons feel welcome in all areas of the site and that they aren't discriminated against by any of their other members.   

"Bob's Burgers" Crafts

My BFF, Naomi, loves "Bob's Burgers."  It's our Easter tradition to exchange giant Easter eggs full of goodies each year.  For one of the items, I had a plain journal that I got at Target for $1.  I decided it was too boring, so I altered it into a "Bob's Burgers" themed journal.

I lined the edge of each page with a different print of washi tape like I do with most of my altered journals.  I also added baker's twine as a tie closure.

On each page, I glued a cutout from one of two free comic books I got from Free Comic Book Day.  

I really enjoyed making the altered journal, so I made another for a stuffed bubble mailer swap.  That one was just distressed and had a tie.  Then I made another distressed journal for my shop.  I haven't listed it yet, but I will soon.  It says "Schemes" on the front and has a tie as well.  It has round Chinese tapestry stickers on each page in lieu of the washi tape.  

I'm also participating in a mashup swap with Naomi.  She chose "Bob's Burgers" and "Star Wars" as her themes.  The first thing I thought of was Tina Belcher as Princess Leia.  I was looking on Pinterest for ideas.  I had always thought I'd make a doll of some sort.  I saw some BB/SW mashup embroidery and decided that's what I'd do.  I drew my own pattern freehand, but I'm not sure if it's my final draft or not.

I'm wondering if I should get rid of her bangs and redo her buns.  Plus, I don't think her cheek/neck connection is right.  Her hair clip is on the wrong side because the pattern is in reverse.  I probably will redo her hair.  

Teesha Moore Inspired Patch

I just hosted an introductory Teesha Moore inspired patch swap on swap-bot.  Pictured above is the patch I made for the swap.  I'd forgotten that I had the vintage pickup truck fabric.  I received the polka dotted fabric in a private swap a couple of days prior to making this patch.  The patch is completely hand sewn.  The lines on the truck are all back stitched.  That part was very time consuming.  

If you like to see more Teesha Moore inspired patches, you can see my Teesha Moore Patches Board on Pinterest or my flickr album of patches I've done.

Toss a Plushie to Your Witcher Plushie Swap - WIP

Megan, spoilers ahead.  Avert your eyes! 

I'm in a Witcher plushie swap on swap-bot with my pal, Megan.  Megan is far more advanced when it comes to sewing than I.  They can make clothing and costumes.  I can "get by" when it comes to making doll clothing.  I really don't do removable garments.  I'm pretty good at props though.  I found a vinyl toy online of chibi Geralt of Rivia in the tub.  I decided I'd be ambitious and turn that scene into a plushie.  I started out by making the tub because I wanted to see if I could pull it off.  If I couldn't; I'd be going a totally different direction with my plush. 

It was actually pretty easy.  It's not perfect and is a little wonky, but I think it'll take shape once I stuff it, add the doll, and cover it with water (felt).  I'll be using BabyLondonStar's sit pattern for the actually plushie.  The tub was made without a pattern. 

Another Peek Inside the Book--It's Magical!

I found out who my partner is for the altered composition book journal swap and learned that she likes Harry Potter.  I followed an online tutorial on how to draw a cute HP.  Here's my drawing:

She's going to get sick of my drawings.  

This Just In!

I decided to offer pre-printed, pre-cut planner stickers in my Etsy shop, Little Happy Day.  I chose 8 different designs, in rainbow colors (8 of each--64 total). 

It's a great way to try out my planner stickers and see which ones you like the most.  Stop by Little Happy Day and have a look around.

Super Deco

This is a deco book I made for a swap on swap-bot.  It's a WTA (winner take all) swap, where one of the participants is randomly drawn to win all of the decos after they have been passed around and completed.  Unfortunately I was not the lucky swapper, so I will not be getting this deco back.  This has to be my favorite deco that I've made so far.  A deco is a small book or folded sheet of paper created by a person who decorates the cover and leaves the subsequent pages blank.  The deco is usually themed and is passed around from person to person for decoration and signing until eventually it's sent back to the originator when all the pages are full.  For this deco, I used a collage sheet from onecrabapple and the ransom letters are from LaSoffittaDiSte.  The raised dots are UV resin which cures within seconds underneath a UV LED light.  I made the base of my book with 3 plain white envelopes tucked into one another.  I'll be receiving a deco book from my swap partner to work on and then I'll pass it on to someone else in a future swap.  I'll post pictures in a future entry. 

deviantART Doesn't Care About Fat Shaming UPDATED

The other day, I was browsing the deviantART forums, which is really never a good idea because it always results in me getting royally pissed off. I ran across a thread titled "Fat Grotesque Pigs." I was appalled at the hate that was spewing from the OP (original poster). It was as if they thought overweight people were barely human. What bothered me even more was that people were jumping in and supporting the OP's hateful rhetoric. The OP was a huge bully to those who disagreed with them. I was truly shocked that in the year 2020 people are still behaving like Neanderthals. I was too angry to comment on the thread, but did report the thread to dA's Help Desk on 3/2/2020. I checked back on 3/4/2020 and the thread was still going strong. I filed another complaint the same day. Today is 3/7/2020, and no one has replied to the tickets I submitted with the Help Desk and the thread is still up. It hasn't been updated in 2 days, but why is it even still open?


 By allowing this thread to remain open and grow, dA is essentially promoting fat shaming and bullying. They have been made aware of the problem at least twice by me and have refused to do anything about it. They are allowing a group of people to be subjected to discrimination by members of their site. In the meantime, moderators have shut down a couple of threads: one because someone was bashing dA and another because someone said something about strangling someone with a mandolin string. I believe the fat shaming thread is far more dangerous than the latter mentioned thread as it could have serious ramifications on one's self esteem which could possibly lead to psychiatric issues or self harm. I stated this in my tickets to the Help Desk, but dA obviously doesn't care. This both infuriates and saddens me. I guess I've done all I can do at this point. I'll let Karma sort out the rest.

Addendum: 3/16/2020
I finally got a canned response from dA today.  The email was informing me of general guidelines on how to handle someone bullying you online.  Totally had nothing to do with my complaint since I wasn't involved in the thread.  I replied as follows:

My point, which may have not been clear because I was angry at the time, was that the thread is degrading and dehumanizing to a section of the human population.  If they were calling a specific race, gender, or sex disgusting, you would have stopped it.  You are essentially promoting fat shaming by leaving this up.  It shows that dA doesn't care when people bully fat people just because they weigh more than someone else.  FTR I wasn't involved in the thread discussion, so most of your email to me didn't apply to me.  I just saw the thread post and found it offensive.  It demoralizes a whole section of the Earth's population and you guys, frankly, look like jerks because you're allowing it to happen on your forum.  That was my point.  

Inside the Book

Here are a few pages in the altered composition book that I've been working on. First, some "King of the Hill" pop art. I used Distress Inks for the background and the stamps were hand carved by my friend, Met.

The next two pages are drawings of food that I've incorporated with song lyrics.

And finally, I found this rubber stamp in the cheap bin at JoAnn yesterday which fits with the theme of this project very well. It cost a whopping $1.19. I'm stamping it on sticker paper, cutting out the images, and sticking them to the bottom right corner of every blank page that I'm leaving for my partner to journal.

I've got a lot more pages to decorate, so I'm sure I'll be sharing more in the future. Have a beautiful weekend!

Altered Composition Book Project

I'm currently participating in a swap on swap-bot where we take an 80 page composition book, cover the front and back covers, decorate every 3rd page, and leave the rest of the pages blank for our partners to use to journal in. I'm having a great time working on this project. My front cover looks like this:

I got the taxi scrapbook paper at Joann and the collage images from the wonderful Sandy at onecrabapple on Etsy. Whenever I alter a plain notebook, I love sprucing up the sides of the pages with washi tape. This notebook had 80 pages and I was bound and determined for each page to have a different pattern of washi. I actually have enough washi where I was able to do this. This is how it turned out:

Yesterday I found some space themed stencils at Target for $1.78 on clearance. I decided to use a couple of them for my first decorated page in the altered comp book. I used Distress Ink and regular metallic stamping ink. I love the way it turned out.

I've got to decorate 25 pages in all. I'll probably add some drawings, collages, and pockets. What would you like to see?