ten things...

Saturday, December 29, 2012

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late late late. :]



This spartan cosplay. I admire girls that dress up as kick ass characters from video games.

These tea bag cookies.

Adult popsicles. Yum.

This girl's beautiful (photoshopped) hair. Slowly but surely all of my hair will become blue.

Batiking with crayons. I want to try this so bad!
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12.25.12

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

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I hope your day is/was wonderful. :]
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I wish you a nerdy Christmas!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

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This year I'm dreaming of super bright and unique holiday decorations.


 and some retro to the point of tacky ornaments.

1. video game controller // 2. tardis // 3. taco // 4. Harry Potter in potions class // 5. Spiderman // 6. ray gun // 7. R2D2 // 8. t-rex // 9. roller skates // 10. the Shire // 11. Wii controller // 12. pizza // 13. pirate ship // 14. tv // 15. beer stein // 16. Batman // 17. robot

I didn't get any ornaments, but I did get this tree.
What were your favorite decorations this year?
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ten things...

Friday, December 21, 2012

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This is another all links post, because the things I like this week just don't seem to fit together!

This shop has wonderful stationary, packaging, and various other pretty little things. I love those colored pencils.

These beautiful felt flower arrangements are so unique. And, better yet, they're a plant I couldn't kill if i tried!

The shades in this dye job are so vivid. The color pallet is just... perfection.

I love this pink alarm clock. Sometimes I'm undeniably drawn to pretty girly things.

I can't wait to try out this inspired curtain idea. It's so colorful and eclectic!

This retro games inspired fabric is amazing. I wish I had bought some for a project I'm working on currently.

Wallpaper you can color? Yes, please.

If I had the money, I would totally buy myself some Mass Effect armor from this site. It looks great!

This shop sells modern embroidery art. Their color choices are awesome.

Cute mug is cute! Sketch and ceramic, two of my favorite things.
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busy busy busy

Monday, December 17, 2012

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I just wanted to start this week off with a quick apology for being so spacey for the past two weeks, and an update as to WHY I've been so spacey.

So of course there's a photo collage to explain it. 
I might be slightly addicted to making them. 

Photo one: Isn't  that a beautiful window? Its been in a lot of my day dreams these days...
Photo two: This is the main reason I've been gone. I was finishing up a continuing education class (that was a masters class... eek!) And the final paper was due last Saturday. So I was bustin my butt to try to produce the best work I could. Can you tell?
Photo three: I made this crazy bright arrow in the teen section to point out the teen top ten, and I love it.
Photo four: I've been working on (drum roll...) a web comic! I've storyboarded a few strips (about 3 months worth of weekly posts) and right now I'm working on sketching our the ideas and refining my lines to be colored. I hope to get at least a months worth done before I launch, so it'll probably be a 2013 thing. Don't expect high quality, I'm trying to keep the whole project very relaxed and fun. I will let you in on a secret, though. There will be zombies. (dun dun DUN)

So that's what's been up with me! Hopefully posting will be more consistent now, and there will DEFIANTLY be a ten things this week.

I hope you have a wonderful day!
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A very pretty wish list

Monday, December 10, 2012

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Of all the artists, and all the prints... these are the ones that inspire me the most. Thoughts of moving are becoming more serious (yay!), so I'll finally have walls to decorate with the pretty things I love. So here's a little list, just in time for Christmas. :]

There's also a few art books that I would love to own, so I'll link those below. I've owned a few game art books, but I don't think I can ever get enough. Again, all of the inspiration!

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ten things...

Thursday, November 29, 2012

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Someday I'll stop showing you Black Milk products, but it is not this day. It just fit with the whole literary theme so well!


This etsy shop sends out letters from Hogwarts that "got lost in the mail." It comes with a supplies list, an acceptance letter, and a letter from the Ministry of Magic explaining what happened. Everything is designed to match the feel of Harry Potter. The envelopes even have wax seals! I think these could really make a kid's dreams come true. Or, you know, an adult. Like me.

I am dreaming about having a pink Christmas tree. It's just so wonderfully tacky. I don't have space for a full sized one, but Target has a nice solution for me. So cute!



This shop has the greatest baby stuff.  It's cute, modern, and simple. Whoever I gave this stuff to would be the coolest baby on the block. Or maybe I'll just buy one of my friends an awesome little crown.
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inspire me... Ariana Perez

Monday, November 26, 2012

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I have fallen in love. Ariana Perez's work showed up on my pinterest, and I instantly knew she was going to by my inspire me this week. It's rare for me to find an artist that impresses me with more than just a few of their pieces, but all of Ariana's gallery has me smitten. Every choice within her works inspire me. Hand drawn elements combine with bright colors and faded paper textures to create a playful but still thoughtful piece. Her composition is airy, giving you a subject that you can focus on easily, but yet there is still enough going on that you don't lose interest right away. I'm going to have to put on of her pieces on my Christmas list. :]


Ariana Perez links:
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ten things...

Saturday, November 17, 2012

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These watches were featured on a blog I read, and I instantly fell in love. So of course I donated to their kickstarter. If you like their style, you should donate too. They're quite a bit below their goal right now, but I'm hoping that doesn't last long!

I love this Kate Spade ipad sleeve. I'm usually not into glitter, but it's just so colorful!

Isn't that such a great idea for bobby pins? Sleek, stylish, but still artfully awesome. 

This infograph shows the numbers of just how many gamers get girls. It kind of shatters stereotypes. I kind of think that's awesome.

Oh Joys' make someone happy project is one of my favorite things on the web these days. Such an awesome concept. (And yeah, I found different blogs to read. Crazy, huh?)

Bonus link! This paper globe pattern is so awesome. I can't wait to print one out for myself.
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nothing*

Friday, November 9, 2012

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I have wonderful co-workers and an amazing director. I say this because they let me do crazy things like video game tournaments at the library. About once a year we have a big tournament of whatever game is hot that season. This summer I decided I wanted to take that concept and go big. I mean VERY big. As in a tournament series that spanned months (and consoles), leading up to a championship at the end of the summer. Each round the winners would be put through to the championship, and also get a small prize.

But I'm going to be honest with you guys... this program was kind of a flop. We had a lot of great things planned for this series... awesome prizes, a great line-up of games. And the kids who did come had a lot of fun, but we only  got about 10 kids each time, making it barely worth the effort. (Note I said barely... any time we have teens that deem our program good enough to show up for, I count it as a success.)

I know video game programs can work. We had one tournament a few years ago (Halo 3) where we had around 40 kids. So having a great video game program hosted by a library is do-able. We just need to perfect the formula.


Attendance complaints aside, though, our series was a lot of fun. We did an event for Soul Calibur, Mario Kart, and then our final championship. To make the championship event challenging, we introduced the newer generations to retro games they wouldn't have much experience with, such as Pong or Duck Hunt. It was kind of a "Video Games Through the Ages" event, because we eventually played through all the generations of consoles until we finally got to the 360, PS3, and Wii.

Our basic set-up for a tournament utilizes as many TVs and consoles as we can get our hands on. We've got a great group of teens that really want these tournaments to work, and will often let us borrow their equipment for at least a day, if not two. The actual tournament play is quite casual. We usually tell them they have to play a set number of rounds, and they have to make sure they rotate between all the participants. We let them have a few practice rounds, and when they're ready to do a tournament match, they tell us and we send a "ref" over. The "ref" watches them play, then reports who won. Winner gets 10 points, loser gets 0. This isn't the most refined method, but it's relatively simple, and we can get away with it because we have such a small group. 


Don't you love that beautiful trophy? This treasure was given to the winner of the championship, along with some cash. We always try to add some cheesy fun into the tournaments to keep the mood light.


One thing I think we should have done differently is to have more teens involved in the planning process. I've found that when teens have their hands in the initial plans, they are more invested in the final outcome. Also, it helps that they come out of the planning meetings feeling like equals. I also wish I had upped the PR. I used to sub and work at the library, and I noticed that when I was in their school life more often, I could remind them of things, or drum up excitement. I don't sub anymore, so I've been trying to think of other ways to keep them updated on whats going on. Maybe bigger and more flashy posters would do the trick. One with blinking lights and annoying music and a dancing elephant? Haha. 
We're doing another tournament this winter (Black Ops II, we think) so I'll try to apply these lets and let you know how it turns out. :]


If you're interested in trying to put together your own tournament series, I highly suggest checking out the book Gamers ... in the Library?! by Eli Neiburger. Even if you have no experience with video games whatsoever, this book will guide you through the planning process step by step. With everything from room arrangement tips to a set up check list, It's a must-have resource for anyone planning a tournament.

My advice for the day: You want to survive the zombie apocalypse, make sure you have a gamer for a friend. I've found that they pretty much all know the rules for surviving a zombie horde.
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ten things...

Thursday, November 8, 2012

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Nine Inch Nails gone 8-bit. Love.

These amazingly bright and wonderfully playful cushions have got to be mine as soon as I get the room. Or the money. They are cushions that you can choose the design and configuration for. I don't know how else to describe them but as awesome.

A tetris pumpkin you can PLAY? My boyfriend makes some pretty impressive pumpkins, but I think he should try this next year.

Dinosaur bone throw pillows. I really don't think I need to say any more.

I'm spending a lot of my time gazing at (Android) tablets. I've finally saved up the money for one, but I just don't know which to choose. Right now I'm looking at this one, this one, and this one. Do you have any suggestions?
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Friday, November 2, 2012

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Sorry there was no ten things yesterday. There also isn't going to be one today, because we're having a party, which means I'm still in Halloween mode. (Woo!) For now, I'll just leave you with a few pictures of whats been going on this week. A lot of video games, some art, and some Reese's vodka making.
Yum.


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inspire me... Lois van Baarle

Sunday, October 28, 2012

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I've been watching the work of Lois van Baarle evolve for over five years now. She's very open about how her style has progressed, which I think is amazing. It lets others learn from her, and see that her beginnings were just as humble as theirs. In fact, while I was researching her for this post, I found a live interview with the artist that I could participate in. Fate? I think so.
The piece I've chosen to show you is just a quick sketch she did using deviantart's online drawing program Muro, but it's my favorite. It's pretty good example of some of the reoccurring elements in her work. Soft feminine lines, exaggerated anatomy for a cartoony style, dark jewel tones, a whole lot of texture (which is amazing, considering her work is mostly digital), and a girl with some fish. She says she's influenced by a lot of art art nouveau, a fact which comes very apparent when you look at the hair in her pieces, and her shading is very much inspired by retro pinups.  Her work on a whole puts me in a blissfully calm state of mind, and also makes me want to float around with fishies for a while. Now you'll have to excuse me, because I've been inspired to draw. :]




View Lois's portfolio here: loish.net


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halloween party invite (print me!)

Friday, October 26, 2012

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I was thinkin about sushi, because I was going through some pictures to write a post, and then this happened. I love it when I start my morning out with a little bit of design, even if the outcome kinda hurts your eyes. 

(beautiful font used was Necropsy from dafont.com)

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ten things

Thursday, October 25, 2012

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Just so you know, those things that I always feature on the top of my ten things posts are each things that I absolutely love with all of my heart. I don't just put them all up there cause they look good together. But that hat? It's one of the most amazing things I've seen ever. Simply perfect, and gorgeous, and all those other nice words.

I want to own one of these skulls. They're so exquisite. Delicate but still menacing. Beautiful.

I love sugar skull inspired make-up. I made my face look like a skull for roller derby last Saturday, and we didn't have time to make it anything but a plain old skeleton color. It was still super creepy, though, so it was totally worth it.

We've been planning a Halloween Party, and there are a few things we won't be able to use, but I still think are totally amazing. This candy apple, for example. Plus, wouldn't these misfortune cookies make the cutest favors? And this is the creepy Halloween decoration I've ever seen.

Black Milk is releasing a new Star Wars line. I can't explain how excited I am. I've been thinking about buying some leggings from them, but I could never justify the price. But now... now I'm really eyeing those droid leggings. Or maybe the Fett dress. Or the Death Star... or all of them?

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around my world...

Saturday, October 20, 2012

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Saw a beautiful sunset, doodled a lot of pictures of me with my boyfriend, and went to go see Zombie and Manson, which was awesome. I also read Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan, which I loved. His brand of humor is perfect for a light read.
That's pretty much it. :]

How was your week?

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ten things...

Thursday, October 18, 2012

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The peek in to Caitlin Wilson's home from Design*Sponge is so very perfect. Colorful and bright. I'm hoping one day my studio is that inspiring.

As soon as I saw these Demon Hoof Boots from the etsy shop Oonacat, I fell in love. Ever since I read Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, I've been infatuated by the idea of chimera. These boots take that fascination to another epic but gorgeous level.

I've been thinking about taking part in the Blog Love e-course from Red Velvet. I'm finally done saving for my continuing education class... so maybe now is the time. :]

The Sketchbook Project is something else I've been considering spending my money on. It's such a great concept. They send you a small sketchbook, you fill it according to a theme, and send it back. Then, the sketchbook gets put into a display that travels to different galleries. (So I guess you could say your work has been in galleries across the US.) Also, it's just a fun challenge. It would be the perfect birthday or Christmas present... cough cough. :P

I've been really fascinated with the art of tarot cards. These gorgeous cards were featured on Design*Sponge. So lovely.
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Apples and Stories...

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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We did a really fun story hour recently, so I thought I would share it! 
It was all about apples!

For a basic story hour, we search out kids books on the theme, then read through them all until we find the best. Sometimes we even borrow them from other libraries, because we can be super picky. Also, it gets a little boring to read the same stories every year. :]


For Apples, Apples Everywhere! we put together a basket, which is something we do for almost all of our story hours. Basically, we pick out key elements on every page, and then put them all in a container. While we're reading the book, we call up the kids one by one to find something from the story in our basket. Not only does it make the child feel special, it also gives them something tangible to see from the story, making it easier to relate to.

The Max & Mo part of the story hour was my favorite, just because the story had a built in craft. In the story the two main characters ended up making apple stamp prints. With some paint, apples, and paper, we were easily able to re-create this project. The children made wonderful works of art. 

During down time we let them look through the fruit book, because it has these see-through pages that let you see the insides of the fruit. They loved looking at the apple seeds. To add even more of a scientific touch, we did an experiment to see if the apples floated. When they found out they did, they wanted to experiment with all sorts of things. (Toy cars, by the way, do not float.)

For snack we had applesauce, apple cider, apple butter, and apple pastries. All very yummy. :]

And we closed the day with a few songs. 
Here's one you can use at home. Enjoy!

I'M A LITTLE APPLE
(to the tune of I'm a little teapot)
I'm a little apple
short and round.
I make a munchy
crunchy sound.
If you bite into me
you will see,
I'm as delicious
as can be!
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inspire me... Sylvia Ji

Sunday, October 14, 2012

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I've seen this artist's work around the internet, but I finally found a piece with a name attached.
Sylvia Ji has a massive portfolio, and all of her works are absolutely gorgeous. My favorites are the pieces are the ones with snakes in them... or the ones with the sugar skull makeup... or all of them, because they are fabulous. I will warn you, though, a lot of them are not safe for work so take care when you go to look through her portfolio.

Her detail work is stunning, and she uses a very art nuevo influenced approach to hair. Most of her works are interesting portraits with bold, bright backgrounds. She does all of her work with acrylics on wood panels, which is a surface I've been meaning to try out. 

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driving in the fall is the best

Friday, October 12, 2012

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This week has been absolutely crazy. I've driven all over the state, at least an hour away, every day. I've had some fun adventures, got tons of swag, and won a prize ($50 for iTunes! I immediately downloaded the new In This Moment album), so I really can't complain. But now you know why I haven't been around!

PS... How cute is Gwen Stephani on that cover? She looks my age, I swear.

PPS... I got to meet the amazingly talented Anna Dewdney, the author of the "Llama Llama" series. If you're involved with kids books in any way, you'll know what I'm talking about. So inspiring. She made me want to work with oils again.
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ten things...

Thursday, October 4, 2012

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No pretty graphic today for ten things, because none of my favorite things this week really had pictures that would work. :)

I love absolutely everything about this look. The hair! And that t-shirt! Drool.

Lina Tesch's lookbook is so inspirational. I love her sense of style.

This tutorial for adding custom foil to your projects is amazing. Now I want to make everything shiny.

Love these tights from Emerging Thoughts.

This space from Little Chief Honeybee is so wonderful. Creative arrangement for a small space, and so cozy, too!

I've watched this music video so many times. There's something about geeky covers of pop songs that I just can't get enough of.

This vertical planter wall art from Tiffany's Living Art is fantastic. I'd probably kill it, though...

This door. It's so beautiful, it's almost magical.

I would love to have this book about Furoshiki from the Link Collective on etsy. According to the description on the page, "Furoshiki (風呂敷, fu-rosh-ki) is a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth." Basically, they use giant scarfs to do all sorts of crazy, fun, awesome things. Oh, and it's also super practical. I've been keeping a kinda big scarf in my purse in case I ever need to use it... haven't had the need yet, but you never know...

These pieces by Danica Jean. Lovely!


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let's play pretend...

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

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I start planning my Halloween costume in August. It might seem a tad bit obsessive, but Halloween is by far my favorite holiday (Even beats out my birthday! Unless everyone started wearing costumes to celebrate that, too...)
So, every year, I gaze at the costumes, hoping I will find that PERFECT one. I never do though. I usually end up going dressed like a zombie... or a pirate... or a zombie pirate. Yeah, it's a problem.
No more! This year I am determined to find a outfit cute and flattering, and unique but recognizable. Here are a few of my favorite so far:


Which is your favorite?
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ten things...

Thursday, September 20, 2012

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I am so so SO excited for the new J.K. Rowling book. It's coming out next Thursday! I apologize ahead of time, because ten things might not be posted on the normal day... also excited about the new WoW expansion, but not as much as the book. :]

A etsy where you can order custom Hogwarts Diploma. How cool!

This tattoo is amazing. It's right up there in my top ten tattoos of all time.

I love this make it rain cross stitch from Jessica Decker. DIY art piece! But if  I did this... wouldn't that make me the artist, and her the designer? We've talked about issues like that in art classes before. If you have an opinion on the subject, please feel free to comment.

This is the ultimate house for cats. Is it bad that I want to outfit whatever apartment I move into to be a jungle gym for Odin?

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neon color block side table

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

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While poking around on pinterest, I've seen a few tables like this one (the tutorial for that one can be found on design*sponge). I've decided I love the dip dyed look. Just enough neon to make the table pop, without killing your eyes.

So for this project I used a side table, newspaper, painters tape, garbage bags, and spray paint. Classy list, right? The side table was one our family got from relatives, and the spray paint is the Ace brand, I think. I personally love the results. It's going to go in my studio as soon as it doesn't smell anymore!


And as a side note... neon spray paint would be an awesome tool against the zombies. Flamethrower! ...or you could just make them easier to see...
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telling my story in photos...

Friday, September 14, 2012

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This week I've been drawing, studying, and playing a little bit of risk. I've got to get crackin on my "to read" pile, it's getting ridiculous. I also pulled together a float in three days last week, which was fun. It didn't turn out to be anything special, but it did turn heads, and that's what I needed in the end. :)
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ten things...

Thursday, September 13, 2012

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I guess I've been in an outdoorsy mood. This video has really made me want to go on some adventures.

I absolutely LOVE this drawing by the girl behind PAPERFASHION.

Valkyre has lost 42 pounds by playing video games and keeping to a diet. Such a great inspiration.

As soon as I can I'm going to get some neon yarn and start knitting a blanket inspired by this one.

I just recently got back into teaching my art lessons, and I've been going crazy pinning ideas for new projects.
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