New Contest!!!

I know I should be working on my painting but I get distracted too easily, and just happened to make these beaded bookmarks the other day. They are made from glass seed beads, swarovsky crystals, and charms. I figure they would be my next giveaway. Anyone who would like to receive one can simply comment on this post and on February 3, I will randomly pick 3 people and each will receive one of these.

Just wondering if anyone might be able to guess the title of this book...

hint: it's one of the few (if any?) economics books that spent time on the New York Times bestseller list

To win a bookmark like the one pictured here, see the post above this.

Slowly, but surely...

Ok, I managed to cut up my paper and start a very rough sketch -- extremely rough sketch! There are quite a few photographs to refer to besides the main photo reference, so I may do some short studies (like the small one in this pic) before starting the main painting. I'm still playing around with the composition in my head and testing the colors out. I will keep it fairly small so it's easier to scan when finished. Anyway, just wanted to share the progress, however small, I was making. =)

The Start of a Project

Ok, so I took the plunge and joined my local art association! (oops, I just looked at the calendar and I already missed the first general meeting, darn!) Well, anyway, this is a big step for me because I'm trying to be more serious about developing as an artist, as well as gain more confidence about showing my work. The art scene is still relatively new to me, but I've learned so many things since I started drawing/painting again last May.

First of all, I discovered that I really like watercolors and I like using the canson paper you can buy in big sheets. Although the paper buckles a bit after getting wet, the paint and color pencils just glide so easily on its surface.

So here's a "blank canvas" all rolled up and waiting for me to paint on it...



I already have an idea of what to do and even a reference picture I took. I just have to start it. Not sure how long it will take me to complete, but I'm looking forward to doing this and recording the process.

ATC Giveaway Winners!!!

Congratulations ZARI and BRIAN... Boba Fett is all yours! Zari will receive the one of him in Jabba's lair (left) and I'll send Brian the one where he's on the sail barge (right). Thanks all for participating! I'll have another contest soon, so be on the look out for it!!!

In the meantime, check out this video I found on YouTube (I thought it was funny)...

Coffee Wars

Interesting news. An article in the newspaper today reported that Starbucks is making a move to do some major restructuring. The current CEO is being replaced and they plan on closing U.S. stores that aren't performing well. The company has seen its stock plummet 50 percent over the last year. They are also being hit with competition from you guessed it - McDonalds! A CBS News article details McDonald's plans on adding their very own coffee bars with baristas!

All I can say is that Starbucks has completely saturated the coffee market in recent years -- with stores in every street corner and even inside grocery stores for heavens sake! And McDonald's coffee is actually pretty good -- and much cheaper I might add. Yeah, I don't really feel sorry for Starbucks, although I don't wish any harm to their business either. It will just be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Who will I support? hmmm... well, there's a bunch of small, independently owned coffee shops that are worth a visit, and certainly deserving of our business. Although I'm pretty cheap and prefer to make my own coffee at home and at work, I'll have to look out and pay more attention to these small shops. I just wish they were more conveniently located... which is possibly the reason we frequent Starbucks, located in just about every corner! argh!

Anyway, I'm not very good at commentary. So I'll just finish off this post by including some coffee-related ATC's I made especially for people or for group trades.


"Pacman's Coffee" for Jeff; "Kona Coffee Island Fairy" for a fairy swap; "Big Cup of Coffee" for Sheri


"Greedo's Coffee" for a Star Wars swap

Coffee Art

I've been wanting to post this for a while now (saw it on YouTube). Hope you haven't seen it yet!

Happy New Year!

My first post for the new year! I just wanted to wish everyone a happy 2008... I pray for many blessings to come your way! The above is a pic of some vintage beads given by a friend. Hope to create something with these soon, as well as more fun projects and artwork to share. I also want to use this blog more and may make a few minor changes along the way. Thanks so much for visiting! =)