Blog Whore

PIMPIN'

hexkitten — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:34:08 GMT

Yep, more shameless pimping...but something new! It's not just me anymore---now, the bf's got an etsy shop too! So most of y'all know I quit my job last fall (I know, it seems ridiculously foolish in the economic climate right now, but it was the right thing to do) and, whilst looking for a new gig, have been pouring myself into my creative outlets. I worked really hard to prep for my very first craft fair (as Hexkitten Designs) in February, and I did really well! Made a lot of sales, got great feedback and even got orders to ship out. It was truly a success, even if still just a PT endeavor. I came up with some new products that were really well received, and I'm now shamelessly whoring them here on Tribe: namely handpainted hexes on rustic wooden medallions, and needlework patterns of my designs! The cross stitch patterns are doing really well---to my surprise and delight---and I've already sold a bunch of them on the new etsy shop. People LOVED them at Pantheacon, so I'm feeling like buying that design program was a good investment. To start, I've created some patterns for my tattoo style designs, and posted them in my new etsy shop: HelloSailorStudio.etsy.com. I also have mini versions of all my hex designs in cross stitch patterns (12 total), though they're not listed in the HexKittenDesigns shop yet. Soon though, soon! And last but most definitely not least, I'm pimpin' for the boyfriend, too. Joshua makes awesome silver jewelry and accessories, and he's just getting his etsy shop started: LioncraftStudio.etsy.com. He makes gorgeous silver twist hair sticks, penannular brooches (traditional Celtic pins for cloaks, shawls etc), bracelets and other accessories. Please check him out, and who knows...maybe you'll be his very FIRST sale! (hint hint hint) To summarize... GO HERE! PLEASE SHOP! SUPPORT THE ECONOMY & YOUR STARVING ARTIST FRIENDS! :) www.HexkittenDesigns.etsy.com (Hex Signs and Block Prints) www.HelloSailorStudio.etsy.com (Sailor Jerry style tattoo designs and needlework patterns) www.LioncraftStudio.etsy.com (Beautiful hand forged silver jewelry and accessories)

Shameless Plug #5 - New Stuff! Pantheacon!

hexkitten — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:54:10 GMT

Hello everyone, Okay, admittedly, I completely dropped the ball on getting any news or promotions out for the Christmas holiday. Being involved in the Dickens fair took up so much time and energy, I just couldn't pull anything together in time. The best of intentions, they say, right? Well, I've been working my tail off since 2009 kicked in, on new designs and stock for an upcoming show! It's called Pantheacon, and it is a 4 day pagan-themed convention with workshops, rituals and lots of really cool shopping! If you can stop by, look for my booth and say hi! Some of the new items in my Etsy shop: ~ 11 x 14 poster in the Victorian Broadside style (only 6 left!) ~ "Hello Sailor" Mermaid linocut ~ New Hex Designs! ~ Rockabilly Valentines! Get 'em quick while there's still time to send them! Oh, and I'm working on a new line of the hex signs painted on rustic wooden disks, very folk-artsy and neato. They're not in my Etsy shop yet, but I'll be putting them up after Pantheacon. The 15th Annual PantheaCon Feb 13 – 16, 2009 President's Day weekend San Jose Doubletree Hotel 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose CA (408) 453-4000 -- www.HexKittenDesigns.etsy.com

Anyone want to come to Pantheacon?

hexkitten — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:45:45 GMT

So I am a vendor at Pantheacon this year, and I paid for a helper pass but haven't actually found anyone to come assist me. If you are interested in checking it out, and don't mind helping me out at my booth doing set-up, tear-down and watching the booth for me so I can take breaks, then drop me a line! The stats: The 15th Annual PantheaCon Feb 13 – 16, 2009 President’s Day weekend San Jose Doubletree Hotel 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose CA (408) 453-4000 I haven't made hotel arrangements yet (because I am a slacker) and now the hotel is completely booked. So if you want to split a room somewhere closeby, or know someone else who might have space available, let me know. I'd rather not drive home each night...blehhh. www.pantheacon.com

Last Minute Xmas shopping?

hexkitten — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:43:39 GMT

SHAMELESS PLUG #4 Okay, so I was totally distracted by Dickens fair, and didn't get all the wonderful new stuff I was hoping to do up on my Etsy shop for the holiday season. BUT...I still have all the other great stuff that you may have been eyeing since summer! For anyone that does Dickens fair and wants to buy anything from my Etsy shop this week, I'll refund your shipping plus 10% of the item price via paypal. And I will bring your purchases to fair for you, all ready to get wrapped and go under the tree. Sorry for the late and somewhat underwhelming reminder, but there you have it. Also, there are still a few Mad Sal's posters available at $20 each. Come and find me Saturday morning to pick one up...don't wait til we close Sunday night, there won't be any left! Limited Edition of 50! www.etsy.hexkittendesigns.com

Mad Sal's posters are in!

hexkitten — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:32:24 GMT

Fresh off the press, here are the details: Paper size - 12" x 16" Image size - 11" x 14" Glossy poster stock Signed and numbered edition of 50 Price - $20 each Here is the list of people that asked to reserve one (or more): Ryan Fresh Rico Garcia Carrie Smith Annika Corley Dan Morgan Tracy Bush Bill Roper Daniel Aldrich Robyn Agpalo Deb Doyle Denisey (2) L. Mason Raymond Van Tassel Joshua Summit Rachel (Brass Farthing) Zach (Absinthe bar) Nicole Sivell Rose Carlyle Tanya Anguita Janice (?) Cindy Lu If you're not on this list and you want one, let me know ASAP! Please come see me before the fair opens Saturday morning to pick up your print! Cash only, $20 even. I will be at Mad Sal's by 10am. If you can't make it before opening, come find me during the day, or message me to let me know how to get your print to you. If you will not be at Dickens this weekend, definitely message me and I'll get your shipping information. You can pay me via paypal. 'Appy Christmas, all!

Holiday Craft Boutique today in Concord!

hexkitten — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:30:00 GMT

Hi all, I realize its last minute, but I am hosting a small artisan craft boutique at my family's interior design showroom in Concord this evening. If you live or work in the area, the event is from 5-7pm, perfect for a little after work tea, treats and wonderful handmade gift shopping. Here are the details: Join us for a wonderful evening of handmade gift shopping and refreshments! Suite Designs, hosting 1170 R Burnett Avenue, Concord 94520 (right at the Concord Ave exit off 680) 925-798-6511 (showroom phone number) Unique & Original Handmade Items! Come on over after work, bring your friends...shop and enjoy this one evening only holiday boutique! We will have 9 different artisans with a variety of items to suit your whole shopping list. 5-7pm only! ~Hexkitten Designs: art prints, cards & accessories ~Karen Morgan & Jane Costa: quilted items, teddy bears & beaded jewelry ~J.B. Wheatley Designs: original silver jewelry, hand-knit hats and scarves ~Little Arlene: retro baby girl clothing in vintage reproduction fabrics ~Lulu's Room: fabric pillow covers, retro aprons, purses ~Nomenclature Bath & Body: handcrafted soaps, lotions & bath accessories ~Small Threads: unique handstitched children's clothing

For fans of Mad Sal's...

hexkitten — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:48:53 GMT

I have finished it, finally! The big ambition this year was to design an old Victorian broadside poster for Mad Sal's, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Dickens. And it's finally done! YAY! I will have this available as limited edition signed artist prints for anyone who might be interested. The prints will be 11 x 14, high quality reproductions signed and numbered by me. If you would like one, please let me know so I may reserve one for you; I'm trying to gauge interest at this point to see how many I will want to print. The signed copies will probably run $20-25 each. The artwork may also be printed on the backs of the special commemorative leaflets the fair is producing for the anniversary (though much smaller and not signed/numbered). Think of your friends who are big Mad Sal's fans for Christmas gifts! (hint hint) Hope you all like it. :)

Brief departure from election euphoria...

hexkitten — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:40:50 GMT

Okay, so its time to buckle down and start the job search with my full attention. I'm starting with temp agencies. Does anyone have any recommendations of places that worked out well for you? I live in Vallejo and can commute as far as Oakland or possibly SF. Willing to go 30-45 minutes in any direction...

Students of history...recommendations?

hexkitten — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:41:42 GMT

Okay, this is pretty obscure and specific, but I need to find a good account of the history of the IRA. I simply don't have any idea where to begin, as 20th century history is sort of alien to me. Anyone have any good recommendations?

I already thought McCain was a troll...

hexkitten — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:59:22 GMT

what with those little clawlike hands and the jowls and the bulging eyeballs. But man...his wife. SCARY! She must be the beta version of his Stepford-wife running mate. Cindy needs a tune-up!

Shameless Whoring, Volume 3...Autumnal Art-siness!

hexkitten — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:34:10 GMT

Just thought I'd do a quick update on what I've been up to and what's new in the Etsy shop. Along with the regular art sales, I've made some really cool connections through Etsy in the last month. I got commissioned to do a logo for a rock art company in the UK; check out the skull logo on the top left of this webpage: www.rockartiststudios.co.uk. Pretty cool---I'm international now! I'm also going to be doing a trade with this awesome jewelry artist in NYC. She loved my Amor print and is having me customize it as thank you notes for her loyal customers. Check out her gorgeous jewelry! www.rocklovedesigns.com I've also been on a roll with new linocuts in the last month, and I've put a couple of other little whimsical surprises in the shop. Please check it out, and let me know what you think! I'll be shamelessly whoring once more in early November for the holiday season, and that will probably be it for the year, since you-know-what takes up every spare minute up til Christmas. Oh, and don't forget to check out my OTHER blog and comment! :) Holly -- www.HexKittenDesigns.etsy.com www.hexkittendesigns.blogspot.com

Bizarre random observation.

hexkitten — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:38:02 GMT

Just watched Boxcar Bertha, a 1972 Bonnie & Clyde type film by Scorsese. With a very young Barbara Hershey and a youngish David Carradine. I gotta say, David Carradine was HAWT in 1972. Before Kung Fu. Before I WAS BORN. Hmmmmmph. Interesting.

Moment of Beauty

hexkitten — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:34:08 GMT

I went to Portland this weekend with the Seadogs to play at its funky little pirate festival. Had a great time, as we always do at such events. And though we repeatedly got lost on the streets of the city, ate far too many meals at Denny's across the street from the hotel and generally had to spend inordinate amounts of time around each other without committing murder or suicide...I had a few spectacular moments of clarity and beauty. Yesterday morning I got up at 6:30 before the rest of the gang woke up and walked across the street to Starbucks to have some coffee and get some quiet reading time in. Lately I've been engrossed in "Crusade Against the Grail," a book about the Cathars, a medieval "heretical" sect of Christianity that was ruthlessly pursued and exterminated by the Church and its Inquisition. The Cathars have always been one of my pet interests, and now they are also research for my novel. So, there I was, sitting with my double Americano and my book, when a song came on the Starbucks playlist that immediately stuck out from the usual jazz/pop routine. Bob Marley's Redemption Song. Now I can honestly say that in general I loathe reggae music and I am FAR from Christian in my spiritual outlook. But Redemption Song is one of those tunes that no matter where I am or what I'm doing, it rouses my emotion and bring tears to my eyes. And so it was, in a Starbucks in the middle of Portland at 7:30 on a Monday morning, I sat at a cafe table with tears dappling the pages of "Crusade Against the Grail." And I realized that spiritual Love---what the troubadors called Amor---can still descend and illuminate our hearts, even in the most mundane of moments. I guess this is my thank you, to the Powers That Be, for that moment of inspiration. Old pirates, yes, they rob I; Sold I to the merchant ships, Minutes after they took I From the bottomless pit. But my hand was made strong By the hand of the Almighty. We forward in this generation Triumphantly. Won't you help to sing These songs of freedom? 'Cause all I ever have: Redemption songs, Redemption songs. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our minds. Have no fear for atomic energy, 'Cause none of them can stop the time. How long shall they kill our prophets, While we stand aside and look? Ooh! Some say it's just a part of it: We've got to fulfill the Book. Won't you help to sing These songs of freedom? 'Cause all I ever have: Redemption songs, Redemption songs, Redemption songs. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our mind. Wo! Have no fear for atomic energy, 'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time. How long shall they kill our prophets, While we stand aside and look? Yes, some say it's just a part of it: We've got to fulfill the book. Won't you have to sing These songs of freedom? 'Cause all I ever had: Redemption songs All I ever had: Redemption songs: These songs of freedom, Songs of freedom. p.s. the picture is of Cathedral Bridge, the park under which the Pirate Festival was located. Coincidence?

I'll be at Casa---with ART!

hexkitten — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:58:30 GMT

Yeah...this is totally crazy, but I got an 11th hour offer to take the "guest artist" booth at Casa this weekend, as the person they had scheduled backed out. So for the next 18 hours I will be busting my butt to make up enough stock and gather some deco so that I don't look COMPLETELY anachronistic! Wish me luck---and if you're going to be there, come visit me! And bring whiskey! :)

Nostalgia...(and more shameless whoring)

hexkitten — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:02:15 GMT

It's that time of year again. The intoxicating scent of suntoasted leaves in the afternoon, damp and trampled forest floors, a cool autumn breeze blowing through the oaks...and cheery voices echoing through the valley to wake you in the morning. Faire. It's been on my mind a lot lately, and apparently it's in the air...not just because Casa starts this weekend. This is a deeper nostalgia, beyond just the time of year and the promise of friends and merry company. It's the memory of Black Point. So many of us carry it in our hearts all the time, it's almost a surprise when it bursts back into the conscious mind...demanding attention, adoration, and communion once again. I've been utterly immersed in artmaking this summer. Reviving my passion for printmaking...the earthy and sensual process of cutting blocks, rolling ink and hand-pressing prints. It's been glorious, and it’s happily taken me away from the daily drudgery of my 9-5 job. As I've voyaged back through the 12 years of occasional artwork I've created since I graduated from art school, picking up pieces of inspiration to keep the fire lit under me now, I found something I made almost a decade ago. A tiny little linocut block that I never actually made prints from, only a handful of proofs. It's a little Sailor Jerry style tribute to Black Point, sweet and simple...and it brought me right back to 1998. And then it hit me; it's been 10 years. So much of my youth is wrapped up in my memories of that place...everything beautiful, magical, and worthy of nostalgia in my world came from the faire at Black Point. In fact, I remember very little else from my late teens and 20s. That's what an influence it was on me. So I cleaned up the block and pulled a long overdue edition of prints. No less than 3 separate people this week have mentioned Black Point out of the blue…and not just a “Hey, remember when…” kind of comment, but deeply moving memories, the kind that pull you out of wherever you are and make you remember what’s important again. I thought that some of you, my faire kin might be interested in the prints, so here I am, shamelessly whoring the art again. The original black and white linocut is an edition of 30; I also made a limited edition ACEO (art card editions and originals) out of the proofs. The ACEO is hand colored with Prismacolor pencils. Also, in keeping with the Faire theme, I made two new lino designs in the last couple of weeks; a Green Man and Bacchus. All 3 are on the front page of my Etsy shop; please stop by if you have the time. (and of course, feel free to buy!) www.hexkittendesigns.etsy.com Let’s reminisce a bit, shall we?

Movie talk

hexkitten — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:58:02 GMT

I'm a Netflix gal. No cable, don't get out to the movies much. I've seen a couple of great movies lately, and felt like some lighthearted bloggin today. So these are some of the more obscure films that moved me (in one way or another) in the last year or so...I encourage you to check them out. I'm including their netflix links for reference. And please pass any of your own recommendations thisaway! Black Book (2006) - GUTWRENCHING Edge of your seat spy thriller set in WWII Holland. Gorgeous, gripping, plot-twisting, intense. You may need a cigarette afterwards. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Black_Book/70061859?trkid=190393 Dead Man (1995) - SURREAL Completely bizarre, black and white "western" with Johnny Depp and an all star ensemble cast. Some strangely moving moments, peppered with interludes of utter absurdity. It ended leaving me wondering if someone slipped shrooms in my macaroni. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Dead_Man/60000659?trkid=190393 The Descent (2006) - CRAP-IN-YOUR-PANTS-SCARY Minimalist, horrifying, claustrophobic, mystery-monster spelunking horror flick. Honestly, might be the scariest film I've ever seen, without being gratuitous. *shudder* http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Descent/70053469?trkid=190393 Eastern Promises (2007) - GRITTY Dismal and dirty thriller about the Russian mafia and an orphaned baby girl. Viggo Mortensen---the FULL MONTY. Need I say more? But seriously, great film. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Eastern_Promises/70059994?trkid=190393 Hearts in Atlantis (2001) - NOSTALGIC Similar in feeling to Stand By Me, this is another movie based on a Stephen King short story. I don't know why---it wasn't an extraordinary movie by any means---but it had me gushing tears by the end. Great story. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Hearts_in_Atlantis/60021238?trkid=226870 Perfume (2006) - CAPTIVATING Grotesque and sensuous at the same time, gorgeously filmed, lush and surreal. Breathtaking. Blogged about it earlier this year but its still on my mind. I want to own this film. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Perfume_The_Story_of_a_Murderer/70052701?trkid=190393 Waitress (2007) - SWEET If you know me, you know I'm not into sappy romantic comedies. This movie was WONDERFUL. Sweet like pie, but not predictable like Mrs. Smith's. Great acting, great premise...all around feel-good, without the slobbering happy ending. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Waitress/70062726?trkid=190393 Zodiac (2007) - STYLISH I always was fascinated with the zodiac mystery, but was surprised to learn the whole thing started in Vallejo, of all places. WEIRD! Anyway, the film was great, thrilling, stylish, swanky...with RDJ and Jake Gyllenhal. Fun, if creepy-based-in-reality kinda film. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Zodiac/70044686?trkid=190393

Shameless Whoring, vol 1

hexkitten — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:24:32 GMT

No need to reply or comment. Just check it out. I think I'm going to post about once a month with news/new items on my Etsy shop. New stuff: Coloring books, Grail Romance print, art school prints, new tattoo flash designs. www.HexKittenDesigns.etsy.com

Struggling for creative coherence

hexkitten — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:42:38 GMT

I have creative ADD. I also have the fortunate, but taxing quality of being good at a lot of different things. But not good *enough* at any of the things that would really assist me in finding some focus. The thought that keeps haunting me is “not enough time." Followed dutifully by “not enough money." I know these are copouts, but dammit, it is so difficult being stretched in so many different directions at any given time. I find myself currently: 1) looking for a new full time job (that pays as much or preferably more) that doesn’t make me crazy. 2) working on my print shop, doing new designs, scanning, coloring, photo-ing, promoting, etc. 3) working on my novel (researching, writing, critiquing and wondering how in the hell I’m going to make it happen) 4) AND learning the whole world of digital design including websites and search engine marketing. That is the abbreviated list, which does not include my consuming domestic arts…cooking, gardening, sewing…OR the extracurricular stuff I already do, like music and performing. I feel so exhausted all the time, like I can’t devote enough time or mental space to any single one of the above things to actually make some headway. Am I just too impatient? I know I’m making progress, it just feels like I’m always reaching, but never actually grabbing the ring, so to speak. It's like the Borg, every time I think I made a big achievement, life adapts and says "Noway, child...you still have ALL THIS STUFF to do first." Like a humorous slap in the ego. Then I struggle with the artist’s identity thing. Am I "an Artist"? "A Writer"? "CEO" (creative executive officer)? "9-5-er"? All of the above? None of the above? There’s this weird sense of being marginalized when you don’t sit entirely within any of those identities. It looks like everything is just a hobby, with no serious intent or focus. Maybe I'm just overanalyzing because I can’t keep my brain quiet enough to be still and just be okay with it all. If wishes were fishes... *sigh* Back to the grind, I guess.

FINALLY---the grand opening!

hexkitten — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:38:10 GMT

So, some of you know that lately I've been spending every spare waking minute getting my artwork scanned, cleaned up and prepped...but for what, you may ask? Well, I've finally opened up my own shop on Etsy.com! If you've never checked out Etsy before, I am hereby inviting you. Etsy is a crafter's marketplace, sort of like eBay, but with straight pricing, no auctions. It's pretty awesome, it gives you tons of space to list your items, provides advertising vehicles, and charges VERY minimal fees. I've been adding my prints slowly but surely since the beginning of the month, and now I think I have enough variety and detail to have you all to check it out. You might remember a couple of years ago my collaboration with JB on a line of art/jewelry, well many of my illustrations from that work are now available as art prints and cards. As my grand opening special, I am offering free stuff with each purchase. Until the end of July, everyone who buys something will also receive an assortment of 2-3 print proofs---how cool is that? These are test print runs that may have slightly different color, size, or layout than my finished pieces. They are all signed and dated. So, please support your favorite starving artist by buying some of my work! Pity purchases welcome, I have no shame. :) And if you do buy something, please do me the favor of giving me some feedback (official Etsy feedback that is). It will really help my seller's rating and give me the "street creds." www.HexKittenDesigns.etsy.com Thanks y'all!

Technical advice on Graphics programs?

hexkitten — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:07:40 GMT

So I have finally delved into the realm of Photoshop, out of necessity recently. And while I have managed to complete most of the tasks I needed, I'm certain I took "the long way" and spent many hours flailing around instead of using the proper shortcuts. So my question to you technically savvy graphic artists is, what is the best way to teach oneself the basic language and pathways without spending a ton of money? My Macbook has Photoshop 7 on it, and probably a similar issue Illustrator. So should I pick up "Photoshop for Dummies" (if so, which version) and wing it from there? Take a class at the local JC? Youtube tutorials? Any advice is much appreciated.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!

hexkitten — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:16:10 GMT

Today is Miss Anna Benincasa's birthday! Give her some sugar, baby! (She is going to kick my ass for posting this picture, but hey, what are friends for?)

Moving Back to P-town!

hexkitten — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:41:34 GMT

Okay, no...I'm not moving my house back to Petaluma. I'm just now starting to soak up the V-ho vibes and enjoy living at the edge of the bay. No, my office is moving from Lagunitas up to Petaluma---my favorite little butter 'n' cluck town on the edge of the wine country! Yay! I do miss living in P-town...but for now, it will be nice to hang out there 4 days a week. This morning I went up to the new office (it took a half hour to drive there, vs. an hour to Lagunitas!) and stopped into my old cafe, Della Fattoria for a couple hugs, an Americano and a scrumptious scone... Ahhh...its good to be home again. :)

Parallel Races?

hexkitten — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:57:48 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (MarketWatch) -- Big Brown nabbed the Kentucky Derby crown Saturday but the finish was marred by tragedy when second place Eight Belles broke both ankles and had to be euthanized on the track just minutes after the race. * * * Only 39 fillies have ever entered the Kentucky Derby in 134 years, and only 3 have ever come in first. I distinctly remember a soundbyte last week from Hilary Clinton saying "she was putting her money on the filly." Unfortunately, that was a win and a loss...a very sad loss. Tragic. And ironic. Omen of the race to come?

Anyone need some warm-fuzzies?

hexkitten — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:04:32 GMT

I stumbled upon this website over the weekend, and it's just stuck with me. I already shared it with a few friends, but I thought I'd give it a little bandwidth here. This is a non-profit hospice for elderly, disabled and special animals. I'm such a sucker for critters, and this really tugged on my heartstrings. The intro video is about 5 minutes long, but totally worth watching. http://brighthaven.org/

this just in...

hexkitten — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:21:29 GMT

Heath Ledger is dead. http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/22/heath.ledger.dead/index.html I am sad, so very sad. He was a truly great actor, and so young.